Category: The Nation – Nigeria

What started as an informal gathering of colleagues, young artists, and studio apprentices over two decades ago at Kunle Adeyemi Studio in Mushin, Lagos, has morphed into a movement of creatives.

In like manner, the group consisting of over 40 artists of different generations is making its debut exhibition that will feature 25 of them at the National Museum Onikan, Lagos, from October 4 to 17.

Tagged Testament of legacy, time and space (A story of Kunle Adeyemi and his studio contacts), it will feature painting, water-colours, paintocast, paintographs, prints, and mixed media by artists who drank from the pool of Dr. Kunle Adeyemi’s studio practice.

For Adeyemi, he has for a long time quietly nurtured the idea of keeping the studio contacts while praying for the right time for it to take shape.

‘Now that I am retired from public service, I believe the moment has come to devote some of my time to the professional growth and development of all those who have, at one time or another, passed through the Kunle Adeyemi Studio.

‘It has always been a God-given privilege to serve as your Studio Instructor-whether through SIWES, Industrial Attachment, Master’s or PhD research programs, Apprenticeship, or any other form of training,’ he said at the preview session of the exhibition.

According to him, the objectives of establishing the practice-based exhibiting group include rekindling in us the creative spark first ignited during our studio experience; becoming more visible in the contemporary art space; and encouraging one another in fulfilling our calling as practicing artists.

Reassuring members that the group is voluntary, he said nobody is compelled to join, but stressed the belief that unity is strength.

‘As a first step, I propose that we begin this year with a two-week art exhibition at the National Museum. We shall all be joint partners and beneficiaries of the project, working under principles of transparency and mutual respect. Let me also emphasise that no one in this group is above another. Though we may be at different stages of life and professional development, as artists, we share the same pedestal of calling. This exhibition, if given the chance to breathe, will connect our humble beginnings with our present realities and future aspirations.

‘Let us view life as an opportunity to lift others. Each of us has stories of struggle and growth to tell; this platform is one way to honor that journey and project it into the future,’ he added.

Curator of the exhibition and CEO, Irachy Consult, Dr. Bukola Jaiyesimi, said the exhibition weaves together diverse artistic perspectives on how legacy is shaped by dimensions of time and space. She noted that the exhibition ‘encourages contemplation of how art captures, distils, and projects human experiences across temporal and spatial boundaries.’

The participating artists include Dr Kunle Adeyemi, Kolawole K. Olojo-Kosoko, Olumuyiwa Olusola Adeyinka Akingbade, Dr Kafaru Abiodun, Dr Doyin Labode,

Titi Badmus Ganiy, Asholasa Daniel, Daniel Klotoe, Olusegun Oduyele, Olufemi Onagoruwa, Ojo Olaniyi, Dr Aderinsoye Aladegbongbe, Okemakinde Abiodun, Akingbade Oluwamayowa, Taiwo Emmanuel. Others are Oyetumoh Yusuf, Dayo Adeyemi, Jimoh Luqman, Kehinde Adenle, Ajose Ayomide, Dr Stella Awoh, Mofunayan, Olayemi Otuyelu Madu, Lotachukwu Ayogu-Eze, and Azeez Razaq.

One of the participants, Olumuyiwa Olusola, is a watercolour artist who paints stories of resilience, joy, and tradition. His works transform everyday scenes into timeless reflections on legacy, time, together, and space. With a gentle yet powerful touch of watercolor, he celebrates the struggles that lift us upward and the rhythms that bring us together.

Through his art, Olusola shares the beauty of ordinary moments and the strength they carry for generations. His watercolor practice reflects on resilience, tradition, and human connection.

‘The fluidity of the medium allows me to capture fleeting moments while honoring the legacies that endure across time and space,’ he said at the preview.

Is the country ready to set forth now?

Is there a reason to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Nigeria as an independent country? Some doubt it, mainly because of the many twists, turns and rocky rides. But, others contend that there are reasons to mark the landmark because the country has survived despite so many challenges that could have truncated the journey.

But, here we are.

The first indication that it would not be a smooth ride came soon after the Union Jack was lowered at the complex later named after the first Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Chief Obafemi Awolowo could hardly hide his indignation in his memoirs as he recalled that he was tucked in a corner at the event, far away from where other main actors in the independence struggle sat. Pettiness at play.

Since the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), one of the three major political parties opted to align with the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), leaving the Action Group (AG) in the lurch; it was obvious that some dirty fight lurked. Federal might was unleashed to dislodge the AG from the Western Region where it held sway, with a breakaway faction led by Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola propped up to seize control.

The process started as early as 1962, when an externally-induced implosion was made to hit the AG like a dynamite. Soon after came the Coker Commission of Enquiry, the Treasonable Felony Trial, restriction and later jailing of the AG leader and founder, Chief Awolowo.

Those not blinded by partisanship knew going that route would not end well as Awolowo was a cult figure in the Western Region. Before the Federal Elections of 1964, the alliance between NCNC and NPC had disintegrated. Two broad alliances went into that election. The NCNC and the Akintola splinter group formed the Nigerian National Alliance (NNA) while the NCNC and AG formed the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA). Obviously AG was the party of the Western Region, but the federal elections and the consequent regional election of January 1965 were ignobly rigged in favour of the NNA to dislodge the AG.

Politically, the trend has continued since then. Each election was hotly contested and rejected by the losers. It could hardly be said that, beyond electoral infrastructure put in place at so much cost, Nigeria has failed to mature on election matters over the years.

Apparently, for every action, there is a reaction. The manipulation of the polity led to the military coup of 1966. And, consequently, there was the pogrom, the counter-coup of July 1966 and the civil war that boiled over the following year. In the process, no institution of state was spared the accompanying desecration, including the military.

Although General Yakubu Gowon who was head of state when the war ended in January 1970 announced that there was ”no victor, no vanquished”, it was obvious that the Biafra secession bid had been quashed and there were consequences. Till date, the South East that sought to leave the union has continued to complain about marginalisation; at least politically.

Such political mistrust among the various parts of the country could not but have affected the economy, social relations, and thus, development. Insecurity, though diminished in some parts, is a concern in other parts of the country. In the North East, there is the Boko Haram and Ansaru insurgency that has raged for more than 16 years. It has claimed so many lives and herded many into poorly funded refugee camps. Happily, two kingpins of the groups have been nabbed. It’s progress.

It has spread to the North Central, especially in Plateau and Benue States, where some schools and targeted communities have not been spared. In the region, it took the form of religious intolerance, well-armed herders taking on farmers and wanton destruction of farms, homes and lives by terrorists. In the North West also, banditry and kidnapping have been the order of the day as enemies of state and criminals have continued to unleash their fury on the people. Kaduna State brandishes hope in the region and there may be a berth of peace in places like Zamfara and Katsina where there are still challenges.

In other parts of the country, the South West and South South, kidnapping for ransom has been on a lower scale. In all cases, the police and armed forces have recorded advances. Much work remains. The destruction of livelihoods has pushed more Nigerians into the poverty net.

Thus, until the Tinubu administration courageously came up with measures to check the periodic eruption of economic recession, it was as if successive governments, military or civilian, had no clue what to do. For two years now, the economy appears to have become stable, though it still has a long way to go.

The President said at the coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, last week, that the economy has turned the bend. But, has it really? The macro-economic indices suggest that it has, with headline inflation constantly heading South month-on-month for about half a year now, and the GDP recording sometimes record increase. But, it is yet to percolate to the common man who, therefore, finds it difficult to believe the authorities. It is expected that the result would be more visible in 2026.

The story of the nation since independence has been a talent of official squandermania and brigandage, with little vision to plan and save. The subsidy scam and currency manipulation brought the economy to a state where we borrowed to pay routine government bills. Hence the task of rescue before the Tinubu administration thst has headed off the economic apocalypse with his reforms.

Obviously, where the economy has been in the doldrums for so long, the health and education sectors could only have received some battering. Neither has received up to seven per cent allocation from the budget in the past 20 years. Political leaders express disgust for the local health institutions by patronising foreign hospitals for the most common ailments.

When seizing power from the Shagari administration in 1983, General Muhammadu Buhari described our hospitals as ”mere consulting clinics”. Not much has changed since then, compounded now by exodus of doctors, old and young, who have chosen to export their services to other lands. Nigerian students, too, sell whatever is available to obtain higher education abroad. Until of course, the NELFUND initiative offering loans to students of the poor.

It should not be all about lamentations about missed opportunities. A lot could be done to salvage the situation as there is unanimity of opinion among experts that Nigeria has an abundance of human and material resources to draw it out of the wood. It has a population, all of about 230 million, mostly young people who are energetic and forward looking, as against 30 million in 1960. This is an asset that most countries lack.

It also has so much solid minerals in all parts of the country, mostly waiting to be tapped. Those being tapped are by criminals and foreigners. Crude oil that has been a blessing to other nations has been largely doom to Nigeria, owing to poor management and monumental corruption. Of late, though, crude oil output has ticked up due to work by our armed forces to curb criminals stealing our black gold.

If corruption is checked and appropriate persons are employed to ensure that Nigeria joins the league of developed countries, in a short while, Nigerians would be proud of their country again and we can stand tall in the comity of nations. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s handling of foreign exchange, the salvaging of corrupt practices have diminished instances of corruption as attested to by our captains of industry.

Nigerians should realise that pulling in different directions cannot help them. As we move towards the seventh decade after independence, we should realise that we owe future generations, and indeed the black world a duty to redeem our dignity by killing corruption and tapping resources available for development.

As Walter Rodney said, ‘every generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill or betray it.’ The reforms of the Tinubu administration is showing promise on many levels beginning with financial engineering whose success can trigger a wholesale rebirth. For instance, not long ago, critics were jittery and even gloating that the naira would dive down to N2,000 to a dollar. Now it’s below N1,500. Not there yet, but a sign we can reclaim our country.

ýThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has blamed unnamed ‘saboteurs and selfish political actors’ for fuelling insecurity in the nation’s capital, vowing to crush criminal networks that he said are undermining Abuja’s peace and development.

ýDelivering his 65th Independence Day message on Tuesday, Wike acknowledged that Abuja’s security situation has worsened in recent months, with kidnappings and violent attacks shaking residents’ confidence in the capital’s safety.

ý’This is no time for complacency. Those who profit from chaos or sponsor insecurity to achieve political aims will soon realise that the FCT is not a playground for lawlessness. We are working closely with security agencies to dismantle these criminal rings once and for all,’ the minister warned.

ýWike’s remarks mark one of his strongest indictments yet of what he described as ‘deliberate attempts to embarrass the government and make the FCT ungovernable.’

ýHe urged residents to be vigilant and to report suspicious activities, insisting that security cannot be left to the authorities alone.

ý’We cannot be everywhere at once. Every resident has a duty to safeguard their neighbourhoods. This is a fight for our collective survival,’ he said.

ýWhile celebrating Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary as a milestone of unity and resilience, Wike said the moment also called for sober reflection on how insecurity threatens the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers.

ý’The FCT is the heartbeat of the country, the symbol of our unity. We cannot allow bandits, kidnappers, or their sponsors to tarnish that image,’ he said.

ýThe minister praised residents for backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has brought major infrastructural upgrades, including strategic road projects, rehabilitated schools and hospitals, and support for farmers, youths, and women.

ýAccording to the minister, ‘No city can claim greatness without modern infrastructure. We have focused on building roads, upgrading health and education facilities, and empowering small businesses to restore faith in government.’

ýLooking ahead to the February 2026 Area Council elections, Wike cautioned political actors against stoking violence.

‘Campaign for your candidates with decency and vision, not with thugs and weapons. We will not allow anyone to plunge the FCT into chaos,’ he said.

ýWike closed his address with a mix of warning and optimism, ‘We have a President determined to restore security and improve the lives of citizens. The future of Abuja will not be dictated by criminals or their backers. We will fight for this city, and we will win.’

Women of Rubies, a leading platform dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and supporting women, has marked its 10th anniversary with remarkable milestones.

Over the past decade, the initiative, founded by media strategist and women’s advocate Esther Ijewere, has spotlighted more than 3,000 women, supported over 600 entrepreneurs, and equipped countless others with media tools through programs like the Media Visibility Bootcamp.

What began as a Nigerian initiative has grown into a global platform that connects, mentors, and celebrates women across industries and backgrounds.

Reflecting on the milestone, Ijewere said, ‘Celebrating 10 years of Women of Rubies is a humbling reminder of the power of community, resilience, and intentional support. We are inspired to continue creating platforms where women are celebrated, supported, and equipped to thrive, both locally and globally.’

As it enters its next decade, Women of Rubies reaffirms its commitment to expanding innovative programs, media initiatives, and community-driven projects that amplify women’s voices worldwide.

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic participation, saying deliberate investment in women is key to inclusive growth and prosperity.

Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Hamzat, spoke at the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA)’s flagship conference, WAPA Connect 2025.

According to him, the recently launched Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Roadmap was designed to dismantle barriers that limit women and girls from contributing fully to the economy.

‘WAPA Connect Conference is our flagship 2025 event, uniting government officials, civil society, private sector partners, and everyday women across Lagos. This year’s theme underscores our strong commitment to making policies practical and impactful, ensuring measurable outcomes for women’s empowerment. We believe that investing in women is not just an act of charity-it is a matter of economics, justice, and prosperity. A society cannot really thrive if it leaves half of its population behind,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the roadmap, developed from real-life experiences of Lagos women across sectors, would expand opportunities in entrepreneurship, agriculture, skill acquisition, the traditional labour market and emerging industries.

He added that the state was prioritising partnerships with women-led organisations and private sectors to ensure measurable results, while improving data collection to guide targeted interventions.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, described the programme as a platform that enables women from all backgrounds to connect, network and explore opportunities.

She said this year’s theme serves as a reminder that empowering women benefits families, businesses and the wider economy.

Highlighting the ministry’s achievements, Mrs Dada said 28,913 students had graduated from the state’s 19 free skills acquisition centres since the inception of the administration, while 17,213 beneficiaries received equipment under the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI).

She added that 18,241 women were trained under the Life Skills and Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP), 5,494 benefitted from agricultural programmes in Badagry, while more than 5,500 widows received cash grants and empowerment packages.

According to her, over 28,000 sanitary pads have been distributed to schoolgirls under the menstrual hygiene programme, while the ministry’s Purple Project provides shelters, psychosocial counselling and legal aid for survivors of gender-based violence across the 57 councils.

She said the initiatives have strengthened food security and created employment opportunities across the state.

The commissioner commended the state government’s continuous support and stressed that WAPA’s achievements reflect Sanwo-Olu’s vision of placing women at the heart of development.

Wife of the governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Funmi Omotoso, also commended the commissioner for sustaining the conference and placing women at the centre of its agenda.

It was with mixed feelings that I received the recent report of a heavy fine imposed on Amazon over a business practice infraction. After a two-year legal tango, the American online shopping giant was ordered by a U.S. court to pay a historic $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Amazon was accused in 2023 of tricking consumers into signing up for its Prime subscription service and then made it hard to cancel.

It was established that Amazon used sophisticated subscription traps designed to manipulate consumers into enrolling in Prime, and then made it exceedingly hard for consumers to end their subscription.

For this, Amazon is required to pay a $1 billion civil penalty and provide another $1.5 billion in refunds to an estimated 35 million customers that were ‘harmed by their deceptive Prime enrolment practices’.

Not only did Amazon obey, it quickly unveiled remedial steps it was taking to be compliant with FTC rules. These include ‘clear and conspicuous disclosures’ about the terms of Prime during enrolment process and the ‘easy ways’ to cancel the programme.

For me, what is quite striking is the willingness shown by Amazon to obey the judgement and make restitution without any drama. Its response is consistent with the usual practice of corporates in the U.S. which clearly demonstrates a submission to the rule of law. This is unlike what happens elsewhere, particularly in Africa where these big corporate players behave like outlaws and often resort to all manner of dirty tactics to either stall or compromise judicial process in their respective country of operation. Sadly, they often engage indigenous lawyers without any form of patriotism to undermine their own fatherland.

The example of Amazon only reminds of the contrast of Meta found guilty of corporate atrocities in a place like Nigeria. With its footprints and fingerprints in many courts across the world, Meta can, in fact, rightly be described today as a serial international offender, often motivated by a carnal desire to maximise profit at the expense of the law.

Only in April here in Nigeria, many will recall that Meta was found guilty of heinous breaches including trading with the personal data of millions of unsuspecting Nigerians who use their platforms – Facebook and WhatsApp. The case was brought against them by Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Nigeria’s equivalent of U.S. FTC.

The fine imposed on Meta in April by the Nigerian tribunal was $220m, with June set as deadline for payment to the federal government.

Earlier in 2024, FCCPC had imposed the fine after due forensic investigation. But typically, Meta thumbed its nose in contempt. It filed an appeal at the tribunal. It took a whole year for the tribunal to review FCCPC’ argument and Meta’s defence before upholding the former.

But no sooner had the judgement been delivered than Meta arrogantly threatened to quit Nigeria, as if it was doing its Nigerian clients a favour. Of course, everyone knew it was all a bluff of a corporate Shylock caught pants down. Apparently realising how futile that was, Meta later resorted to the usual tactic to stall the wheel of justice: file a notice of appeal. Sadly, six months later, we have not heard anything about the case again.

But this is not how Meta behaves back home in America. In 2024, it was fined $1.4b in Texas for the same offence it was asked to pay a ‘chicken feed’ of $220m in Nigeria by FCCPC. The Texas court established that Meta had unlawfully collected and used facial recognition data from millions of Texans without their consent, violating the state’s Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI).

Elsewhere in Europe, it was also asked to pay $1.3 billion for violating E.U. Data Privacy Rules. In India, South Korea, France and Australia, Meta had faced varying penalties for similar breaches.

But note: wherever it was founded guilty of market abuse outside Africa, Meta promptly obeyed the order to make restitution. It never resorted to the cheap blackmail of threatening to exit those countries.

It is the reason I believe every patriotic and proud Nigerian should be outraged by this seeming apartheid policy by Meta. In the 70s, 80s and early 90s, Nigerians didn’t take kindly with the Apartheid policy in South Africa. No justification, therefore, to stomach a similar insult by Meta. Good enough, there are viable alternatives now promoted by the Chinese. If Meta is not ready to play by the rules set by regulatory authorities in Nigeria like they do in other jurisdictions, they should pack their bags and go where their shenanigans will be tolerated.

The Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Independence Day speech, describing it as inspiring and thought-provoking.

In a statement by the Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the group praised the President’s call to action for Nigerians to work together towards a brighter future.

According to Yakubu, ‘President Tinubu’s speech was a clarion call to Nigerians to believe in the boundless potential of our great nation.’

The group believes that the President’s message of hope and unity is what Nigeria needs to move the country forward at the moment.

The ATT noted that President Tinubu’s emphasis on national unity and the need for Nigerians to work together towards a common goal is a step in the right direction.

The group believes that unity is key to Nigeria’s progress and development.

The President’s speech highlighted the country’s economic progress, including the growth of the economy, increased foreign reserves, and improved infrastructure.

The ATT believes that these achievements are a testament to the President’s leadership and vision for Nigeria.

The ATT called on Nigerians to heed the President’s call to action and work towards building a better future for themselves and future generations.

The group believes that with collective effort and determination, Nigeria can achieve great things.

In his speech, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of national unity, economic development, and collective effort.

He called on Nigerians to believe in the potential of their great nation and work towards a brighter future.

The President highlighted the country’s progress in various sectors, including the economy, infrastructure, and security.

He also emphasised the need for Nigerians to patronize made-in-Nigeria goods and support local industries.

President Tinubu told the youths, ‘You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector.’

The quiet layers of memory and history came alive at the inaugural Archivist Talk held at the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), Yaba, Lagos. The event, themed A Collective Remembering, brought together artists, archivists, cultural workers, and journalists to reflect on the role of archives in shaping Nigerian and global contemporary art.

The Archivist Talk is part of the CCA Lagos’ ongoing efforts to preserve the legacy of its founder, the late Bisi Silva, whose vision of connecting Nigerian artists to global audiences continues to inspire projects in archiving, documentation, and storytelling.

The session featured interactive activities such as collage-making and digital storytelling, designed to engage participants in new ways of experiencing archival materials. Technology was at the forefront of the conversations, showing how archives are evolving into dynamic platforms of creativity.

Multidisciplinary artist, Rasak Akorede, described the project as inspiring and innovative.

‘It was quite interesting because different people had different reactions. Some were able to ask questions about events as far back as the 1990s, and the archive gave them answers immediately. That shows how technology can change the way we engage with history,’ he said.

Curator and founder of the Arts Bridge Project, Tony Agbapuonwu, stressed the importance of documentation beyond art. ‘This programme shows us the importance of documenting the times we live in and the role of technology in preserving our stories. Beyond art, archives are tools for understanding culture and shaping the narrative of our society,’ he said.

For cultural reporter, Pelu Adegbesun, the event was a timely reminder of the need to embrace archiving in Nigeria. ‘In the past, many people did not pay attention to preserving memory, but with initiatives like this, young people are beginning to take interest in documentation. This is a beautiful development for our cultural heritage,’ he noted.

Project archivist, Jenny Agu, emphasized the continuing influence of Bisi Silva in Nigeria’s art ecosystem. ‘Her legacy is still very visible in the arts community. She believed in connecting Nigerian artists to global audiences, and this project continues that mission by opening access to archives in creative ways,’ she said.

Agu added that the Archivist Talk was not only about revisiting the past but also about shaping the future. ‘Preserving memory gives us a sense of identity. By using art and technology, we are ensuring that today’s stories will be available for generations to come,’ she explained.

The Olalekan Ayinla Foundation has distributed over 500 school kits to pupils across eight primary schools in Ikeja, Lagos State.

This was part of its Back-to-School Programme designed to support widows, orphans, indigent children, and senior citizens.

The items, which included school bags, uniforms, sandals, and writing materials, were shared among pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to ease the financial burden on their parents and encourage learning.

Founder of the foundation, Olalekan Ayinla, said the initiative was born out of a conviction that education remains the most powerful tool for empowerment and national development.

‘Education is very important in Nigeria. These children are the future of tomorrow. We all passed through this same road, so it is only right that we give back to society,’ he said.

Ayinla listed the benefiting schools to include Ukera Primary School, Adeniji Jones Primary School, Tokunbo Alli Primary School, Shogunle Primary School, Estate Primary School, Ogba, St. Peter’s Anglican School, Alausa, Opebi Primary School, and Osubiniye Primary School.

‘In total, we are distributing nearly 500 items today across eight schools. This is our way of empowering children. Beyond this, we also plan to extend support to widows, senior citizens, and orphans,’ he added.

According to him, the foundation remains committed to expanding its reach with interventions that will continue to cover pupils, widows, less privileged families, and senior citizens.

‘Nigeria’s growth is not the responsibility of the government alone. Every one of us must play a role in helping others. Through little acts of giving, we can change lives and build the country we want,’ he noted.

An official of the Social Mobilisation Department of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Sumbo Omobolanle, lauded the actions of the foundation.

She called for more private interventions to complement government efforts in tackling the issue of out-of-school children.

‘The reality is that many pupils cannot even afford exercise books or school bags. We appeal to more well-meaning Nigerians and NGOs to step in, because the government alone cannot do it,’ she said.

Head Teacher of Estate Primary School, Ogba, Mrs. Olanrewaju Funmilola, described the donation as a huge relief to parents struggling with the rising cost of basic school items.

‘On behalf of the school management, parents, and pupils, I express heartfelt gratitude to the Foundation. This will bring joy to families that could not afford basic school items,’ she said.

Assistant Head Teacher of Adeniji Jones Primary School, Mrs. Aishat Mohammed, said the initiative would boost the morale of pupils who had been struggling without adequate learning materials.

‘The children are so happy to receive these gifts. We pray that more pupils will benefit in the future,’ she said.

On October 1st, 1960, Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule. It was celebrated as freedom from centuries of human and economic exploitation. It marked the end of the slave trade, the dehumanization of our people, and the systematic drain of our natural wealth. But more than six decades later, the question still echoes: Did Nigeria truly achieve independence, or was it only the beginning of another phase of control?

From the very first administration in 1960, it became clear that independence was not complete. Nigeria’s leadership was forced to operate within frameworks designed by Western interests, particularly around the control of natural resources.

As military coups toppled governments and dictatorships emerged, foreign influence remained in place. Policies were shaped abroad, debts piled up, and sovereignty was limited. Independence too often looked like an illusion.

At the heart of this neo-colonial arrangement was the constant effort to dominate Nigeria’s natural wealth. By keeping the country dependent on foreign refineries, international lenders and imported goods, external powers ensured that Nigeria remained under their grip. Successive governments, from one Head of State to another, found it difficult to break free. Progress was slowed and dignity was weakened.

The story began to change with the rise of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Though educated abroad, Tinubu was forged in Nigeria’s own political struggles. From his days in NADECO resisting military dictatorship to his transformation of Lagos State into Africa’s fastest-growing economy and one of the most creative hubs in the world, he built a reputation for resilience, vision and innovation. What he did in Lagos was a preview of the national rebirth he now drives as President.

Today, under President Tinubu, Nigeria is walking firmly toward true independence.

His words, ‘It is time to work as partners, not as masters and servants,’ capture a new spirit of leadership. His government has refused to bow to external pressure, choosing instead to design policies that directly serve Nigerians. His leadership beats like the drum of freedom, breaking the chains of neo-colonialism that have held the nation for decades.

In the oil and gas sector, Nigeria now hosts the world’s second-largest refinery, a bold step that ends reliance on foreign refineries. In finance, Tinubu’s reforms focus on reducing debt, exempting the poor from excessive taxes and strengthening the naira. These are practical steps that secure Nigeria’s sovereignty and give the people control over their future.

Healthcare, education, infrastructure and agriculture are also being reshaped. Federal medical centres are being expanded and the cost of dialysis has been reduced. A new health insurance network is being built to protect citizens. The NEL Fund supports students and young people.

Airports are being revived and transport systems upgraded. In agriculture, regional food hubs are being established to stabilize prices, ensure food security and reduce dependence on imports.

In less than two years, these reforms have started to show real results. Nigerians are seeing change in their daily lives, from cheaper access to healthcare to new opportunities in education and work.

Unlike past administrations that kept the country tied to dependency, Tinubu’s government is building structures that guarantee lasting independence. For the first time, Nigeria is setting its own terms and standing tall in global affairs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proven himself to be more than a reformer. He is the leader who has finally redefined independence for Nigeria.

What began in 1960 as political freedom is now becoming full economic and institutional independence. Under his leadership, Nigerians can celebrate freedom that is real, practical and irreversible.

– Gbenga Abiola, national coordinator, Tinubu Media Force, Nigeria’s largest progressive grassroots media structure