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Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has described Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State as a ‘God-sent leader’ whose emergence was a divine intervention to restore peace, unity, and justice in the state.

Fani-Kayode stated this on Saturday at the 35th Anniversary Synod of the Diocese of Kafanchan, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

He said Sani’s administration had begun to heal the wounds of mistrust, discrimination, and insecurity that affected the state in the past.

‘The Governor you have today came as a consequence of prayer. I have known him for many years.

‘He is not an ordinary person,’ Fani-Kayode said.

The former minister recalled that Kaduna State once faced severe religious tension, adding that Christians were marginalised and victims of violence, especially during the 2016 Christmas Day attacks in parts of Southern Kaduna.

He said about 800 people were killed in four local government areas on that day, describing the incident as a ‘gruesome massacre’ that left lasting scars on the Christian community.

According to him, hospitals were shut and victims were neglected, while communities were repeatedly attacked without response from the authorities at the time.

Fani-Kayode said such experiences strengthened Christians to resist oppression peacefully and to continue trusting in God.

‘To be a Christian is not to be a second-class citizen or a slave. It is to be a child of the living God,’ he said.

He commended Sani for promoting inclusiveness and religious harmony since assuming office, stating that one of his first actions was to bridge divisions between Christians and Muslims in the state.

Fani-Kayode said, ‘He kept his promise by ensuring Kaduna belongs to both Christians and Muslims.

‘He also established the Kaduna Elders Forum, where Christians are now included.’

The former minister said peace had returned to Southern Kaduna under Sani’s leadership, noting that the killings and hostilities witnessed in the past had stopped.

He also praised the governor for showing respect to the Christian faith, recalling an instance when Sani removed his cap during a Church service as a sign of reverence.

Fani-Kayode urged the residents of the state to sustain the peace and continue promoting interfaith understanding.

He advised families affected by the past crises to show forgiveness and compassion across religious lines.

‘If you lost a child during the time of terror, find a Muslim child to adopt.

‘And if you are a Muslim who lost a child, adopt a Christian child,’ he said.

Fani-Kayode also called for continued unity between both faiths, stressing that the majority of Muslims and Christians in Nigeria desire peaceful coexistence.

He commended the people of Southern Kaduna for their resilience and faith, describing them as ‘extraordinary people who chose peace over violence.’

A Plateau-based cleric, Evangelist Ezekiel Dachomo of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), has stirred strong reactions across Nigeria after a viral video surfaced of him declaring that no ransom should be paid if he is ever kidnapped.

In the video making rounds online, Dachomo, said his death would not end his mission but instead ‘raise war’ for the liberation of Christians in the northern region.

‘We are showing them mercy, we are showing them love but they didn’t see it,’ he said in the video. ‘I don’t know where I will be next, but I’ve already told my family and members, if they kidnap me, nobody should contribute one kobo. My grave will speak. My blood will raise war that will lead to Christians’ liberation.’

The cleric, who has consistently condemned killings and attacks on Christian communities in Plateau State, said he has accepted the risks that come with speaking out.

‘That day is coming. I am just waiting for them. Even I will tell them, kill me quickly because nobody will bring kobo,’ he added.

Dachomo had earlier posted another video showing the mass burial of victims of a recent attack in Heipang community, near Jos. He described the footage as proof of what he called an ‘ongoing Christian genocide’ in northern Nigeria.

According to him, documenting the violence was necessary ‘so the world will not deny or forget the scale of the killings.’

His message has since gone viral, sparking mixed reactions. While some Nigerians hailed him as a fearless voice of truth, others expressed concern for his safety amid the worsening security situation across the North.

Nigerian fashion creator Priscilla Ojo Mkambala, has responded to the backlash she received over fashion choice.

The influencer on her social media page, responded to a critic who called her out for repeating a shoe she wore during her wedding reception.

‘Is that not the heels you wore for your wedding?,’ the user wrote.

Priscilla responded, noting that comments like that place unnecessary pressure on young ladies.

‘My generation girls are living in delusion, thinking I should only wear Jimmy Choos once just because my fanbase is bigger now. This exact reason is why many young girls feel pressured by social media to fit an unrealistic standard. Note: My life will go however I want it to go. As long as my family, friends, and honest fans are happy, every other person’s opinion is just noise,’ she wrote

The United States and China have agreed on the framework of a new trade deal, their first in nearly six years, just days before President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in South Korea.

US Trade Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the agreement on Sunday, saying it includes a final decision on TikTok’s US operations and a temporary suspension of China’s tightened rare earth mineral export rules.

Bessent added that the 100% tariffs earlier threatened by President Trump on Chinese goods are ‘unlikely to take effect,’ though he stopped short of saying they had been fully scrapped.

Under the new framework, China is also expected to resume large-scale soybean purchases from the US, a move that could provide relief for American farmers who have been hit hard by Beijing’s earlier trade restrictions.

Bessent met with senior Chinese trade officials at the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, describing the talks as ‘constructive’ and confirming both countries have reached ‘a substantial framework’ for their leaders to finalise.

The long-running tensions between Washington and Beijing had escalated after Trump announced plans to impose steep tariffs on Chinese imports unless China relaxed its new export rules on rare earth minerals, key materials used in smartphones, electric cars, and military equipment.

China, which controls about 90% of global rare earth processing, has now agreed to pause those restrictions for a year as part of the new deal.

‘I don’t believe the tariffs will go into force,’ Bessent told CBS News, hinting that the framework would avert a new round of trade conflict.

Trump and Xi are expected to seal the agreement later this week during their meeting in Seoul, in what could mark a turning point for economic relations between the world’s two largest economies.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 75-year-old with 4.7kg of skunk seized from him at Ovum village, Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA), Abia.

A statement by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja, said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Babafemi said that another 60-year-old was also nabbed with 225 grams of same substance at Apanta village in the same LGA.

Meanwhile, 150kg skunk was recovered during a raid operation at Lot camp, Ikun Akoko in Ondo.

Babafemi added that two suspects were also nabbed with 234.5kg of the same substance at Yan aya, Saminaka in Lere LGA, Kaduna State on Friday, Oct. 24.

‘Another set of suspects were arrested with 8,600 pills of tramadol 225mg and rohypnol along Abuja/Kaduna highway.

‘At the Seme border area of Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday, Oct. 22 nabbed another suspect with 55kg skunk at Ashipa area of Badagry.

‘Another suspect was arrested with 121.3 litres of skuchies at Itoga Badagry,’ he said.

In another development, in Zamfara state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Gummi-Anka road on Monday, Oct. 20 arrested a suspect in possession of an AK 47 rifle.

Babafemi said that the suspect was also with 1,746 assorted calibres of ammunition, for AK 47 and GPMG rifles while moving them from Sokoto to Bagega forest, Anka LGA, Zamfara.

‘Both the suspect and the exhibits have since been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation,’ he said.

According to him, commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

‘These include: WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Asabari Grammar School, Iluwa Isale Oke, Saki West LGA, Oyo; Government Day Girls Secondary School, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi; St. Mark’s College, Nsude, Enugu; Kusaki Secondary School, Gboko North, Benue;

‘Others are Government Day Secondary School, Serti- Baruwa, Gashaka LGA, Taraba; Police Children School 2, Port Harcourt, Rivers and Hajara Ahmad International School, Tudun Wada, Kano state, among others’.

Tensions flared again in the occupied West Bank on Sunday as Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man at the Meitar checkpoint, south of Hebron.

According to Al Jazeera the victim died on the spot, while the Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed that two others were wounded in a separate Israeli attack in the town of Qabatiya, near Jenin.

The violence adds to the growing unrest across the West Bank, where Israeli troops guard more than 700,000 settlers living in about 250 illegal settlements and outposts.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Israeli settlers have targeted Palestinian homes and properties over 2,400 times in the past two years, displacing more than 3,000 people.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for an international stabilisation force to operate in Gaza ‘soon,’ but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will decide which countries can participate in the mission.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Mr Bayo Bashir Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) Limited to ‘account for the alleged missing N22.3 billion, USD$49.7 million, £14.3 million and pound 5.2 million oil money, as documented in the recently published 2022 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.’

SERAP said the annual report was published on 9 September 2025. SERAP urged Mr Ojulari ‘to identify those responsible for the diverted or misappropriated oil money and hand them over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution, as appropriate.’

SERAP also urged Mr Ojulari ‘to ensure the full recovery and return of the diverted or misappropriated N22.3 billion, USD$49.7 million, £14.3 million and pound 5.2 million oil money to the treasury without further delay.’

In the letter dated 25 October 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: ‘These grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], anticorruption laws, and the country’s international obligations.’

SERAP said, ‘The allegations have also undermined the economic development of the country, trapped the majority of Nigerians in poverty and deprived them of opportunities.’

According to SERAP, ‘The Auditor-General has for many years documented reports of disappearance of oil money from the NNPCL. Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these missing oil money meant to provide essential public services for Nigerians.’

The letter, read in part: ‘Combating the corruption epidemic in the oil sector would alleviate poverty, improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services, and enhance the ability of the government to meet its human rights and anti-corruption obligations.’

‘Despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money primarily because of the widespread grand corruption including in the NNPCL, and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators.’

‘The diverted or misappropriated oil revenues reflect a failure of NNPCL accountability more generally and are directly linked to the institution’s continuing failure to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.’

‘The diverted or misappropriated oil revenues have further damaged the already precarious economy and contributed to very high levels of deficit spending and borrowing by the government.’

‘Had the NNPCL accounted for and remitted the diverted or misappropriated oil money and returned it to the treasury, it is likely that more funds would have been allocated to the fulfillment of economic and social rights of Nigerians, such as increased spending on education and healthcare.’

‘The level of borrowing by the government would also have been reduced.’

‘We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel the NNPCL to comply with our requests in the public interest.’

‘According to the 2022 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation, published on 9 September 2025, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) failed to account for over N22.3 billion, USD$49.7 million, £14.3 million and pound 5.2 million oil money.’

‘The Auditor-General fears that the money may have been ‘diverted.”

‘The NNPCL in 2020 reportedly paid over N292 million [N292,609,972.29] ‘for a contract to construct an Accident and Emergency Facility along Airport Road, Abuja.’ But ‘the contractor has abandoned the contract, and failed to execute the job, despite collecting the fee.”

‘The Auditor-General fears the contract money may have been ‘diverted’. He wants the money ‘recovered from the contractor and remitted to the treasury.”

‘The NNPCL in 2021 also reportedly spent over GBP£14 million [£14,322,426.59] ‘to repair its London office.’ But ‘there was no evidence to show that the money was actually spent, and no documents of any spending’.’

‘The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted or misappropriated.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’

‘The NNPCL also ‘irregularly paid’ over USD$22 million [$22,842,938.28] to a contractor for lifting 9 cargoes of crude oil.’ The NNPCL ‘failed to explain why the amount due to it from crude from January to October 2019 was only $4,858,997.22 and why the contractor got over $22 million for crude for the same period.”

‘The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may be missing’. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’

‘The NNPCL in 2021 ‘irregularly paid N2.3 billion [N2,379,488,622.99] as car cash option to 100 staff’ but ‘without the approval of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’, and ‘without any document to show that the 100 staff applied for the cash options and any rationale for the payments.”

‘The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted’. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’

‘The NNPCL in 2021 also reportedly ‘failed to deduct statutory taxes of over N247 million [N247,181,597.92] from payments made to contractors and service providers.’ The NNPCL also ‘failed to deduct statutory taxes of over USD$529,000 [$529,863.24] from payments made to contractors and service providers.”

‘The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’

‘The NNPCL ‘paid over N3 billion [N3,445,022,107.40] for various services’ but ‘without any documents or trace’. The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have diverted’. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’

‘The NNPCL ‘irregularly renewed a contract for over USD$1 million [$1,801,500.00] for charter hire of coastal vessel.’ The money was paid ‘before the consummation of a formal contract ratification. The Auditor-General wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

‘The NNPCL also ‘irregularly paid a contractor over N355 million [N355,436,310.42] as consultancy fees for negotiating and securing waiver to avoid demurrage on abandoned cargoes.’ The Auditor-General wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

‘The NNPCL ‘paid over N474 million [N474,462,744.53] to a contractor for the connection of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited to the National Grid.’ The Auditor-General is concerned ‘the money may have been lost’. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’

‘The NNPCL ‘paid over USD$2 million [$2,006,293.20] to a contractor for the rehabilitation and upgrade of system-depot project’, but ‘without any documents’. The NNPCL also ‘paid over N478 million [N478,505,300.00] to a contractor for the rehabilitation and upgrade of system-depot project’, but ‘without any documents’.’

‘The Auditor-General fears that ‘the payments may be for fictitious claims.’ He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’

‘The NNPCL in 2019 ‘awarded a contract for over USD$8 million [$8, 211,432.00] ‘for the emergency procurement and installation of custody transfer meters on crude oil and product pipelines at eleven locations.”

‘The Auditor-General fears that ‘the payments may be for work not executed.’ He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’

‘The NNPCL ‘irregularly paid over pound 5 million [pound 5,165,426.26] to a contractor for the operation and maintenance of Atlas Cove Jetty Facility’ but ‘without any documents.’ The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may have been diverted’. He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’

‘The NNPCL ‘paid over USD$1 million [$1,035,132.81] as legacy debt for charter hire of coastal vessels to a company without power of attorney.’ The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may have been diverted’. He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

‘The NNPCL ‘inflated a contract for over USD$1 million [$1,926,497.38] to hire a Time Charter for Carriage of Petroleum Products.’ The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may have been diverted’. He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

‘The NNPCL ‘paid $156,000.00 to a consultant as outstanding fee for advising on the financing of the rehabilitation of PHRC’, but ‘the payment is doubtful”. The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may have been diverted’. He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

‘The NNPCL ‘failed to deduct USD$8,355.18 as taxes from the payment of outstanding fees to a consultant for advising on the financing of the rehabilitation of PHRC.’ The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may have been misappropriated.’ He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

‘The NNPCL ‘irregularly paid over N82 million [N82,647,151.00] to a consultant for geotechnical/geophysical investigations of the proposed Independent Power Plant Project site.’ But ‘there was no document showing any evidence of payment’.’

‘The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

‘The NNPCL ‘paid over N246 million [N246,196,566.00] for a contract for the purchase and supply of 2400 meters of seamless carbon steel pipe to Warri Refinery Petrochemicals Company Limited.’ But ‘the contract was not never executed and the items were not supplied.”

‘The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’

‘The NNPCL ‘failed to deduct over N46 million [N46,244,033.79] as taxes from a consultancy contract in December 2020 and 2021.’ The Auditor-General wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

‘The NNPCL ‘irregularly paid N200 million [N200,000,000.00] as settlement for tax renegotiation.’ The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

‘The NNPCL ‘failed to remit over N12 billion [N12,721,000,000.00] into the general reserve fund its operating surplus for December 2020.’ The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

‘The NNPCL ‘irregularly paid N152 million [N152,000,000.00] to a company to execute a procurement contract requested from the Office of the Inspector-General of Police’, but ‘without any documents.’ The Auditor-General fears that ‘the payment may be for job not done,’ and wants ‘the money recovered.”

‘The NNPCL ‘irregularly paid N25,000,000.00 as additional consultancy fee on a contract for accounting support.’ The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

‘The NNPCL ‘paid over USD$12 million [$12,444,313.22] to a contractor to buy and instal new diesel generation set at Mosimi Depot.’ But there is no evidence that the project has been fully executed ‘despite the fact that the contract specified that the project awarded in 2020 should be completed within 15 months.”

‘The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’

‘The NNPCL ‘irregularly paid over N145 million [N145,933,833.00] for a contract for the operation and maintenance of Electro-Mechanical Facilities in the NNPC Towers. The ‘contract was automatically renewed on yearly basis without creating room for a fresh contract where other consultants would be given an opportunity of being considered’. The Auditor-General wants the money accounted for.’

‘The NNPCL ‘paid 13 contractors over N1 billion [N1,212,192,409.97] for various works between 2020 and 2021’, but ‘there is no evidence of any work done by the contractors as there were no supporting documents.”

‘The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’

SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.’

The Noise of Hunger and the Silence of Understanding

Everywhere you turn in Nigeria today, one chorus fills the air – ‘things are hard.’ From the markets to the offices, from social media to the streets, frustration has become our national language. And truly, things are hard. Prices are climbing, salaries are shrinking, and people are exhausted. But amid this struggle, we must hold on to one truth: Nigeria is not collapsing – Nigeria is correcting.

What we are experiencing is not the death of our economy, but its rebirth. It is a difficult transition – a period of restructuring after decades of imbalance.

‘You cannot plant a new tree without first uprooting the old one.’ – African Proverb

For years, we built comfort on broken systems – fuel subsidies that rewarded waste, currency distortions that killed productivity, and an import culture that weakened our own industries. Those old systems are now being torn down. The noise of hunger we hear today is the sound of new foundations being laid beneath us.

Reforms Are Not Miracles – They Are Processes

No country becomes great without discomfort. Every transformation requires time, patience, and pain.

The removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates – bold decisions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration – are not punishments. They are the hard medicine Nigeria has avoided for far too long.

When India faced an economic crisis in 1991, it embraced tough reforms that seemed unbearable at the time – but those same decisions turned India into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. When Germany reunited in the 1990s, it went through years of economic strain to create the strong and unified powerhouse we admire today.

‘Reform is not punishment; it’s correction. And correction is never comfortable.’ – Solomon Ogo-Oluwa Oyerinde

President Tinubu has chosen to face the truth rather than delay it. History often rewards leaders who dare to confront discomfort for the sake of future generations.

‘No matter how long the night, the day will surely break.’ – African Proverb

The Difference Between Pain and Progress

It’s easy to mistake suffering for failure, but they are not the same. When a doctor operates on a patient, there is pain – yet healing is taking place. That is what Nigeria is going through: transformational pain, not destruction. It is the sting that comes before renewal.

‘When you clean a wound, it stings – but that sting saves the body.’

The subsidy burden that swallowed over ?10 trillion every year has finally been stopped. The currency system is being reset to restore trust and transparency. Investors are watching again. Yes, it hurts now – but this pain is the soil in which progress grows. Look at China. In the 1980s, millions suffered short-term hardship during economic reforms – but those same reforms built the modern China that leads the world today.

Why Investors Need Stability, Not Sentiment

Investors don’t go where there’s noise. They go where there’s order, policy, and predictability. That’s why Nigeria’s new direction matters. For the first time in years, the message to the world is clear: Nigeria is ready for serious business. But investors also listen to us – the citizens. If we speak hopelessness, we chase opportunities away. When we constantly declare that nothing works, we send fear to the very people who can help rebuild our economy. You cannot attract investors by insulting your own economy. Confidence begins at home. An Akan proverb says, ‘The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.’ Let’s project confidence – not blind optimism, but firm belief that we can rise.

Politicians Weaponizing Pain

Every period of reform attracts opportunists. When people are hurting, some politicians see it as a chance to stir anger instead of offering solutions. But we must be wise. Many of the loudest critics today were silent when they had the chance to fix things.

Let’s remember Singapore’s story. When Lee Kuan Yew introduced tough economic reforms in the 1970s, people resisted. But he stayed focused. Today, Singapore stands as one of the cleanest, most efficient economies in the world. If he had listened to the noise of politics, that dream would have died. A politician who feeds on people’s pain is not leading, he’s exploiting. Patience, they say, can cook a stone. Let us give this process time to cook.

Citizens’ Role in Recovery

President Tinubu has started the restructuring but the real success of this reform will depend on Nigerians. Now is the time to support local businesses, to buy Nigerian products, and to believe in our industries. We must grow what we eat, produce what we wear, and export what we create. ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,’ says an African Proverb.

Nations like Ethiopia and Vietnam grew rapidly not just because of government policies, but because citizens took ownership of their economies. Nigerians must do the same. A nation doesn’t grow by complaint, it grows by contribution.

Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain

Every major reform in history began with hardship. The early months always sting but the harvest comes later. Already, the removal of subsidies is freeing up funds for roads, education, and youth empowerment. The new exchange policy will support manufacturers, exporters, and digital innovators. You can’t climb a tree from the top. That’s why this administration is building from the roots – one policy at a time. That’s how true nations grow: not through shortcuts, but through steady, honest work. Even the United Arab Emirates (UAE) started with sand and oil, but transformed through consistency, planning, and vision. Nigeria has what it takes to do the same – human capital, creativity, and resilience.

The Economics of Hope

Hope is not denial; it is the fuel of endurance. It is what keeps a people going when the road is rough and the destination is far. According to Chinua Achebe, ‘Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.’ It’s time we take control of Nigeria’s story. The world must see not a nation in collapse, but a nation rebuilding itself with courage. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this reform era will test us, but it will also transform us. Hope is not denial, it’s direction.

The Seed Beneath the Soil

Nigeria today is like a seed – buried, pressured, and unseen. But beneath the soil, roots are forming. Growth is happening in silence. ‘Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors,’ says an African proverb. This is our testing season, but it will not last forever. Let’s not let anger or despair drown out our sense of purpose. History will remember this era – not as the time we broke, but as the time we began to rebuild. Reform is never pleasant. But nations that endure the discomfort of correction enjoy the comfort of prosperity.

*Solomon Ogo-Oluwa Oyerinde is a Political Strategist and Advocate for Positive National Branding. He writes to promote national understanding and balanced patriotism. The piece reflects Nigeria’s ongoing economic renewal under the Bola Tinubu Administration, which the writer describes as ‘a record of truth that time will vindicate.’

Nigerian music superstar Davido has paid courtesy visits to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno ahead of his much-anticipated concert at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The Afrobeats singer, who arrived in Akwa Ibom over the weekend, was warmly received by both leaders as part of preparations for his headline show expected to draw thousands of fans from across the South-South region.

Videos making rounds from the visit show Davido exchanging pleasantries with Akpabio and later meeting Governor Eno at the Government House in Uyo. The discussions reportedly centred on entertainment, youth empowerment, and the state’s growing reputation as a hub for major music events. He was accompanied by his team including Asa Asika, and Cubana Chief-Priest.

Earlier in the week, Davido made international headlines after being spotted with French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Paris.

The Uyo concert, billed to hold at the 30,000-capacity Godswill Akpabio Stadium, is part of Davido’s ongoing tour and promises classic performances, star guest appearances, and a celebration of African music excellence.

Nollywood actor and director Daniel Etim-Effiong has revealed that he prays before filming romantic scenes, saying his faith keeps him grounded despite the demands of his profession.

The actor, who made his directorial debut with The Herd, said he often seeks divine guidance before performing kissing scenes on set, a practice he described as ‘part of his worship.’

‘I get all my inspiration from God,’ Etim-Effiong said during an interview on Channels TV’s Rubbin’ Minds. ‘I go on my knees and pray before I go to set and kiss.’

Etim-Effiong, who has faced public criticism for his romantic roles, particularly after a viral clip from Summer Rain showed him kissing actress Bolaji Ogunmola, said his focus remains on storytelling, not controversy.

‘The fact that I play a lot of romantic roles means I get to have kissing scenes sometimes. But the question should go to the producers, why are they expressing affection only one way? There are other ways to show intimacy,’ he said.

The 37-year-old actor, who quit a successful career in engineering to pursue acting, said his journey is rooted in purpose.

‘My family is my garden, then my work. Acting feels like a calling to me, a way to worship through storytelling,’ he added.

Daniel Etim-Effiong also explained why producers continue to include romantic scenes in movies, saying it’s simply market demand.

‘The average Nollywood script says, ‘kiss passionately,’ because that’s what sells. But I believe there are braver ways to explore affection on screen,’ he said.

Despite the attention around his roles, Etim-Effiong insists that faith, focus, and family remain his compass. ‘When you’re a focused person, you don’t let naysayers get to you,’ he said. ‘You just do your job and move with purpose.’