Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Nikki May, NLNG-prize shortlisted writer, has said that BusinessDay’s candid review of her book made her cry.

BusinessDay had reviewed and endorsed May’s book, This Motherless Land, on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Having been shortlisted for the NLNG Prize for Literature, May stated in a note to Nia Ihuoma Alexxis: ‘Your review made me cry. With joy. You got it. I am grateful.’

Nia Ihuoma Alexxis commended Nikki May’s work in response to the discussion on the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature shortlist in the Executive Bookshelf in the Sunday edition of BusinessDay.

She stated, ‘Some books entertain you. Some move you. And then there are the ones that take you by the hand, drag you across the pages, and leave you feeling transformed. Nikki May’s This Motherless Land clearly fits into that last category.

‘This Motherless Land is not just a novel; it’s an entire journey. It’s Lagos traffic and Somerset rain; it’s cousins who become each other’s lifeline; it’s grief, jealousy, inheritance, identity – and that complicated kind of

love that isn’t romantic but still manages to feel earth-shaking. May gave us Wahala, and now she’s back – bigger, bolder, and, dare I say, even better.’

Nia Alexxis then affirmed, ‘3x is a stunning, moving, funny, and unforgettable work. Buy it. Please read it. Lend it out. Snatch it back before your friend forgets.’ And if it does go on to claim the NLNG Prize, you’ll be able to say you knew before the judges did.’

BusinessDay discussed the shortlisted works. Poet, dramatist, and journalist Uzor Maxim Uzoatu previously reviewed the works of Chigozie Obioma, author of ‘The Road To The Country.’ The remaining piece is Oyin Olugbile’s Sanya.

Nikki May is one of two female writers on the three-person shortlist. Oyin Olugbile is the other. Chigozie Obioma is the only remaining male.

It came down to these three outstanding authors from 152 entries. A winner of the $100,000 prize will emerge this Friday at the Grand Awards Night. The literature prize is the main event, as the Science Prize Committee ruled that none of the entries was good enough.

In a statement, NLNG declared, ‘The Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Science has announced that there will be no winner for the 2025 edition, following the judges’ dissatisfaction with the overall quality of entries received.’

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Barth Nnaji, chairman of the Advisory Board, explained that after a rigorous adjudication of the 112 entries submitted this year, none was found suitable for the Prize. He stated that the

decision, though difficult, reinforced the board’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the selection process and protecting the reputation of the prestigious Nigeria Prize for Science.

He noted that the Prize is not just about rewarding scientific output, but also about safeguarding the values of creativity, originality, and scientific rigour that define truly outstanding work.

‘To lower the bar would be to betray the trust of the public and diminish the legacy of the Prize itself,’ Nnaji, a professor, affirmed.

He commended the courage and dedication of all who submitted entries, noting that their efforts reflect discipline and a desire to contribute to both national and global scientific

discourse. He emphasised that excellence transcends effort, requiring innovation, mastery of craft, and the ability to leave a lasting impact on human thought and development.

The board chairman called on Nigerian scientists, researchers, and innovators to be inspired by the judges’ verdict to do more and strive higher.

‘The Nigeria Prize exists to celebrate only the finest achievements, work that embodies originality, withstands scrutiny, and elevates scientific discourse. Where these qualities are absent, we cannot, in good conscience, bestow the Prize,’ he stated.

Can you tell us about your journey before THL? What shaped you?

I am an entrepreneur, business leader, and logistics professional. My professional life has been in logistics, sales, technology, and operations, with leadership roles including chief operating officer at Red Star Express (FedEx). I am also a husband, father, mentor, and someone who believes in service-driven leadership. My guiding philosophy is simple: People. Service. Technology. That’s how I approach both business and life.

My career is rooted in logistics. At Red Star Express, I worked on major projects and learned firsthand how logistics is the backbone of any economy. But I also saw the systemic logistics gaps in Nigeria and Africa. That experience convinced me that Africa needed a fulfillment infrastructure designed for its realities. That conviction birthed THL.

Why did you decide to start The Hub Terminus Limited (THL)?

We wanted to solve a problem that was stifling African businesses. MSMEs, retailers, and even multinationals lacked reliable and affordable fulfillment solutions. Warehousing was fragmented, inventory management was manual, and last-mile distribution was costly. THL was created to bridge that gap by providing the infrastructure businesses need to scale.

I say ‘we’ because THL was co-founded by Victor Ukwat and me. Our founding team and indeed our entire staff have been amazing. We wouldn’t be where we are today without every single one of them.

How did THL move from idea to reality? What were the first steps?

We started with customer interviews and a pilot facility, then invested in infrastructure and training. We built our Order Management System (OMS) to give clients visibility from day one, signed partnerships, and adopted an asset-light footprint while we validated demand.

What verticals or sectors does THL play in?

THL operates across multiple verticals: retail, FMCG, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing support. We also work with startups and MSMEs who need flexible, tech-enabled fulfillment without heavy upfront investment. Each vertical has unique needs, and our model allows us to tailor services. whether it’s sensitive items or high-turnover SKU management for e-commerce brands.

What were the biggest early challenges, and how did you overcome them?

Capex pressure, trust building, and talent upskilling. We mitigated capex through a hybrid model, built trust with tight SLAs and transparent dashboards, and invested heavily in people and process, because execution quality is everything in fulfillment.

You have a People. Service. Technology. (PST) philosophy. What does it mean to you?

It’s the foundation of everything we do. People come first, because technology means nothing without passionate, well-trained people to drive it. Service is our commitment to consistency, reliability, and transparency for our clients. And Technology is the enabler that allows us to scale these values efficiently. So, PST isn’t just a slogan; it’s how we design our workflows, hire our teams, and measure success. It keeps us human but scalable.

How central is technology to your model?

A: It’s the spine. Our OMS gives clients live visibility, stock, orders, dynamic reporting, SLAs, and exceptions. We use scanning, audit trails, and analytics to cut errors and improve pick rates.

What makes THL stand out from other logistics players?

What sets us apart at THL is our people who deliver with passion, our flexibility to adapt to every client’s needs, and our technology that drives efficiency and transparency.

We know you’re grounded in providing services in Nigeria, but are you looking at scaling regionally?

Absolutely. Nigeria is our base, but Africa is our playground. We’re already exploring strategic partnerships and opportunities in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. The AfCFTA gives us a clear framework for regional trade, and our goal is to create a connected fulfillment network that supports cross-border e-commerce and regional manufacturing supply chains. We call it our Pan-African Fulfillment Grid.

How favorable are government policies to your operations?

Policies shape our sector directly. Though laudable, the removal of fuel subsidies raised transport costs, inflation reduced purchasing power, and FX volatility affected imports. But there are also positives; FDIs, a steadying economy, AfCFTA, and trade facilitation policies create opportunities for local and cross-border growth. At THL, we adapt by focusing on efficiency, diversifying our model, and exploring alternatives.

The economy has been challenging. How are you navigating it?

Resilience and innovation. We’ve optimized throughput without doubling staff. We’ve leaned on collaboration like 3PL partnerships, and we continue to invest in automation and tech to cut inefficiency. Our philosophy is that every challenge is an opportunity to innovate and that’s how we’ve stayed strong.

Being married, how has family influenced your journey?

Yes, I’ve been married for over 23 years, and we are blessed with two kids. Family is my foundation. They balance the pressures of entrepreneurship and give me strength when challenges come. My wife and children have been my greatest supporters, and they remind me constantly that my work must go beyond profits; it must leave a legacy of opportunities for the next generation.

You’re also CEO of the William Bamah Foundation. What is its mission, and why the name William Bamah?

Capacity building and philanthropy. We mentor youth, support entrepreneurs with practical skills, and provide relief where it’s needed. Building companies matters; building people matters even more.

The foundation was named after my father; William Bamah Oyarekhua his first and middle name. He means a lot to me, and I miss him deeply. He was known for his big heart, his humility, and his commitment to helping others. Naming the foundation after him is my way of continuing that legacy of compassion, service, and generosity.

Outside of work, who is Jayson? What do you enjoy doing?

I love movies, music, and hanging out with friends over drinks. I also enjoy reading, writing, and mentoring. Through LinkedIn, I share leadership insights and help develop future leaders. I love to learn. Above all, I value family time; those moments recharge me and remind me of what truly matters.

What change are you trying to create with THL, and what’s your leadership style?

THL is more than brick and mortar. We are: Empowering MSMEs to scale with access to affordable infrastructure. Creating jobs and skills for young people. Lowering consumer costs through supply chain efficiency. Strengthening regional trade by providing the fulfillment backbone for AfCFTA.

We’re unlocking Africa’s growth potential. That’s the real change. For leadership style, it’s transformational, situational, calm, standards-driven, and human. I rely on emotional intelligence to earn trust and on clear metrics to drive performance. People do their best work when expectations are explicit and support is real.

What leadership lesson would you have wished you learned earlier, and what’s been your proud moment as a founder?

Hire values first, skills second, and document everything. Great SOPs and the right attitudes outperform raw talent without structure. For me, the proudest moments are when I see businesses finally able to scale after trusting THL with their fulfillment. Many clients come to us weighed down by stockouts, manual inventory headaches, and professional personnel issues. Once we take over, they suddenly have the infrastructure, systems, and visibility they need to grow. I’ve watched MSMEs expand into new markets, retailers add new product lines with confidence, and e-commerce brands improve customer trust because orders are accurate and on time. That’s deeply fulfilling.

Where do you see THL and yourself in five years?

In five years, THL will be the fulfillment hub of 1st choice in Nigeria and expanding into Africa. Our ambition is to be the partner every business thinks of when they think of fulfillment in Africa. I see myself still building, still mentoring, and still leading. I want to keep contributing to Africa’s growth story, not just through THL but also through the William Bamah Foundation, through training, and through the people I have the privilege to mentor. For me, entrepreneurship is about impact and legacy.

What would be your advice to young African founders?

Pick a real problem. Start small. Move fast. Build SOPs and dashboards early, price with discipline, and invest in people. The market rewards reliability more than rhetoric.

A prosecution witness on Thursday told a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama how multi-million-naira withdrawals were made from the Kogi State Government account in transactions linked to the ongoing trial of former governor Yahaya Adoza Bello.

The sixth prosecution witness (PW6), Mshelia Arhyel, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc, made the revelation while testifying before Justice Maryanne Anineh. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving ?110.4 billion.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro, Arhyel told the court that the third defendant, Abdulsalami Hudu, made several multi-million-naira withdrawals from the Kogi State Government House account in early 2016.

‘On the 19th January 2016, there were five debit entries, of which the beneficiary of these withdrawals is Abdulsalam Hudu. On 12th February 2016, there were 21 debit entries and the beneficiary is Abdulsalam Hudu; eight of the withdrawals were ?10 million each. Additional nine of the withdrawals were also for Abdulsalami Hudu,’ she said.

The witness further disclosed a pattern of frequent cash withdrawals below the ?10 million threshold. ‘On 17 and 18 February 2016, there were various cash payments, and on 24th, 25th and 26th February and the 3rd of March 2016, there were various cash withdrawals in favour of Abdulsalam Hudu. In the withdrawal of 3rd of March 2016, there were 37 transactions and all are below ?10 million. There are consistent multiple cash withdrawals on different dates by Abdulsalam Hudu. They were all below the ?10 million and below the threshold,’ she said.

Arhyel also told the court that in 2018, more large withdrawals were made in Hudu’s name. ‘On 30th and 31st January 2018, there were cheque withdrawals by Abdulsalami Hudu which were ?10 million each. On 30th January 2018, the total cash withdrawals amounted to ?350 million and on 31 January 2018, the withdrawals totalled ?357,267,000 – everything totalling ?757,267,000 in two days,’ she testified. She also presented account statements for several other entities, including Aleshua Solutions Services, noting that on May 6, 2022, transactions included transfers of $2,500 from B.O. Rosemary Chukwuma and two separate $5,000 transfers to an individual identified as Yau.

Arhyel further revealed that on December 6, 2016, the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service made payments totalling ?202,302,740.20, followed by ?101 million in cash withdrawals in favour of Jamiu Salawo. Additional withdrawals of ?66 million and ?167 million were also made in April 2017.

The court also heard from Victoria Oluwafemi, a compliance officer with Polaris Bank, who appeared as the fifth prosecution witness (PW5) on Wednesday. She told the court that SFC Foods Limited received credit transactions from different sources amounting to ?450 million on December 21, 2021, while JIT Agric Limited received multiple transfers totalling ?150 million on December 23 and 24, 2021.

Defence counsel J.B. Dauda, SAN, and A.M. Aliyu, SAN, objected to the admissibility of the documents presented by the prosecution, arguing non-compliance with Sections 83, 84, and 165 of the Evidence Act.

However, prosecuting counsel Pinheiro urged the court to discountenance the objections.

Justice Anineh adjourned the matter till November 12 and 13, 2025, for continuation of trial.

Yourtimepays International Company Limited has announced that it will officially re-launch its operations on 25 October 2025.

The company’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kerry Kenu Sholaye, said the move represents more than a business milestone. ‘Yourtimepays International Company Limited is not just relaunching; we are redefining business with a human face. Our promise is sustainability – to our investors, to our partners, and above all, to the communities we serve,’ he stated.

In preparation for the re-launch, the company has outlined a series of key activities. It began with an official press release issued on 3 and 4 October 2025, followed by a product auction offering goods at discounted prices from 15 October.

The auction will coincide with the company’s participation at the Canton Fair in China. In addition, advertising slots on company-owned platforms have been open for booking since 1 October, providing businesses and individuals with opportunities to promote their brands.

The re-launch event on 25 October will mark the unveiling of Yourtimepays’ upgraded digital platforms, the opening of new global business offices, and the introduction of enhanced service delivery systems aimed at improving accessibility and efficiency.

As part of its broader expansion, the company has announced the opening of its VIP Restaurant Headquarters in Abuja on 29 November 2025. The restaurant will function as both a hospitality centre and a social empowerment initiative, providing direct employment for over 10,000 Nigerians and creating further opportunities across related sectors including agriculture, logistics, and services.

Yourtimepays’ growth plans are supported by partnerships with foreign investors, reflecting continued confidence in Nigeria’s economy. These collaborations are expected to drive technology-based business solutions and strengthen long-term sustainability.

The company also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its commitment to improving the business environment and encouraging investment. It noted that national social investment programmes align with its own mission of empowering communities and creating inclusive growth.

‘We recognise the Federal Government’s commitment to making Nigeria a destination for investors, and we stand ready to complement this vision by creating more jobs, building innovative platforms, and contributing meaningfully to national growth,’ the company said in a statement.

President Bola Tinubu on Friday congratulated Al’amin Muhammed Idris, chief executive of Interface Africa, on winning the NextGen Innovation Challenge.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on information and strategy, said Interface Africa, representing Kaduna, won a cash award of £1.5 million at the challenge’s grand finale, held on Thursday at the Hilton London Paddington.

The NextGen Innovation Challenge is a national initiative spearheaded by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) in partnership with UKALD London.

Onanuga said the challenge, inspired by President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ‘is designed to unlock Nigerian youths’ innovative potential.’

More than 700 Nigerians have become homeowners in just six months, marking early success for a landmark mortgage reform programme championed by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

The initiative aims to tackle Nigeria’s chronic housing crisis, which has left millions locked out of ownership due to high interest rates, limited access to credit, and a housing deficit estimated at over 28 million units.

Speaking on the initiative, Wale Odutola, CEO of ARM HoldCo, said MREIF represents the type of collaboration needed to deepen Nigeria’s housing finance system.

‘MREIF embodies the kind of partnership Nigeria has long needed-government resolve combined with private sector rigour,’ Odutola said. ‘Together with MOFI, we are laying the structural foundation for a housing sector that rewards citizens, unlocks investor confidence, and drives inclusive growth.’

As the heart of the reform, MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), a N1 trillion Securities and Exchange Commission-registered vehicle was created to provide long-term, affordable mortgages for ordinary Nigerians. The fund offers loans at 9.75 percent per annum with repayment periods of up to 20 years, a major shift from the double-digit lending rates that have long defined Nigeria’s mortgage market.

Since inception, MREIF has financed over 700 homebuyers through 11 Eligible Financial Institutions (EFIs) across five regions of the country. These include Abbey Mortgage Bank, Access Bank, FCMB, FHA Mortgage Bank, Gateway Mortgage Bank, Globus Bank, Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank, Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank, Living Trust Mortgage Bank, Nigeria Police Mortgage Bank, Providus Bank, Stanbic IBTC, and Union Bank.

Each mortgage represents a family transitioning from rent to ownership, a step that builds household wealth and stability.

The combination of government support, private-sector management, and transparent governance makes MREIF a stronger model than earlier public housing schemes.

The Federal Government committed N150 billion under Series 1 funding, fully subscribed in December 2024, while private investors contributed another N100 billion under Series 2. Additional tranches are expected to raise the fund to N1 trillion, ensuring sustainability. The fund is managed by ARM Investment Managers, providing professional oversight and accountability.

Beyond individual mortgages, MREIF supports developers through offtake guarantees, encouraging new construction, job creation, and expansion of the housing supply chain. It also provides a credible platform for diaspora Nigerians seeking secure real estate investment opportunities.

Although inflation, forex volatility, and high construction costs remain challenges, MREIF’s long-term and concessionary structure provides a cushion. With more financial institutions and investors expected to participate, the fund could help thousands more Nigerians move from renting to owning homes, turning one of Nigeria’s toughest socioeconomic challenges into an opportunity for inclusive growth.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a strong starting XI for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday evening.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his place between the sticks as he targets a tenth clean sheet for the national team. In defence, Benjamin Fredrick starts at right-back in the absence of regulars Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Bruno Onyemaechi takes his usual spot on the left. William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey form the central defensive pairing. With Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika sidelined through injury, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi will anchor the midfield, looking to control possession and dictate play in the middle of the park.

In attack, Victor Osimhen leads the line alongside Tolu Arokodare. Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon provide width and creativity from the flanks.

Nigeria, currently chasing a maximum of three points to keep their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive, knows that a victory against Lesotho is vital before their final Group C clash against Benin Republic.

Confirmed Nigeria Starting XI vs Lesotho

Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali

When Nigerian student Oluwapelumi Dada spotted Sam Parr, an entrepreneur and My First Million podcast host, jogging through San Francisco last year, he jumped on his bike, chased Parr down, and pitched him his idea.

This idea is an app that allows students to apply for multiple jobs at once. The pitch, which caught Parr’s attention and later went viral on social media, has been accepted into Y Combinator, one of the world’s most prestigious startup accelerators.

On account of the journey from Lagos to Silicon Valley, Dada’s story is one of grit and belief in possibility. After moving to the United States for university two years ago, he spent much of his time building apps and sharing his progress online.

Last year, he turned down internship offers from Tesla and Dell -two of the world’s top tech firms – to focus full-time on developing his idea, then called One Click Apply.

The app aimed to simplify how students navigated job applications, offering a single platform to apply to multiple opportunities with just one click.

While being unable to afford the summer without a job, Dada took a leap of faith and joined The Residency, a hacker house in San Francisco where young founders live and build startups together.

While there, he convinced fellow Nigerians, David Aladee and Damilola Ajayi, to leave their own pursuits and join him in building what would later become Sorce, described as the ‘Tinder for jobs.’

Their early hustle caught the attention of tech investor Hugo Thieblot and startup collective Founders Inc., who provided the first funding to grow the project. Dada later returned to school, continued refining the app, and officially launched it after graduation.

After missing Y Combinator’s application deadline, the team decided to apply anyway – a decision that would change their lives. Weeks later, Dada received a call from YC’s David Lieb confirming that Sorce had been accepted.

‘We got a call that we got in,’ Dada wrote on X (formerly Twitter). ‘Dreams do come true.’

This marks a new chapter for African Innovation as with its acceptance into Y Combinator, Sorce joins the ranks of a growing number of African-founded startups making their mark in Silicon Valley.

The app aims to help students and young professionals streamline job applications, which is a pain point for millions worldwide.

For many in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, Dada’s story represents the bold, self-starting attitude driving the next wave of African founders who are competing globally.

The One Click Apply is a website that allows students/job applicants to apply to jobs in one click, with the hope of making the job application process easier for students. One Click Apply helps job applicants not worry about all the repetitive parts of applying for a job.

The end goal is to build the standard for applying to jobs on the internet, so that anyone, anywhere, won’t have to put in the same information on 10 different websites several times.

He hails from Oyo State, in Nigeria. Dada attended Rehoboth Peace Academy, Abuja, for his primary education; Middle School (JSS 1-3) at Salem Academy, Abuja, and the Government Science Secondary School, Abuja (SS1-3).

A student at Huston-Tillotson University from Austin, Texas, representing the Huston-Tillotson University class of 2025, Dada’s tech journey began at the tender age of 11.

He got a full tuition scholarship studying Computer Science at the Huston-Tillotson University and worked as a resident assistant (which gives him free housing).

He said that he got to know about tech at a young age. Temitayo Dada, his mum, brought in a computer when he was young, hence he naturally got an aptitude for computers because he could do a lot of things on it.

Kehinde Dada, his dad, was a graphic designer, whom he learned some graphic designs from. Dada also did some graphic design with Photoshop and CorelDRAW when he was younger.

He started coding late, according to him. However, he learned Java when he was 11, but only for that summer. ‘I stopped coding when I started secondary (high) school. When I got into SS 2 (11th grade), I started making websites with Wix, and learning HTML until I graduated (from secondary school),’ he said in an interview with Africa Interviews.

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry(GBHEM) said in a release that Oluwapelumi Dada is on a mission to bridge the gap between technology and community service.

‘With the help of General Board of Higher Education and Ministries Scholarships, Dada is pursuing a degree in computer science while actively giving back to the community that shaped him,’ it noted.

GBHEM Scholarships offers financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Every year, an average of $4 million is awarded to help students in the United States and abroad to pursue their dreams through higher education.

‘I am deeply honored to receive this scholarship. Your generous support has lightened my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and professional development,’ Dada said.

‘Attending college is crucial for me to gain the advanced knowledge in computer science that will allow me to innovate and solve complex problems,’ Dada added. ‘Seminary education is also important to deepen my theological understanding and serve my community with informed spiritual leadership.’

He noted that his goal in the next five to 10 years is to completely reinvent what recruiting looks like. ‘Recruiting today is broken and is desperately begging to be fixed. In terms of recruitment, finding applicants is hard for companies and employers.

‘So, there’s a lot of work to be done in making the experience easier on both the employers and applicants. For my life goals, I want to build really cool stuff and create a lot of value for the world.’

A good number of pupils across 73 public primary schools will receive educational materials courtesy of Ibadan North Local Government in Oyo State.

This is as the schools are also to benefit from the distribution of school furniture, including desks and chairs as well as board markers and chalks, among others.

Seun Olufade, Chairman of the Local Government, who stated this at the commencement of the distribution of the educational materials worth millions of Naira, held at the Ibadan North Local Government Secretariat, said the move was meant to encourage students in their educational pursuit.

He added that it would also assist parents in lessening the burden of giving education to their wards, commending Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for his support.

The chairman maintained that the items to be distributed include 800 seats and desks, packs of chalk and board markers, 300 school bags and 200 pairs of school sandals. He noted that the effort was aimed at improving the learning environment and easing the challenges faced by pupils and teachers, saying: ‘Well, it is some sort of encouragement to let our students understand and know that education is key and it is very essential.

‘We are preparing them so that they know they are the leaders of tomorrow and also know that they should take their education seriously.

‘As the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government and a youth as well, I want to say that it is another encouragement for them; that when they face their education squarely, there is nothing in life that they can’t become.

‘This is just about giving back the dividends of democracy. Other local government chairmen have also been doing wonderfully well. Some of them did similar things in the past and I am sure moving forward, others will do it as well.’

Nureni Adeniran, the chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) speaking during the symbolic presentation of the materials, commended Olufade for the initiative.’

Describing it as a monumental effort to strengthen the state government’s drive towards quality education and the eradication of the ‘no-seat’ challenge in public schools, Adeniran noted that the intervention would significantly alleviate the difficulties faced by public primary schools within the Local Government.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday appointed Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ushering in a new era for Nigeria’s electoral body amid rising calls for reforms.

Amupitan, 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. A professor of law at the University of Jos and an alumnus of the same institution, he specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014.

His appointment comes at a critical period of Nigeria’s democracy, following widespread criticism of the 2023 general elections. The polls were marred by controversies over result transmission failures, logistical delays, and allegations of partisanship. Recent off-cycle gubernatorial elections have also faced similar challenges.

Mahood Yakubu, former chairman, introduced several reforms during his 10-year tenure in office, including Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), but the success of these devices appears to be derailed by politicians who have mastered how to manipulate the devices, throwing recent elections into chaos and disputes.

A recent example was the Edo State governorship election, where disputes arose over the collation of results at the state headquarters, rather than the designated local government collation centres.

With the 2027 general election approaching, public confidence in the commission remains low. Political party defections, early campaigns, and heightened tensions have further put INEC under pressure to show neutrality and independence.

Public trust in elections

Stakeholders say the immediate task before Amupitan is to rebuild public trust and restore confidence in the electoral system.

‘The former chairman started well, especially with the technological innovations but politicians later defeated him to his game. Our electoral system need total overhaul,’ Temitope Musowo, public policy expert and lecturer, told BusinessDay.

‘Amupitan must assess the performance of technology in the conduct of elections in Nigeria and see where there are lapses to improve the system.

‘It is either he is ready to work or he should decline the offer. A lot of people don’t want free and fair election in Nigeria because they are not popular,’ he noted.

According to him, the new chairman must immediately show Nigerians that he is not a political appointee but a servant of the constitution and must work for Nigerians.

Similarly, Amina OJei, political analyst at the Centre of Electoral Reforms, called for immediate reforms in INEC, saying that they must be swift, inclusive, and transparent.

‘INEC must lead the charge in collaborating with the National Assembly and the civil society to close legal loopholes that enable malpractices,’ Ojei said.

Experts also expect Amupitan to drive amendments of the Electoral Act, particularly in areas dealing with result collation and electronic transmission.

‘Strengthening electronic transmission from polling units will promote transparency and accountability,’ said Kunle Okunade, another political analyst. ‘That’s how to rebuild public trust in our electoral process.’

Source of funding for INEC should change

Many stakeholders say that any move to give INEC autonomy must start with its source of funding. There are reports that the commission activities have been affected by limited funding recently. Such was seen in the 2023 poll where not all the money budgeted for the general election was released by the executive.

Speaking some days ago at a webinar on electoral reform, Obiageli Ezekwesili, former education minister, had called for urgent financial and operational autonomy for INEC to function effectively, saying that the electoral body should be funded directly from the consolidated fund.

Challenge of restoring faith in BVAS and IReV

With technology now central to Nigeria’s electoral process, the new chairman faces the challenge of restoring faith in BVAS and IReV, both of which experienced significant malfunctions during previous elections.

Pundits say digital integrity, cybersecurity, and operational reliability will be critical in the 2027 general election.

Ezekwesili had demanded the strengthening of the results collation mechanism, change in the procedure for the appointment of INEC commissioners, strong penalty against electoral offenders, among other reforms, ahead of 2027.

She had called upon the National Judiciary Commission to discipline judges who undermine the electoral system by giving frivolous rulings and colluding with politicians.

‘Case exceeding the timeline should not be allowed. We need specialised courts for election cases in Nigeria urgently and judges should be randomly picked for these cases to check manipulation,’ Ezekwesili said.

Youth disillusionment, poor voter turnout

The 2023 elections witnessed a surge in youth voter registration, driven mainly by political movements on social media.

However, post-election surveys indicated a wave of disillusionment among young Nigerians, many of whom felt their votes did not count.

Voter turnout has been in steady decline in Nigeria over the last decade, and there are fears it would will be worse in 2027.

Political analysts say Amupitan must rise to restore Nigerian youths’ confidence in the electoral system, which will be key to increasing voter turnout in 2027.

‘To gain youth confidence, the election umpire at this moment needs to work on the human and material logistics during the election day,’ Okunade noted.