Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has reiterated its commitment to advancing local content development and strengthening the role of the media in fostering mutual understanding between International Oil Companies (IOCs) and their host communities.

Speaking at a Media Capacity Building Programme organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Chevron’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Olusoga Oduselu – represented by Mr. Saheed Praise Akinbola – said the company remains dedicated to human capital development and sustainable partnerships with both the media and host communities.

‘Through initiatives such as AWARES and this ongoing journalism training, we continue to improve professional capacity and build lasting relationships with our media stakeholders,’ Oduselu stated. ‘We believe that the success of the larger society translates to success in our business, which is why we keep investing in human and community development.’

Oduselu disclosed that since 2023, Chevron has trained more than 400 journalists across Nigeria through similar capacity-building programmes. He added that the company’s strong support for Nigerian Content development generates over $1 billion in annual contract opportunities for Nigerians.

He further highlighted that Chevron’s Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) model, along with its transition to the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, underscores the company’s commitment to community-driven, sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

‘Through our GMoU and now HCDTs, we have supported hundreds of projects and empowered communities. We also remain one of the largest contributors of high-quality domestic gas in Nigeria, having reduced routine flaring by over 97% in the past decade,’ Oduselu added.

At the event, experts from the Delta State University, Abraka, emphasized the crucial role of the media in bridging the communication gap between IOCs and host communities.

Delivering a lecture titled ‘The Role of the Media in Strengthening Relationships between IOCs and Host Communities,’ Dr. Favour Atubi stressed that the media must act as educators, watchdogs, and peacebuilders.

‘The media must educate host communities about their rights, carry out investigative journalism, and report grievances before they escalate. Transparency, cultural sensitivity, and balanced reporting are essential for building trust and healthy relationships,’ Atubi noted.

She added that journalists should put pressure on IOCs to fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), promote dialogue, and ensure factual reporting to prevent misinformation.

Similarly, Professor Majority Oji, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Delta State University, in his presentation on ‘PIA: Roles of the Media in Educating the Host Communities,’ urged journalists to deepen their understanding of the Petroleum Industry Act to effectively enlighten residents about their rights and benefits.

‘We need the NUJ to spearhead a media-led enlightenment campaign in the Niger Delta on the PIA,’ Prof. Oji said, emphasizing the media’s role in shaping awareness and accountability.

Also speaking, Mr. Philip Nwosu, in a paper on ‘IOCs: The Importance of AI and Fact-Check in the 21st Century Media Reportage,’ highlighted the relevance of technology in improving journalism.

He noted that while Artificial Intelligence saves time and builds trust, journalists must remain vigilant about potential errors and misinformation.

The chairman of NUJ, Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, his predecessor, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and chairman of the host chapel, Victor Okpomor were among journalists who participated in the training.

President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), Wahid Enitan Oshodi, has expressed high expectations for this year’s ITTF-Africa Championships, citing the impressive form and quality of players set to compete.

Oshodi commended the Tunisian Table Tennis Federation (FTTT) for stepping in to host the tournament following Rwanda’s late withdrawal, praising their dedication to the sport and their experience in organizing top-tier events.

He also expressed excitement over the strong presence of young talent at the tournament, which will take place in Tunis between October 12 and 19. The event serves as a qualifying competition for the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in London.

‘There’s no doubt this year’s tournament will be fiercely contested, especially given the current form of our players and the emergence of talented youth athletes,’ Oshodi said. ‘We’re particularly thrilled that many junior players who featured at the recent Youth Tournaments in Lagos have earned spots on their national teams for Tunis. This shows they’re maturing and ready to challenge the veterans. This will give us a chance to see the levels of improvement in their play over the last year. I expect upsets in Tunis and look forward to seeing some of these young stars rise to the top.’

He added: ‘We must also acknowledge the experience of our established players, which will make the tournament even more exciting. The atmosphere in Tunis will rival any global event. Tunisia is a seasoned host with a strong track record, and we’re eager for the tournament to kick off on October 12. The highlight for many teams will be the team event, which doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London.’

The 2026 edition will celebrate the centenary of the sport, returning to the city where both the International Table Tennis Federation and the first World Championships were founded in 1926.

This year’s continental showcase promises high-stakes action as Africa’s finest athletes compete across seven categories: men’s team, women’s team, men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. The Rades’ Multisports Hall will host eight thrilling days of elite competition.

At the 8th and 9th Assemblies, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, PhD, Speaker of the House of Representatives dedicated himself quietly yet resolutely to his role as a lawmaker, striving to provide quality representation for his constituents in Zaira, Kaduna. He actively sponsored legislation and contributed meaningfully to national discourse, all while tirelessly strategizing ways to foster growth within the country. Little did he know, these sleepless nights and thoughtful efforts would later culminate in an extraordinary recognition: being appointed the Number 4 leader in Africa’s most populous nation, often referred to as the Giant of Africa.

A man of few words and gentle demeanor, Speaker Abbas emerged as a notable figure in the lower chamber, sponsoring the highest number of bills among his peers. His commitment to his constituents earned him a landslide victory in the 10th Assembly, supported by a broad coalition of lawmakers. Under his leadership, he has navigated the complexities of his role with finesse, professionalism, and a dedication to staying free of controversy, always aligning his work with constitutional mandates. Today, he is celebrated as one of Kaduna’s most beloved politicians, revered for his distinctive and impactful leadership style.

On October 1st, the Zaria federal lawmaker marked his 60th birthday. Rather than indulging in extravagant celebrations or lavish parties in Abuja or Kaduna, Speaker Abbas chose to make this milestone significant through acts of service aimed at positively impacting the lives of others. He reached out to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and prison inmates, utilizing the support of his Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr. Chamberlain Dunku, to execute a plan that reflected his core values.

In a remarkable demonstration of compassion, Speaker Abbas sponsored examinations for prison inmates and worked towards the release of several individuals by paying their bail fees. At the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja, he provided registration fees for 100 inmates, enabling them to sit for the 2025 National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and National Examinations Council (NECO) tests-57 of these individuals will take the NABTEB examination while 43 will be registered for NECO.

Continuing his efforts in Zaria, on that same Wednesday, Speaker Abbas expended over N3 million on bail bonds, successfully securing the release of nine individuals from the Zaria Medium Correctional Centre. The beneficiaries included Ibrahim Dan’asabe (N240,000), Kabir Ibrahim (N180,000), Ibrahim Ahmed (N60,000), Haruna Musa (N350,000), Aliyu Tukur (N390,000), Prince Wadilor Wodu (N326,000), Mustapha Abubakar (N410,000), Sagir Sani (N685,000), and Shehu Abubakar (N440,000).

In addition to his efforts for the incarcerated, Speaker Abbas also donated food items to the IDPs residing at the Kabusa Camp, providing over 1,000 bags of rice to help alleviate their plight during challenging times. His wife, Hajia Fatima Abbas-Tajudeen, complemented these efforts by generously donating N2 million to support the IDPs. Furthermore, both Dr. Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), and Alhaji Ilyasu Balarabe, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), contributed N1 million each, further exemplifying a collective commitment to service and compassion in the community.

When Professor Mahmood Yakubu assumed office as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in November 2015, Nigeria’s democratic system was at a crossroads. Years of manual operations, logistical breakdowns, and allegations of electoral manipulation had eroded public confidence. To many, INEC was a bureaucracy struggling under the weight of its own inefficiencies. But to Yakubu, it was an institution on the verge of transformation – one that could be modernised through innovation, data, and technology.

Ten years later, as he stepped down – the first INEC chairman in Nigeria’s history to complete two full terms – his legacy is widely viewed through the lens of the digital revolution that took root under his leadership.

Yakubu on Tuesday handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu as successor on an interim basis. In recognition of decade-long legacy at INEC, President Bola Tinubu conferred upon him the befitting national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger.

As acting chairman, Agbamuche-Mbu inherited an INEC that has undergone one of the most profound technological transformations in its history. Much of that transformation bears the imprint of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose years at the helm redefined how elections are conducted, monitored, and perceived in Africa’s largest democracy.

When Professor Yakubu assumed office in November 2015, Nigeria’s electoral landscape was mired in challenges – logistical inefficiency, accusations of bias, and a pervasive distrust of official results. Yet, for Yakubu, the task was not just to conduct elections, but to reinvent the machinery that made them possible.

Over the years, he pursued a vision of technology-driven credibility, anchored in the belief that democracy must rest on systems that are transparent, verifiable, and resilient against manipulation. His leadership style blended academic precision with institutional pragmatism, and his reforms would ultimately turn INEC from a manual bureaucracy into a data-driven agency.

At the heart of Yakubu’s reforms was the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) – a device that became synonymous with Nigeria’s new electoral era. Designed to authenticate voters using both fingerprints and facial recognition, BVAS addressed one of the country’s longest-standing problems: voter impersonation and multiple voting.

Replacing the old Smart Card Reader, BVAS added a layer of biometric verification that significantly reduced irregularities. It also transmitted accreditation data electronically, linking the number of verified voters directly to the results uploaded from polling units. This innovation drastically curtailed opportunities for result manipulation and established a digital trail for every stage of the process.

BVAS was first tested during the Anambra State governorship election in November 2021, marking a cautious but ground-breaking departure from traditional methods. The results encouraged broader adoption. By the time Nigeria held its 2023 general elections, BVAS had become the centrepiece of electoral accreditation nationwide, backed by the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

Despite isolated technical hitches, BVAS symbolised Yakubu’s commitment to using technology as a bulwark for integrity. It represented the institutionalisation of trust – a message that every vote must count and that every voter must be verified.

If BVAS strengthened the mechanics of voting, the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) redefined electoral transparency. Launched in 2020, the portal allowed polling unit results to be uploaded in real time and viewed publicly by citizens, journalists, and observers.

For the first time, Nigerians could monitor their elections live, tracking results as they appeared from even the most remote corners of the country. This digital innovation shattered decades of opacity in the collation process, transforming what had long been a closed-door exercise into a public spectacle of accountability.

Yakubu often described transparency as ‘the oxygen of democracy,’ and the IReV portal embodied that conviction. Even when technical issues or connectivity gaps arose, the system represented a cultural shift – a move toward open governance in electoral administration.

Beyond BVAS and IReV, INEC under Yakubu underwent a quiet but sweeping digital overhaul. Several core processes that had once relied on manual inputs were automated. The online candidate nomination portal, for instance, allowed political parties to upload the names and details of their nominees electronically, minimising human interference and reducing disputes.

Observer accreditation, collation templates, and logistical data management were also digitised. The commission’s adoption of secure digital platforms streamlined its workflow and created a database-driven environment where decisions could be monitored, verified, and audited.

Another landmark achievement was the institutionalisation of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). The CVR initiative enabled citizens to register or update their details year-round rather than only before elections. This digital inclusion policy broadened the voter base and enhanced the accuracy of Nigeria’s voter register – now among the largest and most comprehensive in Africa.

To improve operational efficiency, Yakubu also introduced the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC), a data analytics hub that tracked polling activities in real time. Using dashboards and key performance indicators, the EMSC provided field updates that helped INEC identify and resolve problems promptly during elections. This internal digital infrastructure, though less publicised, became one of the most powerful tools of reform – turning INEC into a responsive, data-literate institution capable of rapid decision-making.

Yakubu’s vision of reform was not only technological but also humanistic. He believed that innovation should promote inclusion and access. Under his leadership, INEC developed systems to accommodate persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Tactile ballot guides were introduced for the visually impaired, while new digital mapping techniques allowed INEC to locate IDP settlements and ensure their participation in elections. These efforts underscored the idea that technology in democracy is most meaningful when it empowers the most vulnerable.

Yet, the journey was not without obstacles. The 2023 general elections exposed the limits of Nigeria’s digital readiness. Delays in result upload to IReV, network disruptions, and logistical lapses fuelled public frustration. Critics accused the commission of overpromising, while supporters defended the reforms as evolutionary rather than instantaneous.

Yakubu was candid about the challenges. ‘Technology is not a magic wand,’ he said after the polls. ‘It is an enabler that requires constant refinement.’ He maintained that the real value of innovation lies in its ability to provide traceable evidence – allowing every dispute to be resolved on the basis of data rather than speculation.

Despite the criticism, independent observers, including the European Union and ECOWAS Election Mission, acknowledged that Nigeria’s elections had become more transparent and technically verifiable than ever before.

Perhaps Yakubu’s most underappreciated legacy was his defence of INEC’s autonomy. Throughout his decade-long leadership, he faced pressure from powerful political interests but consistently emphasised the commission’s neutrality. His tenure preserved INEC’s independence as a constitutional body, even amid heated national contests.

Under his watch, INEC expanded polling units for the first time in 25 years, regularised the electoral calendar, and professionalised its staff through training in data management, cyber security, and election technology. The cumulative effect was the birth of an institution that not only conducted elections but also evolved as a learning organisation – one that understood its duty to adapt, innovate, and improve.

Professor Yakubu’s decade at INEC was not without flaws, but it was undoubtedly transformative. He envisioned a commission that used technology not for show, but as a safeguard – a tool to anchor democracy in transparency and verifiable truth. Today, Nigeria’s electoral process stands on a stronger digital foundation. Voter accreditation is more credible, results are more transparent, and institutions are more accountable. The road ahead will require fine-tuning and resilience, but Yakubu’s legacy has already altered the DNA of election management in Nigeria.

As one analyst put it, ‘He did not perfect the system, but he gave it a soul – a digital conscience.’

The mood in Abuja is electrifying. As Prof Mahmood Yakubu bows out as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the air in political circles is thick with speculation and scepticism.

Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), his successor, will not only inherit Yakubu’s innovations but also his burden. He will take charge of an institution both praised and criticised harshly: one that has reshaped how Nigerians vote, and how they doubt.

Amupitan should guarantee that by 2027, the ballot will not only count but be believed.

‘We don’t just need a referee,’ says youth activist Aisha Abdullahi in Kano. ‘We need a credible one. It’s not the voting that hurts; it’s watching results vanish between the polling unit and Abuja.’

From reform to relapse

The introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) once raised hopes of transparency. Yet when the system stuttered in 2023, with slow uploads, missing results, and unexplained ‘technical glitches’, those hopes quickly vanished.

‘Technology doesn’t build trust; people do,’ notes Ezenwa Nwagwu, convener of the Say No Campaign. ‘The next INEC chairman must understand that credibility isn’t just about machines-it’s about management and communication.’

Integrity and independence

Nigeria’s electoral history has always revolved around one question: trust. Political analyst and former INEC director Prof. Okey Ibeanu puts it bluntly: ‘You can have BVAS, IReV, and 10 acronyms after that, but if the leadership of INEC is not seen as neutral, everything else falls apart.’

The single most vital quality Nigerians now demand of the incoming chairman is unquestionable integrity-whether it is Amupitan, with his legal gravitas, Liman, with his judicial discipline, or Olurode, with his insider experience.

‘The individual must be de-tribalized, honest, and independent,’ says Austin Aigbe of the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network. ‘He must understand the system and withstand pressure from any quarter.’

Paul James, Election Manager at Yiaga Africa, adds: ‘The next INEC chairman should embody integrity, independence, and a commitment to credible, inclusive, and transparent elections.’

Yakubu, to his credit, survived intense political pressure and completed two election cycles-the first chairman to do so since 1999. Yet his tenure was marked by accusations of inconsistency, especially after the 2023 polls. ‘He tried to be fair,’ says an INEC insider, ‘but fairness isn’t only about doing right-it’s about being seen to do right.’

Public perception of neutrality has become INEC’s biggest test. The next chairman must fiercely safeguard it.

Beyond technology

Under Yakubu’s leadership, INEC adopted BVAS and IReV, which were an upgrade of the Smart Card Reader introduced in 2015. However, their failures in 2023 exposed persistent weaknesses: poor connectivity, untrained ad-hoc staff, and opaque communication.

‘INEC cannot keep treating election day like a surprise party,’ says Samson Itodo, Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director. ‘You can’t test new technology on the day of the match. The next chairman must plan, test, train, and communicate.’

Kenya’s 2017 presidential election, annulled due to irregularities in digital result transmission, compelled the election management body to introduce more reforms. ‘Nigeria can learn from that,’ Itodo adds. ‘Technology must be transparent, not mysterious.’

For this to happen, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must nominate a man or woman of integrity. ‘He once criticised Jonathan for delaying reforms,’ Aigbe recalls. ‘Now the ball is in his court.’

The logistics labyrinth

Few institutions in Nigeria face logistical challenges as complex as INEC’s, which must deploy materials, staff, and security across 176,000 polling units in a single day. Under Yakubu, there were visible improvements: early procurement, new polling units, and better coordination. Yet 2023 revealed familiar lapses: late commencement of elections and missing materials in several states.

‘People blame technology,’ says former INEC commissioner Dr Amina Zakari, ‘but sometimes the issue is a bad road, a missing truck, or a local security scare. Logistics involves more than just transportation; it also requires strategic intelligence and planning.’

For 2027, Nigerians expect a chairman with not only integrity and innovation, but operational discipline; someone who treats logistics as a science and fights for timely funding. As Yakubu admitted, ‘INEC remains one of the most underfunded election commissions in Africa relative to its mandate.’ Without early funding, reforms remain PowerPoint promises.

Lessons from Ghana, Kenya, South Africa

Across Africa, election commissions face similar pressures but handle them differently. Ghana’s Electoral Commission, led by Jean Mensa, managed a smooth 2020 poll through transparent engagement and communication. ‘When the public is informed, suspicion reduces,’ says journalist Kwame Ofori.

Kenya’s IEBC, after its 2017 crisis, now publishes polling-station results in real time. South Africa’s IEC derives credibility from institutional independence, backed by secure funding and legal protection.

‘Nigeria’s next INEC boss needs that kind of buffer,’ argues lawyer Chidi Odinkalu. ‘You can’t build impartiality on political debt.’

INEC’s autonomy remains fragile; legally granted but politically mediated. The next chairman must not only run elections but champion reforms that would insulate INEC constitutionally and financially from executive interference.

Communication: The missing link

When IReV faltered in 2023, Nigerians waited days for explanations. Silence filled the gap, and rumours took over.

‘That’s where Yakubu lost many people,’ says a senior journalist. ‘Even if you’re right, if you go quiet, you lose the narrative.’

The next INEC chairman must act as communicator-in-chief, not just a bureaucrat, offering quick, clear updates in plain language. Transparency is not optional; it’s survival. South Africa’s IEC holds open briefings and streams real-time dashboards. Nigerians deserve no less.

Courage under pressure

Integrity in Nigeria’s political environment is not abstract-it’s a battlefield. Political parties treat elections as warfare. Pressure on INEC comes from every direction.

‘The next INEC chairman must have the courage to say no,’ insists Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed of the Northern Elders Forum. ‘Yakubu sometimes did, but not enough. Independence is not given; it’s taken.’

Yakubu’s record on firmness illustrates the delicate balance he expertly maintained. His decision to deregister 74 political parties in 2020 showed courage.

However, his hesitance in sanctioning voter intimidation and erring staff disappointed critics because it showed a lack of strong action against threats and misconduct.

‘We need a chairman who enforces rules equally-north or south, ruling or opposition,’ Baba-Ahmed says.

Security: Democracy’s fragile edge

Elections in parts of Nigeria remain fraught with violence and intimidation. ‘The next INEC chairman must treat security as integral to election management,’ says Clement Nwankwo of the Situation Room coalition.

He calls for pre-election mapping of hot spots, joint planning with security agencies, and community peace-building. In 2023 alone, INEC reported over 40 incidents of violence and arson. Several INEC offices in the Southeast were destroyed ahead of the polls.

‘We need courage and strategy,’ Nwankwo says. ‘Otherwise, fear will continue to disenfranchise citizens.’

Inclusion and the human factor

Under Yakubu, INEC improved access for persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and the elderly-but implementation fell short of expectations. In conflict zones like Borno and Zamfara, many displaced voters remained disenfranchised.

‘The new chairman must bring empathy to the job,’ says Grace Jerry of the Inclusive Friends Association. ‘If people with disabilities can’t access polling units, democracy is incomplete.’

Aigbe adds, ‘Since 1999, we’ve only had male INEC chairmen. It’s time to give the job to a woman.’

The politics of dependence

INEC’s reliance on federal budget allocations often leads to late procurements and strained logistics. Ghana’s EC enjoys multi-year budgeting; South Africa’s IEC has statutory financial independence. Nigeria’s INEC, meanwhile, must lobby the same politicians it regulates.

‘That’s a structural contradiction,’ says Odinkalu. ‘The referee shouldn’t beg the players for his whistle.’

INEC’s finances must be free from political control. Without that, even the most honest commissioner will be constrained.

Legal clarity and decisiveness

The Electoral Act 2022 improved Nigeria’s framework but left ambiguities, especially on the legal weight of electronic results transmission. Court rulings after 2023 deepened confusion. ‘The next INEC boss must be a legal tactician,’ says Femi Falana, SAN. ‘They must understand the law, anticipate loopholes, and apply it uniformly.’

Yakubu’s INEC often hesitated in legally contentious moments, from party primaries to disqualifications. Nigerians now expect sharper decisiveness.

Turning voters into stakeholders

Voter turnout in 2023 was just 29 per cent, the lowest since 1999. Disillusionment, fear, and logistical failures all contributed. ‘People must feel their votes matter,’ says Itodo. ‘Otherwise, democracy becomes theatre.’

The next INEC chairman can learn from Ghana and South Africa, where voter education continues between elections. Partnerships with civil society, schools, and influencers could help rebuild faith in the process.

‘Trust is a process,’ says Aisha Abdullahi in Kano. ‘It grows when people see results match reality.’

The burden of trust

Today, Nigerians discuss not just who wins, but how elections are won. The emotional wounds from 2023 run deep because technology and trust failed simultaneously.

In Lagos markets, voters like Chinedu Okorie recall the anxiety of that February night when results stopped loading. ‘I voted. I waited. Then silence.’

For him, and millions like him, 2027 must be different. ‘If Nigerians can see their polling unit results online, and they match what they saw at the booth, whoever wins, Nigerians will be happy,’ says Aigbe.

A legacy to build upon

Yakubu’s record is not one of failure, but of unfinished business. He expanded access with over 50,000 new polling units, stabilised the election calendar, and introduced transformative technologies. Yet he leaves behind a trust deficit that innovation alone cannot fix.

His tenure proved that Nigeria’s problem isn’t just technology-it’s mistrust. And trust cannot be programmed; it must be earned.

The next chairman will enter an office where every decision will be contested, every delay magnified, every error politicised. Yet the opportunity is enormous. A credible 2027 election could reset Nigeria’s democratic trajectory for a generation.

‘He must guide INEC with technical excellence, robust governance, and proactive stakeholder engagement,’ says Yiaga Africa’s Paul James. ‘And remain resilient in crises, committed to long-term reform consistent with Nigeria’s laws and constitution.’

If he-or she-succeeds, Nigeria’s democracy will not just survive; it will mature. If not, disillusionment may deepen beyond repair.

Epilogue: Will my vote count?

In the end, the measure of the new INEC chairman will not lie in the number of devices deployed or reforms announced. It will lie in a simpler question-one every Nigerian carries silently to the booth:

Will my vote count this time?

Amupitan should be able to turn scepticism into belief, and elections into trust.

Leading Marketing Communications Group, Verdant Zeal Group Limited, is set to host the 13th edition of its flagship ‘Innovention Series’ with the theme: Fintech and Inclusion: Pushing the Boundaries for Economic Growth in Nigeria.

Scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, the virtual event is billed to foster thought-provoking conversations to help shape Africa’s socio-economic development.

Since its inception in 2012, the Innovention Series has served as a trusted thought-leadership platform for challenging conventional thinking, interrogating Africa’s development trajectory, and uncovering transformative ideas that drive progress.

This year’s edition, with the overarching theme: Fintech and the Digital Economy, will spotlight the role of Fintech and the digital economy in shaping Africa’s future – bridging the gap between invention and innovation, fostering financial inclusion, and positioning the continent as a strong player in the global digital ecosystem.

Erudite scholar and boardroom technocrat, Dr. Segun Aina, who also is the President of Africa Fintech Network, will lead the conversation for this year’s event as the keynote speaker. Renowned for his thought leadership in the digital finance sector, Dr. Aina will share insights on how Fintech can serve as a transformative tool for deepening inclusion and driving sustainable growth.

The event will also feature a Fireside Chat session with Dr. Ogho Okiti (CEO of ThinkBusiness Africa), and Mrs. Aderonke Shogbola (Senior Manager, Business Intelligence and Analytics at eTranzact). Both speakers will unpack key issues around policy frameworks, data-driven innovation, and scaling fintech solutions for impact.

The Executive Vice Chairman of Verdant Zeal Group and Convener of the Innovention Series, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, noted that the 2025 edition comes at a defining moment in Africa’s digital transformation journey.

‘For over a decade, the Innovention Series has championed conversations that push boundaries and inspire action. As we explore fintech and the digital economy, our goal is to create a space for collaboration – where policymakers, innovators, and investors can chart a future that is inclusive, technology-driven, and distinctly African,’ he said.

The Verdant Zeal chief added: ‘Fintech is redefining the way Africans access and use financial services. By embracing innovation, collaboration, and smart regulation, we can build inclusive systems that empower individuals, drive entrepreneurship, and create jobs at scale.’

This year’s Innovention Series seeks to inspire shared understanding, promote optimism, and accelerate Africa’s journey toward a digitally empowered future.

It also underscores Verdant Zeal’s commitment to promoting narratives of African resilience, optimism, and opportunity through meaningful conversations that drive change.

Nigerian rapper Erhiga Agarivbie, popularly known as Erigga, has opened up on why he cannot abandon his music career.

Speaking in an interview with Hip TV, the rapper said his drive for making music comes from passion rather than financial rewards.

Erigga noted that while many artistes quit the industry each year due to various challenges, he remains unwavering because music is an inseparable part of his life.

He emphasised that his love for music goes beyond money or fame, describing it as the core of his existence.

‘Every year, people leave music for real-life issues. But I can’t stop. Music is life. It’s what keeps me going. Take the business and everything out of it, it’s more of a passion. I can’t disappoint my fans,’ Erigga said.

Media personality Do2dtun has issued a public service announcement to DJs and hypemen, advising them to review and adjust their rates ahead of the festive season.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Do2dtun noted that many musicians tend to charge exorbitant fees during the period, which could make them unaffordable for some brands and individuals.

He suggested that DJs and hypemen should take advantage of this by offering more flexible pricing to fill entertainment slots that might otherwise remain vacant due to budget constraints.

He wrote, ‘This is a public service announcement to all Hypeman and DJs yet again. We are getting close to that time of the season where our beloved musicians will charge ridiculously, and maybe some brands and individuals can’t afford it. So, pls adjust your rate cards so you can fill in for them. Hype is alive.’

Similarly, comedian Mr. Jollof recently criticised the high performance fees charged by Nigerian artists, describing them as ‘unrealistic.’ He warned that the trend could dampen the festive season’s celebrations and urged musicians to reconsider their rates in consideration of fans and event organisers facing rising costs.

Activist-lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has said the detention of the leader of proscribed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, should be resolved out of court.

The popular lawyer described Kanu’s case as a political matter and that it should be sorted out outside the courtroom.

Falana spoke in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, while addressing reporters during a visit to Governor Alex Otti.

‘I cannot comment on pending proceedings. You understand me? Like you said, the case was in court today (Wednesday), but I believe that it is a matter that should be sorted out outside the courtroom.

‘For me, it’s a political case. And if you have a situation where some governments are negotiating with bandits or other criminal elements, there can be no basis for not having that matter resolved politically,’ he said.

Falana applauded the various landmark achievements of Abia State Governor Alex Otti in just two years and a few months in office.

The lawyer said he was in the state to defend a client and decided to visit the governor before his appearance in court.

Falana, who said he was familiar with the affairs of Abia State since 1999, praised Otti for providing good roads, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure across the state.

The lawyer said he had seen signs of good governance more than ever before, in the state.

‘I’m familiar with the entire country. I’m familiar with the affairs of Abia State. I’ve been coming here since the inauguration of the civilian government, since 1999.

‘I can say without any fear of contradiction that I’ve seen signs of governance, which were not there before. I’ve seen evidence of physical development.

‘I’ve gone around. I’ve seen good roads, I’ve seen good schools, and hospitals. I am very confident that the governor can do much more than he has done. He owes some of us a duty to ensure that he does not disappoint.

‘I’ve also spoken to people. It’s not enough to go around and see physical development without finding out from the people how they are faring. I’ve heard very positive comments from the people,’ he said.

Falana announced that part of his discussions with Otti was how to intensify his efforts and ensure that the people remain the centrepiece of the administration.

The lawyer stressed that the people must benefit from the dividends of democracy.

Commenting on the ongoing judicial reforms, the activist-lawyer regretted the lack of access to justice for the common man and made a case for the promotion of alternative dispute resolution.

According to him, justice is only accessible to politicians and the elites in Nigeria.

‘Right now, we have a lot of access to justice by the politicians. Only their cases move in court because political cases are time-bound.

‘Other cases, for me, must be time-bound. People make the mistake of saying that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. The common man has no means to go to court. The judiciary is the last hope of the elite.

‘So, if you want the ordinary people to benefit from the judicial system, you must promote alternative dispute resolution. The majority of our people do not go to the Western courts. They patronise traditional rulers and community leaders to resolve problems.

‘So, the governments of our country, including that of Abia State, must also reform the customary courts and palaces of traditional rulers, where our people have daily access to resolve their disputes.

‘If people have confidence in their community leaders to dispense justice, we must promote such fora.

‘I would call on the governments of Nigeria to pay more attention to the traditional judicial system. It’s not enough to satisfy the elite.’

In a determined effort to cushion the effects of hunger, the Mayor of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, on Thursday re-launched his ‘Apo Ariyo’ food distribution initiative, providing bagged food items to over 2,000 residents.

The well-attended event, graced by community leaders, stakeholders, and residents, saw Sanusi-accompanied by his wife, Dr. Mrs. Abidemi Ajoke Sanusi-highlight President Bola Tinubu’s compassionate governance as the inspiration behind the Apo Ariyo initiative, noting that it aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level.

‘We have been doing this since 2014, but this edition is different because you voted for me here. It is part of our father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s welfarist policy,’ Sanusi said. ‘We will be doing this every month. Next month’s edition will be bigger, and the December one will be more far-reaching due to the festive season.’

According to him, each food pack contains rice, beans, and garri for distribution across the council’s wards, targeting 1,500 households with an additional 500 packs reserved.

The event also featured the groundbreaking ceremony for the ‘Dubar Junction Road’ project at Mile 2, which includes the construction of a gate, gatehouse, perimeter fencing, road repairs, and median beautification.

Sanusi laid the first brick at the site, alongside his vice chairman, Maureen Ashara; APC Chairman, Apostle Ayo Ogunbiyi; and councillors. The project engineer assured that construction would be completed within 12 weeks.

Sanusi further vowed to tackle traffic congestion by enforcing regulations against double parking by tricycle riders, pledging to replicate the orderliness seen in other well-organized communities.

He announced plans to commence reconstruction and repair works on major inner roads such as 1st Avenue to Alakija, 2nd Avenue, 7th Avenue, and Agboju Market Road.

‘Our inner roads will receive more attention, and by December, all will be motorable. This is our commitment,’ he assured.

He also disclosed that a major road project at Akoso would be completed before the end of next year, reiterating his resolve to serve diligently and deliver visible dividends of democracy.

Stakeholders commended the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for residents. Mr. Waheed Atanda, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), noted that tackling hunger directly addresses many of the nation’s broader challenges.

Prince Adeyemi Muftau-Ayilara, President of the Amuwo Odofin Landlord Residents Association (ALORA), lauded the Mayor for alleviating hardship in the community.

Beneficiaries, including Mr. Olatunbosun Olayemi, Mrs. Mulikat Raheem, and Mrs. Victoria James, expressed gratitude, praising Sanusi’s leadership and describing the gesture as timely and impactful for the poor and elderly.