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As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as courageous efforts to reposition the country despite longstanding social and economic challenges.

In a statement signed by its North Central Coordinator, Dr. Sani Ahmad, the group acknowledged that Nigeria has continued to grapple with insecurity, inflation, unemployment, corruption, poor infrastructure, and erratic power supply.

However, it noted that the Tinubu administration has taken bold steps to confront these obstacles.

‘Under your leadership, we have seen courageous steps to confront these challenges and chart a new course for development. ‘Your commitment to improving security across our regions, tackling inflation, supporting agriculture and industry, as well as expanding opportunities for the youth, are commendable’ Ahmad said.

While celebrating the nation’s independence, Ahmad stressed the importance of consolidating gains in security, particularly in the northern region, urging the President not to relent despite criticisms.

‘I still plead with my two knees down to continue without minding those that never understand the burden of leadership among us and make sure that we are all safe not only in the northern region, but all parts of the country,’ he said.

He prayed for God’s wisdom, strength, and good health for President Tinubu to continue steering the nation towards peace, prosperity, and improved well-being for all citizens.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Wednesday carried out his first official function with the inspection of the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

Oba Ladoja, who had earlier met with the Council members, was conducted round the palace by his aides.

Tribune Online gathered that the inspection was carried out to ascertain the state of infrastructure in the palace.

One of the palace aides, who craved anonymity, said the inspection of the state of infrastructure in the palace by the Kabiyesi was in order.

According to him, ‘Baba embarked on the familiarisation tour of the various departments in the palace shortly after the Council meeting this morning.

‘Baba expressed satisfaction over the state of infrastructure at the palace.’

On the Council meeting, he said it was a normal routine meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council, even though it was the first of its kind since Baba ascended the throne of his forbears as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

‘I am not sure of the time that Kabiyesi will move to the palace, but I can assure you that everything is set.’

Meanwhile, the Special Jumat service, as part of the activities marking the coronation ceremony of Oba Ladoja, will be held at Oja’ba Central Mosque on Friday, while the activities will be rounded off with the Isese tradition on Saturday.

Wife of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Ayaba Mutiat Ladoja, has stressed the need for the government at all levels, corporate organisations and other categories of people to be more sensitive to the plights of persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in society.

Ladoja, while presenting cash donations of N100,000 to 15 Homes and other gift items to PLWDs as part of the activities marking her 70th birthday in Ibadan, submitted that this category of people needs attention, love and care.

She submitted that rather than looking down on them, people should explore the abilities in their disabilities.

Olubadan’s wife stated that many of them have the potential to be greater in life if they are assisted either through the award of scholarships or by other means.

According to her, ‘I started associating with persons living with disabilities 30 years ago. I have been using the little resources that God blessed me with to assist.

‘They deserve our attention, love and care. Rather than looking down on them, we should identify their potential and build on it.

‘We should let them have a sense of belonging. They are part of society. The government at all levels, corporate organisations and individuals should intensify their efforts towards them.

‘Disabilities can come in any form. It comes with age. It can come through accidents and in many other ways; hence the reason we must not look down on them. We all have our disabilities.

‘When they want to cross the road, assist them instead of making a mockery of their situation. Also, assist them with the little that you have. Don’t wait until you have millions of naira in your account.

‘I started what we are witnessing today 30 years ago. It has become my way of life, and I thank the likes of Babs Oduyoye for sharing the vision.

‘Today, I will be giving N100,000 to 15 Homes, two wheelchairs, two bags of rice each, two cartons of Indomie each, and cartons of soap.

‘Also, five vulnerable persons will be assisted with deep freezers and grinding machines to start their businesses.

‘My message to us is that we should show them love, attention and care.’

As Nigeria marks its Independence Day, the nation is celebrating homegrown leaders who are advancing the economy. Among them is Temitope George Ijibadejo, a Lagos-born forex trader and consultant who has become ‘an award-winning Forex fund manager’ with over 15 years of experience.

A recent Tribune profile praises his contributions as part of those who have positioned Nigeria as a force in Forex’s global market. As founder and CEO of Sure-Fire Investments Ltd and Africa Regional Director of the international broker SquaredFinancial, Ijibadejo exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit transforming Nigeria’s financial landscape.

Before Ijibadejo entered the scene, forex trading in Nigeria was widely misunderstood and often carried a negative reputation. Many early practitioners plunged into the market without adequate preparation, losing money and in some cases mismanaging funds entrusted to them. The core of the problem was not merely the volatility of the market but the absence of strong business development skills and sound investment management strategies.

Recognizing this gap, Ijibadejo, a self-taught trader, began charting a new path. By combining technical expertise in forex with the discipline of business development and fund management, he consistently delivered superior results. More importantly, he committed himself to training others, using workshops and structured mentorship programs to equip a new generation of Nigerians with the tools to trade responsibly, manage investments prudently, and build sustainable careers in the financial sector.

Pioneering a Hybrid Financial Model

Ijibadejo has built a unique model that fuses forex fund management with business development consulting. Ijibadejo did not only begin a disruptive model by empowering people with knowledge in the business, but also by introducing a new combo that has largely been adopted by many of his peers. He argues that combining these fields creates ‘a powerful synergy’ in wealth creation.

In his vision, business leaders should use forex not as an isolated gamble but as an integral tool for corporate growth. ‘Just imagine that in Nigeria’s business ecosystem, Forex isn’t an isolated platform; instead, it’s a central tool for business planning,’ he says. By treating forex trading as part of broader business strategy, he says, Nigeria can reshape its economy. As he told a Tribune interviewer, this hybrid approach ‘is not just a pitch; it’s a feasible approach at transforming Nigeria’s financial and economic standing’. Under his leadership, Sure-Fire Investments was among the first indigenous firms to put this theory into practice, designing forex training programs alongside corporate advisory services.

Educating and Empowering Nigerians

A key to Ijibadejo’s strategy has been education. He insists that ‘without education, you can’t grow in Forex,’ and has built training into his business model. Indeed, Tribune reports that Sure-Fire has trained ‘over 5,000 individuals in Forex,’ reflecting his mission to raise financial literacy across Nigeria. Through workshops, webinars, and mentorship, Ijibadejo has reached a diverse audience of traders, entrepreneurs, and even government-sponsored youth.

For example, in 2014 he partnered with XM International to run a five-week free forex course for over 500 NYSC corps members in Lagos. In that program, fresh university graduates joined hands-on training with expert instructors, gaining both trading skills and entrepreneurship guidance. These initiatives – many of which tie into national programs like the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition scheme – have spawned a new generation of Nigerian traders and consultants. Alumni of his courses often credit them with launching their careers, helping the country add skilled financial professionals and small business founders.

Global Partnerships, Local Impact

Like every industry, the full potential of the global forex trading sector in Nigeria could not be realized without foreign investment and collaboration. Although many international players recognized the Nigerian market as promising, concerns over local competence and expertise often held them back. Ijibadejo addressed this gap through his unique approach and practice, forging strong international partnerships that brought both expertise and capital into the country. As he often emphasizes, ‘global partnerships open doors for new markets and technologies that lead to development.’ Guided by this principle, he collaborated with leading global brokers and fintech firms. Early in his career, he served as a Master Partner with XM International, helping the Cyprus-based broker host seminars and expand operations in Nigeria.

In 2017, he partnered with Hantec Markets, a Hong Kong-headquartered broker, to introduce its services locally-an initiative that reportedly generated millions of naira in trading volume. More recently, Ijibadejo became Nigeria Country Director, and later Africa Regional Director, for SquaredFinancial, a Cyprus-based online broker. In this role, he established SquaredFinancial’s Lagos office and expanded its client network across Africa, proving that Nigerian entrepreneurs can successfully lead major international firms. These collaborations have not only attracted foreign capital to Nigeria’s economy but also transferred global best practices, strengthened local expertise, and boosted confidence in the country’s financial sector.

Driving Economic Empowerment

The effects of Ijibadejo’s work go beyond trading floors; they touch the wider economy. He believes that a thriving forex and financial market can help solve Nigeria’s chronic unemployment problem. Tribune quotes him urging traders and investors to collaborate, arguing that they can ‘solve the country’s unemployment challenge and champion emerging self-employed individuals’. In practice, his initiatives have helped thousands of young Nigerians earn livelihoods. Graduates who might once have struggled to find jobs are now working as analysts, traders, and consultants – or starting their own fintech ventures – thanks to the skills they gained. By attracting reputable international brokers and hosting high-profile training events, he has also drawn foreign investments into Nigeria’s economy. Industry observers note that every major seminar or joint venture introduces more capital and creates ancillary jobs (for example, local training coordinators, analysts, and media teams). In all, Ijibadejo’s focus on education and partnership is credited with expanding Nigeria’s financial services capacity, raising standards for practitioners, and encouraging the next wave of economic growth.

A Legacy for Nigeria’s Future

On this Independence Day, Mr. Ijibadejo’s journey reflects the promise of Nigeria’s economic independence. He often reminds peers that the goal is more than personal success. ‘It should be more than an individual success; it should be an effort to build a legacy that strikes as tenacious for the next generation to leverage,’ he has said. In other words, his vision is for lasting impact: a Nigeria where each trained trader or consultant multiplies into many, and where global financial platforms integrate seamlessly with local businesses. By promoting innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, Ijibadejo is helping to build a generation of empowered professionals who can drive the economy forward.

As Nigeria celebrates its independence, it is fitting to honor leaders like Temitope Ijibadejo – innovators who bring global finance to bear on local development. Through his hybrid model of forex fund management and business consulting, his mentorship of thousands of young Nigerians, and his partnerships with major international brokers, he is strengthening the country’s financial sector and creating jobs. Such homegrown achievement, recognized by both national media and global industry partners, sends a powerful message: Nigeria’s future is in the hands of entrepreneurs and professionals whose success uplifts the whole nation.

In commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Osun State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has granted Independence Day amnesty to 36 convicts currently serving sentences at the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife.

The Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, who made this known in a statement in Osogbo, stated that, ‘Governor Adeleke’s decision reflects the spirit of compassion, justice, and renewal which Nigeria’s Independence Day represents.

‘As a government of the people, we remain committed to upholding justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens. This amnesty is not only a gesture of freedom but also a call for true rehabilitation, reintegration, and a fresh start for these individuals.’

He stressed that the gesture, made in line with the powers conferred on the Governor under Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended), follows the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

In a proclamation issued under his hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, dated 24 September 2025, Governor Adeleke declared:

‘WHEREAS, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria has granted amnesty to the convicted persons listed and attached hereto, who are subject to the jurisdiction of Osun State.

‘NOW KNOW YE THAT I, Senator (Dr) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Paragraph (a) Subsection (1) of Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and acting in accordance with the Advisory Council of State designated under Subsection (2) of the said Section, am graciously pleased to extend my mercy to the said thirty-six (36) convicts.

‘By this act, I remit and release unto them all pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever that may have accrued from their convictions, and I hereby require all to whom it may concern to take due notice thereof.

‘AND FOR SO DOING, this shall be a sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Nigeria, this 24th day of September, 2025.’

The beneficiaries of this Independence Day amnesty include men and women convicted mostly of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy, many of whom had served substantial portions of their sentences.

List of convicts granted Independence Day Amnesty from Ilesa Correctional Centre are: Kehinde Ganiyu, Isiaka Mohammed, Oluwatosin Femi, Adebisi Adeniyi, Rotimi Paul, Oyewole Sunday, Ojo Adewale, Tajudeen Ridwan, Jokotola Quadri, Akinola Taofeek, Onibukun Adebisi, Azeez Afeez, Abdulgafar Quadri, Udoh Monday O., Babawale Saheed, Olasunkanmi Wasiu, Adetoro Toheeb, Mudashiru Lawal, Ismaila Wahab, Yinka Oyeniyi, Olaniyan Taofeek, Sheu Mumini, Ololade Bashit, Musibau Abdulkareem, Jamiu Sulaeeb, Jeremiah Ayuba, Abimbola Samad, Oladeji Tosin and Mathew Samuel.

Also, those granted amnesty from Ile-Ife Correctional Centre are: Yusuf Ola, Oyedeji Sunday, Ojo Olaoluwa, Ogunola Rafiu, Ayomide Amos, Usman Adefisan and Adedigba Abiodun,’ he concluded.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country is making significant progress in the fight against insecurity.

In a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday, the president stated that the armed forces and other security agencies have intensified operations against terrorism, banditry and violent crimes, stressing that their resilience is yielding positive results.

He noted that peace has returned to many previously troubled communities in the North-West and North-East, with thousands of displaced persons now resettled in their homes.

Tinubu described the sacrifices of security personnel as central to safeguarding the nation, adding that the government remains committed to strengthening national security as a foundation for economic recovery and development.

He also linked improved security to the administration’s broader reforms, saying that a safer environment was already contributing to stability and growth in key sectors of the economy.

The president assured that his government would continue to prioritise support for the military and security agencies in order to consolidate the progress made so far.

He said, ‘We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe.

‘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.’

Former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose has showered encomiums on his longtime associate and political ally, Lere Olayinka, describing him as a ‘man of wisdom, loyalty and relevance’ in a heartfelt birthday tribute.

In a voice note made public in a WhatsApp group on Wednesday, Fayose praised Olayinka’s journey from modest beginnings in Okemesi to becoming a respected public figure and household name in Nigerian politics and media.

‘To a great man; young, diligent, submissive and determined whom God has raised from Okemesi. A man of stature and relevance. A man of wisdom who knows his onions,’ Fayose said.

The former governor, known for his outspoken political style, described Olayinka as a loyal aide and dependable defender who has consistently stood tall in the face of challenges.

‘From humble beginnings, you have expanded your coast, protected your name and risen to become a respected figure, all to the glory of God,’ he added. ‘There is no regret in working with you.’

Fayose also highlighted Olayinka’s role as a shining representative of the Osoko Political Family, acknowledging his service, resilience and faithfulness.

‘Your name has become a household name in Nigeria and there is no going back,’ he said. ‘This is only the beginning. The future is indeed bright.’

He concluded the message with a personal and symbolic endorsement, referring to Olayinka as ‘my boy, my son, my follower, my brother, my defender,’ and extended warm birthday wishes on behalf of the entire Osoko Political Family Worldwide.

‘Happy birthday and many happy returns,’ Fayose said.

Lere Olayinka currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He has long been a prominent media figure and political strategist, both in Ekiti State and across Nigeria’s political landscape.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and leader of opposition in Nigeria has responded to a glowing speech delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of the country’s 65th anniversary, saying ‘pot is not only empty but cracked – and the people remain hungry.’

Tinubu had earlier in the day spoke of ‘turning the corner,’ of laying foundations ‘in concrete and not on quicksand,’ and of supposed victories in education, healthcare, the economy, and national security.

Responding to the Independence Day presidential speech, Atiku, through a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communications, Phrank Shuaibu, said: ‘The yam may be plentiful, but if the pot is empty, the stomach still rumbles.’

According to Shuaibu, the president cited the multiplication of schools since 1960, but in many places, pupils still sit on bare floors and write in dust, while teachers abandon classrooms because their salaries cannot buy food.

‘He boasted of more hospitals, but our mothers and fathers still carry candles, syringes, and drugs into wards before treatment can begin. ‘A man who builds many huts without roofs has only built shade for goats.’

On the economy, the statement said: ‘we were told of bold reforms. But Nigerians know the pain in their pockets. Food prices are higher than the rooftops, transport has swallowed incomes, and many families now eat less than one meal a day. If these are the ‘seeds’ of reform, then the fruit is still bitter. ‘When the roof is on fire, it is folly to declare the rain has quenched it.’

On security, Atiku’s statement remarked that Tinubu saluted the courage of armed forces and declared victories over terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, but ‘Nigerians still sleep with one eye open, and families still pay ransom as if it were the daily price of garri.

‘Villages continue to bury their dead. Most tragically, just this week, we lost Somtochukwu, a young female news anchor with Arise TV, killed in a robbery attack in the early hours of Monday. Her death is a painful reminder that no one – not even the voices that bring us the news – is safe in today’s Nigeria. ‘A farmer cannot boast the bush is cleared while weeds still choke his yam.’

Continuing, the statement said: ‘We were told that billions have been disbursed to poor households. Nigerians ask simply: where? ‘If the yam was truly cooked, neighbours would perceive the aroma.’ Across the land, poverty still walks naked, and hunger knocks daily, yet the government sings of generosity that citizens cannot see or feel.

‘Our young people, the supposed ‘future,’ are promised wings to fly. But many graduates hawk sachet water or ride okada to survive. ‘You cannot tell a child to dream big while you steal the mat he sleeps on.’ Nigerian youth need real opportunities, not more applause lines.

‘Yes, 65 years is a long time. We have endured civil war, dictatorships, and crises. Nigerians are resilient – that much is true. But resilience must not be mistaken for endorsement. Our founding fathers dreamed of a land flowing with justice and opportunity. Today, the riverbed is dry for many, and only a privileged few fetch from the little water left.

‘A masquerade does not clap for itself; it is the crowd that cheers when the steps are sweet. Nigerians are not clapping, because the music they hear is hunger, insecurity, and despair. Statistics do not fill cooking pots, and PowerPoint slides do not light up homes.’

The former Vice President believed that as the country marks 65 years of independence, ‘the true measure of progress is not in the number of universities or the percentage of coal mined. It is in whether Nigerians have food on their tables, whether our children are truly learning, whether our hospitals heal the sick, and whether people can sleep safely in their homes.

‘Independence anniversaries are moments of sober reflection, not self-praise. If truly this administration is laying foundations, then let those foundations be seen and felt in working schools, in affordable food, in reliable power, and in secured communities. Let mothers in the market and fathers on the farm testify – not just politicians at the podium.

‘Nigeria is 65 years old. But our leaders still serve promises as though they were meals. The yam is there, but the pot remains empty.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Independence Day speech, said profound social, economic, and political challenges have tested Nigeria’s independence for decades, but the country has survived with tremendous progress across sectors, especially the country’s economy, which he said ‘has experienced significant growth since 1960.’

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five facts that reveal where the giant of Africa stands at 65.

1. Resilient economy

Despite storms of inflation and subsidy cuts, Nigeria’s GDP grew by 3.13% year-on-year in Q1 2025, proving its ability to bounce back.

2. Lagos shines as Africa’s second-largest city economy

With a GDP of US$259.75 billion in 2023, Lagos is only behind Cairo, cementing its role as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.

3. Nigeria remains Africa’s most populous nation

With over 226 million people, Nigeria holds immense human capital – a young, energetic population that is both its strength and its future.

4. Poverty in rural Nigeria: 75.5%

According to the World Bank’s April 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief, 75.5% of rural Nigerians now live below the poverty line, compared to 41.3 % in urban areas

5. Security threats affect everyday life

Over 150 million Nigerians live under the shadow of insecurity – from farmers who cannot till their land to families displaced by violence.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Advocates for Peace and Justice has thrown its weight behind the dissolution of the Aniekan Akpan-led executive committee of the party in Akwa Ibom, describing the action of the National Executive Committee (NEC) as constitutional and necessary to restore discipline.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Tom FredFish, the group said the Akpan-led exco left the party ‘in shambles,’ presiding over ‘mass defections, endless division, and the unprecedented exit of a sitting governor in the party’s history.’

They maintained that the NEC and National Working Committee (NWC) acted within their constitutional powers to dissolve the state exco, stressing that the appointment of Hon.

Igwat Umoren as caretaker chairman was a ‘rescue mission’ aimed at rebuilding confidence among party members.

‘The caretaker team is here to clean up the mess, restore discipline, and rebuild goodwill. Only enemies of progress would oppose such a move,’ the statement read.

On criticisms against former Governor Udom Emmanuel, the group dismissed allegations that he mortgaged the PDP, insisting he remained a loyal party man who ‘stood firmly by the PDP when others were auctioning their loyalty to the highest bidder.’

The PDP Advocates also accused those defending the sacked exco of working in the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the ruling party had ‘ruined the economy, crashed the naira, and strangled Nigerians with poverty.’

The statement concluded that Akwa Ibom PDP had ‘entered a new era’ under the caretaker committee, pledging continued support for reforms that promote unity and inclusivity in the party.