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Nigeria’s U20 side, the Flying Eagles, will take on Saudi Arabia in their second match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Talca on Thursday night.

After a 1-0 defeat to Norway in their Group F opener, the seven-time African champions are eager to bounce back and keep their hopes of advancing alive.

Despite dominating possession and creating several chances in the match against Norway,

Nigeria was unfortunate not to find the equalizer in the second half. The Flying Eagles were denied two penalty appeals by the referee, leaving them frustrated in what was otherwise a promising performance. A win against Saudi Arabia will boost Nigeria’s chances of progressing to the Round of 16, especially with a tough match against Colombia coming up on Sunday.

Head coach, Aliyu Zubair, remains confident that his team has recovered from the disappointment of the Norway defeat.

His focus now is on ensuring the squad delivers the right result against Saudi Arabia. With all key players available,

Zubair is expected to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing attacking play and ball possession.

Docenti Global Business School has announced the commencement of its Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programmes in partnership with the European Global Institute of Innovation and Technology.

The announcement was made in Lagos at an executive dinner organised to welcome new students. The event also marked the school’s attainment of the ISO 9001:2015 certification, which the institution described as a key step in its development.

The dinner gathered students, faculty, and administrators in a setting that combined reflection on past achievements with a focus on the school’s next phase.

Speaking at the event, Humphrey Akanazu, Executive Principal of Docenti Global Business School, said the certification was a significant recognition of the school’s processes.

‘In pursuing this certification, we have strengthened our standards and assured our students of the value and trust embedded in their programmes,’ Akanazu said. ‘This gathering not only celebrates our collective progress but also reaffirms our promise to continually raise the bar in academic excellence.’

He explained that ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognised benchmark for quality management systems, noting that Docenti’s accreditation shows its commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.

The school stated that its model of education is based on structured supervision, personalised coaching, and a strong academic management support system. It added that the certification assures new students in the MBA and DBA programmes that their studies will be delivered with systems aligned with international best practice.

During the event, faculty and administrators highlighted the impact of alumni who have advanced into leadership roles across different sectors. Current students were encouraged to see themselves as part of this tradition and to approach their studies with focus and determination.

Akanazu described the certification as more than external recognition. ‘This certification is not just about recognition-it reflects our promise to every student who walks through our doors. It demonstrates that Docenti Global Business School is committed to nurturing, supporting, and empowering students to achieve their goals. Our mission is to continue creating a global community of leaders distinguished by knowledge, integrity, and innovation.’

Docenti Global Business School said the certification strengthens its position as a centre for higher learning that provides qualifications with long-term relevance. It added that its focus is to bridge theory with practice, prepare graduates for competitive markets, and apply learning methods that respond to the demands of business and technology.

The institution also pledged to continue raising its standards of education while maintaining systems that are reliable, transparent, and future-focused. For stakeholders and students, the ISO certification is expected to stand as a symbol of confidence in the school’s operations and outcomes.

The Alternative Bank, in partnership with the Sterling Sustainability Working Group, has donated plastic waste bins to Wuse Market, Abuja, as part of its efforts to address Nigeria’s solid waste problem.

Mohammed Abdull, Divisional Head (North) The Alternative Bank, presented the waste bins to the management of Wuse Market after a sensitization walk from Yoruba Mosque in Wuse 11 to Wuse Market. Abdull said the donation is part of the bank’s Walk4ZeroPlastic campaign, an initiative aimed at reducing plastic pollution through awareness and community participation. He explained that the donation marked the end of the Walk4ZeroPlastic march, which mobilized over 300 volunteers and recovered several tonnes of plastic waste from the environment.

He said the bins, placed across Wuse Market, are intended to support waste collection efforts by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and promote better waste management practices among traders and visitors. Abdull stressed the role of community involvement in addressing environmental issues. ‘This initiative is about more than just cleanup,’ he said. ‘It’s about building habits that will have a lasting impact.’ The campaign promotes responsible waste management, encouraging behavior change based on the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Volunteers held awareness sessions with marketgoers on proper waste disposal, reinforcing responsible consumption. ‘Our commitment goes beyond a one-time effort,’ Abdull added. ‘Our staff continue to engage traders daily to keep education and sustainability at the forefront.’ The campaign highlights the need to address plastic pollution at its source. ‘Markets are major points of plastic use and disposal,’ a campaign spokesperson said. ‘Plastic never truly degrades-it accumulates in water, food, and even in our bodies as microplastics, which pose health risks.’ Plans are underway to launch waste-to-value programs to empower traders to exchange collected plastic waste for money. The Alternative Bank will also introduce banking products to help traders manage and grow their earnings.

Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, called for united efforts to tackle Nigeria’s plastic waste problem, noting that the country generates over 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, with plastics accounting for more than 15%. Lawal, represented by Dangowa Orume, Assistant Director of Solid Waste Management, said, ‘Unmanaged plastic waste threatens public health, the economy, and the environment.’ ‘Campaigns like Walk4ZeroPlastic support national policies such as the Plastic Waste Management Policy, Solid Waste Management Policy, and the Nigeria Circular Economy Roadmap,’ he added. The minister emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing waste management solutions. ‘The time to act is now,’ he said. ‘Together, we must reduce plastic waste and build a cleaner, sustainable future.’

Abubakar Dangana, Market Secretary of the Wuse Market Association, thanked The Alternative Bank for the donation, noting its potential to improve sanitation and encourage better waste disposal within the market.

The Walk4ZeroPlastic campaign continues to promote environmental responsibility through education, advocacy, and collaboration, showing that collective action can make a difference in addressing Nigeria’s solid waste challenges.

Amid economic strain and uncertainty, Nigerians often find gratitude difficult. First Baptist Church, Ikeja, has launched Moments of Gratitude, a month-long programme inspiring thanksgiving as a path to strength and resilience.

‘Our decision to dedicate the month of October to gratitude comes from looking at our lives and seeing God’s mercy,’ said Kolawole Ogokunle, host pastor of the church. ‘We have enjoyed blessings in our families, careers, and businesses.’

The event will run every Sunday in October 2025 and will feature gospel music, testimonies, and cultural activities. According to the church, the gathering is designed to help people reflect on what they still have and draw hope in the face of daily pressures.

This year’s edition will feature performances from Prevailers Voices, Tobi Akuraku, Lilian Nneji, and the Prevailers Praise Team. The final Sunday of the month will be marked with a cultural service where members are encouraged to celebrate their heritage as part of worship.

‘This year’s celebration is both thanksgiving and a prayer for more testimonies,’ Ogokunle added.

Organisers described the festival as a time for worship, reflection, and renewal. ‘Gratitude is more than just saying thanks, it is fuel for the future,’ Ogokunle said. ‘It gives us strength to keep moving forward in our families, our work, and our daily struggles.’

Oluleye Ademola, the Church Secretary, noted in a statement that services will also be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube to reach a wider audience. ‘We want everyone, even those at home, to be reminded that gratitude opens doors,’ he said.

The church expects the October programme to serve as a reminder that thanksgiving can foster resilience in difficult times.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to establish an endowment fund for the creative sector following the completion of the National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.

Speaking at the official reopening of the iconic facility in Lagos, the President said he would personally contribute to the proposed fund, which is aimed at supporting long-term growth and sustainability in Nigeria’s creative industry. Tinubu also urged citizens to shift their mindset, emphasising the importance of telling positive stories about Nigeria and fostering belief in the country’s potential.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, speaking at the event, revealed that the Bankers’ Committee invested N68 billion in the restoration and modernisation of the National Theatre complex.

Sixty-five years after independence, Nigeria still wrestles with a fundamental question: what exactly is our national brand? At sixty, during the fever of ‘japa’ conversations, I found myself reflecting on this very issue-whether the Nigerian dream was better pursued abroad or rebuilt at home. Five years later, the pressure to leave has not waned. If anything, it has intensified. Millions still chase the few visas available, convinced that escape remains the only route to a dignified life.

Nigeria has become a country that exports its people instead of its products. We cling to the belief that the success of Nigerians abroad will somehow rub off on the motherland. Yet history has shown the opposite: while personal triumphs may briefly uplift our image, individual failures, from crime to scandal, stick faster and louder as Nigeria’s failures.

Sport illustrates this paradox most starkly. At the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, more athletes of Nigerian origin competed under foreign flags than for Nigeria itself. Once again, Nigeria is set to watch the FIFA World Cup from the sidelines, despite our vast reservoir of talent thriving in European leagues. Beyond sports, countless Nigerians making global strides in science, technology, and the arts are quickly claimed by their adopted nations before the world remembers their origins. Some even rush to distance themselves from the Nigerian identity altogether.

A country that exports people instead of products will always be at the mercy of the mental, psychological, geographical, and even political inconsistencies of individuals. That reality played out recently when Nigerians across the world voiced outrage at a certain British politician of Nigerian origin who seems to have made a career of mocking our nation with half-baked anecdotes and tired stereotypes. It is not just careless rhetoric – it is a reminder of how vulnerable we are when our image depends more on scattered voices abroad than on strong brands at home. And yes, it hurts that deeply.

To be clear, our greatest asset remains our people: resilient, brilliant, and resourceful. But no nation brands itself successfully on human capital alone. True branding comes from what we create – businesses, innovations, cultural exports, and products that embody our ingenuity and can compete on the global stage. Economically prosperous nations did not rely on diaspora glory. Germany is synonymous with automobile excellence through BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. Switzerland, though not the birthplace of watchmaking, perfected the craft and turned it into a timeless global brand. The United States leveraged Hollywood. India elevated itself through Bollywood and, more recently, technology.

Developing marketing slogans or claiming every successful sportsman as ‘our son’ will not transform Nigeria’s image. What will be the creation and global distribution of enduring brands – in technology, food, agriculture, entertainment, and beyond? Nollywood and Afrobeats have already begun this work, on their own, placing Nigeria firmly on the cultural map. With the right policy and investment, our technology ecosystem and food industry could do the same for our economic identity.

At 65, Nigeria cannot afford to keep outsourcing its reputation to individuals scattered abroad. We must build the kind of brands that speak for us, even when we are not in the room. Only then will ‘the Nigerian brand’ mean more than struggle and survival, it will mean excellence, durability, and pride.

Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. May this milestone mark not just another year of endurance, but the beginning of true brand-building for Nigeria.

Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, has been honoured with the 2025 Appeal of Conscience Award by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF) in New York.

The award, founded by Rabbi Arthur Schneier, recognises leaders who promote peace, coexistence, and economic empowerment. Elumelu’s wife, Awele Elumelu, received the award on his behalf and delivered his acceptance remarks at the gala.

In his speech, Elumelu dedicated the award to colleagues recently lost in a tragic incident, and to young African entrepreneurs supported through his foundation. ‘Before all else, I wish to honour their memories with a moment of silence.’

Elumelu, founder of Heirs Holdings and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, emphasised his philosophy of Africapitalism, the belief that the private sector plays a critical role in driving inclusive growth.

He noted that his businesses employ more than 40,000 people globally, including through UBA, which operates in New York.

‘Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, a personal commitment we made in 2010, we have identified, trained, mentored, and provided over USD100million in seed funding to over 24,000 young African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries.’

‘By empowering a generation with economic opportunities and the means to shape their own destinies, we are combating the despair that fuels economic instability, migration, and insecurity,’ he said. Elumelu added that there’s more to be done. Thus, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation award not only strengthens my resolve to do more, to deepen our impact, but it is a call out for collaboration with those who share similar values.

The 2025 ceremony also honoured Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York.

Rabbi Schneier, founder of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, praised Elumelu as ‘a beacon of ethical entrepreneurship and visionary leadership.’

‘Business can be a powerful force for peace, stability, and human dignity. His commitment to uplifting others is a living example of conscience in action,’ he added.

Brian Moynihan, chair and CEO of Bank of America and Gala Chair, described the honourees as embodiments of moral leadership.

He said, ‘The Appeal of Conscience Foundation has chosen to honour Tony Elumelu and Cardinal Dolan because they personify the moral leadership and global responsibility that ACF stands for. Their works in faith, community, and economic empowerment remind us that progress and conscience go hand in hand.’

The Nigerian economy has had its ups and downs. The nation got Independence in 1960 when its gross domestic product (GDP) was $4.20 billion and per capita income, $93.

The economy was largely undiversified at that time, with agriculture dominating. According to the Ominira Initiative, agriculture accounted for over 75 percent of foreign exchange (FX) earnings, 68 percent of GDP, and created employment opportunities for about 65 percent of the population.

By the late 1970s, the real job of diversification began. Oil sector contribution to the GDP moved from 3 percent to 30 percent of GDP, with oil exports accounting for 96 percent of total exports.

The nation’s entry into OPEC in 1971 marked the beginning of humongous transformation. In a World Bank report, Brian Pinto, an expert on economy, said the oil price shocks of 1973-74 and 1979 resulted in a large transfer of wealth to Nigeria, with public expenditure rising, as did the country’s access to international capital markets.

However, as oil revenues surged, agriculture declined.

‘Following the collapse of oil prices in 1982 and the rise in real interest rates, Nigeria experienced rising inflation, strict rationing of foreign exchange, and the possibility of debt rescheduling. This coincided with the rise of parallel markets, so that an illegal, floating-rate parallel market coexisted with an official, fixed-rate market,’ Pinto said.

Oil price collapse in the 1980s led to recession and debt crisis. The Ibrahim Babandia regime brought in the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). The programme, spearded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was characterised by currency devaluation, trade liberalisation, privatisation of state-owned firms, and removal of subsidies.

Some policy watchers believe that the era brought about Nigeria’s economic collapse, with import-led policies resulting in factory shutdowns and job losses.

The return of democracy in 1999 brought in Olusegun Obasanjo, who achieved debt rescheduling and repayment. A total debt of $30 billion was forgiven by the Paris Club (2005-2006). Banking sector consolidation (2004) strengthened financial institutions, and reforms were visible in insurance and telecoms.

The GDP growth averaged 6 percent-7 percent during the 2000s, driven by oil, telecoms, and banking.

Oil remained over 90 percent of export earnings.

Between 2007 and 2014, non-oil sectors such as telecoms, entertainment (Nollywood, music), and services grew.

Agriculture rebounded but not enough to end food imports. The economy was also rebased to reflect changes in various sectors.

From 2014 to 2016, oil prices crashed, leading to recession in 2016. There were FX shortages, rising inflation, and unemployment.

The COVID-19 pandemic came in 2020 and led to recession. However, there was a cacophony of controversial policies, led by border closure, import restriction, command and control pronouncements as well as FX rationing.

But the current Bola Tinubu administration cane in 2023 and liberalised the FX market, removing petrol subsidies. However, this has led to naira depreciation by over 60 percent. The citizens are struggling to make ends meet due to skyrocketing prices. The start of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has slashed petrol imports and ended an era of scarcity. Naira is now stable, thanks to the central bank’s set of policies.

Tinubu says economy has turned the corner

In his Independence Day speech on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu said the economy has turned the corner.

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

‘Under our leadership, our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results. The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by

4.23 percent-Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years-and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation declined to

20.12 percent 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 said in the last two years of his administration, the government has achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones.

‘We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over N20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we raised N3.65 trillion, 411% higher than the amount raised in May 2023.

‘Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has been significantly reduced from 97 percent to below 50 percent. We have paid down the infamous Ways and Means advances that threatened our economic stability and triggered inflation. Following the removal of the corrupt petroleum subsidy, we have freed up trillions of Naira for targeted investment in the real economy and social programmes for the most vulnerable, as well as all tiers of government.’

He added, ‘We have a stronger foreign Reserve position than three years ago.Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September-the highest since 2019.’

Electricity consumers and power distribution companies have been at loggerheads for years over appropriate bills. What seems to separate this dispute is prepaid meters, but this has been scarce.

Now, the management of Holley Metering Nigeria Limited says members of the pubic especially electricity users can now heave a sigh of relief. The group says it has commenced the sales of prepaid meters for customers in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers States.

Holley Metering Nigeria Limited is said to be a global leader in the metering industry and licensed by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as a Meter Asset Provider (MAP) to bridge the metering gap in Nigeria. According to a statement from its officials, the company said it has carved a niche in top quality smart prepayment meters, metering products and systems and has a long-standing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, (PHED).

Under the partnership arrangement, the statement further said, ‘Holley Metering has been providing/deploying different types to meter customers in PHED’s franchise area but not limited to installation as well.

‘Holley Meters comes with the benefit of meeting customer needs to control their electricity consumption, avoid estimated bills, unwarranted disconnection in addition to other ancillary advantages.’

The company gave the breakdown of costs of the meters which now range from N129, 454 to N216, 206 depending on the phase of the meter, with an installation period not exceeding 10 working days after payment.

Unlike previous prepaid meter schemes that had a lot of protocol and middlemen, the new scheme is said to be open to any interested person who are free to meet them at their headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Nigerian Senior Government officials and the European Union (EU) on Tuesday held a meeting to assess existing vibrant economic partnership, to chart a way forward.

The EU bloc made this known in a statement by Modestus Chukwulaka, the Press and Information Officer of the EU Embassy in Abuja.

According to Chukwulaka, the inaugural Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Trade and investment Dialogue (TID) was anchored by Amb. Nura Rimi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

He said that Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, and Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, welcomed the launch of the Dialogue.

According to him, the senior officials’ meeting marks an important step in strengthening the trade and investment partnership between the EU and Nigeria.

‘It provided opportunity for the officials to exchange views on areas of mutual interest; address potential challenges and explore opportunities for further collaboration.’

Chukwulaka said that the discussions at the meeting focused on a range of issues, including trade and investment policy, cooperation on market access barriers and requirements.

He said that preferential trade and investment arrangements and collaboration within the World Trade Organisation (WTO), regulatory measures could impact trade and investment.

‘The highpoint of the meeting was that both sides expressed their interest to continue the dialogue, with the second TID billed to take place in Brussels, Belgium, in 2026, on a date to be jointly decided.’