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These three above are piling on false narratives. Orchestrating wild allegations about unproven ongoing ‘Genocide’ in Nigeria. We disagree. Nigeria must reject this attempt to robe it with a garment that is not hers.

Nigeria’s elected President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was forged in the crucible of religious tolerance and understanding, that of democracy and respect for individual rights and of course modern politics. His words and testimony ring out about Nigeria and religious tolerance. Nigeria stands by what their President Said.

The words of the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu holds strong and that’s what we believe.

1.’ Let me also say this clearly, Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people. Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded. Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side – not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us.

2.’We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together. Nigeria will not accept lectures from those who seek to profit from our divisions. No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us.

3.’Our duty is to stand guard over our unity, protect every citizen, and continue to prove to the world that our diversity is not our weakness, but our strength and when Nigeria stands united, no falsehood can prosper against her. So help us God,’

4.’Hate is not an option for us Love is what we preach and we should love one another.

‘I inherited Islam from my family, and I didn’t change; but my wife is a pastor, and she prays for me. No conflicts ‘I have never tried to convince or convert her. I believe in freedom of religion. We all pray to and are answerable to the same Almighty God. Our love and compassion for others are what truly matter. We must learn to live together as one people.’

Recent comments by Bill Maher and Senator Ted Cruz alleging a ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria are both misguided and deeply troubling coming from these ones who should know better.

Such narratives, if left unchecked, distort the reality on the ground and risk inflaming tensions in an already fragile region.

Nigeria is a multi-religious nation founded on principles of freedom of worship, mutual respect, and coexistence. Its Constitution guarantees religious liberty for all – Christian, Muslim, or adherent of any other faith – and successive governments have consistently upheld this right.

What Maher and Cruz have labeled as a ‘Christian genocide’ is, in fact, the brutal wave of terrorism and banditry that Nigeria, like many other nations, continues to battle. These acts are carried out by non-state actors – violent extremists and criminal elements – whose objectives have nothing to do with faith or theology but with chaos, profit, and destabilization. They target soft civilian populations, attacking churches, mosques, markets, motor parks, schools, and villages indiscriminately. Their victims are Nigerians of every religion, ethnicity, and creed.

To suggest that these atrocities amount to a campaign of Christian extermination is to misunderstand and oversimplify a complex security challenge. It also plays directly into the hands of the terrorists, who thrive on division and global misperception. By framing Nigeria’s collective struggle against terrorism as a religious war, such narratives undermine the sacrifices of both Christian and Muslim communities who have stood together in defiance of terror.

Nigeria’s fight against terrorism is national, not sectarian. The government has continuously collaborated with faith leaders across divides – from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs – to strengthen peacebuilding, community dialogue, and counter-extremism initiatives. This inclusive approach reflects the reality that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the shared humanity of its people.

Bill Maher and Senator Cruz et al would do well to engage with the facts before amplifying falsehoods that embolden extremists and malign an entire nation. Nigeria deserves solidarity in its fight against terror – not careless rhetoric that fuels misunderstanding. The truth remains simple: Nigeria is not witnessing a Christian genocide; it is confronting terrorism that targets everyone. And whoever alleges must prove.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has pledged to strengthen collaboration with the International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) Inc. and engage other credible private investors to unlock Nigeria’s vast blue economy potential and position the country as a leading maritime hub in Africa.

Oyetola said the partnership with ICTSI is rooted in the company’s significant investments and contributions to Nigeria’s maritime development, as well as the need to sustain a business-friendly environment that fosters private sector participation and innovation across the industry.

The Minister made this commitment when a high-level delegation from ICTSI paid a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the Federal Government and private investors in advancing Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy agenda.

The ICTSI delegation, led by Farouk Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of ICTSI Nigeria, included Hans Ole Madsen, Vice President of ICTSI; Nicolo Scannavini, Managing Director of Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT); and Chidi Nzerem, a Director of the company.

Discussions during the meeting focused on current operations at OMT and explored strategies for future expansion, operational efficiency, and alignment with the Federal Government’s vision for a dynamic and sustainable blue economy.

Oyetola commended ICTSI for its investments and contributions to Nigeria’s maritime growth, emphasising the Ministry’s readiness to sustain a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector participation and innovation across the sector.

‘Our goal is to make Nigeria’s ports globally competitive by ensuring efficiency, transparency, and sustainability,’ the Minister said.

His offices, Oyetola added, ‘ will continue to work with credible private investors like ICTSI to unlock the immense potential of our blue economy and position Nigeria as a major maritime hub in Africa.’

Since commencing operations in 2021, ICTSI’s Onne Multipurpose Terminal has played a transformative role in boosting cargo throughput and reducing vessel turnaround time at the Onne Port Complex in Rivers State.

The terminal, designed to handle a diverse range of cargo – including containers, break bulk, project and heavy-lift, and roll-on/roll-off cargo – features a 1,000-metre heavy-lift quay, 45 hectares of yard area, modern warehousing, and four new Gottwald mobile harbour cranes, among other state-of-the-art equipment.

In June 2025, OMT made history when it received the Kota Oasis, a Singaporean-flagged, LNG-powered container ship – the first of its kind to berth in West Africa.

The vessel’s arrival, operated by Pacific International Lines (PIL), marked a milestone in the region’s shift toward environmentally sustainable shipping and underscored OMT’s commitment to green port operations.

Beyond its operational achievements, OMT has demonstrated strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) leadership in its host communities, particularly in Ogu and surrounding areas.

The company has executed several community-focused initiatives, including a Safe Water Scheme, youth empowerment programmes, and vocational training projects aimed at promoting local development and social inclusion.

As one of Nigeria’s key logistics and cargo-handling hubs, Onne Multipurpose Terminal continues to strengthen its position as a vital gateway for maritime trade and logistics in West Africa.

Through strategic partnerships, technological advancement, and community engagement, OMT remains a driving force in supporting Nigeria’s maritime economy and fostering sustainable growth.

The Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has said that no governor in Bayelsa State that came after the late Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha deserves the title of ‘Governor-General of Ijaw Nation’.

The Ijaw group in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by its President, Dr Kennedy Tonjo West, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Alamieyeseigha’s death said only the late governor died with the title.

Alamieyeseigha was the governor of Bayelsa State from May 29, 1999 to December 9, 2005 when he was impeached by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly following a dramatic case of corruption against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

After his conviction, Alamieyeseigha was granted a state pardon by President Goodluck Jonathan but later died on October 10, 2015 at a hospital in Port Harcourt.

Alamieyeseigha’s predecessors are Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Timipre Sylva, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and the incumbent Senator Douye Diri.

American Senator Ted Cruze is the joker of the century.

He is the AIPAC-sponsored village idiot and asinine fool who says he wants to save Nigerian Christians from what he has described as ‘Christian genocide’ whilst three others, namley Congressman Riley Moore, Congressman Chris Smith and American Secretary of State Senator Marc Rubio, are his happy cheerleaders.

An Israel-loving, genocide-enabling, Muslim-hating, Zionist-pampering and Gaza-slaughtering Yankee hill-billy who supports a cruel, leperous, lawless, racist, extremist, bigoted, arrogant, vile, land-grabbing, child-killing, rogue, pariah and deluded apartheid state with an all-conquering colonial mentality and who has nothing but contempt for Arabs, Asians and Africans, whether Christian or Muslim, is telling us that he will help to solve our problems and save the Christian population in Nigeria?

He alleges Christian genocide in a country where the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Navy Staff, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the DSS, the Chairman of the EFCC, the Comptroller General of Immigration and so many more heads of our security and intelligence agencies are headed by Christians?

He alleges Christian genocide in a country whose President has a wife that is not only a Christian but also a Pastor?

He alleges Christian genocide in a country where every single Governor from the South and a good number of Governors from the North Central zone are Christian?

He alleges Christian genocide in a country where the Senate President, the Secretary to the Federal Government and the National Chairman of the ruling party are Christian?

He alleges Christian genocide in a country whose Federal Government on assumption of office two years ago removed the great injustice that existed for the previous 8 years in which every single head of our 17 security and intelligence agencies and every single operational head of our Armed Forces was a Northern Muslim?

He alleges Christian genocide in a country where the Federal Government, despite the fact that it has a Muslim President and a Muslim Vice President, has given 62% of all political appointments at the federal level to Christians whilst giving the Muslims 38%.

He alleges Christian genocide in a country where the Federal Government has done more to protect, further the interests and allay the fears and concerns of the Christian population in the North than any other in recent memory?

He alleges Christian genocide in a country where the Vice President went to the United Nations General Assembly, together with the Foreign Minister, and boldly condemned the holocaust of our time and unconciable genocide of the innocent and defenceless Christians and Muslims of Gaza by a psycopathic, cruel, genocidal and mass-murdering Jewish supremacist state which Senator Cruze and his crusaders are so enamoured with and insisted on an immediate cessation of the ethnic and religious cleansing and the unconditional establishment of peace, equity, humanity and a two-state solution?

He alleges Christian genocide in a country in which the Governor of Kaduna state, in North Western Nigera, has in just two years restored peace, harmony and love between the Christian and Muslim communities, built trust between the two more than any other Governor in recent history and has brought an end to the greatest carnage and persecution that Christians have ever faced in any state in our country which occurred under the watch of his predecessor in office for the previous eight years?

He alleges Christian genocide in predominately Muslim Northern states like Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kogi, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, Nassarawa, Kebbi and Bauchi whose Muslim populations have sufferered far more in terms of casualties at the hands of the terrorists than the Christians?

He alleges Christian genocide in predominantly Muslim states like Kaduna, Borno, Kwara and Yobe where the Governors have not only gone out of their way to allay the fears and address the challenges and concerns of Christians with compassion, sensitivity and understanding but have also gone out of their way to bring peace and harmony between members of the two faiths, protect Christian communities and allow for the establisment, re-establishment, building and rebuilding of more Churches than at any time in their history?

Senator Ted Cruz and his Yankee crusaders will not know all this and neither do they care to find out because they are driven by a pathological hatred for Muslims, believe that all Muslims are terrorists and cannot conceive or abide a situation where Muslims and Christians can, generally speaking, abide in peaceful co-existence and skillfully manage their challenges and differences.

To Cruz the only good Muslim is one that is dead or does what he is told by the Americans and the only good Christian is one that goes running to Washington with his tale between his legs, asking for handouts and telling tall tales about how wicked and intolerant all Muslims in Nigeria supposedly are and how primitive and backward our country is meant to be.

That is the false narrative they applaud and wish to hear and these are the perfidious tales and infantile fables that bring joy to their hearts and that feed and justify their arrogance, condescending attitude, contempt and irrational hatred for and towards us.

It also provides them with a reason and plausible excuse to destabilise our nation in an insidious and desperate attempt to pillage our mineral resources, including our rare earth, our gems, our oil and our gold through their local surrogates and agents and eventually come in themselves to pick up whatever is left of us after we have torn ourselves to pieces.

They did it in Libya, Iraq, Somalia, Lebanon, Congo, Syria and elsewhere and now it appears that their evil eye has been focused on us.

That is and has always been the plan and that is why most of the insurgent groups that kill, terrorise and displace our people, both Christian and Muslim, are covertly armed and supported by western intelligence agencies.

More can be read about this in my widely published article titled ‘The Fiction of Christian Genocide and the Conspiracy Against Nigeria’ which I released one week ago.

When one considers all the facts that I have listed above it is clear that under such circumstances the charge of ‘Christian genocide’ and that Nigeria is ‘the most dangerous place in the world for Christians to live’ seems hardly sustainable. As a matter of fact it sounds utterly absurd.

Who in our Armed Forces and security and intelligence agencies pulls the trigger on the Christians and who gives the orders for them to be singled out for genocide whilst the Muslims are left unscathed and untouched?

Is it the Christians that head most of those institutions that are doing so? I doubt it and neither has it happened.

Ironically, to my recollection, it was only on one occassion that the Nigerian Armed Forces specifically targetted and killed over 1000 Nigerians in one day simply because they blocked a road and on account of their faith and the victims were not Christians but rather Shia Muslims and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

This terrible incident occurred in Zaria, Kaduna state in December 2015 eight years before the inception of the Tinubu administration and under the watch of the previous Chief of Army Staff General Tukur Burutai.

In truth if any religious group in our country has the right and legitimate reason to complain to the world that they have been singled out for elimination by the state in the last twenty years it is the Shia Muslims who have suffered mass murder in the hands of both Muslim and Christian leaders.

This begs the following question: have Christians been targetted and massacred in Nigeria over the years and the answer is ‘yes’ and a chilling and horrendous example is the massacre of Christians in four local Government areas in Southern Kaduna on December 25th 2016 in which no less than 808 Christians were targetted and killed in one day!

The difference here though is that firstly those massacres were perpetuated by non-state actors and savage ethnic militias and certainly not by our security agencies and secondly the same group of savages have consistently committed similar atrocities against Muslim communities too.

Both Muslims and Christians are still being massacred by those same non-state actors and savage ethnic militias today and our Armed Forces are engaging them in the field of battle and killing them in greater numbers than ever before.

Their attacks are not against Christians alone but against the Nigerian state and against men, women and children of all faiths.

That is the point that is lost on our Yankee crusaders and their supporters in Nigeria.

Thousands of Muslim scholars, teachers, Sheiks and Mallams were murdered in cold blood by these same terrorists simply for opposing and preaching against their beastly behaviour and barbarity. Two examples are that of Sheik Jafar Mahmoud Adam from Kano and Sheik Albani Zaria from Kaduna who were two of the most respected Islamic scholars of their time.

They were both murdered in cold blood, one whilst praying in the mosque and the other whilst in his car on the way home.

Those that escaped with their lives were few but my good friend Sheik (Professor) Isa Pantami from Gombe, the former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, was one of them.

His ‘crime’ was to have roundly defeated Mohammed Yusuf, the founder of Boko Haram, in a six hour public debate on western education and the place of violence in Islam where he argued that it was unislamic to kill innocent people and to reject western education.

After Mohammed Yusuf was himself killed by security forces whilst in detention and Abubakar Shekau took over as the new leader of Boko Haram the first thing the lattter did was to publicly announce that Pantami must be killed but thankfully, despite the fact that they tried to eliminate him no less than three times, he did not achieve his objective and the Sheik not only remains alive and well today but he has gone from strength to strength in his preaching, his academic achievements and his political career.

It was the same Sheik Isa Pantami that saved the lives of a number of Christians that had been attacked by a violent mob of criminals and terrorists a few years later in Bauchi.

To those that say Muslims are not targetted by Christians as well I challenge them to find out what happened in a mosque in Jos, Plateau state in 2012 when a mob of depraved so-called ‘Christian’ youths not only attacked and killed the Muslims as they prayed and burnt down their mosque but also cut them to pieces and proceeded to cook and eat them! The videos can be found on YouTube till today.

I can also cite the example of a well-respected Muslim Senator from one of the North Eastern states who is the Chairman of a powerful commitee in the Nigerian Senate today whose father was killed a number of years ago by a wild and blood-lusting so-called ‘Christian’ mob before his very eyes a number of years ago.

It was in the same way that a Christian from Benue state by the name Gideon Akaluka was dragged out of a police cell and butchered by a wild, fanatical and crazed so-called ‘Muslim’ mob in Kano 1996.

A similar atrocity occurred in Sokoto state in 2022 when a young lady called Deborah Samuel Yakubu was literally torn from limb to limb and then burnt alive by a group of utterly deranged and lawless so-called ‘Muslims’.

There was also the case of Bridget Agbahime, a Pastors wife, who was killed by another crazed supposedly ‘Muslim’ mob in Kano in 2016.

These killings and sectarian mob actions are a great tragedy, as is the the case with the loss of any life, but that does not mean that Muslims or Christians are being subjected to genocide in Nigeria but rather that ALL Nigerians are being subjected to mass murder by demon-possesed, psychotic, cold-blooded killers and wild mobs that do not represent any faith, any cause or anything other than that which is evil.

There are many other examples of Christians being attacked and killed by so-called ‘Muslims’ and Muslims being attacked and killed by so-called ‘Christians’ and the cycle just goes on.

Criminals and drug-crazed, bloodthirsty mobs use these religious labels just to effect their evil purpose and none of them can legitimately describe themselves as members of a faith neither of which endorses or supports the genocide, ethnic cleansing and mass murder of innocents.

This is not Christian genocide, it is not Muslim genocide but rather it is genocide against all our people by depraved mobs of mindless killers from both sides of the religious divide and we as a people must resist them and despatch them all to hell.

I am glad that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has rightly put a lie to the absurd and dangerous notion that what we are witnessing in our country is exclusively a ‘Christian genocide’ and have finally laid the matter to rest.

In an additional statement signed by Bishop Okah, the President of CAN, they affirmed the fact that Christians were being targetted by non-state actors, acknowledged the fact that the Federal Government is doing its best to address the issue after many years of neglect and they urged the security agencies to do even more than they have already done to put an end to the scourge.

There is nowhere in Bishop Okah’s statement where he alleged that the Federal Government or its security forces are subjecting Christians to genocide and neither did he allege or even insinuate that the horror that has been unleashed on our land by the barbarians affected only Christian communities.

There is also the aspect of a deadly and equally barbaric insurgency group and ethnic militia based in the South East called ESN which has been targetting and killing innocent Christians and Muslims from all over the country.

The members of this militia, just like Boko Haram, Ansaru and ISWAP who falsely claim to represent Islam, claim to represent Chriistianity and ethnic liberation but in actual fact they do not: they represent only satan, his fallen angels and the Angel of Death.

Given the fact that this militant cult of murderous vampires has targetted and killed as many Nigerian Christians as any other and are indeed interested in the total dismemberment of the Nigerian state, it is interesting that Sentor Cruz and his crusaders did not express any concern about their activities and have instead insisted on focusing on only what is going on in the North.

Could this be because he, his AIPAC sponsors and his ZIonist and Isreali friends are the ones bankrolling and encouraging them?

Is that why the de facto leader of the political wing of their militia covertly met with select members of the American Republican caucus in Washington recently where and when they discussed events in Nigeria, the upcoming 2027 presidential election and finally came up with the battle cry of ‘Christian genocide’ as a way of rallying Christians in and outside of the country, discrediting and destabilising our Government and dividing our nation as a first step towards effecting regime change on or before the 2027 election?

These are questions that need to be answered by Senator Cruz and his cheerleaders.

The truth is we do not need a misguided and mischevous white-skinned religious zealot and deluded fake Messiah from Texas to save us.

In the name of God the Great, the Ancient of Days and the Lord of Hosts we shall save and deliver ourselves from the murderous psycopaths and homicidal barbarians that are butchering our people and that have afflicted our land and we shall protect both the Christians and Muslims in our country that are being slaughtered on a daily basis by the Janjaweed hordes from Mordor and the western-backed terrorists of ISWAP Ansaru and Boko Haram.

Whether Christian or Muslim we are first and foremost Nigerians and there is no division between us on religious lines.

Our common enemy are the terrorists and those that covertly empower, aid and support them from outside our shores and not one another and we shall fight them as one!

Senator Ted Cruz and his colleagues and compatriots including Rep. Chris Smith, who has called on President Donald Trump to ‘arm Christian communities in Nigeria and to bomb Muslim ones’, Rep. Riley Moore who has alleged that Nigeria is the ‘dedliest place on earth for Christians’ and urged Trump to designate our nation as ‘a country of particular concern’, Senator Marco Rubio, who has been supporting all three in their nefarious endeavours and who has backed Moore strongly in his quest to ensure that our country is formally designated as one of concern and all the other members of the mischevous, misguided and misinformed cabal of Yankee crusaders and congress of fools, stand warned!

Your jaundiced and delusional perspective, which is rooted in a crass and vulgar display of ignorance and arrogance, defies logical and rational reasoning when it comes to the affairs of our nation and it must come to an end.

You are biting off more than you can chew and the consequences of your bullish and irresponsible behaviour and your mendacious categorisations and characterisations, if unchecked, will ultimately affect American vital and strategic interests not just in Nigeria but in the entire West African sub-region which remains our backyard and firmly under the sphere of our influence.

Stop misrepresenting our situation, leave our country alone and stop trying to provoke chaos and ignite a religious war.

You cannot love us more than we love ourselves! You are part of the problem and not the solution!

It is true that Christians are being killed in large numbers in Nigeria but it is NOT true to say that Muslims are not being killed in equal numbers.

There are over 110 million Christians in Nigeria and there can be no denying the fact that they have suffered immensely over the years in the hands of terrorists.

They have been subjected to mass murder, ethnic cleansing, torture, persecution, vilification and marginalisation for decades particularly in parts of the North.

I would not deny that and I have opposed it and spoken out against it for the better part of my adult life.

Where you have got it wrong though is that this does not translate into ‘Christian genocide’ simply because the Muslims in Nigeria, who are also 110 million strong, are suffering precisely the same things at the hands of the same people.

They have also been subjected to mass murder, ethnic cleansing, torture, persecution, vilification, marginalisation and in some cases even cannibalism in some parts of the North.

That does not however translate to ‘Muslim genocide’ because these terrible atrocities that are being unleashed are not limited to Muslims.

Both faiths have suffered immeasurably in Nigeria over the years and members of both faith have been subjected to genocide.

The terrorists that perpetuate this great evil make no distinction between their victims on religious grounds.

They wipe out Christian communities, take their land, enslave their women and children and desecrate and burn down their Churches and they mete out precisely the same treatment to our Muslim compatriots, Muslim communities and Mosques as well.

I repeat for the purpose of emphasis that what we are witnessing in Nigeria is not a genocide against Muslims or a genocide against Christians but a genocide against us all.

To couch or describe it in any other way as a consequence of ignorance or mischief is most unhelpful and darn-right dangerous and could ignite a full scale religious war the likes of which the world has never witnessed.

We need to tread very carefully indeed and we need to scrutinise the motivations of the Americans and view with the utmost suspicion their new found love for our Christian population.

As they say, ‘beware of the Greeks, especially when they bring gifts!’ Ancient Troy learnt that lesson the hard way with drastic and frightful consequences: let us hope that we don’t end up learning it the hard way as well!

To the Yankee crusaders I say the following. If you want to talk about genocide in Nigeria then talk about the genocide of ALL Nigerians, both Christians and Muslims, at the hands of a group of vile and unconciable terrorists who are throughly evil and who represent no faith.

To call it ‘Christian genocide’ and not the ‘genocide of all Nigerians’ betrays the fact that you have an evil agenda and sinister motive.

No matter how hard you try we shall not drink from your poisoned chalice and you shall not divide or destroy us.

You will not plunge us into a cataclysmic cycle of fratricidal butchery and a second civil war which will undoubtedly result in the massive bloodletting and carnage that you so desperately seek.

That is not our portion and God will not allow it.

The delegations of Nigeria and Benin Republic are scheduled to arrive in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Saturday afternoon, ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Series Matchday 10 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles earned a 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday to put themselves firmly in contention for the lone automatic ticket from Group C, while table-topping Benin Republic scored late against Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali to pick up the maximum points and maintain their three-point lead on their West African neighbours.

Three-time African champions Nigeria fly from the South African city of Polokwane to Uyo aboard a chartered ValueJet Airline airplane, just as the Cheetahs’ delegation will arrive about the same time at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport.

Marketing experts have urged brands to build trust and deliver holistic value beyond price in today’s changing marketing landscape, saturated with choices and increasingly discerning consumers.

They made this assertion at the third edition of the MediaConsortium Conference and Awards, held on Thursday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Industry stakeholders and captains of industry gathered to dissect the theme, ‘Defining ‘Value’ in the Modern Marketplace: Beyond Price, Quality, Experience and Ethics.’

Speaking on the choice of the theme, Adetunji Faleye, Co-Convener of the MediaConsortium Conference and Awards, said, ‘Our chosen theme reflects a pressing question for today’s brands, businesses, and leaders.

‘We believe the answer lies in a holistic approach-one that integrates all these elements and goes further to capture the intangible: trust, relevance, purpose, and sustainability. These are the benchmarks of success in the modern marketplace.’

Delivering the keynote address, Femi Opadere, Head of Digital Media at Globacom, challenged brands to shift their focus from cost to benefit.

He emphasised that today’s consumers are digitally active, have numerous options, and make decisions based on more than just price.

Using Globacom’s introduction of per-second billing as a prime example, he illustrated how delivering genuine value can revolutionise an industry. ‘Somebody somewhere was not thinking about making money immediately. He was thinking about what kind of value I can give to Nigerians that this value-driven strategy led to over one million subscribers in a few months.’

He concluded with the adage, ‘Price is what you pay, value is what you get.’

The conversation deepened during a panel session moderated by Zion Rufus, Senior Brand and Content Strategist at Livespot360. The panellists, drawing from diverse industry experiences, offered practical insights.

Samuel Akinrimisi, New Product Development Lead at Eko Supreme Resources, warned that brands often fail when they operate on flawed assumptions about their customers. ‘The gap I identified is that we do not bring the point of the consumer into the product perspective,’ Akinrimisi explained.

He argued that true value is ‘needed satisfaction’ and requires brands to understand the cultural relevance of their products and messaging.

Ayodeji Ajayi, Strategy/Creative Director at Hephzibah Experiential Ltd, spoke about the power of building an emotional connection and trust to foster unwavering loyalty. ‘You cannot take away emotions,’ Ajayi noted, explaining that a deep connection is what makes a consumer choose a brand repeatedly. He stressed that ‘the culture that defines the experience is one thing that brands must prioritise to succeed.’

Representing the fast-evolving fintech space, Obinna Ojekwe, Marketing Lead, Hydrogen Pay, described value as a powerful differentiator, which can even be found in simple accessibility. He called value a ‘cheat code’ for brands, especially niche players, to excel by deeply understanding their specific market segment.

The experts underscored the message that, in today’s marketplace, sustainable success is built not just on what a brand sells, but on the comprehensive value it delivers to its customers.

The enlightening summit culminated in a prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating the brands, agencies, and individuals who have exemplified excellence and successfully delivered outstanding value. The consumer goods sector was well-represented, with Checkers Custard named Outstanding Custard Brand of 2025 and Golden Penny Semovita taking home the Consumer Brand of the Year 2025 award.

Culinary excellence was further celebrated as Ajinomoto was crowned Outstanding Culinary Brand of the Year 2025. In the beverage category, Amstel Malta was recognised as the Malt Drink of the Year 2025. Demonstrating innovation in the home care segment, SoKlin received double honours as the Innovative Detergent Brand of the Year 2025 and for its Smart Liquid, which won Innovation of the Year in the Detergent Category. A special commendation for delivering tangible consumer benefits went to WideScope International Logistics Limited for Creating Real Value for Consumers.

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Commitment to social responsibility was also celebrated, with BATN Foundation receiving the Social Impact Award of 2025 and Bet9ja Foundation earning the CSR Award of 2025.

Broader corporate excellence was also spotlighted, with Iron Resources named Outstanding Company of the Year 2025. In the financial sector, ALAT was recognised as the Outstanding Digital Bank of the Year 2025.

The agency and professional categories saw a wide array of talent recognised. SBI Media Ltd was awarded Innovative Media Agency of the Year, while SOULCOMMS PR was named Outstanding Public Relations Agency of the Year 2025.

Specialist firms also received accolades, with P+ Measurement Services celebrated as the Innovative Public Relations Measurement Agency of the Year 2025 and CI Public Relations Consulting Limited honoured as the Outstanding firm in Crisis/Strategic Communication. The future of the industry was also in the spotlight, as Seedar Group won Innovative Young Public Relations Agency of the Year 2025 and WhirlSpot Media was recognised for its Outstanding Contribution To Startups.

The MediaConsortium Conference and Awards is an annual event dedicated to fostering knowledge exchange, celebrating industry excellence, and inspiring the future of marketing, media, and communications in Nigeria. It brings together industry leaders, brand custodians, and innovators to discuss pressing issues and recognise outstanding contributions to the marketplace.

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of retiring public servants, pledging prompt payment of their entitlements and a smooth transition into retirement.

Speaking at the 29th Retirement Benefit Documentation Seminar organised by the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro-represented by the Director of Service, Mrs. Bukola Oyedola-commended the retirees for their dedication and invaluable contributions to the state.

He applauded LASPEC’s consistency and described the seminar as an essential platform that prepares officers for life after service.

‘This exercise shows how much the state values its workforce. As long as your documentation is up to date, the Lagos State Government, through LASPEC, will ensure the prompt processing and remittance of your retirement benefits,’ Agoro assured.

He further praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for prioritising workers’ welfare and ensuring that retirees are well supported even after leaving active service.

Agoro also commended the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) for their continued collaboration with LASPEC in promoting efficiency, transparency, and accountability in pension administration across the state.

He added that retirees could now access assistance and pension-related services at LASPEC’s office at the Lagos State Revenue House, Alausa, Ikeja.

Director-General of LASPEC, Babalola Obilana, said that the 29th Retirement Documentation Seminar was designed for officers due to retire between January and June 2026, to help them transition from active service with clarity, dignity, and discipline.

‘Retirement is a defining milestone in the life of every officer. It represents both an ending and a new beginning. It is the conclusion of decades of loyal service, hard work, and sacrifice to the Lagos State Government and its people. At the same time, it opens a fresh chapter, one that allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labour, rediscover your passion, and devote more time to family, community, and personal fulfillment,’ he said.

Obilana added that participants would be exposed to a wide array of topics critical to retirement planning, including documentation procedures, pension administration, financial management, healthcare, legal considerations, and emotional readiness.

‘Our facilitators are industry experts who will provide clarity, dignify processes, and equip you with tools that will help you step into retirement with confidence and assurance,’ he said.

He stressed that proactive preparation would help ensure a peaceful and rewarding retirement.

‘Retirement is not a period to dread but a season to celebrate. a time to redirect your energy toward pursuits that bring joy, fulfillment, and impact,’ Obilana said, assuring the retirees that their years of service had not gone unnoticed.

He described retirement as ‘an elevation into a new phase where you can contribute differently yet meaningfully to society.’

DR. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK), the 2027 Oyo State APC gubernatorial aspirant, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a transformative national vision that is restoring confidence, fostering innovation, and empowering Nigerian youths at home and abroad.

Speaking in London after attending the grand finale of the NextGen Innovation Challenge, Dr. Kareem praised the administration’s commitment to youth development and technological advancement, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda ‘is rekindling the Nigerian spirit of creativity, enterprise, and excellence.’

He emphasized that the success of Al’amin Muhammed Idris, the Kaduna-born CEO of Interface Africa who emerged overall winner of the £1.5 million challenge, reflects the positive impact of policies that prioritize innovation and entrepreneurship. Idris’ firm, Interface Africa, was celebrated for pioneering affordable solar financing solutions for small businesses across Africa, improving energy access and driving economic inclusion.

Kareem lauded the President for backing initiatives that open doors for young innovators to compete globally, noting that programs such as the NextGen Innovation Challenge, organized by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) under the leadership of Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, have created opportunities for over a hundred projects across HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech, Clean Energy, and Artificial Intelligence.

‘President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan; it is a strategic framework that is igniting the creative power of Nigerian youths,’ Dr. Kareem stated. ‘The government’s support for innovation is producing tangible results, from new businesses to clean energy access, and positioning Nigeria as a hub for digital transformation in Africa.’

During the event, Kareem also met with the APC UK Chairman, Barrister Fayemi, and other stakeholders, including the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, where he discussed strategies for innovation-driven governance and diaspora engagement in national development.

The Oyo APC hopeful reiterated his belief that technology and innovation will be central to his vision for Oyo State, promising to align his development agenda with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope philosophy by investing in education, digital skills, and clean energy.

‘Oyo’s future will be built on innovation, not imitation,’ Kareem affirmed.

‘We must translate the Renewed Hope Agenda into local action that empowers our youths, strengthens our economy, and delivers inclusive growth.’

The event concluded with renewed calls for collaboration among government institutions, private sector leaders, and diaspora professionals to accelerate Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and sustain the momentum of the Renewed Hope vision.

Imo State’s transformation under Governor Hope Uzodimma has been nothing short of remarkable. From a state weighed down by insecurity and fiscal distress, it has become a story of renewal and direction. The recent working visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu further affirmed this progress and drew national attention to Imo’s new standing.

Concerns still exist about inclusiveness and whether all communities feel the impact of growth. These concerns, though sometimes overstated, are healthy reminders that development must be sustained, trusted, and evenly distributed.

Under Uzodimma, fiscal stability has taken root. State records show that public debt dropped from ?259 billion to ?99 billion, while internally generated revenue rose from about ?400 million to nearly ?4 billion. This fiscal discipline has powered a wave of infrastructure renewal across the state.

More than twenty major road projects now link Owerri, Orlu, Okigwe, and the coastal communities. The governor’s ‘Shared Prosperity’ agenda has redefined Imo’s potential. His recognition as both Digital Governor of the Year and Infrastructure Governor of the Year by The Whistler Newspaper in 2025 was no surprise to those following the state’s trajectory.

President Tinubu’s visit to Imo gave these achievements further validation. He commissioned the Assumpta Twin Flyover, the Owerri – Mbaise – Umuahia Federal Road, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre.

He commended Uzodimma’s commitment to governance and urged Imolites to remain hopeful, stating that their sacrifices were beginning to produce results.

The visit symbolised continuity between state and federal efforts. It also reminded Imolites that progress must be consolidated through capable succession. As Uzodimma’s administration advances, the question grows louder: who can sustain the momentum?

That answer may well lie in Dr Ikedi Ohakim. A former governor with proven experience and a reformist mindset, Ohakim embodies continuity built on institutional memory and tested vision.

The parallels between both men are significant. Uzodimma established the Imo Roads and Bridges Agency, while Ohakim had earlier created the Imo Road Maintenance Agency (IROMA), which generated more than 30,000 jobs and transformed local road maintenance.

Whereas Uzodimma opened the state to investors, Ohakim had set up the Imo State Investment Promotion Agency to lay the groundwork for sustained private sector participation. Their efforts, though years apart, share the same philosophy of structured development.

Ohakim’s financial innovation remains a major reference point. In July 2009, Vanguard Newspaper reported that his administration launched a ?40 billion infrastructural bond programme, with ?18.5 billion successfully accessed in the first phase. The bond funded key projects including the Oguta Wonder Lake Resort, rural water schemes, and road rehabilitation across the state. It was one of Nigeria’s earliest state-level development bonds and reflected financial foresight that remains relevant today.

Job creation was another hallmark. Beyond IROMA’s employment of thousands, Ohakim introduced the 10,000 Graduate Employment Initiative in 2008. Vanguard reported in November 2010 that 10,000 graduates were recruited into the state’s teaching and civil services, while a June 2011 follow-up article detailed how the scheme aimed to absorb young professionals into public service and education. It was a structured, merit-based intervention that addressed unemployment more systematically than the ad hoc models common at the time.

Environmental renewal became his signature achievement. The Clean and Green Initiative, launched in August 2007 and reported by Modern Ghana in May 2009, was implemented through the Environmental Transformation Committee (ENTRACO). It introduced modern waste management systems, tree planting, public sanitation drives, and beautification across Owerri. By 2010, The Nation and Daily Independent reported that Owerri had been named Nigeria’s cleanest state capital for three consecutive years. The initiative restored civic pride and transformed the state’s image at home and abroad.

Ohakim also invested in long-term human capital projects. The Greater Okigwe Water Scheme, inaugurated by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2009, solved a long-standing regional challenge. His establishment of the College of Education at Ihitte/Uboma and the expansion of the Imo State Polytechnic, now part of Imo State University, created pathways for teacher training and technical education. These legacies continue to serve the state today.

Critics often point to shortcomings in communication during his first tenure, but what distinguishes Ohakim is his response after leaving office. Rather than retreat, he pursued further studies both at home and abroad to refine his understanding of governance. That humility and commitment to self-improvement shaped a more grounded leader. Few Nigerian politicians have shown a similar readiness to evolve.

Political balance also weighs heavily in Imo’s calculations. Uzodimma hails from Orlu Zone, which has produced most of the state’s governors since 1999 and has enjoyed more than twenty years in power. Okigwe Zone, from which Ohakim comes, has only completed a single four-year term instead of the eight years typically expected of each zone before power rotates. This historical imbalance remains a key concern in the quest for justice and equity within the state’s political structure.

The Charter of Equity now points naturally toward Owerri Zone for the next cycle, but Ohakim’s re-emergence offers a unique bridge, a chance to complete Okigwe’s remaining four years while preparing a smooth and fair transition to Owerri thereafter. His inclusive leadership style, often praised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, embodies the bridge-building spirit and sense of fairness that have long defined effective governance in Imo State.

The business community recognises his continuing relevance. His private sector experience and record in attracting investment align with current opportunities such as the Free Trade Zone, Oguta Lake dredging, and new power generation projects. These initiatives need continuity, not disruption.

Youth employment remains a national issue, and Imo is no exception. Ohakim’s 10,000 Youth Employment Initiative remains a model for structured job creation, contrasting sharply with random empowerment programmes. Its blend of public service absorption and skill development fits neatly with the new digital economy that Imo is building.

Continuity also matters in healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental management. Uzodimma’s health insurance scheme and ongoing security improvements require consolidation, not interruption. Projects like Oguta Lake and digital governance platforms demand experienced leadership with both technical understanding and historical context. In all these, Ohakim’s blend of innovation and maturity offers the right balance.

Transitions in democracy often determine whether progress endures or unravels. Imo, now faces such a turning point. Uzodimma’s achievements have changed the state’s image, but their sustainability depends on who takes the baton. Ohakim represents continuity with correction, experience with humility, and vision with discipline.

This is not a contest of personalities but of purpose. The question before Imo’s people is how to protect and deepen the progress of recent years. Ohakim’s leadership style, grounded in inclusiveness and reform, provides that steady path forward.

Feedback from recent community reports shows that Imolites value stability, employment, and practical governance over political adventure. The conversation has moved from partisanship to stewardship: who will secure Imo’s gains and widen their reach?

Uzodimma’s legacy has reset Imo’s direction, though debates on inclusiveness and governance style continue. What Imo needs now is not disruption but stability. With renewed perspective, experience, and a record of reform, Ikedi Ohakim stands ready to lead that next phase.

Continuity with correction, experience with humility, and progress with prudence. That is the balance Imo State needs to ensure that the miracle of today becomes the foundation of tomorrow.

The Nigeria Youth Coalition (NYC) has advocated for the upward review of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) from three per cent to 30 per cent benefits for oil producing communities.

The Convener and President, Nigeria Youth Coalition (NYC), Aare Oladotun Hassan made the demand at the first all Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders in Nigeria, organised by the Coalition in Abuja.

It used the platform to honour the legacies of the late Niger Delta activist, Kenule Beeson – Ken Saro-Wiwa and to also endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

The PIA mandates oil companies to contribute 3% of their annual operating expenses to host community development trusts.

Hassan, who doubles as the President, Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW), commended Tinubu for providing immediate solutions to the groans and environmental issues of the Niger Delta communities.

He also commended the Nuhu Ribadu (National Security Adviser) led Committee report on Ogoni Clean Up Project.

While acknowledging that the president inherited a ‘failed economic system,’ Hassan called for a swift intervention on escalating the high cost of living crisis.