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Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has said his administration has reduced the state’s inherited domestic debt by more than N70 billion and recovered strategic public assets as part of efforts to reposition the state’s economy.

Otu stated this on Saturday in Calabar while inaugurating the Cross River State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections.

The governor said his administration inherited a state confronted by huge debts, insecurity, a demoralised workforce and underutilised public assets, but had spent its first term laying the foundation for economic recovery and sustainable development.

According to him, the state’s domestic debt, which stood at more than N204 billion when he assumed office in May 2023, had been reduced to about N132.3 billion as of March 2026, without the state taking fresh loans.

He also said internally generated revenue rose from N21.1 billion in 2022 to N46.3 billion in 2024, describing the development as evidence of improved fiscal management and stronger revenue mobilisation.

‘We did not promise all things in one year, but we covenanted to stop the bleeding, clear the ground, recover the losses and restore abandonments,’ Otu said.

He added: ‘Every debt retired is freedom for our children and house-cleaning for fresh fiscal air.’

The governor listed the recovery of Tinapa from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), recovery of nearly N1 billion from Etung Cocoa Estates and efforts to reclaim the state’s oil wells and protect its interests in the Bakassi axis and proposed Deep Seaport among the administration’s major achievements.

Otu also cited the lifting of the employment embargo, restoration of more than 3,000 local government workers to the payroll and payment of the first tranche of gratuities after nearly two decades as part of the administration’s reforms.

He said his administration had also prioritised infrastructure and economic revitalisation, citing the reconstruction of the Obudu Cargo Airport runway, revival of the Teachers Continuous Training Institute in Biase and transformation of Akamkpa College into the University of Entrepreneurship.

According to him, the state has also concessioned the Garment Factory and Obudu Ranch through public-private partnerships, while road construction and rehabilitation have continued across the state.

The governor further pointed to the expansion of Cally Air operations and the growing economic activities associated with Carnival Calabar as evidence of efforts to reposition the state as a major tourism and investment destination.

On agriculture, Otu said his administration was investing in cocoa, rice, potatoes, palm fruits and cassava production to boost food security, create jobs and strengthen rural economies.

He said the government was also pursuing digital transformation, with more than 200 kilometres of fibre infrastructure deployed across Calabar and over 600 residents trained in information and communication technology.

Otu said Cross River’s selection by the World Bank GovTech Team for its 2026 AI in Governance and Public Administration Bootcamp in Seoul, South Korea, was further recognition of the state’s progress in digital governance.

Looking ahead to a second term, the governor said his administration would focus on converting recovered public assets into productive enterprises, completing major infrastructure projects, expanding youth and agricultural enterprise programmes and establishing industrial parks across the three senatorial districts.

He also pledged improved welfare for workers and continued investment in programmes aimed at expanding economic opportunities for young people.

Otu urged members of the campaign council to take the administration’s scorecard to voters across the 18 local government areas and 196 wards, saying the 2027 election should be fought on the basis of facts, achievements and the future of the state.

‘Continuity is an attitude of maturity,’ he said, arguing that abandoning viable projects and investments midway would undermine the progress already recorded.

The governor said his administration had moved the state from a phase of recovery and restoration towards wealth creation and shared prosperity.

‘You do not change a farmer who has cleared the farm just when it is time to plant. You do not abandon a builder who has laid the foundation when it is time to raise the roof,’ he said.

He formally inaugurated the APC Campaign Council and charged its members to engage the electorate with decorum, stressing that the campaign should be about the future of Cross River and its people rather than an individual.

The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Steve Karimi, has commended the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kogi State, Bashar, for his professionalism and efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges in the state.

Karimi, in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja, praised the DSS director for his proactive approach to security operations, particularly his involvement with field personnel in efforts to rid the state’s forests of criminal elements.

The senator also commended Bashar for maintaining political neutrality and demonstrating professionalism in handling political matters, regardless of party affiliations.

He noted that the DSS director had consistently worked to maintain a peaceful political atmosphere in Kogi State by preventing thuggery, intimidation and violence during political campaigns and other public engagements.

Karimi cited an incident during one of his recently concluded town hall meetings in Kabba, where suspected hoodlums allegedly dressed in police uniforms attempted to disrupt the gathering in the early hours of the morning.

According to him, the DSS director swiftly deployed personnel to the area after receiving intelligence about the incident, preventing the suspected hoodlums from disrupting the programme or causing damage.

He said the prompt intervention of the security operatives forced the suspected hoodlums to flee before they could carry out their alleged mission.

The senator described the response as an example of effective intelligence gathering, timely intervention and responsible security leadership.

Karimi said the DSS director’s commitment to protecting lives and property, as well as his non-partisan approach to political security, deserved recognition and encouragement.

He urged security agencies to sustain their collaboration and remain professional in carrying out their responsibilities to ensure lasting peace, political stability, and security across Kogi State.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called for caution towards creating an agency that will usurp the constitutional functions of the Nigeria Police.

Hon. Kalu raised the concerns in the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday during the consideration of the ‘Bill for an Act to establish the Nigeria Mines Ranger Service (NMRS) to prevent, combat illegal mining, artisanal mining and other crimes and related matters’, a Senate bill sponsored by the Majority Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere.

A robust debate centred on Clause 23 of the bill, which deals with the power to obtain information, ensued during the consideration, wherein the Deputy Speaker questioned the scope of powers granted to the proposed service, asking whether the rangers were being positioned to perform police duties.

He said: ‘These rangers, are they going to be performing the work of the Police? I was thinking they will arrest and hand over to the Police for investigation. That is not what I am seeing in clause 23. I am worried about Clause 23, Power to obtain information’.

The clause read by the Deputy Speaker stated thus: ‘For the purposes of carrying out the powers conferred on the Service under this bill, the Commander-General or any other officer or employee of the Service authorized in that behalf shall have a right of access to all records of any person or authority affected by this bill for the specific purpose of discharging his duty under this bill’.

After reading the clause, Hon. Kalu said the service would be given the power of investigation if the bill was passed as presently drafted.

According to him, such powers ordinarily reside with the police.

He said: ‘That is investigation. It is police that will have the right to go into the record of individuals. Are you telling me that a mining ranger can, when they are invited against you or your properties or your premises, they have access to your private information. I thought it is the Police that is given the right to do that’?

In his response, Hon. Ihonvbere said the provision could be subject to amendment where necessary, but defended the need for preliminary investigative powers.

‘Well, they are subject to some amendment if necessary but if they do not carry out preliminary investigation of those they accost in the illegal mining, they cannot brief the Police adequately for prosecution in the law court. So, they are not taking over role of the Police,’ the Leader said.

The Deputy Speaker, however, insisted that there was a need to avoid conflict of mandate, stressing that the Ranger Service should be under the police in terms of investigation hierarchy.

‘The Chair is worried about clause 23 so that there will be no conflict with regards to the mandate of the Nigeria Police and the Ranger. In the order of hierarchy, the ranger should be under the police in terms of investigation. So, they are carrying out the duty of the Nigeria Police which the Constitution and the Police Act, in this case, have given to the Police, there will be a conflict,’ Hon. Kalu noted.

The Majority Leader further argued that the clause was intended to prevent wrongful arrests, citing recent incidents in which persons not engaged in illegal mining were arrested.

‘In the recent incident, there were persons who were arrested who were not even engaged in illegal mining. I think that clause simply tries to give the rangers the opportunity to separate the criminals from innocent persons and then proceed with the proper regular process under the Police,’ he said.

Maintaining his position, the Deputy Speaker said any arrest on reasonable suspicion should automatically activate the mandate of the Nigeria Police as provided in the Police Act.

‘I believe that when there is a reasonable suspicion and an arrest is conducted, those arrests should be the activation of the mandate of the Nigeria Police as allowed by the Police Act. Anything contrary to that will be usurping the office of the Nigeria Police. I have a problem with that so that we don’t end up creating something that will work against the grund norm of our country which has recognized in this case, the Police,’ he said.

Consequently, the House resolved to step down the bill for further legislative engagements.

‘We will step this bill down for further legislative engagements. Bill stepped down by the leave of the House. I am not impressed by the drafting of the bill because clause 23 doesn’t make so much sense to me,’ the Deputy Speaker ruled.

A total of 230 graduates of the Department of Biochemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, have been inducted as graduate members of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB).

The induction, which was the second to be organised by the department, was held under the conference theme: ‘The Fate Inheritance Research in Africa: The Contribution of Biochemistry in Diseases, Medicine Development and Public Health in the World.’

The ceremony marked a milestone for the graduates, recognising their academic efforts and potential contributions to scientific research and healthcare.

Speaking at the event, ATBU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, urged the inductees to apply their knowledge and skills to address societal challenges and question outdated practices in their respective workplaces.

Garba encouraged the graduates to become catalysts for positive change in whatever sectors they found themselves, including healthcare, industry, agriculture, technology and entrepreneurship.

He said, ‘As you step into the wider scientific world, hold fast to these enduring principles. Be the catalyst in every domain you enter, whether healthcare, industry, technology, agriculture, public policy or entrepreneurship.’

According to him, ‘Remember that catalysts do not force reactions; they make them happen. Challenge inefficient systems, question outdated assumptions and lower the activation energy required for positive change.’

The vice-chancellor also advised graduates to develop resilience, collaboration, professional integrity and a commitment to continuous learning, noting that scientific breakthroughs could not be achieved in isolation.

‘No biological system functions in isolation, and no transformational breakthrough is achieved alone. Build strong interdisciplinary bridges, cross-sectoral partnerships and enduring professional and personal bonds,’ he added.

He further urged them to uphold scientific integrity, accuracy and honesty, stressing that their professional reputation was more valuable than any achievement obtained through unethical practices.

In his keynote address, titled ‘The Genomic Future of Africa: How African Biochemists Transform Disease Research, Drug Discovery and Global Health,’ Prof. Ishaya Yohana challenged the inductees to identify societal problems within their areas of specialisation and develop practical solutions.

Yohana explained that genomics, which involves the study of the genetic material and makeup of organisms, had become important in understanding diseases, developing effective treatments and improving healthcare.

He said understanding individuals’ genetic makeup could help scientists determine how diseases develop and how patients respond to treatment.

He added that studying the genomes of disease-causing organisms could also help researchers develop more effective drugs.

‘Biochemists have been contributing to this because genomics began with biochemistry and molecular biology. Biochemists are pioneers in this field,’ he added.

‘We isolate genomes, sequence them, study them, understand the markers and pathways, and can mitigate whatever challenges pathogens may present,’ he further said.

The keynote speaker urged the graduates to apply their knowledge beyond laboratories and academic environments, noting that biochemistry offered opportunities to address challenges affecting different aspects of human life.

He stressed, ‘I encourage these inductees and others to look out for problems worthy of their training and find solutions to them because biochemistry studies life, the very foundation of life.’

‘They should go out there and be the change agents they call themselves in society,’ he added.

Earlier, the National President of the NSBMB, O. M. Wegwu, represented by his Vice-President, Mohammed Adamu Milala, commended ATBU for sustaining the induction programme.

He disclosed that the society was working to establish an Institute of Biochemistry in Nigeria, adding that the proposal had passed through the National Assembly and was awaiting presidential assent.

Wegwu also said the society had secured a plot of land on the outskirts of Abuja for the construction of a N15m complex to promote research, innovation and professional activities.

He encouraged the inductees to remain committed to professional excellence and contribute to the advancement of biochemistry in Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking on behalf of the inductees, the pioneer and outgoing President of the NSBMB ATBU branch, Shittu Salih, appreciated the university management and lecturers for their contributions to the graduates’ academic journey.

He described their training as demanding but rewarding, noting that the graduates had overcome several academic challenges and emerged better prepared for professional responsibilities.

Salih said, ‘We did not merely survive the journey; we grew through each challenge. We have emerged stronger, more knowledgeable, more resilient and determined to leave our footprints in the sands of our department’s history.’

He also acknowledged the efforts of their lecturers in helping them understand the value and practical relevance of biochemistry.

The Leke Abejide Foundation has launched a N600 million empowerment programme for women and widows in Kano State, aimed at supporting small-scale businesses, improving livelihoods and promoting economic self-reliance.

The initiative, tagged ‘Yoruba Community Political Mobilisation and Empowerment,’ is themed ‘To Mobilise One Million Votes for the Re-election of President Bola Tinubu in Kano in 2027.’

The foundation belongs to Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State.

Speaking at the launch, Abejide described Kano as his second home and the foundation of his success, explaining that the intervention was part of his commitment to giving back to the state.

He said the programme was designed to improve the economic conditions of beneficiaries, strengthen cooperation among ethnic associations and provide access to capital for small-scale businesses.

According to him, the foundation has earmarked N500 million as interest-free loans for women, particularly widows and businesswomen, while N100 million has been set aside specifically for widows.

Abejide explained that beneficiaries had been organised into cooperative societies based on their respective business interests to facilitate proper monitoring, accountability and loan repayment.

The programme covers Yoruba women from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara states, as well as members of the Ebira, Igala and Bassa communities from Kogi State residing in Kano.

At the event, beneficiaries also received bags of rice, clothing materials, cash and other relief items.

The lawmaker disclosed that the foundation had also provided food items, clothing and financial assistance to widows, assuring that the support would continue beyond the 2027 election period.

He added that a separate empowerment programme for youths and men in business would commence soon, with particular attention to unemployed youths seeking opportunities to become self-reliant.

On the political aspect of the initiative, Abejide said the foundation was working towards mobilising support for President Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections.

He disclosed that coordinators would be selected from among the women and widows benefiting from the programme to serve at polling units across Kano State.

‘We are picking coordinators for each polling unit among the widows and women who are benefiting today to guard our votes across Kano State,’ he said.

Abejide urged beneficiaries to utilise the funds responsibly, noting that monitoring mechanisms had been established to ensure accountability and minimise loan defaults.

He further disclosed that the foundation had implemented similar empowerment initiatives in parts of Kogi State for more than eight years, including free West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for over 50,000 students and support for approximately 10,000 widows.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising support for APC candidates contesting senatorial, House of Representatives and state assembly seats in the 2027 elections.

In his remarks, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir-Yusuf, commended Abejide for the initiative and urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the financial support and other materials provided.

The governor encouraged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by participating in the forthcoming elections and supporting President Tinubu and other APC candidates.

Kabir-Yusuf described Kano as a home for all Nigerians, urging residents to continue their legitimate businesses and maintain peaceful coexistence irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds.

He also announced a donation of N100 million in support of the empowerment project.

Similarly, the Oba Yoruba of Kano, Murtala Alimi-Otisese, commended the lawmaker for the intervention, saying it would contribute to improving the livelihoods of beneficiaries.

He also urged the women to support President Tinubu and Governor Kabir-Yusuf in the forthcoming elections.

The event was attended by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, other political leaders and representatives of various ethnic groups in Kano State.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has declared that his administration has ended the era of political profiteering, intimidation and irresponsibility in the state, insisting that Abia would never return to what he described as years of bad governance.

Governor Otti made the declaration on Sunday at the formal flag-off of his re-election campaign at the Umuahia Township Stadium, where thousands of Labour Party supporters from the 17 local government areas of the state converged for the ceremony.

The event, which transformed the Abia capital into a carnival-like atmosphere, attracted various support groups, organisations and dance troupes, as party faithful expressed solidarity with the governor’s bid to secure another four-year term.

The Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, disclosed this in a statement titled ‘The world now knows that Abia is on the right track: Never shall we return to the era of irresponsibility’, made available to the Nigerian Tribune.

Addressing supporters, Governor Otti recalled his unsuccessful attempts to rescue the state from what he described as years of man-made hardship in 2015 and 2019, declaring that the political siege on Abia was eventually broken in 2023.

‘We ended the era of political profiteers. We defied intimidation to liberate Abia and break Abia from the era of siege. Never shall we go back to the era of irresponsibility. Nothing will make us go back to Egypt,’ he declared.

Recalling the experiences of residents whose properties were allegedly demolished because of their political affiliations, the governor assured Abians that such incidents would not happen again, declaring: ‘Never again will anyone’s fence be pulled down on account of political choices. I declare Abia free.’

He said his administration required another four years to consolidate its achievements and establish enduring institutional safeguards that would protect ongoing reforms, promote transparency and eliminate what he described as the remaining vestiges of mediocrity in the state.

‘The only battle worth fighting is the one geared towards leaving Abia better than I met it, and I enjoin you to join me as we continue to fight that fight. I appeal to you to join me in fighting that battle in the next four years in order to consolidate on our records of performance,’ Governor Otti said.

Unveiling his campaign manifesto, ‘The New Abia: From rescue to consolidation’, the governor said it contained detailed plans for sustaining the achievements of the past three and a half years, adding that institutionalising transparency remained a major priority of his administration.

Highlighting his administration’s performance, Governor Otti disclosed that about 400 road projects covering more than 1,000 kilometres had been completed across the state.

He also listed improvements in primary healthcare, the employment of over 9,000 teachers, the construction of smart schools and investments in Abia State University, Uturu, and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.

Other areas, according to him, included the revival of industries in Aba, support for small and medium-scale enterprises and investments in agriculture to promote food sufficiency.

Governor Otti further declared that his administration had restored the dignity of Abians, urging supporters to vote for the Labour Party in all elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.

However, in a demonstration of political tolerance, he extended goodwill to candidates of other political parties and directed state functionaries to make public facilities available to any political party seeking to use them for campaign activities, provided the required fees were paid and applicable regulations observed.

Governor Otti also urged his supporters to focus their campaigns on issues, policies and records of performance, warning against political brigandage and other electoral misconduct.

A Lagos-based human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, on Sunday charged the Ekiti State Police Command to immediately arrest and prosecute the suspected thugs who attacked the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in Ado-Ekiti.

The SAN equally urged the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice to take over the prosecution of two suspects, Joseph Rotimi Olabiowonu, popularly known as Metilo, and Opeyemi Adedoyin, who are accused of abducting and assaulting Sunday Ogunsakin, leading to his death.

Falana made the request in a statement on Sunday while expressing sadness over what he described as the growing incidence of political violence, thuggery and unlawful killings in Ekiti State.

While recalling past incidents of political violence in the state, the human rights crusader referenced the alleged killings of Dr Ayo Daramola, Tunde Omojola and Engr Kehinde Fasuba by a notorious killer squad allegedly operating because of political differences.

Falana maintained that the criminal gang also threatened the lives of other prominent indigenes of the state, just as he noted that although suspects were arrested and charged with the murders before the Ekiti State High Court, the cases were allegedly compromised by powerful political interests.

The senior lawyer stated that the failure to ensure justice in those cases had contributed to the persistence of political thuggery and unlawful killings in the state.

Falana equally recounted the circumstances surrounding the death of Sunday Ogunsakin following an alleged attack on 14 September 2026.

The SAN alleged that Olabiowonu, a former chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and Adedoyin invaded Ogunsakin’s residence in Afao-Ekiti over a land dispute.

According to the human rights lawyer, the victim was abducted and severely assaulted before the suspects allegedly pushed him out of a moving vehicle, causing serious head injuries.

‘Ogunsakin was subsequently rushed to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), where he was pronounced dead.

‘The two suspects were arrested and investigated by the Ekiti State Police Command under Commissioner of Police Michael Falade before being arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti,’ he said.

Falana commended the magistrate for ordering their remand in a correctional facility pending legal advice from the state Attorney-General, despite alleged pressure from powerful interests.

Falana further urged the state Ministry of Justice to take over the case involving Olabiowonu and Adedoyin and ensure that they are charged before the High Court for alleged abduction, torture and murder.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections and in a bold move to reposition for total victory, the ruling Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Bauchi State, on Sunday, held a high-powered strategic meeting aimed at harmonisation of its leadership.

The meeting, which was held at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi, followed last week’s dissolution of the State Working Committee of the party, leading to the constitution of a Caretaker Committee expected to produce a new harmonised SWC at the end of November 2026.

The meeting, which was presided over by the National Leader of the APM and Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, brought together critical stakeholders from across the 20 LGAs of the state.

Also in attendance were all APM candidates for the 2027 general elections, the Caretaker Committee leadership of the APM in Bauchi State, former State Working Committee members of both the Allied Peoples Movement and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Local Government Chairmen, and other party faithful.

The Governor, his Deputy, Rt Hon Mohammed Auwal Jatau, and other top government functionaries were in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, the National Organising Secretary of the APM and Director-General, APM Campaign Council, Alh Hamza Koshe Akuyam, said the stakeholders’ meeting was convened specifically to discuss harmonisation between the former leadership of the APM and the collapsed PDP structure that has now joined the party.

He stressed that it was with a view to establishing a united common front that will galvanise support for the victory of all APM candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

Akuyam commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his continuous support and deepened stakeholding in the party, and appealed to all relevant stakeholders to close ranks and unite for the overall victory of the APM.

He stressed that unity, discipline and collective sacrifice remain the only path to reclaiming Bauchi and delivering good governance to the people.

Bala Mohammed, in his remarks, stressed the importance of unity and commitment by all stakeholders in order to ensure that the APM won all the elective offices in the 2027 general elections.

He assured that, as National Leader of the APM, he is committed to ensuring victory at all levels, saying that, as it is, the APM has a huge electoral advantage over other political parties in the state and across the country.

Stakeholders at the meeting unanimously resolved to work as one family, assuring that the APM is now stronger, more united and ready to win across all levels in 2027.

The President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, have urged Lotus Capital Limited to expand its investments in Nigeria’s real economy as the non-interest finance institution marked its 20th anniversary.

They made the call at the anniversary celebration of Lotus Capital in Lagos on Friday, commending the company’s pioneering role in Nigeria’s non-interest finance sector and urging greater support for productive industries.

Delivering the keynote address, Dangote, who was physically present at the event, described Lotus Capital’s growth from a modest beginning into a successful investment institution as a remarkable achievement, praising its founders, shareholders, board, management and staff for their resilience and commitment to ethical investment.

He said the company’s establishment when conventional banking and capital market instruments dominated the financial system demonstrated foresight in identifying an underserved market and creating professionally managed investment opportunities.

Dangote recalled the challenges of raising capital in Nigeria during the company’s early years, noting that limited banking capacity and high borrowing costs made its achievements particularly commendable.

He said Lotus Capital had helped develop the country’s financial ecosystem through Sharia-compliant investment funds, innovative products, Sukuk transactions and the co-development of the NGX Lotus Islamic Index. The company, he added, had raised more than ?1 trillion to finance over 4,000 businesses and groups.

Citing the growth of global Islamic finance, whose assets reached about $6 trillion in 2024, Dangote said Nigeria could mobilise more long-term capital through Sukuk and other non-interest instruments.

He identified manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, housing and small businesses as sectors requiring diversified financing, adding that asset-backed financing, leasing, equity participation and profit-sharing could help address funding gaps.

Dangote urged Lotus Capital to deepen its investment in productive sectors, strengthen partnerships with international financial institutions and expand technology-driven investment products to promote financial inclusion. He also stressed the importance of corporate governance, transparency, risk management and innovation.

He expressed confidence that the company could become a leading facilitator of non-interest finance across Africa.

Speaking via Zoom, Sanusi commended the courage and vision of Lotus Capital’s founder and leadership, urging the company to expand its market reach and provide more long-term financing for critical sectors.

‘It is time for us to innovate, it’s time for us to deepen the market, it’s time for us to increase our penetration of various sectors of the economy, providing long-term finance for development,’ he said.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lotus Capital Limited, Mrs Hajara Adeola, said the company would strengthen its support for the real economy through innovative financing for agriculture, manufacturing, real estate and renewable energy.

Adeola said Lotus Capital was established to promote financial inclusion by providing Nigerians with alternative investment opportunities aligned with their values and Sharia principles.

She listed its milestones to include four Securities and Exchange Commission-registered public mutual funds, the development of the NGX Lotus Islamic Index in collaboration with the Nigerian Exchange, and the introduction of innovative investment products.

She also disclosed that the company advised the Federal Government on its first three sovereign Sukuk issuances, which financed more than 4,000 roads and nine bridges. Lotus Capital, she added, played a significant role in establishing Lotus Bank.

Adeola said Nigeria’s non-interest finance industry had grown to include five asset management companies, five Islamic banks, five Takaful insurance companies and more than 20 mutual funds.

Earlier, the Chairman of Lotus Capital Limited, Mr Fola Adeola, recounted the challenges surrounding the company’s establishment, when non-interest finance was largely unfamiliar in Nigeria.

He recalled supporting his wife’s proposal to establish the company despite his limited understanding of the financial model. Its first investment product, the Halal Fund, was oversubscribed after the company sought to raise ?1 billion, signalling strong public interest in Sharia-compliant investments.

Adeola, who expressed delight, said one of the company’s greatest achievements was demonstrating that different financial systems could coexist, allowing investors to choose products aligned with their faith and values.

The event also featured a panel discussion on ‘The Next Frontier: Innovation and Governance in Non-Interest Finance in Nigeria’ and attracted prominent figures from banking, manufacturing, government, diplomacy and business.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has constituted its Kogi State Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general election, bringing together former governors, serving political office holders, party leaders and other stakeholders to coordinate the party’s campaign across the state.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo will chair the council, while former Governor Yahaya Bello, former Governor Captain Idris Wada (Rtd), Arc. Yomi Awoniyi and Chief Edward Onoja have been appointed as patrons.

Senator Smart Adeyemi has been named Director-General of the campaign council, while Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo will serve as Coordinating Director for Strategic Communication. Ali Bello has been appointed Kogi State Presidential Campaign Council Coordinator, with Hilary Ojomah Egwudah as his deputy.

The appointments are intended to provide a broad-based campaign structure that combines political experience, grassroots mobilisation and strategic communication.

In the parliamentary and political mobilisation structure, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi will serve as Director-General of Parliamentary Mobilisation, while Comrade Majeed Dahiru has been appointed State Presidential Campaign Spokesman.

Ismail Isah will serve as Deputy Coordinating Director, Media and Strategic Communication, while Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd) will head the Security and Intelligence Directorate.

Other principal appointments include Abdulaziz Idris King as Director-General of Election Planning; Suberu Adagu as Director-General of Administration; Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf as Director of Stakeholder Mobilisation; and Yakubu Yusuf Okala as Director of Logistics and Operations.

Asiwaju Asiru Idris has been appointed Director of Finance and Treasurer, while Princess Atika Ajanah (Mamman) will head Fundraising. Barrister James Fabola will oversee the Legal Directorate, while Hajiya Ramatu Tijani Aliyu will serve as Director of Policy and Manifesto Development.

The council also has several sectoral directorates covering works, youth and student mobilisation, women mobilisation, diaspora engagement, support groups, religious organisations, protocol, party mobilisation, sports, labour unions, medical services and special duties.

Those appointed include Barr. Momodu Ozigi Deedat as Director of Works; Oladele Nihi as Director of Youth and Students Mobilisation; Hajiya Rabi Haruna Hassan as Director of Women Mobilisation; Adoga Ibrahim as Director of Diaspora Mobilisation; and Ibrahim Abdulsalam Ahovi as Director of Support Group Coordination.

Others are Alfred Bello, Director of Faith Group Coordination; Hon. Duro Meseko, Director of Protocol; and Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma, Director of Party Mobilisation.

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi will head Sports Sector Mobilisation, Onuh Edoka will oversee Labour Unions, Dr. Abdulaziz Adams Adeiza will serve as Director of Medical Services, while Haddy Ametuo has been appointed Director of Special Duties.

Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu and Engr. Aliyu Ezzu Momoh have been named Vice Chairmen of the council.

To strengthen coordination across the three senatorial districts, Ambassador Abubakar Sanusi Gamji, Senator Attai Aidoko and Rt. Hon. Alfa Imam have been appointed Vice Chairmen for Kogi Central, East and West, respectively.

The district-level Deputy Directors-General are Rt. Hon. Momohjimoh Lawal for Kogi Central, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu for Kogi East, and Rt. Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide for Kogi West.

In the general mobilisation structure, Hon. A.K. Salihu has been appointed Director-General of Mobilisation, with Professor Usman Salisu Ogbo and Rt. Hon. Prince Matthew Kolawole serving as deputies.

The composition of the council brings together party leaders and stakeholders from the three senatorial districts and various sectors of the state to coordinate campaign planning, stakeholder engagement, voter mobilisation and strategic communication ahead of the 2027 general election.