Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Women have been urged to increase their participation in governance and other sectors of the economy.

Speakers, who included the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande; wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello and board guru, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, made the call at the seventh Women in Governance Conference organised by the Association of Corporate Governance Professionals of Nigeria (ACGPN).

The event themed ”Women in Leadership: Navigating challenges and seizing opportunities” was held in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Olawande, who was represented, said though women empowerment is vital to national development, gender equality remained a societal issue. The minister who advised women to go out and shine, however, urged men to support women to achieve their goals.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu called for full representation of women in the future. With more empowerment, doors would open for them, said the governor’s wife, who was represented by the wife of the Commissioner for Transportation/member, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Mrs Oyinkan Oshiyemi.

Olatunji-Bello, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration), Prof Adenike Omotunde Moyo, charged women to be courageous and go for their goals and that nothing should deter them. She said when they meet barriers and glass walls, they should be hopeful as they were meant to be scaled or broken and that nothing could hold a willing mind back. Citing herself, the VC said it had not been a bed of roses as many might have erroneously thought, but that she, too, had mountains to surmount to get to her exalted position with good results. Hard work, she noted, as the mother of success.

She noted that with good leadership by women, mountains could be moved. ‘We are the leaders the world needs,” she added.

Ohuabunwa, who is the association’s President/Chairman-in-Council, said gone were the days when the number of women in the boards or heads of universities could be counted on the finger tips, adding that women were on the rise in government, banks, among others.

He said he had encountered over 20 institutions of high learning led by women and, also, female heads of service and permanent secretaries in civil service. ”The teaching and nursing professions are not dominated by female folks, and even professions that were seen as largely masculine are today led by women and that the president of the National Centre for Human Rights is a woman. ”Thus, it is clear that our women have made tremendous progress, though we still have a long way to go,” Ohuabunwa said

Despite the challenges, Ohuabunwa said, women should not be deterred from climbing higher.

He however decried the situation where some women were found guilty of malfeasance, saying such should be discouraged by them. Rather, he added, women should be role models in society.

He challenged women on accountability, fairness, and transparency in public and private. He congratulated the new fellows of the association.

A lawyer, Mrs Funmi Roberts, sought mentoring for younger women, especially lawyers. She counselled the young generation on patience, good conduct and training, saying the future belongs to those with the right skills. Mrs Funmi noted that the road to the top is rough and tough but that with patience, the young ones would achieve success. She pleaded with the old generation to put in place for grooming, adding that after all, they are the future leaders who should be trained to get it right.

Earlier, while welcoming participants to the ceremony, the WIG Conference Committee Chairman, Mrs Olufade Olufunke, said it was their objective to continue to create pathways where women could thrive and leave marks in leadership.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the speakers, among others.

Also at the event were the association’s National Treasurer, Princess Elemanya Ebila; National Administrator, Dr. Femi Mosaku-Johnson; ACGPN council member, Mr Filius Osunbor; General Manager, Lagos State Office For Disability Affairs, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal;Zonal Director, NTA Network Centre, Lagos, Dr. Evelyn Nwosu; among others.

A new faction within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has declared itself the ‘original’ Fusengbuwa Ruling House, as preparations intensify for the selection of Awujale of Ijebuland.

The declaration was made yesterday during a news briefing at the Oba Adesimbo Tunwase Museum and Hall, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The new faction led by Chief Fassy Yusuf, comprises Jadiara Royal House, Bubiade Royal House, Tunwase Royal House and Fusengbuwa Royal House.

Yusuf, who addressed reporters, said the appellation ‘original’ was adopted to distinguish the group without denying membership of other family branches.

He said the purpose of the gathering was to announce the end of the mourning period for the late monarch, Oba Sikiru Adetona, which would formally end on October 11.

With the mourning period ending, he said the family must begin implementing the provisions of the declaration made under Section 4 (2) of the Chiefs Law 1957, Customary Law Regulating the Selection to the Awujale of Ijebuland Chieftaincy.

The declaration, which he read aloud, identifies the four ruling houses as Gbelegbuwa, Anikinlaiya, Fusengbuwa and Fidipote, in that order of rotation.

He said succession might devolve through the female line in the absence of a qualified male, provided the candidate’s mother was a true-born (Abidagba).

Responding to questions on the Folagbade Adenuga group’s claim of Abidagba status, Yusuf maintained that Folagbade was not listed among the four ruling houses in the declaration, and therefore should align with its appropriate branch.

On the issue of leadership, he said the ‘original’ group had not yet announced a family head, but is represented by himself as coordinator and Pastor Prince Bola Salami as secretary.

Membership registration forms and expression of interest forms for candidates aspiring to the Awujale stool were also unveiled at the briefing. While the forms are free, a voluntary support contribution of N2,000 was suggested for the family database registration.

Chief Yusuf addressed the rift with Otunba Owoyemi, explaining that the earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed between Dr. Adekunle Hassan’s group and Owoyemi had made the latter head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, with Yusuf as deputy and Salami as secretary. However, he said Owoyemi’s subsequent alignment with the Ajidagba branch violated the spirit of that agreement.

‘The world is dynamic, change is imminent, and the dynamics of change may also change tomorrow,’ Yusuf remarked. ‘But for now, this is the situation we have found ourselves.’

The briefing was attended by Otunba Odedina Emmanuel, Oloriebi of Jadiara; Prince Adewale Jadesinmi, Oloriebi of Bubiade; Prince Bolarinde Salami, Secretary of the group; Chief G.A. Sanni, Balogun of Esugbon; and Oba Prof. Titilayo Hassan, Elesugbon of Esugbon, along with several other members of the four recognised branches-Jadiara, Bubiade, Tunwase and Fusengbuwa.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to inclusiveness, security, prosperity, and renewed hope.

He said the present administration would continue to engage religious and community leaders across the country in the pursuit of peace and development.

The SGF spoke at the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) official inauguration and investiture with the theme: The Role of Christian Leaders in Nation-Building, at the Dominion Chapel International Church, Area 1, Garki, Abuja.

Akume stressed that the cooperation between the church, mosque, and government is crucial to nation-building.

The SGF urged Christian leaders in the North to continue to pray for President Tinubu’s success.

He said: ‘You are the custodian of faith and an integral component of society that plays a vital role in shaping moral conduct and promoting social values of; integrity, accountability, transparency and hard work.

‘His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is striving very hard to revamp the economy through restructuring and gradual devolution of powers to the sub-nationals. His policies are already yielding positive results as more money is periodically sent to states and local governments.’

Akume noted the favorable disposition of the President to inclusive governance, saying the current administration has ensured even spread of key appointments and the execution of capital projects across all regions to engender inclusive growth and development.

‘This administration recognises the existence of diversities that have lived on for decades, and Mr. President is conscious about harnessing the positives to foster unity for a more prosperous nation,’ he said.

Commenting on this year’s theme, the SGF said: ‘There is no doubt that the theme of this retreat is both timely and relevant. Across history, the Church has not only been a sanctuary of worship but also a driver of education, health, social welfare, and moral values. In Nigeria, Christian leaders have played pivotal roles in serving the society, fostering peace, and speaking the truth to those in power.

‘All of you here did a great job. There’s no doubt about that. I come from a state that is 99 per cent Christian. Your voice and your example carry weight in guiding communities towards peace, unity, justice, and righteousness.

‘Today, Nigeria faces some challenges, which are normal. Society is in transition. There are security problems. They are being handled.

‘Economic reforms are being celebrated across. On the right path, the youth bloc is handling the situation. We are on course to locate the programs for the youth in this country. These programs are unprecedented and remarkable. We need a stronger social cohesion. These challenges are being adequately addressed. Positive signs are already manifesting. In this regard, your role as Christian leaders is indispensable. You are called to promote peace and reconciliation.

‘Take advantage of youth development programmes. Put in place a government that has already been raised. Quite frankly, look at the programmes they have made. Look at the fact that they can also go to school without tears, without toil and sweat. It’s the first of its kind in Africa. You don’t have to be born to wealth and privilege before you have access to higher education, tertiary education.

‘Over N90 billion has already been disbursed. Let me tell you frankly, most of them are from the northern part of this country. You don’t have to be denied access. The money is there for you to access. Exemplify the change we desire in governance and the government. The whole thing about democracy, about the power of the people.

‘This government took off in very rough weather. Zero account in our reserves. What Tinubu did in Lagos, he is going to replicate the same. And that is basically what he is doing. There’s no doubt about that. Every president has toyed with the idea of rthe emoval of subsidies. What was lacking was what? the courage to do so. But Tinubu removed the subsidy.

‘Again, you need to know the amount of money that is going to the states and to the local government. Huge. It is not that it is only the Federal Government that can feed the nation. All of us have the responsibility to do so. I speak from an advantageous position because I started from the grassroots. I am a village boy. Better days ahead of us.’

Archbishop Daniel applauded President Tinubu’s fair and inclusive appointments, despite the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Daniel, who is also the Presiding Archbishop of Dominion Chapel International Churches, said the administration had dispelled fears of marginalisation among Christians in the North.

‘We don’t feel sidelined. We feel part of this government. Without fear of intimidation, we can say this administration has allayed a lot of fears,’ he told reporters.

According to him, several road and other infrastructure projects in Abuja, including in Area 1 and Durumi, have been abandoned for decades but are now being fixed under President Tinubu’s watch.

‘It is not about a Muslim-Muslim ticket. Every section must feel represented, needed, and important in this country. We give him kudos for that,’ Daniel added.

Sultan Maccido Institute of Leadership at the Peace and Development Centre in Yakubu Gowon University has honoured Deputy Commissioner of Police and academic, Dr. Akeem Adedeji, in recognition of his contributions to human development and academic advancement.

The ceremony also celebrated retired Major General Bola Koleoso for his commitment to service and nation-building.

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Matthew Adamu, described Dr. Adedeji as a role model, whose dedication to teaching and mentoring students exemplifies the spirit of giving back to society.

‘We must recognise people who give back to society. Giving back does not have to be about money. There are contributions that cannot be measured in monetary terms, and that is what these gentlemen are doing for our country,’ Adamu said.

Dr. Adedeji, who has been lecturing pro bono for the last five years, lauded the recognition. He noted that his contributions had always been driven by passion rather than expectation of reward.

Director of the institute, Prof Mohammed Yelwa, hailed the recipients for their dedication, stressing their efforts had enriched the institute’s programmes and added value to the university.

Dr. Adedeji donated books to the university’s library, further underlining his commitment to academic development.

Dr. Adedeji, who holds a PhD in Law from a Malaysian university, boasts an impressive academic record with five Master’s degrees in International Law, Business Administration, Information Technology, Public Administration, and Cyber Investigation and Law, as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Law and Public Administration. Called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigeria Law School in Abuja, he is the author of over 31 academic books and 45 peer-reviewed articles, and an active member of several professional bodies both locally and internationally.

The university stated that the honour was a testament to the value of selfless service and intellectual dedication in driving national development.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor Yemi Akinseye-George, and other criminal justice sector stakeholders have suggested ways to enhance the effectiveness of the system in the country.

They stressed the importance of continuous reforms and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders as a measure to ensure improved service delivery within the criminal justice system.

Akinseye-George, who is the President of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), and the other stakeholders spoke in Abuja at a capacity building workshop on the emerging trends in the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJA/ACJL).

The event, attended by senior officials from relevant criminal justice sector agencies, was organised by the CSLS, in partnership with the Rule is Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme.

Among the other stakeholders who spoke were Mrs. Idayat Akanni (Director of Magistrates at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT); Mrs. Muinat Adeleye (Deputy Director, Prosecution and Legal Services at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA), and Abdullahi Danjuma, a senior official with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

Akinseye-George noted that since the ACJA came into existence about 10 years ago, the criminal justice system has witnessed some positive trends, which are reflected in the enthusiasm exhibited by key stakeholders.

He added that the leadership of the criminal justice sector, represented by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Supreme Court, ‘has demonstrated a very positive attitude towards the implementation of these laws.’

Akinseye-George, however, expressed concern about emerging negative trends, which he said were beginning to work against the objectives of the laws.

He said, apart from the fact that the AGF has constituted a National Working Group to oversee the implementation of the ACJA/ACJLs, he also recently conducted a stakeholders’ forum to review the ACJA amendment bill 2023.

Akinseye-George disclosed that ‘efforts are currently being made to finalise the final draft of that amendment bill.

‘We have been assured that once works are completed on the bill, it will be forwarded to the National Assembly within the next few days.

‘We want to use this opportunity to appeal to the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, to promptly set in motion the legislative processes required for the passage of the improved ACJA,’ he said.

Akinseye-George said the negative trends noticed in the implementation of the laws are associated with identified important gaps which are inherent in, among others, the existing weak pre-trial case management system.

Akinseye-George added, ‘It is because of the weakness of the pre-trial case management system that many of our courts have continued to adjourn criminal cases for more than 14 days, which is the minimum standard provided for in the ACJA.’

He noted that although the current position of the law is that no court has the power to grant a stay of proceedings in criminal cases in the country, some judges were still doing so and also deploying the trial-within-trial procedure to delay proceedings.

Akinseye-George urged the trial courts (both Magistrates and the High Courts) to do away with the practice where applications for objection to the admissibility of confessional statements lead to a prolonged trial-within-trial that often results in delay in the actual trial.

He added, ‘We appeal to our courts to adopt the new approach, which allows the prosecution to front-load its evidence in support of the voluntariness of the confessional statements.

‘And when the prosecution’s evidence is front-loaded, the defence is given the opportunity, when presenting its case, to also present counter-evidence to support its position that the statements were not made voluntarily.

‘There is no need to conduct a separate trial from the main trial, just because of the disagreement about the voluntariness or otherwise of the said confessional statements.

‘The judge can simply resolve this issue while reviewing the entire case at judgment to determine, from available evidence, whether or not the statements were made voluntarily and decide whether or not to rely on such confessional statements,’ he said.

Akanni stressed the need to continue to reform the criminal justice system and the applicable laws to ensure their continuous relevance.

She said, ‘We are living in a rapidly evolving society, a society shaped by technological advances, shifting social norms, rising demands for transparency, and an increasingly informed public that seeks justice not just as a concept, but as a lived reality.

‘In such a dynamic context, the laws that guide our justice system must not stand still. For when laws fail to adapt, they risk becoming tools of delay, and in time, instruments of denial.

‘Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads, where tradition must engage innovation, and where the legal system must continue to balance the scales of justice with both wisdom and foresight,’ Mrs. Akanni said.

Danjuma stressed the need for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to address existing challenges in the system to ensure effectiveness.

He also called for improved adoption of the non-custodial option as a way of decongesting the various correctional centres.

Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj has apologised to Cardi B’s daughter Kulture, whom she previously referred to as ‘ugly,’ a ‘roach,’ and a ‘monkey’.

The apology comes after a heated online exchange between Minaj and Cardi B, where both rappers exchanged blows, including personal attacks on each other’s children.

Minaj stated: ‘Dear Kulture, truth is: I did all of this for a bigger purpose and one day you’ll understand.

‘You’re a cute child and lots of kids have cute little funny looking gums before they grow into all of their features.

‘One day you’ll see this, so I have to say: I apologize. As a child of God and QUEEN of my community who look to me for integrity. You’re an innocent child and don’t deserve any of this’.

However, Minaj’s apology wasn’t without a jab at Cardi B.

She stated :’One day your mother, aunt and many more will be brought to their knees for what they’ve said AND TRIED to do to my young prophet/beautiful boy. Take care my darling. This isn’t who I am’.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission to improve revenue generation, enhance national security, and safeguard public safety through tighter monitoring of imported communication devices.

Adeniyi made the commitment in Abuja when he received the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, and his team.

He said the Service was already looking beyond revenue to the security implications of unchecked importation of mobile devices, stressing that closer synergy with the NCC would allow both agencies to strengthen their monitoring systems.

Adeniyi explained that technology-related imports, such as mobile phones, network boosters, and other telecom equipment, must be subjected to proper certification and classification under the Customs’ tariff regime, noting that such measures would ensure only authorised importers are permitted to bring them into the country.

Adeniyi also highlighted that the Service would work with NCC to train its officers on certification processes and align tariff codes with regulated devices to curb abuses at the borders, adding, ‘Both for effective security and revenue, we will be committed to deepening collaboration.’

On broader safety issues, the CGC noted the growing need for cooperation in maintaining facilities in highly populated urban areas. He observed that the concentration of high-rise buildings in Abuja, coupled with places of worship and sensitive institutions, demands vigilance and shared learning between both agencies to prevent disasters.

Earlier, the NCC boss congratulated Adeniyi on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council, describing it as recognition of his leadership both at home and abroad.

Maida emphasised that the NCC’s Device Management System, a platform designed to track imported phones and block substandard devices, would not only help Customs boost revenue but also enhance the quality of service for telecom subscribers.

‘One of the least understood factors affecting service quality is the device itself. If a subscriber is using a substandard phone, no matter the investment operators make in their networks, service quality will remain poor. That is why the DMS project is critical,’ he said.

He, however, raised concerns over the uncontrolled use of network boosters, which, though sometimes helpful to individuals, often distort signals and reduce overall network quality.

He called for Customs’ support in restricting the importation of uncertified boosters and ensuring only approved devices enter the market.

Maida also added that both agencies must continue to sustain the ‘spirit of collaboration’ already established, assuring that the NCC would work closely with Customs to tackle the dual challenges of revenue leakages and consumer protection.

The Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria (EMCOAN) recently convened the 4th Nigerian Electronic Media Content Exhibition and Awards (NEMCEA), bringing together industry leaders and policymakers to tackle the challenges and opportunities in the nation’s burgeoning creative sector.

The two-day event, which was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, focused on the critical theme of ‘Sustainable Content Creation in a Fragmented Media Space.’

NEMCEA, an annual initiative launched in 2022 by EMCOAN-the umbrella body for CEOs of media production companies-serves as Nigeria’s premier content marketplace.

The 2025 edition featured a robust Content Market/Exhibition, an insightful Conference/Master Class, and an industry awards ceremony.

EMCOAN President, Adeniji Omirin, welcomed guests to the 2025 edition, while underscoring NEMCEA’s role as a marketplace of ideas, a hub for collaboration, and a celebration of excellence.

He highlighted the reality of today’s media landscape, where audiences are dispersed across numerous platforms, yet the demand for high-quality local content remains consistently strong. Omirin stressed that the industry’s collective task is to find innovative ways to create, distribute, and monetize content sustainably.

Reflecting EMCOAN’s forward-thinking approach, the event included an AI Master Class. Omirin explained that this addition was essential to ensure the Nigerian industry keeps pace with global digital transformation while also fostering a crucial discussion around the ethical standards that must guide the use of artificial intelligence in content creation.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Malagi, represented by Voice of Nigeria DG Jibrin Baba Ndache, commended the organizers for their commitment to professional standards and cultural preservation.

He acknowledged the significant challenges facing the media sector-including funding, intellectual property protection, and digital transition-but reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for content creators and shaping Nigeria’s positive global narrative.

NEMCEA’s Project Director, Alayande Stephen, reinforced the timely relevance of the event’s theme, noting that while fragmentation presents challenges, it offers a monumental opportunity for those who can adapt, innovate, and create content that truly connects.

Alayande also emphasized that NEMCEA is the definitive platform for showcasing this spirit of resilience and innovation.A highlight of the conference was the address by former Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

He provided compelling statistics illustrating the rapid shift in audience consumption-from the decline of linear TV to the explosion of online video, which now commands about 32% of total advertising spend. Mohammed stressed that content released solely on traditional terrestrial platforms is missing a significant portion of its potential audience.

The federal government is intensifying efforts to reposition the marine and blue economy as Nigeria’s next major revenue driver, with Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola declaring the sector poised to overtake crude oil as the nation’s dominant income source.

Speaking at the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Friday, Oyetola described the maritime sector as a ‘goldmine’ that could fuel sustainable economic growth, create millions of jobs, and transform Nigeria into a global maritime hub.

His remarks came during the Lagos tour of Arsenio Domínguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), who is on a three-day official visit to Nigeria.

‘Nigeria’s future lies beyond oil,’ Oyetola said. ‘The marine and blue economy is a goldmine that can drive growth and prosperity, and we are determined to harness its full potential to become the primary driver of our economy.’

The minister, an alumnus of UNILAG, also urged Nigerian youths to embrace opportunities in shipping, logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, marine research, and offshore energy, stressing that the nation’s long-term prosperity depends on a new generation of skilled professionals.

‘There are abundant opportunities for our young people in shipping, logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, marine research, and offshore energy. I encourage you to be bold, innovative, and diligent. The future of this sector, and indeed the future of Nigeria’s economy, rests on your shoulders,’ he added.

Oyetola commended UNILAG and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for their collaboration in manpower development, citing NIMASA’s recent donation of a new building to the Institute of Maritime Studies. He said the nation’s marine and blue economy agenda is anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, with youth capacity-building central to the long-term vision.

The IMO Secretary-General, who had earlier paid a courtesy call on President Bola Tinubu and met with heads of Nigeria’s maritime agencies, dedicated his second day in Lagos to inspecting critical facilities that underscore Nigeria’s maritime capabilities.

At the Nigerian Navy dockyard in Apapa, Domínguez toured NNS Lana, a hydrographic research vessel commissioned in 2021. He was received by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Gregory Oamen, and the vessel’s Commanding Officer, Captain O.S. Giwa.

NNS Lana, a state-of-the-art vessel designed for oceanographic and charting surveys, provides essential data for navigation, maritime safety, and offshore oil and gas exploration. Domínguez praised the Navy’s investment in modern hydrographic capability, describing it as a boost to maritime security and trade facilitation.

The IMO boss also visited NIMASA’s C4i Centre and the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC) in Apapa. The C4i Centre, a key component of Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project, integrates advanced command, control, communication, computer, and intelligence technologies to monitor the country’s waters and coordinate rapid responses. The RMRCC oversees search-and-rescue operations across Nigeria’s maritime domain and collaborates with international bodies to ensure safety at sea.

Visibly impressed, Domínguez commended Nigeria for its leadership in securing the Gulf of Guinea and establishing frameworks that align with IMO’s mission.

‘Facilities like these reflect a level of preparedness and innovation that aligns with IMO’s global mission of safe, secure, and sustainable shipping. Nigeria’s leadership in securing the Gulf of Guinea and building robust safety frameworks is exemplary,’ he said.

At UNILAG’s Institute of Maritime Studies, Domínguez and Oyetola interacted directly with students, offering guidance and encouragement. Domínguez noted that Nigeria’s investments in manpower development, especially through NIMASA’s initiatives, would strengthen the country’s position in the global maritime community.

Oyetola, on his part, underscored that manpower and youth engagement were critical to the country’s transition from an oil-dependent economy.

‘Our goal is to build a new generation of maritime professionals who will drive Nigeria’s transformation as a global maritime hub,’ he said.

The IMO chief’s three-day visit, which concludes on Saturday, is expected to deepen Nigeria’s collaboration with the international maritime community and spotlight the country’s strategic investments in security, research, and blue economy development.

For Nigeria, the blue economy is no longer a peripheral ambition but a central pillar of national strategy, according to industry players. As Oyetola put it, the country is betting on the oceans to fuel its next phase of prosperity.

In a bold demonstration of visionary leadership and commitment to human capital development, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Chief Whip of the Senate and Senator representing Borno North, has unveiled a groundbreaking scholarship scheme that will send 11 exceptional science graduates abroad for fully funded Master’s degree programmes.

The initiative, established under the M.T. Monguno Foreign Scholarship Programme, represents a monumental investment in education and youth empowerment, offering hope and opportunity to a region that has endured years of hardship due to insurgency.

It also aligns with the transformative agenda of Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, whose unrelenting drive to reposition Borno State through education and empowerment continues to inspire progress across the state.

The beneficiaries, carefully selected after a merit-driven process, emerged from a pool of qualified applicants with Second Class Upper degrees in STEM disciplines. They excelled in a rigorous aptitude test overseen by an independent assessment committee, reflecting both academic brilliance and resilience. Drawn from across the senatorial district, these scholars will proceed to India for a two-year Master’s programme, with the first year dedicated to coursework and the second to groundbreaking research, culminating in the award of MSc degrees that will equip them to compete globally.

Valued at hundreds of millions of naira, the comprehensive scholarship package covers tuition, visa and travel costs, living allowances, laptops, research funding, and every resource necessary to ensure the students succeed abroad. It is a holistic empowerment model designed not just to educate, but to transform the lives of the beneficiaries and, by extension, their communities.

Senator Monguno described the programme as a deliberate effort to rebuild Northern Borno through the strategic empowerment of its brightest minds. He emphasized that education remains the most potent weapon for progress and pledged to institutionalize the programme annually, ensuring that future cohorts of young people also benefit.

‘This initiative is about producing a new generation of leaders and professionals who will return with the knowledge and expertise required to rebuild our communities and reposition Northern Borno. Education is the strongest foundation for sustainable growth, and by investing in our youths, we are investing in the destiny of our people,’ Monguno declared.

The initiative has been hailed across the state as a landmark intervention and a testament to the transformative role of legislative leadership. It is expected to inspire a ripple effect of hope, development, and progress, placing Borno North on a stronger path toward recovery and prosperity.