Category: The Nation – Nigeria

One of the pivotal appointments made by Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa was the selection of Olukayode Abraham Ajulo as his Chief Law Officer. Ajulo, a distinguished and astute legal mind, is precisely the type of advisor Governor Aiyedatiwa needs to navigate the complexities of governance and effectively serve the people of Ondo State. Since his appointment as the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in February 2024, this young, dynamic Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has consistently demonstrated that his role is both significant and impactful.

In a bold move earlier this year, Governor Aiyedatiwa decided to dissolve his entire cabinet, yet notably exempted Ajulo and one other commissioner from this sweeping dismissal, highlighting the critical nature of their responsibilities. Ajulo’s legal prowess and strategic thinking have become even more evident following the Governor’s recent favorable ruling at the Supreme Court, effectively solidifying his reputation as an exceptional attorney.

As State Attorney General, the Akoko-born legal luminary has fully immersed himself in the myriad of legal challenges surrounding his principal, especially those related to the contentious 2024 Governorship election. Understanding the gravity of these legal battles, Ajulo took it upon himself to assemble a formidable team of lawyers, drawing on the expertise of some of the country’s finest legal minds, including Wole Olanipekun, Adegboyega Awomolo, Charles Edosanwan, Tayo Oyetibo, Olusola Oke, Hakeem Afolabi, Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa, Prof. Remi Olatubora, and Prof. Abdul Kana, among other prominent senior lawyers. This collaborative effort exemplifies his commitment to not only defend his principal but also safeguard the integrity of the state’s legal framework.

While the recent successes in the courts have undoubtedly elevated his professional standing, Ajulo had already carved out a distinguished reputation within Nigeria’s legal sphere well before his appointment. His standards are undeniably high; he steadfastly adheres to his principles and never shies away from tough decisions, regardless of whose interests may be at stake. Ajulo is recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading lawyers, a considerable wealth of knowledge and expertise, yet he remains grounded, driven by core values rather than mere convenience or self-interest.

His willingness to accept the role of Attorney General has sparked mixed reactions among many admirers, who believe that his achievements as an attorney exceed the confines of public office. In circles in Abuja, he has earned the affectionate title of ‘go-to-lawyer’ because of his exceptional ability to provide politically astute, diplomatically sound, and legally comprehensive solutions for high-net-worth clients.

Ajulo’s accolades include the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a notable past as the youngest National Secretary of the Labour Party. His remarkable legal victories have won him admiration both domestically and internationally since the commencement of his legal career, further amplifying his impact within the legal community.

Today, the multiple successes of Governor Aiyedatiwa serve as a testament to his strategic selections and political acumen, demonstrating qualities that his peers would do well to emulate in order to achieve success in their own endeavors. Ajulo’s ongoing contributions are not only reshaping the legal landscape in Ondo State but are also setting a benchmark for excellence in governance and representation.

Temilolu and Wunmi Fosudo Productions has announced its debut stage production, The Greatest Actor of All Time.

The stage play is scheduled for premiere in November 2025 in Lagos.

Written and directed by Temilolu Fosudo, and produced by Wumi Tuase-Fosudo, Chukwu Martin, and Temilolu Fosudo, the play is a bold satire which explores artistry, ambition, and the realities of life as an actor.

With witty dialogue and thought-provoking themes, the stage play, according to TWF productions, promises to both entertain and spark meaningful cultural conversations.

‘The idea for this story has been with me for years. Originally conceived as a screenplay, I adapted it for stage; a medium that offers new creative possibilities. It explores the absurd complexities of being an actor and a stakeholder in the Nigerian film industry,’ said Temilolu Fosudo.

The production house also announced that performances will be held from November 1 till November 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and November 23, 2025, with one show daily.

‘Stage is where our acting careers began, and this particular production holds a mirror to our industry in a way the audience will love,’ said Wumi Tuase-Fosudo, Producer and Co-Founder of TWF Productions. ‘We wanted to create something entertaining yet deeply relatable, which is our goal for every piece of art we put out.’

For Chukwu Martin, co-producer, the play is personal: ‘This work mirrors the compromises we make to survive in an industry filled with mediocrity. Sometimes you wonder if you’re any different. That’s why this story matters because it will be like watching yourself, if you care to.’

TWF Productions was founded by Temilolu Fosudo and Wumi Tuase-Fosudo and the production outfit is dedicated to producing authentic, original stories across film, theatre, and digital platforms.

If you’ve ever sat at a Tong its table-whether it’s the old-school version with friends on a Sunday afternoon or the modern digital version on your phone-you know one thing is certain: winning isn’t as simple as just drawing good cards.

Tong its, that rummy-style Filipino favorite, has always had a mix of unpredictability, skill, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of drama.

But times have changed. Back in the day, all you needed was a sharp memory, guts to bluff, and maybe a rosary in your pocket for luck.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and we now have a third force sitting at the table: your WiFi connection. Without it, all your skill and luck might go down the drain faster than your phone battery on data mode.

So let’s break it down. What really makes someone win at Tong-its today? The answer boils down to three big pillars: Luck, WiFi, and Strategy. And if you think you can skip one, well, prepare to watch your victory slip away.

Let’s be real-Tong its is still a card game, and card games will always have that element of chance.

You could be the most brilliant strategist in the barangay, but if you keep getting stuck with deadwood cards, your brilliance might only shine when you tell the story after the game.

Luck sets the stage. You might draw a golden starting hand, or you might be forced to hold onto the ugliest combination known to man.

But here’s the fun part: luck doesn’t have the final say. Smart players know that luck is like the weather-you can’t control it, but you can prepare for it.

For example, if you’ve been dealt a bad hand, instead of sulking, you might double down on bluffing or focus on reading your opponents’ discards.

Tong its has always rewarded players who adapt. Think of it this way: luck hands you the script, but it’s your strategy that decides if the play becomes a tragedy or a comedy.

Here’s the modern twist nobody from the 20th-century Tong its era saw coming: your internet connection is now a make-or-break factor. And honestly? Sometimes it feels just as cruel as bad luck.

Picture this:

You’re one discard away from declaring Tong its. and suddenly your screen freezes.

You’re in the middle of setting a perfect meld, but lag makes you miss your chance.

Worst of all, your WiFi drops completely, and the system declares you the loser-even though your cards could’ve sealed the win.

Painful, right?

That’s why, in today’s digital Tong its world, WiFi is practically the fourth player at the table. Just as old-school players relied on charms or ‘lucky seats,’ modern players now cross their fingers for strong signal bars.

Want to give yourself a fighting chance? Do some prep work before your next online game:

Play in areas with stable connections.

Close unnecessary apps that eat up bandwidth.

Keep your device and game updated to avoid sudden crashes.

Because let’s face it-there’s no worse way to lose than being taken out not by a better opponent, but by your own shaky connection.

If luck is the weather and WiFi is the new wildcard, then strategy is still the captain of the ship. This is the one pillar you can actually control, and it’s what separates casual players from consistent winners.

Good strategy in Tong its isn’t just about memorizing rules-it’s about sharpening instincts. Every discard, every meld, and every hesitation is a clue you can use.

The best players have a mental notebook running in the background, keeping track of cards like they’re detectives piecing together a case.

Here are a few timeless strategies worth mastering:

Reading the Table: Don’t just stare at your own hand. Watch what others pick up and throw away-it’s like peeking into their thought process.

Discard Discipline: Tossing the wrong card at the wrong time is practically an invitation to lose. Learn when to hold onto high-value cards and when to let go.

Calculated Risk-Taking: Sometimes you have to gamble on keeping a risky set if the payoff could turn the game in your favor.

Perfect Timing: Knowing when to declare Tong its-too early or too late-can completely change the outcome.

The beauty of strategy is that it’s learnable. Unlike luck, you can practice it, refine it, and even reinvent it depending on who you’re up against.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. These pillars don’t work in isolation-they’re more like a three-piece band that only makes good music when they play together.

Luck without strategy? That’s like a jackpot you can’t cash in.

Strategy without WiFi? Good luck watching your brilliant move evaporate mid-game.

WiFi without either luck or strategy? Congrats, you’re online. to lose gracefully.

Winning Tong its consistently means respecting all three pillars. They’re not just abstract concepts; they’re the actual conditions that shape every round you play.

Tong its used to be all about people sitting around a table, shuffling cards, laughing, and maybe throwing in a bit of trash talk.

Today, it’s also about smartphones, apps, and WiFi signals. Does that mean the game has lost its soul? Not at all.

If anything, the evolution of Tong its shows us how traditions bend but don’t break. The rules are still the same. The thrill of a winning hand still makes your heart race. What’s changed is the environment-and we players have to adapt.

Think of it this way: playing Tong its online isn’t abandoning the past. It’s bringing the past into the present, where the ‘deck’ is digital and the ‘table’ might be a chatroom or app lobby.

Let’s make this actionable. If you’re serious about upping your game, here’s how to apply the three pillars:

For Luck:

Accept the randomness. Bad draws will happen-don’t tilt.

Use unlucky hands as a chance to flex your bluffing and defensive play.

For WiFi:

Stick to strong, stable connections. Coffee shop WiFi might be cute, but it’s not reliable.

Close background apps to keep your connection smooth.

Update your game and device regularly-lag loves outdated software.

For Strategy:

Practice consistently. Even casual rounds sharpen decision-making.

Learn from stronger players. Watch how they manage their discards and timing.

Review your own games-yes, even the painful losses. That’s where the best lessons hide.

Tong its is more than just a card game-it’s a cultural staple, a reflection of how Filipinos play, compete, and connect.

Understanding luck, WiFi, and strategy isn’t just about winning; it’s about appreciating how the game mirrors both tradition and technology.

It shows us something bigger too: life itself often runs on the same trifecta. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes your ‘connection’ to opportunities is what makes or breaks you, and sometimes it’s simply about strategy-making the best moves with what you’ve got.

At the end of the day, winning in Tong its comes down to balance. Luck will always be unpredictable, WiFi will always be a modern risk, and strategy will always demand effort. But together, these three form the foundation of consistent success.

So the next time you fire up a game, remember this trifecta. Keep your strategy sharp, accept luck with a grin (or a groan), and for heaven’s sake-check your WiFi before you declare Tong its.

Because nothing hurts more than losing a sure win. to a loading screen.

When he announced the abolition of the fuel subsidy regime on May 29, 2023, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu listed the potential benefits of the measure to include the prospect of increased allocations to the country’s subnational entities (states and Local Governments) for use in strengthening their economies via spending on infrastructure and social services. A long-standing advocate for stronger federating units with robust financial autonomy, the President followed through by approving exponential increases in allocations (comprised of improved earnings from oil exports, a revamped tax code, and other statutory allocations) to the country’s 36 states and 774 LGAs.

Last month (August 2025) alone, according to the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Federation Account Allocation Commission (FAAC) disbursed a total of N2.23trn among the three levels of government. This comprised the following: N1.48trn in statutory revenues; N672.90bn in Value Added Tax (VAT); N32.34bn in Electronic Money Transfer Levies (EMTL); and N41.28bn in the form of Exchange Difference. A breakdown of the allocations shows that from the distributable statutory revenue of N1.48trn, the FG received N684.46bn, states got N347.17bn, and LGs N267.65bn. An additional N179.31bn (representing 13% of mineral revenue) was shared with oil-producing states as derivation. For VAT revenue distribution, the FG received N100.94 bn, while states and LGs received N336.45bn and N235.52bn respectively. From EMTL collections of N32.34bn, the FG received N4.85bn, states got N16.17bn, and LGs took N11.32bn. The N41.28bn Exchange Difference was also shared, with the FG receiving N19.80bn, states N10.04bn, LGs N7.74bn, while N3.70bn was paid as 13% derivation revenues to oil-producing states.

The above figures, mind you, are for August 2025 alone. Now, multiply that by the over 25 months since mid-2023, when these disbursements took effect. From 2023, in fact – when total monthly allocations for states and LGs stood at an average of N760bn – the figure surged to N3.2trn in 2024 (an almost threefold increase!). For the first time since the 1960s, the sub-nationals – combined – got more money than the FG, ending the top-heavy arrangement that had prevailed before the Tinubu administration came on board.

Two years on, though, Nigerians are, for the most part, yet to see the tangible benefits of those increases to sub-nationals – whether in new or rehabilitated infrastructural projects, or in the quality of public sector service-delivery, or in the area of social investments. They are, in short, seeing little or no improvements in their standard of living, let alone their quality of life. And across the length and breadth of the country, they are wondering: Where and how is this money actually being utilized? More importantly, what form of accountability mechanisms are in place to ensure that these funds are spent judiciously? For them, these funding increases have become what the street calls ‘audio money.’

No thanks to the dramatic spike in inflation occasioned by President Tinubu’s initial action in pulling the plug on the subsidy regime, Nigerians are asking their respective state Governors to justify the increased allocations. According to them, the majority of state Governors have simply not done enough to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on their citizens. ‘If anything,’ says a spokesman for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) ‘things are getting worse. The quality of life is degenerating at an alarming rate. There is clear and present danger ahead unless [the Governors] change their trajectory.’

On his part,a spokesperson of the Joint Service Council had this to say: ‘Even those of us who are working, our salaries cannot cope with the situation . You can imagine the plight of those who . are jobless.’

No thanks to the sorry plight of the average Nigerian, some stakeholders have now gone as far as questioning the very rationale for the increased (and increasing) allocations in the first place. Why throw money, they ask, at people who are not – by their nature and the lack of strong accountability mechanisms – accountable? It is a sad example, they say, of flushing money down the sink into bottomless pit of corruption.

The recent behaviour of a large number of these state Chief Executives has led critics to charge that most of them are now prioritizing personal luxuries- in the form of choice real estate (in foreign lands), private jets and other personal indulgences – over public welfare. The stark contrast between the lavish lifestyles of Governors, their aides and other associates and hangers-on, on the one hand, and the poverty-stricken nature of the states they’re supposed to be governing, on the other, is too glaring to ignore. As we speak, 20 out of the 36 Governors (accompanied in most cases by their entire families) are reportedly abroad on vacation – jamborees fully funded by their impoverished (but cash-rich) states.

To some observers, most of the monies have also disappeared down the rabbit-hole of patronage networks. ‘Most of the time,’ said one analyst, ‘the money is a consolation prize for political allies through procurements and contracts . State Governors are using these funds to build their political enterprises, not to provide quality basic services .’

Other observers have blamed this cavalier, bull-in-a-china-shop attitude of state Governors and their lackeys to public funds on the lack of strong institutions to monitor disbursements and utilization of the funds – and to hold the culpable to account. As long as there are no consequences for mismanagement of these funds, they say, this malfeasance would not only continue, it will grow into another hydra-headed monster populating the Hobbesian jungle that life in Nigeria has become for the common man. This situation is not helped, they say, by the prevailing perception that even the FG does not appear to show any interest in enforcing accountability at the level of states and LGs.

Though President Tinubu has, on various occasions in the past, appealed to Governors to utilize funds responsibly – to ‘let the poor breathe’ in his own words, and to ‘spend the funds, not the people’ – there is little he can do, short of declaring a state of emergency, or withholding funding to offending states, at least for a while. Even then, he would have to contend with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which mandates that the country’s funds be distributed among its constituent units (without pre-conditions).

For the time being, then, he – and the vast majority of hapless Nigerians – can only ask the million-dollar question: ‘Where’s the money?’

The answer, as the old song goes, is blowing in the wind.

The set-man of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, has lauded the Federal Government’s Student Loan Scheme as a step towards bolstering education.

Speaking in Abeokuta on Nigeria’s 65th Independence, Achudume described the initiative as a ‘right step’ that holds promise for widening access to tertiary education.

‘This move by Federal Government is poised to make a difference in supporting learners,’ he said.

Achudume underscored the necessity of shielding such a programme from political manoeuvring, noting empowerment efforts often fall short due to politicisation.

‘When government support meant for beneficiaries like market women doesn’t reach them because of political games, it undermines progress,’ he cautioned.

In his assessment of Nigeria’s developmental landscape, Apostle Achudume pointed to contrasts between the nation’s global diaspora achievements and domestic hurdles.

‘Nigerians abroad are cutting-edge contributors in healthcare, tech, and academia, showcasing their capability. Domestically, however, we grapple with infrastructural deficits and leadership gaps hindering performance.’

The cleric decried hardship affecting Nigerians and criticised vote-buying during polls involving petty hand-outs.

‘Nigerians deserve leaders who grasp their daily struggles – we need grassroots leadership feeling the pulse of the common man,’ Apostle Achudume emphasized.

Advocating for conducive frameworks, he stressed that Nigeria requires ecosystems nurturing business growth and intellectual pursuits.

‘Nigeria at 65 has traversed a path – there’s potential for far greater strides with right stewardship,’ Achudume noted.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has threatened legal action against Eze Chikamnayo, also known as Iyierioba Chikamnayo, for ‘defamatory and malicious’ publications against him.

In an October 2 letter signed by his counsel, Dr. Sonny Ajala (SAN), Otti demanded a written retraction, public apology, and compensation of N100 billion from Chikamnayo.

The governor accused the former commissioner of persistently publishing libellous posts on his Facebook page, ‘Iyierioba Chikamnayo.’

Among the publications were those titled ‘Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and disaster!’ (September 22, 2025), ‘Fighting Promax!!!!’ (September 21, 2025), ‘Old or new Abia?’ (September 14, 2025), ‘Sabbath Message’ (September 13, 2025), and ‘Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and congenital liar = looting governor!’ (August 15, 2025).

Ajala, of Deeplaw Associates, said the posts were targeted at Otti, noting ‘our client, for the avoidance of doubt, is the only governor and chief executive of a state in the 36 states of Nigeria who bears the name Alex Chioma Otti. Thus, no effort is required by the public to link all your spiteful, false and defamatory attacks to him.’

He said Otti is a man of integrity with a distinguished career in banking, where he rose to managing director/chief executive of Diamond Bank Plc before entering politics.

The letter said Otti noticed the Facebook posts on September 29, while in Abuja for the conferment of SAN on the attorney-general.

Ajala said Otti ‘denies your malicious defamatory materials,’ emphasising that the governor has no criminal indictment or conviction by any court of law. He added that the posts inflicted ‘mental torture, depression, denigration, and brutal destruction of his reputation built over decades.’

The governor is demanding a written retraction of the posts on the same Facebook page and in four national newspapers. He is also seeking a written public apology on the same page, compensation of N100 billion, and an undertaking to desist from such poswts.

The letter warned that failure to comply in seven days would leave Otti with no option but to seek redress in court.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for stronger collaboration among state emergency management agencies (SEMAs), to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and response to disasters.

He made the call at the maiden national State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) conference held in Ikeja, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the summit’s theme: ‘Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria’, underscored the need for coordinated strategies to confront floods, epidemics, fires, industrial accidents and the growing threat of climate change.

He said resilience at the national level depended on how prepared state-level agencies were to manage emergencies.

Highlighting Lagos’ own interventions, the governor said his administration had upgraded Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) with new rescue equipment, digital monitoring tools, improved toll-free emergency lines and a mobile app with GPS tracking.

He also listed the establishment of a Simulation Centre for scenario-based training, expansion of Lagos Response Unit (LRU), with modern ambulances and fire trucks synchronisation of hospital management services with emergency response to monitor availability of bed spaces and closest facility to offer needed care to victims, as well as partnerships with international agencies and grassroots volunteer networks.

Sanwo-Olu recalled LASEMA’s swift response during last year’s flash floods and a recent building collapse in Mushin, saying the outcomes demonstrated the value of preparedness, coordination and technology-driven response.

‘Emergencies require more than just a reaction; they call for preparedness. The true strength of our nation lies in our shared readiness and unity when facing challenges,’ he said.

Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, hailed Lagos for its pioneering efforts in deploying technology, decentralising response units and building resilient communities.

She noted that emergency management must move from being reactive to predictive, preventive and participatory.

Umar said NEMA would continue to strengthen early warning systems, improve data management and expand grassroots capacity building in collaboration with state agencies, private sector partners and communities.

She stressed the need for effective policy creation, urging states to identify their peculiarities and take steps to address them, rather than seeing SEMA as a palliative agency.

Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Olugbenga Oyerinde, noted it was the first time leaders of SEMAs of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FTC), federal institutions, private sector leaders, international partners and frontline responders would gather under one roof to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against emergencies and disasters.

He said the conference marked a historic shift from a culture of reaction to a new era of readiness, recovery and resilience.

‘When sub-national agencies are strong, Nigeria is strong. The recent loss of lives to avoidable disasters underscores the urgency of convening experts to identify solutions and prevent future tragedies.

‘Over the next two days, participants will engage in keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions and a large-scale simulation exercise to test coordination in real time.

‘Lagos State Government commends the private sector, civil society and international partners for their support. Disaster management is a collective responsibility that requires inclusiveness and relentless commitment to protect lives and build safer communities,’ he added.

Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, during an interview with reporters, said the agency had concluded plans for the unveiling of its institute tomorrow, adding that the first intakes would commence training by December.

The Kano State chapter of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for collaboration amng all stakeholders to tackle Nigeria’s challenges.

In his Independence anniversary speech, the chapter’s Chairman, Goni Faruk Umar, said the challenges before the country were formidable, including pervasive poverty.

Umar identified the challenges as pervasive poverty, widespread unemployment, insecurity, drug abuse, declining education standards, and the erosion of moral values.

But the ACF state chairman noted that the challenges could be surmounted with the citizens showing commitment to purposeful action.

He said: ‘As a forum consecrated to dialogue, unity, and service, the ACF asserts that our collective strength lies in our ability to build bridges across divides, nurture the potentials of our youth, and harness the abundant human and natural resources entrusted to us by Providence.

‘Sixty-five years ago, our visionary founding fathers, through uncommon courage and sacrifice, secured for us the priceless gift of sovereignty. They bequeathed a nation consecrated to the ideals of liberty, dignity, and collective destiny.

‘Today, as we commemorate their triumph, we must not merely luxuriate in nostalgia but renew our sacred covenant to safeguard their legacy and bequeath to posterity a Nigeria worthy of their dreams.

‘The narrative of our nation is one of resilience and renaissance; a people who, despite trials of adversity and the tremors of division, have remained indivisible and resolute.

‘Yet, independence will find its truest expression not in ceremonial remembrance but in the tangible realities of peace, prosperity, equity, and justice for every citizen, irrespective of creed, culture, or circumstance.’

Umar advised parents and guardians to prioritise the upbringing of their children and wards, stressing that the crucible of Nigeria’s future is in their homes.

‘Guard your children, mentor them with love, and instill in them the virtues of discipline, honesty, and service. To our youth, we affirm: you are the pulsating heart of this Republic. Reject the snares of drugs and despair; embrace the path of knowledge, creativity, and productivity.

‘And to our leaders, we appeal: let integrity, vision, and statesmanship govern your stewardship, for history will measure us not by lofty rhetoric but by the lives we uplift and the destinies we transform.

‘The ACF Kano State chapter remains unwavering in its resolve to empower communities, advance education, preserve our cultural heritage, and safeguard the peace and security of our people. We shall continue to be a voice of conscience, a pillar of unity, and a beacon of hope.

‘As we hoist our cherished green-white-green standard this day, let it be a solemn reminder that independence is not an end but an eternal journey of vigilance, sacrifice, and renewal,’ Umar said.

Ahead of the International Teacher’s Day celebration on October 5, 2025, Wema Bank Plc has announced the launch of the ‘Wema at 80 Teachers’ Day Challenge’, an initiative designed to reward and celebrate teachers whose impact has shaped generations of students.

This year’s challenge invites students and graduates across Nigeria to post an 80-second video on any social media platform such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok, telling the story of an unforgettable teacher whose influence has touched multiple students in their school over the years.

Participants are to mention the teacher’s name, their school, tag Wema Bank, and use the hashtags #WemaAt80TeachersDay and #TeachersWithALegacyOfImpact in their captions to be part of the celebration. Participants can be of any age and could have graduated many years ago from school.

They are also allowed to honour any teacher of choice from either primary, secondary, or tertiary institutions.

Managing Director, Wema Bank Plc, Moruf Oseni said teachers are the quiet architects of every nation’s future.

‘Their resilience, sacrifices, and dedication have produced generations of innovators, leaders, and changemakers. At Wema Bank, we believe it is important to honor these educators, not just with words, but with recognition that puts their names and their legacies in the spotlight. The #WemaAt80TeachersDay Challenge is our way of celebrating them and encouraging Nigerians to give their teachers the flowers they deserve,’ Oseni said.

The Teachers’ Day Challenge is an established tradition at Wema Bank. Over the last two years, the bank has recognised ten teachers across Nigeria, distributing a cumulative N13,000,000 in cash prizes and gifts to educators who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to shaping their students’ futures.

This year’s campaign will once again shortlist 10 remarkable teachers from all entries, with three receiving significant cash prizes and two others awarded complimentary gifts.

The ultimate goal of the challenge is to ensure that every teacher in Nigeria feel celebrated, regardless of if they emerge as prize recipients or otherwise.

This year’s edition according to the Head of Corporate Sustainability at Wema Bank, Abimbola Agbejule, is particularly symbolic as it coincides with Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary, a milestone that highlights the Bank’s enduring legacy of empowering people and communities.

At 80, Wema Bank is not just celebrating its legacy, the Bank is also honoring those whose impact created countless others.

According to her ‘Teachers are the backbone of every success story, and this challenge is our way of giving them their flowers.’

She said the #WemaAt80TeachersDay challenge is not merely about rewards; it is a movement to spark gratitude, storytelling, and public appreciation for the teachers who have shaped lives and left indelible marks on generations of students.

Through this initiative, Wema Bank invites every Nigerian to pause, reflect, and say ‘thank you’ to those who taught them, mentored them, and guided their journey. Teachers are nation builders, shaping the minds and character of the next generation.

As Wema Bank celebrates 80 years of impact, the #WemaAt80TeachersDay Challenge underscores the Bank’s commitment to recognising individuals and institutions that strengthen our collective future.

By celebrating teachers’ legacies, Wema Bank reinforces its own legacy built on empowering people, supporting education, and championing sustainability for decades to come.

Obviously, food is important to terrorists because it energises them. Therefore, it makes sense to arrest people who supply food items to them, and also seize food items being transported to them.

The Chief of Military Public Information Office, Lt. Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke, said in a statement that personnel of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), on October 11, intercepted 466 bags of food items, comprising 364 bags of beans and 102 bags of corn. They also arrested ’40 terrorist logistics suppliers’ on a suspected supply route in an operation against terrorist activities in the Lake Chad region, he stated.

He added that troops of 68 Battalion on a joint patrol with the Civilian Joint Task Force in the Mallam Fatori- Bandamari- Bari – Korarawon area, discovered and confiscated 12 bags of fish and nine donkeys allegedly used to carry supplies to terrorists in the Lake Chad basin region.

There are questions that demand answers. For how long have the arrested alleged suppliers been transporting food items to terrorists using the suspected routes? Why were they not caught before now? What will happen to them after their arrest?

Notably, the police, last year, had accused some arrested terrorism-related suppliers of criminal conspiracy. There is no doubt that such suppliers help terrorists to sustain their criminal activities. The fight against terrorism should be not only against terrorists but also those who aid them.

Such arrests should be a means of gathering intelligence that would advance the country’s fight against terrorism. It is not enough to arrest suppliers. Such arrests should lead to the capture of terrorists.

In a case that grabbed the headlines last year, the Force Intelligence Bureau -Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT) arrested members of a group that allegedly supplied drugs, bread and other food items to bandits operating in Zaria, Kaduna State and its environs.

They were apprehended at the Rigachikun base following a tip-off, and revealed that they usually supplied bread to bandits at Galadimawa, Damari, Kidandan and Awala camps in Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas, Kaduna State. One of them said they also supplied information to bandits which helped their kidnapping and cattle rustling operations.

Bakery owner Hassan Magaji, who was arrested, said: ‘The boom in my business began when I started supplying bread to bandits.’ He had an agreement with them that they would pay upfront for their bread supplies, and he made good profit doing business with them. ‘They started with bread worth N20, 000 and gradually increased it to N50, 000 a day,’ he said, adding that he made as much as N150,000 a week ‘after removing the cost of the ingredients.’

Nothing was heard about the food suppliers and their criminal customers after the report. There have also been reported arrests of suppliers of arms to bandits. Even, in one striking case, a housewife identified as Maryam Abubakar, in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested for allegedly supplying women, including her daughters and nieces, to bandits in Galadimawa forest to satisfy their sexual needs. Lamentably, these arrests led nowhere.

The point bears repeating: It is pointless announcing the arrest of terrorism enablers, whether they are suppliers of drugs, food items, weapons or sex, if such arrests lead nowhere. Arresting suppliers should not be an end in itself, but should be a means to an end, which is the arrest of those who receive the supplies.

The large number of bags of beans, maize and fish seized from suspected suppliers recently can be said to suggest a great number of terrorists. Fighting terrorism must go beyond arresting suppliers. They should be tried and penalised. But ultimately, terrorists should be caught, prosecuted and punished.