Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced recoveries worth over N364.5 billion and $326.5 million, alongside more than 4,000 convictions within the past year.

According to the Commission, the figures covered 2023 and last year, during which it also monitored the disbursement of government’s intervention funds.

These include the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (PL-CNG) scheme, NG-CARES, NACA Global Fund, SESET, AMCON loans, and a range of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) facilities such as COVID-19 support packages and conversion loans with 15 per cent cover.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said his administration would fight insecurity with resources at its disposal.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

The governor said nowhere in Kwara would be safe for criminals, including kidnappers.

He spoke after a security council meeting on Tuesday night.

Following the recent attack at Oke Ode, the governor said he moved swiftly to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where he reiterated his request for additional federal deployment to raid the hideouts.

‘The Army Headquarters has since relocated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Division to Ilorin as part of the renewed efforts to strengthen security operations in the state.

‘On Monday night, combined forces of the Army, DSS and Police launched an offensive around Baba Sango, along Kwara-Kogi boundary, neutralising about 15 armed bandits.

‘The same operation continued on Tuesday. And yesterday night, I presided over the State Security Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, to integrate state and federal assets into a strategy for both Kwara North and South,’ he said.

AbdulRazaq assured residents that his administration would not relent in supporting security agencies to keep every community safe.

‘I have assurances of the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts.

‘We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals. To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice. Kwara belongs to its people, and their peace will be defended,’ the governor added.

Until he was appointed a placeholder while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was waltzing his way to power, the name was as silent as his personality, taciturn but focused, operating under the radar, but the eyes of the head-hunter had him in focus. That’s one of the strong points of a leader.the ability to select a value team

Masari continued to set tongues wagging until the issue of who would be the Vice President to run with the leader was settled, and like the shadow he cherishes, he stepped aside and disappeared from the radar, which made people wonder the type of character he was.

Masari had one thing going for him, like water, he neither contends nor confronts, he rather keeps his course and focus, a rare and uncommon strategist, but not raising his voice, the political firmament moved on as if he was not there.

Fast forward to his appointment as Special Adviser to the President on political matters, and his ways once again yielded a paradigm shift in political harvest that has left the nation reeling and trotting to catch up.

The effectiveness of Masari in his post has become a rare justification of a round peg in a round hole, which, before long, started like wildfire, pushing everything and everyone in one direction.

Till date, many people are wrongly accusing President Tinubu of coercing opposition to join him without knowing that the strategist is Masari, who has calmly and quietly worked behind the scenes in his usual manner to hone ways and means of winning others for the President with astounding success.

This manifested in a tsunami of defections into the ruling party, which has swept all corners of Nigeria, bringing with it defections from ward levels to local councils, state legislature, governors, national assembly members, and all manner of ranks to the extent that fears have gripped the opposition that the regime of Tinubu was aiming for a one-party state in the country.

Masari’s strategies from his near silent office has further stoked fears among those who seldom can understand what is going on that the President wanted to transit into a lifetime leader by staying beyond his constitutionally given terms without knowing that the secret was in the strategy of Masari who has the proper understanding of Nigeria’s politics was pulling the right strings while the President has given him free hand to handle the affairs of his office. The fact is that the duo of the President and Masari are perfect political combinations that achieve results, thereby making assurance doubly sure of the President’s reelection is a foregone conclusion.

Another top score of Masari is that his method of dispute resolutions for inter and intra-party affairs is top-notch and wins the undecided as well as opposition to the side of the President.

Masari has shown that there are people with near esoteric political understanding, but calmly and quietly operating outside the corridors of power and in the shadows.

With men of such capacity in the President’s team, it can only get better, while the opposition will be left reeling, looking for what hit them, while the President Surges ahead to take the crown.

In recognition and appreciation of selfless service, patriotism, contributions to the security, peace and unity of Nigeria and overall wellbeing of humanity, some government officials, entrepreneurs, movie personalities, climate change activists and philanthropists, were on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, honoured with Nigeria’s Pride Awards at a ceremony that took place in Abuja.

The Awards wereborganised by First Green White Resources (FGWR), publishers of African Leadership Scorecard Magazine and Nationwide Reports; and chaired by Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd), former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta/Coordinator of Amnesty Programme while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris was Guest Speaker.

Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru, was honoured in two categories as Best Governor on Road Infrastructure and Best Governor on Community Empowerment; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa- was honoured as ‘Shield of the Nation’ while others include Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo- Most Impactful Minister of the Year, Senator Ireti Kingibe- Most Grassroots-Oriented Politician of the Year and Dangote Group’s Head of Corporate Communications, Anthony Chiejina-Most Impactful Corporate Marketing Officer of the Year.

Others who received awards were Dr. Sarah Jibrin – Most Outstanding Female Politicians of the Decade, veteran Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, in two categories for her philanthropic activities, Directors-General of NTA, Salihu Abdulhamid Damboos- Outstanding Leadership Award, Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Sir Jideani Agabaidu- Most Gender-Inclusive Chief Executive Officer of the Year; and Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), Hon. Rinsola Abiola- Exemplary Young Corporate CEO of the Year; as well as President of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Dr. Emeka Rollers- Most Impactful Entertainment Personality of the Year, Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson- Most Outstanding Movie Producer of the Decade, Chi-Tola Roberts- Pillar of Support and Empowerment of Women in Agriculture, Hajia Mariam Aliyu Abdullahi (Jagaban Matan Zaria)- Champion of Hope for the Needy and Hajia Zainab Abdulrahaman- Outstanding human oriented public service award.

Nwifuru, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike, praised the organisers and thanked them for honouring Nwifuru in two categories, a gesture she said was well deserved, in view of the massive transformation taking place in the State.

Prof. Umerurike said Nwifuru has achieved massive development in the state within just two years and few months of his administration and transformed many communities, increased minimum wage to N93,000, empowered women and youths and provided water facilities, hospitals and other dividends of democracy across all senatorial districts. She urged Nigerians play their parts in nation-building, promising people that Governor Nwifuru has more to offer them in the years ahead.

Boroh said Nigeria’s Pride Awards was a well-thought initiative to honour those who have served the nation well and contributed to nation-building. He commended the Chief off Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa for his efforts in rooting terrorism and other criminalities I the country and suggested that the awards be an annual event.

Minister of Information and National Orientation who was represented by the Director, Publications, Production and Documentation, Mr. Ibidapo Okunnu, praised CDS Musa for his patriotism and multi-dimensional approach in securing Nigeria. He commended the organisers of the awards for their commitment to the unity of Nigeria and for honouring citizens who have contributed t the development of the nation.

Senator Ireti Kingibe, while appreciating the honour done to her by the award, reiterated her commitment to the people of the FCT and promised to continue to provide quality representation at the national assembly by ensuring that rights of residents were protected through quality legislations while at the same time pledged to attract more projects from the federal government to make the city and satellite town better.

Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser to Aviation Minster said Keyamo was committed to ensuring continuous improvement of Nigerian aviation sector and airports, safety of air travelers and compliance to global best practices by airline operators and other stakeholders in the industry.

The Chief Executive Officer of First Green White Resources and Founder of Nigeria’s Pride Awards, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, said, although Nigeria is a country in need of quality leadership, many Nigerians are doing well and making the nation proud both at home and other parts of the world.

He said the idea behind the awards is to identify those good leaders, in the public or private sector, and honour them as a way of encouraging them to do more while at the same time, encourage others to wake up.

Ahaziah Suleiman, Chairman of the organizing committee, in his welcome remark, said Nigeria’s Pride Awards is a way of rewarding hard-work and patriotism, adding recipients are nominated through rigorous and painstaking process to ensure that only those who merit the honour are selected.

While NTA DG was represented by the Executive Director, Special Duties, Kalil Ibrahim, the Managing Director of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu was represented by Engr. Dr. Sabo Mahmoud.

Also honoured were Emeka Duru- Most Impactful Movie Personality of the Year, Gloria Chisom Okafor- Best Movie Producer of the Year, Sandra Okunzuwa- Best Actress of the Year, Empress Njamah- Lifetime Outstanding Nigerian Actress, Hajia Rekiya Ibrahim Attah-Lifetime Motivational Personality in Movie and Entertainment Media Production, Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu- Outstanding Leadership Award, Emeka Okoye- Best Actor on Comedy, Etinosa Idemudia- Best Actress on Comedy; Chidi Anyanwu- Best Movie Director of the Year, Luchy Donalds- Best Motivational/Innovative Actress of the Year and Chief Honorus Obasi- Meritorious Corporate and Community Service Award.

Awardee corporate organizations were Dangote Group- Chief Cornerstone of Business in Africa; NTA- Best Television Station on Culture, Weather, Defence and Security Coverage; CLTC- Meritorious Long Service Award on Human Development; and Rural Electrification Agency- Most Improved Service Delivery Agency of the Year.

Highlight of the event was music and dance drama performances by FCT NYSC cultural group.

In a new groundbreaking study, researchers have uncovered serious weaknesses in the way Portland, Oregon, USA, governs its urban forest- a critical tool in the fight against climate change stressors.

The study, published in the open-access journal Sustainability, was conducted by Nigerian-born green industry professional and environmental governance expert, Quadri Taiwo, and Professor Vivek Shandas, a renowned US-based professor specializing in urban ecology and community resilience.

The research offers fresh insight into why many U.S. cities are struggling to expand their tree canopies despite well-intentioned planting campaigns.

According to the study, Portland’s urban forestry system is plagued by fragmented coordination and weak stakeholder engagement.

The researchers mapped a network of 162 organizations-including government agencies, non-profits, and community-based groups-involved in tree planning and management across the city. What they found was a loosely connected network lacking strong institutional linkages.

‘Our analysis shows that while Portland has a high number of actors in its urban forestry space, they are not effectively working together,’ Quadri Taiwo said. ‘This has major implications for urban sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental equity.’ The study used social network analysis (SNA)-a method more commonly applied in corporate or social science research-to assess the structure and effectiveness of stakeholder collaboration.

The results were striking: the network had a density score of 0.0079, meaning that only a tiny fraction of potential partnerships between actors were active. Network cohesion was also low, measured at just 5.4%. These findings, the researchers argue, help explain the broader trend of declining tree cover in many urban areas in the United States, despite public and private efforts to reverse the loss.

‘The lack of decentralized governance and the over-reliance on fragmented individual efforts are part of why tree planting campaigns often fail to deliver meaningful long-term results,’ said Quadri Taiwo. As a solution, the authors called for the establishment of regular collaborative governance platforms-such as co-designed management plans that are jointly developed and implemented by stakeholders from different sectors.

They also proposed the use of virtual reality (VR) simulations to improve public understanding and engagement. By allowing residents and policymakers to experience different urban forestry scenarios in immersive 3D environments, the researchers believe VR could become a powerful tool for consensus-building and environmental education.

‘With increasing urban heat and climate-related health challenges, cities must go beyond planting trees,’ the authors said. ‘We need to reimagine how we govern our green infrastructure to ensure it delivers real and lasting benefits.’

Further analysis revealed that most of the organizations involved were concentrated in specific areas, with limited outreach to underrepresented communities. This spatial imbalance, according to the researchers, raises concerns about equity in tree distribution and access to green space benefits.

In addition, while many organizations identified ‘tree planting’ as a key activity, far fewer were involved in long-term tree maintenance, community engagement, or policy reform. This creates a mismatch between short-term action and the need for sustainable canopy growth over decades.

The authors argued that city governments must play a more active convening role, ensuring that community voices are not only heard but integrated into planning frameworks. They noted that relying on voluntary collaboration without clear institutional accountability is insufficient to meet ambitious climate and resilience goals.

In Portland’s case, the researchers stressed, it offers broader lessons for cities worldwide-especially in the face of rising urban heat islands, increased flooding risks, and public health crises. Urban forests can serve as buffers, but only when managed through inclusive, transparent, and adaptive governance.

Moving forward, Quadri Taiwo recommended pilot programs that test new governance models combining public leadership with grassroots innovation. They emphasized that only a systemic shift-from fragmented to unified governance-can unlock the full potential of urban forests as tools for ecological restoration.

Music video director ThankGod Omori, popularly known as TG Omori, has revealed that since he embraced celibacy, half of his problems have been solved.

He made the statement in a post on his X, reflecting on how his life has changed since taking an ‘oath of celibacy.’

‘Since I became celibate, half of my problems got solved,’ he wrote.

Omori has been in the spotlight for his work with major Afrobeats artists and for his personal health challenges.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has called on Nigerians to stand together against those who are described as ‘blood guzzlers’ and enemies of the state, who take solace in the mindless killings of innocent souls.

The monarch said he would reinforce collective will, to completely snatch the country and destiny from the jaws of insanity and barbarism, just as socio-cultural orientations that uphold the sanctity of life and the intrinsic dignity of the human person must never be surrendered to the ungodly.

Oba Owoade gave the charge on the heels of recent killings of some people who were of Yoruba extraction by suspected Fulani herdsmen at Oke Ode area in Kwara State.

He spoke in a statement issued by the media Aide, Bode Durojaiye, on Thursday.

Disturbed about the development and putting into consideration the fact that Yorubas and Fulanis had for decades been living harmoniously without let or hindrance, Alaafin said he had contacted the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, on the incident and how best he could come in to nip the criminal onslaught of the bandits.

The governor, in his response, the statement added that he lauded the Alaafin for his concerned, visionary style of administration and assured that a battalion of soldiers had been deployed to the scene of the gory incident.

The Alaafin, who lamented about killings and wondered why the herdsmen became threats to peace and security, added that they had long been in existence without serious criminal records, as is presently the case.

Oba Owoade enjoined the Federal Government to ensure that all those found culpable in the mindless killings in Kwara state are brought to justice and to serve as a credible deterrence.

According to the Alaafin, ‘There can be no national development without relative peace and stability. There have been greater challenges of security in recent times than at any point in time in our history, thus rendering our political stability fragile, democratic institutions and processes fluid.

‘Government, political leaders and followers, and all of us, must have the courage and honesty to get to the root causes of our current state of insecurity, underpinned by criminality, insurgency, and, of recent, terrorism by herdsmen.

‘Our leaders and followers should not take the issue of security for granted, but ensure urgent and immediate steps are taken to consciously respond to current threats by architectonic designing and building a security system that would create a stable and relatively peaceful environment, conducive to national development. We must accept the reality that while it is necessary to create unity in diversity, we must identify and respect our differences, which is diversity in unity.’

While eulogising security agencies for their steadfastness and commitment to duties, Alaafin, who warned against acts that are detrimental to peace, orderliness, and unity of the country, assured all ethnic groups living in the metropolis of adequate protection of lives and properties.

‘Before now, the Oyo Empire under the reign of Alaafin not only remained the first to provide cattle ranches for Fulani herdsmen in Yoruba land, another ten acres of land were made available for the convenience of the herdsmen, free of charge, to ensure a harmonious relationship and peaceful co-existence among all ethnic groups residing in the metropolis.

‘Whenever there are skirmishes between farmers and the herdsmen, the royal father would adopt his age-long conflict resolution mechanisms, which provide an opportunity to interact with the parties concerned, promote consensus-building, social bridge reconstructions, and enactment of order in the Empire.’

A senior lecturer at Imo State University(IMSU) Prof. Fabian Ukozor has urged old students to be united to further strengthen their developmental strides and impact.

Ukozor spoke at the sixth anniversary of the old students of Township Comprehensive Secondary School, Amaifeke (TCSSA), Orlu, Imo State.

The ceremony, which was held in Lagos ,attracted guests from across Nigeria as well as South Africa and Swaziland.

The don, who was chairman of the occasion reminisced on how the TCSSA was established at a temporary site in 1980 after which it was moved to the present location in 1984, while highlighting how the graduates have impacted learning, business and philanthropy in Nigeria and around the world.

Ukozor enjoined the old students to embrace unity as a tool to impact more on the school for the coming generations.

Among the dignitaries that attended the annual event are Chairman of Orlu Local Government, Pastor Chris Mbarie; a Lagos businessman, Chief CY Utah; and Eze Aneche 1 of Amaifeke, Chief Emmanuel Ohajimadu.

Highlights of the event included a video narration of the state of TCSSA needing rehabilitation by the Chairman, Planning Committee Coalition of the school, Pastor Victor Mcdonald, a N150 million appeal fund for the rehabilitation, presentation of gifts to special guests and the launch of the old students’ magazine.

Nigeria’s economy is on a path to recovery for inclusive growth and sustainable development, drawing strength from bold reform actions taken by the President Bola Tinubu administration, President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD Nigeria), Otunda Adetunji Oyebanji, has said.

He said the government’s reforms upon assumption of office in 2023, to confront the petroleum subsidy conundrum, fragmented foreign exchange markets, and embark on electricity reforms in addition to sectoral intervention programmes have positioned Nigeria on the path of recovery and stardom.

Oyebanji, who gave this assessment yesterday when he joined Nigerians all over the world in celebrating the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, said Nigeria’s current economic stability is providing impetus for fresh investments and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians to explore new frontiers, innovate and be globally competitive.

The CIoD Nigeria boss, in a statement, noted that for the past 65 years, the country has stood as a sovereign nation, richly blessed with human and natural resources, and known for the resilience and creativity of its people.

‘Our independence was never just about freedom from colonial rule; it is also about the enduring spirit of Nigerians who have persisted through trials and transitions, and who continue to inspire hope across Africa and the world,’ he stated.

He said the country’s achievements in arts, literature, sports, technology, entertainment and other endeavours have been recognised on the global scene.

‘Our creative industries, fintech innovators, and young entrepreneurs are making their mark on the international stage. Our diaspora communities continue to contribute significantly to the economy and reputation of our nation,’ Oyebanji said.

He said since independence in 1960, efforts by successive governments have driven the transformations of the economy from a mono-sector, agrarian-based and later oil to a private sector-led diversified economy.

He emphasised that these ‘successes remind us of what is possible when talent and opportunity are given a space to flourish.’

Oyebanji, however, said despite the current gains, especially the sustained growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), legacy challenges continue to undermine the wheel of Nigeria’s collective progress.

‘Most Nigerians are yet to experience the impact because growth has not translated to improved income and prosperity. Inflation and high costs of living weigh heavily on family’s disposable income.

‘Security challenges still disrupt lives and businesses, infrastructure gaps limit competitiveness, and governance deficits in both the public and private sectors continue to erode trust,’ he pointed out, for instance.

The CIoD boss, however, said these are not insurmountable problems, but they require deliberate action rooted in accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership.

‘The task before us is great, but history shows that it can be done. Other nations have risen from deeper crises because their citizens chose responsibility over resignation. Nigeria’s destiny remains in our hands,’ he said.

He, therefore, insisted that this 65th independence anniversary should not only be about years counted, but about a turning point. ‘Let it mark the moment where leaders and citizens alike choose governance over impunity, accountability over corruption, and unity over division.

‘It is an opportunity to reflect on our commitment to sustain the vision of our heroes/heroines and to preserve the cherished legacy of our founding fathers,’ he stated.

He said on its part, the CIoD Nigeria has consistently canvassed for the promotion of standard governance practices and responsible leadership in the management of public resources and private enterprises.

‘The Institute,’ Oyebanji reiterated, ‘is committed to promoting ideals of corporate governance, ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability. We believe that good governance is not only the foundation of strong institutions, but also the bedrock of national development.

‘Our Institute remains a partner in the Nigerian project, working alongside government, the private sector, and civil society to build a nation worthy of its potential.’

While reaffirming CIoD Nigeria’s commitment to continue to support Nigeria’s development aspirations, Oyebanji called on all Nigerians, leaders and followers, public servants and private citizens, young and old, to rise to the challenge of positioning Nigeria on a path to stardom.

All is set for the official commissioning of the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oli Export Terminal in Rivers State, Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 8, 2025.

The facility established by Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) operator of the Otakikpo field PML 11 with operational base in Ikuru town, Andoni local government of Rivers state, is the first Indigenous Onshore Terminal to be built in Nigeria by a wholly indigenous company and the only one to built in the country in the last 50 years.

The last one before Otakikpo Terminal- Forcados Terminal was commissioned in 1971

A statement by the firm said Governor, Simnalayi Fubara, top government functionaries at the federal level as well as key stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to be led by the Hon Minister of State Petroleum (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri will attend the inauguration.

The statement by the Executive Director of Legal and Corporate Services , Mr Olusegun Ilori, explained the completion of the terminal is a strategic initiative that aligns with the determination of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to boost oil production in the country.

Operators in the oil and gas sector have identified evacuation challenges as a major barrier to achieving the Federal Government’s goal of producing three million barrels of crude oil per day.

The Otakikpo terminal is expected to provide a lifeline to over 40 stranded oil fields who now has a ready evacuation outlet thus unlocking million of barrels of oil otherwise held down in the wells.

The $400m new terminal with an initial storage capacity of 750,000 barrels expandable to three million barrels and a loading capacity of 360,000 barrels per day is also expected to support the government’s objective of lowering production cost in the industry.

Chairman /CEO of Green Energy, and Chief Host of the commissioning event Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe noted : ‘What we have achieved here is not just a storage solution, but a game-changing national infrastructure that has opened a new pathway for about 40 stranded oil fields to finally contribute to the economy,’