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Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, has decried the secrecy in the energy sector, pointing out that the global energy transition towards cleaner fuels, gas optimisation, and renewable energy requires openness, responsibility, and innovation at every stage of the value chain.

According to him,the era of secrecy in resource governance is over, adding that at NEITI, the philosophy is clear and uncompromising: ‘Data builds trust, and trust drives investment.’

He stressed that the path to Nigeria’s sustainable energy future rests on three interlocking values of transparency, accountability, and sustainability.

Orji disclosed this during the NAEC Energy Conference 2025, themed: Nigeria’s Energy Future: Exploring Opportunities and Addressing Risks for Sustainable Growth,’ held in Lago.

He argued that transparency was not a bureaucratic exercise, but an economic imperative that attracts capital, technology, and partnerships.

‘As Nigeria positions gas as its transition fuel and renewable energy as its future, governance must keep pace with innovation. Our energy future must rest on verifiable data, open contracts, measurable emissions, and accountable institutions,’ he said.

According to him, NEITI 2021-2022 Oil and Gas Industry Reports revealed that Nigeria earned $23.04 billion in 2021 and $23.05 billion in 2022 from the sector.

He added the organization also identified outstanding remittances of N1.5 trillion owed to the federation by some companies and government agencies, saying there were funds that could significantly support energy infrastructure, education, and healthcare if recovered.

‘Our findings also exposed the devastating cost of poor accountability. In 2022 alone, Nigeria lost 13.5 million barrels of crude oil valued at $3.3 billion to theft and sabotage. That is revenue that could have financed a full year of the federal health budget or provided energy access to millions of households,’ he said

According to him, these losses were not just economic, but represented broken trust, institutional weaknesses, and missed opportunities for national progress.

‘This is precisely why transparency and accountability are not optional. They are existential,’ he said.

For this purpose, he disclosed that NEITI evolved from an auditing agency to a governance reform institution.

‘We have institutionalised regular audits of oil, gas, and solid minerals sectors, tracking production, payments, and remediation; developed Nigeria’s Beneficial Ownership Register, unmasking the true owners of over 4,800 extractive assets, and helping government combat corruption and illicit financial flows; launched the NEITI Data Centre – a national open-data infrastructure that provides real-time public access to industry information.

Others are strengthening partnerships with NUPRC, NMDPRA, and NCDMB to promote transparency in licensing, metering, and host community trust management; and introduced the Just Energy Transition and Climate Accountability Framework, to ensure that Nigeria’s shift to cleaner energy is transparent, inclusive, and fair.

‘These are not ceremonial milestones. They are practical governance instruments designed to make transparency the DNA of Nigeria’s extractive sector.

‘NEITI envisions a sector where every dollar is traceable, every contract is public, every decision is transparent, and every Nigerian citizen can see how natural resources translate into national prosperity,’ orji said, adding that the organization is committed to ensuring that every barrel produced, every cubic foot of gas commercialised, and every kobo earned contributes to national development are in full public view.

At the prestigious ‘Touchlines of Fortitude II’ group exhibition, held at Teddington, London, visual artist Hillary Emetuche emerged as the winner of the Best Drawing Award, earning recognition for his remarkable charcoal portrait titled ‘Drawing of Ezinne.’

The ‘Touchlines of Fortitude’ series – now in its second edition – is a celebrated open-call exhibition platform that showcases exceptional artistic talent across diverse media, including painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and yarn art. The 2025 edition was curated and judged by a distinguished panel comprising leading art critic Tabish Khan, award-winning figurative artist Karen Turner, curator Agnieszka Lokaj, and The Beach Gallery owner Mark Vellacott. Written works were additionally reviewed by renowned sports journalist Alison Kervin OBE, Dr Anna Johnson, and Millie Walton.

Hillary Emetuche’s winning piece, ‘Drawing of Ezinne,’ captivated the judges and audience alike with its expressive depth and technical mastery.

Executed in charcoal, the work was praised for its emotive realism, nuanced tonal balance, and the artist’s ability to ‘capture both physical and psychological presence with quiet intensity.’

Speaking after the announcement, Emetuche said,

‘Drawing of Ezinne was inspired by my sister, Ezinne who has a kind heart and reflects the gracious feminine heart. Her name, meaning good mother or virtuous mother, solidifies my quest to express her in work.’

The ‘Touchlines of Fortitude II’ exhibition, organised by Fortitude Touchlines in partnership with The Beach Gallery, brought together some of the UK’s most promising and established creatives for an evening of art, dialogue, and cultural exchange.

The private preview held on 24 September 2025 drew art professionals, critics, collectors, and enthusiasts from across London’s creative community.

For Emetuche, this accolade adds to a growing record of artistic distinction.

The London-based Nigerian artist held his debut solo exhibition at the Dugdale Arts Centre, Enfield Art Circle, and other showcases, where his portraits have been celebrated for their storytelling power and technical precision.

His win at ‘Touchlines of Fortitude II’ underscores his rising influence within the UK’s visual arts scene.

In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, few women stand out as distinctly as Chief (Mrs.) Olayinka Adesunbo Latinwo, the revered Iya Oba of Isin Kingdom. Her journey from Lagos Island to the corridors of influence in the United States of America is a story defined by resilience, excellence, and compassion for humanity.

Born on October 20, 1970, at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos, to Chief Adegboyega Alade and Mrs. Atinuke Alade, Olayinka’s early life reflected the values of hard work and service that would later shape her life’s purpose. She began her education at Ebire Nursing and Primary School between 1976 and 1981, before proceeding to Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, where she studied Accountancy from 1987 to 1991.

Her quest for knowledge and global exposure took her to the United States of America, where she enrolled at Excelsiors University, earning a Nursing Degree that set the foundation for a distinguished career in healthcare.

A serial entrepreneur and visionary leader, Chief Mrs. Latinwo is the Chief Executive Officer of several reputable healthcare organizations in the United States, including Reliant Home Healthcare Services, Reliant Hospice Inc., Sympathy Home Healthcare, and TLC Healthcare.

Over the past 25 years, she has built a sterling reputation for excellence and innovation in healthcare service delivery, providing quality care and creating employment opportunities within and beyond the United States.

Her leadership reflects an unwavering commitment to professionalism, empathy, and community-centered service.

Beyond the boardroom, Chief Mrs. Latinwo is driven by an uncommon passion for humanity. Through her non-profit organisation, the Shamrock Foundation Incorporation, she has provided hope and support to the less privileged and homeless in Los Angeles, California.

The foundation’s mission goes beyond charity, it creates a sustainable system of refuge and reintegration. Through food distribution, clothing drives, medical aid, and the provision of safe shelters, Shamrock Foundation continues to restore dignity and purpose to countless lives, particularly the elderly and disenfranchised.

Chief Mrs. Latinwo’s entrepreneurial influence also spans real estate, finance, and agriculture.

She serves as Chairman/CEO of Evergreen Estate, a thriving real estate company based in California, United States.

In addition, she is the Chairman/CEO of multiple companies, including Capsend Finance Services, Capsend BDC, Shamrock Agro, and Riley Homes and Properties, reflecting her versatility and strategic leadership across diverse sectors.

Chief (Mrs.) Olayinka Adesunbo Latinwo’s story is that of a woman who defied limits to create a life of impact and significance. From her humble beginnings in Lagos to becoming a respected healthcare executive, philanthropist, and community leader in the United States, her achievements stand as a beacon of inspiration.

Her journey underscores a timeless truth, that with vision, compassion, and commitment, one can touch lives, build legacies, and uplift communities. Indeed, Chief (Mrs.) Olayinka Latinwo’s rising profile is not just a personal success story, it is a celebration of excellence, leadership, and humanity.

Chief (Mrs.) Latinwo is married to Engineer Olanrewaju Latinwo, and the union is blessed with three children and a grandchild, a testament to her belief in strong family values even amid a demanding professional life.

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has intervened in the ongoing leadership crisis within the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN).

To address the disputes, FTAN President Dr. Aliyu Badaki has established a five-member Dispute Resolution Committee comprised of seasoned professionals from the tourism sector, nominated by the FTAN National Executive Council.

The committee’s mandate includes investigating the root causes of the conflict between the two leadership factions, hearing submissions from all relevant stakeholders, reviewing ATPN’s legal and constitutional provisions concerning the dispute, facilitating mediation between the opposing parties, and recommending a fair resolution along with preventative measures for future disputes.

The committee members are Alh. Mohamed Sheriff, Mrs. Uloma Kemabonta, Dr. Emmanuel Jeminiwa, Mr. Precious Okonji, and Rev. Akindele John.

This initiative follows the recent suspension of Mr. Femi Fadina as President and Mr. Ayo Arokoyo as Acting President by ATPN’s Governing Council, which cited Fadina’s alleged violations of the association’s constitution.

In response, Fadina has declared that the suspension is unconstitutional, insisting he remains the legitimately elected president.

He emphasised the importance of adhering to due process and constitutional order within the organisation, warning against creating a legacy of illegality for future tourism practitioners. Fadina reiterated his authority, claiming that any leadership claims opposing his are unauthorised and lacking legitimacy.

The Qur’an says: ‘Give the relative his right, and the needy and the traveler [as well]. That is better for those who seek God’s pleasure, and it is they who are the felicitous.’ (Qur’an – 30:38)

Charity is one of the attributes of the Allah-wary and real believers. The Qur’an says: ‘This is the Book, there is no doubt in it, guidance to the righteous, who believe in the Unseen, and maintain the prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them.’ (Qur’an – 2:2-3)

‘The faithful are only those whose hearts tremble [with awe] when Allah is mentioned, and when His verses are recited to them, they increase their faith, and who put their trust in their Lord, maintain the prayer and spend out of what We have provided them. They are truly the faithful. They shall have ranks near their Lord, forgiveness, and a noble provision.’ (Qur’an – 8:2-4)

The fact that charitable giving serves as a way to bring justice, balance, and kindness to every society and community is well known, but more than that, charity has benefits for the donors themselves. Hence, the Prophet (SAW) said, ‘The upper hand is better than the lower hand.’

This world is in the form of an echo. There will be echoes of whatever we do, and it will return to us. Therefore, if we give, we will receive. The Qur’an says,

‘Whoever does righteous deeds, it is for his own benefit, and whoever does evil, it is against himself; your Creator and Nurturer is never unjust to His human creatures.’ (Qur’an – 41:46)

Almighty Allah said in a Qudsi hadith, ‘Spend in charity, O son of Adam, and I will spend on you.’

Although those who give in charity should do so without any hope of a return, and simply to please Allah SWT, there is nonetheless a noble reward for them. In other words, through charity, the giver does not lose his or her income and wealth, because Allah SWT guarantees that He will multiply it for the giver. The return may be increased to twice the amount given, or even more than 700 times the initial amount. The degree of the reward differs based on the significance of the charitable act and the sincerity of the giver.

‘The example of those who spend their money in the cause of Allah is like a seed that sprouts forth seven pods; in each pod there is one hundred seeds; and Allah multiplies for whoever He chooses, and Allah is Encompassing, Knowledgeable.’ (Qur’an – 2:261)

‘The example of those who spend their money seeking Allah’s grace and to save their souls is like the example of a garden on high ground which is subjected to a heavy rain, and because of that it produces double its crop! And if no heavy rain comes, then light rain is enough. And Allah is Seer over all you do.’ (Qur’an – 2:265)

‘To these We grant twice the reward for that they have been patient. And they counter evil with good, and from Our provisions to them, they give.’ (Qur’an – 28:54)

‘Indeed the charitable men and charitable women, and those who lend Allah a good loan – it shall be multiplied for them, and there is a noble reward for them.’ (Qur’an – 57:18)

‘That which you give in usury in order that it may increase people’s wealth does not increase with Allah. But any contribution that you have placed seeking His presence – it is they who will be given a manifold increase.’ (Qur’an – 30:39)

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, ‘Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that God increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of God except that God raises his status.’

Moreover, Allah SWT will give the best reward in the Hereafter to those who spend out of their property:

‘Whatever you have been given are the wares of the life of this world, but what is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who have faith and who put their trust in their Lord; . Those who answer their Lord, . and they spend out of what We have provided them with.’ (Qur’an – 42:36-38)

Charity is an honorable act of kindness and an unselfish act of worship. It is a way to purify one’s heart and mind. The Prophet (SAW) said,

‘Give (regular charity) out of your property, for truly it is a purifier, and be kind to your relatives and acknowledge the rights of the poor, neighbors and (those in need who seek your help).’

By sacrificing part of one’s wealth and giving it in charity, the individual guarantees protection from tragedy and misfortune and removes the problems of ordinary life and beyond. The Prophet (SAW) said,

‘Verily charity appeases the wrath of Allah and avoids bad death.’

The giver will obtain Allah’s protection on the Day of Judgment. In the well-known Hadith about the seven types of people who will receive Allah’s shade or protection on that Day, one of those listed is:

‘A man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.’

On the day when all other shade will be gone, Allah SWT will shade and shelter those who give charity and care for the poor.

Charity is not just giving money, but like all righteous deeds, there are some conditions for the acceptance of charity. The Qur’an says:

‘Piety is not to turn your faces to the east or the west; rather, piety is [personified by] those who have faith in God and the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets, and who give their wealth, for the love of Him, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler and the beggar.’ (Qur’an – 2:177)

Charity should be for the sake of Allah and in His way. In many verses of the Qur’an about charity, it has been emphasized that it should be in the way of Allah.

It should be for the welfare of the poor and without any expectations of reward. It should not be followed with reproaches or harm. It should not be given for the purpose of pretense or to show off.

‘Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reproaches and affronts (with insult nor harm), they shall have their reward near their Lord, and they will have no fear, nor will they grieve. An honourable word with pardon is better than a charity followed by affront. Allah is all-sufficient, most forbearing. O you who have faith! Do not render your charities void by reproaches and affronts, like those who spend their wealth to be seen by people and have no faith in Allah and the Last Day. Their parable is that of a rock covered with soil: a downpour strikes it, leaving it bare. They have no power over anything of what they have earned, and Allah does not guide the faithless lot.’ (Qur’an – 2:262-264)

THE Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has formed a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Police Force through a new initiative called the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV). This collaboration aims to create secure communities for young people.

Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, NECA’s Director General, stated that this partnership demonstrates a mutual commitment to fostering safer communities, empowering youth, and addressing the root causes of social vices through preventive and non-violent approaches.

Oyerinde announced that NECA would support the police in their upcoming International Day of the Girl Child Summit 2025, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja.

The summit, organized by POCACOV under the global theme ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’ and the Nigerian sub-theme ‘My Identity, My Power: Creating Safer Spaces for the Nigerian Girl Child,’ will bring together more than 500 secondary school girls, educators, parents, law enforcement officers, civil society organizations, and media partners.

He mentioned that NECA will provide facilitators for mentorship sessions across all panels and workshops, as well as grant all participants access to NECA’s AI Fluency Course, which is offered in collaboration with Microsoft through the International Organisation of Employers (IOE). This course enables participants to learn, onboard, and earn certification in digital skills.

Additionally, NECA will award a one-session scholarship to two outstanding girls-one from the junior class and one from the senior class-to promote academic excellence and leadership potential.

The organization will also provide 50 school bags for participating students as part of its support for their educational needs.

Oyerinde emphasized that the summit’s primary objectives include equipping girls with leadership and digital skills, offering mentorship from credible female role models, encouraging creative expression through the motto ‘My Identity, My Power,’ and fostering collaboration among schools, families, communities, and the Nigeria Police Force.

Through this partnership, NECA reaffirms its commitment to youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and creating a safe and supportive environment where every girl can thrive and realize her potential.

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd., a leading consumer packaged goods company and a member of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Beverage Company (CCHBC), reaffirmed its leadership in promoting circularity and environmental sustainability by sponsoring an interactive session at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit held in Abuja.

The session, themed ‘Driving Industrialisation Through Circular PET Packaging: Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Economy,’ brought together senior government officials, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss how circular practices can accelerate industrial growth, create jobs, and facilitate Nigeria’s transition to a green economy.

Delivering the keynote address, Senator John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, praised the Coca-Cola System for its ongoing leadership in recycling and packaging recovery. He described the company’s efforts as a model for how private sector innovation can complement government action in advancing sustainability.

‘In January this year, I visited the Nigerian Bottling Company’s packaging waste collection hub in Apapa,’ the Minister stated. ‘That initiative, along with efforts like the National Automotive Design and Development Council’s End-of-Life Vehicle Regulation, reflects our commitment to redefining our industrial landscape. Here, manufacturing and sustainability intersect, transforming industry from mere output to impactful engagement.’

He emphasised the government’s efforts to create frameworks that support the recycling and green manufacturing sectors.

‘The 20th-century model of produce, consume, and discard has reached its end,’ he remarked. ‘The circular economy presents a new path where what was once deemed waste is transformed into opportunities, turning developmental challenges into engines for new industries.’

Following the keynote address, the session included a fireside chat with the Minister and a panel discussion featuring thought leaders and policymakers. Panel members included Hon. Shehu Wada Sagagi, Commissioner, Ministry for Commerce and Investment, Kano State; Engr. (Dr.) Bahijjahtu Abubakar, FNSE, Director, Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Federal Ministry of Environment; Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, CEO, National Bureau of Statistics (represented by Ms. Christie Umuna, Head of the Energy and Environment Statistics Division); and Mr. Basheer Abdulkadri, Director of Technical Services, Federal Ministry of Finance, who was represented by Musa Umar, Deputy Director of Technical Services, Federal Ministry of Finance.

Through its nationwide collection hubs, strategic recycling partnerships, and community engagement programs, the Coca-Cola System in Nigeria continues to advance its global commitment to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle or can it sells.

By fostering collaboration among government, industry, and civil society, the Coca-Cola System is helping to shape a sustainable circular economy that supports livelihoods, protects the environment, and drives inclusive industrial growth across Nigeria.

WINNERS have emerged in the second edition of the Hadith memorisation competition organised by the King Mohammed VI Foundation of African Oulema, Morocco.

The competition, held last Saturday at the conference hall of the National Mosque, Abuja, saw victors emerge across three categories, each receiving plaques and cash rewards in recognition of their efforts.

In the first category, which involved memorising 40 hadiths, Fatima Huseini Turbo from Borno State claimed the grand prize of N250,000.

Mohammed Muhammad Ibrahim and Abubakar Kabir Abba, also from Borno, emerged the first and second runners-up, winning N200,000 and N150,000 respectively.

In the second category, requiring the memorisation of 35 hadiths, Saleh Ishaq Al-amin (Borno), Ahmed Abdul-Aziz Kolawole (Kwara) and Khalifa Ibrahim Jubril (Kaduna) secured first, second and third places with the same cash rewards.

The third category, involving memorisation of 25 hadiths, was won by Abdulkadir Abubakar (Kaduna), Abdurrahman Abubakar Ibrahim (Borno) and Ibrahim Muhammad Husaini (Borno).

A member of the panel of judges, Dr Abdulganiyu Tijani, told the media that the competition was organised for the benefit of all African countries.

He noted Nigeria’s prominence in Qur’an memorisation and stressed that the main aim is to instill the knowledge of hadiths as a way of life for participants.

He said: ‘The main objective of this competition is not the money they are winning, but the knowledge and the memorisation of the Sunnah and the Hadiths of our beloved Prophet. Nigeria today is regarded as number one in Africa in memorisation of the Qur’an. However, we have not been focusing on the Hadiths of the Prophet.

‘The first category involves memorising 40 hadiths. The second category covers 35 hadiths along with the chain of narration and meanings of important words. The third category includes memorising 25 hadiths with the chain and the Islamic rulings in those hadiths. Alhamdulillah, we have just completed it.’

A member of the organising committee and one of the coordinators, Professor Ibrahim Maqari, revealed that the next phase involves preparing the winners for the continental competition.

He explained that the winners will be camped and mentored to address any lapses in their presentations.

‘We are going to prepare them. There will be a camp where they will be mentored on the lapses observed during their presentations,’ Professor Maqari said.

The winners expressed gratitude to the organisers and pledged to represent Nigeria well at the continental level. Approximately 560 participants competed in the event.

DURING the public presentation of the book ‘Ten Years of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria’, authored by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma, I reflected on Nigeria’s decade-long journey under successive progressive administrations as Chief Presenter. Though time did not allow me to deliver my written remarks, the message remains vital to our national conversation on leadership, governance, and reform.

There are moments for politics and moments for governance. Once elections are over, governance must take precedence. Our duty as citizens is to move beyond division and measure progress not by sentiment but by delivery, performance, and impact.

Over the past ten years, Nigeria’s story has been one of courage and continuity, of institutions learning discipline, and of leaders willing to face hard truths about our economy. President MuhammaduBuhari laid the foundation of fiscal prudence, agricultural revival, and infrastructure renewal. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advanced that legacy through decisive structural reforms such as removing the fuel subsidy, unifying exchange rates, modernising tax policy, and restoring credibility to public finance. These choices were not easy, but they were necessary. They broke habits that had become too costly to sustain and redirected public wealth toward productivity.

Since May 2023, government non-oil revenue has grown by more than 400 percent. This is not coincidence. It is the outcome of intentional policy and technological transparency. The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee has simplified compliance, eliminated duplication, and placed technology at the centre of revenue collection. Revenue agencies that once competed now cooperate. Multiple taxation is being dismantled. Incentives for businesses are transparent and available online without intermediaries or privileged access. Every entrepreneur, large or small, can now apply for fiscal waivers or export credits within minutes. Fairness by design and technology is replacing favour by connection.

Energy stability has returned as proof that reform, though painful, delivers results. The queues that once defined our petrol stations are gone. Deregulation has reopened the downstream market and restored investor confidence in oil and gas, bringing new capital into deep-water, midstream, and modular-refinery projects. Parallel reforms in the Presidential CNG Initiative are changing urban mobility by replacing petrol fleets with cleaner and cheaper gas vehicles. At the same time, a nationwide solar-power rollout is providing electricity to schools, clinics, and small industries. Together, these initiatives reflect a balanced energy future built on efficiency, competition, and sustainability.

Security remains the foundation of every reform. In 2024, ?3.85 trillion, about 13 percent of the national budget, was allocated to defence and internal security. For 2025, that figure rose to ?6.57 trillion, with significant investment in equipment, intelligence, and personnel welfare. The Nigerian Air Force is modernising with 24 M-346 attack jets and 10 AW-109 helicopters. The Navy has commissioned new patrol ships and maritime helicopters to strengthen coastal and energy-asset protection. Across all theatres, joint operations by the Nigerian Armed Forces and intelligence agencies have neutralised tens of thousands of terrorists, insurgents and criminal elements, arrested many more, and rescued tens of thousands of hostages and displaced persons. The tempo has changed. Our armed forces now take the initiative rather than wait for it.

Infrastructure remains the bridge between ambition and opportunity. Across the country, more than 260 major projects in roads, bridges, ports, and pipelines are under construction or near completion. The Lagos to Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto to Badagry Super Highway are redefining commerce and mobility. The national Bridge Fibre Project is expanding digital connectivity across cities and rural areas, strengthening the country’s broadband backbone and opening new corridors for education, innovation, and enterprise.

Digital governance reform is also deepening national capacity. The ongoing overhaul of the National Identity Management Commission has expanded NIN registration to tens of millions of citizens, creating a reliable digital backbone for planning, financial inclusion, and social protection. For the first time, national data is being harmonised across agencies, improving service delivery, strengthening security coordination, and helping the country plan development with precision.

Work along the River Niger corridor from Lokoja to Baro Port is progressing to enable future inland-waterway operations that can reduce transport costs and improve market access across regions. These projects reflect a deliberate effort to balance regional growth, from the Niger Delta cleanup and gas expansion in the South to new exploration in the North and industrial corridors across the Middle Belt.

Reform without human investment is reform without soul. The $2.2 billion Health Sector Renewal Programme is upgrading 17,000 primary health centres and training 120,000 health workers, while free caesarean care and subsidised dialysis are easing the burden on families. In education, student-loan schemes, digital-skills initiatives, and new STEM and AI curricula are preparing our young people for a digital economy. Through the Student Loan Fund, access to higher education is becoming a right, not a privilege. Its synergy with new financing institutions such as CREDICORP and the Nigeria Credit Guarantee Company ensures that young Nigerians can pursue knowledge with the same confidence that entrepreneurs pursue capital. Free technical and vocational training at the tertiary level will supply the technicians and artisans required for industrial growth.

Agriculture and food security have become the centre of national resilience. Beyond grains, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is unlocking a trillion-naira value chain in meat, dairy, and leather. Expanded fertiliser blending, mechanisation, irrigation, and storage are supporting millions of smallholders. With increased investment in rice, cassava, and cash-crop processing, Nigeria is moving toward genuine food sovereignty. Food security is not an aspiration but a necessity for economic stability.

The government’s economic renewal is also anchored on access to finance, enterprise, and inclusion. The establishment of CREDICORP, the Nigeria Credit Guarantee Company, and the Student Loan Fund has strengthened the foundation for a credit-based economy as well as human capital and domestic productivity. Together, these institutions expand access to credit for small businesses, farmers, civil servants, individuals, and students while derisking lending and empowering citizens to build their future without political connections. In promoting local production over import dependence, the Nigeria First Policy is not only conserving foreign exchange but also creating pathways for skilled youth employment and industrial apprenticeship across states.

I say this not out of any search for appointment, business patronage, or reward, but from a place of patriotism and conviction. In any case, President Tinubu has made it possible for any Nigerian engaged in productive enterprise and producing goods in Nigeria to get business patronage without knowing anyone. From where I stand, and for every Nigerian, the true beauty of the Nigeria First Policy is that it invites us all to become participants in our country’s renewal. We can each now go into productive enterprise and live the Nigerian dream, so long as we care enough to believe in this nation and invest in our people, resources, and future.

In the midst of reform, President Tinubu’s words have been both compass and caution: ‘As we continue to reform the economy, I shall always listen to the people and will never turn my back on you.’ That statement captures the essence of progressive governance which I define as courage guided by compassion. Under this directive, Nigeria’s social-protection system has been rebuilt on transparency and technology. The Conditional Cash Transfer programme now reaches more than 15 million households on a verified digital register, each linked to a NIN-validated wallet or bank account for direct payment. No intermediaries and no leakages. In addition, ?344 billion has been disbursed in three tranches to the 36 states and the FCT to support local welfare and enterprise programmes. The Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which will operate across 8,809 wards, will economically engage over 10 million Nigerians and ensure that national policy translates into local opportunity.

The humanitarian principle of progressivism is simple. Reform must lift, not leave behind. Fiscal discipline restores credibility. Social investment restores trust. When citizens see roads being built, hospitals working, and social payments arriving on time, faith in reform deepens and the social contract is strengthened. Special attention is also being given to women, rural communities, and persons with disabilities through targeted enterprise and skills-support initiatives under the Renewed Hope framework.

The numbers also tell their own story of impact and renewed hope in Nigeria. Non-oil revenues continue to rise. Exports are diversifying. Nigeria has recorded its first trade and balance-of-payments surplus in years, a sign of growing production and renewed confidence in the naira. Oil output is improving, new investments are flowing into the upstream and midstream segments, and our current account is gaining strength as reforms take hold. President Bola Tinubu and his government recognise that inflation and living costs remain a strain on households, but the fiscal discipline now taking root is designed to restore purchasing power in a sustainable way. President Tinubu has also acknowledged that meaningful reform takes time. While citizens are beginning to see the first trickles of progress, the greater task is to ensure that these trickles flow downward to communities, markets, classrooms, and farms where growth becomes tangible and human.

The task ahead is to sustain this momentum but it won’t be easy. Every child must be in school. NIWA must be further strengthened to expand partnerships for safer and cleaner waterways. NDLEA must receive greater support to combat the rising threat of drug trafficking and addiction, and NAFDAC must be empowered with stronger laboratories and technology to protect the public from counterfeit medicines and unsafe food. These are not peripheral agencies. They are frontline guardians of national well-being, and their effectiveness determines the credibility of our progress.

Communities themselves must also understand that with all the support given to our security agencies and the military, their partnership is vital. Cooperation between citizens, traditional institutions, and security operatives will solidify these gains, strengthen intelligence at the grassroots, and prevent a return to disorder. National security is not the burden of the state alone. It is the shared duty of all Nigerians determined to protect their future.

The state governors of Nigeria, under this Renewed Hope and progressive compact, also have a historic role to play. We have faith that with President Tinubu’s commitment, they can write their names in gold, but that gold must first be mined in proper service of the people.

The progress of any nation is not measured only by its wealth, but by the collective will of its people to do right, even when it is hard. That is the essence of progressive governance and the covenant that must bind us for the next decade.

I imagine a Nigeria where every child learns, every farmer prospers, every hospital has power, and every young person earns a dignified living. That is the spirit of renewal behind this progressive decade. It is the belief that courage and compassion are not opposites but partners in building a fair and prosperous country. Tomorrow’s Nigeria is not waiting to be discovered. It is waiting to be delivered with courage, competence, and care. I am Rabiu Isyaku Rabiu and I endorse the publication of this message.

God bless our President.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Alhaji Rabiu Isiyaku Rabiu is a business entrepreneur who advocates private-sector innovation that strengthens reform and institutional growth. Drawing from experience across critical sectors, his reflections on governance, accountability, and shared prosperity are grounded in both enterprise and national purpose.

Hospitality professional, Mr Francis Ogosi, has identified the importance of strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders in the hospitality value chain as key factor for sustainable growth in the Nigeria and Africa hospitality space.

Ogosi, Hospitality Manager at Glocient Hospitality, who disclosed this in a panel session at the 2025 Hospitality Enterprise Network(HEN) titled ‘Risk, Reward, and Reality: Is Hospitality Still a Smart Investment?’, provided practical insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, particularly in Nigeria’s remote areas.

Glocient Hospitality is the management and development company behind Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center in Ekiti State, which has been voted the best holiday resort in Nigeria for two consecutive years.

Mr. Ogosi highlighted security challenges and the rising cost of operations as two significant risks that investors must thoughtfully assess when considering hospitality projects in Nigeria.

He stressed that while the market holds great promise, success requires thorough groundwork. Investors must conduct comprehensive feasibility studies, prepare accurate pre-opening budgets, and develop a clear understanding of the Nigerian business landscape before launching new projects.

‘Although hospitality in Nigeria presents an attractive opportunity, success hinges on preparation and local awareness. Investors need to conduct their research, budget carefully, and acknowledge the operational realities on the ground. With the right approach, the rewards can be substantial,’ Ogosi stated.

He further emphasized that hospitality investment in Nigeria requires a blend of resilience, adaptability, and a long-term strategy. Despite the noticeable risks, Mr. Ogosi pointed out that the sector continues to show strong growth potential, fueled by business tourism, leisure travel, domestic tourism, and increasing demand for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).

The session offered valuable perspectives for investors, operators, and policymakers navigating Nigeria’s evolving tourism and hospitality market. It underscored the importance of strategic planning, sustainability, and collaboration as the sector positions itself for long-term growth.

The HEN 2025 Conference rallied leading figures in the hospitality and tourism industry recently in Lagos (to discuss the future of investment across Africa’s emerging markets.

The event featured product sales, experiential marketing, industry insights, business-to-business customers (B2BC), collaborations, brand exposure, networking, exhibitions, conferences, and panel sessions addressing key issues affecting the industry.