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As Akwa Ibom State moves to update its energy and environmental compliance frameworks, legal reforms are taking shape at the Ministry of Justice in Uyo.

At the center of this process is Ms. Idara Andy, Lead Counsel for Energy Regulation and Policy, who has been involved in drafting new laws and regulations that cover electricity, oil, gas, and renewable energy operations.

Her work includes developing agreements and licenses designed to clarify responsibilities between companies and government agencies. Power purchase agreements and exploration licenses she has helped structure place emphasis on accountability and transparency, aiming to reduce disputes and regulatory breaches.

Ms. Andy has also represented the state in court cases against multinational oil companies, particularly in matters concerning environmental degradation. These cases have tested enforcement of existing standards and signaled the state’s willingness to pursue stronger compliance measures.

Beyond litigation and drafting, she has been involved in capacity-building efforts. In late 2023, she organized training workshops for government officials in Uyo, focusing on energy law and environmental compliance. The sessions emphasized how stronger legal understanding can support renewable energy initiatives.

State officials note that since the introduction of clearer compliance systems, investor interest in renewable energy projects has increased. According to one senior energy commission official, the reforms have created ‘a more predictable environment’ for stakeholders in the sector.

Observers see the Akwa Ibom process as part of a broader shift in Nigeria, where energy law has often been reactive. By combining policy development with legal enforcement, the state is positioning itself to better balance environmental sustainability with economic growth.

What is your approach to building relationships with national and international media to promote a favourable image of Nigeria?

Trust is the cornerstone of strong media relations. We work with both local and international media by providing accurate data, human-interest stories, and access to Nigerian leaders and changemakers. Our approach is proactive rather than reactive. ensuring that journalists do not only hear crisis-driven stories about Nigeria, but also stories of progress, culture, and solutions.

How do you intend to involve the younger generations in the project, particularly in shaping and sharing Nigeria’s narrative?

Nigeria is a young nation, and our youths are our greatest storytellers. We can involve them through digital challenges, creative ambassador programmes, and training opportunities that allow them to co-create narratives. We believe that when young Nigerians share their stories, the world will listen.

How do you balance local narratives with the expectations of global audiences in your messaging?

Balancing local and global narratives requires authenticity. We must tell stories rooted in Nigerian realities, our challenges and triumphs, while framing them in a language that resonates globally. For instance, a local innovation in fintech can be presented as part of a global conversation about financial inclusion. So, we don’t change the local story to fit a global mold. Instead, we translate its significance. We ensure the local content is respected and clear, but we highlight why it matters to the world. We show how Nigeria’s solutions, culture, and creativity are relevant to global audiences because they speak to shared human and economic interests. The key is alignment. staying true to who we are while speaking to what the world cares about.

What strategies do you intend to use to engage various stakeholders, including government, private sector, and civil society organisation in the reputation management process?

Reputation management is most powerful when it is inclusive. Our strategy boils down to three things; shared ownership, structured dialogue, and co-creation. Our strategy is to create platforms where government, the private sector, civil society, and youths can contribute to shaping Nigeria’s story. This will include stakeholder roundtables, joint campaigns, and cross-sector partnerships. We will empower them as co-creators. We will provide the platform, the digital tools, the media connections and then amplify their authentic stories. The government’s role isn’t to control the narrative, but to curate and champion the incredible narratives Nigerians are already creating every day. It’s about moving from telling the world about Nigeria, to helping Nigerians tell the world themselves. Engagement must be two-way; we must listen as much as we communicate.

What can you say about The Nigeria Global Reputation Project

It is a strategic, data-driven national initiative designed to proactively measure, manage, and enhance Nigeria’s perception on the global stage. Powered by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), it brings together government, private sector, and cultural leaders to align our national narrative with our economic and cultural realities, ultimately driving investment, tourism, and global influence.

How do you intend to collect and incorporate feedback from citizens and stakeholders regarding Nigeria’s image on the global stage?

Listening is central to reputation management. We will establish feedback channels through citizen surveys, diaspora town halls, social media sentiment tracking, and stakeholder consultations. And the feedback will not sit on a shelf. It will inform our strategies, ensuring that Nigerians’ voices shape how we are represented globally.

What are the key goals of the Nigeria Global Reputation Management Project, and how do you plan to achieve them?

This project has three main goals. First, to project Nigeria’s strengths. our entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and cultural leadership, so they become as globally recognised as our challenges. Second, to build trust by ensuring that what we communicate abroad aligns with the progress we are making at home. Third, to create a coordinated platform where government, business, civil society, and diaspora voices work together to tell a consistent, compelling story about Nigeria. We will implement a robust strategy that includes a national narrative framework, digital campaigns, media partnerships, diaspora engagement programmes, and consistent measurement of global sentiment. Rather than reinventing Nigeria’s story, we will finally, and strategically, amplify the story that is already being written every day by millions of Nigerians. And we will amplify it with clarity.

What role will partnerships or collaborations play in the project?

Strategic partnerships are at the heart of this project. We cannot succeed without the active involvement of the private sector, development partners, the diaspora, and culture leaders. International collaborations with UN agencies, multilateral banks, and global think tanks will give us reach and credibility. Locally, we will create alignment across ministries, businesses, and civic groups to ensure Nigeria speaks with one voice.

As a woman who reached great heights in her career, how do you believe organisations can better support and empower women in leadership roles?

Organisations must go beyond rhetoric to create structures that attract, retain and promote women. Ensuring the right mentorship pipelines, leadership training, flexible policies that accommodate work-life balance, and equal access to opportunities are helpful. I also strongly believe and in the course of my career, I have actively advocated women to be paid the same as men who perform similar roles. Empowering women shouldn’t be treated as a favour. It should be treated as an investment to unlock half of a nation’s talent pool.

What piece of advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to lead in the fields of public affairs, communications, and reputation management?

These fields demand leaders who can think strategically, communicate authentically, and act with credibility. Beyond mastering the fundamentals, the most important piece of advice I can offer is this, become a student of the context, not just the content. It is not enough to be a flawless writer or a sharp policy analyst. Leadership in our field demands a deep, nuanced understanding of the environment in which you’re operating. That means relentlessly studying the cultural, political, technological, and economic currents that shape public opinion. Before you craft a message, seek to understand the anxieties, hopes, and narratives of your audience. Before you develop a public affairs strategy, map the full spectrum of stakeholders, including those who oppose you, and genuinely understand their motivations. Your reputation will be built on trust, and that trust is earned by demonstrating that you comprehend the world your stakeholders live in, not just the message you want to put out there. Another word of advice is, be adaptable. Make sure you are up-to-date with the industry trends and technology. The communications field for instance, is constantly evolving. Digital technologies and AI are significantly changing the way we operate and the way information is consumed. Embrace this change and evolve alongside I or it will leave you behind.

In a move to bolster Nigeria’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have unveiled a nationwide drive to provide free business registration for 250,000 MSMEs across the country.

The initiative, launched in Abuja on Friday, September 26, follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to promote economic inclusion and ease the cost of doing business for young entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the event, CAC Registrar-General, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, described the scheme as ‘a deliberate effort to remove barriers that keep many businesses in the shadows of informality.’ He explained that the free registration would enable small businesses to ‘gain access to credit, markets, and government interventions previously out of reach.’

On his part, Dr. Charles Odiil, Director-General of SMEDANi, said the collaboration marks a turning point in Nigeria’s MSME development journey.

According to him, ‘Formalization is the gateway to support. Once a business is registered, it becomes visible and can easily benefit from aftercare services such as grants, training, and market linkages.’

The partnership seeks to tackle long-standing challenges such as cost, bureaucracy, and lack of awareness, factors that have kept millions of entrepreneurs in the informal sector. Under the new scheme, CAC will forgo about N3 billion in registration fees, while SMEDAN will manage post-registration support through its comprehensive MSME database.

Businesses registered under the programme will enjoy access to technical support, funding opportunities, and capacity-building programmes designed to enhance sustainability and competitiveness.

Both agency heads reaffirmed their commitment to driving the initiative to every state, ensuring that no genuine entrepreneur is left behind. ‘This collaboration gives practical meaning to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision,’ they jointly stated, emphasizing that the scheme represents a major investment in Nigeria’s economic future.

CAC: How to Apply

Interested MSMEs are advised to register via the SMEDAN portal. Applicants are to sign up, select ‘No’ when asked if they already have a CAC number, and submit their details. Successful applicants will be contacted with further steps to finalize their free registration.

Meanwhile, MSMEs already listed on SMEDAN’s database but without CAC registration will automatically qualify for the free scheme.

The CAC-SMEDAN partnership, analysts say, could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s informal sector to unlock access to funding, mentorship, and the formal economy for thousands of small businesses nationwide.

FROM the Olubadan Ladoja penultimate Friday’s coronation , there were, as bound to be, viral Bola Tinubu moments.

One, was the brief socializing with the free-spirit Osun governor, Jackson Adeleke. The president, as seen in the video was bantering with the PDP governor, blocked by Osun APC from joining the President in the ruling party in the spirit of the southern coalition being coupled by the Nigerian leader, to smoothen his reelection. In what was obviously a friendly poke, the President while shooting for a handshake, quipped ‘ijonko o’ (how is dancing), an unveiled reference to the governor’s penchant for regular display of his dancing dexterity, despite his size, which makes his usual energetic ‘moonwalk’ a rich spectacle. Not one to let such affability go to waste, he, while bowing to take the President’s offered handshake, replied with unmissable flourish; ‘ijowadaada sir’ (dancing is great sir). That brief exchange should reinforce to Osun APC stalwarts that their leader in Abuja has a soft spot for the one they don’t want in Osun. May God help the state opposition if Jackson moonwalks over them to re-election next year. That would be the political end of many current leaders of Osun APC. To stand a chance of proving to their Abuja leader whose body language has shown that he would prefer the incumbent Osun governor as a member of the Progressive Governors (like Delta, Akwa-Ibom and likely Rivers), Osun APC leaders must get the nomination right by going for the aspirant with consolidated voting base like the incumbent. Until Borno State caught up with Osun days back, as the highest-netting in fishing new voters, Adeleke’s Osun West was topping nationally, an undeniable proof of his get-out-the-vote groundwork.

It shows a man who is ready.

Kano, another huge-voting state is mirroring Osun, though its political climate isn’t yet as crystal. President Tinubu no doubt, covets the vote-sweeping influence of former governor and NNPP lord, Rabiu Kwankwaso who was also at the Ibadan event and whose attempt at drawing the attention of the Nigerian leader also created another Tinubu moment. A viral video showed the President security team initially bouncing him off the periphery of the President’s perimeter as he (Tinubu) arrived the Mapo Hall venue but before he could be roughened up, the President signalled he should be allowed access to him.

By any measure and every standard, Kwankwaso is a heavy-hitter in Nigerian political firmament and holds joint-record with AyodeleFayose and KayodeFayemi, both of Ekiti State, of non-consecutive gubernatorial second term. He is also the 2023 presidential candidate with the largest votes from a state; his Kano State, creaming almost a million votes at a go. He had been minister of defence and currently governs Kano, the largest voting state of 2023 poll, through his son in-law, incumbent Governor Abba Yusuf. So there is no way the Kano strongman is unknown to the President security team and in many public fora, Tinubu, before and when he came into office, had acknowledged Kwankwaso a friend. So what went wrong? It is in public domain that Kwankwaso is open to a return to APC, potentially to help re-elect his friend and possibly position himself for an enhanced 2031 run when power is expected to return to the North. President also wanted him. But there is AbdullahiGanduje alongside other Kano APC big men in the middle, like Osun APC leaders, reportedly standing against having their former leader and his hand-held governor back in the fold, where Governor Yusuf will become the de jure leader, and his father in-law; Kwankwaso, the de facto leader.

Unlike Osun where the President reportedly agreed that Adeleke and APC leaders should first test might in next year gubernatorial poll to know who should lead his coalition in the state ahead of 2027, Tinubu, according to his orbit had done a lot to assure Kwankwaso of his commitment to their partnership if he returns to the APC fold for him, including having to painfully pinch Ganduje. But the Kwankwasiyya leader has been allegedly irresolute, constantly shifting his conditions to meet before decamping. Weeks back he went public in the media space with his desire and conditions, with the President reportedly souring on him and deciding to look elsewhere for solutions to his Kano deficits, notably the 2023 gap of 419,938 votes between him in second place and Rabiu in the lead.

When security begin to bounce someone who used to have access to their principal, words must have definitely gone around and about. The Ibadan scenario looks like using the right hand to pull a naughty child’s ear and using the left to rub the back of his head. Did RMK get the message?

Then there was the BAO snub at the Ibadan airport where attending governors formed a beeline to welcome the Nigerian leader. Pray, why is the President resorting to public snub and its attendant opprobrium to manifest his discontent towards his allegedly errant party governors, especially those of Yoruba extraction?. First it was the Lagos man, Babajide Sanwoolu who the President refused to acknowledge and greet during the controversial commissioning of a portion of Lagos-Calabar highway on May 30 this year. The President is from Lagos and was governor of the state like Sanwoolu between 1999 and 2007. By standing up to then-President Olusegun Obasanjo of then-ruling PDP, he gave the governor’s seat character, elan and respect. Though they later made whatever was between them up eight days after through the intervention of the nebulous GAC, the incumbent had been served as they say. It’s doubtful if a swashbuckling Governor Tinubu of his time and term in Lagos would have peacefully resolved such public shaming with any president whether of his party or from the opposition.

BAO, arrayed from his names, is the political sobriquet of the 57-year-old Ekiti governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. Married to a professor, the governor has been practically what anyone aspiring at Ekiti level could be, including serving as the secretary of the Falegan committee that made the creation of the state possible. It is just fitting that he leads the state he helped create. He should also be allowed to lead as he deems right and if found wanting, his reelection fate should be left for Ekiti electorate to determine. Period.

Before the Ibadan debacle, I had heard from power corridors in Abuja things weren’t well between the Governor and the President who is also the national leader of their party. While BAO has been variously judged average and even below average in governance delivery, his problem with Abuja was said to be mainly political and just like the Sanwoolu situation, the President gave a public confirmation to the behind-the-curtain muttering that Oyebanji is no longer a ‘son’ in whom he is well pleased. At the airport reception, the President walked past him as if he didn’t exist despite his three-piece white agbada ensemble, standing at the head of the line of other governors and dignitaries. The security just moved in-between them as the President looked away and straight, unlike the Kwankwaso case later when the Nigerian leader rescued the Kano fellow from his security who appeared to be following strict orders.

Oyebanji’s alleged sins are mainly political and the constitution covers freedom of association. If President Tinubu as APC national leader thinks Oyebanji is derailing from the vision of the party, there are better ways of reining him in or keeping him out permanently without resorting to embarrassing his person, for fleeting political power. Yes I know people can bone (naija street lingo for snub) offending beloved, as a way of expressing disavowal so they come bearing repentance and desiring forgiveness but even for Trump the ruffler, there are acts that won’t be presidential. Add to the fact the President is a Yoruba elder who shouldn’t be handling the proverbial festival like a teen (agbakinseoro bi ewe).

Like President Tinubu, the two governors, publicly humiliated over if I heard right, alleged acts that he himself would endorse as survival politics in his days in the thick, wild forest of politics, are Yoruba. While he is definitely older than both, respect should be reciprocal. And I ask, is it only South West APC governors that are overreaching in the President’s estimation? Will the President treat Northern APC governors this way regardless of political sin? Did ordinary palace guards of a Northern emir not break down doors in utter disregard for established protocol to let their lord into an event where the President was already seated? Whoever sells his own short will pay heavily for outsiders.

If the public smackdowns are the President’s way of settling scores especially with governors who he would not be able to monitor directly on election day, then he risks a situation Yoruba will describe as bottling the crimson inside while spitting out bright saliva. It is dangerous when people play along. If you see my hand you can’t see my mind situation. Whenever I see Governor Sim smiling the President into superlatives. a Yoruba adage is always jumping at me; ‘onikun lo mero’. Won’t interpret.

When you need to make others feel small for you to feel big, it is the highest manifestation of inner weakness. Dishing to others what you can’t take is against divine rule of do unto others as you want others do to you. Why publicly disgracing someone who has come to honour you?

The latest presidential humiliation is two too many. If the President is this way in the public, how toxic can things get with him in private when displeased, considering how he has been making grown men feel very small in full glare because he wanted everybody on board his re-election plans. The tortoise in-laws, even when rightly wronged, will always carry the shame of doing too much to shame their offending son-in-law. Haba! Kilode!

Trying to figure out if someone is interested in you can be confusing and challenging, especially with girls, who sometimes give mixed signals.

Human emotions are complex, and people may send signals without even realising it. Still, in relationships, there are often clear behavioural cues that reveal hidden feelings.

For many, recognising these subtle hints can save time, prevent miscommunication, and even open the door to meaningful connections. That is why paying attention to certain signs that a girl likes you can make all the difference.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at six common signals that may suggest genuine interest.

1. She maintains eye contact and smiles often

Eye contact is one of the strongest non-verbal ways people show attraction. When a girl likes someone, she often holds steady eye contact and pairs it with genuine smiles that go beyond politeness.

Unlike casual glances, these moments feel intentional, sometimes lingering longer than normal, as if to draw you into her world.

2. She makes time for you even when busy

Life is demanding, and everyone seems busy, but when a girl deliberately makes space for you in her schedule, it is rarely by chance. Whether she replies to your messages quickly, agrees to meet on hectic days, or finds small excuses to check in, it shows she values your presence. Making time is one of the clearest signs a girl likes you because it means she sees you as a priority.

3. She engages in playful teasing or gentle touches

Teasing and light physical contact often signal attraction rather than mere friendship. A girl who likes you might touch your arm during conversations, playfully nudge you, or lean closer when speaking.

These behaviours are subtle but deliberate ways of creating closeness. While comfort levels vary, repeated patterns of such behaviour strongly suggest emotional interest.

4. She remembers little details about you

Paying attention to the things you say, even in passing, is a big sign of care. If she recalls your favourite food, the name of your childhood pet, or something you mentioned weeks ago, it shows she is not only listening but also values what she learns about you. Remembering small details goes beyond friendliness; it is one of the surest signs a girl likes you.

5. She shows curiosity about your personal life

Interest reveals itself in questions. If she often asks about your family, passions, dreams, or even how your day is going, it is because she genuinely wants to know you better.

This kind of curiosity goes past surface-level chat and leads to meaningful conversation. When a girl invests in understanding who you are, it is one of the most obvious signs she likes you.

6. She gets a little jealous or protective

A hint of jealousy, when subtle, can be a natural sign of attraction. If she seems uneasy when you mention another girl or makes extra effort to capture your attention in such moments, it may reveal her deeper feelings.

While this should not be confused with unhealthy possessiveness, small flashes of protectiveness often indicate emotional investment.

An indigene of Osun State and Nigerian social agitator, Olaniyi Simeon Akinloye, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release the Osun State local government allocations to the state government.

In a statement signed by the Osun-born social agitator and made available to journalists, he explained that the plea was in reaction to the protracted local government crisis in the state.

According to him, the non-release of local government funds to the current administration has resulted in a dearth of development and progress at the grassroots level.

Akinloye further stated that his appeal to the President was a clarion call from the citizens of Osun State, who yearn for peace, stability, and development in their state.

He appealed to the President to allow the democratically elected chairmen to assume office and make judicious use of allocations for the benefit of the people, while urging him not to allow partisan politics to dictate the fate of Osun citizens but rather to prioritise their welfare and well-being.

He said, ‘I appeal to President Bola Tinubu to allow people of Osun State reap the benefits of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration. This fervent plea is set against the backdrop of the protracted local government crisis in Osun State, which has severely impeded grassroots development and progress.

‘The crisis afflicting Osun State’s local governments has been ongoing, precipitated in part by the recent approval of the release of local government funds to chairmen of APC by President Tinubu. However, the Osun State government has successfully obtained a court order restraining the United Bank of Africa (UBA) from disbursing any funds to the local council areas. This impasse has resulted in a dearth of development and progress at the grassroots level, exacerbating the suffering of the people.

‘This is a clarion call from the citizens of Osun who are yearning for peace, stability and development in their state. I implore the President not to allow partisan politics dictate the fate of the people of Osun State but rather to prioritise their welfare and well-being.

‘The previous administration’s local government chairmen were removed from office due to electoral irregularities, and a new set of leaders were elected to manage the affairs of the local government.

‘This crisis had a debilitating effect on the development and benefits that the people of Osun State should have enjoyed.

‘People are suffering, crying and unhappy and their hearts bleeding. The crisis had also led to a lack of significant performances by the local governments, therefore affecting the expected development in the state.

‘I urge President Tinubu to allow the democratically elected chairmen to assume office and make judicious use of allocations for the benefit of the people.

‘The President should as well support Governor Ademola Adeleke, who has received overwhelming support from Osun State citizens and has demonstrated a deep sense of purpose to build a good legacy for the state. By doing so, the President would be unlocking the potential of Osun State and empowering its people to achieve their full potential.

‘I appreciate President Tinubu’s tangible initiatives which have brought relief to the people and assure the president of an unshakable support of the people of Osun in 2027, if he gives the people of Osun State the opportunity to enjoy dividends of democracy through the local government fund.’

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organisation, has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to remove the 2% service charge it collects from payments made by intending Nigerian pilgrims for the Hajj.

The group made the appeal in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, and made available to Tribune Online in Abuja. It said the 2% charge, which amounts to $90 per pilgrim (about N144,000) based on the N1,600 exchange rate used by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), is one of the factors increasing the cost of Hajj for Nigerians.

According to IHR, with Saudi Arabia’s allocation of 95,000 Hajj slots to Nigeria, the CBN could make about N13.68 billion annually from the charge.

The statement read, ‘Saudi Arabia allocates 95,000 slots to Nigeria for the annual pilgrimage. If the quota is filled, the CBN generates approximately $8,550,000 (N13.68 billion) in revenue yearly from Hajj payments by pilgrims.’

It added that following the public outcry over the rising cost of Hajj, ‘The CBN should abolish the revenue it collects simply for transferring Hajj payments to NAHCON’s IBAN account in Saudi Arabia.’

While acknowledging that the service charge is not illegal, the group said it believes the CBN could waive it to help reduce Hajj costs, as pilgrims already pay several fees to different government agencies.

‘While we do not claim that the payments are illegal, we believe that the CBN can waive them as their contribution to the reduction of Hajj fare in the country. Nigerian pilgrims are paying multiple service charges to various government establishments, which has jerked up the overall cost of the Hajj fare,’ the group stated.

It noted that since 2019, NAHCON has been funding its operations through its service charges, without government support, and urged other public institutions to help make the process easier for pilgrims.

The CSO said its appeal followed similar calls from other Hajj stakeholders asking the CBN to scrap the payments.

But sometimes, the person you think is your closest friend may not truly wish you well.

When a friend becomes your worst enemy, the pain cuts deeper than anything a stranger could do against you.

Recognising the signs can help you protect your peace and choose your relationships more wisely. Here are seven signs to look out for in your friends:

1. Compete with you, not celebrate you

A true friend claps for you when you win. It may be a red flag if your friend always tries to outdo you instead of cheering you on.

Healthy competition can be fun, but when it turns into constant rivalry, you might be facing your worst enemy in disguise.

2. Use your vulnerabilities against you

Friendship is built on trust. If the personal things you shared in confidence later become weapons used against you, it’s a sign of betrayal.

Someone who makes you feel unsafe with your own truths is not really on your side.

3. Pretend to support you, but put you down

Some friends smile in your presence but tear you down behind your back. It could be subtle comments, spreading rumours, or discouraging you from pursuing your goals. Actions like these clearly show when a friend is acting more like your worst enemy.

4. Disappear when you need them most

Friendship isn’t about being there only in good times. If your friend is quick to show up at parties but never around when life gets tough, you won’t be wrong to question the bond.

Support in difficult moments is one of the clearest tests of true friendship.

5. Secretly jealous of you

Jealousy is bound to happen with human beings, but when it becomes the foundation of the relationship, it’s dangerous.

If your friend constantly downplays your achievements, avoids acknowledging your progress, or looks uncomfortable when you succeed, it may be more than envy. It may be the heart of your worst enemy.

6. Control or manipulate you

Friendship should give you room to grow, not chain you down. If your friend pressures you into choices that don’t align with your values or forces you into doing things you don’t want, that’s a sign of manipulation. That kind of control can be a hidden plan of an enemy, not a friend.

7. Don’t respect your boundaries

Respect is at the base of every healthy relationship. If your friend ignores your boundaries, whether emotional, financial, or personal, it shows a lack of regard for your well-being. A person who repeatedly crosses lines you’ve clearly set might not be your friend at all.

Conclusively, friendship is meant to bring peace, but when a friend becomes your worst enemy, it can be a hard pill to swallow. So, pay attention to the red flags, trust your instincts, and remember that walking away from a bad friendship is an act of self-respect.

As the Nigerian judiciary concludes its annual ritual of new legal year commemorations across the federation, a leading non-governmental organisation has challenged the courts to move beyond celebratory rhetoric and address what it termed the lingering justice questions that keep justice out of reach for the average citizen.

Zarephath Aid (ZA), a non-profit focused on criminal justice reforms, delivered this message at a media conference held at the Press Centre, High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja.

Speaking at the media briefing themed ‘The New Legal Year and the Lingering Justice Questions,’ Ben Abraham, Founder of Zarephath Aid, noted that while legal year ceremonials are marked by significant ‘pomp and pageantry’ and speeches filled with achievements and projections, many Nigerians remain disconnected.

‘They eagerly await the day when they can touch justice or put differently, the day justice can touch them,’ Abraham stated, urging heads of the judiciary to take note of concrete steps required to make the significance of the legal year resonate with the populace.

The organisation laid out a five-point agenda for immediate action by the various tiers of the judiciary, stressing that the courts must move from mere words to tangible action in defence of the law and democracy.

Zarephath Aid highlighted the persistent failure of judicial officers to carry out monthly visits to law enforcement detention facilities, a mandate under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and various state laws.

This lack of oversight, the group warned, directly results in the illegal detention of persons and widespread abuse of suspects’ rights.

The NGO called for the effective implementation of oversight assessment reports to the Chief Judge and Attorney-General to curb these violations.

The group also expressed concern that the Child Rights Law exists only on paper in many states, devoid of the necessary structures for child protection and justice delivery.

It further lamented the lack of adequate detention facilities for child and underage offenders, which often results in them being held alongside adults and subjected to further abuse.

Of particular note, according to the organisation, is the slow trial of cases involving underage offenders in custody due to the absence of logistics for transportation to court, forcing relatives to pay heavily to ensure court appearances.

Zarephath Aid decried what it termed the progressive increase in police brutality, torture, extortion, and violations against citizens, observing that the police internal mechanism has proven ineffective in curbing the menace.

Abraham warned, ‘If the courts fail to leash this errancy, another uprising will be upon us sooner than later.’

The NGO also accused the police of shrinking the civic space by clamping down on rights activists, government critics, good governance advocates, and journalists, often ‘working for the Executive in some instances.’

‘Despite various legal aid interventions, correctional facilities remain severely congested, with inmates spending years on end awaiting trial,’ it added.

Zarephath Aid called for an audit of all correctional facilities to identify inmates and ascertain the status of each case.

This effort, the group recommended, requires the various tiers of the judiciary to collaborate closely with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) at the federal level and State Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committees.

Zarephath Aid insisted that the Cybercrimes Act 2024 is being applied to muzzle dissent and intimidate critics of the government into silence, noting that many criminal charges premised on the law are politically instigated.

In its words: ‘As long as our courts accommodate this undue interference and as long as they do not halt this surge against citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of expression, the Act will remain a tool for harassment of opponents.’

In concluding the conference, Abraham invited the media to join Zarephath Aid in monitoring the judiciary’s performance on this agenda over the next year, reinforcing the message that the judiciary must now go beyond rhetoric to action.

The new Osorun of Isaga-Orile in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Chief Kayode Odunaro, has promised to use his title to contribute to the growth of the community.

Odunaro, who is the Chief of Staff and Media Adviser to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, said this shortly after his installation by the Onisaga of Isaga-Orile, Oba Joseph Tella, on Saturday.

He hinted that the chieftaincy title belongs to his lineage, and that the position was last held by his uncle who died in 1988, having been installed in 1958.

Odunaro, who is also the Baa’royin of Imala,added that Osorun titleholder is one of the kingmakers in the ancient kingdom.

He stated further that the title would bring him closer to his roots and participate more in activities of Isaga traditional council, particularly in the selection of a new traditional ruler in the town.

While submitting that his new title is unique and will demand high responsibility from him, he expressed appreciation to Oba Tella, Isaga-Orile Traditional Council and the Osorun Family, the erstwhile Chief Press Secretary to former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, declaring that he would bring the experience he had garnered as the spokesperson to three past administrations in Ogun, to bear on the new title.

‘I am delighted that I have just been installed as the Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom. This is a very important traditional title in the kingdom as Osorun is one of the kingmakers.

‘The title belongs to our family; my late uncle was installed in 1958 and held the title till he passed in 1988. So, for decades, there was a vacancy in the position of Osorun. Therefore, I am highly elated that I am feeling the vacant position today after so many years of interregnum.

‘For me, it is a higher call to traditional responsibility, and I will ensure that I bring experiences I garnered over the years as spokesperson of three administrations, both military and civilian in Ogun, to bear in this new title. Like I have done in public service, I will use this Osorun title to contribute to the growth and development of the Isaga-Orile Kingdom’, Odunaro submitted.adding that the position was last held by his uncle who died in 1988, having been installed in 1958.