Category: The Nation – Nigeria

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed three suits challenging the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, the suspension of the state’s elected officials, and the activities of the appointed sole administrator.

Justice James Omotosho, in three decisions on Thursday, held that, not only were the cases filed in the wrong court – the Federal High Court – which lacked the necessary justification, the plaintiffs were also without the requisite locus standi (the right to approach the court on the issues raised).

The first suit, marked: FHC/PH/CS/51/2025, was filed by Belema Briggs, Princess Wai-Ogosu, I. Acho, Emmanuel Mark, and Hadassa Ada, who claimed to have sued for themselves and residents of Rivers State.

They listed the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retired), and the Nigerian Navy as defendants.

The plaintiffs queried the emergency declaration, the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the appointment of a sole administrator, and, among others, prayed the court to void them.

In a judgment on Thursday, Justice Omotosho upheld the preliminary objection raised by the defendants and dismissed the suit.

In holding that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi, Justice Omotosho held that they could not, on their own, file a suit to address the interest of all the residents of a state, more so when none of the suspended officials was made a party to the suit.

The judge found that the plaintiffs, who claimed to be residents of Rivers, did not show that they were more affected by the decision than the elected officials, who were suspended, or other residents of the state, nor obtained the permission of the state’s Attorney General before approaching the court.

In holding that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit, Justice Omotosho held that it was the law that issues arising or connected with a declaration of a state of emergency are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court by virtue of section 1 (1) and (2) of the Emergency Powers (Jurisdiction) Act, 1962.

He added that the same statute has been modified by the Emergency Powers (Jurisdiction) Act (Modification) Order, 2025.

The judge faulted the plaintiffs’ claim that, as voters, their fundamental rights to enjoy democratic government were taken away from them by the emergency declaration, which they argued amounted to a coup against Rivers’ residents.

He said, ‘The plaintiffs’ claim that their fundamental rights were breached as a result of these actions holds no water, as section 45 (1) of the Constitution permits the derogation of rights in the interest of public order and public safety.

‘The facts before the court all show that Rivers State was on the brink of anarchy, and allowing matters to flow in the normal course was only going to lead to severe breakdown of law and order.

‘Consequently, it was necessary that in the interest of public safety and public order that the President suspended the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and also appointed the 3rd defendant, who is a retired Naval officer, to ensure peace in the state,’ he said.

Justice Omotosho also faulted the plaintiffs’ contention that conditions precedent to warrant a declaration of state of emergency were not available as at March 18 when the proclamation was made.

He said, ‘To begin this discourse, it is important to examine if the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the power to declare a state of emergency in any state in Nigeria, as this is the starting point for the suspension of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, and the members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State.

‘The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the custodian of executive powers in Nigeria. He is vested with enormous powers to discharge his duties, including the duty to ensure the safety of lives and properties within the country.

‘One of the distinct powers of the President is the power to proclaim a state of emergency in Nigeria, throughout the federation or in a part of the Federation.

‘This power is enshrined in Section 305 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

‘A state of emergency is usually not a planned event, and it is not an event that the law can fully capture, as there are several instances that may necessitate the declaration of a state of emergency, such as a natural disaster, religious crisis, or a political crisis, among others.

‘An imminent threat or present danger to the Federation of Nigeria or a part of it is a ground for declaring a state of emergency, as done in this case.

‘Once the proclamation of the state of emergency is ratified by the National Assembly, the power to administer the emergency area vests exclusively in the President.

‘He (the President) is then empowered to take measures to restore peace and order to the affected area, including the appointment of the 3rd defendant as Sole Administrator and stationing of the 4th defendant in strategic locations in the state as the case may be.

‘The findings of this court, with regards to the facts before it, show that there were reasonable grounds for the President to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

‘The Governor, Deputy Governor, and Members of the House of Assembly were suspended for a period of time and not removed from office, and the President exercised his discretion in appointing a Sole Administrator as he saw fit.

‘All these actions were aimed at ensuring peace and security in the state.

‘The issue raised by the plaintiffs that the President did not secure the required two-thirds majority of the members of each house of the National Assembly is not what can be resolved through affidavit evidence, but by a writ of summons where witnesses will be called and cross-examined,’ the judge said.

The two other decisions were rulings on the suits filed by two groups. The one marked: FHC/PH/CS/43/2025 was by The Incorporated Trustees of Rivsbridge Peace Initiative.

It had six defendants – the President, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Accountant General of the Federation (AG-F), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired).

The suit had queried Ibas’ appointment and sought to, among others, restrain the President, the AGF, and the AG-F from releasing from belonging to Rivers State in the Consolidated Revenue Funds to Ibas.

The second suit, marked: FHC/PH/CS/436/2025, filed by Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative and Courage Nsirimovu had Ibas as the sole defendant.

The suit, which also queried the legitimacy of Ibas’ appointment, prayed the court to, among others, restrain the administrator from appointing sole administrators for the state’s 23 Local Government Areas.

In the two rulings, Justice Omotosho upheld the objection raised by lawyers to the defendants, including Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), who represented Ibas and dismissed the suits on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction and want of locus standi.

The judge expressed displeasure at the conduct of lawyers to the plaintiffs, who he noted failed to conduct adequate research before filing the suits.

Justice Omotosho said, ‘I must not fail to say here that counsel to the plaintiffs ought to make proper research regarding his case before filing the same.

‘He must make diligent research as to which court has jurisdiction and the necessary parties in that suit before filing his action.

‘Counsel has the duty to be professional in making such research rather than spending time spreading misinformation or painting the wrong picture on social media and other broadcast media.

‘This court is saddled with a lot of cases, including commercial, civil, and criminal matters, which makes its time very precious.

‘Filing suits which are void ab initio is inimical to the course of justice, and the court can suo motu non suit such a void suit to save its time.

‘I therefore hold that a void process cannot activate the jurisdiction of this court.

‘In the final analysis, the suit of the plaintiffs is outside the subject matter jurisdiction of this court, and the plaintiffs themselves lack locus standi to maintain this action.

‘Even if this court could exercise jurisdiction over this matter, the weight of evidence tilts heavily in favour of the defendants.

‘Consequently, this suit is hereby dismissed in its entirety,’ the judge said.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has said that the process for the appointment of judicial officers in the country now enjoys greater transparency.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who is also the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), said this while presenting a paper, titled: ‘Innovations in judicial practice: Embracing change for a better future,’ at the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges’ Association Triennial Conference held in Banjul, The Gambia.

The NJC, at its 108th meeting held between April 29 and 30 approved a landmark policy to publish the names of

candidates under consideration for appointment as judicial officers and to invite public input.

The CJN, in her presentation, explained that the policy adopted by the NJC was to introduce an additional layer of transparency into the process of appointing judges by ensuring that members of the public and other relevant stakeholders can raise objections, provide information, or endorse nominees before appointments are finalized.

According to her, it is a deliberate effort to strengthen accountability, enhance public trust, and align Nigeria’s appointment procedures more closely with international best practices, including those recommended in the Constitution Hill Guidelines.

The Constitution Hill Global Guidelines on Apex Court Appointments, published in September 2024, provide globally for a set of baseline principles tailored to the singular role of apex courts as the final arbiters of constitutional interpretation and guardians of democratic governance.

Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that members of the public are already taking advantage of the initiative as shown in the last exercise for the appointment of judicial officers conducted by the NJC.

She that ‘in a plural society such as Nigeria, with over 200 million citizens across different ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities, the visibility of diversity on the Supreme Court bench strengthens public confidence and assures citizens that the judiciary reflects the society it serves.’

The CJN noted that despite several efforts to strengthen appointment of judicial officers, challenges still remain.

She identifies some of the challenges to include executive delays in acting on recommendations for appointments made by the NJC, which, she said, could impair the court’s capacity to sit at full strength.

Other challenges, she added, include the requirement for security vetting and the interpretation of federal character requirements, which often sparks debate about whether merit is being compromised for inclusivity.

The CJN however, assured the audience, among whom were Chief Justices of Commonwealth countries, that Nigeria will continue to appoint to the bench only people who satisfy constitutional, professional and ethical standards.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, while in The Gambia, also visited the Nigeria High Commission in Banjul, where she was received by the chargé d’affaires, Muhammed Mainasara Usma; Head of Chancery, Amali Musa and other staff of the commission.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is set to send his list of commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly, it was learnt yesterday.

He is likely to appoint the Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff in the next few days, it was further gathered.

Sources said because of the need to pave way for this step, he yesterday fired his pre-suspension executive council.

He announced the decision during a valedictory session, which coincided with the 65th Independence anniversary party at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

A statement signed by his spokesman Nelson Chukwudi said Fubara relieved all the commissioners and other public office holders affected by the Supreme Court judgment of their appointments during the event.

The statement reads: ‘The governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect’.

The governor called on all stakeholders to work with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful, secured and prosperous country.

The governor also thanked members of his Executive Council for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years.

‘He (Fubara) called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all,’ the statement said.

The governor also reiterated his commitment to serve the state with renewed vigor and thanked all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

In its February 28 judgment, the apex court among others declared the three-man factional House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo as an unlawful assembly.

The court, while recognising the 27-member House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as the only authentic legislative arm of government, nullified all legislative decisions made in favour of Fubara during the crisis, including the passage of budgets; screenings and confirmations of commissioners and other public office holders.

It was gathered that over 19 of Fubara’s commissioners, whose appointments were screened and confirmed by Oko-Jumbo-led House, were affected by the Supreme Court’s judgment.

The judgment rendered the appointment of Iboroma Dagogo, SAN, who was screened and confirmed as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice invalid.

Other commissioners affected by the judgment are: Charles O. Beke, Collins Onunwo, Solomon Eke, Peter Medee, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, Basoene Joshua Benibo, Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma.

Others are: Illamu Arugu, Rowland Obed Whyte, Samuel Anya, Samuel Eyiba, Austin Emeka Nnadozie, Israel Ngbuelu, Evans Bipi, Otamiri Ngubo, Benibo Alabraba and Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, suffered a similar fate.

It was learnt last night that the governor could consider the inclusion of some of them in the list of fresh nominees he was preparing to send to the House of Assembly.

Yesterday, the country clocked 65 years as an independent nation. It was an avenue for reflection, stock-taking and future projections. Students, who are key stakeholders in the education space believe it is not all gloom and doom. They reckoned that the President’s reforms underlined a steely resolve to reposition the sector, thus, it is a ‘work in progress’.

Speaking to CAMPUS LIFE, Oluwagbemileke Oduselu, a 300-Level student at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, said: ‘President Tinubu’s reforms are bold and show intent, but for us, what matters is seeing them work in real time with better funding, digital learning tools, and skills that match today’s job market.

‘The education system has definitely had its share of ups and downs.

At 65, Nigeria has produced brilliant minds, yet many students still face poor facilities, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated learning methods.

Students want an education that prepares us for life, not just for exams.’

A 400-Level student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Oshunkeye Moyinoluwa, described Nigeria’s education system as ‘a work in progress’.

‘At 65 tomorrow, I feel like our education system is still a work in progress because we have made some strides, but honestly the challenges are still plenty, from underfunding, to outdated curriculum, to strikes that keep setting students back.

‘I would say President Tinubu’s reforms are bold and needed actually, from the student loan scheme, the push for skills over certificates, and plans to reposition our schools show he’s updated and not ignorant

‘The real issue is whether these things will move from paper to reality – we’ve heard several promises before, so expectations are high,’ she said.

‘At the end of the day, education has to be the backbone of our growth. If these reforms are seen through, Nigeria’s young people can actually compete globally and build the future we all want and dream of,’ she said.

An ND2 Mass Communication student at Auchi Polytechnic, Zenab Oseni, described Nigeria’s education system as ‘a talented student juggling multiple responsibilities – resilient, yet rough around the edges!’

‘Despite challenges, our students are making do with limited resources, while educators are passionate and dedicated, often going above and beyond.

‘President Tinubu’s reforms have brought fresh air, focusing on data-driven decisions, skills development, and student support.

‘With the right investment and love we tend to do better,’ she said.

Over the years, the government has made promises such as student loans, increased funding, and better technical schools, said Ifeoluwa Adeyeye, a 300-Level Mass Communication student at Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State.

According to Ifeoluwa, more schools have been built, the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme has expanded free basic education alongside the continuous campaign against reduced girl-child education, yet, the progress hasn’t reached new heights.

Ifeoluwa said: ‘Millions of children, especially in Northern Nigeria, remain out of school. Most schools are overcrowded, poorly equipped, and run by underpaid teachers.’

She recalled the challenges faced in her school: ‘Sometimes, we stand during lectures because of inadequate infrastructure. Lecture halls are shared across departments, leading to schedule clashes and, most often, cancelled classes.’

The major change Ifeoluwa expects to see in Nigeria’s educational sector is stability.

‘No more strikes, no more disrupted calendars, no more wasted years. Stability would allow students to graduate in due time, plan their lives better, and truly enjoy the value of the education they struggled for.

‘Nigeria’s education system doesn’t need more promises; it needs an environment where learning thrives to help build trust between the government, lecturers, and students,’ she said.

A 500-level student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Joseph Busayo, said :’On paper, the reforms sound good, especially things like curriculum review and all of that. But will every school truly benefit? Even the ones in the slums.

‘I’m just choosing to be hopeful. At least I haven’t lost total confidence that education at all levels in Nigeria can still be revived.’

Raji Halimat Mopelola, a 200-Level Mass Communication student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS), said an investment in education shouldn’t be a once-in-a-while thing but a top priority to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to provide inclusive and quality education for all.

‘Celebrating 65 years of independence when some universities are on strike speaks volumes. True independence is not just political; it means giving young people the freedom to learn without interruption and the opportunity to build a better future,’ she said.

On October 1, 1960, the Union Jack was lowered and the green-white-green rose for the first time at Tafawa Balewa Square. That moment marked Nigeria’s entry into self-rule. Sixty-five years later, the flag still waves, but the meaning of independence continues to evolve. The challenge before us is not whether Nigeria is free, but whether that freedom is being translated into prosperity, stability, and global influence. Independence at 65 calls for converting resilience into leadership and collective ambition into measurable progress.

Nigeria has grown into Africa’s most populous country, with more than 220 million citizens, projected to exceed 400 million by 2050. One in every 20 people on earth will soon be Nigerian. This scale already carries global weight. Nollywood and Afrobeats dominate global culture, while the diaspora sent home more than $20.93 billion in 2024, boosting foreign reserves to $40.19 billion and producing a balance of payments surplus of $6.83 billion. In some years, remittances have outpaced foreign direct investment. These flows of talent, capital, and creativity reflect a nation with deep reserves of possibility.

The world Nigeria faces today is not the world of 1960. Independence once meant reclaiming political control. In 2025, it requires the ability to compete and negotiate in a global order shaped by shifting power blocs, climate pressures, and technological disruption. The task is to convert size into strategy, proximity into power, and diaspora into deal-flow. Nigeria must use its scale to set agendas in ECOWAS and the African Union, while engaging as an equal with partners across the Atlantic, Europe, Asia, and the Gulf.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already moved in this direction. His leadership at the ECOWAS Summit and his presence at platforms such as the G20 and BRICS reflect a commitment to positioning Nigeria as both a regional anchor and a global player. Independence today requires the confidence to diversify financing, build resilient supply chains, and capture greater value from trade, energy, and technology. That calls for patient capital, functioning markets, and disciplined execution.

Reforms already underway lay the groundwork. The removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023 corrected a distortion that consumed close to two percent of GDP annually. According to the World Bank, that percentage was larger than the country’s combined spending on health and education. Redirecting those resources allows investment in infrastructure, social protection, and fiscal stability. Exchange rate unification and reforms in the foreign exchange market have restored transparency, while monetary tightening through 2024 slowed inflation. The September rate cut, the first in five years, reflected renewed confidence in price stability and created certainty for investors.

Energy, infrastructure, and trade form the backbone of renewal. Nigeria’s over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves can power industries and households while advancing Africa’s energy transition. The Electricity Act empowers states and private investors to drive competition in power generation and distribution. Infrastructure upgrades are reducing costs, opening markets, and linking communities, while public-private partnerships are delivering modern roads, rail lines, and airports.

Trade integration holds even greater promise. The African Continental Free Trade Area could lift 30 million Africans out of poverty by 2035, according to the World Bank. Nigeria’s path lies in efficient ports, modernised customs, and functional transport networks that make Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt continental trade hubs.

Security remains the foundation of all progress. Safe highways and secure communities attract investment and restore confidence. Nigeria’s security strategy must strengthen local intelligence, mobility, and accountability, while using technology to anticipate threats. Stability creates the breathing space for reforms to take root, while jobs and enterprise address the long-term causes of insecurity.

Nigeria’s greatest strength remains its people. The median age of 18 signals a youthful population capable of transforming the economy if given the right tools. The administration has prioritised job creation through MSME support, digital innovation, and vocational training. The Nigeria Start-up Act and targeted youth programmes are helping to channel creativity into enterprise. Over 90 percent of Nigerians work in the informal sector. Expanding access to finance, encouraging formalisation, and integrating small enterprises into value chains can turn daily hustle into sustainable business.

The diaspora multiplies Nigeria’s influence. Beyond remittances, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and artists project Nigerian excellence globally. The proposed $10 billion Diaspora Fund aims to channel these inflows into infrastructure, healthcare, education, and SMEs, turning remittances into engines of national transformation.

Independence today must also be understood in terms of interdependence. Sovereignty is no longer measured by isolation but by how effectively a nation translates domestic strength into diplomatic capital. Nigeria has taken up this role. At BRICS, it voiced Africa’s demand for fairer terms in global trade and finance. In ECOWAS, it continues to argue for regional unity as the strongest defence against coups and authoritarian backsliding. At the United Nations, it has pressed for Africa’s right to permanent representation on the Security Council. These engagements demonstrate that Nigeria’s independence is sustained through active global participation.

At 65, Nigeria stands at a turning point. The promise of independence was always to build a strong, democratic, and inclusive nation. That promise remains alive. Nigeria’s democracy, despite its imperfections, endures as a regional anchor in West Africa, where military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have unsettled stability. A democratic Nigeria signals that popular legitimacy, not force of arms, is the path to stability in Africa.

Independence Day is a reminder of what was won in 1960 and what must be achieved in the decades ahead. The future requires a Nigeria that powers its industries, creates opportunities for its youth, and projects leadership across Africa and the world. Reforms at home, energy for growth, trade networks that connect to markets and diplomacy that commands respect are the tools for achieving this future.

Nigeria at 65 carries the responsibility of turning sovereignty into prosperity and interdependence into influence. The flag that rose at Tafawa Balewa Square remains a symbol of freedom. The challenge now is to ensure that freedom produces a nation that is secure, prosperous, and globally respected.

Lions International, through its Lagos New Emerald Lions Club, District 404B2 Nigeria, has donated school bags, books and other learning materials to pupils of Ikosi Nursery and Primary School, Ketu, Lagos, to mark this year’s International Literacy Day.

The intervention, carried out in conjunction with Lagos British Lions Club and Lagos Indiana Lions Club, turned the school premises into a scene of excitement as children gleefully lined up to receive the items. Their cheers filled the air as the head teacher led them in call-and-response chants to celebrate the moment.

President of Lagos New Emerald Lions Club, Lion Kadiri Olaide Bilkis, NLCF, said the project was inspired by a passion to meet the needs of children in public schools, where basic materials are lacking.

‘Most of these pupils carry their books in polythene bags. When we visited this school two years ago, we saw their needs and promised to return. September 8 is International Literacy Day, and with the resumption of school, we are here to fulfill that promise,’ she said.

She added that the donation was only one of many initiatives the club has lined up. ‘By next month we will hold our Mental Health and Wellbeing Day at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Home, Yaba, Lagos. In November, we will host the Peace Poster Contest in Ikeja and by December we will visit either a motherless babies’ home or a blind school for our hunger relief project. We have a calendar of service for the entire year,’ she said.

The Head Teacher of Ikosi Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Akin Ojo T. A., lauded the gesture, saying it would boost pupils’ morale and encourage school attendance.

‘What Lions Club has done today is to encourage our pupils to learn more and to be regular in school. Even this morning, a new pupil who came with her mother to make enquiries about admission told her mother she did not want to go home after seeing the distribution of bags and books. She wanted to be part of it. That shows the power of this kind of support,’ she said.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that despite the challenges of insecurity and economic disparities, Nigerians must not lose hope, but continue to nurture hope and sustained belief in the nation’s potentials.

In his message to Nigerians on his verified X-handle, the former President praised the enormous potentials and resilience of the Nigerian people.

He described the 65th Independence anniversary as another significant milestone in its journey to nationhood.

Jonathan said: ‘As we celebrate 65 years of Independence from colonial rule, this moment offers us an opportunity to reflect on our collective journey of nation-building, on the challenges we have faced, and on the vast possibilities that still lie ahead.

‘It is true that we face challenges that could test our sense of hope; insecurity, economic disparities and institutions that often struggle to deliver on the promises of improved wellbeing, peace and security. Yet, as citizens, we must not lose faith. We must continue to nurture hope and sustain belief in the nation’s enormous potential and the resilience of the people.

‘Nigeria is a blessed nation, endowed with vast land, abundant natural resources, and, above all, the ingenuity and creativity of the people.

‘Our cultural richness, our knowledge, and our wisdom have continued to distinguish Nigerians across every sphere of human endeavor, both at home and abroad.

‘As we look to the future, let patriotism guide our actions. Let us hold firmly to optimism and faith, knowing that the greatness of our country is within reach if we remain united and steadfast.

‘May our nation continue to rise in strength and purpose’.

Sir: Insecurity in Kwara South, especially across Ekiti Local Government communities has reached a terrifying level. In recent weeks, communities have witnessed repeated attacks that have left families grieving, markets deserted, and livelihoods destroyed. From Babanla to Oke-Ode, bandits have unleashed violence with impunity, leaving ordinary citizens at their mercy. The recent killing of over a dozen local vigilantes and forestry guards in Oke-Ode on Sunday September 28 is one of the most chilling reminders of how bold and coordinated these armed groups have become.

Equally devastating was the incident of Saturday, September 27, along the Osi-Eruku axis. Bandits ambushed travellers returning from a wedding, abducting more than 15 people. Many sustained gunshot injuries, and one victim died despite being rescued. Though the intervention of local vigilantes forced the attackers to abandon some captives, the bandits still made away with three hostages. By Monday, September 29, they had already begun demanding ransom, leaving the entire town of Eruku in deep grief and hopelessness

These are not isolated crimes; they represent a pattern of coordinated raids that exploit our porous forests, weak intelligence, and overstretched local vigilante structures. The human cost is severe as families are shattered, schools disrupted, farms abandoned, and entire communities left to live under constant fear. Worse still, those who have volunteered to defend their communities are being overwhelmed, killed, or kidnapped themselves. This situation demands urgent attention from both the Kwara State government and the federal government.

This is an urgent call for immediate deployment of rapid-response security forces to the affected areas, with better intelligence, aerial surveillance, and support for local security networks. The state must also provide training, equipment, and backup for vigilantes, while prioritising the rescue of abducted persons and support for grieving families. Without swift and decisive action, Kwara South risks descending into a state of lawlessness that will cripple its economy and erode public trust in government. Now is the time to act!

Here and Hereafter Foundation has given widows and orphans N10.8 million.

At the event in Alausa Secretariat Mosque, Ikeja, Lagos, Coordinator, Abdurrazaq Asaju, said the foundation has funded 30 scholars and empowered over 10 widows with more than N40 million since 2010.

He noted that the foundation also give mental and psychological aid that facilitate their integration into the society.

‘The foundation goes beyond financial aid to give care and support spiritually, materially, socially, psychologically and re-integrate them into society. This is done for ummah,’ he said.

He said we cater for families who usually go into disarray after death of breadwinners.

‘The foundation was set up out of our observation of, and concern for the plight of Muslim wives and children who lost breadwinners,’ he said.

He said families and acquaintances usually leave widows and orphans without help. ‘The fortune of families mostly turns due to loss of breadwinners and departure of closest friends and relations. Hence, widows may be virtual pariahs while children are desolate’

He urged parents to ensure children perform well to justify the support, adding donors must see value of their giving.

‘With support from H and H, you have no excuses for poor performance. Learners below average will not enjoy sponsorship. We are holding the funding in trust for donors and we owe them value delivery. Similarly, parents should ensure their wards do not disappoint the foundation and its donors.

Same goes to the empowered widows,’ he said.

Owerri woke before dawn. The rain came early-a gentle, almost apologetic drizzle-but it did little to quiet the city’s rising energy. As morning broke, pale ribbons of sunlight slipped through the clouds, catching the sheen of wet streets and rooftops. By 8 a.m., the city was wide awake. Schoolchildren clutched tiny flags, men pulled raincoats tight around their shoulders, and women balanced umbrellas against the lingering mist. Children perched on shoulders for a better view. Crowds gathered-beneath trees, along sidewalks, behind metal barriers. All eyes turned in the same direction, all feet planted with quiet anticipation. They had come for one purpose: to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Imo State.

This was no ordinary visit. It was, as many would later say, a moment of pride – a public display of what many believe is change in motion, progress being commissioned into concrete and asphalt. And even though the rain attempted to borrow attention, the vibrant energy of the crowd outshone the droplets. The heart of Owerri was transformed. The major arteries – the roads leading to Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout, the highways heading toward Mbaise and Umuahia – were draped in bright banners. APC flags fluttered alongside national flags. Security vehicles, vans, motorbikes moved purposefully, some standing guard, others guiding traffic. Drums beat in distant corners; voices chanted slogans. Passengers peered out windows, marveling at the turnout.

This was no ordinary visit. It was, as many would later say, a moment of pride – a public display of what many believe is change in motion, progress being commissioned into concrete and asphalt. By the time President Tinubu’s motorcade arrived, the atmosphere was electric. He was flanked by APC governors, party leaders, and top members of the National Assembly. And even though the rain attempted to borrow attention, the vibrant energy of the crowd outshone the droplets. Major arteries of Owerri-roads stretching from the Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout to the highways leading to Mbaise and Umuahia-were draped in bright banners. APC flags fluttered beside the national colours, catching the breeze like a signal of unity. Security vehicles, vans, and motorbikes moved with intent-some forming a shield, others directing the flow. In distant corners, drums pulsed and voices rose in song. Passengers leaned out of car windows, eyes wide, swept up in the spectacle.

The newly reconstructed Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road

One of the most talked-about highlights of President Tinubu’s visit to Imo State was the commissioning of the newly reconstructed Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road – a 26-kilometre stretch of critical infrastructure that, for decades, existed more in frustration than functionality. This road is far more than just a stretch of tarmac. It’s a major economic and cultural artery, linking Owerri, the capital of Imo State, with Mbaise and Obowo – two densely populated regions with strong agricultural and commercial roots – before extending into Umuahia, the capital of neighbouring Abia State. For years, the road was infamous for its craters, flooding, and traffic bottlenecks, slowing down trade, isolating communities, and contributing to the wear and tear on transport vehicles.

According to traders, commuters, and logistics operators who frequently used the route, a journey that should have taken 30 to 40 minutes often stretched into hours during the rainy season. The road’s condition also made it a security risk, especially at night – with broken-down vehicles vulnerable to theft, and commuters stranded in poorly lit, isolated areas. What makes the Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road particularly strategic is not just its length or its improved surface – but the vital lifeline it represents between two state capitals and, by extension, two major economic zones in Nigeria’s South-East region. It connects Owerri, a bustling hub of commerce, education, and urban development, to Umuahia, a capital city known for its administrative significance and agricultural economy. But the importance of this road runs deeper than geography. It is a road that serves people, livelihoods, and entire communities whose lives are shaped by their ability to move.

The flyover at the Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout

The newly inaugurated flyover at Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout stands as both a literal and symbolic elevation of Owerri’s urban future. For decades, that junction – a key point where traffic from the Port Harcourt-Onitsha axis intersects with the city’s core – was a daily source of congestion, frustration, and delay. It’s a roundabout that once pulsed with the honks of gridlocked buses, the slow crawl of petrol tankers, and the weaving chaos of okadas and private cars. At peak hours, the entire area became a bottleneck, stretching the patience of commuters and draining productivity.

Now, with the sleek overpass in place, traffic flows with an ease many commuters had stopped believing was possible. Designed to separate the heavy through-traffic from local city movement, the flyover allows vehicles travelling between Port Harcourt and Onitsha – two of the busiest commercial cities in southern Nigeria – to bypass the gridlock entirely. Beneath the bridge, urban planners have restructured the ground-level lanes for better pedestrian access and reduced conflict zones. It is more than a concrete structure; it is a redesign of movement, an answer to a long-unresolved urban headache. For residents of Owerri, this single flyover represents something broader – a glimpse into what the city could become when infrastructure keeps pace with population growth.

The Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre and other projects

Not far from the hum of moving vehicles and newly opened lanes stands another flagship project – the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC). Towering with sleek glass and steel, and named after one of the state’s most prominent elder statesmen and business icons, the centre is a declaration of ambition. It is built not merely as a venue, but as a statement: Imo is open for business, for diplomacy, for discourse. The EIICC boasts the kind of modern facilities anyone would expect to find in Abuja or Lagos: multiple auditoriums, breakout halls, press rooms, digital presentation capabilities, and expansive exhibition spaces. It’s tailored to host everything from economic summits and medical conventions to tech expos and cultural festivals. With a growing demand for high-end event infrastructure in the Southeast, the centre is poised to become a regional hub, drawing visitors, investors, and ideas into Owerri.

But the most transformative projects are often the ones less visible to the casual observer – the quiet revolutions taking place in administrative backrooms, dusty archives, and underutilised corridors of government. That’s where the Imo State Land Information Service Centre (LIS Centre) comes in. Housed in a modern facility, the LIS Centre is part of a deliberate push to digitise land records, streamline property transactions, and eliminate the labyrinth of paper trails and corruption that has long dogged land ownership in the state. For decades, acquiring or verifying land titles in Imo was a process fraught with uncertainty and delay. Double allocations, missing files, extortion, and years-long court cases were all too common. With the launch of the LIS Centre, Governor Uzodinma’s administration is attempting to pull land governance into the 21st century. Now, prospective landowners, surveyors, and developers can access digitized maps, apply for certificates of occupancy, verify ownership, and monitor processing timelines – all online. The implications of this are enormous. Easier land transactions mean faster property development. Less fraud means more investor confidence. And more transparency means everyday citizens – not just the well-connected – can access land without fear of manipulation or exploitation.

Beyond roads and flyovers, some projects quietly shape the spirit of governance. The renovated Government House Chapel, though modest in scale, reflects a commitment to reflection, faith, and moral grounding in public service. It’s a space for prayer, unity, and pause amidst political noise. Nearby, the restored Concorde Hilton Hotel marks a revival of Owerri’s hospitality sector. Once faded, it now boasts modern rooms, event halls, and improved services-ready to welcome business travellers and dignitaries. Together, these projects-both symbolic and strategic-are part of a broader urban renewal vision, reshaping not just Owerri’s skyline, but its sense of purpose.

Voices from the crowd

Under umbrellas and plastic tarps, faces glowed with hope. Some had come to feel seen; others to be heard. Madam Nkechi Okoro, a small business owner in Emekuku, said she had already lost hours daily to gridlock. ‘Before, the journey from Owerri to Umuahia is a stress, money wasted on fuel, time gone. With this new road, we expect quicker access to markets, hospitals, schools,’ she said, her voice clear over the drizzle.

A young man, Chinedu, perched on a motorbike, described this as more than infrastructure. ‘What is happening now,’ he said, ‘is that government actually listens. Roads, flyovers. these are things we feel. We see. They don’t just talk.’ Others were skeptical, of course. ‘Let them finish,’ said Mrs. Ifeoma Eze from Obowo. ‘Many times we celebrate projects before they are done. I want to see it when I drive those roads in dry season.’ But even her doubt carried curiosity – perhaps expectation.

Standing on the new flyover, Governor Uzodinma addressed the public earlier that morning, despite the rain. He spoke not just of the structures being commissioned – but of governance without shortcuts. He spoke of performance, not promises. He reminded the people that poor materials, substandard finishes, stalled construction had once been the norm – but that under his Renewed Hope Agenda, those days were being challenged. More than 120 roads, the Governor said, had been built or rehabilitated across the state. The digital land platform, he emphasized, will reduce corruption, ease land transfers, and remove the confusion that long plagued real estate and property ownership in Imo. Government House Chapel and hospitality projects aim to boost tourism and civic pride. All are pieces of a larger puzzle: transforming Imo into a state that matches its potential.

As the rain eased to a gentle drizzle, President Tinubu addressed the crowd, praising Imo’s progress but urging that the newly commissioned projects be seen not as endpoints, but as stepping stones. He stressed that lasting change depends on maintenance, transparency, and shared responsibility. Roads, flyovers, and new facilities, he said, must unlock growth, not just headlines. Yet even amid celebration, quiet questions lingered-about sustainability, traffic flow, and disruptions to local businesses. Still, beneath the banners and applause, a deeper shift was taking root. On that rainy morning in Owerri, what truly emerged was not just infrastructure – but renewed hope.