Category: The Nation – Nigeria

A fresh crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is threatening the planned November National Convention of the party.

The party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has voided the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State Working Committee (SWC) of the party by the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum.

Anyanwu said PDP’s National Working Committee (NEC) never decided on the dissolution of the leadership of the party in the state.

The National Secretary and the National Chairman have been locked in a fresh battle, culminating in the issuance of conflicting letters by both leaders of the party.

A letter by Anyanwu, dated October 1, 2025, and titled: ‘RE: Dissolution of Akwa Ibom State Working Committee,’ reads: ‘My attention has been drawn to the purported press release by the National Publicity Secretary (NPS) of our party, announcing the dissolution of the State Working Committee of Akwa Ibom State.

‘For purposes of clarity, that press release should be discountenanced, because there was no formal sitting of the National Working Committee (NWC) in which such a decision was taken.

‘It is not in the official position and duties of the National Publicity Secretary to take actions relating to the implementation of the decisions of the National Working Committee of our great party. As a result, the purported press release is null and void and of no effect.

‘The State Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State stands undissolved.

‘Please, consider this letter as the rightful authority for you to continue in your duties as provided in the PDP Constitution 2017, as amended.’

The PDP National Publicity Secretary had, on Monday, issued a statement informing of the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State’s Working Committee and the constitution of a 31-man caretaker committee to run the affairs of the party for a minimum of three months.

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), and a jurist and visiting Professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, have commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr.

Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for awarding N20 million as compensation to Mrs. Chineze Ozoadibe and five other individuals wrongfully arrested.

HURIWA said the latest compensation, the recent judicial victory recorded by the DSS in the suit filed against Prof. Pat Utomi’s bid to float a shadow cabinet, and another against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, were testimonies to the DG’s faith in the rule of law.

On his part, retired Justice Omolaye-Ajileye, lauded the DSS boss for demonstrating leadership, accountability, and respect for human rights, saying they reflect a commitment to transparency and the rule of law.

‘The award of N20 million in total compensation to these wrongfully detained individuals showcases Mr. Ajayi’s total dedication to rectifying mistakes, building public trust, and upholding justice,’ said the retired judge.

‘This action sets a positive precedent for other security agencies to follow and underscores the DSS’s commitment to

protecting the rights of Nigerian citizens,’ noted the retired jurist.

According to HURIWA: ‘The decision to challenge Professor Pat Utomi’s plan to form a shadow cabinet in court, rather than resorting to unlawful arrest or detention, is a significant step towards entrenching democratic principles.’

In a statement by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA noted that the ‘DSS’ recourse to judicial interpretation marks a refreshing departure from the long-standing culture of arbitrary clampdowns on dissenting voices.

‘By seeking judicial interpretation, the DSS has shown that law enforcement can safeguard internal security while still respecting constitutional freedom,’ observed the NGO, adding, ‘this approach aligns with global best practices in democratic governance.’

On the new DSS culture of compensating persons wrongfully arrested, HURIWA noted, ‘These actions, the fourth that has become public knowledge, demonstrate that the DSS, under Mr. Ajayi, recognizes that mistakes are inevitable in security operations.

‘However, what defines professionalism is the courage to admit errors and offer redress. We urge the DSS to codify these reforms into official practice directions so that the principles of compensation, accountability, and respect for due process become entrenched in the Service’s operations,’ observed the NGO.

‘The DSS has set a standard that others must follow; one where internal security is pursued without trampling on fundamental rights. If sustained, this new culture will enhance professionalism, boost public confidence, and consolidate Nigeria’s democratic values,’ the group concluded.

Veteran actress Bimbo Akintola has called for Nigerians to embrace polygamy as a part of the country’s tradition.

In a recent interview with Biola Bayo, Akintola argued that polygamy was a common practice in Yoruba families, where men often have multiple wives.

She stated that the current perceived shortage of men in society makes it practical for two women to share one husband.

She said, ‘With the way the world is going, people should embrace polygamy. You say marriage is everything, so if we don’t have enough men according to statistics, does that not mean two women to one man?

‘I also believe it is part of our tradition. Most of Generation X, Yorubas, and even our parents had two to three wives. It was something we saw while growing up. Maybe we also noticed the disadvantages, but some people say there are advantages too.

Akintola shared a personal anecdote about a woman who brought a second wife into her home to alleviate pressure from her husband’s higher sexual needs.

According to Akintola, some women may even welcome sharing a husband as a way to maintain peace in the household.

‘I know some women who would rather have a second wife. I even know someone who married a second wife for her husband so that she could have peace. They didn’t have the same libido. His was higher than hers, so she thought, ‘this man will kill me, let me find support,’ and she married a wife for him’, she added.

She also advised parents who prefer monogamy to focus on raising boys with strong values, teaching them discipline and respect from a young age to prevent infidelity and promiscuity.

‘All these men we are talking about, who are polygamous and cheat, were raised by someone. Raise your son to be that kind of man so that future women, your daughters, will have men like that to marry’, she added.

As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, it is important not to just wave the flag, but to reflect on how far we have come economically, what lessons history has taught us, and what recent reforms may mean for our collective future.

At independence in 1960, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was about US$4.2 billion, with a population of roughly 45 million people and per capita income estimated at US$93.

Agriculture was the backbone of the economy. Cocoa in the West, palm oil in the East, and groundnut pyramids in the North fueled exports and provided livelihoods for millions.

But the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantities transformed everything. By the 1970s, oil revenues had become the lifeblood of government budgets.

While this funded roads, schools, and ambitious infrastructure, it also exposed us to global oil shocks, encouraged rent-seeking, and gradually weakened the agricultural base that had once sustained us.

Elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakassai recently reminded Nigerians in an interview that those who judge Nigeria’s current condition without reference to history miss the bigger picture.

In his words, ‘From 60 years ago till now, we are in control of our destinies. Every administrative move is under the control of Nigeria, which was not so before the present administration. Sadly, someone who does not know where Nigeria was before cannot make an informed decision about Nigeria today.’

This perspective unveils a vital truth: to appreciate Nigeria’s progress, one must remember where we started.

A major turning point came in 2014, when Nigeria rebased its GDP calculations for the first time in over two decades.

Suddenly, the economy appeared almost 90% larger, not because money had magically appeared, but because new sectors like telecommunications, Nollywood, and digital services were finally counted.

Once again, in 2024, rebasing updated the base year to 2019, raising Nigeria’s GDP to ?372.82 trillion (US$244 billion).

Agriculture’s share rose by 3.2% in Q1 2025 after rebasing, showing that farmers’ contributions had long been underestimated.

These revisions reveal that Nigeria’s economy is more diverse and resilient than official figures had often reflected.

Today, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is undergoing another crucial economic transition. His government has introduced difficult but necessary reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and redirecting resources toward the people.

Subsidy removal has redirected funds once enjoyed by the wealthy into Nelfund, TIVET programs, and loan facilities for lecturers.

Conditional cash transfers of ?75,000 and ?25,000 have reached between 15 and 75 million vulnerable households.

Dialysis treatment costs have been cut from ?100,000 to ?12,000, easing the burden on poor households.

External reserves have risen to over US$42 billion, while Nigeria posted a US$6.83 billion balance of payments surplus in 2024, strengthening the naira and boosting investor confidence.

GDP growth improved to 4.23% in Q2 2025, up from 3.48% the previous year – a sign that reforms are beginning to take hold.

Importantly, the naira has shown new signs of stability. In September 2025, it recorded its most stable run of the year, trading consistently below ?1,500/$ at the official window. It strengthened from ?1,526/$ at the start of the month to around ?1,475/$ by month’s end, while the parallel market also firmed to around ?1,495/$.

This contrasts sharply with the turbulence of 2023-24, when the naira fell rapidly and market gaps widened.

This stability has not gone unnoticed internationally. The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recently acknowledged the efforts of the president and his renewed hope team

In her words, ‘The president and his team have worked hard to stabilize the economy, and you cannot improve an economy unless it is stable. He has to be given the credit for the stability of the economy. The reforms have been in the right direction.’

In the oil and gas sector, production is also recovering. In July 2025, Nigeria met and even slightly exceeded its OPEC quota, producing about 1.5 million barrels per day of crude oil.

By August, output had risen further to 1.63 million barrels per day, a strong 96% of its OPEC crude quota.

These improvements show that reforms and better security in the oil-producing regions are beginning to yield results.

Yes, we are not yet where we envisaged ourselves to be economically. Nigeria can be more, and should be more.

This reality means that implementation of reforms must continue by those who truly understand Nigeria’s needs, ensuring that the average citizen not only feels growth on paper but experiences it in daily life.

At 65, Nigeria’s economic story is one of resilience and reinvention. We have moved from agriculture to oil, from stagnation to rebasing, and now to reform.

The current government’s steps are painful in the short run but may prove pivotal in laying the foundation for inclusive, sustainable growth.

The lesson of our journey is clear: policies must prioritize people, not just macro indicators. Infrastructure, healthcare, and education must become central pillars of growth.

Nigeria cannot rely solely on oil or statistical rebasing; our true wealth lies in our people, their innovation, resilience, and hard work.

As Alhaji Tanko Yakassai rightly put it, perspective matters. To know where we are today, we must understand where we were yesterday. And compared to 1960, Nigeria has taken bold ownership of its destiny.

As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us recognize both how far we have come and how far we must still go.

With unity, patience, and commitment to reform, the promise of a prosperous Nigeria remains within reach. Happy Independence Day, 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.

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’.