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Former North West Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State, Salihu Lukman, has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) cannot defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna the way the coalition party is currently being run.

He, therefore, pleaded with the likes of Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, Ja’afaru Sani, Bashir Sa’idu and others to retrace their steps and unite.

In a statement he personally signed and issued to newsmen in Kaduna to mark the 65th anniversary of the country’s independence, the ADC chieftain noted that the ADC in the state is only building a party whose business is limited to producing candidates.

‘Instead of working to build the party, we are setting ourselves to produce a party whose business will be limited to presenting candidates for elections.

‘People with ambition to contest elections have become restless and want to dominate the process of developing the structures of the party to the exclusion of their opponents.

‘The madness of controlling structures of ADC is the biggest threat before us. For whatever reason, those of us who want the ADC to be an equal opportunity party are being condemned.

‘Sadly, some of our leaders, instead of providing fair leadership, are taking sides with strengthening aspiring candidates for the 2027 elections across the state to the exclusion of others.

‘I want to use the opportunity of this independence anniversary to appeal to all of us to stop this madness of trying to take over the structures of ADC and control it to the exclusion of so-called opponents.

‘If ADC is to emerge as a strong party capable of defeating the APC in Kaduna State, we must agree to work together. Anybody who is not ready to work as part of a united opposition in Kaduna State is consciously or unconsciously working for the APC.

‘I am making this strong appeal with a very deep feeling of disappointment that we are recklessly mismanaging an opportunity to provide the needed leadership to our people.

‘In particular, I want to appeal to Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, Mal. Ja’afaru Sani and Alh. Bashir Sa’idu, as the opposition leader in Kaduna State, to please stop encouraging the madness of aspiring candidates seeking to take over the structures of ADC to the exclusion of so-called opponents.

‘At individual level, I have tried to talk to those I can talk to. Unfortunately, I must also admit that I have failed in many respects. The fact that we have Sen. Musa Bello aggressively seeking to control the structures of ADC in Zone 2 is a reflection of my failure. Largely because I am, in recent times, associated with Sen. Musa Bello, Sen. Lawal Adamu (Mr La) has avoided all my requests to meet him.

‘I have met Mal. Ja’afaru Sani on this matter. We have had some discussions with Mal. Nasir. Sincerely, I am saddened by the fact that we are not united, and the perception is that I am part of the problem.

‘As a citizen from Kaduna State, I am willing to make every necessary sacrifice to move our state forward. I have no ambition to contest the election. Without sounding immodest, I made every sacrifice to contribute to forming the coalition and negotiating the agreement with ADC.

‘May I therefore appeal to Mal. Nasir and all our leaders to please seek to unite all of us. It is only if we are united in ADC that we will be able to unite our people in the state to defeat the APC in 2027.

‘We must bear in mind, it is not just about defeating APC but more about producing a government controlled by our party (ADC) based on collective leadership.

‘We need to put an end to the era when we produce emperors as Governors. Anything short of producing a government managed by collective leadership under ADC will be unacceptable.’

President Bola Tinubu says his administration has achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones in just over two years, driven by sound fiscal and monetary policies.

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ýSpeaking during a televised broadcast marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, the president said his reforms were now delivering tangible results.

ýHe said: ‘Under our leadership, our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results.

‘In the last two years of our administration, we have achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones as a result of the implementation of our sound fiscal and monetary policies.’

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ýTinubu said Gross Domestic Production (GDP) growth, inflation, agricultural production, and food security indicators were all showing positive trends.

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ý’The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%-Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years-and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund.

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ý’Inflation declined to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, the lowest level in three years.

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

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ýHe further revealed that Nigeria had surpassed its 2025 non-oil revenue target of N20 trillion by August.

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ýThe president said: ‘We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over ?20 trillion.

‘In September 2025 alone, we raised ?3.65 trillion-411 per cent higher than in May 2023.’

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ýTinubu said there was a major drop in the debt service-to-revenue ratio from 97 per cent to under 50 per cent, easing pressure on public finances.

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ýHe said the controversial petroleum subsidy removal had freed trillions of Naira for real-sector investments and pro-poor social programmes.

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ýExternal reserves, he added, had surged to $42.03 billion in September 2025-Nigeria’s highest since 2019.

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ýOn tax reforms, the president said the focus was on broadening the tax base without overburdening existing payers.

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ýHe said: ‘Our tax-to-GDP ratio had risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent.

‘The ratio is expected to increase further when the new tax law takes effect in January.

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ý’The tax law is not about increasing the burden on existing taxpayers but about expanding the base to build the Nigeria we deserve and providing tax relief to low-income earners.’

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ýTinubu highlighted Nigeria’s trade surplus for five consecutive quarters as proof that economic diversification wad taking root.

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ýOn oil, he said, daily production rose to 1.68 million barrels from about one million in May 2023, due to improved security and fresh investments.

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ýHe added that Nigeria is now refining PMS (fuel) domestically for the first time in 40 years and leads Africa in aviation fuel exports.

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ýTinubu said the Naira had stabilised following the elimination of multiple exchange rates, which previously fuelled corruption.

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ýThe president said N330 billion had been disbursed under the Social Investment Programme to eight million households receiving ?25,000 in one or two tranches.

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ýHe added that the solid minerals sector, particularly coal mining, is now contributing significantly to GDP.

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ýOn infrastructure, he said, transport networks were expanding rapidly across the country.

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ý’Rail and water transport grew by over 40% and 27 per cent ,respectively. The 284-kilometre Kano-Katsina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail and Kaduna-Kano rail are nearing completion.

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ý’Work is progressing well on the legacy Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and

‘ Sokoto-Badagry Highway.

‘ The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project,’ he said.

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ýTinubu said international credit rating agencies had upgraded Nigeria’s outlook, citing improved economic fundamentals.

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ý’Our stock market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, rising from an all-share index of 55,000 points in May 2023 to 142,000 points as of September 26, 2025,’the president said.

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ýHe revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria at its last MPC meeting slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, reflecting confidence in macroeconomic stability.

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ýOn security, Tinubu said the government remains focused on enhancing national safety and defeating insurgency to create an enabling environment for economic growth.

Cross River, on Wednesday, joined millions of Nigerians to commemorate the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary with a modest event held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Linus Obogo, described the day as ‘sacred, a hallowed chapter in Nigeria’s national journey that calls her citizens not only to remembrance but also to renewal.’

He explained that the cancellation of the traditional parade did not diminish the importance of the celebration but rather ‘elevated it to a higher plane of sober reflection.’

‘At 65, Nigeria stands as a testament to the resilience of her people, their capacity to weather storms and rise from trials stronger and more determined,’ Otu said.

‘This is a moment to celebrate our resilience, honor the sacrifices of those who came before us, and renew our collective vow to the ideals that keep us together as one nation under God.’

The governor urged Nigerians to use the occasion for sober reflection, stressing that the true essence of independence lies not in pageantry but in ‘the unwavering spirit of a people who refuse to surrender to despair.’

While acknowledging possible disappointment at the scaled-down celebration, Otu reassured that the ‘spirit of the day remained undiminished, carrying the same grandeur and gravity even in its modest observance.’

Beyond the symbolism of the anniversary, the event also highlighted the state government’s ongoing reforms in education, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, aviation, and youth empowerment. Among them is an ?800 million grant scheme targeted at boosting small and medium-scale enterprises.

Other interventions include legacy infrastructure projects, revenue expansion policies, recovery of lost state assets, and new partnerships with the Federal Government and international organizations to stimulate economic growth.

Governor Otu pledged that these initiatives are designed to make Cross River ‘one of the best states to live in Africa in the coming years.’

‘As we mark this 65th Independence Anniversary,’ he declared, ‘let us remember that the greatness of Nigeria does not lie in parades or pageantry, but in the steadfast spirit of her people, the unity that binds us, and the unquenchable hope that drives us forward.’

Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, who welcomed guests, underscored the theme of the anniversary: ‘Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.’ He reminded Nigerians of the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and urged citizens to recommit themselves to unity and nation-building.

The commemoration, though modest, ended with renewed optimism and calls for Nigerians to join hands in building a stronger, more prosperous country for present and future generations.

HOW will a transformed Africa look? I often find myself pondering the potential of this great continent-envisioning a redefined narrative, shifting from underdevelopment and dependency to one of innovation, integration, and global influence. Perhaps it will be economically integrated and self-reliant, trading more with itself and then the outside world. An energy powerhouse, with Pan-African renewable energy corridors powering industries, hospitals, homes, and schools. A fully digital Africa, with youth-driven innovation hubs rivaling Silicon Valley, solving African problems with African solutions. In this Africa, poverty will have drastically declined and inequality narrowed. Women and youth (who form the backbone of Africa’s labour force) will be central to economic growth. Our SMEs, which account for more than 80% of employment, will thrive alongside multinational corporations. Education systems will produce not just job-seekers but innovators, creators, and global leaders.

I am convinced that central to Africa’s transformation is unlocking cross-continental opportunities beyond trade alone. A key tool in realising this ambition is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)-a platform to reimagine Africa’s place in global markets. By number of participating countries, AfCFTA is the largest free trade area in the world, bringing together 54 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states. By landmass and participation, no other agreement is as extensive. Collectively, AfCFTA covers a market of about 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of over $3.4 trillion. Its ambition is to eliminate tariffs on up to 90% of goods, reduce trade barriers, and open a truly continental market. The question is: how do we unlock this potential? Beyond trading goods, unlocking cross-continental business opportunities requires more than treaties and ambition. African governments must harmonise regulations, improve infrastructure, support the building of skills and create enabling environments for businesses to thrive. Currently, operating across Africa means navigating a patchwork of regulatory regimes, tax systems, and compliance requirements. Building resilient governance frameworks, standardising internal controls, and ensuring compliance with IFRS and country-specific tax codes are essential to avoid penalties, reputational risks, and operational disruptions.

Yet harmonisation under AfCFTA will not eliminate complexity overnight. Finance leaders must anticipate regulatory lag and proactively engage with policymakers to shape investor-friendly environments. Ensuring governance and regulatory certainty is therefore critical. Implementing predictable, transparent rules that reduce entry and operating costs, adopting rules of origin, mutual recognition of standards, and digital customs (such as e-certificates and risk-based inspections) are urgent, practical actions that we can apply to reimagine Africa’s global trade position. Africa’s digital economy, projected to reach $712 billion by 2050, is also reshaping how people connect, work, and do business. Pan-African fintechs, e-commerce platforms, and digital service providers already demonstrate how cross-border collaboration can leapfrog traditional development hurdles. The rise of digital payments, fintech platforms, and blockchain-enabled trade creates enormous opportunity-but only if backed by robust governance, sound risk management, strong cybersecurity, and ethical standards. This ensures businesses can scale with integrity.

At the heart of this transformation are accountants and finance leaders. Their roles extend far beyond number-crunching: they are the architects of trust, the stewards of capital, and the strategic partners who can unlock the opportunities of cross-continental business integration. By mobilising capital, strengthening financial reporting, improving transparency, and aligning business strategies with international standards such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks, finance professionals foster investor trust and make Africa an attractive destination for global capital.

With AfCFTA opening access to a $3.4 trillion market, accountants and CFOs are uniquely positioned to translate opportunity into tangible growth. By ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, navigating complex tax regimes, and designing financial systems that support cross-border transactions, they reduce risks of expansion and give businesses the confidence to operate seamlessly across Africa. For decades, Africa’s transformation has relied heavily on bold visions and political will. Now is the time to translate these ambitions into sustainable financial outcomes-shifting from fragmented markets to an integrated economic powerhouse that competes globally and delivers shared prosperity. In one of our reports – Journey to AU2063 : professional accountants empowering the AfCFTA agreement, we analyse the critical role of professional accountants in the operationalisation of the AfCFTA agreement. A deep dive into the current state of trade in Africa highlights the critical barriers to intra-continental trade and realising the objectives of the AfCFTA. The findings in this report cut across financial and non-financial barriers and the critical steps and competencies that finance professionals need to overcome them.

The accountancy and finance profession, acting as a super-connector is poised to play a critical role in building resilient and sustainable businesses and economies, developing future talent, advancing standards and regulations, transforming the public sector and supporting entrepreneurial growth while strengthening ethical rules. As we gear up for the Africa ACCA Members Convention in December 2025, to be held in Kenya, one of the key agendas is to lead conversations that define and demonstrate the key role of the profession in bringing the aspirations of AU2063 to life. We will explore and evaluate the challenges and impact of operationalising the AfCFTA, in view of the critical role accounting and finance professionals play in enabling its full implementation. Under AfCFTA, Africa’s economic integration represents both an immense opportunity and a formidable challenge. For CFOs and finance professionals, the task ahead is clear: design and execute financial strategies that enable scale across borders, de-risk investments, enhance transparency, and attract capital at the level Africa’s ambitions demand.

Experts, in a new study, reported that eating more fruit could help protect lungs from air pollution damage, particularly in women.

In the study, presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, they declared that fruit may act as a natural shield against air pollution’s harmful effects on the lungs.

The beneficial effects were most noticeable in women who ate four or more portions of fruit a day.

Air pollution from tiny particles in the air comes from car exhaust, factories, and other sources. It is linked to breathing problems, asthma, COPD, and even heart disease.

Over 90% of the global population is exposed to air pollution levels that exceed WHO guidelines, and ample research shows that exposure to higher air pollution levels is associated with reduced lung function.

Separately, a healthy diet – particularly one high in fruits and vegetables – has been linked to better lung function.

Using UK Biobank data from around 200,000 participants, Kaewsri compared people’s dietary patterns – including their fruit, vegetable and whole grain intake – with their lung function (FEV1 – the amount of air exhaled in one second) and their exposure to air pollution in the form of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

PM2.5 concentration is the amount of very tiny particles, 2.5 micrometres or smaller, released into the air, for example, by vehicle exhaust and industrial processes.

Additionally, exposure to fine particulate matter from sources such as industrial processes and vehicle exhaust was taken into account by the researchers. Socioeconomic position, age, and height were also taken into account.

The researchers found that women in the low fruit consumption group inhaled 78.1 ml less air per second for every five microgrammes of PM2.5 exposure, while women in the high fruit intake group only saw a 57.5 ml decrease.

Pimpika Kaewsri, a PhD student from the Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability at the University of Leicester, UK, who presented the report of the study, said that a healthy diet is linked to better lung function in both men and women, regardless of air pollution exposure.

According to Kaewsri, ‘And those women who consumed four portions of fruit per day or more appeared to have smaller reductions in lung function associated with air pollution, compared to those who consumed less fruit.’

‘This may be partly explained by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds naturally present in fruit. These compounds could help mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation caused by fine particles, potentially offsetting some of the harmful effects of air pollution on lung function.’

Kaewsri also noted that, in the study population, men generally reported lower fruit intake than women. ‘This difference in dietary patterns may help explain why the potential protective effect of fruit against air pollution was only observed in women,’ she added.

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, leaders across the country have urged citizens to embrace unity, courage, and collective responsibility in shaping the nation’s future.

Kogi Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, in his anniversary message, described Independence Day as a reminder of the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and a call to patriotism.

‘Independence Day is more than a date on our calendar; it is a call to unity and to the shared responsibility of building a nation that guarantees peace, justice, and prosperity for all,’ he said.

Ododo also commiserated with families affected by the recent boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, which claimed several lives.

‘This tragedy reminds us of the fragility of life and the duty we owe one another to continually improve safety and support for our people,’ he said.

He assured that his government would intensify efforts to make water transportation safer for riverine communities.

Highlighting his administration’s policies, the governor pointed to free and compulsory education, support for girl-child learning through the AGILE programme, and investments in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and security.

‘We have made education free and accessible in order to guarantee the independence of future generations from ignorance and limitations,’ Ododo explained.

He also urged Nigerians ‘to renew our love for our country, to shun division, and to rise above fear and doubt, because the destiny of this nation is in our hands.’

In Bauchi, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed described Nigeria’s independence as ‘a milestone achievement that liberated the nation from colonial domination and gave its people the right to self-determination, socio-economic growth, and political development.’

He urged citizens to reflect on whether the noble ideals of the founding fathers had been fully realized after 65 years of nationhood.

‘Though our development trajectory may not match that of some countries that gained independence around the same period, particularly the Asian Tigers, Nigeria has made significant strides in governing itself, managing diversity, and uniting towards nation-building,’ Mohammed noted.

He disclosed that Bauchi would host an Investment Summit on October 8 and 9 to attract investors to the state’s vast potential.

On security, he reiterated that ‘peace remains the bedrock of development’ and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, in his goodwill message, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and efforts to stabilise the naira, describing them as ‘seismic, historic reforms that are dismantling decades of decay and inertia.’

Dogara acknowledged the hardships facing citizens but urged Nigerians to endure with patience and faith.

‘These are not ordinary policy adjustments. Though the pain of transition is real, the reward will be even greater,’ he said.

He also stressed the importance of unity: ‘At 65, Nigeria cannot afford the luxury of division. Our destiny is one, and our survival depends on unity of purpose. Security challenges, poverty, and inequality will bow only when confronted by a people united in spirit and resolve.’

Dogara, who chairs the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), emphasised the company’s role in expanding access to credit for small businesses, empowering women and youths, and supporting inclusive growth.

‘Inclusive financial empowerment is the backbone of national growth and the surest path to lifting millions out of poverty,’ he added.

Across their messages, the leaders shared a common theme: Nigeria’s progress depends on the shared determination of its people to stay united, confront challenges with courage, and work toward a nation that offers justice, prosperity, and dignity for all.

The Association of Nigerian Broadcasters (ANBROAD) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting professionalism in Nigeria’s broadcasting industry, condemning the killing of ARISE News broadcaster, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was fatally attacked by armed robbers in Abuja on Monday.

The association’s president, Abdulrasaq Abdulganeey, made this known on Tuesday in Ibadan during ANBROAD’s first national congress.

Reflecting on the association’s journey since its formal inception in 2024, Abdulganeey acknowledged the challenges encountered but expressed optimism about ANBROAD’s progress.

‘We want to sanitise our profession, to differentiate the wheat from the chaff. Our mantra is: together we can do it, move mountains and be the talk of the town,’ he said.

He also stressed the need for modernisation in the industry, stating that broadcasters must move away from outdated practices.

As part of this drive, the association has introduced a Unique Professional Number (UPN) system and launched an official website to help identify, connect, and support its members nationwide.

Abdulganeey called on key stakeholders to collaborate on improving the welfare of broadcasters and ensuring their contributions are adequately recognised and rewarded.

Encouraging more practitioners to join ANBROAD, he emphasised the association’s vision of building a stronger, more ethical broadcast industry that truly serves the public interest.

On the killing of Maduagwu, the ANBROAD president described the incident as a ‘heinous and unfortunate tragedy’ that claimed the life of a promising young broadcaster.

‘President Bola Tinubu and the police should do the needful. We do not want to keep losing broadcasters, journalists or any Nigerian. The government must protect the lives and properties of its citizens,’ Abdulganeey said, joining the growing public call for a thorough investigation and justice for the late broadcaster’s family.

Also speaking at the congress, ANBROAD’s national secretary-general, Sola Gbayisomore, highlighted the association’s achievements within just one year of operations.

He noted ANBROAD’s growing presence in states, including Lagos, Ondo, Kwara, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, and Abuja.

He said the congress served not only as a platform to celebrate progress but also to strategise for growth, strengthen member collaboration, and explore opportunities within the industry.

During the congress, ANBROAD established operational zones across its active states and formally inaugurated zonal leaders.

In addition, the association unveiled its constitution, presented by the chairman of the board of trustees, Sulaiman Adegbenro, who stressed the importance of truth and trust in the broadcast profession.

‘The constitution is a compass for our association. It’s essential for guiding our operations and ensuring we remain true to our values,’ Adegbenro said, urging members to abide by it and contribute to the development of both the association and the national broadcast sector.

WHEN many took off, he stayed put. When the ones we thought were the brave ducked, he dug and rigged. He sweated and defended the homestead or what was left of it. Even to me, his courage did not make sense. Why swim against the tide when you can just go with the flow? Why stay in a house with half its roof blown off? What is the sense in not just holding on tight to a tattered umbrella but also taking shelter under it? The umbrella itself looked like it needed help.

Leave and let the house crumble. You can build another one. But he stood there in the rain, in the scorching sun. He even bellowed in a fearful voice at passers-by who thought something was really wrong with him. He flexed his muscles at those who had armour. He looked them in the eye and dared them to cross his threshold.

Who the dickens did he think he was? But he paid us all no mind. It was his umbrella to keep, torn, shredded or bent. He mobilized money and started the rebuilding. When he was let down by those he trusted, he soldiered on. When those whose expeditions he sponsored aimed arrows at his bare chest, he nursed his wound, lips pursed in pain and determination. If he shed a tear, it was in private. If he bled, he hid the blood. To his tattered tent he held.

Then one day, he rose out of the ashes, with his umbrella in his hands, this time like a sword. He had rebuilt the house with everything he could muster. Soon, those who watched him rebuild and those who went away all came back, together. He welcomed them. And they all sat under the umbrella. Then one day, he said he wanted to become the leader. Some of the ‘returnees’ also showed interest. They all agreed to a fair contest. Then the demon of conspiracy came into the house and possessed almost everybody. Stabs in the back, followed by another stab in the heart led to a bloodied floor. Things became blurry and slippery. Of course, things fell apart. There was no centre for anybody to even hold.

Now, the builder is angry, raving and raging. What was taken from him he has sworn nobody else would get. He has even gone after those who left the house a second time, bellowing harder than before. He is like one character in Yoruba movie I watched a long time ago. His name was Cause Trouble. The name still makes me smile every time. But the most apt description for me, at least today, is the debt distrainor as described by Reverend Samuel Johnson. Distraining for debt among the Yorubas used to be a big deal in those days. A ‘distrainor’ is a licensed by fire-by-force debt collector who sits on the debtor in every way until he pays. He is said to ‘d’ogo ti’ until he collects.

Pay attention to how Rev. Johnson describes him.

‘The distrainor is a man of imperturbable temper, but of foul tongue, a veritable Thersites. He adopts any measure he likes, inflicting his presence and attention on the debtor everywhere and anywhere he may go, denying him privacy of any kind, and in the meantime using his tongue most foully upon him, his own person being inviolable, for touching him implies doing violence to the person of the authorities who appointed him the task. Loud in his abuses, intolerable in his manners to all in the house whilst going in and out with the debtor till the inmates of the house get tired and quickly finds a way of getting rid of the distrainor by paying off the debt.’

Our builder, Cause Trouble or Distrainor is ‘drawing gbese’. He’s giving everybody in the house high blood pressure.

‘He must not take anything away from the house but he may enjoy the use of anything he finds in the house.’

Does he remind you of someone?

This is a peaceful piece.

The Akwa Ibom State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal private schools, sealing several unlicensed institutions across the state and ordering the arrest of defaulting proprietors who attempted to defy the directive.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien, who led the enforcement taskforce, disclosed that while many operators complied with the state’s directive to shut down, some proprietors illegally unsealed their premises and resumed academic activities.

Angered by the development, Prof. Essien ordered the arrest and detention of the offenders, who are now awaiting prosecution.

‘During the ministry’s regular monitoring exercise, it was observed that while several operators of unauthorized private schools had obeyed the directive, a few chose to defy the order and continued with academic activities,’ he said.

He warned parents and guardians across urban and rural communities against enrolling their children in unregistered institutions, insisting that the state-wide exercise would continue throughout the school year.

‘The Ministry of Education reiterates its stance on the closure of unauthorized and rogue schools. This exercise is aimed at standardising educational delivery across the state, ensuring compliance with approved standards, and ridding our educational system of substandard institutions that compromise the future of children in Akwa Ibom State,’ Prof. Essien stressed.

Sterling Bank has once again redefined the boundaries of customer-first banking in Nigeria by scrapping Account Maintenance Fees (AMF) across all personal accounts.

Just months after abolishing transfer fees on local online transactions in April 2025, the bank has dismantled yet another long-standing industry

practice, cementing its role as the nation’s leading force for transparent, fair, and customer-focused banking.

This decision cuts at the heart of a revenue model that has long cost Nigerian customers dearly. In 2024 alone, tier-1 banks raked in over ?650 billion from account maintenance and e-banking charges.

Sterling’s move rewrites Nigeria’s banking rulebook while amplifying its bold stance: customers deserve freedom from too many deductions and the right to keep more of their hard-earned money.

Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director of Sterling Bank, explained the principle driving this bold action: ‘Every fee we remove is one less barrier between our customers and true financial freedom. This was the rationale behind eliminating transfer fees in April, and it is the same principle we uphold as we eliminate accountmaintenance fees.’

Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling Bank, reinforced this position: ‘This initiative is about building lasting relationships that fuel sustainable growth. We put transparency and customer value first, and in doing so, we are building a foundation that serves both our customers and Sterling’s future.’

As Nigeria marks another Independence Day, Sterling Bank presents this decision as a declaration of financial independence for millions of Nigerians. By freeing customers from deductions that silently erode their balances, Sterling is empowering them to keep and grow their wealth while redefining true financial freedom.

With two unprecedented moves in quick succession, the removal of transfer fees in April and now the elimination of account maintenance charges, Sterling Bank continues to challenge the status quo and champion a new era of fairness in Nigerian banking.