Category: The Nation – Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, on his 69th birthday, describing him as a dependable ally, consummate strategist, and a loyal patriot whose contributions to national development span decades.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extolled Dr Alake’s long-standing record of excellence in journalism, public service, and strategic communication.

The President said the Minister remains one of the most accomplished professionals of his generation, noting their long years of friendship and partnership anchored on shared values of service, integrity, and commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

‘Dr Dele Alake has remained a committed, loyal, and outstanding ally for several decades. His steadfastness and unyielding commitment to national development and progress stand him out as a patriot,’ the President said.

Tinubu also commended the Minister’s ongoing efforts to reposition the solid minerals sector as a major revenue earner for the country.

He said Alake’s reforms – including investment promotion, policy innovation, and the integration of artisanal miners into the formal economy – align with the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘On this special day, I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless Dele with good health, wisdom, and strength,’ President Tinubu added.

Dr Alake, a veteran journalist and former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, has been a long-time associate of President Tinubu since the 1990s and currently leads the administration’s drive to harness Nigeria’s mineral wealth for sustainable development.

Reality TV star Mercy Eke has said her Big Brother Naija Season 4 victory represented a major triumph for young women everywhere.

In a recent interview with BellaNaija, Mercy explained that her win not only boosted her confidence but also inspired many women within and outside the reality TV space.

‘I came into the show prepared. I was ready. And when I won the show, I did it for all the young women who have been told that they can’t. I did it for all of us,’ she said.

Mercy, who became the first female winner of the BBNaija series in 2019, paved the way for other women such as Phyna (2022), Ilebaye (2023), and the recently crowned Imisi (2025).

She credited her confidence and preparation as key factors behind her historic victory.

Muslim lawyers in Oyo State have threatened to boycott the 2025 Oyo State Judiciary New Legal Year Service.

According to the lawyers, the resolution to boycott the programme was reached by members in the General meeting of the Association on September 7, 2025.

A statement jointly signed by the chairman of the association, I.A. Saka (Esq), and Secretary (Esq) Mukhtar Aderogba, said the boycott was as a result of the decision of the Judiciary to move venue of the programme from the Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’aba to a new venue without regard for opinion of Muslim Lawyers as stakeholders in the programme.

‘Secondly, the Judiciary has abolished the goodwill messages that NBA, MULAN and Muslim Community of Oyo State traditionally give at the Programme thus depriving us the opportunity of airing our views on important issues within the justice system and the polity at large.

‘Thirdly, the programme is less than a week from today and MULAN is yet to receive any invitation to the programme.

‘Our SANs and the Bar leadership have met with the Judiciary to attempt to convince the Judiciary to reverse their stance but the meeting was deadlocked as our leaders were made to understand that the Programme is a Judiciary Affair and that the decisions of the Judiciary stand unchanged.

‘Consequently, the Association has resolved that all Muslim Lawyers should boycott the Legal Year Service for this year.

‘It is important to comply with this decision to restore the honour of our Association and to obey the decision of our leaders as enjoined by Allah in the Holy Quran.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today (Monday) return to Abuja after a 10-day working visit to Lagos where he engaged with investors, industry leaders, and national stakeholders on key economic and governance matters.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President arrived in Lagos on September 26 after attending the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, in Ibadan.

While in Lagos, President Tinubu met with major investors including Mr. Bayo Ogunlesi, Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners, and Mr. Hakeem Belo-Osagie, former Chairman of United Bank for Africa and Etisalat, and now Chairman of Metis Capital Partners.

The discussions, according to the Presidency, focused on deepening private sector partnerships and boosting investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

The President also received the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, alongside the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, and other key stakeholders in the maritime sector.

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to position the maritime industry as a viable alternative source of national revenue beyond fossil energy.

On the eve of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, President Tinubu travelled to Imo State, where he commissioned several projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodimma and unveiled a book authored by the governor, chronicling ten years of All Progressives Congress (APC) governance in Nigeria.

He delivered his Independence Day national broadcast from the State House, Dodan Barracks, in Lagos, urging Nigerians to speak positively about their country and remain united in hope.

Later that day, he commissioned the newly renovated National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.

On Saturday, October 4, the President visited Jos, Plateau State to attend the burial of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

At the funeral, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the late matriarch and reassured Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of his administration’s unwavering commitment to fairness and equity among all faiths.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Imisi, has revealed that she plans to seek professional financial guidance before deciding how to manage her grand prize.

During her final diary session with Biggie, the 23-year-old actress and fashion designer admitted that she does not yet have a concrete plan for the money but intends to take her time to make thoughtful decisions and avoid common financial mistakes that often follow sudden wealth.

‘Honestly, right now I don’t have a set plan for the money. I need to seek financial advice first because I’ve never had such a large amount before,’ Imisi said.

She added that she has seen many people make poor choices after receiving big wins and hopes to learn from their experiences to ensure long-term stability and growth.

‘I’ve seen people make mistakes after winning big, so I want to take my time and make the right choices,’ she noted.

As a celebration, Imisi plans to take her family members on a date.

Recall that Imisi was declared winner of BBNAIJA season 10 on October 5, 2025 by the show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.

The Kebbi Progressive Youth Coalition for (KEPYO) has cautioned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), against what it described as a ‘consistent display of victimhood politics,’ following his recent claim that his convoy was attacked during a wedding ceremony in Argungu, Kebbi State.

The group, in a statement by its spokesperson Comrade Usman Musa in Birnin Kebbi at the weekend, described Malami’s reaction to the alleged incident as ‘an unnecessary escalation and an attempt to create political tension where none exists.’

It urged the former Minister to exercise restraint and desist from making statements capable of heating up the polity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘The 2027 election period is yet to be upon us. It is therefore unhelpful for a political figure of Malami’s stature to continually frame himself as a victim of orchestrated attacks each time he visits Kebbi,’ the statement reads.

‘Such narratives not only cast the state in bad light but also risk destabilising the peaceful atmosphere for which Kebbi is known.’

The group noted that while every citizen, including Malami, has the constitutional right to free movement and association, responsible conduct demands that public figures exercise discretion, especially in politically sensitive times.

‘As a former top government official and a prominent political actor, Malami should know better than to turn every personal visit into a media spectacle laced with allegations. If he intends to continue what appears to be a new hobby of frequent tours around the state, he should coordinate with relevant state security agencies to ensure adequate arrangements for his safety,’ the statement added.

KEPYO further questioned the pattern of Malami’s public engagements in Kebbi, saying such high-profile movements were uncommon during his years as Attorney General of the federation.

‘It is quite interesting that Malami, who was hardly seen mingling this freely while he held power as Attorney-General, now moves across Kebbi with large entourages and constant press attention,’ the youth group said. ‘While he is free to reconnect with his political base, he must do so responsibly and without projecting every encounter as an assassination attempt or political ambush.’

The group described the repeated allegations of attacks as ‘victimhood taken too far,’ warning that the peace of Kebbi state should not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.

‘The people of Kebbi have always prided themselves on peaceful coexistence. It is therefore imperative that political leaders refrain from rhetoric or behaviour that could inflame divisions or invite needless controversy,’ it stated.

The coalition reiterated its call for all political stakeholders in the state to engage constructively and prioritise dialogue over sensationalism.

‘We expect Malami and others with political aspirations to channel their influence toward promoting unity and development, rather than nurturing narratives that portray Kebbi as a hostile or unsafe state. Kebbi remains peaceful, and the youth are determined to keep it that way.’

While expressing support for law enforcement agencies investigating the alleged Argungu incident, the group emphasised that maintaining order and political tolerance is a shared responsibility.

‘If Malami feels genuinely threatened, he should liaise directly with the Kebbi State Police Command and other relevant security outfits to put measures in place. What we do not need are public statements that inflame passions and divide the people along partisan lines,’ the statement advised.

The Kebbi Youth Coalition for Peace and Development, a non-partisan organisation advocating good governance and social stability in the state, urged all political actors to focus on issues that advance the welfare of citizens rather than pursuing ‘attention-driven theatrics.’

The Senate will begin a busy legislative quarter after an eight-week annual vacation tomorrow.

Top of the agenda are the 2026 budget, constitution amendment and the Electoral Act.

Among such legislation is the ongoing alteration process of the 1999 Constitution.

The House of Representatives, last week, held its National Public Hearing on about 86 constitutional amendment bills.

The Senate is expected to conduct a similar process ahead of the presentation of the report of its Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review for consideration and passage.

All bills passed by both chambers after due voting would be sent to the state Houses of Assembly for further consideration and passage.

Two-thirds of the Houses of Assembly must concur with the National Assembly before any bill can stand.

Thereafter, all the bills passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives would be compiled by the National Assembly and transmitted to the President for assent.

Also, another critical legislation is the 2022 Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

Both chambers have promised to prioritise the passage of some of the amendments being sought ahead of the 2027 general election.

While receiving the Head of European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the 2023 general election, Mr Barry Andrews, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said the House would fast-track the passage of the amendments upon resumption.

‘Senate to avoid Akpoti-Uduaghan’s distraction’

The suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office was unsealed on September 23 by the Sergeant-At-Arms.

She was accompanied to her office by a crowd of supporters.

Sources said the Senate has resolved to put the issue behind it and allow the matter to end.

According to a source, the Senate has decided to leave the issue and allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to return in order not to stir further controversy that may distract it from focusing on crucial tasks before it.

Christiana Kayode, popularly known as Berbiedoll, has reaffirmed the vision behind her athleisure brand, BerbieBeauty, as she celebrates a decade of success with the launch of its 10th official collection, Drop 10.

For the CEO and creative force behind the brand, BerbieBeauty goes far beyond clothing.

‘It’s not just fashion, it’s energy,’ she explained. ‘When a woman wears BerbieBeauty, she feels like that girl. Every piece is made to flatter, empower, and turn heads.

‘But beyond the clothes, women resonate with the journey. They’ve seen me build this from scratch – being transparent, vulnerable, and real. They see themselves in me, and that connection has made our community one of the strongest I’ve ever seen.’

Launched as both a celebration and a milestone, Drop 10 reflects BerbieBeauty’s evolution from humble beginnings to a global brand embraced by women across continents. ‘Drop 10 is everything to me,’ Berbiedoll said. ‘It reminds me how far I’ve come – from sketching designs and hand-packing orders to seeing thousands of women around the world wear BerbieBeauty. It feels like a reward for not giving up.’

Since its inception, BerbieBeauty has distinguished itself with bold, trend-setting athleisure pieces that not only inspire confidence but also foster community. Each collection has sparked viral moments, embraced by women seeking to feel powerful and effortlessly stylish. With Drop 10, Berbiedoll believes she has captured the very essence of the brand while setting new standards in athleisure and lifestyle fashion.

The growth of BerbieBeauty, she noted, has been entirely organic – driven by word of mouth, reposts, tags, and unwavering support from women who see the brand as a reflection of themselves. ‘That’s the most beautiful kind of growth,’ she added.

Looking ahead, Berbiedoll envisions BerbieBeauty as more than a fashion label. To her, it is a legacy. ‘I want BerbieBeauty to remind people that dreams are valid – especially the big, scary, ‘how dare she think she can do that?’ kind of dreams,’ she said. ‘I want women, especially African women, to know we can build luxury, global brands from the ground up. We don’t have to water ourselves down to fit in. We can slay and succeed.’

With Drop 10, BerbieBeauty not only celebrates ten years of persistence, vision, and cultural impact but also positions itself for the future – a future where fashion meets empowerment, and style becomes a statement of resilience, ambition, and self-belief.

Group Managing Director of Nedcomoaks, Kennedy Okonkwo, has urged Federal Government to adopt a workable mortgage as a lasting solution to housing challenges.

Speaking at the company’s Dream to Keys project in Lagos, Okonkwo stressed affordability – not availability – is the barrier to home ownership.

‘Our major problem is not a shortage of houses but inability of average Nigerians to afford them. If a functional mortgage is in place and well implemented, housing deficit will shrink,’ he said.

Okonkwo, a property developer, has continued to champion affordable and eco-friendly housing through Citadel View Estates 1.0 and 2.0-Nigeria’s first solar-powered residential communities.

He said Citadel View initiative was born out of the energy crisis that deepened during COVID-19. Rising energy costs and unreliable power supply, he said, inspired his vision to develop homes that generate their power through solar energy, reducing residents’ dependence on the national grid.

‘During COVID, we pondered, what if homes could power themselves? That gave birth to a movement,’ he said. ‘Today, the dream is reality-proof sustainability goes with comfort and affordability.’

Since completion of Citadel 1.0, and handover of Citadel 2.0 in 2023, Nedcomoaks has expanded with Citadel 1.0 Phase B, incorporating solar systems that guarantee 24-hour power, ushering in energy independence and comfort.

In recent times, Nigeria’s macroeconomic trajectory has seen a remarkable turnaround, drawing praise from multilateral agencies, economists, and global investment leaders. The World Bank, Moody’s, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Governor Alex Otti, and Adebayo Ogunlesi are among the voices recognizing the country’s bold steps toward economic reform and stabilization.

The World Bank’s ‘Building Momentum for Inclusive Growth’ report highlighted a significant improvement in Nigeria’s fiscal outlook. The fiscal deficit has narrowed substantially from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, a powerful indicator of fiscal discipline and policy coherence. Complementing this development, Moody’s upgraded Nigeria’s credit rating from Caa1 to B3. Fitch also upgraded the country’s rating to B from B- with a stable outlook, further affirming renewed investor confidence and macroeconomic stabilization.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, commended the Tinubu administration’s efforts, stating, ‘You can’t really improve an economy unless it’s stable.’

Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, also lent his voice in support, stating: ‘The audacious structural reforms embarked upon by the current administration of HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu have rescued the economy from the tipping point.’

Similarly, Governor Alex Otti, a seasoned banker and former Managing Director of Diamond Bank, acknowledged that while the reforms have been tough, they are essential to placing Nigeria on a sustainable growth path.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, a globally respected investment banker and founding partner at Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) now part of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, remarked that ‘Nigeria is now a place that is exciting to invest in.’

However, well before the current administration took office in May 2023, AACS a Nigerian consulting firm specializing in strategic disruption and led by Dr. Ayo Abina, had already emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. In a series of policy briefs and publications but specifically in April 2023, AACS had in its ‘ Fortnightly ‘ and media interviews ‘(tinyurl.com/ter6u5jh, tinyurl.com/2s3jybv9,lnkd.in/eiRE9A6S), identified six critical areas and reforms that were a sine qua non to drive Nigeria’s economic recovery and macroeconomic stability:

– Revenue Generation: Implementing fiscal reforms to sustainably increase government revenue

– Oil Subsidy Removal: Phasing out fuel subsidies while cushioning the impact on vulnerable groups

– Exchange Rate Realignment: Allowing the naira to reflect its true market value to improve transparency and investor confidence

– Oil Theft Reduction: Tackling crude oil theft to boost revenue and minimize economic losses

– Infrastructure Development: Specifically investing in power to unlock growth

– Tackling Insecurity: Strengthening security to attract investment and reduce disruptions to economic activity

AACS emphasized the importance of political will and transparency in implementing these tough reforms, which are not attributes in abundance within the political class. The reforms were not going to be popular or the politically correct thing to do, but it was the right call by leadership interested in the long term stability of a nation on the brinks. The firm also advocated for local government autonomy t.ly/KjI3h, education loans bit.ly/4o0AyZx, state police (bit.ly/4pTgTwj), and a reduction in interest rates to drive growth. Indeed, AACS on 23rd of September 2025 called for a 50 basis point reduction in interest rates once the data showed a disinflation trend (bit.ly/4qcYkUn). These reforms are not ideally rocket science but where the data led. Today, all top analysts can agree with this position especially as the result is now evident.

While Nigeria’s economic stability is a welcome development, challenges persist especially in the hardship and sacrifices of the citizenry, and the leadership must work through them. The government must also improve its optics and more aggressively introduce intervention policies to support the vulnerable. The focus on reforms must remain laser-sharp as Nigeria marches toward its rightful place in the comity of nations. One of the most important attributes of leadership is not to pander to what is politically correct but what will ultimately benefit the people no matter how difficult it may be.

AACS speaks objectively to the data, pushes where it leads and bells the cat . AACS was ahead of the curve, our blueprint on the reforms was right and we believe it would still take the nation and its people to prosperity if we remain resilient.

Dr Abina is the Chairman of AACS – International Consulting and Principal Investment Firm