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Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on credible information, on 4th October 2025, stormed Aguleri and arrested the prime suspect, Obadigbo Emmanuel Anumudu, for beheading the late Mrs Obianuju Akubi, a 69-year-old woman from Umuleri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Sunday, the suspect had allegedly been on the run since 22nd July 2024 after he gruesomely murdered and beheaded Mrs Akubi.

He said during interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and further mentioned members of his gang who participated in the murder and beheading.

He also disclosed the whereabouts of the victim’s head, which was taken away after the heinous act.

Meanwhile, intensive efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining gang members to ensure that justice is served.

Further developments will be communicated in due course.

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) on Sunday lamented that investors in Nigeria remain exposed to harassment and service disruptions due to a lack of comprehensive legislation guaranteeing their rights or shielding them from arbitrary regulatory decisions and unlawful shutdowns.

In a statement released by the CPPE Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muda Yusuf, the organisation warned that persistent harassment and shutdowns of investment structures could lead to loss of investor confidence, increased capital flight, a decline in foreign direct investment, and contraction of domestic enterprises.

According to the CPPE statement, ‘Investors in Nigeria operate in an environment marked by uncertainty and institutional weakness. Key sources of vulnerability include: Weak legal protection; a growing culture of coercion, intimidation, and impunity among labour unions, resulting in industrial actions that are often out of proportion; Frequent policy reversals, inconsistent enforcement, and opaque regulatory processes raise business risks and discourage long-term investments; and cumbersome procedures, unauthorized enforcement actions, and protracted legal disputes create delays and uncertainty, undermining investor confidence and productivity.

‘Together, these factors erode Nigeria’s competitiveness, deter both local and foreign investment, and slow economic growth and job creation.’

On the economic implications, the CPPE stated that, ‘Investor vulnerability carries serious macroeconomic and social consequences.

‘When investors lose confidence, capital flight intensifies, foreign direct investment declines, and domestic enterprises contract their operations. The resulting chain reaction includes job losses, declining tax revenues, and reduced economic growth.

‘Unrestrained strikes in strategic sectors such as energy, transport, and health disrupt production, threaten national security, and endanger public welfare.

‘Policy inconsistency and regulatory arbitrariness make long-term planning difficult, deepening Nigeria’s dependence on imports and weakening its industrial base.

‘Without corrective reforms, these trends will continue to erode national competitiveness, discourage innovation, and diminish Nigeria’s economic resilience.’

On recommendations, the CPPE stated that, ‘Nigeria should enact a dedicated Investor and Employer Protection Act to provide a strong legal foundation for safeguarding investors’ rights.

‘The Act should: Codify the rights and obligations of investors, employers, regulators, and unions; Prohibit unlawful actions such as intimidation, coercion, unauthorized shutdowns, and harassment; Establish penalties, damages, and restitution mechanisms for violations.

‘The Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) should be strengthened for faster, impartial resolution of industrial disputes.

‘An Independent Investment Ombudsman Office should also be created to handle investor complaints and mediate disputes involving government agencies.’

On incessant strike actions by labour unions, the CPPE explained that, ‘Labour unions play a legitimate role in protecting workers, but their activities must align with the law and national interest.

‘Reforms should include: Proportionality of industrial actions; Designation of strategic sectors – including energy, health, transport, and ICT – as essential services, where strikes are restricted or prohibited; Introduction of compulsory arbitration in essential sectors to prevent economic paralysis. Clear sanctions and restitution requirements for unlawful strikes that inflict damage on businesses and the economy. Labour rights should end where those of employers begin. Investors should have as much rights to protect their investment as labour unions have the rights to protect the workers. There is a need for a fair and equitable balance.

‘Mandatory publication of audited union accounts and governance records to enhance transparency.’

Concluding, the CPPE added that, ‘Protecting investors and employers is not a privilege – it is a national economic imperative.

‘Investors mobilize capital, create jobs, and generate the tax revenues that sustain government and society. Without them, there can be no sustained growth, no employment, and no national prosperity.

‘Nigeria must, therefore, urgently institutionalize a fair, secure, and predictable business environment that protects those who take risks to create wealth. This is not about weakening labour unions, but about balancing rights and responsibilities – to foster sustainable economic growth, social stability, and national security.’

In the wake of the tragic boat mishap on River Niger that claimed over 100 lives in Ibaji, Kogi State, the community has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to construct a modern market and rehabilitate the Idah-Ibaji-Anambra federal highway.

The incident occurred when a large wooden boat transporting traders from Ibaji to the Ilushi market in Edo State capsized, resulting in multiple fatalities.

In a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on Saturday, the Coterie of Ibaji Youths of Nigeria (COIYN) made a passionate appeal to President Tinubu to approve the establishment of a modern farm produce market in Ibaji and the reconstruction of the dilapidated Idah-Ibaji-Otuocha highway.

The group attributed the tragedy to the absence of critical infrastructure in Ibaji, including a standard market and accessible roads, which compel residents to rely on dangerous waterways to transport their farm produce.

The statement, jointly signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tony Edike, and the National Coordinator, Jerry Nwuchola, lamented the prolonged neglect of Ibaji Local Government Area and called for urgent federal intervention.

The group appealed for the construction of a centrally located, functional market that would reduce the risks faced by traders travelling long distances across perilous rivers to sell their goods.

‘Despite being a major producer of rice, yams, cassava, fish, and vegetables, Ibaji lacks electricity, asphalted roads, good schools, and health facilities, forcing people to travel dangerously by overcrowded boats to sell produce. We hereby passionately appeal to the government to construct a centrally located large market in Ibaji LGA, worthy of the produce Ibaji contributes to the national economy,’ the statement read.

The COIYN also called on the President to revive the abandoned Idah-Ibaji-Otuocha Federal Highway project, noting that the road would shorten travel time between Anambra and Abuja while enhancing economic activity in the region.

According to the group, the construction of a modern market and the rehabilitation of the highway would help prevent future tragedies, promote trade, and generate employment opportunities for the people.

‘Your Excellency Sir, we acknowledge your commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Hope is our lifeline, not just a slogan. Today, we hold onto it tightly. We urge you, as the father of our great nation, to immortalize the innocent souls lost in this latest tragedy by ensuring that such bloodshed is never repeated due to infrastructural neglect,’ the group added.

President Tinubu had earlier expressed condolences to the government and people of Kogi State over the incident, describing it as ‘shocking and unfortunate.’

The COIYN expressed optimism that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda would extend to the people of Ibaji, ending decades of neglect and infrastructural decay.

The group maintained that the development of a modern market and reconstruction of the highway would reflect the President’s commitment to responsive and compassionate leadership.

The leadership of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on both Federal and State Governments to take bold and urgent action to address the plight of teachers through implementation of an enhanced salary structure and robust welfare packages for primary and secondary school teachers across the country.

The Union also expressed concern about what it described as alarming man-power crisis in primary and secondary schools with shortage of more than 194,876 teachers across the country.

President of NUT, Comrade Titus Amba, made the call on Sunday in his address during celebration of World Teachers’ Day held at Eagle Square, Abuja, where he urged all tiers of Government to ensure that the right number and quality of teachers are employed to promote effective education delivery and improve learning outcomes in the nation’s school system.

He noted that the theme of 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration focuses on ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession’, saying this highlights the vital role teachers play in education systems and in societies at large.

Amba lamented the low status of teachers and poor conditions under which they work, despite teachers being the soul of any education system emphasising that proper status of teachers and due public regard for teaching profession are of major importance for the full realization of educational aims and objectives.

He added that apart from low remuneration and difficulties some teachers face daily in the discharge of their duties, some state governments have refused to implement the N70,000 new national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.

Amba called for improved remuneration and welfare of teachers to make the teaching profession more attractive for younger generations and to create National Commissions to tackle teacher shortages.

He stated: ‘The wellbeing of teachers is crucial to attract and retain teachers in the profession and tackle the teacher shortage. It is also central to the realization of the right to quality education for all.

‘It was in recognition of the low status of teachers and the poor conditions under which they work that the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari approved some welfare packages for teachers with a view to repositioning the education sector for greater service delivery in the country. Some of the approved incentives include: Special salary scale for teachers in Basic and Secondary Schools and harmonized Retirement age of 65 years and 40 years of service for teachers.

‘Reintroduction of Bursary Award for students studying education in Universities and Colleges of Education; building of low-cost houses for teachers in rural areas; provision of loan facilities for agriculture, housing, cars, motorcycles and others to support teachers’ earnings; and free tuition and automatic admission for biological children of teachers.

‘It is worrisome to note that apart from the new retirement age for teachers which has been implemented by 22 States and the FCT, most of the approvals made in 2020 are yet to be implemented.

‘We hereby call on both Federal and State Governments to ensure full implementation of these approved incentives for teachers to promote their effectiveness and quality learning outcomes in our school system,’ he stated.

On shortage of teachers, the NUT President maintained if the acute challenge of teacher shortage is not addressed, it would impede Nigeria’s efforts aimed at realisation of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) by 2030.

He said: ‘The shortage of teachers has become a major challenge to education systems of nations around the world, having direct implications on the quality of education. UNESCO’S Global Reports on Teachers and Early childhood care and Education (2024) indicate a shortage of about 44 million primary and secondary education teachers and at least 6 million pre-primary education teachers to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) by 2030.

‘In Nigeria, available statistics reveal an alarming man-power crisis in primary and secondary schools especially in the rural areas. According to UBEC (2024) there is a shortage of 194,876 teachers in public primary schools across the country.

‘The situation in the secondary education sub-sector is also not encouraging. Shortage of teachers in our schools undermines the nation’s commitment to providing quality education for all in line with SDG 4,’ he stated.

The NUT President also decried the removal of Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) from benefiting from Federal Government’s annual budgetary allocation.

He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revisit the issue of delisting the TRCN among other regulatory bodies from Government funding and to ensure that the Council benefits from the national budget in order to provide the needed empowerment and support for the TRCN to strengthen the teaching profession for greater service delivery and productivity.

He warned against privatization and commercialization of education in Nigeria, saying it was worrisome that some Governments are adopting policies that promote privatization and commercialization of education through handover of schools to missions and voluntary agencies, rather than building and maintaining public schools that would provide the needed access and cater for the interest of all children, including the less-privileged and the vulnerable, especially the girl-child, children with disabilities and those living in rural areas.

‘It is important to state that privatization of education in any guise creates disparities in educational opportunities and social inequalities, and as such negates our collective desire and commitment, as a nation, to provide compulsory, free, universal basic education for all.

‘The NUT therefore frowns on the recent handover of some schools by the Edo State Government to missions and calls on the government to rescind its decision and rise to its obligation of providing inclusive and equitable quality education for all children in the State,’ Amba stated.

Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, in his remark, reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to welfare of teachers, while acknowledging the vital role of teachers in advancing education for sustainable development.

He affirmed commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards ensuring a better deal for teachers in his renewed hope agenda, maintaining that rewarding teachers is an investment in quality education, student achievement and national progress.

He said the theme for this year, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ resonates deeply with Nigeria’s education reform agenda, disclosing tha his Ministry initiated numerous policies to revitalize the teaching profession including the National Teacher Policy which ensures that teachers are professionally empowered and motivated.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under his annual presidential teachers award presented a car and three buses to the overall best teacher in the country for 2025 as well as outstanding schools respectively.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the Eagle Square venue of the celebration of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day which had contingents from 36 states of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was carnival-like, just as it turned more or less a political rally with supporters of some state Governors nominated for outstanding performance awards by NUT taking over the venue with solidarity songs and praises.

The Kogi State Governor and his Katsina counterpart received awards at the occasion for their outstanding contributions to development of basic education in their respective states.

While some contingents spotted customized T-shirts bearing bold pictures of their Governors during the match-past, the venue of the event was unusually flooded by supporters of governors from their states, especially Kogi and Katsina States chanting songs of praises of their Governors.

Even though the celebration was held on Sunday, food vendors and sellers of memorabilia also had their field day.

Every October 5, the world marks World Teachers’ Day. This is a moment to appreciate those who nurture dreams and build the foundation of every nation’s progress.

In Nigeria, teachers do more than teach. They inspire, improvise, and persevere, often in conditions that would break many others. They are the silent builders of tomorrow’s leaders.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five reasons why Nigerian teachers need to be celebrated today.

1. Teachers Find Creative Ways to Teach Even With Limited Resources

Many Nigerian schools, especially in rural or underprivileged areas, face shortages of textbooks, laboratory equipment, and even stable electricity. Yet, many teachers continue to find creative ways to make learning possible.

They draw diagrams on chalkboards, reuse materials, and turn everyday objects into teaching aids. Many teachers improvise learning tools from bottle caps, sticks, and recycled paper to help pupils understand complex subjects.

This level of creativity keeps classrooms alive and ensures that learning continues, even when resources are scarce.

2. They Build Character, Not Just Careers

Beyond academics, teachers shape the values, discipline, and confidence of their students.

They are often the first to notice a struggling child, offer guidance, or encourage a shy student to speak up. In communities where mentorship is limited, teachers step in to fill that role, helping young people believe in themselves and their dreams.

Their influence extends far beyond the classroom. It ripples into society through every student whose life they have touched.

3. They Are Role Models of Dedication

Despite delayed and low income salaries, heavy workloads, and difficult working conditions, Nigerian teachers remain steadfast. Many still arrive early, conduct extra lessons, and mentor students long after school hours.

Their dedication is remarkable. It takes deep passion to keep teaching in the face of neglect or frustration. Yet they do it, not for applause, but because they understand the power of education to change lives.

This determination to teach, inspire, and persevere makes them true heroes in Nigeria’s development story.

4. They Are Innovators Shaping the Future

From digital classrooms to creative learning projects, Nigerian teachers are embracing innovation like never before.

One shining example is Olasunkanmi Opeifa, an English teacher from Abuja, who gained international recognition after being shortlisted among the Top 10 Finalists for the Global Teacher Prize. He used technology and storytelling to make English lessons engaging and fun.

Across the country, teachers are now integrating digital tools into their lessons, using WhatsApp for assignments, virtual quizzes, and interactive teaching methods. Nigerian teachers are not just adapting to a changing world; they are leading the transformation.

5. They Leave Lasting Legacies

Every great Nigerian success story begins with a teacher. From doctors and journalists to engineers, governors, and innovators, many leaders often recall one teacher who believed in them when no one else did.

Teachers may not get the loudest applause or the biggest paycheques, but their legacy endures through generations. They plant seeds that grow long after the school bell stops ringing.

Their work may seem ordinary, but its impact is extraordinary – shaping minds, building futures, and sustaining the hope of a better Nigeria.

The Nigerian delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, recently concluded its mission at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2025), successfully pitching the nation as Africa’s next major investment hub while aggressively pursuing a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The gathering saw key diplomatic wins, including new commitments towards the country’s $200 billion energy transition plan and major ‘Skills-to-Jobs’ initiatives designed to tackle youth unemployment.

However, analysts warn that the true success of the trip-and its massive potential socio-economic gains-now depends entirely on the Federal Government’s ability to convert this diplomatic awareness and goodwill into tangible, locally impactful benefits for Nigerians grappling with high inflation and power instability.

History and Nigeria’s Role

Established in 1945 under the UN Charter, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the UN’s main debating body. All 193 member states-including Nigeria-have an equal say. UNGA meets every September in New York for its General Debate, where leaders set out their national priorities and discuss global issues: peace, development, and human rights.

Nigeria joined the UN after its independence in 1960. Since then, it has always used UNGA to push African interests, particularly for decolonisation in the 1960s-70s and against apartheid in South Africa. Nigeria has contributed heavily to peacekeeping (Liberia, Sierra Leone) and most recently, campaigns for an African permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Notable past moments include President Obasanjo’s 2000 speech on debt relief and President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2017 call for nuclear disarmament.

The UNGA 2025 session marks the UN’s 80th anniversary. Nigeria’s delegation, led by Vice President Shettima, continues this work, focusing on economic reform, climate action, and global equity. The goal is to align global support with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda to drive development for the over 220 million Nigerian population.

Nigeria’s Key Objectives

Tribune Online learnt that the Nigerian delegation had several clear aims at UNGA 2025. They include:

*UN Security Council Reform: Pushing to secure a permanent African seat. The UNSC currently consists of five permanent members which China, Russia, UK, US and France; and 10 non-permanent members who are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. However, Nigeria believes Africa as a continent often affected by security decisions by this Council deserves a permanent seat and this was emphasised in the speech delivered by VP Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

*Global Financial Reform: Advocating for a UN Global Convention on Taxation to stop illicit financial flows.

*Climate Action: Strengthening Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.

*Security and Peacekeeping: Highlighting Nigeria’s anti-terrorism work and peacekeeping contributions.

*Economic Growth: Promoting reforms in energy, agriculture, tech, and housing to draw in foreign investment.

*Global Influence: Championing an Africa-led democracy model, offering support for Palestine, and engaging the Nigerian diaspora.

These priorities all serve the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda for long-term development and security.

Possible Impact on Nigerians

The results of UNGA can filter into daily life, especially given Nigeria’s existing challenges, such as 40% inflation, 20 million out-of-school children, and ongoing insecurity.

1. Women’s Economic Empowerment

At a side event, Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim launched a programme to empower 10 million women through the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP). This initiative supports the national goal of a $1tn economy by providing skills, loans, and digital access. A new Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) partnership links Nigeria’s Digital Harmony Project with DCO’s Spark Initiative, connecting women entrepreneurs to tech and investors. For Nigerian women (50% of the population, many in informal work), this means improved market access, which helps reduce poverty and increase household incomes.

2. Jobs and Skill

A September 25 event at Nigeria House focused on ‘Skills-to-Jobs’ efforts. Organised by the Labour Ministry, Tech4Dev, and SemiColon Africa, and backed by the World Bank and Mastercard Foundation, the goal is to close the skills gap for Nigeria’s youth (60% of the population). If explored, this could generate an estimated 1-2 million tech jobs by 2026, helping tackle youth unemployment (currently over 40%).

3. Investment and Infrastructure

VP Shettima’s meetings, including with US business leaders via BCIU, promoted Nigeria as Africa’s ‘production floor’. A major point was the $200bn energy transition plan (gas and renewables). Blended public-private funding is sought for infrastructure projects like metro lines and ports. If successful, this could cut energy costs for the 80 million people currently lacking reliable power and create construction works. The agreement between Nigeria and Namibia to strengthen ties also opened up trade possibilities in minerals and technology.

4. Health and Food Security

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, attended ‘Ghana Reset’ – an initiative seeking to chart new course for African health financing forum, signalling regional health cooperation. Nigeria is using $1.75bn World Bank loans for health, agriculture, and MSMEs to boost farm output and combat malnutrition. There are plans to expand the school feeding programme to 50 million pupils by 2026.

Expert Reactions

With the 80th UNGA now a part of history, analysts commended Nigeria’s efforts to pursue self-reliant development and boost Africa’s global presence through side events on health and innovation.

Mohammed Shaibu Onakpa, an Associate Professor at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), highlighted the Vice President’s success in clarifying the Federal Government’s stance on global issues and, critically, advancing Nigeria’s goal for a permanent UN Security Council seat.

‘I think it goes beyond political rhetorics. While the duration was short, the socio-economic impact can be massive. Politically, the VP clearly stated the Federal Government’s position on issues-from the Palestinian vs Israeli debacle to regional security and climate. The push for permanent membership of the UN Security Council is key. State Governors on the team successfully promoted Nigeria’s huge potential to investors. The overall gains can be large,’ he said.

Onakpa concludes that the overall gains rest solely on the Tinubu administration’s ability to follow up on the awareness achieved and convert this international sensitisation into tangible, local impact.

‘It’s now up to the Tinubu-led Federal Government to build on the awareness created by the Nigerian delegation. That is the only way the impact will be felt over time,’ he added.

Atef Fawaz, Executive Director of eHealth Africa, stressed that Africa must keep showing resilience, sovereignty, and creativity across all sectors to ensure a sustainable future.

He called the mission ‘an urgent call to action-a challenge to stakeholders to take bold steps to deepen collaboration, pool resources, and adopt adaptive strategies to sustain impact.’

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State chapter, has urged Nigerians to make the right choices and take responsibility for the progress of the country rather than blaming leaders alone for its challenges.

The State CAN Chairman, Bishop John Bogna Bakeni, made the call in Maiduguri, noting that the turnaround of Nigeria’s economic and political situation depends on the deliberate actions and conduct of its citizens.

According to him, ‘As I said in my message on the pulpit, Nigerians must make the right choices. We must hold our leaders accountable at all levels, but we must also take responsibility.

‘We must choose to do the right thing and be deliberate in our choices of good over evil. It is not enough to desire a better country; we must make efforts to build it,’ Bishop Bakeni said.

Delivering his sermon titled ‘We should not lust after evil things as they also lusted,’ drawn from 1 Corinthians 10:6, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri said corruption, dishonesty, and social decay begin within individuals and families.

He said many of the challenges facing Nigeria, including kidnapping, banditry, corruption, terrorism, and tribalism, arise from moral negligence and the failure of families to instill proper values in their children.

‘We cannot continue to blame the government alone. Parents must monitor their children and instill discipline and honesty in them. Evil thrives when families abandon their moral duties,’ he added.

The unity service, held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Maiduguri, brought together priests, pastors, church leaders, and worshippers from across the metropolis. It was jointly organised by Maiduguri Metropolitan CAN and the Borno State CAN leadership.

In his remarks, the Maiduguri Metro CAN Coordinator, Pastor Timothy Olanrewaju, thanked members for attending despite the economic challenges. He said the annual gathering was meant to thank God for His mercy and to pray for peace in Borno and Nigeria.

‘We just came out of a devastating flood, and though it returned this year, God took control. That is why we gathered to praise Him and offer prayers for the land,’ Olanrewaju said.

He also commended the Borno State Government for its response to last year’s flood and its ongoing efforts to return displaced persons to their communities.

As Akwa Ibom State moves to update its energy and environmental compliance frameworks, legal reforms are taking shape at the Ministry of Justice in Uyo.

At the center of this process is Ms. Idara Andy, Lead Counsel for Energy Regulation and Policy, who has been involved in drafting new laws and regulations that cover electricity, oil, gas, and renewable energy operations.

Her work includes developing agreements and licenses designed to clarify responsibilities between companies and government agencies. Power purchase agreements and exploration licenses she has helped structure place emphasis on accountability and transparency, aiming to reduce disputes and regulatory breaches.

Ms. Andy has also represented the state in court cases against multinational oil companies, particularly in matters concerning environmental degradation. These cases have tested enforcement of existing standards and signaled the state’s willingness to pursue stronger compliance measures.

Beyond litigation and drafting, she has been involved in capacity-building efforts. In late 2023, she organized training workshops for government officials in Uyo, focusing on energy law and environmental compliance. The sessions emphasized how stronger legal understanding can support renewable energy initiatives.

State officials note that since the introduction of clearer compliance systems, investor interest in renewable energy projects has increased. According to one senior energy commission official, the reforms have created ‘a more predictable environment’ for stakeholders in the sector.

Observers see the Akwa Ibom process as part of a broader shift in Nigeria, where energy law has often been reactive. By combining policy development with legal enforcement, the state is positioning itself to better balance environmental sustainability with economic growth.

What is your approach to building relationships with national and international media to promote a favourable image of Nigeria?

Trust is the cornerstone of strong media relations. We work with both local and international media by providing accurate data, human-interest stories, and access to Nigerian leaders and changemakers. Our approach is proactive rather than reactive. ensuring that journalists do not only hear crisis-driven stories about Nigeria, but also stories of progress, culture, and solutions.

How do you intend to involve the younger generations in the project, particularly in shaping and sharing Nigeria’s narrative?

Nigeria is a young nation, and our youths are our greatest storytellers. We can involve them through digital challenges, creative ambassador programmes, and training opportunities that allow them to co-create narratives. We believe that when young Nigerians share their stories, the world will listen.

How do you balance local narratives with the expectations of global audiences in your messaging?

Balancing local and global narratives requires authenticity. We must tell stories rooted in Nigerian realities, our challenges and triumphs, while framing them in a language that resonates globally. For instance, a local innovation in fintech can be presented as part of a global conversation about financial inclusion. So, we don’t change the local story to fit a global mold. Instead, we translate its significance. We ensure the local content is respected and clear, but we highlight why it matters to the world. We show how Nigeria’s solutions, culture, and creativity are relevant to global audiences because they speak to shared human and economic interests. The key is alignment. staying true to who we are while speaking to what the world cares about.

What strategies do you intend to use to engage various stakeholders, including government, private sector, and civil society organisation in the reputation management process?

Reputation management is most powerful when it is inclusive. Our strategy boils down to three things; shared ownership, structured dialogue, and co-creation. Our strategy is to create platforms where government, the private sector, civil society, and youths can contribute to shaping Nigeria’s story. This will include stakeholder roundtables, joint campaigns, and cross-sector partnerships. We will empower them as co-creators. We will provide the platform, the digital tools, the media connections and then amplify their authentic stories. The government’s role isn’t to control the narrative, but to curate and champion the incredible narratives Nigerians are already creating every day. It’s about moving from telling the world about Nigeria, to helping Nigerians tell the world themselves. Engagement must be two-way; we must listen as much as we communicate.

What can you say about The Nigeria Global Reputation Project

It is a strategic, data-driven national initiative designed to proactively measure, manage, and enhance Nigeria’s perception on the global stage. Powered by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), it brings together government, private sector, and cultural leaders to align our national narrative with our economic and cultural realities, ultimately driving investment, tourism, and global influence.

How do you intend to collect and incorporate feedback from citizens and stakeholders regarding Nigeria’s image on the global stage?

Listening is central to reputation management. We will establish feedback channels through citizen surveys, diaspora town halls, social media sentiment tracking, and stakeholder consultations. And the feedback will not sit on a shelf. It will inform our strategies, ensuring that Nigerians’ voices shape how we are represented globally.

What are the key goals of the Nigeria Global Reputation Management Project, and how do you plan to achieve them?

This project has three main goals. First, to project Nigeria’s strengths. our entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and cultural leadership, so they become as globally recognised as our challenges. Second, to build trust by ensuring that what we communicate abroad aligns with the progress we are making at home. Third, to create a coordinated platform where government, business, civil society, and diaspora voices work together to tell a consistent, compelling story about Nigeria. We will implement a robust strategy that includes a national narrative framework, digital campaigns, media partnerships, diaspora engagement programmes, and consistent measurement of global sentiment. Rather than reinventing Nigeria’s story, we will finally, and strategically, amplify the story that is already being written every day by millions of Nigerians. And we will amplify it with clarity.

What role will partnerships or collaborations play in the project?

Strategic partnerships are at the heart of this project. We cannot succeed without the active involvement of the private sector, development partners, the diaspora, and culture leaders. International collaborations with UN agencies, multilateral banks, and global think tanks will give us reach and credibility. Locally, we will create alignment across ministries, businesses, and civic groups to ensure Nigeria speaks with one voice.

As a woman who reached great heights in her career, how do you believe organisations can better support and empower women in leadership roles?

Organisations must go beyond rhetoric to create structures that attract, retain and promote women. Ensuring the right mentorship pipelines, leadership training, flexible policies that accommodate work-life balance, and equal access to opportunities are helpful. I also strongly believe and in the course of my career, I have actively advocated women to be paid the same as men who perform similar roles. Empowering women shouldn’t be treated as a favour. It should be treated as an investment to unlock half of a nation’s talent pool.

What piece of advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to lead in the fields of public affairs, communications, and reputation management?

These fields demand leaders who can think strategically, communicate authentically, and act with credibility. Beyond mastering the fundamentals, the most important piece of advice I can offer is this, become a student of the context, not just the content. It is not enough to be a flawless writer or a sharp policy analyst. Leadership in our field demands a deep, nuanced understanding of the environment in which you’re operating. That means relentlessly studying the cultural, political, technological, and economic currents that shape public opinion. Before you craft a message, seek to understand the anxieties, hopes, and narratives of your audience. Before you develop a public affairs strategy, map the full spectrum of stakeholders, including those who oppose you, and genuinely understand their motivations. Your reputation will be built on trust, and that trust is earned by demonstrating that you comprehend the world your stakeholders live in, not just the message you want to put out there. Another word of advice is, be adaptable. Make sure you are up-to-date with the industry trends and technology. The communications field for instance, is constantly evolving. Digital technologies and AI are significantly changing the way we operate and the way information is consumed. Embrace this change and evolve alongside I or it will leave you behind.

In a move to bolster Nigeria’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have unveiled a nationwide drive to provide free business registration for 250,000 MSMEs across the country.

The initiative, launched in Abuja on Friday, September 26, follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to promote economic inclusion and ease the cost of doing business for young entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the event, CAC Registrar-General, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, described the scheme as ‘a deliberate effort to remove barriers that keep many businesses in the shadows of informality.’ He explained that the free registration would enable small businesses to ‘gain access to credit, markets, and government interventions previously out of reach.’

On his part, Dr. Charles Odiil, Director-General of SMEDANi, said the collaboration marks a turning point in Nigeria’s MSME development journey.

According to him, ‘Formalization is the gateway to support. Once a business is registered, it becomes visible and can easily benefit from aftercare services such as grants, training, and market linkages.’

The partnership seeks to tackle long-standing challenges such as cost, bureaucracy, and lack of awareness, factors that have kept millions of entrepreneurs in the informal sector. Under the new scheme, CAC will forgo about N3 billion in registration fees, while SMEDAN will manage post-registration support through its comprehensive MSME database.

Businesses registered under the programme will enjoy access to technical support, funding opportunities, and capacity-building programmes designed to enhance sustainability and competitiveness.

Both agency heads reaffirmed their commitment to driving the initiative to every state, ensuring that no genuine entrepreneur is left behind. ‘This collaboration gives practical meaning to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision,’ they jointly stated, emphasizing that the scheme represents a major investment in Nigeria’s economic future.

CAC: How to Apply

Interested MSMEs are advised to register via the SMEDAN portal. Applicants are to sign up, select ‘No’ when asked if they already have a CAC number, and submit their details. Successful applicants will be contacted with further steps to finalize their free registration.

Meanwhile, MSMEs already listed on SMEDAN’s database but without CAC registration will automatically qualify for the free scheme.

The CAC-SMEDAN partnership, analysts say, could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s informal sector to unlock access to funding, mentorship, and the formal economy for thousands of small businesses nationwide.