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The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) has felicitated with Nigerians on the nation’s 65th Independence anniversary.

The Firm said this year’s theme: ‘Nigeria at 65: All Hands on deck for a greater nation,’ underscores the fact that project of nation-building rests on collective responsibility.

A statement by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, Engr. Francis Agoha said it remained resolute in its commitment to national development through improved quality power supply, prompt response to customer complaints, and deliberate efforts to bridge the metering gap across its franchise.

According to him: ‘We recognise that a sustainable power sector is central to economic advancement, industrial growth, and improved quality of life.

‘In alignment with the spirit of this theme, IBEDC enjoins its esteemed customers to partner with us in building a greater Nigeria by refraining from energy theft, vandalism of electricity infrastructure, and by paying their electricity bills regularly.’

He urged customers to be safety conscious at all times by properly supervising their children to prevent electrical accidents, refrain from trading under high-tension wires and engaging only qualified electricians to fix electrical faults.

He stated: ‘Our technical teams are fully mobilized and ready to promptly address any faults or service disruptions that may arise during the Independence Day holiday.

‘Customers are also encouraged to make use of our convenient e-payment channels for uninterrupted service delivery.

‘As Nigeria celebrates this historic milestone, IBEDC urges all citizens to embrace unity, responsibility, and collective action in building the Nigeria of our dreams. Together, we can power a greater nation.’

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress United Kingdom (APC UK) and the APC Diaspora Chairmen Council (APC CDC), Hon. Tunde Doherty, has called on Nigerians to uphold the legacies of the nation’s founding fathers and sustain the spirit of resilience that has defined the country since independence.

In a statement he personally signed to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Doherty described the milestone as more than a historical landmark, stressing that it symbolises the unity, diversity, and hope of the Nigerian people.

‘Sixty-five years of Nigeria’s independence is not merely a historical milestone; it is a testament to our resilience, our unity in diversity, and our unwavering hope for a better tomorrow,’ he said.

Doherty further assured that the diaspora chapter of the ruling party under his leadership remains committed to promoting inclusive governance, encouraging civic engagement, and strengthening strategic collaboration between Nigeria and its citizens abroad.

‘The diaspora remains a vital force in shaping Nigeria’s future.

‘We must continue to build bridges across borders, advocate for transparency, and empower our communities to contribute meaningfully to national development,’ he said.

Doherty called on all Nigerians to reflect on the values of freedom, justice, and progress, and to recommit themselves to the collective pursuit of a prosperous and united nation.

In Speak Up! A Guide to Public Speaking for Young Minds’, Adetola Ajibola lays the foundation for public speaking and builds on it across 11 chapters and 38 pages. The author consistently stresses the importance of standing up and speaking.

She emphasises that the voice itself is the hallmark of speaking-unique, powerful, and capable of bringing new ideas to life, while also serving as a tool of empowerment. Ajibola creates a background to the title by tracing the roots of public speaking step by step: stand up ? speak ? your voice ? your message ? writing. Alongside this, she highlights the need to build confidence, noting that confidence strengthens how a message is projected.

In Chapter 5, she explains that it is not enough to simply have a message or confidence, what you say must compel your audience to act. She suggests approaches such as being authentic, telling stories, and encouraging interaction. The book also provides a template for writing a compelling speech. True to the author’s words, public speaking requires storytelling, but stories must matter, relate, and be relevant to the audience-whether they are personal experiences or statistics.

Ajibola further highlights the role of visual aids in elevating presentations, such as slides and designs that align with the message. Importantly, she balances the strengths of public speaking with the realities, building confidence, handling difficult questions, and recognizing that speaking is not always rosy. She emphasizes that success requires preparation and rehearsal, before, during, and even after the speech.

One weakness of the book, however, is that it does not adequately address the limitations of speaking up. While it thoroughly covers the ‘why’ and ‘how’, it gives little attention to the ‘when’, a crucial challenge for many young people who struggle with timing.

Nevertheless, the book’s strength lies in its simplicity and relevance. The words are free of ambiguity, relatable to young minds and enriched with practical examples and steps.

Big Brother Naija housemate Faith has been disqualified from the reality show following a heated altercation with fellow contestant Sultana during a skincare task rehearsal.

The announcement was made by Biggie on Thursday evening, hours after the clash left Sultana with a twisted ankle and a hand injury.

The dispute began when Sultana accused Faith of being controlling and insisting on leading the group despite the task not falling within his medical expertise.

Tensions escalated when Faith dragged a basket containing group materials, causing Sultana to fall.

Despite interventions from housemate Kaybobo, who briefly took the basket from Faith, the confrontation continued, prompting Sultana to declare she could no longer work with him.

The incident sparked outrage among viewers, many of whom demanded Faith’s disqualification for causing physical harm to a fellow housemate – a call Biggie eventually upheld.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has launched the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS), describing it as a landmark in his administration’s commitment to saving lives and ensuring no citizen is denied access to emergency healthcare.

Speaking at the flag-off on Thursday, the governor said the initiative was not just about unveiling ambulances, but about guaranteeing the right to timely medical intervention for every resident of the state.

‘Our vision is simple but profound: no citizen of Kaduna State should be denied timely medical intervention because of distance, delay, or lack of access,’ Sani declared.

The system features a fleet of ambulances with life-saving equipment, a central dispatch centre, and trained emergency medical technicians who will stabilize patients en route to hospitals. It will operate across all 23 local government areas, serving both urban and rural communities.

‘In times of crisis-whether a maternal complication, a road traffic accident, or a cardiac emergency-minutes can mean the difference between life and death. This deliberate step underscores our resolve to leave no one behind,’ the governor said.

Sani stressed that the program reflects his administration’s ‘people-first philosophy,’ anchored on Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

He noted ongoing reforms, including revitalization of primary health centres, prioritization of maternal and child health, and approval of new salary structures for health workers.

‘This initiative is not for the privileged few. It is for the farmer in Ikara, the trader in Kachia, the student in Giwa, and the child in Kagarko. No one will be left behind,’ he assured.

Commissioner for Health, Umma K. Ahmed, hailed the scheme as ‘a giant leap forward,’ noting that integration of the Rural Emergency Medical and Maternal Transport Services (RESMAT) into KADSEMSAS would extend access to hard-to-reach areas.

She added that treatment within the first 48 hours will be free for pregnant women, children, and accident victims.

Governor Sani also emphasised sustainability, saying the government was upgrading health facilities, training health workers, and involving communities to make the system effective beyond the launch. ‘To our citizens: this system belongs to you. Use it responsibly, report misuse, and provide feedback,’ he said.

The flag-off follows Kaduna’s onboarding into the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), approved by the Federal Ministry of Health in 2024. Officials believe the state’s example could set a benchmark for others across the country.

In a new groundbreaking study, researchers have uncovered serious weaknesses in the way Portland, Oregon, USA, governs its urban forest- a critical tool in the fight against climate change stressors.

The study, published in the open-access journal Sustainability, was conducted by Nigerian-born green industry professional and environmental governance expert, Quadri Taiwo, and Professor Vivek Shandas, a renowned US-based professor specializing in urban ecology and community resilience.

The research offers fresh insight into why many U.S. cities are struggling to expand their tree canopies despite well-intentioned planting campaigns.

According to the study, Portland’s urban forestry system is plagued by fragmented coordination and weak stakeholder engagement.

The researchers mapped a network of 162 organizations-including government agencies, non-profits, and community-based groups-involved in tree planning and management across the city. What they found was a loosely connected network lacking strong institutional linkages.

‘Our analysis shows that while Portland has a high number of actors in its urban forestry space, they are not effectively working together,’ Quadri Taiwo said. ‘This has major implications for urban sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental equity.’ The study used social network analysis (SNA)-a method more commonly applied in corporate or social science research-to assess the structure and effectiveness of stakeholder collaboration.

The results were striking: the network had a density score of 0.0079, meaning that only a tiny fraction of potential partnerships between actors were active. Network cohesion was also low, measured at just 5.4%. These findings, the researchers argue, help explain the broader trend of declining tree cover in many urban areas in the United States, despite public and private efforts to reverse the loss.

‘The lack of decentralized governance and the over-reliance on fragmented individual efforts are part of why tree planting campaigns often fail to deliver meaningful long-term results,’ said Quadri Taiwo. As a solution, the authors called for the establishment of regular collaborative governance platforms-such as co-designed management plans that are jointly developed and implemented by stakeholders from different sectors.

They also proposed the use of virtual reality (VR) simulations to improve public understanding and engagement. By allowing residents and policymakers to experience different urban forestry scenarios in immersive 3D environments, the researchers believe VR could become a powerful tool for consensus-building and environmental education.

‘With increasing urban heat and climate-related health challenges, cities must go beyond planting trees,’ the authors said. ‘We need to reimagine how we govern our green infrastructure to ensure it delivers real and lasting benefits.’

Further analysis revealed that most of the organizations involved were concentrated in specific areas, with limited outreach to underrepresented communities. This spatial imbalance, according to the researchers, raises concerns about equity in tree distribution and access to green space benefits.

In addition, while many organizations identified ‘tree planting’ as a key activity, far fewer were involved in long-term tree maintenance, community engagement, or policy reform. This creates a mismatch between short-term action and the need for sustainable canopy growth over decades.

The authors argued that city governments must play a more active convening role, ensuring that community voices are not only heard but integrated into planning frameworks. They noted that relying on voluntary collaboration without clear institutional accountability is insufficient to meet ambitious climate and resilience goals.

In Portland’s case, the researchers stressed, it offers broader lessons for cities worldwide-especially in the face of rising urban heat islands, increased flooding risks, and public health crises. Urban forests can serve as buffers, but only when managed through inclusive, transparent, and adaptive governance.

Moving forward, Quadri Taiwo recommended pilot programs that test new governance models combining public leadership with grassroots innovation. They emphasized that only a systemic shift-from fragmented to unified governance-can unlock the full potential of urban forests as tools for ecological restoration.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, are among the dignitaries expected at the launch of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor’s book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,’ in Abuja tomorrow.’

According to a statement by Jonah Ejenavi, Chairman of the Book Launch Organizing Committee, President Tinubu is expected as the special guest, while former President Obasanjo will serve as chairman of the occasion, and Bishop Kukah will act as book reviewer.

The 330-page book, divided into 14 chapters and three parts, explores Nigeria’s historical past, unravels the roots of the country’s security challenges, and examines the Boko Haram conundrum, proposing a paradigm shift to establish peace in Nigerian society despite the threat of insurgency.

‘In Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, Gen Irabor dissects the Boko Haram conundrum, while proposing solutions to a challenge that threatens the future of Nigeria and other West African states.

‘The bird’s-eye view of Gen Irabor, who led Nigerian forces against one of the biggest threats to his country, offers a deeper understanding of Boko Haram and the insurgency challenge,’ the statement said.

Since emerging in 2002, Boko Haram has unleashed unprecedented violence, destruction, and economic devastation across West Africa, with far-reaching consequences for the region, continent, and globe.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has warned the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) against any encroachment on the land housing the Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH).

Governor Okpebholo asked the management of MOWAA to adhere strictly to laid-down coordinates.

Okpebholo, who spoke through his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, said his administration’s stance on the boundary demarcation remained unshaken.

He expressed displeasure over MOWAA’s alleged encroachment on ESH land despite earlier directives.

According to him, ‘Governor Okpebholo asked me to advise and also warn the MOWAA management to stick to the demarcation lines between the ESH and the MOWAA institution,’ the deputy governor said.

‘Few weeks ago, we were here to give demarcation on the boundary between MOWAA and the ESH. Apparently, the MOWAA management decided to encroach on the land given to ESH.

‘We came to let them know that the Edo State Government is firm on it, and we have given them the right coordinates. We have also sealed the part that belongs to the ESH, so MOWAA, at this point, can no longer encroach.

‘This is not a witch hunt. The governor is fair enough to allow MOWAA to continue with whatever we met on the ground. He has not encroached or done anything contrary to the law. Hence, they should also stick to and abide by the law,’ he said.

Chief Medical Director of ESH, Dr. Anthonia Njoku, thanked Governor Okpebholo for protecting the hospital’s expansion interest.

Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, Mr. Imoisili Igabali, said a temporary perimeter wall has been erected.

The Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) has fully resumed passenger operations after weeks of suspension for safety checks, staff training, and technical inspections.

Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, joined passengers on the inaugural trip from Idu Station in Abuja to Rigasa in Kaduna in a symbolic move to rebuild public confidence in the service.

The train made its routine stop at Kubwa before arriving in Kaduna, with a return trip scheduled the same day.

Speaking on arrival at Rigasa, Dr. Opeifa expressed gratitude for ‘God’s grace during the recovery period,’ emphasizing that modern rail transport remains vital to national unity and economic growth.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its significant investments in railway infrastructure across the country.

‘We are determined to turn around the fortunes of the Corporation by completing ongoing projects, optimizing existing assets, rehabilitating rolling stock, expanding services and modernising operations, particularly along this corridor,’ the NRC boss said.

He disclosed that a new Customer Service Department has been established to promptly attend to passenger complaints and improve service delivery.

On security, Opeifa reassured passengers of their safety, pointing to the visible deployment of police and military personnel along the route and in stations, alongside discreet security measures ‘to safeguard all stakeholders.’

The NRC chief reaffirmed his determination to transform the corporation into a world-class, passenger-friendly service provider that will drive socio-economic growth through safe and efficient rail transport.

The AKTS, one of the busiest passenger rail corridors in the country, had been suspended to allow for extensive safety upgrades. Yesterday’s resumption is expected to rekindle public trust in the service and ease pressure on road transport between Abuja and Kaduna.

As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, it is important not to just wave the flag, but to reflect on how far we have come economically, what lessons history has taught us, and what recent reforms may mean for our collective future.

At independence in 1960, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was about US$4.2 billion, with a population of roughly 45 million people and per capita income estimated at US$93.

Agriculture was the backbone of the economy. Cocoa in the West, palm oil in the East, and groundnut pyramids in the North fueled exports and provided livelihoods for millions.

But the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantities transformed everything. By the 1970s, oil revenues had become the lifeblood of government budgets.

While this funded roads, schools, and ambitious infrastructure, it also exposed us to global oil shocks, encouraged rent-seeking, and gradually weakened the agricultural base that had once sustained us.

Elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakassai recently reminded Nigerians in an interview that those who judge Nigeria’s current condition without reference to history miss the bigger picture.

In his words, ‘From 60 years ago till now, we are in control of our destinies. Every administrative move is under the control of Nigeria, which was not so before the present administration. Sadly, someone who does not know where Nigeria was before cannot make an informed decision about Nigeria today.’

This perspective unveils a vital truth: to appreciate Nigeria’s progress, one must remember where we started.

A major turning point came in 2014, when Nigeria rebased its GDP calculations for the first time in over two decades.

Suddenly, the economy appeared almost 90% larger, not because money had magically appeared, but because new sectors like telecommunications, Nollywood, and digital services were finally counted.

Once again, in 2024, rebasing updated the base year to 2019, raising Nigeria’s GDP to ?372.82 trillion (US$244 billion).

Agriculture’s share rose by 3.2% in Q1 2025 after rebasing, showing that farmers’ contributions had long been underestimated.

These revisions reveal that Nigeria’s economy is more diverse and resilient than official figures had often reflected.

Today, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is undergoing another crucial economic transition. His government has introduced difficult but necessary reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and redirecting resources toward the people.

Subsidy removal has redirected funds once enjoyed by the wealthy into Nelfund, TIVET programs, and loan facilities for lecturers.

Conditional cash transfers of ?75,000 and ?25,000 have reached between 15 and 75 million vulnerable households.

Dialysis treatment costs have been cut from ?100,000 to ?12,000, easing the burden on poor households.

External reserves have risen to over US$42 billion, while Nigeria posted a US$6.83 billion balance of payments surplus in 2024, strengthening the naira and boosting investor confidence.

GDP growth improved to 4.23% in Q2 2025, up from 3.48% the previous year – a sign that reforms are beginning to take hold.

Importantly, the naira has shown new signs of stability. In September 2025, it recorded its most stable run of the year, trading consistently below ?1,500/$ at the official window. It strengthened from ?1,526/$ at the start of the month to around ?1,475/$ by month’s end, while the parallel market also firmed to around ?1,495/$.

This contrasts sharply with the turbulence of 2023-24, when the naira fell rapidly and market gaps widened.

This stability has not gone unnoticed internationally. The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recently acknowledged the efforts of the president and his renewed hope team

In her words, ‘The president and his team have worked hard to stabilize the economy, and you cannot improve an economy unless it is stable. He has to be given the credit for the stability of the economy. The reforms have been in the right direction.’

In the oil and gas sector, production is also recovering. In July 2025, Nigeria met and even slightly exceeded its OPEC quota, producing about 1.5 million barrels per day of crude oil.

By August, output had risen further to 1.63 million barrels per day, a strong 96% of its OPEC crude quota.

These improvements show that reforms and better security in the oil-producing regions are beginning to yield results.

Yes, we are not yet where we envisaged ourselves to be economically. Nigeria can be more, and should be more.

This reality means that implementation of reforms must continue by those who truly understand Nigeria’s needs, ensuring that the average citizen not only feels growth on paper but experiences it in daily life.

At 65, Nigeria’s economic story is one of resilience and reinvention. We have moved from agriculture to oil, from stagnation to rebasing, and now to reform.

The current government’s steps are painful in the short run but may prove pivotal in laying the foundation for inclusive, sustainable growth.

The lesson of our journey is clear: policies must prioritize people, not just macro indicators. Infrastructure, healthcare, and education must become central pillars of growth.

Nigeria cannot rely solely on oil or statistical rebasing; our true wealth lies in our people, their innovation, resilience, and hard work.

As Alhaji Tanko Yakassai rightly put it, perspective matters. To know where we are today, we must understand where we were yesterday. And compared to 1960, Nigeria has taken bold ownership of its destiny.

As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us recognize both how far we have come and how far we must still go.

With unity, patience, and commitment to reform, the promise of a prosperous Nigeria remains within reach. Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!