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Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has officially assumed office as Chairman of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24), marking a new phase for the coalition of emerging and developing economies.

Speaking on the challenges ahead, Edun noted that the assumption of Nigeria’s chairmanship coincides with a period of ‘unprecedented global challenges.’

He said emerging and developing economies are navigating an increasingly difficult landscape marked by structural weaknesses, debt distress, and limited access to capital.

‘The global economy is at a crossroads,’ the Minister said. ‘Geoeconomic fragmentation, debt vulnerabilities, and a widening financing gap threaten stability and progress, especially for developing nations.’

He pointed out that more than half of low-income countries are already in or nearing debt distress, while over a quarter of emerging and developing economies have lost access to international capital markets.

Edun warned that the world faces a $4 trillion to $5 trillion annual financing gap in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing that ‘a comprehensive reform of the global financial system is now an urgent imperative.’

Another major concern, he noted, is the demographic transition underway, with an estimated 1.2 billion young people expected to join the global workforce over the next 10 to 15 years-competing for only 400 million available jobs.

‘This demographic challenge requires bold structural transformation and policy coordination to deliver job-rich growth,’ Edun said. ‘In this uncertain landscape, the G-24’s mandate to support the economic policies of its members is more critical than ever.’

Under Nigeria’s leadership, the central theme guiding the G-24 will be ‘Optimising Resource Development for Inclusive, Job-Rich Economic Transformation.’ Edun explained that this vision encompasses human, financial, physical, and natural resources, all directed toward sustainable and inclusive growth.

He stated that Nigeria’s chairmanship will pursue five major strategic goals. The first is reforming the global financial architecture to create a fairer and more inclusive international system. This, he said, will involve strengthening the Global Financial Safety Net at the International Monetary Fund, expanding concessional financing through Multilateral Development Banks, advancing governance reforms, and modernising payment systems to support local currency trade.

The second priority, according to the Minister, is enhancing domestic resource mobilisation and international tax cooperation. Under this objective, the G-24 will deepen engagement on the global tax agenda, promote transparency, combat illicit financial flows, and reform domestic tax systems to expand fiscal space for development.

A third focus area is mobilising innovative finance for development. Edun explained that the G-24 will promote innovative financing models that reward reform-minded countries while supporting financial instruments such as blended finance, green bonds, and sustainability-linked debt swaps to align financial flows with development goals.

The fourth strategic goal centres on strengthening regional integration and value-added manufacturing. Nigeria intends to champion regional economic cooperation to enhance competitiveness, attract investment in value-added manufacturing, and promote South-South collaboration to boost industrial productivity across member nations.

Finally, the G-24 under Nigeria’s leadership will prioritise advancing climate finance and supporting just energy transitions. Edun said his chairmanship will advocate for a climate transition that reflects the realities of energy-deficient but resource-rich nations, promote resilient infrastructure, and encourage sustained commitment to climate targets, particularly as global energy demand rises with the spread of artificial intelligence technologies.

Edun said Nigeria’s leadership will seek to deepen the G-24’s influence in global financial governance and ensure that developing economies have a stronger voice in shaping international financial decisions. ‘Our goal is to build a future of equity, resilience, and inclusive job-rich growth,’ he stated. ‘We will continue to engage constructively with all partners to ensure that the interests of emerging and developing economies are properly represented in global decision-making.’

Despite its name, the G-24 currently comprises 29 full member countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Its African members include Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Algeria, and Morocco, among others. China participates as a special invitee.

With Nigeria now at the helm, Edun said he is committed to steering the bloc toward a more responsive and inclusive global financial system that prioritises sustainable development, regional cooperation, and prosperity for all.

He formally took over the chairmanship from Mr. Luis Caputo, Minister of Treasury of Argentina.

Edun said he was honoured to take on the role and paid tribute to his predecessor for his ‘exemplary leadership and stewardship.’ According to him, Argentina’s tenure ‘significantly strengthened the G-24’s voice and relevance at a critical time in global economic discourse.’

Afrobeats singer Wande Coal is set to make a comeback with his upcoming single, ‘Dem Go Pay’.

On Thursday, the ‘Black Diamond’ dropped a striking teaser for the song, generating buzz on social media.

The cinematic clip features Wande Coal standing in a dark, intense setting surrounded by men dressed in all black, exuding the energy of a high-budget action film.

Dressed in a long black coat and shades, he embodies confidence and style.

The phrase ‘Dem Go Pay’, a popular Nigerian Pidgin expression meaning ‘they will pay’.

This teaser marks a potentially defining moment for Wande Coal, whose artistry continues to evolve nearly two decades after debut.

Following the success of his 2023 album ‘Legend or No Legend’ and the 2025 featured single ‘Go Easy’, the veteran singer appears poised to make another powerful statement.

Known for his soulful vocals and unmatched versatility, Wande Coal has long been credited with shaping the sound of modern Afrobeats.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has advised the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCTV) to guard its independence jealously.

Justice gave the advice in Abuja when she received in her office, members of the CCT, led by the Chairman, Mainasara Umar.

The CJN reminded reminds members of the CCT of their oath of office and urged them to maintain high fidelity to the Constitution.

She also urged them to uphold the law without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.

The CJN added: ‘Remember always that the credibility of the Tribunal, and indeed the entire judicial system, rests on the integrity and impartiality of its adjudicators. Let your actions inspire confidence in the institution you now lead.’

According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the CJN on Media, Tobi Soniyi, Justice Kekere-Ekun urged Umar to adopt an innovative approach in addressing the CCT’s current challenges.

She advised the CCT to work strictly within the jurisdiction conferred on it by the nation’s Constitution.

The CJN also advised members of the CCT to evolve ways to address the backlog of cases now pending before the tribunal.

She asked the CCT and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to adopt proactive measures including sending reminders to public institutions and agencies to file their declarations before the due date, a measure, she said, would further enhance compliance.

On capacity building, the CJN urged the CCT members to take advyof the services rendered the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

She advised them to work with the NJI to assist in prioritizing appropriate training through seminars and workshops for members of the tribunal and the supporting staff.

Umar sought the support of the CJN in making the CCT more efficient and be able to deliver on its mandate.

The CCT Chairman regretted the deplorable state of facilities at the tribunal and disclosed that he has taken steps to remedy the situation.

He also sought the support of the leadership of the Judiciary to ensure that the CCT receives the resources it requires to function effectively.

The Federal High Court sitting in Benin, Edo State, has sentenced 11 drug barons to 79 years imprisonment.

Those convicted were nine males and two female suspects.

They are Alaba Monday (49); Okpiaesi Abraham (52 years); Atari Isreal (45 years); Emmanuel Nwosu (46 years) and Samuel Samson (26 years).

Daniel Peter (20 years); Margaret Amuludu (40 years); Abel Edah (31 years); Bella Fedrick (29 years); Lucky Aligbe (50 years) and Benson Uponi, aged 65.

Edo Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the court was presided over by

Justice B. O. Quadiri and Justice Prof. C. O. Obiozor.

Ofoyeju stated that Alaba Monday was caught with 115 kilograms of cannabis and got a 15-year sentence with a fine of N3 million while Aligbe, was sentenced to 25 years in prison over unlawful possession of drugs, including cannabis, tramadol, swinol, and diazepam.

He said Justice Quadiri noted that the the convicts’ previous conviction warranted a severe sentence, especially as the need to deter similar future offences remains paramount.

‘In another case, Bella Fedrick was sentenced to two years in prison or the option of paying a fine of N5 million for unlawful possession of 29 grams of methamphetamine. This case highlights the ongoing battle against synthetic drugs, which have become increasingly prevalent in communities.

‘The court also dealt a heavy blow to cannabis cultivation with the conviction of Abel Edah, who, alongside charges of unlawful possession involving 5 kilograms, was found guilty of cultivating a cannabis farm spanning 0.678 hectares. Edah received a concurrent two-year sentence on both counts or the option of a 5 million Naira fine for each count.

‘Also, Samuel Samson and Daniel Peter, who were both sentenced for unlawful possession and cultivation of cannabis sativa. They each received a sentence of two years or the option of a N5 million fine.

‘Emmanuel Nwosu got 15 years for possessing 276 grams of cannabis with an option of N750,000. Also noteworthy was the conviction of Atari Israel, who got two years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession and transportation of 9 kilograms of cannabis with a 2.5 million naira fine. The court, however, authorised the forfeiture of his navy-blue Audi station wagon, linking it directly to his illegal activities.’

As part of its response to Nigeria’s alleged violations, the United States Congress is considering a bill that would impose severe sanctions on Governors, public officials, and non-state actors.

The bill, sponsored by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, has passed second reading and been referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations for further consideration.

The draft legislation, S. 2747, dated September 9, 2025, is titled ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025.’

It builds directly on House Resolution 594, a companion motion in the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and which is co-sponsored by 18 Republican Party lawmakers.

The bill cites data from Open Doors’ World Watch List 2025, stating that ‘More than 380m Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith,’ and that Nigeria continues to account for the majority of global faith-based killings. According to Open Doors’ 2024 data, 82 per cent of the 4,998 Christians killed worldwide in 2023 were Nigerian.

Also referenced in the bill’s fact sheet are findings by Vatican News and Genocide Watch, showing that between 2009 and 2023 over 52,000 Christians-and at least 34,000 moderate Muslims-were killed in faith-based attacks led by Islamist extremists in Nigeria, while about five million people were displaced.

It directs the US Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act, impose specific sanctions, and take other related measures, citing what he described as ‘the world’s deadliest persecution of Christians.’

The Republican senator for the State of Texas said he wants the bill to move forward ‘expeditiously’ stating that ‘Religious persecution and violence against Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria is endemic, driven in significant part by Islamist jihadism and institutionalized sharia law in large parts of the country.’

The proposed legislation also targets terrorist groups and individuals implementing or supporting Islamic laws in the country.

Under the draft law, penalties would extend to judges, magistrates, prison officials, and other judicial or law enforcement officers found complicit in terrorism, corruption, or the enforcement of blasphemy laws.

It specifically includes anyone responsible for prosecuting, convicting, imprisoning, or otherwise depriving individuals of their liberty on charges of blasphemy.

At a recent hearing before the US House Sub-Committee on Africa, Nigerian faith leaders and diaspora witnesses delivered written testimonies describing entire rural communities in Plateau, Benue, and Southern Kaduna states as ‘living under nightly siege.’

Representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Intersociety, a civil rights group, said attacks by ‘non-state armed actors’ are often dismissed as ‘banditry’ but, under US law, meet the Title 22 definition of terrorism-acts of violence against non-combatants for ideological or political ends.

Here’s a snippet of the bill:

1. The Bill designates Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ naming Boko Haram and ISIS as extremist threats.

It targets Nigerian officials: Governors, judges, police, who enforce blasphemy laws or ignore religious violence, with sanctions.

2. Within 90 days, and yearly, the U.S. must publish a list of those linked to religious killings since 2015.

3. Nigeria stays on the CPC list unless blasphemy laws are repealed and extremist groups neutralised. It means 12 northern states: Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Zamfara and Yobe – must amend or repeal such laws or face continued designation and possible targeted sanctions.

If enacted, Cruz’s bill would require the State Department to re-impose consequences and restrict certain defence and economic cooperation programmes with Nigeria until ‘credible progress’ is shown in preventing anti-Christian killings.

How a bill becomes law:

1. Introduction in the Senate by a member

2. Referral to a committee – in this case, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee – for review, debate, and possible amendment.

3. Full Senate vote once it clears the committee.

4. Companion approval by the House of Representatives.

5. Reconciliation of both versions into one final text.

6. Submission to the President for signature or veto.

7. If the president signs it, the measure becomes federal law. If he vetoes it, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.

There’s a high probability of passage of this bill. The Senate now counts 52 Republican seats, with the House holding a similarly conservative majority-simply put, Republicans have most seats.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says 75 per cent of pre-election litigations the commission was joined in were due to lack of internal democracy and leadership tussles among political parties.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitah, in an interview with the newsmen in Awka on Wednesday, when responding to question if he was concerned about issue of lack of internal democracy among registered political parties in Nigeria.

Amupitan said that he was bordered by the menace because of the impact on the electoral process and Nigeria democracy.

‘It bothers me because of the money and the time wasted. Every party going to court, they must join INEC. When INEC is joined, the commission must go to court, engage lawyers, we pay for them, which is not cheap.

‘I was informed that 75 per cent of our litigations are in respect of pre-election matters, mostly dealing with political party tussles, and leadership.

‘Also, primaries that are conducted contrary to the provisions of the constitutions of the party,” he said.

Amupitan said that Nigerians continue to scrutinise the country’s elections but ignored the political party’s recruitment process for their candidates and internal democracy.

He said that INEC, saddled with the responsibility to monitor the parties was strengthening its ‘monitoring capabilities” to ensure that they were well regulated.

‘That does not mean it’s not being done. However, we have also seen some loopholes within the law such that, like all these leadership problems of one party today.

In fact, as you were speaking, an Abuja Federal High Court says PDP don’t hold convention. Another order from Ibadan, says PDP must hold convention,” he said.

Also responding to question on new party registration, Amupitan said that the party was bond by the law to registered political associations that meet the requirements for registration.

He cited a court case involving Musa and INEC, where the Supreme Court made it clear that it’s part of INEC constitutional responsibility to register political parties.

‘We are constrained in several ways. If you meant the requirement of the Constitution and of the Electoral Act, of course, the freedom of association. That was the argument of the courts.

‘As speak today, we are looking at some applications. So if you meet the criteria that is established, after proper evaluation and monitoring, then we can consider registration of additional political parties.

On his view for calls to establish special court to for election related matters, Amupitan said election tribunals were already special court for election related matters.

He said that the creation of another special court required constitution amendment process, noting that while constitutional amendment process is ongoing right, it remains a very tedious task.

‘Let me also say that the election tribunals established under the constitution, they are also special courts, because they are courts specifically for the purpose of the election.

‘ After the election proceedings, up to the Court of Appeal, they cease to be election petitioner tribunals. Even though they are manned by regular judges.

‘For instance, when the Court of Appeal is exercising its powers as presidential election tribunal, it’s not the Court of Appeal anymore, It’s a special court.

‘Even if you’re sitting in Abuja, you don’t have the same panel in Abuja. A special panel is created for that purpose.

‘So, we already have specialised courts for the purposes of handling election petition, but the issues have to do with maybe the time it takes to conclude election matters.

‘That is part of what is going on in the amendment process, to see how the time can be reduced and maybe some of the technicalities can also be addressed,” he said.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the Nigerian Army under his leadership will prioritise troop welfare, sound administration and fairness in postings and appointments.

The chief says the aim is to sustain morale and enhance operational efficiency.

Shaibu stated this at an interactive session with defence correspondents during his operational tour of the North-East Theatre in Maiduguri on Thursday.

He said that the visit was aimed at appreciating troops for their resilience and sacrifices in securing the country.

The chief thanked them for the felicitations and appreciating the cordial working relationship.

‘You are aware that I have been here for a very long time and I understand the challenges.

‘First, I want to appreciate the troops for what they have been doing and the extent they are going in securing the entire area of operations, ‘ he said.

The COAS said the army would sustain and improve on the ‘soldier-first’ concept initiated by his predecessor.

He emphasised that personnel must receive what was due to them promptly, both in the field and at home.

‘As soldiers get what is due to them on time; we will see how we can extend that support to their families at home while they serve their fatherland,’ he added.

On administration, Shaibu said that merit and professionalism would guide postings and appointments within the Army.

‘We will ensure that the right people are placed in the right places.

‘We will appoint the right commanders and staff officers to ensure fairness, justice and that every person gets what is due to him within the system,’ he said.

The chief emphasised that morale, which he described as a ‘key component of fighting power’, would not be compromised.

Speaking on welfare, the COAS reiterated that allowances and other entitlements would be paid as and when due, noting that ration cost allowances approved for soldiers would be sustained.

‘We will continue to pay their allowances on time. With all these packages for them, they will know that they are being taken care of,’ Shaibu said.

Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has said that his administration would not embark on reckless borrowing.

Okpebholo said he understood the importance of financial prudence, transparency, and accountability.

Insisting that his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, left a debt of N600bn, Governor Okpebholo said he has started paying liabilities he inherited.

Okpebholo listed the controversial Radisson Hotel project as one of the major financial burdens inherited from Obaseki.

‘That single project consumed about ?30 billion, yet Edo owns only 20 percent. We are paying ?380 million monthly on that debt. Still, we are determined to clear these obligations and free Edo from financial captivity.

‘Edo’s resources don’t belong to me. We are managing funds prudently, paying debts, and restoring fiscal discipline. Despite the ?600 billion debt left by the previous administration, we have started paying down those liabilities,’ he said.

The Edo Governor, who spoke ahead of his one year in office anniversary, said his administration successfully subdued and defeated violent cultism in the state through strategic security interventions, intelligence coordination, and political will.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo, said the battle against cultism was one of the most decisive and uncompromising campaigns of his administration.

‘We will not commercialize killing. Every life in Edo matters to me. Our fight against cultism, kidnapping, and all forms of violent crime is total and irreversible.

‘We have worked closely with the police, the DSS, and other security agencies to restore peace across the state. Today, Edo is safer, calmer, and freer than it has been in many years.’

‘Serving Edo people is the most important thing to me. What drives us is not the next election but the next generation. We came to change the narrative and restore order after years of fear, neglect, and decay,’ he said.

According to him, Edo State has made significant progress in tackling insecurity and rebuilding public confidence, thanks to a renewed focus on community collaboration and professional policing.

‘Before Christmas last year, we witnessed multiple cult-related killings. We stepped in immediately because the life of every citizen is sacred. Since then, our coordinated approach has restored calm. Today, nightlife is back in Benin and other parts of the state,’ he noted.

Governor Okpebholo disclosed that his administration has heavily invested in security operations by providing vehicles, logistics, and operational support to law enforcement agencies.

‘We have made Edo safe again. People now walk freely at night. That is what good governance is about; protecting lives and giving citizens confidence in their government,’ he said.

The Governor said his administration inherited a state of decay but refused to be deterred.

‘We came into government empty. The last administration left behind dilapidated schools, broken roads, and a collapsing public service. But we didn’t dwell on complaints; we acted. We started fixing roads, rebuilding schools, and restoring public institutions,’ he said.

He noted that in less than a year, his administration has rebuilt schools across the three senatorial districts, restoring the morale of teachers and trust among parents.

‘When we took over, public schools had leaking roofs and no chairs or desks. That was the EdoBEST of the last government. Today, we have reconstructed and revitalized schools, and enrollment has surged because people now believe in the system again,’ he affirmed.

On agriculture, the Governor said his commitment to food security remains unshaken.

‘Agriculture is central to our development plan. In 2026, we will open up more farmlands and encourage our people to return to farming. The President is passionate about agriculture, and Edo will align with that vision to boost food supply and economic growth,’ he said.

Okpebholo said his government paid outstanding entitlements owed to teachers, doctors, pensioners, and staff of the College of Education, Ekiadolor.

‘We are settling those debts in tranches because justice must be done to the workers who suffered under the previous regime.

‘We are creating employment, boosting productivity, and attracting investors. Edo will soon be a model of economic renewal in Nigeria,’ he added.

Celebrity chef Hilda Baci has officially received her second Guinness World Record plaque, recognising her creation of the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.

The record, confirmed by Guinness World Records, involved cooking 8,780 kilograms (19,356 pounds) of jollof during a Lagos cookout in September.

This plaque arrives a year and some months after her first, earned for completing a 93-hour, 11-minute cooking marathon in May 2023.

With two official titles, Hilda becomes Nigeria’s first and most decorated chef to hold multiple Guinness records.

Every portion of the massive dish was distributed to event guests and charitable organisations, meeting all verification standards.

Hilda shared photos of the plaques on social media, celebrating the journey of faith and national pride that reached over five billion people through her Gino partnership.

She wrote: ‘Your plaques are finally here!!! Two records. Two plaques. One story of faith, fire, and history. Twice, God showed up for me. Twice, we made history for Nigeria. And not just any records – two of the biggest culinary records ever set. Together with Gino, we created something bigger than ourselves – a story that reached over 5 billion people and reminded the world what’s possible when passion meets purpose. I’m a two-time world record holder, someone pinch me’.

Baci added: ‘A two time Guinness World Record Holder !!! Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. Isaiah 61:7’.

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on Senators, members of House of Representatives and other stakeholders to rise up and ensure survival of Dangote refinery.

NAPS urged the lawmakers to sponsor and pass a bill that will protect local refineries particularly the Dangote Refinery and other indigenous industries, driving Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Speaking in Ibadan at a briefing to show grievance, NAPS Senate President, Comr. Festus Oyewumi, said the appeal became necessary having observed alleged deliberate acts of economic sabotage from some groups, whose actions threatened the progress and sustainability of Nigeria’s local industrial initiatives.

According to him, time has come for the National Assembly to rise in defense of the national economic Interest and protect Nigeria’s domestic refineries in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said: ‘It is on record that Alhajl Aliko Dangote, through the Dangote Refinery project, sponsored the training of over 3,000 Nigerians in India for a full year to acquire advanced technical expertise.

‘Furthermore, he constructed 35,000 housing units in Ibeju-Lekki to accommodate refinery staff, a facility that sits on a landmass larger than the entire Victoria Island. This is not a foreign investment; it is a Nigerian project for Nigerians, and it must be protected as a national asset.

‘If we allow such an investment to be sabotaged or frustrated, we risk discouraging indigenous industrialists and undermining Nigeria’s march toward self-sufficiency. The Dangote Refinery represents hope; hope for job creation, hope for stable fuel supply, hope for foreign exchange savings, and hope for national pride.

‘Therefore, we call on the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under Senator Godswill Akpabio, the House of Representatives, under Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the Distinguished Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, in whose constituency the Dangote Refinery is situated, to champion the bill for the protection and legislative backing of the refinery and other Indigenous refineries across the country.

‘We urge Senator Abiru to take up this national responsibility as the representative of the host district, to jointly sponsor and pass a National Industrial Protection Bill that will mandate the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to ensure 100% crude oil supply to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries;

‘Enforce a total ban on the importation of refined petroleum products to en- courage local production; and establish legal frameworks that shield Indigenous Investors from internal and external sabotage.

‘We further call on both chambers to ensure that the Petroleum Industry Bill is fully operationalized in a way that prioritizes local refining and economic sustainability.

‘Therefore, we call on the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, and all distinguished members of the National Assembly to rise in defense of Nigeria’s economic future.

‘History will remember this 10th National Assembly as either the legis- lature that secured Nigeria’s energy independence or the one that watched powerful saboteurs cripple our national progress. The choice is theirs, but our voices as Nigerian students, as defenders of the nation’s Industrial future, will not be silent.’