Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Chairman of Eti-Osa Local Government, Omo’ba Adeola Adetoro, has distributed school materials to public schools pupils in her council.

Adetoro said that education is the bedrock of a society’s growth and development.

She added that the initiative reflects her administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that fosters all round development.

‘Our young scholars are the foundation of Eti-Osa’s future, and their achievements will determine the progress of our local government. That’s why we’re committed to creating an enabling environment that fosters learning and personal growth,’ she said.

She urged the pupils to take their studies serious, adding that hardworking and determination lead to success.

She said: ‘I urge our students to approach this new session with discipline, dedication, and excellence. Education is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere, and I have no doubt that with hard work and determination, you will achieve great things.’

She commended the roles of teachers in building the future leaders.

‘To our teachers, I commend your tireless efforts in shaping the minds of our future leaders. Your role is crucial in inspiring and guiding our students to reach their full potential,’ she said.

The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Eti Osa Local Government, Aremo Olusegun Oyindasola, urged the pupils to be dedicated to their studies and avoid joining bad gangs.

The schools that benefited from the gesture included Ikota Primary School, Ilasan Primary School, Ajiran Primary School, Lagos State Model Primary School, Mayegun Community Primary School, Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi Primary School, and Jamatul Islamiyah Primary School.

There have been many suggestions on how to build the Nigeria of our dream beyond the rhetoric of politicians, who promise to build bridges where there are no rivers. The Nigeria I have in mind is one where the constitution meets the people’s aspirations, by providing a workable federation structure and processes of governance that take the diversity of the country into account. It should be a constitution that provides opportunities for self-fulfillment for various groups, thereby making separatist agitations undesirable. What is still unclear is a word picture of how such a new Nigeria might look like.

While, despite liars and saboteurs, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been working hard to stabilise the country through globally acclaimed economic reforms, the debate rages on the kind of Nigeria he should aim at building. There are two major suggestions.

The constitutional approach

The constitutional approach has been the default approach, with two distinct groups leading the advocacy. One group argues that there really is nothing wrong with the 1999 constitution (as amended). The problem, they argue, is with the implementation. The country would be fine if only political actors respected the constitution they swore to obey. True, the constitution is flouted here and there, but that is only part of the story.

The other group argues that the constitution is so flawed that it must be thoroughly reviewed. Once the constitution is amended properly, they argue, all our problems will be solved. However, despite many attempts at reviews, including two major constitutional conferences, the constitution stays flawed.

There are far too many problems with the constitution, two of which are paramount. One, it lacks legitimacy, because it was a military imposition, which adopts the American presidential system in appearance but not in details or in practice. It was an attempt to give an acceptable face to the unitary system of government first imposed by the military after the notorious coup of 1966 and then codified into the 1979 constitution.

However, a close look at the 1999 constitution shows how far away it is from the American model. For example, the American constitution guarantees relative autonomy of the 50 federating states, including control over their own local governments, resources, education, agricultural activities, elections, and police for security. The 1999 constitution does not guarantee such level of autonomy to the 36 states and even recognizes 774 Local Government Areas, thus raising questions about their status as political units and complicating the power of states to control them. Moreover, the distribution of the LGAs is far from the realities on ground. For example, Osun and Ondo states have comparable populations, but Osun has 30 LGAs, while Ondo is given only 18!

Two, the 1999 constitution over-concentrates power in the federal government, by giving the centre exclusive control over education (via UBEC, JAMB, NUC, NBTE, TETFund, and so on); elections; domestic security via unitary police; and many others. The constitution also gives the centre a greater share of resources as well as control over the sharing of resources generated by the federating states.

Dr. Joe Abah succinctly outlines the negative consequences of over-centralisation of power and resources in a recent lucid essay (see Rebuilding Nigeria through devolution and decentralisation, The Daily Times, October 1, 2025). They include wasteful spending; corruption; and impunity. Worse still, states depend on monthly federal allocations, leading citizens to overlook states and blame the federal government for everything. This is the dilemma faced by the Tinubu administration, which continues to be blamed, despite providing states with more than double their previous allocations.

The devolution approach

The devolutionists believe that the present arrangement has three major shortcomings. One, the structure of the federation is so unworkable that a new arrangement is needed that provides the incentive for federating units to look inwards rather than to the federal government for sustenance. Less than half of the existing 36 states could be regarded as viable in that sense. Many of them are unable to pay the new minimum wage, while also owing salary and pension arrears.

Two, it is imperative that power and resources devolve from the centre to the federating units in order (a) to encourage the federating units to manage their affairs more productively and empower their residents to strive for self-fulfillment; (b) to allow the federal government to concentrate on its core duties of national defense, economic policy, and citizen welfare; and (c) to shift the blame game from the federal government to the federating units, thereby making both more accountable to the people.

Two tasks must be accomplished to achieve these goals. First, the federating units have to be delineated into manageable entities, while reducing the expensive overhead costs the present 36-state structure entails. Moreover, the new units must be empowered to manage their own affairs for reasons well articulated by Chief Bisi Akande, himself a fervent advocate of devolution of powers and resources: ‘Federating units or subsidiary units are usually the theatre of action. That is where you have the land, the forests, the farms, the schools, the hospitals, the manufacturing industries, and even the roads and the citizens, together with daily economic and social activities.’

There are two competing suggestions on what the federating or subsidiary units would look like. One group advocates a return to the old regions. The advocates of this approach tend to be older citizens, who grew up during the old parliamentary system in which three or four regions were the subnational governments. Critics of this approach cite the large but unequal size of the old regions and the trapping of minority populations within them.

The other group advocates the reconstitution of the present six zones into federating units. Among the advocates of this approach are internationally recognised administration and governance experts, including Dr. Abah and Professor Adamolekun, who has even authored a book on the subject (see Reflections on Governance and Development in Nigeria, published in April 2025).

However, the above task is not achievable unless the constitution makes it possible. Hence, the present constitution must be replaced by one in which the citizens are invested, and which changes the structure of the federation into one in which the present zones are the federating units. The zones would become states, to be known by their geographical nomenclature as Southwest, South-south, Southeast, Northeast, North Central, and Northwest or by some other agreed names. Each state will decide on what to do with the various units within it. However, there should be relative uniformity in the nomenclature. In the United States, for example, the political unit immediately below the state is the County. However, subunits of counties are known by various local names.

A critical aspect of the new constitution should be the allocation of resources. Dr. Abah has suggested a 20-30 percent share for the federal government, while the subnational units receive 70-80 percent. I align with Professor Adamolekun’s suggestion of 35:65 share as in the 1963 constitution.

As indicated at the beginning, state allocations have more than doubled because of President Tinubu’s economic reforms. Yet the evidence of the bonanza is scanty across many states. Unless steps are taken to make the subnational governments more responsible and accountable, it will be difficult to sustain the gains of the reforms. A devolved federation along the lines suggested above is sorely needed to make the subnational governments more responsible and accountable, while making ‘life more abundant’ for the citizens, in the words of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has reaffirmed its commitment to efficient and transparent service delivery through the full integration of SERVICOM principles across its operations.

Speaking at the Bureau’s 2025 SERVICOM Day Symposium in Abuja, themed ‘Reforming Responsibly Through Effective Service Delivery’, the Director General (DG), Ayodeji Gbeleyi said the agency’s progress reflects its alignment with the national ‘Mission Possible’ agenda for public service excellence.

At the event that brought together members of the National Assembly, anti-graft agencies, and other stakeholders, Gbeleyi noted that the Bureau continues to position itself as a trusted knowledge hub for investors and a driving force behind Nigeria’s economic reform under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘Our stakeholders, and indeed every Nigerian, look up to the Bureau to lead the economic reforms embedded in the Renewed Hope Agenda. We have positioned the Bureau as a trusted knowledge hub for investors seeking opportunities in Nigeria,’ he said.

Gbeleyi stressed that effective service delivery remains central to advancing the ease of doing business, adding that the symposium aimed to reinforce the importance of customer service in achieving the Bureau’s mandate.

According to the DG, since establishing its SERVICOM Unit in 2008, BPE has implemented measures to enhance responsiveness and efficiency, including regular customer satisfaction surveys, a Service Charter, and quarterly SERVICOM meetings.

The Bureau, he said, has also improved workplace conditions through electronic registers, CCTV installations, and upgraded reception and canteen facilities.

‘These initiatives reflect the Bureau’s unwavering commitment to upholding SERVICOM’s core values and ensuring service delivery that is efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused,’ Gbeleyi noted.

Highlighting staff training and international exposure as major drivers of service excellence, he noted, ‘In 2023, only 16 staff participated in investors’ fora.

‘That number rose to 49 in 2024, and 70 are already engaged in offshore training this year,’ adding that such capacity building equips staff with global best practices to improve professionalism and efficiency.

He urged participants to apply lessons from the symposium to strengthen service delivery within their institutions, emphasizing that every public interaction should ‘leave a delightful and enduring impression.’

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commercialisation and Privatisation, Senator Shuaibu Lau, represented by Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga, called for responsible reforms and stronger collaboration to enhance service delivery nationwide.

He described the event as ‘A vital platform for dialogue and sharing innovative ideas’ to improve efficiency and accountability in public institutions.

‘Effective service delivery is a vital component of good governance that directly impacts citizens’ lives and the nation’s economic well-being’.

Lau noted that reforms in the privatisation sector could stimulate economic growth, attract investments, and create jobs, adding, ‘By reforming responsibly together, we can not only improve service efficiency but also build public trust’.

Acting National Coordinator of SERVICOM, Anthony Oshin, also commended the Bureau for prioritizing transparency, teamwork, and citizen-centred service.

Oshin, who was represented by Ngozi Akinbodewa, the Head of Operations at SERVICOM stressed that employee experience is the new customer experience, urging the Bureau to invest in staff motivation, technology, and continuous feedback.

‘Every public asset privatized must translate into measurable national development,’ Oshin, while describing customer complaints as ‘free consultancy’ that helps institutions identify weaknesses and improve processes.

He emphasised that genuine reform depends on committed leadership and a motivated workforce, ‘When staff feel valued, they deliver better service. Treat employees as kings, and they will treat customers as kings,’ he said.

Guest speaker, Dr. Sam Ikoku and former BPE Director-General Bolanle Onagoruwa both praised the Bureau’s dedication to service excellence and transparency.

They urged the agency to sustain its reform efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s economic environment and accelerate national growth.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday dismissed claims portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as religious persecution or state-sponsored attacks on faith groups, reaffirming the nation’s constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion and belief.

Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, the House condemned all forms of violence and persecution based on religion or belief and expressed sympathy with all victims, regardless of faith.

The House directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs, National Security and Intelligence, Interior, Information, National Orientation and Values, Police Affairs, Civil Society, and Human Rights to, within 21 days, coordinate with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., to lodge a formal diplomatic demarche with the sponsors of the U.S. bill and relevant congressional committees.

The committees are also mandated to engage the U.S. Mission in Nigeria and interested American lawmakers to propose a Nigeria-U.S. Joint Fact-Finding and Dialogue Mechanism on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), involving faith leaders and independent experts. Additionally, they are to invite the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to a House hearing to review the sources, methodology, and implications of its reports on Nigeria.

The House further ordered that the resolution be transmitted to the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, security agencies, the leadership of the U.S. Congress (Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs Committees), the U.S. Department of State, USCIRF, the African Union, and ECOWAS Commissions.

While presenting the motion, Kalu recalled that on September 9, 2025, a bill titled *’The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 (S.2747)’* was introduced in the U.S. Senate, seeking to designate Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials under Executive Order 13818 (Global Magnitsky Act) and related authorities.

‘Further notes that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has in recent annual reports, recommended Nigeria for CPC designation, citing persistent violations and state failures to protect against non-state actor abuses.

‘The Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion and bars the adoption of a State religion, and successive administrations, security agencies, faith leaders, and civil society continue to undertake measures to protect all worshippers and prosecute offenders, as reflected in the U.S. Department of State’s 2023 country chapter and prior reports.

He argued that the insecurity in Nigeria is complex and multi-causal – driven by insurgency, criminal banditry, farmer-herder conflict, separatist violence, and communal disputes – affecting citizens of all faiths; international reporting attributes a significant share of fatalities to terrorist groups and criminal gangs rather than State policy or a single religious dynamic.

He expressed concern that external legislative actions based on incomplete or decontextualised assessments risk undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty, misrepresenting facts, straining strategic relations, and unintentionally emboldening violent actors.

He stressed the need to be mindful of Nigeria’s longstanding partnership with the United States on counter-terrorism, human rights, democratic governance, and inter-faith dialogue, and the African Union’s emphasis on tolerance and inclusive societies.

In his contribution to the debate, Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) said the absence of ambassadors in the various countries, particularly the United States of America, makes diplomatic initiatives to address the issue difficult.

He said Nigeria cannot afford to avoid the fact that what is going on is global politics, adding that it is not just enough to say that Nigeria was being targeted for blackmail.

He said the country must put a mechanism in place to fight what is going on presently, while lamenting the absence of Ambassadors who will be equipped to handle the diplomatic angle to the issues, stressing that unless the right channels are followed, every effort being put in place right now may be in vain.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oluwole Oke, said the US Senate has since conducted a public hearing on the bill, adding that his committee has held engagements with the US Embassy in Nigeria to let them know that the data being put out in the US was not correct.

He said he drew their attention to several. Instances to convince them that there was a religious or state-sponsored massacre in the country.

House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, said the county was being deliberately targeted through deliberate mischief both by Nigerians and people from other countries, adding that the nation must use all necessary channels to engage the US parliament on the matter.

He stressed that deliberate efforts were being made to undermine and rubbish all the gains made so far by the Nigerian government.

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, said the decision to resign from office was a personal and principled choice aimed at preserving the integrity of ongoing judicial proceedings, not an admission of guilt.

In a statement, Nnaji said he chose to ‘step aside’ to respect the sanctity of due process and allow justice to take its course.

‘My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,’ he said.

The former Minister lamented what he described as an orchestrated, politically motivated campaign of falsehood targeted at his person and office over the past week.

He said the malicious attacks and media distortions had caused personal distress and begun to distract from the work of the Ministry and the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘As someone who has spent more than five decades building a reputation anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity, I cannot in good conscience allow these distractions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives of this administration,’ he stated.

Nnaji expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the President’s vision of a ‘renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria.’

‘His vision for a renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear, and I pledge my unflinching support to his administration and its transformative goals,’ he added.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has affirmed that his administration remains open to constructive criticism, emphasizing that good governance depends on transparency, accountability, and public participation.

The governor, who recently faced criticism from opposition figures accusing him of underperformance, said his government welcomes sincere feedback that can help improve service delivery.

In the past week, Isaac Fayose, younger brother to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, faulted Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, alleging that despite Ondo’s status as an oil-producing state, the administration had little to show for its federal allocations.

Fayose also described Ondo as ‘one of the dirtiest states’ in Nigeria with ‘very low development.’

Speaking at a praise and worship concert in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa maintained that his administration is responsible and receptive to the people’s voices.

He reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values and policies designed to transform the socio-economic fortunes of the state.

He added that no government is perfect and called for citizens’ prayers, support, and honest feedback to enhance governance and service delivery.

‘For every one of us, continue to pray for this government – not just the church alone. You are also charged to pray for all men, especially those in authority. We are open to constructive criticism.

‘There are avenues where you can talk to us – you can write letters, you can engage us, and we are ready to listen. You elected us, and this is your government. God used you to install this government; you can lay claim to it. You only put me here to serve you and the service I will give to you,’ the governor said.

Aiyedatiwa assured residents that his administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses and individuals to thrive, adding that the state capital, Akure, remains safe for both residents and visitors.

‘You can live and work here in Akure anytime of the night. Everywhere is bright. No evil will come near you because the cloud of God is here and over everyone of us,’ he told the gathering.

On ongoing road projects across the state, the governor urged citizens to exercise patience, explaining that most of the construction works were delayed due to the rainy season.

‘Some of the roads we are constructing were in terrible condition, and that is why we awarded them for reconstruction. It is not a microwave business that happens instantly – it will take time,’ Aiyedatiwa noted.

‘The contractors are on site, and we are not owing them. They will deliver at the right time. We just need patience. Where palliative work is required, we will intervene once the weather is dry so that people can still use the roads before their final completion,’ he further said.

Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property, assuring residents that the government would not relent in its efforts to sustain peace and development across the state.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are bracing up for a crucial Round of 16 showdown against tournament favourites Argentina at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

The encounter is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2025, with kick-off at 8:30 PM Nigerian time. Fans can watch the match live on DStv (SuperSport), StarTimes, Sporty TV, FIFA+, and beIN SPORTS.

Argentina have been one of the most impressive sides in the competition, cruising through the group stage as Group D winners with a perfect record. The South Americans secured all nine points from three matches – defeating Cuba 3-1, Australia 4-1, and Italy 1-0 to seal their dominance.

Backed by a talented generation of young players, Argentina headed into the knockout round unbeaten and full of momentum.

The Flying Eagles, on the other hand, progressed to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing Group B with four points. They began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Norway, but bounced back strongly with a 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia before holding Colombia to a 1-1 draw in their final group match.

Having secured qualification after placing third at the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, the Nigerian side will be hoping to pull off a major upset against the in-form Argentines and advance to the quarterfinals.

Confidence, determination, and resilience have been the driving forces behind Aliyu Zubair’s side, who battled their way out of the group stage with four points from matches against Saudi Arabia and Colombia. The Colombians, heavily favored before the encounter, were left stunned as Nigeria dominated large spells of the contest.

Coach Zubair will be forced to make at least one change to his attacking lineup, with forward Suleman Sani suspended after picking up two yellow cards in the group stage. A new partner will therefore join Tahir Maigana and Kparobo Arierhi up front.

The Flying Eagles arrived in Santiago from Talca on Monday evening and are set to hold a final training session on Tuesday night as they fine-tune preparations for their high-stakes clash against Argentina.

Flying Eagles Possible Line-up

Harcourt, Ochoche, Okoro, Daga, Akinyele, Bameyi, Arierhi, Ayuma, Achihi, Salihu, Maigana.

Match Information

Fixture:

Argentina U-20 vs Nigeria U-20

Competition:

2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup (Round of 16)

Date:

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Time:

8:30 PM (Nigerian Time)

Venue:

Chile

Where to Watch:

DStv (SuperSport), StarTimes, Sporty TV, FIFA+, beIN SPORTS

Prediction:

Nigeria 2-1 Argentina

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the Nigeria Police Training Institute (Establishment) Bill and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill.

This was announced in a letter to the National Assembly and read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the resumption of plenary yesterday.

The two Bills are aimed at addressing the lingering funding and training deficits of the police force.

First enacted in 2019, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act seeks to provide a dedicated source of funding for training, equipment, operations, and welfare of the police to ensure public safety.

The Police Training Institute (Establishment) Bill also underscores a significant step to modernizing and professionalising the law enforcement training framework in the country.

In the letter, the President also communicated his refusal to assent to two Bills, which he said were ‘tainted with fundamental defects’.

The Bills are: the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (Establishment) Bill 2025 and the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2025.

‘Pursuant to Section 58(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I hereby convey to the Senate, my decision to decline assent to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (Establishment) Bill 2025.

‘The rationale for my decision is that the Bill is tainted with fundamental defects, such as Section 18, subsection 4(a).

‘The Bill expands the source of funding of the National Transport Logistics Research to include one per cent of freight on every import and every export, from Nigeria, without the approval of the Federal Executive Council. Moreso, when the Institute is to be funded by the same Federal Government.

‘Section 21(2) empowers the institute to borrow by way of loan or overdraft without the consent of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, except where the amount to be borrowed is above N50 million.

‘In the extant Act, borrowing can be made with the approval of the President. The removal of the approval of the President has not been explained or justified.

‘The provision could be abused as the institute may request to borrow an amount equal to N50 million or less to avoid Presidential approval. This will amount to serious financial abuse

‘Section 23(4) is on the power to invest surplus funds. Since the institute is to be funded by the Federal Government and money appropriated by the government for any agency is usually projected and accounted for, it is unlikely to have surpluses.

‘The issue of investing surplus funds is usually applicable to agencies that are not funded by the federal government of Nigeria, but generate revenue to spend.

‘In addition, Section 21 states that it is the surplus fund of the Institute that should be invested, while Section 23 states that any of the institute’s funds could be invested. This can allow funds other than surpluses to be diverted for investment purposes from their original purpose.

‘Section 18(2) requires money in the fund to be applied towards the promotion of the objectives and functions of the Act.

‘It does not include or recognise the investment of the funds of the Institute. This seems contradictory to Section 23, which proposes to allow the Institute to invest its funds on securities as approved by the Minister. On the above reasons, I withhold my assent to the Bill.’

Akpabio thanked the President for taking the time to go through the Bill and pointing out anomalies that need to be rectified.

He said: ‘I want to thank the President for taking the time to go through every Bill that we sent to the Executive.

‘This is very impressive because it means that the Executive took time to go through, clause by clause. And so, we will do justice to all the observations put forward by the President.’

Commenting on the reason for rejecting the proposed National Assembly Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill, 2025, President Tinubu said: ‘Notwithstanding the laudable objectives of the legislation, certain provisions contained therein go against the settled law and policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria as it relates to funding of agencies under the National Assembly, taxation of national entities, public service remuneration, as well as age and year of service, among others.

‘If this Bill becomes law, these provisions will establish an unsustainable precedent against the public interest.

‘Further to the above, I will not be granting presidential assent to the Bill. I hope that the Senate will take necessary steps to fix the identified issues with this legislation.’

Nigerian smallholder farmers collectively earned over $40 million from agricultural sales through Federal Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) co-financed Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP).

IFAD Country Director, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, spoke yesterday in Abuja at the workshop of the 12th Joint Federal Government and IFAD Supervision Mission for the programme.

She said the $334 million initiative, funded by IFAD and Nigeria, has transformed smallholder agriculture, especially in rice and cassava value chains.

Ekoue described the programme as a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening food systems, enhancing productivity, and improving livelihoods of rural farmers.

Highlighting its impact, she noted that participating rice farmers record yields of five to six metric tonnes per hectare a remarkable improvement, from the national average of two to 2.5 tonnes.

Through the Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF), the VCDP’s flagship public-private-producer partnership platform, farmers have generated over $40 million in sales through 878 agreements with off-takers, benefiting more than 16,000 rice farmers.

‘These showcase what can be achieved through collaboration between governments, farmers, communities, private sector, and IFAD,’ he said.

‘We are delighted that the VCDP complements President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy, and African Union’s Kampala Declaration on agricultural transformation.’

It began with a whisper – the sound of wind flirting with the water – and then, a sudden roar. The Lagos Lagoon, long accustomed to the lazy glide of ferries and the rhythmic paddles of fishermen, found a new heartbeat. Sleek, winged vessels rose from its surface like metallic birds, slicing through the morning haze with electric grace. Cameras clicked, crowds cheered, and for a few dazzling hours, the city by the sea became the epicentre of a new revolution – one of speed, sustainability, and spectacle. This was not just sport. It was Lagos announcing itself – bold, restless, and forward-looking – to the world.

On that luminous October weekend, as sunlight danced on the waters of Victoria Island, the E1 Electric Powerboat Championship brought the future to Nigeria’s shores. For the first time ever, Africa hosted a race in the all-electric series, a global contest where innovation meets adrenaline, and where every ripple tells a story about the planet’s greener tomorrow. And Lagos, never one to do things quietly, seized the moment.

For decades, Lagos has been defined by its land – its unending traffic, its restless population, its rhythm of trade and survival. But the lagoon has always been its quiet soul, stretching endlessly from the Atlantic to the creeks of Ikorodu and Badagry. Last weekend, that soul stirred. The city’s famed skyline gleamed under the tropical sun as the RaceBirds – sleek, electric hydrofoil boats – danced across the lagoon. Each vessel, powered entirely by battery, lifted above the water on carbon-fibre wings, gliding silently yet powerfully. To the uninitiated, it was magic; to the engineers, it was the future of sustainable racing.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who had championed Lagos’s inclusion in the E1 calendar, called it ‘a defining moment in the city’s evolution – where tradition meets technology.’ For him, and for many Lagosians watching from the banks and balconies, it was more than a race. It was proof that Africa’s largest city could lead in innovation, hospitality, and green mobility. His Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, hailed the E1 Lagos Grand Prix as a bold testament to the state’s global stature and innovative spirit. Declaring it Africa’s first all-electric powerboat race, he said the event showcased Lagos’ resilience, creativity, and readiness for a sustainable future while inspiring youths in sports and technology.

The E1 Championship is not a typical boat race. Founded to reimagine marine motorsport for a sustainable world, the series pits nations and celebrity-backed teams against one another – not in fossil-fuel engines, but in zero-emission vessels. Each RaceBird is a marvel of engineering, reaching speeds of up to 93 km/h, powered by lithium batteries and controlled with the precision of a jet cockpit. The Lagos event marked a milestone not only for the city but for the continent. Africa’s debut in the E1 series showed that the drive for cleaner energy and sport innovation is universal. The lagoon – a symbol of history, commerce, and culture – became a metaphor for transformation.

It also tied neatly into the Lagos State Government’s Omi Eko Project, a pound 410 million plan to modernise water transport infrastructure, electrify ferries, and reclaim the lagoon as a clean, functional waterway. The E1 race, then, was not an isolated spectacle; it was a glimpse of what could be. As Rodi Basso, E1’s Chief Executive Officer, put it: ‘We didn’t choose Lagos just for its location. We chose it for its energy. Lagos represents the kind of boldness the future demands – a city that never sleeps, never fears change, and never stops dreaming.’

By midday, the sun had turned the lagoon into a mirror, and the crowd’s anticipation reached fever pitch. From the Five Cowries Terminal to Oniru Beach, the city’s waterfront shimmered with excitement. Vendors sold flags, grilled fish, and fresh coconuts; influencers livestreamed the spectacle to millions online. Then came the sound – a deep, futuristic hum as the boats powered up. Within seconds, the still waters erupted into motion. Twelve hydrofoils took off, skimming above the surface in synchronized bursts of speed. The waves they left glistened like silver ribbons.

Among them were Team Brazil, Team Blue Rising, and Team Drogba Global Africa, all fighting for dominance in Lagos’s unpredictable lagoon winds. For the racers, it was no ordinary circuit – the tropical breeze, the tide’s temperament, and the humidity created an entirely new challenge. And then, as if nature wanted to test their resolve, the sky darkened. A storm gathered over the Atlantic and swept in with sudden fury. Waves rose, visibility dropped. It became a battle not just of machines, but of human skill and endurance.

Through it all, Team Brazil, led by Timmy Hansen and Leva Millere-Hagin, held their line. In the chaos of wind and spray, their electric RaceBird cut through the turbulence with precision, crossing the finish line first. Lagos erupted in applause. The sound rolled across the water like thunder. When the rain cleared and the winners lifted their trophy, the symbolism wasn’t lost on anyone. This wasn’t merely about sport. It was about Lagos – a city of contradictions, chaos, and creativity – proving that it could host the world and do it in style.

Hotels were full, restaurants buzzed with visitors, and every camera lens turned toward the lagoon. For two days, the city became a magnet for innovation, tourism, and pride. Economists estimate that the event generated millions of naira in direct spending, with long-term benefits for hospitality and marine infrastructure. But beyond figures, there was something deeper – a renewed sense of what Lagos could be.

As one spectator, Chioma, put it: ‘For once, we’re not talking about traffic or floods. We’re talking about something beautiful – something that makes Lagos feel like it belongs to the future.’

There’s poetry in the fact that the same waters where fishermen once paddled hand-carved canoes are now hosting electric hydrofoils. The same lagoon that witnessed centuries of commerce and colonial history now mirrors the promise of clean technology and global sport. To older residents, it felt like a bridge between generations. ‘I grew up watching wooden boats,’ said Chief Adesanya, a retired sailor from Ebute Metta. ‘I never thought I’d see machines flying on water. Lagos is changing before our eyes.’ For younger Lagosians – engineers, students, entrepreneurs – it was a spark of inspiration. Universities began discussing electric marine design; start-ups explored solar charging docks. The E1 race ignited not just applause, but imagination.

Governor Sanwo-Olu called the event ‘a triumph of partnership and progress,’ crediting collaboration among the state, private sector, and international bodies. Indeed, the logistics were immense: road closures around Victoria Island, ferry diversions across the Five Cowries Creek, and extensive safety coordination with marine agencies.

But the payoff was clear. Lagos demonstrated that it could organise world-class sporting events – blending African flair with global sophistication. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a message of commendation, praising the race as ‘a milestone that signals Nigeria’s readiness to lead in sustainable innovation and tourism.’ From tech giants to local artisans, the synergy was palpable. Corporate sponsors saw visibility; artisans sold souvenirs; media houses beamed images of Lagos’s sparkling lagoon to homes across the world.

When dusk fell on the final day, the lagoon glowed in twilight. The race was over, but the echoes lingered – in the laughter of children still waving flags, in the glimmering reflection of lights on the water, in the quiet pride of a city that dared to dream. The lagoon, once merely a backdrop, had become a stage. And Lagos, that irrepressible city of noise and hustle, had found serenity – if only for a moment – in the harmony of speed, silence, and sustainability.

There are still challenges ahead: keeping the waterways clean, ensuring inclusivity, extending water transport to underserved communities. But something irreversible has begun. The idea that Lagos can merge innovation with identity – that it can race toward the future without losing its soul – is no longer just a dream. As Rodi Basso said after the race: ‘The world saw Lagos today – its energy, its chaos, its beauty. The lagoon came alive, and in doing so, it showed us what the future could look like.’ And perhaps, in that single weekend when machines flew and waters danced, Lagos glimpsed a vision of itself – a city reborn not by concrete, but by current; not by roads, but by waves.