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The Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Gobirawa Ward, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Amadu Danfulani, yesterday defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Danfulani expressed disappointment in the Kwankwasiyya Political Movement and its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The former NNPP chieftain stated that he and thousands of his followers were not happy with what he called the anti-people’s policies and programmes of the NNPP governing the state.

Danfulani’s defection ceremony was held at the Kano State APC Headquarters on the Hotoro-Maiduguri Road.

Kano State APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas, who was represented by the party’s Zonal Chairman for Kano Central, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Ungoggo, and the Managing Director of Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, ‘baptised’ the Danfulani and other defectors at the event.

Other party chieftains on hand to receive the defectors included the Kano State APC Youth Leader, who doubles as the Northwest Zonal Youth Leader, Alhaji Labaran Kura; the APC Chairman in Dala Local Government, Alhaji Munir Haruna; and the Gobirawa Ward APC Chairman.

Abbas, who was represented by Alhaji Ungoggo, stated that the party’s doors were open to welcome members from all opposition parties, provided they follow the party’s procedure, rules, and regulations.

He said even Kwankwaso was free to return to APC if he followed the party’s due process and obeyed the party’s laws, constitution, and principles.

He stressed that ‘Gobirawa, being the largest ward in the state and Nigeria, with the highest number of polling units, the defection of Danfulani and thousands of NNPP members to APC was a plus for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election’.

Danfulani said he was happy to join the APC, promising to work with Bichi and other party executives to ensure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates at the 2027 polls.

A new winner of the Lekki Scrabble Classics has emerged as Abdulmumin Jimoh strode through the field to clinch the one million naira cash prize and a trophy in the Premier Division while Bukunmi Afolayan picked the Championship title at the end of the two-day championship over the weekend.

Both winners engraved their names on their respective trophies in Round 17 with a game to spare.

Jimoh sustained his push for the title and averted the ‘Day One Champion’ curse where a leader fails to continue his run as he maintained his focus and confidence on Table One where he played mostly.

He ramped up the title with 14 wins, 4 defeats and +1569 ahead of John Ayedun (12-6, +820), David Ojih (12-6, +475), Larry Etuwa ( (12-6, +421) and Khaleel Adedeji ( (12-6, +217) in the top five

His devastating form in recent times has propelled him to top podium finish at the Bubble International Scrabble Tournament and the National Sports Festival where he represented Ogun State.

He said: ‘I’m quite excited with this victory at Lekki Scrabble Classics 2025. It was a tough tournament but hard work and continuous training played a key role.I want to appreciate Cyril Umebiye who is my best captain ever and the Ogun State Scrabble family.

‘This tournament is one of the toughest having to compete with players from different countries. I commend Lekki Scrabble Club for giving us one of the best tournaments in Africa.’

Rave of the moment and Best World Best Youth Female Player Sophia Ekeruche rattled the Championship Division with her dexterity on the board but the more experienced Bukunmi Afolayan halted her run as she finished second with 13½ points and a +1239 cumulative points.

The Ogun State based Amazon claimed the coveted title with 16 wins and +1357.

One of the highlights of the tournament was the strong proposition presented by the youth players who created some buzz and unsettled the older players.

Lekki Scrabble Club President Samuel Anikoh in his closing remarks commended every participants as well as all sponsors on the successful conclusion of the tournament.

He stated that the Club’s direction is focused on developing the sport at the school level just like the way it supported some youth who have been successful at world level.

Various deserving players were presented with cash prizes and plaques at the colourful closing ceremony.

Players from Ghana, Uganda and United Kingdom participated at the annual scrabble showpiece.

Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced two men, Joshua Victor David and Abdulmalik Adesanya Olayiwola, to one year imprisonment each for impersonation.

The duo were arraigned on separate one-count charges of fraudulent impersonation by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to the charge, David, in August 2025, posed as one ‘Clara Jane’ and deceived an unsuspecting victim, John Brill, using the email address [email protected] with the intent of gaining an advantage for himself. The offence contravenes Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

Similarly, Olayiwola was accused of impersonating one Kylie Dowdy via Facebook in August 2025 to defraud unsuspecting victims, in violation of the same law.

Both defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them.

Prosecution counsel, Fadeke Giwa and Ukoha Nwandu, reviewed the facts of the case and tendered the defendants’ statements alongside mobile devices recovered from them. They urged the court to convict the defendants accordingly.

In his judgment, Justice Owoeye sentenced David to one year imprisonment with an option of a ?300,000 fine. The court also ordered the forfeiture of his iPhone 16 and a bank draft of ?250,000 to the Federal Government.

Olayiwola was also sentenced to one year imprisonment, with the option of a ?600,000 fine.

The convicts were arrested by EFCC operatives for internet fraud before being charged and convicted.

The Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Lukmon Agbaje, has said pupils stand to benefit many things by participating in the Spelling Bee Competition.

The competition was introduced in Lagos State by First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her husband’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

Speaking during the event, which had the participation of pupils from primary and secondary schools in the council, Agbaje said the competition was more than just a spelling contest.

He added that the competition revives the dying reading culture and encourages excellence among the pupils.

‘This spelling bee is about building confidence, promoting a reading culture, and encouraging excellence among our children. Education remains the best legacy we can give, and Ayobo-Ipaja will continue to invest in it for the sake of our future generations,’ he said.

The Deputy Director, Education District 1, Mrs. Rihanat Adeogun, praised the initiative, noting that ‘spelling bees sharpen vocabulary, strengthen reading culture, and prepare children for future academic challenges’.

In the primary school category, Praise Paul emerged as the winner, with Adedayo Abigail and Ayodele Victoria clinching the second and third positions respectively. Their performances drew loud applause and admiration from the audience.

Expressing gratitude after his victory, Paul said: ‘All I can say is that God helped me. I also want to thank the council chairman for this great opportunity.’

The secondary school category also featured outstanding performances, with participants demonstrating remarkable confidence and determination. Though the results were highly competitive, organisers described every contestant as a winner for their courage, hard work, and dedication.

Some of the parents at the event also commended the programme, describing it as a motivation for pupils to take education more seriously.

The competition concluded with the presentation of prizes, certificates, and group photographs.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called on Nigerians to remain optimistic and united despite present challenges, assuring that the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and citizens’ sacrifices would yield positive results in due time.

In his message to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, which he personally signed, Mbah congratulated citizens on the milestone, noting that while this year’s celebration might be modest, it does not diminish the country’s significant progress as an independent nation.

‘At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice, and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today.

‘The commemoration of our 65th independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the strides we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

‘Those strides are manifest in the remarkable achievements we have recorded across key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that have brought stability to the Nigerian economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.

‘As we raise our flags today, let us renew our covenant to Nigeria; let us embrace the spirit of unity, and let us uphold the optimism that has carried us this far,’ he stated.

Mbah, while also recommitting to his administration’s inclusive development model that leaves no one behind, maintained that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of turnaround and exponential economic growth.

‘In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for the benefit of everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course. And no one will be left behind.

‘From moribund assets roaring back to life, to Ndi Enugu enjoying a resounding sense of security of lives and property, our children transitioning to 260 Smart Green Schools, our rural communities accessing modern healthcare courtesy of our completed or ongoing 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Ndi Enugu commuting conveniently and affordably via our modern transport system and infrastructure, Enugu State is no doubt on the pathway to assured turnaround and exponential economic growth,’ he added.

Once dismissed as another white-elephant project, the Lagos-Ibadan railway is fast proving to be a lifeline of efficiency. In just the first eight months of 2025, it carried nearly 700,000 passengers and hauled 380,000 tons of cargo-saving millions of travel hours and slashing haulage costs in a country long hobbled by gridlocked roads and high logistics expenses. Beyond speed, the corridor is driving productivity, preserving harvests and sparking new economic clusters, report ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE, YINKA ADENIRAN and NTAKOBONG OTONGARAN

On a humid morning in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the Lagos-Ibadan train glides into its terminal with clockwork precision. From its doors pour a cross-section of Nigeria-civil servants gripping files, traders balancing bags of goods, students with backpacks slung over shoulders. Only hours earlier, they had departed Lagos, Africa’s largest city, where clogged roads once stretched the 120-kilometre trip into a punishing half-day ordeal. Today, the same journey takes just a little over two hours.

Completed in 2021, the Lagos-Ibadan rail line was initially celebrated as another milestone in infrastructure delivery. But fresh data suggests it is quietly maturing into something more transformative: a driver of economic efficiency. Between January and August 2025, the train carried 690,169 passengers. Monthly ridership climbed from 79,672 in January to 109,413 in August-a 37 per cent increase in just eight months. Behind those numbers lies a human story: workers reaching offices earlier, traders opening shop on time, students saving on bus fares and stress.

One civil servant captured the sentiment on X (formerly Twitter): ‘I left Lagos at 6:00 a.m. and was in a 9:00 a.m. meeting in Ibadan. By road, that was impossible.’ Economists say such time savings translate directly into productivity and disposable income. The World Bank notes that in economies burdened by high logistics costs, each minute shaved off travel yields measurable economic output. By saving passengers an estimated two hours each trip, the Lagos-Ibadan line restored nearly 1.4 million productive hours to Nigeria’s economy in just eight months-the equivalent of 160 years of labour time regained.

Freight revolution: The steel backbone of trade

If passenger trains showcase the rail’s social value, freight is the steel backbone that powers economies. Between January and August 2025, the Lagos-Ibadan line hauled 382,340 tons of cargo-cement, steel coils, gypsum, soda ash, and containerised goods, the very lifeblood of Nigeria’s industries. In April alone, over 73,000 tons moved on the line. That is freight that might otherwise have clogged highways, driven up haulage costs, or perished before reaching destination. By contrast, road transporters contend with soaring fuel bills, congestion delays, and accident risks.

For traders, the difference is tangible. A tomato merchant told Channels TV: ‘By road, half of our goods rot before reaching Ibadan. By train, more arrive fresh and we make more money.’ This is logistics efficiency at work. In Nigeria, transport typically consumes 30-40 per cent of business expenses-compared to under 10 per cent in developed economies. Every ton shifted from truck to train reduces costs, raises margins, and improves competitiveness.

Economic multipliers

Economists classify railways as general-purpose infrastructure-assets that lower transaction costs, stimulate trade, and integrate markets. Studies by the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) suggest every dollar invested in rail can yield $1.50-$2.20 in wider economic output once spillovers into agriculture, manufacturing, and services are included. On the Lagos-Ibadan corridor, passenger fares and freight receipts totalled about ?12 billion (roughly $8 million) in the first eight months of 2025. Using AfDB’s multiplier, this translates into an additional $13-$19 million in economic value in less than a year.

The impact extends well beyond revenues. Towns along the line-Papalanto, Abeokuta, Moniya-are stirring back to life as stations double as logistics hubs. Land values around Ibadan station are rising, while shops, eateries, and small service firms sprout around the steady stream of commuters and traders. More broadly, the line is altering Nigeria’s inflation and growth dynamics. By shifting passengers and freight from the chronically congested Lagos-Ibadan expressway to rail, it chips away at one of the country’s deepest structural problems: high logistics costs.

For farmers and food traders, the change is striking. Perishable produce that once spoiled after a day in traffic now reaches markets intact, reducing waste and stabilising supply. Consumers, in turn, feel the benefit in more moderate food prices-vital in a country where food carries the heaviest weight in the inflation basket. The Lagos-Ibadan rail line is thus more than a transport project. It is a quiet lever of productivity, competitiveness, and price stability.

The headline inflation rate, which eased to about 20.1 per cent in August 2025 after months of food-driven surges, reflects a mix of influences. But improved efficiency along critical supply corridors such as Lagos-Ibadan stands out as one of the quiet structural supports cushioning upward pressure. The growth story becomes even clearer when viewed through output. Every commuter who reaches Ibadan in two hours instead of five embodies regained productivity: fewer wasted hours in gridlock, more time contributing to the economy. Every ton of cement, steel, or grain that moves inland by train rather than truck lowers factory input costs and distributor expenses, freeing up margins for reinvestment and expansion.

This productivity dividend loops back into the inflation story. Lower transport costs help cool food prices, and with food carrying the heaviest weight in Nigeria’s inflation basket, this feeds directly into headline inflation. The Lagos-Ibadan line is thus more than a commuter service. It is the flagship of a broader rail reform agenda under the Renewed Hope government. Central to this is the Track Access Programme, which opens Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) lines to licensed operators. Lagos State is already linking its Red Line commuter rail into the corridor, while Chinese partners are piloting freight runs. By attracting private capital and easing the government’s fiscal burden, the programme is breaking open a sector long closed to outside players.

The reform also doubles as industrial policy. At the Abuja International Railway Conference in September, the NRC signed a five-year agreement with Ajaokuta Steel Company to produce rolling stock components locally-especially steel wheels. The Lagos-Ibadan line will be among the first to benefit, reducing import dependence while channelling demand into Nigeria’s long-struggling steel sector.

Energy transition is another pillar. In partnership with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), the NRC plans to convert diesel locomotives into hybrids using liquefied natural gas, while replacing diesel generators with gas-fired alternatives. For the corridor, that means lower operating costs, reduced emissions, and new demand for Nigeria’s gas reserves. Complementing this are shuttle vehicles linking stations to nearby towns, tightening intermodal connections and feeding local economies.

Equally critical is human capital. Through agreements with universities and technical institutes, the NRC is training a new cadre of engineers and technicians in modern rail operations. The Lagos-Ibadan corridor doubles as both showcase and classroom-embedding skills alongside steel, and building the human foundation for Nigeria’s rail future.

At Obafemi Awolowo Station in Moniya, Ibadan, the promise of rail-driven growth is visible – but uneven. Business activity peaks only when the trains arrive, then quickly fades into silence until the next service. Taxi operators, tricycles, and motorcycle riders spring to life as passengers with luggage disembark, haggling over fares in scenes that reflect both the vibrancy and fragility of the station’s economy. Operators told The Nation that while their incomes have improved compared to before the station opened, the pace of growth remains far below expectations. Comrade Abraham Temitope, a cab driver who has worked at the station for three years, put it bluntly: ‘Except for trains coming down, there’s nothing here again. Immediately the train leaves, nothing else happens until the evening. The government needs to work on more trips and create facilities around the station to attract people.’

He and others argued that hotels, malls, and family-friendly spaces could help keep visitors longer and stimulate commerce. They also lamented the abandoned road linking Moniya to the Oyo-Iseyin axis, warning that the unfinished stretch damages vehicles and discourages patronage. ‘The road has been left unfixed for almost three years. It is to our detriment every day,’ Temitope added.

The General Secretary of the Micra Cab Operators, Mr. Adebayo Abiodun, echoed these concerns. He noted that only two daily trips – three on weekends – limit the economic spin-offs. ‘By now, the train should be running at least three trips every day. More trips mean more passengers, and more passengers mean more business for us all,’ he said.

Awareness is another hurdle. Abiodun observed that many residents in Ibadan and even Lagos remain unaware the service is operational. ‘Many people I carry still tell me they didn’t know the train station was working. Publicity will help bring passengers, and when they come, our businesses will grow,’ he added. Around the station, petty traders such as food vendors and snack sellers depend largely on staff and transport operators for patronage, with only occasional sales to passengers. Property values, which had spiked after the terminal opened, have since plateaued as development momentum slowed.

Challenges of maintenance and sustainability

Even as the Lagos-Ibadan line demonstrates promise, sustainability looms large. Earlier this year, a derailment on the Abuja-Kaduna line reignited fears about safety and maintenance. Although the NRC restored service far more swiftly than in the past – a sign of greater responsiveness – questions linger: can Nigeria sustain adequate maintenance funding, resist political interference, and guarantee governance discipline over the long term? ‘Infrastructure is not only about building. It is about maintaining and managing,’ noted Prof. Sam Amadi, former regulator and energy policy scholar. ‘Rail can catalyse growth, but without governance, it can also collapse.’

The Lagos-Ibadan line also forms the southern stretch of the Lagos-Kano-Maradi corridor, envisioned as a continental trade spine under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Properly linked to ports and extended inland, it could anchor Nigeria’s ambition to serve as West Africa’s logistics hub. Vice-President Kashim Shettima underscored this at the Abuja railway summit: ‘Railways connect raw materials to factories, workers to opportunities, and farmers to markets. They shape economies and societies. Every poor-looking country from China to Vietnam has used rail as a driver of development. Nigeria cannot afford to lag.’

Back at Ibadan station, as the last commuters head home and freight wagons roll north, the Lagos-Ibadan line feels like more than just steel and concrete. Each passenger carried and every ton of freight hauled chips away at Nigeria’s old reputation for inefficiency. Sustained momentum could turn this corridor into more than a transport link – into a lever for growth, integration, and renewal in a country searching for prosperity beyond oil.

Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has said that actions and decisions of President Bola Tinubu is moving the country towards economic stability and growth

Governor Okpebholo, in a statewide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, said the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President was true reflection of independence.

The Edo Governor said he has remained focused on the journey to rebuilding Edo State into a land of peace, opportunity, and progress.

He said his administration has worked hard to make Edo safer as well as rebuilding roads, upgrading schools, hospitals, and creating opportunities for the youths.

According to him, ‘This is just the beginning, but they show that Edo is moving forward.

We are grateful to the President and Commander-in-chief, our father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his efforts to reposition Nigeria for greatness.

‘Within just two years of the President Tinubu administration, Nigeria has been freed from the chaos of long fuel queues, and from the satanic subsidy rackets who siphoned our national wealth and leaving the masses in abject poverty.

‘The Renewed Hope has also expanded our economy and freed the states from having to queue for bailouts in Abuja before they could pay workers’ salaries. That era is over. We can only be grateful for these and several other interventions of the Tinubu administration.

‘Mr. President, Edo stands with you.

Dear compatriots, Independence is not only about freedom from foreign rule. It calls for unity and teamwork in order to maximise the opportunities that come with freedom. We must always remind ourselves that we can achieve more if we come together as Edo people.

‘To our youths and children: You are the heartbeat of this state. Do not give in to despair. Your energy and talents are the key to our future, and this government will continue to invest in you.’

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has made significant progress despite prevailing challenges.

In his Independence Day message on Wednesday, Wike expressed optimism about a brighter future for the nation and called on Nigerians to remain united and peaceful.

He said, ‘On this occasion of the 65th Independence anniversary of our great nation, on behalf of the FCT Administration, I wish to felicitate with all residents of the Federal Capital Territory as we celebrate our nation’s historic event.’

‘This is a special occasion when we pay tribute to our founding fathers who laboured dauntlessly to birth a formidable country which today stands tall in the comity of nations. It is also a celebration of our brotherhood and unity, which have been woven from the loom of our diversity.

‘As such, and in keeping with the theme for this year’s celebration, all hands must be on deck to ensure that the labour of the nation’s founding fathers is not in vain. I, therefore, appeal to all residents to continue to live true to the ideals of the heroes of our land. The Federal Capital Territory remains Nigeria’s symbol of unity and nationhood; hence, we must continue to embrace peace.

‘Expectedly, today is one for sober reflection and stock-taking. This is necessary so we can look ahead with renewed hope towards a better future for the Federal Capital Territory and the nation.

‘Let me use this occasion to express my appreciation to residents of the FCT for their unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which centres on economic growth, national security, food security, sustainable development, and infrastructure development.

‘In keeping with the central objective of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we have made determined progress on several fronts’.

Wike said the FCT Administration, with the unflinching support of residents, will continue to work to provide first-class infrastructure and public utilities, as demonstrated in the completion and commissioning of strategic roads and public utilities.

The minister said, ‘It is our firm belief that no city can be said to be a city without a good network of roads, hence our focus on road construction. Other sectors are receiving due attention as well.

‘We have reconstructed most of our schools and hospitals and provided much-needed equipment and personnel. We have supported our farmers, promoted Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and, by so doing, empowered our youths and women. I assure you that we will continue to work to reinvigorate the economy and enhance the living standards of the good people of FCT.

‘Residents have also remained intentional about living together in peace and harmony despite a few distractions. Consequently, the FCT has become one of the most peaceful places to reside in the entire country. This is not only due to the security measures we have put in place, but also because of zero tolerance of residents for insecurity, and their readiness to promote peace in every part of the Territory.

‘Come February 2026, the FCT will kick off the electioneering process in the country as residents head to the polls to elect new chairmen and councillors for the six area councils. I implore residents to go about campaigning for candidates of their choice in a peaceful and orderly manner. I also encourage everyone to come out en masse when the time comes, to vote for leaders who evidently have their interest at heart; leaders who have vision and capacity to attract development and prosperity to the people.’

He assured residents of the administration’s efforts in partnership with the law enforcement agencies to ensure security, law, and order in the FCT at all times.

He appealed to all residents to go about their lawful businesses, to be watchful over their neighbourhoods, and to report all suspicious movements to the law enforcement agents.

Wike said, ‘Amid the various challenges we face as a nation, we are very optimistic that the future is brighter. We have a President who is intentional about prioritising the well-being of the citizens and has brought unprecedented development to the FCT. We must, therefore, continue to work together faithfully, to ensure that FCT’s potentials and our collective aspirations are realised to the fullest.’

The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has said the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is becoming a comfort zone for human traffickers.

She made the declaration on Wednesday when she led an operation to the airport, which led to the rescue of 24 victims of human trafficking and the arrest of five suspected trafficking agents.

The victims whose ages range between 15 years and 26 years were recruited from Kano, Kastina, Oyo, Ondo, and Rivers States, and were heading to Iraq, Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Afghanistan.

According to a statement in Abuja by the press officer of NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye, one of the suspected human traffickers, was a retired senior law enforcement officer in Nigeria.

The suspect is alleged to be a prominent member of the trafficking syndicate operating within the South West region of Nigeria.

On how the raid was carried out, the Agency stated, ‘The latest raid followed a tip-off from concerned stakeholders and partners who alerted us to an influx of suspected human trafficking victims at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, and the unwholesome activities of some suspected traffickers.

‘At the end of nearly 6 hours of operation, the human trafficking activities were completely disrupted, leading to the arrest of five suspected traffickers and the rescue of 24 suspected victims.

‘The victims whose ages range between 15 years and 26 years were recruited from Kano, Kastina, Oyo, Ondo, and Rivers States, and were heading to Iraq, Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Afghanistan.

‘While a good number of the victims could not communicate in any other language apart from their dialect, others do not even know the location of their intended Country of destination’.

According to NAPTIP, one of the victims said, ‘They told my mother that they are taking me to Europe, where I will work and earn dollars. My parents were happy and they allowed me to follow them’.

Another victim vowed to ensure the prosecution of her father for deceiving her into embarking on the journey after she watched a series of videos of the conditions of trafficked people.

The victim, whose father was among the traffickers arrested, said in her local dialect: ‘I struggled to hold my emotions while watching the video of those girls who were being maltreated and beaten by the traffickers. If that is what awaits me there, I will not go. I am seriously annoyed with my father because he deceived me. My father told me his friend has a job for me at a supermarket in Baghdad. He did not tell me that it is in Iraq.

‘I know that Iraq is not a good place to work right now due to the crisis there, but I did not know that Baghdad is in Iraq. I thank DG and her Officers for rescuing me. Please, I just need my passport. I want to go back to my town and settle. I will certainly make it in Nigeria rather than suffer in another country.’

The Director General of NAPTIP expressed sadness over the activities of some suspected human traffickers and unregistered labour recruiters who have continued to deceive, recruit, and traffic Nigerians for various forms of exploitation.

She said, ‘I am impressed with the outcome of the operation today because we were able to arrest five suspected members of the trafficking gang that have been recruiting and trafficking our citizens to various tension-soaked countries, especially in the Middle East, for exploitation.

‘We observed that the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport is becoming a comfort zone for these traffickers, and that is why we have decided to shift attention to this airport. We will sustain this raid until they stop this unpatriotic and illicit trade in human beings.

‘I was amazed that a father, who is a retired Law Enforcement Officer of senior Cadre, deceived his daughter and packaged her to be trafficked to Iraq for exploitation. This is incredibly unbelievable. Well, all of them will be thoroughly investigated, and they will face the law.

Bello commended the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the manager of Abuja airport, Department of State Service (DSS) operatives at the Airport, the Airport Security Personnel, Immigration Officers, and airline operators for their support.

She said, ‘Human trafficking is a visible national concern, and we all must be on the same page to turn the heat on the traffickers. Our resolve to ensure the protection of Nigerians from all forms of exploitation is firm and resolute.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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