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The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has officially flagged off the construction of a 7-kilometer road project from the Bill Clinton Drive of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Tunga Madaki community in Abuja.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja on Monday, the FCT Minister emphasized that the project, which will bypass the Airport’s second runway, is a direct fulfillment of a promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the nine affected communities within the airport precinct that gave up their land for the construction of the second runway. The Minister said, ‘One of the things that the communities asked for is that they had to be connected and linked up with roads; it would be quite unfair that their land was collected for a second runway, yet they have no access to even go to the airport. It does not make sense. I had to take this matter to the President, and Mr. President said, ‘Whatever they ask for, give it to them’.’

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) just concluded in New York, United States. However, what has continued to dominate national discourse is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national statement to world leaders at the annual event. His bold policy statement demanding reforms in global governance has strengthened Nigeria’s international standing as one of Africa’s foremost economies.

In the statement that captured the attention of participants and the world in general, President Tinubu unequivocally called for multifaceted reforms of the UN, focusing on key areas that require immediate attention. And Vice President Kashim Shettima, who delivered Nigeria’s policy statement on his behalf, nailed it for Mr President.

One of the key aspects of VP Shettima’s capacity to represent his boss is his ability to understand and articulate the President’s vision. His presentations reflect Tinubu’s policies and ideas, demonstrating a deep understanding of the President’s mind and work.

The Vice President’s adeptness at representing the President effectively has been evident at various international fora. With the brilliance with which he marshalled and delivered President Tinubu’s foreign policy statement, Nigeria’s voice was clear and loud at the international gathering.

Unlike some world leaders who made their growing disenchantment fully palpable in their addresses at the global stage, President Tinubu did not require any show of righteous indignation to pass on the message of Nigeria and the continent. Subtly, he appealed to the interest of the international community instead of the regional interest. Categorically, he warned that the global body must embrace sweeping restructuring or face growing irrelevance, with world events increasingly bypassing its influence.

One of Nigeria’s primary concerns is the reform of the UN Security Council. The Nigerian leader stood his ground in demanding a permanent seat for Nigeria and Africa in the Council. He argued that this is the only way the country’s growing population, economic influence, and contributions to global peacekeeping would be reflected.

President Tinubu’s point of contention on this is clear: Nigeria, a nation that has transformed from ‘a colony of 20 million people, absent from the tables where decisions about our fate were taken’ to ‘a sovereign nation of over 236 million, projected to be the third most populous country in the world, with one of the youngest and most dynamic populations on earth,’ is politically and morally certified to represent Africa on the UN Security Council. This move is part of a broader process of institutional reform aimed at making the UN more representative and effective.

President Tinubu’s address accentuates Nigeria’s commitment to peace, development, unity, multilateralism, and human rights. He emphasised the need for reform and cooperation in tackling global challenges, including climate change, irregular migration, and financial instability. His diplomatic approach seeks to foster partnerships and cooperation, showcasing his negotiation skills.

The President identified an underlying pattern missing in the UN: the need for a more inclusive and effective multilateral system. For the most part, he took a pragmatic view of multilateralism, regarding it as useful but only when it is all-inclusive. By addressing the challenges and opportunities outlined in his policy statement, nations can work towards a better future for all. The emphasis on reform, cooperation, and collective action underscores the importance of multilateralism in achieving global peace and development.

On the global front, President Tinubu declared Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He described this approach as ‘the most dignified path’ to lasting peace, stressing that Palestinians ‘are not collateral damage in a civilisation searching for order,’ but human beings deserving of the same freedom and dignity as everyone else. He urged the international community to take concrete actions to protect Palestinian lives and facilitate a peaceful resolution.

By advocating for a two-state solution, President Tinubu’s stance aligns with other countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, which have also called for Palestinian statehood. This move marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s foreign policy posture, showcasing its commitment to peace, human rights, and collective security.

Sadly, unpatriotic and unscrupulous politicians in Nigeria have lashed out at the Palestine issue to score cheap political points. The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) faulted President Tinubu’s two-state solution stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying he failed to address the worsening insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria.

But this is a view based, in the first place, on a misleading oversimplification and ignorance of the nuances and complexities of global politics of the time. Fortunately, well-meaning Nigerians have described the opposition’s stance as unnecessary critique, emphasising the need for politicians to prioritise national and global interests over partisan politics, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like human suffering. On Palestine, the critics are hereby handed a damning verdict.

President Tinubu must not be seen as making a case for Africa alone at the global event. His bold policy statement on the global stage shouldn’t have been slanted towards regional demands. It is a call for global awakening. What he simply did was prioritise empathy and compassion over political gains, especially in situations involving human suffering, hence maintaining a level of statesmanship and decorum in global political discourse.

Besides, President Tinubu did not only focus on the crisis in Palestine. He also condemned the ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and other conflict zones, maintaining that efforts must be redoubled to de-escalate global tensions. Describing the human cost as ‘stains on our collective humanity,’ he tasked world leaders with the need for coordinated global efforts to combat tensions across the globe and address the underlying causes of regional conflicts and instability.

Was Tinubu actually mum on the Nigerian situation? Certainly not! He said that while ‘Nigeria has continued to face the threat of violent extremism and terrorism,’ his administration is tackling the menace through values and ideas. ‘At home, we confront the scourge of insurgency with resolve. From this long and difficult struggle with violent extremism, one truth stands clear: military tactics may win battles measured in months and years, but in wars that span generations, it is values and ideas that deliver the ultimate victory,’ he added.

On the ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria, President Tinubu acknowledged the difficult reality facing his citizens but said that Nigeria’s economic reforms represent a model for resilience. He noted that his administration has taken difficult but necessary steps to restructure the economy and remove distortions, including subsidies and currency controls that benefited the few at the expense of the many. Expressing confidence in the power of the market to transform, he said, ‘Our task is to enable and facilitate, and to trust in the ingenuity and enterprise of the people. But the process of transition is difficult.’

The President proposed the setting up of a new, binding mechanism to manage sovereign debt, including an International Court of Justice for money. According to him, this would enable countries to break free from the ‘economic straitjacket of primary production of unprocessed exports’ and promote local value addition in agriculture, solid minerals, and petrochemicals.

The proposal emphasises the need for urgent action to promote debt relief, not as an act of charity, but as a clear path to peace and prosperity that benefits everyone. It aims to help emerging economies escape the constraints of debt and focus on development and growth. He stressed that the current system is not suited to address the needs of developing countries, citing Africa’s total debt of around $685.5 billion and debt service payments of $88.7 billion in 2025.

President Tinubu also called for a complete overhaul of the global financial architecture governing Africa’s mineral resources. He said African nations must be allowed to finance their own mineral sectors and assert control over African products’ global supply chains, promoting economic development and sovereignty. He also emphasised the importance of benefit-sharing from strategic minerals. Nigeria believes that countries hosting these minerals should reap the benefits, not just through revenue but also through investment, partnership, local processing, and job creation.

The President also called for a dedicated initiative to close the digital divide. This initiative would bring together researchers, the private sector, governments, and communities to promote access to technology, mitigate potential negative impacts, and enable growth. Closing the digital divide is crucial for ensuring that all nations, especially developing ones, can participate in the global digital economy and benefit from technological advancements.

No doubt, what has become clear about Senator Shettima’s diplomatic outings is that President Tinubu’s choice of Vice President has proven to be a strategic move, showcasing effective leadership and partnership. VP Shettima’s performance at the 80th UNGA demonstrates his capacity to stamp the President’s authority on the global stage. His ability to convey the President’s vision and policies seamlessly has been particularly notable.

It’s clear that their cordial partnership and collaborative leadership style, characterised by mutual trust, are crucial factors in Nigeria’s current progress. Their bond has proven to be solid and effective, with VP Shettima demonstrating absolute loyalty to President Tinubu and working tirelessly to support his initiatives and vision for Nigeria. They are united by a shared goal to engender a strong economy, deliver prosperity, and improve living standards for Nigerians based on the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Beyond the General Debate, the Vice President met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at UN headquarters to personally discuss Nigeria’s quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and other matters of mutual interest. He also attended a meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government held on the margins of UNGA 80.

Senator Shettima also held bilateral meetings with key leaders, including the President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and the Gates Foundation’s CEO, Mark Suzman. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Namibia, calling for expanded investment in Nigeria, particularly in education and human capital development.

The Vice President also engaged with investors, highlighting Nigeria’s growth ambitions and economic reforms under the Tinubu administration. He emphasised the country’s potential for investment, citing macroeconomic stability, improved productivity, and strategic investment in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and education.

Nkwocha is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President)

A cross section of residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have appealed to the federal government to implement people-oriented policies that will alleviate economic hardship in the country.

They made the appeal in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the 65th Independence anniversary celebrations of the country.

NAN reports the independence anniversary with the theme, ‘Nigeria @ 65: All Hands-on Deck for a Greater Nation” is featuring a blend of religious, civic and cultural activities including the Independence Day parade across the states on Oct.1.

Speaking on the anniversary, the residents called on the Federal Government to proffer lasting solutions to the hardship brought about by the economic reforms initiated by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration. They urged the government to look into various sectors of the economy and initiate policies and programmes that would ease their sufferings.

Alh. Ibrahim Musa, a businessman in Bwari, said that the two-pronged policies of fuel subsidy removal and unification of foreign exchange window, introduced by President Tinubu on assumption of office, have taken tolls on businesses and livelihood.

Musa said the policies brought about economic hardship with crumbling impacts on small businesses like his own, which are struggling to stay afloat.

According to him, the removal of fuel subsidies, in particular, had led to high transportation costs, causing daily price hikes for commodities.

‘Both traders and consumers are struggling to cope. Even my business, which once thrived, is no longer booming.

‘Sometimes, I sell goods below their cost prices just to break even and feed my family. If things continue like this, I’ll eventually go out of business.

‘A country with rich natural resources as Nigeria shouldn’t be plagued by hunger. We have everything needed to feed ourselves. Our biggest problem is corruption and bad policies,” Musa said.

Mr Charles Ibe, a lecturer, emphasised the need for the government to diversify the economy beyond the oil sector.,

According to him, the oil dependent economy is no longer sustainable, the government must explore other areas, such as agriculture, mining, and tourism to boost the economy.

Ibe noted that fuel subsidy removal was well intended, but the effects had worsened the country’s economic situation and increased the poverty rate.

He said the excess funds accruing from the removal of subsidy should be plowed to visible infrastructure development and poverty alleviating programmes

‘Most of our infrastructure, including roads, public schools and hospitals, require urgent attention.

‘Celebrating 65 years of independence while key sectors struggle is hollow.

‘Nigeria has immense potential for greatness, with abundant mineral resources, fertile soil for agriculture, and favourable weather.

‘These resources should be harnessed to improve citizens’ lives. Given our wealth, no Nigerian should live in poverty.

‘However, corruption has reduced many Nigerians to beggars in their own country,’ he said.

Mr Stanley Osho, a civil servant in Gwagwalada said that an average civil servant could not afford a decent accommodation as the cost of house rent continued to skyrocket.

Osho said that the 65th independence anniversary would have been a big celebration for Nigerians ‘if things are looking up for the country’.

‘The incessant increase in house rent is a serious concern to many civil servants.

‘Most of us with families, cannot afford a decent two-bedroom flat in the suburbs, talk more of the city centre.

‘What we are witnessing now in the FCT is civil servants relocating to areas with little or no infrastructure and security just to cut cost,’ he said.

Osho added: ‘It may also interest you to know that most civil servants go to their offices twice or thrice in a week now because of the high cost of transportation.

‘All these are having devastating consequences on productivity and the economy,’ he said

Osho urged the government to regulate house rents and provide affordable public transportation system to make life bearable for the ordinary citizens.

Mr Chinedu Okafor, a teacher in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, said, while democracy has given Nigerians freedom of expression and participation, poor governance has hindered development.

He emphasised the need for urgent reforms in the power sector, citing the importance of a steady power supply in attracting investments and fostering business growth.

”Without reliable electricity, industries struggle to thrive and businesses can’t grow. The government must prioritise fixing the power sector,” he stressed.

Mrs Confidence Samuel, another civil servant, said workers are bearing the brunt of the current economic hardship, the more.

According to her, civil servants’ monthly salaries could barely cover their expenses for two weeks.

She said the N70,000 minimum wage is no longer sustainable with the economic realities and soaring cost of living.

While calling for upward review of the minimum wage, Samuel also underscored the need for targeted government interventions to boost food production, stabilise prices, and make basic amenities more affordable

Some residents, however, expressed the optimism that things would improve and Nigeria would be great again

Mr Akpoko Uloko, a civil servant, said that Nigeria’s independence holds great significance for him, stressing that over the years, the country has made notable progress in various sectors.

According to him, although, the economy has not reached its full potential, significance progress is being made.

Mr James Adeyemi, a cleric in Bwari, said Nigeria’s independence is worth celebrating, notwithstanding the unfavourable economic realities

Adeyemi said that independence celebration is a reminder of the country’s freedom, hope, self-determination and opportunities ahead.

He urged citizens to foster unity and responsibility, while calling on leaders to demonstrate transparency and genuine commitment to addressing national challenges.

‘With Divine guidance and effective leadership, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and build a stronger, more prosperous nation,’ he added.

No doubt, Nigerians are passing through a difficult time because of the reforms the Tinubu’s administration put in place.

Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), acknowledged this, even, on Monday, at a World Press Briefing to mark the 65th independence anniversary.

According to the SGF, the reforms, though tough, were necessary to stabilise the economy, restore investors’ confidence and lay the foundation for long-term growth.

He, however said that the country is witnessing positive results as inflationary pressures are beginning to ease, foreign investment inflows have shown renewed interest, while job creation initiatives are expanding opportunities for the youths.

According to him, social intervention programmes are also being strengthened to cushion the effects of the reforms on the vulnerable.

Akume appealed to Nigerians in the spirit of celebration to remain resilient, united and committed to the ideals of peace and progress. (NAN)

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has urged Nigerians to remain united and see beyond the current challenges facing the country, saying they are temporal.

Senator Barau, in his message to Nigerians on the occasion of its 65th independence anniversary, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said what is uppermost now is for all to accord President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the needed support as he propels the nation to prosperity.

Barau also appealed to citizens to remain resolute in promoting national unity, offering support and prayers for the government to succeed in its efforts to turn the country’s fortunes around positively.

‘As we celebrate the 65th Independence Anniversary of our beloved country, we must remember the enormous sacrifices made by our founding fathers: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, among others, and recommit ourselves to the ideals they stood for, including the promotion of national unity, peace, justice, and tolerance. ‘Yes, at 65, we have some challenges facing us as a country, but we will overcome them. Our country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will emerge stronger from its present challenges, by God’s grace.

‘Let us continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to actualise his policies and programmes as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. He has good intentions for the country. We will get it right,’ he said.

Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, urging them to remain hopeful about the future.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Leke Olatunji Baiyewu, Abbas said Nigeria has come a long way through a chequered history, adding that the years ahead hold prospects of greater unity and prosperity.

He noted that the country is blessed with abundant human and natural resources and called for collective efforts by all stakeholders to build ‘a nation of our dreams, regardless of religious, ethnic and political differences.’

The Speaker said Nigeria remains on the right track with the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and expressed optimism that the country will reclaim its position as Africa’s biggest economy.

While acknowledging prevailing security and socio-economic challenges, Abbas urged Nigerians to remain prayerful, patriotic, and law-abiding.

He also assured that the 10th House of Representatives is committed to providing accountable leadership, good governance and dividends of democracy, especially at the grassroots.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country has made a decisive turn in its economic reforms, declaring that the worst is over and the hardships of yesterday are beginning to give way to relief.

In a nationwide broadcast to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the president said his administration was concerned about the temporary pains of the reforms, but added that the alternative would have led Nigerians into bankruptcy.

President Tinubu, who went down memory lane, said the founding heroes and heroines of the country believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the black race as the largest black nation on earth, adding that the promise of independence has been tested by profound social, economic, and political challenges, and ‘we have survived.’

He said, ‘While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have not strayed too far from them as the country in the last 65 years has made tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and physical development. ‘While it is much easier for those whose vocation is to focus on what ought to be, we must recognise and celebrate our significant progress. Nigerians today have access to better education and healthcare than in 1960.’

Difficult decisions

President Tinubu explained that on assuming office, his administration inherited a near-collapsed economy caused by decades of fiscal policy distortions and misalignment that had impaired real growth, saying that ‘As a new administration, we faced a simple choice: continue business as usual and watch our nation drift, or embark on a courageous, fundamental reform path. We chose the path of reform. We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today.

‘Less than three years later, the seeds of those difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruit. In resetting our country for sustainable growth, we ended the corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that created massive incentives for a rentier economy, benefiting only a tiny minority. At the same time, the masses received little or nothing from our Commonwealth.

‘Our administration has redirected the economy towards a more inclusive path, channelling money to fund education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, and critical economic infrastructure, such as roads, power, broadband, and social investment programmes.

‘These initiatives will generally improve Nigerians’ quality of life. As a result of the tough decisions we made, the federal and state governments, including local governments, now have more resources to take care of the people at the lower level of the ladder, to address our development challenges.’

The president said his administration is racing against time to ‘build the roads we need, repair the ones that have become decrepit, and construct the schools our children will attend and the hospitals that will care for our people. We have to plan for the generations that will come after us.

‘We do not have enough electricity to power our industries and homes today, or the resources to repair our deteriorating roads, build seaports, railroads, and international airports comparable to the best in the world, because we failed to make the necessary investments decades ago.’

He, however, said the present administration is setting things right: ‘I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour.

‘Under our leadership, our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results. The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%-Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years-and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation declined to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years.

‘The administration is working diligently to boost agricultural production and ensure food security, reducing food costs,’ he said.

Achievements

Listing some of his achievements, President Tinubu said that in the last two years, his administration has achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones as a result of the implementation of sound fiscal and monetary policies.

He listed some of them as the attainment of a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August, with over N20 trillion.

He said, ‘Following the removal of the corrupt petroleum subsidy, we have freed up trillions of Naira for targeted investment in the real economy and social programmes for the most vulnerable, as well as all tiers of government. We have a stronger foreign reserve position than three years ago. Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September-the highest since 2019. Our tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent.’

President Tinubu said the ratio is expected to increase further when the new tax law takes effect in January.

He further said, ‘Nigeria is now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home. Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to N7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years. Goods manufactured in Nigeria and exported jumped by 173%. Non-oil exports, as a component of our export trade, now represent 48 per cent, compared to oil exports, which account for 52 per cent.

‘This signals that we are diversifying our economy and foreign exchange sources outside oil and gas. Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day from barely one million in May 2023. The increase occurred due to improved security, new investments, and better stakeholder management in the Niger Delta.

‘The administration is expanding transport infrastructure across the country, covering rail, roads, airports, and seaports. Rail and water transport grew by over 40% and 27%, respectively.

‘The 284-kilometre Kano-Kastina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail project and the Kaduna-Kano rail line are nearing completion. Work is progressing well on the legacy Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway. The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project.

Insecurity

Speaking on the prevailing insecurity, Tinubu said he is working to enhance national security, ensuring that the economy experiences improved growth and performance as the officers and men of the armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep the country safe.

He said, ‘They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram terror in North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in South East and banditry and kidnapping. We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation.

‘Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in North-West and North-East, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes.’

Youth programmes

Addressing the youth, the president urged them to continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector.

He said, ‘Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high. We created NELFUND to support students with loans for their educational pursuits.

‘Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.’

He said Credicorp, another initiative of his administration, has granted 153,000 Nigerians N30 billion affordable loans for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, digital devices, and more, even as YouthCred, which he promised last June, is already a reality, with tens of thousands of NYSC members now active beneficiaries of consumer credit for resettlement.

In his message of hope to Nigerians, the president acknowledged that his administration’s reforms have come with some temporary pains.

He said the alternative of allowing the country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option, insisting that ‘Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we are laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand.

‘The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities. Let me assure you of our administration’s determination to ensure that the resources we have saved and the stability we have built are channelled into these critical areas.

‘Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just like the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports, by quickening the processing. In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce.

‘Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes. Finally, let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,’ he said.

The death toll from the boat accident in Ibaji local government area of Kogi State has risen to 26.

Daily Trust reports that the accident occurred Monday, while the victims were on their way to Ilushi market in the Esan South-East Local Government Area in Edo State.

In a statement, on Wednesday, the state commissioner of Information and Communication, Kinsley Fanwo, told newsmen that the death toll had risen.

He described the incident as a heartbreaking loss. The statement reads: ‘Reports indicate that the unfortunate incident has allegedly claimed the lives of not less than 26 passengers.

‘His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families.

‘The Government of Kogi State stands with the people of Ibaji LGA and will continue to support them through this difficult time’.

However, the governor has directed relevant agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency, to work with local authorities to provide immediate support and relief to those affected.

Governor Ododo assured that the state government would intensify efforts in collaboration with federal agencies to improve safety measures on waterways in order to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.

He, therefore, called on the people of the state , especially riverine communities, to always prioritize safety by avoiding overloading, and by using life jackets and other precautionary measures whenever they travel by water.

His Royal Highness, Miskoom Yahaya Kwande, is the Longkwo of Kwo Chiefdom in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State. Before ascending the throne, the 96-year-old elder statesman was an active politician, former Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland; teacher; civil servant and administrator. The traditional ruler in this interview shares his perspectives on Nigeria’s evolution, tracing the country’s history from before independence to its current state, highlighting key developments and challenges along the way.

You are one of those who witnessed the Independence Day celebration in 1960. How did it go?

Every part of Nigeria was celebrating in its own way. People had the opportunity to come together and make merriment.

First October has now become a possibility of putting people, families back together. Another aspect of the October 1st celebration is that it allows people to showcase their cultural heritage. Participants, especially cultural dancers, adorned themselves in unique, often custom-made costumes. This celebration brought people together, providing an opportunity for smaller tribes to display their cultural prowess. I believe this cultural display was a significant part of the October 1st ceremony.

Was there much awareness by the masses about what Nigeria was going into?

No, but people were very happy. People were very happy and whether they knew the meaning or not is another thing. It is only now that the meaning is clear, but in our days in the 60s, definitely it was not too apparent. The colonial masters used to put together schoolchildren, armed forces of different kinds, police, army to display and that used to be the ceremony. Only very few knew what it meant. For those of you who were the elite then, did you have any apprehension about whether the new set of leaders were going to manage the responsibility thrust on them?

The Britons are clever. All our colonialists were extracting what they wanted and at the same time showing love to us. I was a district officer in charge of a division, which is the area of my responsibility, I felt proud and people in the town were also happy. We were not allowed to stay in our offices more than 15 days for the 30 days of the month. You had to go and meet the people and know how they were faring; you go to a dispensary and see whether the medication is adequate, whether drugs were available.

And you went to the school and the children were so proud to see you. But at the moment, everything seems to be on the computer and the telephone. If you have a telephone, you have the whole world. So, the man you are ruling is not touched to know that there is a particular person responsible for his health. People don’t. When you look at all these, how many times will you take your mind back? Have you seen the chairman of your local government coming into your village and dancing with the villagers and chatting with them so that he would talk about their welfare? The level of education was not there as it is today. So, you couldn’t say whether the British were doing well or not doing well. All we knew was that the British were masters and they were doing things. But at the moment, people seem to be aware of the responsibility of leadership, so they can criticise. And the whole thing is now decentralised in such a way that the matter of responsibility cannot be compared with the past.

It’s 65 years now since independence, how in your view has Nigeria fared?

From an honest mind, we have progressed. I remember that there used to be only one secondary school in the whole northern Nigeria that the government was controlling. Then they had two secondary schools. My brother, we are talking about one million secondary schools now. I’m not talking about the standard of what is now being taught. But I definitely must tell you that we have progressed. This telephone is progress. Even the quality of our food is progress. Solar light is progress. Up to a small village, I don’t know if anyone who is true to himself or honest to himself, can say that Nigeria has not progressed.

Certain things have gone back, deteriorated, like transportation in the sense of railways but I must tell you that we have progressed.

You were one of those close to the Sardauna, can you recall the efforts he made towards uniting the North?

Our leaders then had different minds altogether, not only Sardauna. They had different minds of ruling. They came with the influence of honesty from the British, in the sense of not cheating who you are ruling, who you are governing. They inherited that. And we that were civil servants assisting them, believe me, we came with that fear. You didn’t need somebody to stand by you. We had what you call auditors in the midst of officers. You could not talk about corruption to the officials of the government. Unlike now that it is so rampant, even in your households, corruption is nothing anymore.

Sardauna was an individual. And of course, all his ministers were practicing what would please Sardauna. He had nothing on his mind other than improving the lot of the people. He had to delay independence at first so that he could bring his own people on board. He was a man that had no other interest than the seat of the Sultan of Sokoto.

Otherwise, he didn’t bother about anything other than uniting Northern Nigeria. We were even proud to call ourselves Northerners, as if it was a title, because our leaders couldn’t differentiate the Ngas man from the Gomai man or from the Berom man. And exactly the same thing, we grew up with friends, civil service colleagues, from Sokoto, from Katsina. And he was interested in your welfare. He wanted to know who you were and if you were happy.

They worked very hard to unite Northern Nigeria. And when he was asked by a journalist, why Northern Nigeria alone? He said, no, when you unite Northern Nigeria, you unite the whole of the Federation, because we were sober. Wealth was not what mattered to him. I served as an administrative officer, a DO in charge. They didn’t even know what Kwande was. They didn’t know it was a village, not my name alone. There was no discrimination, no religious or cultural differences. You did your own thing. They loved you even when you were not their own. A Fulani man would put a stick across his back. And if you found an Egon, he did not care whether you put it on the back or you put it in front of you. We were just citizens of Nigeria, but peculiar to be patriotic citizens.

What was the situation like in the country after the January 1966 coup?

Well, we started deteriorating. That is the bad thing about us. You know, that reminds me, when I took the wrong way to go to my village on holiday, with a difference of only about 30 kilometres, I was queried that I was displaying dishonesty. And I had to prove that the bridge on the shuttle way was broken and it was published in the New Nigerian.

And that’s why I escaped being sacked from the service. That honesty is no longer there. The traditional rulers are not making things better in the sense that the more you steal, the more they honour you. And you know, when you are made, when you are given a title, a royal title, then everybody in the village will testify that you deserve it. And the honour that the British used to give us, KBE, you were looked at as a wonderful human being who deserved the Queen’s honour.

Now it is, who do you know? If you are not careful, you will find a neighbour that is well-connected getting a higher honour than you. And you wonder what it is that makes him different from you; but it’s just a connection.

Nigeria has experienced coups and counter coups; would you say the intervention of the military helped in uniting the country?

The intention was to unite. But then the players missed the point when it appeared that a tribe were the players. That was when they missed the point about uniting this country by the military coup. But the way the late General Muhammadu Buhari and his deputy went about theirs was another thing.

The intention of the military to me was good because corruption, elements of differences between tribes were beginning to gain ground. They wanted to stop it. When your country is going down the drain, and you are in the military, and you think that you can arrest the trouble, and not make things worse, then I will support it.

The challenges confronting Nigeria since 1960 like insecurity, corruption and mutual suspicion on ethnic basis are still there. Can the country overcome these problems?

Yes, the challenges can be overcome. What we need in this country is discipline and a change of attitude. Once people change their attitude and become disciplined, there is hope. I still believe that if people want something, they can do it because in the past, Nigerians were very disciplined and trusted.

Should traditional rulers be given constitutional roles?

The set of traditional rulers we have today is not the same as what we had in the years back because most of them are graduates. They know what they are doing. They come in just because they are honouring their tradition. Why do you allow the traditional rulers to remain as part of your constitution without action, without responsibility? They can prevent insecurity because they know who is who in the village. So, once a role is given to them, they would help significantly in reducing insecurity in the country.

Where did Nigeria miss it?

The only thing that I feel is not being done by the government is the question of tax payment. I don’t know why the government of Nigeria seems to neglect head taxes, you know, individuals paying two naira, or six naira, or one naira. It is a matter of pride. When you now say you take it away from them because you now have oil money, you are taking away the patriotism of a citizen of Nigeria because he likes challenging the government by telling it that it is using the money and not doing much.

An ordinary man on his farm will turn around and if he sees somebody passing, he will think, look, they are using their money uselessly. They don’t seem to care because he has paid five naira in a year. But when you take it away from him, the responsibility of citizenship is no more there. So, if I am to advise, I would like paying head tax to be made compulsory and organised properly. That will help even the population of our country.

As Nigeria marks another Independence Day, Comrade Deji Adeyanju, human rights lawyer and activist, has said there is little evidence that the country is making real progress, stressing that democracy and accountability remain weak across many levels of government.

Adeyanju noted that while democratic institutions appear functional at the federal level, they are ‘almost non-existent’ in the states where governors wield enormous power with little oversight.

He said months ago, 19 state governors nearly derailed the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), adding that the intervention of the judiciary was the only safeguard that kept the anti-graft fight alive.

‘The same disregard for accountability is why the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy has not been implemented. Leaders cannot choose which laws to obey. True democracy must be rooted in accountability at every level, not just in Abuja,’ he said.

On the federal cabinet, Adeyanju lamented that only a handful of ministers appear visible and active in their duties, while the majority remain ‘missing in action.’ He warned that a country of Nigeria’s size and complexity cannot afford ‘ghost ministers’ who contribute little to governance. Adeyanju also emphasized that independence is meaningless without adequate security. According to him, citizens continue to live in fear as ‘unknown gunmen’ and other criminal groups unleash violence across the country.

‘Independence Day should not just be about celebrating a date on the calendar,’ he said. ‘It should be about building a nation where democracy, accountability, and security are guaranteed for all Nigerians, not just a privileged few.’

The Auditor-General for the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, says the audit initiatives being undertaken by his Office, the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Nigeria, to enhance public finance system is achieving the desired results in terms of improving transparency and accountability, while urging MDAs to improve on weak internal audit mechanisms

The Auditor-General, who made this remark on Tuesday during an interactive session at the sidelines of a public event to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, maintained that through innovative approach, modern technological deployment, human capital capacity building and commitment to best global standards in auditing, the Office had over the past few years aligned the nation’s public finance system audit processes with global best practice.

Specifically, he listed some of the major public audit transformational initiatives embarked on by his Office and the results achieved as including the improved Implementation Rate of Audit Recommendations; Improvements in Financial Management Practices; Strengthened Legislative Oversight; Public and Stakeholder Engagement; Enhanced Transparency in High-Risk Sectors; and improved Feedback and Independent Assessments.

The Auditor-General said: ‘In essence, the impact of our audit reports is evident not only in improved financial compliance but also in the broader culture of accountability, transparency, and fiscal prudence they are helping to entrench in Nigeria’s public sector.’

According to him, the Office has been able to achieve these results through collaboration with other relevant government, the National Assembly and international organizations.

Chira explained that with the EFCC and ICPC, his Office had strengthened the accountability chain by sharing audit intelligence that has facilitated investigations, prosecutions, and recovery of misappropriated funds by many agencies.

He added that the engagement with the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committees has improved the timeliness and depth of legislative oversight, while the partnership with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has helped the Office in advancing due process in public procurement audits, reducing loopholes for financial misconduct.

On collaboration with international organisations, he disclosed that the partnership with AFROSAI-E and INTOSAI, had benefitted the OAuGF in terms of peer reviews, technical assistance and adoption of international best practices, which have strengthened the quality and credibility of our audits.

The Auditor-General further clarified that the Office’s cooperation with development partners such as the World Bank, and donor agencies had provided capacity-building support, enabling it to integrate advanced audit methodologies such as performance and IT audits as well as driven reforms in public sector financial management, improved compliance with IPSAS, and enhanced Nigeria’s global standing in accountability and transparency indices.

However, Chira lamented that despite the improved performance of his Office, the most significant challenges being faced by the Office in ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards were still being faced in the MDAs.

He grouped these into four broad categories, namely Capacity and Awareness Gaps, the use of Outdated and Fragmented Financial Systems, Weak Internal Control and Oversight Structures, Limited Enforcement of Sanctions, and Resistance to Change and Institutional Bottlenecks.

The Auditor-General maintained that despite these challenges, his ‘Office continues to close the gaps by intensifying capacity-building, leveraging digital audit tools, working closely with the National Assembly to enforce sanctions, and engaging MDAs through proactive audits and compliance reviews.

American comedian and talk show host, Bill Maher, recently stirred up a hornet’s nest when he claimed during a Friday episode of Real Time with Bill Maher that there is an alleged genocide of Christians in Nigeria. According to him, more than 100,000 Christians have been killed since 2009 and 18,000 churches have been burned.

There is a popular saying often attributed to Abraham Lincoln: ‘Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.’ By his infantile claim, Bill Maher did not just speak out of turn, he only exposed his ignorance.

Every sane Nigerian knows that the killings by bandits and insurgents in Nigeria are universal. They bear no religious colouration. Muslims have died, Christians have died, and traditional worshippers too have not been spared. Whole communities have been displaced irrespective of their faith. Even Bill Maher knows this, but as we say in street parlance, agenda must agend.

From Katsina to Zamfara, Niger, and other northern states, bandits have attacked mosques, killing Muslim worshippers even while they prayed. That is what makes Bill Maher’s statement, and the claim of some Western commentators about a so-called jihad war in Nigeria, not just misleading but laughable.

It is now that I truly feel Donald Trump’s pain, and why he never hid his disdain for fake news. Perhaps Bill Maher thought that by claiming a Christian genocide in Nigeria, Christians would rise up against Muslims and the country would collapse. After all, foreign experts once predicted that Nigeria would disintegrate in 2015. I am sure they are still surprised that the country remains standing strong despite its numerous challenges.

If there is anything I have deduced from Bill Maher’s fake news, it is that Nigerians are wiser now. Bill would be disappointed reading some of the comments from Christian Nigerians rubbishing his statement on social media. We know who our common enemies are when we see them.

Those killing innocent citizens in Nigeria are not Muslims, they are not Christians, they are not traditional worshippers. In truth, they are not even human, because they lack humanity. The only name of their religion is cruelty. They exist to maim, to massacre, and to tear apart the very fabric of our society. For me, this fight has always been less about religion or ethnicity and more about resource control and criminality. And it is just a matter of time before the wind blows and the fowl’s buttock is laid bare.

This is why it is dangerous when people like Bill Maher reduce a complex national tragedy into a simplistic religious headline. Such careless statements not only distort reality but also hand fuel to extremists and opportunists who thrive on division.

Bill Maher and his co-travellers in fake news want to feed off our ethnic and religious fault lines and sow more seeds of discord. We must resist this trap. Our story is ours to tell. If we allow foreigners to define our struggles, they will also define our destiny. Before they divide us further with their careless narratives, let us strengthen our unity, confront our challenges with honesty, and tell our story ourselves, because if we don’t, others will twist it against us.

As Chinua Achebe wisely said: ‘Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.’

Happy Independence to all of us. As e dey pain those like Bill Maher who want us divided, e go dey sweet us as we journey through our challenges towards a greater future (apologies to Wike).

‘Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand’.

Zayd Ibn Isah can be reached at lawcadet1@gmail.com