Category: The Nation – Nigeria

As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence from Great Britain, voices from the nation’s faith community are adding depth to the national reflection. From Archbishop Joseph Ojo’s call for a generational shift in leadership, to Bishop Charles Ighele’s reminder that political freedom without economic and social liberation is incomplete; from Rev. Jimmy Adetoyese-Olagunju’s charge to move ‘beyond prayer’ toward practical nation-building, to Bishop Robertson Akwazi’s echo of President Bola Tinubu’s message of hope and resilience-clerics are urging Nigerians to see independence not just as history, but as a mandate for renewal. Together, their messages highlight a common thread: Nigeria’s future greatness depends on faith, values, visionary leadership, and the active participation of its citizens.

Archbishop Ojo calls for younger leadership to drive nation forward

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, Archbishop Joseph Ojo, Founder of Calvary Kingdom Church, has called for a generational shift in leadership, urging younger Nigerians to take more strategic roles in steering Africa’s most populous nation toward greater progress.

Speaking in an interview, Ojo reflected on the nation’s journey since October 1, 1960, recalling the excitement that filled the air when Nigerians first gained self-rule from Great Britain. ‘I was 11 years old when we got our independence, and I was so excited because we felt that indigenous people could now lead us after being ruled by foreigners. We were hopeful that things would get better,’ he said.

According to the cleric, Nigeria has made significant strides in population, governance, and development since independence, but the pace of progress is being slowed by the age and capacity of its leaders. ‘At 65, a person cannot do the work of a young person. Old men like us cannot bear the nation’s burdens anymore. Those who have led have tried their best, but they must be courageous enough to allow younger people to participate in leadership,’ he stated.

Archbishop Ojo stressed the importance of giving young Nigerians not only opportunities to serve but also key positions where their creativity and energy can be maximised. ‘Most of the things we do, we get counsel from young brains. When you put younger people in strategic places, development happens faster,’ he noted.

Looking ahead, Ojo expressed optimism that Nigeria’s future remains bright despite its challenges. ‘Over the years, we have not done badly, but things can improve a lot more than this. I am very hopeful that Nigeria will be great again in my lifetime. Our currency might not be at par with the dollar, but the country will be better and favourable for all Nigerians,’ he affirmed.

As the country celebrates 65 years of independence, his message is clear: the next phase of Nigeria’s greatness will depend on empowering its youth with the mantle of leadership.

Nigeria, not yet old enough at 65-Bishop Ighele

When Nigeria gained independence from Great Britain on October 1, 1960, the air was filled with optimism. Flags waved, hopes soared, and citizens believed that the new nation would chart its course toward prosperity and self-reliance. But 65 years later, Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of Holy Spirit Mission (The Happy Family Nation), argues that the country still struggles with the very essence of independence.

‘Independence for a nation can be proclaimed in a day,’ Ighele reflected. ‘But while it takes a day to declare independence, it takes years and decades to really become independent.’

For him, Nigeria’s story at 65 is one of political freedom without the substance of economic and social liberation. He notes that while Nigerian leaders are bold in speech and action, often without fear of international reprimand, the country remains dependent in critical areas such as food security, education, health care, and infrastructure.

‘At age 65, Nigeria is far from having a semblance of independence in providing food for her huge population,’ he said.

Despite abundant arable land-Nigeria holds one of the largest percentages of cultivable land in Africa-millions still go hungry. ‘People are dying of hunger because the people have not been politically led and socially and educationally parented to benefit from the huge agricultural resources in the country.’

To Ighele, agriculture is not just a means of feeding the population but a pathway to national wealth. ‘There is more money in agriculture than in crude oil,’ he insisted, urging government to embark on what he calls ‘agricultural socialisation’ to reorient citizens toward farming and agribusiness.

Beyond food production, Ighele laments Nigeria’s overreliance on foreign expertise in construction and engineering. ‘A situation where all major construction projects are being executed by foreign-owned companies is simply sending the message that Nigerian education has not provided the engineers and other construction workers who can independently run companies that can embark on massive projects,’ he said. For now, he added, the nation’s best brains often end up employed by these foreign firms rather than leading indigenous enterprises.

The Bishop further highlighted the paradox of poverty that defines everyday life. With about 70 percent of Nigerians living in hardship, many depend on a small fraction of wealthier relatives, governments, or humanitarian groups for survival. ‘A nation where the majority are poor and look to palliatives is far from independence,’ he observed. Without urgent reversal, he warned, Nigeria risks becoming ‘like an old poor man who achieved nothing or a rich evil man who did evil but now about to die regretting how he lived his life.’

Despite these grim realities, Ighele remains hopeful that Nigeria can rewrite its story. He believes the current government has the intellectual capacity to reverse the trend of dependency and lead the nation toward true independence. ‘Having had political independence, all other sections of our national life should be made to become independent,’ he urged.

For Bishop Ighele, Nigeria at 65 is not too old to change, but not yet mature enough to fully grasp the weight of its independence. His message is both a caution and a call: to seize the next decades not as a burden of missed opportunities, but as a chance to finally embody the independence proclaimed in 1960.

Bishop Akwazi calls for unity, national renewal

As Nigeria celebrates her 65th Independence anniversary, the Cross River State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and the Presiding Bishop City Gate International Churches Worldwide, Cross River State, Bishop Robertson Ugar Akwazi has urged Nigerians to embrace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of hope, faith, and action-reminding citizens that with Almighty God on their side, a new, prosperous, and self-reliant Nigeria is possible.

The bishop, reflecting on the President’s Independence Day address, noted that while the journey has been filled with trials, the nation’s resilience is proof that a brighter future lies ahead.

For him, Nigeria’s story at 65 is one of political freedom without the substance of economic and social liberation. He notes that while Nigerian leaders are bold in speech and action, often without fear of international reprimand, the country remains dependent in critical areas such as food security, education, health care, and infrastructure.

‘At age 65, Nigeria is far from having a semblance of independence in providing food for her huge population,’ he said.

Despite abundant arable land-Nigeria holds one of the largest percentages of cultivable land in Africa-millions still go hungry. ‘People are dying of hunger because the people have not been politically led and socially and educationally parented to benefit from the huge agricultural resources in the country.’

To Ighele, agriculture is not just a means of feeding the population but a pathway to national wealth. ‘There is more money in agriculture than in crude oil,’ he insisted, urging government to embark on what he calls ‘agricultural socialisation’ to reorient citizens toward farming and agribusiness.

Beyond food production, Ighele laments Nigeria’s overreliance on foreign expertise in construction and engineering. ‘A situation where all major construction projects are being executed by foreign-owned companies is simply sending the message that Nigerian education has not provided the engineers and other construction workers who can independently run companies that can embark on massive projects,’ he said. For now, he added, the nation’s best brains often end up employed by these foreign firms rather than leading indigenous enterprises.

The Bishop further highlighted the paradox of poverty that defines everyday life. With about 70 percent of Nigerians living in hardship, many depend on a small fraction of wealthier relatives, governments, or humanitarian groups for survival. ‘A nation where the majority are poor and look to palliatives is far from independence,’ he observed. Without urgent reversal, he warned, Nigeria risks becoming ‘like an old poor man who achieved nothing or a rich evil man who did evil but now about to die regretting how he lived his life.’

Despite these grim realities, Ighele remains hopeful that Nigeria can rewrite its story. He believes the current government has the intellectual capacity to reverse the trend of dependency and lead the nation toward true independence. ‘Having had political independence, all other sections of our national life should be made to become independent,’ he urged.

For Bishop Ighele, Nigeria at 65 is not too old to change, but not yet mature enough to fully grasp the weight of its independence. His message is both a caution and a call: to seize the next decades not as a burden of missed opportunities, but as a chance to finally embody the independence proclaimed in 1960.

Bishop Akwazi calls for unity, national renewal

As Nigeria celebrates her 65th Independence anniversary, the Cross River State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and the Presiding Bishop City Gate International Churches Worldwide, Cross River State, Bishop Robertson Ugar Akwazi has urged Nigerians to embrace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of hope, faith, and action-reminding citizens that with Almighty God on their side, a new, prosperous, and self-reliant Nigeria is possible.

The bishop, reflecting on the President’s Independence Day address, noted that while the journey has been filled with trials, the nation’s resilience is proof that a brighter future lies ahead.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) has appropriated N7.4bn for infrastructural development at the Akwa Ibom State College of Education.

Chairman TETfund board of Trustees, Aminu Masari revealed this yesterday during the inauguration of the N1. 3bn administrative block and ICT centre at the College, Afaha Nsit, Nsit Ibom local government area of the state.

Masari, a former governor of Katsina state, said that out of the figure a total of N6. 9bn has been accessed leaving a balance of N462.9m most of which had been committed already.

‘The total cost of the projects to be commissioned today is N1,391,116,511.32. You may also wish to know that from the start of TETFund interventions to this College, the Fund has allocated a total of N7,388,131,247.96, for infrastructure-related projects only.

‘Out of this, a total of N6,925,204,879.46 have been accessed, leaving a balance of N462,926,368.50, most of which are already committed,’ Masari said.

He pledged TETfund’s sustained commitment to infrastructure interventions in Tertiary institutions across the country.

The board Chairman noted that the commissioning of the projects align with TETfund’s vision of making Nigerian institutions globally competitive and relevant.

According to him ‘For us at TETFund, the inauguration of projects is a pointer to progress and success in aligning with TETFund’s vision of making our institutions globally relevant and competitive in this age of pronounced digital advancement and the increasing relevance and impact of Artificial Intelligence .

‘We are resolved as an agency of the Federal Government to keep pace with current advancements and are making significant efforts at ensuring that our beneficiary institutions are up to date, through support to acquire relevant tools of work for knowledge creation, learning, research and supporting teacher training, entrepreneurship and skills development.’

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno who was represented by his commissioner of Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, lauded TETfund’s intervention, noting that the intervention at the Akwa Ibom State University and the commissioning of the project at the College of Education are worth commendable

These interventions according to the governor, show the extent to which the Renewed Hope of President Bola Tinubu and ARISE agenda of the state government are shaping education to make life better for Nigerians

Eno said ”From what we see in Akwa Ibom State University, a significant signature of TETfund and what we are seeing here in the College of Education Afaha Nsit, in accessing over N7bn, this is commendable . It shows the extent to which the Renewed Hope of Mr President in Education aligns with the emphasis on Education of the ARISE agenda, to make Nigeria hopeful and great again.’

Big Brother Naija star Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has triggered mixed reactions online after a video surfaced showing her partying at a nightclub just weeks after the tragic death of her younger sister, Ruth Otabor.

Ruth reportedly died in an accident involving a truck owned by billionaire Aliko Dangote’s company in Edo State, an incident that drew nationwide sympathy for the Otabor family.

Shortly after Ruth’s burial, a video emerged showing Phyna dancing and socialising with friends at a high-end nightclub in Abuja. The footage quickly went viral, sparking debates over her demeanour, outfit, and the company she kept that night.

In the clip, Phyna appeared lively and cheerful, seemingly enjoying herself despite the recent family tragedy.

The outing came shortly after the reality star disclosed that Dangote’s team had allegedly compensated her family with ?20 million over the fatal accident.

While some critics faulted the timing of her public appearance, others defended her, noting that grief is a personal experience and that individuals cope with loss in different ways.

One user wrote, ‘If I talk now, they’ll say everyone mourns differently, but this doesn’t just feel right to me.’

Another commented, ‘People grieve differently. You can’t say she didn’t love her sister just because she’s trying to smile.’

A different user added, ‘So make her no longer enjoy her life again? It might even be that her friends took her out. Allow people to be themselves. Everyone grieves differently.’

No fewer than 560 students from Ede, Osun State, have benefited from the educational empowerment initiative of the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, aimed at addressing the growing menace of out-of-school children.

The programme, facilitated by Hon. Ghaffar Ajani and tagged ‘AMBO Back to School,’ was held at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat, Ede North, and focused on reducing the financial burden of parents by providing school fees support and learning materials.

Ajani revealed that 500 students received essential school supplies – including bags, books, pens, and other instructional materials – while 60 students were awarded scholarships.

He urged the beneficiaries to stay focused on their studies and make Ede Land proud, emphasizing that education remains the key to a brighter future.

‘What we are doing today is to motivate children in Ede Land to dream big through education. We want to give them the support needed to excel academically and build a promising future,’ he said.

Also speaking, APC Chairman in Ede North Local Government, Hon. Shina Alabi, commended the gesture, describing it as a laudable effort that will not only promote education but also strengthen the party’s image and the political aspirations of Oyebamiji.

One of the top four finalists, Sultana, has been evicted from Big Brother Naija’s ’10/10′ season.

Sultana became the 3rd runner-up of the season, leaving Imisi, Dede and Koyin to battle for the ultimate prize of N150m.

The show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced Sultana’s exit, marking a pivotal moment in the competition.

Big Brother Naija premiered on July 26-27, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude today, October 5, 2025.

The eviction set the stage for an intense finale, with the remaining three housemates vying for the top spot.

Big Brother Naija housemate, Imisioluwa Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi on Sunday, October 5, won the ’10/10′ edition of the reality TV show.

The 23-year-old winner beat other top nine finalists to emerge the winner on Sunday night.

Here are 14 things to know about BBnaija season 10 winner Imisi:

1. Imisi’s full name is Imisioluwa Opeyemi Ayanwale.

2. She was born on January 24, 2002, and is 23 years old.

3. She hails from Oyo State, Nigeria.

4. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius.

5. Imisi is a graduate of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), dispelling rumors that she was a university dropout.

6. She is a fashion designer, actress, and a script writer.

7. She gained popularity for her vivacious and entertaining personality on the show, earning praise from fans.

8. She has a knack for narrating events in the house, a habit that some housemates found irritating but viewers enjoyed.

9. Imisi made it to the Top 9 finalists of the ’10/10′ season before the grand finale.

10. She went viral for her response to Biggie when told to speak English during a presentation, with the phrase ‘Speak English’ trending online.

11. Her house relationships were tumultuous, especially her interactions with Faith, which often turned confrontational.

12. She shared heartbreaking personal stories on the show, including the loss of a child during a past relationship.

13. Known for her bold honesty and assertive nature, Imisi isn’t afraid to speak her mind, a trait some people find irritating.

14. In a post-eviction interview, she stated that she has four distinct personalities, including ‘Opeyemi,’ ‘Ayinke,’ ‘Eniola’ and ‘Imisi’.

Ahead of the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has summoned an emergency meeting to address the growing crisis within its ranks.

The move followed a lawsuit filed by the House Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all minority parties, alleging a plot to remove him without due process in violation of the 1999 Constitution and the standing orders of the House.

Following the suit, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik, granted an interim injunction directing all parties, including the National Assembly and the House leadership, to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the matter.

A notice of the emergency meeting, signed by PDP Caucus Leader Hon. Agbedi Frederick, Labour Party Caucus Leader Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, NNPP representative Hon. Muktar Umar-Zakari, and YPP Leader Hon. Peter Uzokwe, scheduled the session for 8 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025.

The notice, addressed to all minority members of the House, reads in part:

‘You are hereby invited to an emergency meeting to discuss recent developments in the minority leadership, particularly to review the lawsuit instituted by Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all members of minority parties in the 10th House of Representatives.’

The agenda of the meeting focuses on preparing a ‘response to the lawsuit instituted by the Minority Leader’ and addressing any other business (AOB).

Earlier on Saturday, The Nation reported that the Federal High Court halted alleged moves by some Minority Caucus members to remove Chinda (PDP, Rivers) over his perceived closeness to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The court’s interim order, issued following a suit filed on behalf of Chinda by Dr. J.Y. Musa (SAN), restrained all parties from taking further action until the case is decided.

Defendants in the suit include the National Assembly, the Clerk to the National Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Speaker, the Clerk of the House, and the leadership of the PDP, NNPP, Labour Party, APGA, SDP, ADP, and YPP.

Chinda is seeking an order restraining the Defendants, their servants, privies, officers, agents, members, howsoever described, from removing him as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives without compliance with the due process of the law or accepting/recognising any exercise by any person(s) purportedly removing him from his position as the Minority Leader of the House.

In his ruling, the Judge said, ‘It is my considered firm opinion that to ensure all the parties listed in these processes have equal playing ground by virtue of their constitutional rights enshrined in Section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended), as well as the need to protect the res sought in the application. It is hereby ordered as follows:

‘That the applicant shall forthwith serve on all the Defendants/Respondents the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025 filed on 16th September 2025, along with all relevant processes filed in this matter, so as not to foist a fait accompli on the outcome of the reliefs sought in this application which are also same reliefs prayed in the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025.

‘THAT the hearing of the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/ 2025 filed on 16th September 2025, shall pursuant to Section 6 (6) (b) of the 1999 Constitution Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) be EXPEDIENTLY resolved on its MERIT by this Honourable Court for the attainment of Justice in this matter.

‘That all the concerned parties listed in this application SHALL maintain STATUS QUO in respect of the res prayed on the face of the motion ex parte pending the hearing and determination on its merit of the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025 filed on 16th September 2025.

‘That all the Defendants/Respondents SHALL be served with Hearing Notices in respect of this matter.’

Anyone conversant with how our oil sector functions would have known that the purported truce brokered by the Department of State Service (DSS) early last month between Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) would not last because what is on the surface is not just the issue. There is high-wire financial and other considerations that led to the impasse between the refinery and the union

That explained why, almost immediately after the resolution of the dispute between the refinery and NUPENG, the other major union in the oil sector, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) began its own strike. The strike was initially called, again, over Dangote Refinery’s alleged sack of 800 Nigerian workers for joining PENGASSAN, and replacing them with foreigners.

The refinery confirmed the job cuts and described them as a ‘reorganisation exercise’ aimed at improving efficiency. But it said it never replaced Nigerians with foreigners as alleged by PENGASSAN, which was joined in solidarity in the strike by NUPENG.

I knew there was not going to be any respite after the NUPENG and Dangote deal. Even now, it does not seem to me that we have got to the end of the matter, despite the deal that made PENGASSAN to suspend its two-day strike started September 28, and ended on October 1.

I saw all of these coming because one does not have to be a prophet to know that what is rearing its ugly head in the oil sector would eventually come to pass. That was why I had asked several times on this page, somewhat rhetorically, why things that are as soft as bean cake in the mouths of people in other parts of the world become tough bones in the mouths of Nigerians, when Dangote Refinery and the former management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) quarrelled shortly before the then group chief executive officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, was sacked on April 2. The flip-flop policies of the NNPCL started causing disruptions in the price of fuel which had started to decline and stabilise. Things only took a dramatic turn as the NNPCL refused to renew the naira-for-crude deal with Dangote Refinery.

What I am saying is that what we seem to be having, even now, is peace of the graveyard. As a Yoruba proverb says, ‘oku te sin leekan, ese e si wa nita’ (the legs of the corpse you buried are protruding outside the grave).

When the present crisis began about three weeks ago, some allegations were made against the unions in the oil sector. One that stunned me most was the one that NUPENG collects about N70,000 on every loaded truck at the NNPCL depots.

Some experts have done the calculations of the average number of trucks loaded daily and multiplied by the N70,000 or N75,000. I couldn’t believe my ears when I first heard about this and the first question that came into my mind was ‘owo kinni’ (what is the money for?)

ýWeeks after, I have not seen anyone deny that allegation or say what the money is all about. Mum has been the word from NUPENG until PENGASSAN came up with its own strike. ý Ordinarily, our anti-graft agencies should have been interested in this and call for NUPENG’s books for scrutiny.

The truce reached on the two occasions between the oil unions and Dangote Refinery reminds me of the joke a colleague used to crack many years ago about an undergraduate student who was suspended for breaking one of the university’s rules. The young man was asked to bring his parents. It happened that only the father went with him, and he was a stark illiterate.

When they got to the vice-chancellor ‘s office, he told the father what the son did. The father agreed that his son did not do well and simply asked him to prostrate and apologise to the vice-chancellor. As soon as he did, the father asked him to take his bag and baggage to his hall of residence and sin no more, and thanked the vice-chancellor for his magnanimity! Is that how it works?

If the unions in the oil sector were truly patriotic, with power of strike that they deploy at will, our refineries should not have been dormant for the decades they have been. How else do you explain it: refineries are not working and the workers were getting paid for doing nothing? I saw figures that some experts quoted as what they collected as salaries and other emoluments running into trillions of Naira, for doing practically nothing over the years. As a matter of fact, they were still going on trainings abroad, according to some accounts, and NNPCL under successive governments was releasing funds for the travels and other emoluments.

The oil unions saw nothing to go on strike over all those years of the locust. Their members were getting salaries and the bank alerts were coming by way of check-off dues paid by the members, which, really, seemed the basic concern of the unions and their leaders.

It was so easy for both the unions and the respective managements of the NNPCL to be chummy because, again, permit me to fall back on another Yoruba proverb: ‘ko s’aremo lomo elede, gbogbo won lo nyi’ra mere’ (there is no difference between the first and last borns of pigs as they all play happily together in the mud).

Both the NNPCL officials and the unions were all united by the monies they all made off Nigerians’ misery, despite the fact that the refineries were not working.

If care is not taken, the oil sector unions may be looking forward to such abnormality of ‘oga ta, oga o ta, owo alaaru a pe’ (it is not the truck pusher’s business whether his client sells or not; his (the truck pusher) will get his money complete even now that the sector has been fully liberalised!

And, before you say Jack Robinson, the unions would call their members out on strike, saying it is not their members’ business whether Dangote Refinery is functioning or not. They would be deaf and blind to the reality that they are no longer dealing with a government entity. It is only government that can continue to spend public funds the way the unions are used to: paying salaries without productivity. As we all know, government’s money in Nigeria is like a mad man’s leg which anyone can always go to cut a piece from because it belongs to no one in particular! Or, is the mad man himself not ‘government pikin’ in our country?

It would be naive, mischievous or simply fool-hardy for anyone to expect Dangote Refinery to leave distribution of its products in the hands of NUPENG as we now know it. That would tantamount to committing business suicide. Even at a point, the Federal Government began to buy fuel tankers because it did not want to leave that in the hands of unions that would declare strike overnight and cripple its activities over mundane matters.

The owner of the refinery has studied the sector very well; and you cannot blame him. You don’t invest over $20billion in a project and some people without a dime in it would come and ruin it for you, just because they are involved in the distribution of the products.

I had said it before, that we would see strange developments in the oil sector because, one; many of the players in the sector have been so used to importation and all its trappings and they cannot imagine how all of that would end overnight. The old regime profited them and it is impossible for them to contemplate that all that is over now. Seeing fuel pumps dispensing fuel for one year without disruption is enough to give them heartache. We cannot rule that out in the strike we just witnessed.

The fact of the matter is that it can no longer be business as usual in the oil sector because of the dynamics of ownership that has changed hands.

Newspaper owners in the country would not forget their experiences with newspaper agents; people who have no investment in the multi-billion business but want to determine what happens in the business, including how much the newspaper should be sold, just because they are involved in the distribution process.

With the refinery investing N720 billion on 4,000 tankers, the signal should be clear to the oil unions that they are dealing with someone with the muscle to drive his company with little push, that not even the labour unions would wield any significant influence beyond getting their check-off dues from their members, not from the refinery or Nigerians that would bear the N75,000 per truck that they claim NUPENG alone corners.

Ordinarily, these trucks would not have been necessary if successive governments had maintained the oil pipelines in the country.

Without doubt, NUPENG has turned full cycle from the progressive NUPENG of the Frank Kokori’s days to what it has become today. The NUPENG that Kokori led from 1982 to m1999 was one that fought on the side of the Nigerian people against our military overlords who were not ready to gift us democracy in spite of their rhetoric to do same. Unlike today’s union leaders, when the union called workers out for strike then, the nation caught cold because it was not used like a toy that it has become. Nigerians would not forget the heroic role the union played in the struggle to send the soldiers to their barracks, leading to the democracy that we enjoy today.

In spite of the fact that the NUPENG’s leadership did suffer in the course of the democratic struggle, they lived a Spartan lifestyle. We never heard they collected huge sums on every truck of fuel. Not so today’s labour leaders; the very extravagant lifestyle that they condemn the politicians for, they are also living in their own fiefdoms.

In fact, if the NUPENG and PENGASSAN leaders think deeply, they would realise that Nigerians no longer see them as the pristine conscience of the nation that they used to be, especially in their ongoing fight with Dangote Refinery. Ordinarily, they should have been the toast of the man on the street, with the full weight of Nigerians behind them. Fighting for Nigerians is not the same thing as fighting for selfish or parochial interests.

The earlier the unions in the oil industry realised that things have changed in that industry from one in which government was the dominant player and adjust accordingly, the better for them. ýAt the rate they are going, it is only a matter of time for them to demystify themselves, preparatory to their inglorious slide into irrelevance and obscurity.

Labour leaders in the oil sector should thank God for democracy. In some other climes, they would be in the dock for economic sabotage.

Now, you may ask me; where do I place monopolistic tendencies in all of these? That is a business left for the Federal Government to address. It is its duty to seek a delicate balance between some spoilt unions and business investment, not Dangote’s.

The Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Professor Adamu Ahmed, has revealed that the institution spends nearly ?4 billion annually on energy, describing it as ‘crippling and unsustainable.’

Speaking during a press conference to mark the university’s 63rd anniversary at the Senate Building, Main Campus in Samaru, Zaria on Saturday, Professor Ahmed said the high energy bill was hampering academic activities and research.

He disclosed that to cushion the burden, ABU had taken bold steps towards self-reliance, challenging its staff and students to innovate while seeking partnerships for sustainable energy solutions.

According to him, the Federal Government has also acknowledged the crisis, providing an initial ?1billion intervention last year through TETFund, and approving another project to deliver 10 megawatts of renewable energy to the institution.

‘We’ve also reached out to our alumni, particularly the SBS class of 1975, who are already implementing a solar-powered project for one of our CBT centres,’ Ahmed said. ‘We’re taking our destiny into our own hands while expecting continued support from outside.’

The Vice Chancellor reiterated that ABU was founded to serve as a bridge of unity and progress for Nigeria, explaining that the late Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello, intended the university to educate both the North and South without ethnic or religious barriers.

He lamented, however, that insecurity and poverty had undermined the North’s development and disrupted educational growth, insisting that ABU would now focus on addressing these challenges through research, agriculture, and policy advocacy.

Highlighting ABU’s vast agricultural assets, including the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), NAPRI, and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, he said no other West African university had such capacity to drive agricultural and economic recovery.

The Vice Chancellor also stressed that insecurity could not be solved by force alone, advocating for non-kinetic approaches that encourage dialogue, understanding, and community-driven peacebuilding. ‘We have the capacity, the research, and the networks,’ he said. ‘And we are ready to lead the charge in finding lasting solutions.’

He noted that from its humble beginning in 1962 with just four faculties, 15 departments, and 426 students, ABU has grown into 18 faculties, 110 departments, seven institutes, four colleges, and 17 research centres, making it the largest university system in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ahmed said ABU had earned global recognition with the Times Higher Education ranking it the best public university in Nigeria in 2025, while it also received the JAMB award for internationalisation and diversity. It is, he added, one of only three Nigerian universities that made the QS 2025 World University Rankings.

He disclosed that the university has also won three World Bank Centres of Excellence grants worth over $15 million, and a pound 5 million Horizon grant for an artificial intelligence project developing microscopes to improve the diagnosis of neglected parasitic diseases.

Thousands of women from various local government areas and communities around Warri, Delta State, converged on Urhobo College, Warri, to receive packs of food items from Glo Foundation in its ‘Giving Back Together’ initiative.

The event was in continuation of the special intervention programme by Globacom to support the most vulnerable segment of society with essential food items to cushion the effects of the economic situation.

At the programme, women, including the aged and widows from far and near communities such as Warri North, Warri South, Aladja, Ughelli South, Udu, and Uvwie local government areas, gathered immediately after the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise to benefit from the scheme.

Speaking at the event, Globacom’s head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mrs Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, stated that having successfully held similar food donation programmes in some other states, it was the turn of women in Delta to also be part of the programme.

She explained that the food drive had become a quick, go-to route for the company to reach out to the largely female population, who constitute the bulk of the disadvantaged in every society.

‘Our Food Drive is not just for anyone. It is targeted at the most vulnerable segment of the Nigerian society, that is women and children. When we help them, we are helping the society at large,’ she enthused.

Each food pack distributed had 5 kilograms of rice, 5 kilograms of Gaari, semovita, spaghetti, vegetable oil, sachets of tomato paste, sardines, seasoning cubes, noodles, and other essential items that the women would find useful at home.

The beneficiaries sang and danced in gratitude to Globacom for the initiative. Princess Omo-Udoyo, from Ughelli North, felt so joyful being a beneficiary. ‘I have not seen this before. I thank God and the Glo Foundation for this gift’, she said.

For Mrs Esther Okoro who hails from Otu Jeremi, Ughelli South, it was just prayers that she kept offering when asked about the package she received. Said she: ‘God will lift the company and people who have done this. He will lift them higher and higher. They will never lack anything. For doing this for us today, I say may God protect them. You will always go higher.’

The Globacom Food Drive initiative is also planned to berth in other key cities across the country in the months ahead where more women will also benefit.