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Long before bandits preyed on schoolchildren, long before ransom notes began to read like market lists including palm oil, dried fish, onions, and yam tubers, Nigeria itself had been taken hostage.

Thus, what we now call an epidemic of abductions is merely the physical manifestation of captive Nigerianness: with our consciences bound, institutions gagged, and the citizenry caught between fraying morals and failing structures.

Truth is, the hostage crisis did not begin at gunpoint. It began in the dumbing down of Nigerian character; in the fragmentation of our family systems; in the erosion of public trust, and in the corruption that has become as ambient as the air we breathe.

Nigeria’s kidnap-for-ransom enterprise has matured into a grotesque industry, sprawling from forest corridors to the fringes of urban life. Between July 2023 and June 2024 alone, SBM Intelligence reports that 1,130 kidnapping incidents were recorded, involving no fewer than 7,568 victims.

In that period, abductors demanded N10.99 billion, but received only N1.048 billion, a mere 9.5 per cent of their outrageous demands. This gap reveals a frightening evolution: rather than targeting only business magnates, politicians, or oil barons, kidnappers have shifted their sights to the masses: to farmers, market women, students, commuters, villagers, minors, and the elderly.

Yet the absurdity has assumed darker shades. In one widely reported case in the South-West, kidnappers demanded N3.5 million plus a carton of Schnapps, 30 litres of palm oil, 10 tubers of yam, and a keg of vegetable oil before releasing three captives. Elsewhere, abductors have asked for cooking oil, dried fish, garri, power banks, phone chargers, items required to restock a household inventory rather than a ransom ledger.

This is what happens when criminality fuses with hunger; the consequence is a madness that confounds profit logic. It feeds, ultimately, an ever-widening maw of need.

Yet, beyond the abductions that dominate news cycles, Nigeria suffers from a deeper, subtler captivity. Every Nigerian, in some form, is a hostage: hostage to creed, weaponising faith to justify bigotry; hostage to ethnic and religious loyalties; hostage to greed, that turns public office into a private empire.

Many are hostage to hypocrisy, condemning loudly in public what they cuddle in private; hostage to poverty, which renders dignity an unaffordable luxury; hostage to materialism, chasing wealth with the desperation of a drowning man gasping for air.

Some are hostage to sexual lust, weaponising desire to destroy marriages, careers, and destinies; hostage to rage, exploding at the slightest provocation because Nigeria heats everyone, like a pressure cooker; hostage to daily needs, locked in a battle that yokes survival to the next meal.

Many more are hostage to imperialist agendas, gorging on colonist doctrines at the expense of indigenous wisdom. And perhaps most tragically, we are hostage to sentimentality, defending leaders who impoverish us, praising institutions that betray us, and romanticising the very dysfunctions that hold us captive.

Amid this moral malaise, corruption manifests as a social ill and a vehicle of national dysfunction. Recent 2023 data reveal that 32.3% of Nigerians reported personal experience with bribery while dealing with public officials. In total, an estimated 87 million bribes were exchanged that year-approximately 0.8 bribes per adult. Among those who admitted paying bribes, the average number paid within 12 months was 5.1.

The import is alarming: about US $1.26 billion in cash bribes changed hands in 2023; that is roughly 0.35% of Nigeria’s GDP.

The citizen pays bribes to secure what is already his by right. The official extracts bribes to perform what he is already paid to do. And the system, greased by these transactions, chugs out detritus of misgovernance.

To mend all that we have broken, we must rejig our cultural foundations. No society reforms itself without reshaping its stories; the narratives it consumes often become the beliefs it normalises, and the beliefs it normalises form the culture it lives by.

Essentially, patriotism thrives on cultural standards. The politics we espouse and our lore of nationhood manifest the kernel of our sovereignty. A similar dynamic undergirds our politico-literary traditions. Politics thrives on artistic vistas and vice versa.

What shouldn’t we do for an evergreen story? What shouldn’t we give? The evergreen story, if progressively spun, yields fresh insights through the imagination of the writer or filmmaker, who milks history and recalibrates reality to espouse a positive national lyric.

What is the Nigerian lyric? What is our reality? What do our artists project about us to our internal and external publics? Filmmakers, for instance, possess a critical tool: storytelling. But too often, this instrument is pointed inward to glamorise crime, trivialise trauma, and distort our image in the pursuit of box office glory. A recent film, for instance, irresponsibly romanticised kidnap-for-ransom while maligning Islam, thus reinforcing stereotypes that worsen social fissures. This is artistic sabotage masquerading as creativity.

It’s about time the government partnered with filmmakers to produce hard-hitting political thrillers, social dramas, and moral epics that diagnose Nigeria’s ailments and offer a path to healing.

Hollywood perfected this strategy decades ago. Between 1911 and 2017, over 800 feature films received support from the U.S. Department of Defence. More than 1,100 television titles enjoyed Pentagon backing. These ranged from Iron Man and Transformers to Homeland, 24, NCIS, and others.

The United States’ democratic enterprise is one of the most profitable constructions via art, in its bid to ‘make America great again,’ at any cost. It is both music and philosophy, a sensory stream of thought feeding generations of writers, political activists, filmmakers, politicians, gender rights activists, academia, and so on.

Hollywood, democracy and foreign aid do for America what painting and sculpture did for the Italians. They are potent tools for wooing and recolonising the world. Also, both China’s and South Korea’s cultural ascents were deliberately constructed around cinematic narratives aligned with national philosophy. Likewise, Nigeria must birth an artistic movement that elevates, not erodes, the collective psyche. The country’s creative economy stands at an inflection point. With projections estimating a leap from $5 billion in 2022 to $25 billion by the end of 2025, there is an undeniable hunger for indigenous storytelling. Yet, economic prosperity must not overshadow ideological direction.

Nigeria must fuse state power with cultural influence to dismantle the criminal economy, using cinema, storytelling, and public-facing art to drive awareness while strengthening intelligence systems with drones, satellite surveillance, digital tracking, and community-powered reporting tools that predict and prevent abductions.

The government, in partnership with the creative sector, must spotlight the importance of state policing, securing forest corridors and rural communities, using film, radio dramas, and digital content to mobilise public vigilance, while a national forest security command, integrated with trained community vigilante units, constrains bandits’ operations.

Through socially conscious art and nationwide cultural programming, the government must help citizens understand that no crime thrives where jobs, education, and social welfare exist, and the government must walk in virtual lockstep with what it preaches.

A nation’s heart beats in its stories. A country without a socially responsible literary and artistic community is a body without a soul. Our filmmakers must move beyond the monotonous tropes of gender wars, feminist-misandrist vendetta-laden plots. Our novelists must cease writing solely for Western patronage and pity.

Shall we script a new national narrative? One that does not lament Nigeria but reimagines her. One that does not beg for Western approval but commands global reverence.

It’s about time we resolved the maladies that make the Nigerian dream the fantasy of thieves, kidnappers, and blinkered murderers.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), yesterday, lamented that at between 30 and 37 per cent, borrowing costs remain high for manufacturers, and this rate hinders production and reduces the manufacturing sector’s competitiveness.

MAN, therefore, called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to review downward the benchmark interest rate in subsequent meetings of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

The Association said adopting a downward review of the rate will lessen the burden of high borrowing costs and incentivize long-term investments in manufacturing, particularly in capital-intensive sub-sectors.

MAN Director General Segun Ajaiyi-Kadir made this position known on Wednesday while reacting to the report of the 303rd meeting of the MPC held from November 24 -25, 2025.

The MPC had at the meeting agreed to retain the benchmark interest rate at 27.00 per cent that was fixed at its September meeting.

It also adjusted the Standing Facilities Corridor to +50 / -450 basis points around the MPR from +250/-250 basis points to encourage borrowing from the central bank, pushing commercial banks to lend more and reducing upward interest-rate volatility.

The cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) was also retained at 45 per cent for commercial banks and 16 per cent for merchant banks.

The Committee also retained the 75 per cent CRR on non-TSA public sector deposits to manage excess liquidity while maintaining the liquidity ratio at 30 per cent.

The Committee members expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability, highlighting key improvements such as the continued slowdown in inflation, steady real output growth, a stable exchange rate, and stronger external reserves.

They particularly noted the accelerated pace of disinflation standing at 16.05 per cent in October 2025, the most significant in seven months, attributing this progress to sustained monetary tightening, increased capital inflows, a surplus in the current account, as well as moderating fuel prices, all of which have collectively eased the inflationary pressures.

Reacting, MAN said it appreciates the MPC’s decision to halt the increase in MPR and to maintain the 27.00 per cent fixed at the last meeting, including the decision to adjust the standing facilities corridor to enhance liquidity

Ajaiyi-Kadir, however, said MAN’s expects a further reduction in the rate to reduce the cost of borrowing for manufacturers.

He lamented that despite the reduction at the MPC’s last meeting, borrowing costs of 30 to 37 per cent remain high for manufacturers, which hinders production and reduces the competitiveness of the sector.

The MAN DG insisting that it is essential to reduce the cost of funds to encourage borrowing for expansion and investment.

He added that the emphasis on exchange rate stability and improved forex liquidity is also vital, as manufacturers rely on foreign exchange for imports.

He further stated that persistent high lending rates will further limit access to affordable credit for manufacturers, especially those within the Small and Medium Industries (SMI) cadre.

‘The situation is complicated with prevailing structural challenges like poor infrastructure, high logistics costs, inadequate electricity supply, high energy cost and insecurity that cumulatively raise production costs and weaken competitiveness,’ Ajaiyi-Kadir said.

He urged the CBN and other policymakers to continue to pursue policies that foster inclusive growth, incentivize manufacturing and address binding constraints limiting the performance of the sector.

‘The CBN should also strengthen handshake with fiscal authority to promote reforms capable of unlocking the full potential of the manufacturing sector.

CBN should consider additional policy instruments or incentives that facilitate credit flow to the real sector of the economy, especially the manufacturing sector,’ the MAN chief added.Top of FormBottom of Form

Ajaiyi-Kadir also urged closer collaborate between the Federal Government and CBN to stabilize the naira and manage external risks by monitoring the potential risk of capital flights because of the MPC’s corridor review that will push banks to lend more.

MAN also recommended the implementation of complementary fiscal measures that support industrial development and promote structural reforms especially in real sectors of the economy including Agricultural, Manufacturing and Energy sectors to further reduce inflationary pressure.

It also called for urgent resolution of the lingering spate of insecurity in the country, especially in agricultural and industrial zones to stabilize food supply and raw material inputs.

‘A secure environment is critical to food security, lower inflation rate and sustained industrial growth in both urban and rural areas,’ Ajaiyi-Kadir said.

He also urged CBN to monitor and evaluate the impacts of previous MPC decisions on credit access to the real sector to aid informed position at subsequent meetings.

The wife of Kebbi State Governor Hajiya Zainab Idris has urged parents not to withdraw their children reunited with them yesterday after nine days in captivity from school.

She spoke during the reunification of parents and pupils at the Government House in Birnin-Kebbi.

She expressed happiness that none of the girls was violated by their abductors during the traumatic days.

She added that the 24 girl had been taken to the hospital for medical checkup.

‘You must not deny them education because of this incident. They must go back. Government is already putting in place necessary measures for their safety,’ she said.

Governor Nasir Idris said the abduction of the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School Maga caused their parents, the people of the state and his government sleepless nights.

‘Since the pupils were taken by the bandits about nine days ago, the parents had been traumatised, but we thank God that it didn’t take long before the security personnel deployed to search for them were able to rescue them,’ he said.

They were brought to Birnin-Kebbi, the state capital, on Tuesday night from Bagega forest in Anka local government area of Zamfara State, where the abductors kept them.

The schoolgirls were then handed over to their parents by the governor.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halimatu Bande, said the period of the girls’ captivity was a trying period for the state.

‘We thank those who stood with us through this period and the security personnel who helped to rescue our girls,’ she said.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday made good his promise by visiting Ologuneru axis of the ongoing 110km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, to engage with property owners affected by the project.

The governor, at the engagement which lasted for hours, listened to representatives of the property owners, noting that his administration would not fail the people.

He said issues relating to the setback and development corridor would be resolved before the end of his tenure in 2027.

Makinde reiterated his position that the government would ensure adequate compensations were paid to property owners, noting that no house would be demolished without adequate compensation to the affected owner.

He said necessary adjustments would be made in areas affected by the project, adding that the 150 metres setback would not be exceeded in already developed areas.

He said the Circular Road was a rapid transfer network that must comply with the highway code for standard road setback.

Governor Makinde, who hailed the residents of the 38 communities affected by the project for cooperating with his administration to address the issues, said 10 people would be nominated from the affected property owners to form a committee that would work with the New Towns and Cities Development Authority, which was the authorised agency directly in charge of the Circular Road corridor.

Representatives of the property owners lauded Makinde as a compassionate leader. They appealed to him to intervene and bring lasting solution to the lingering matter.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the green light for the establishment of a N50-billion Presidential Catalytic Seed Fund, an intervention aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s seed industry, improving food security, and driving private-sector-led growth across the seed value chain.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the approval yesterday in Abuja at the opening of the eighth SeedConnect Africa Conference and Exhibition, which also coincided with the 50th anniversary celebration of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC).

The Vice President also unveiled the Seeds for Renewed Hope Programme (S-RHP), which will serve as the engine room for the country’s new seed transformation agenda.

Shettima, who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Food Security, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, said the fund would deliver significant socio-economic and environmental benefits while addressing long-standing structural challenges within the seed subsector.

The Vice President described seed as the first technology, the original data packet that determines the success or failure of the agricultural value chain.

As part of the programme’s rollout, government and private sector partners distributed improved varieties of rice, maize, and vegetable seeds to farmers.

The Nation learnt that the Federal Government aims to boost annual seed availability for key crops by 10 per cent from 2025 to 2027, in a bid to close the existing gap between seed demand and supply.

The N50 billion fund, which activates Section 45 of the NASC Act 2019, will support private-sector-led seed production, expand farmers’ access to certified seeds, and remove barriers slowing down the development of the seed industry.

Shettima also announced government’s plans to upgrade seed testing laboratories, intensify the crackdown on adulterated seeds, and increase youth and women participation in seed entrepreneurship.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the seed sector’s 50-year history as a testament to Nigeria’s resilience and commitment to strengthening its agricultural foundation.

Reaffirming that quality seeds remain central to President Tinubu’s food security priorities, the minister said agriculture is the measure of Nigeria’s national resilience and a pillar of stability.

Kyari highlighted key achievements in the sector, including the expansion of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme-Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), increased wheat production across several states, the successful introduction of rain-fed wheat in Plateau State, the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) with N1.5 trillion, an additional N250 billion funding window, and the full activation of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

The minister noted that food prices have begun to ease in several commodity markets.

‘While we are not yet where we want to be, this positive trend confirms that we are moving in the right direction,’ he said

NASC’s Director-General, Fatuhu Muhammed, highlighted the agency’s transformation into a regional leader in seed regulation and digital seed traceability.

He cited major milestones, including the release of over 60 improved, climate-resilient seed varieties, the implementation of the Digital Seed Certification System, new guidelines on crop variety registration and third-party certification, and Nigeria’s expanding footprint in global seed bodies such as ISTA, UPOV, OECD schemes, and ECOWAS COASEM.

Muhammed announced that Nigeria exported more than 4,000 MT of certified seeds in 2023, earning over $8 million.

To celebrate NASC’s Golden Jubilee, the Council unveiled the Nigeria Seed Industry Book, the Seeds for Renewed Hope Programme, the Nigeria Seed System Strategy Document (supported by AGRA), and the official NASC 50th anniversary logo.

He added that the newly approved N50 billion fund, housed in the Bank of Industry with a 6% concessional interest rate, would significantly enhance breeding, early-generation seed supply, quality assurance, and commercial seed production over the next four years.

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Union Affairs – Tertiary Education, has marked this year’s International Students’ Day with a charge for students to embrace entrepreneurship for them to be relevant in today’s world.

With the theme: ‘Empowering students as agents of innovation and change,’ the event had in attendance students and student leaders from tertiary institutions from across the state.

Speaking on the occasion, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Students’ Union Affairs, Hon. Kappo Olawale Samuel, said International Students’ Day was historic and that it marked the struggle of students for better welfare.

‘This is a day celebrated globally to recognise students and the need to prepare them for the future.

We know that the society is changing rapidly and there is need for our youths to be ready for what would make them be able to compete globally. We brought Prof. Olufemi Obayori to deliver a lecture on entrepreneurship.

‘For the participants to take maximum advantage of the occasion, we brought some aides of the governor such as the SSA on Wealth Creation, SSA on Technical Education and others to also let the students know how they can benefit from the various programmes of the Lagos State government. These programmes are to make our students future ready. Moreover, they don’t need to wait until they graduate before they begin to start out as entrepreneurs,’ he said.

Olawale commended students and their leaders from within the state for their enthusiasm to learn from the resource persons brought to the event.

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Adeniran Kasali, said the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is ready to make youths in the state fully prepared for the future and is pursuing a number of programmes and policies to make that happen.

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Scholarship Board, Hon. Adaranijo Rasheedat, said the Board would not relent efforts at supporting students to make learning easier for them.

The Head of the Student Support Department of the ministry, Mrs Ibidapo-Obe Olubunmi, said the future is not abstract, as it is being shaped, refined and defined by actions being taken today.

The Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by the Dean of Students Affairs, Dr Abatan Fatai, urged the students to see the need to prepare for the future.

Obayori who spoke on social entrepreneurship, said it was different from neoliberal entrepreneurship that focuses on rapacious acquisition of wealth.

He added that social entrepreneurship is rooted on social responsibility, solidarity and collective well being and urged students to go for it.

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has hailed Benue State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for significant breakthroughs in the state’s industrial development.

The global literary icon spoke after an inspection of major projects of the Alia administration in Makurdi, the state capital.

During his visit, Prof. Soyinka toured flagship initiatives of the Alia administration, including the Food Basket Brewery and the Benval Fruit Factory, both central to the state’s expanding agro-industrial landscape.

Before the inspection, the literary icon held a closed-door meeting with the governor at the Presidential Wing of the Governor’s Lodge, with the Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, and other top officials in attendance.

The delegation also visited an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp on the Gbajimba Road, where Soyinka sympathized with displaced families and reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare.

He said part of his mission was to assess the use of books he previously donated, assuring the IDPs that ‘all hope is not lost’.

The tour continued at the Food Basket Brewery on Gboko Road and the Benfruits Factory at the Industrial Layout in Makurdi.

Prof. Soyinka applauded Governor Alia’s infrastructural drive – especially ongoing road and underpass projects – expressing confidence that Benue State is ‘on the path to optimal growth and development’.

At the Benval Fruit Factory, both Soyinka and the governor were impressed by the facility’s expanding capacity.

Henry Boager, who conducted the tour, confirmed that the factory had completed its test runs and was fully ready for concentrate production.

Addressing reporters, Alia reiterated his directive for orchard farmers to prepare for a strong harvest season, stressing that the new factories require a steady supply of oranges.

The governor restated his policy that ‘by December, no oranges will leave Benue State,’ emphasizing that all produce should be processed locally.

Asemakaha announced that BIPC had mapped and collected data on about 5,600 orchard farmers through geo-fencing, ensuring a dependable supply chain for the fruit-processing factories.

Prof. Soyinka’s visit signalled a strong endorsement of the state’s industrialisation efforts, further boosting the profile of Benue State’s growing agro-industrial hub.

Gas supply received a boost in the country as the NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture (JV) announced an additional 135 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d), to the basket, thus further strengthening the nation’s energy security.

The feat, achieved after a rigless recompletion of a key non-associated gas well in OML 17, is said to be a pioneering intervention of such regarded as the first of its kind in the country, doubled the JV’s gas output.

Prior to this development, the Well from which the new increase accrued, had previously been shut in due to excessive water production. Rather than drilling a new well or undertaking a conventional workover, Heirs Energies engineered a rigless through-tubing recompletion into an untapped reservoir interval. Completed safely, in record time, and at just 15 per cent of the cost of drilling a new Well, the operation sets a new standard for rigless solutions in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

A statement signed by the Head Corporate Communications, Heirs Energies, Chidimma Ugbojiaku, a copy of which was made available to The Nation, explained that this significant production increase has transformed power generation across the eastern network.

For instance, it explained that Transcorp PLC – TransAfam Power, has quadrupled its output, rising from an average of 50 megawatts to more than 180 megawatts, with peaks of 200 megawatts. It further disclosed that other power plants also supplied by the network, including First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) and Geometric Power, have also recorded more stable operations and higher generation.

‘In total, the power plants now receiving gas from the Joint Venture have seen combined output surge from around 100 megawatts to more than 350 megawatts. This increased power generation provides enough energy to power hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses – reducing blackouts, supporting hospitals, and schools, and keeping factories, small enterprises, and critical infrastructure running,’ the statement read in part.

Commending the feat, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs Olu Verheijen, hailed the feat. ‘I congratulate the entire Heirs Energies team on this remarkable achievement, which is a testament to the strength of Nigerian engineering expertise and the value of persistent technical innovation. Please be assured of my continued support as you expand your operation across the energy sector, unlocking additional oil and gas resources to power homes, industries and commercial activities nationwide,’ Mrs. Verheijen, remarked in a message to Heirs Energies CEO, Osa Igiehon,

According to Igiehon, ‘the milestone is another testament to Heirs Energies’ leading capabilities in managing brownfields. The ingenuity, thoroughness, and resilience of our 100 per cent Nigerian workforce made this possible. We remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s gas-to-power agenda through innovation-led, responsible, and performance-driven upstream operations.’

Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Udy Ntia, said: ‘This innovative intervention demonstrates NNPC’s strong commitment to unlocking the nation’s gas resources in support of national development. The performance of the NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture shows the power of partnership, disciplined execution, and innovation in driving substantial value for Nigeria.’

In similar vein, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, Seyi Omotowa, an engineer, added: ‘This project reflects NUIMS’ strategic focus on safe, efficient, and value-driven upstream operations. It is a model for the type of innovative solutions required to optimise Nigeria’s hydrocarbon assets.’

The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture continues to advance gas-focused, innovation-driven developments, aiming to expand domestic gas supply, strengthen electricity generation, build local capacity, and support broader economic and industrial growth. This latest success reinforces the JV’s commitment to delivering energy that powers homes, industries, and national prosperity

Heirs Energies Limited is Africa’s leading indigenous-owned integrated energy company, committed to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs while aligning with global sustainability goals. Having a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies leads in the evolving energy landscape and contributes to a more prosperous Africa.

Oyo State Government has expressed its commitment and readiness to restore the glory of cocoa production as one of the state’s major economic pillars.

It has approved N3,030,292,472 for the establishment of Cocoa Rejuvenation Project, to be driven through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

The project is to be coordinated by Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Information Commissioner Prince Dotun Oyelade said the approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting.

He said the state government was taking the initiative because Oyo State ranked fourth in cocoa production among the 18 cocoa-producing states in the country.

Oyelade said: ‘The state is also being proactive by taking the opportunity created by disruptions in cocoa production in major producing countries like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

‘It is the intention of Oyo State to fill the supply void as a result of the production problems facing West African countries.

‘The Cocoa Rejuvenation Project, which costs two million, seventy-five thousand, five hundred and forty-seven dollars ($2,075,547), will be funded in three tranches over the next three years.

‘Additionally, the Council approved pound 50 million for Oyo State Health Care Initiative. This loan from the French Government, which Oyo State initiated about three years ago, was finally approved by the Federal Ministry of Finance in a letter dated November 10, 2025.’

He said the loan, intended for infrastructural upgrades and equipping state hospitals, among other purposes, had also been approved by the House of Assembly to enable the state government access the funds.

He added that Oyo State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Policy was also approved by the Council.

The Founder of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has donated a fully equipped two-storey building to the Alliance Française Kano, further providing N10 million in operational funding to support its sustainability and efficient running.

The new edifice, unveiled in Kano by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, alongside Prof. Gwarzo, features modern classrooms, digital language laboratories, multimedia studios, a digital resource library, conference halls, and learning-engineered furniture. It also comes with smart learning boards, audio-visual teaching tools and high-speed internet connectivity.

Located at Ahmadiyya Junction along Airport Road, Kano, the ultramodern facility is now regarded as one of the most advanced French language and cultural training centres in Northern Nigeria.

Speaking during the unveiling, Prof. Gwarzo said the centre would significantly strengthen bilingual education in Kano and give students access to world-class French language training. He described the initiative as part of his long-standing commitment to promoting education, cultural exchange and institutional development.

The French Ambassador commended Prof. Gwarzo for the philanthropic gesture and praised him for equipping the structure with state-of-the-art facilities. Fonbaustier prayed for God to grant the MAAUN Founder long life and good health to continue his humanitarian and educational contributions.

The Director of Alliance Française Kano, Ali Dabo, expressed deep appreciation to Prof. Gwarzo, noting that no individual in the centre’s decades-long history had upgraded or transformed its infrastructure to such a standard.

He said the donation finally provides the organisation with a permanent and dignified base after operating from rented facilities for more than ten years.