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Bassey Edet Out, Cross River State governor, has described the Uyo-Odukpani road as an economic emergency, just as he called on the federal government to urgently intervene in its rehabilitation.

Otu lamented that the deplorable state of the road is hampering trade, industrial operations, and inter-regional connectivity across the South-South.

The governor made the call while receiving members of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Works, led by Akin Alabi, chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Calabar. The dovernor was represented by Peter Odey, his deputy.

Welcoming the delegation, Otu expressed appreciation for their visit and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the ongoing Calabar-Lagos Coastal Highway project, which he described as a landmark initiative that would open up the South-South corridor for greater economic and industrial expansion.

However, Otu lamented the deplorable state of the Uyo-Odukpani Road, which he described as ‘a vital federal artery’ linking Cross River to Akwa Ibom and other parts of the country. According to him, the poor condition of the road has continued to impede commercial activities and the smooth transportation of goods and services, with far-reaching economic consequences.

‘The condition of the Uyo-Odukpani Road is deeply worrisome,’ Governor Otu said. ‘This is a major federal highway that connects our state to the rest of the South-South and beyond. Its present state affects not only human movement but also our economy. For instance, trucks from Lafarge Cement Company and other industries struggle daily to move goods out of the state. This situation has become a national emergency and demands urgent federal attention.’

Reaffirming his administration’s readiness to partner with the federal government and all relevant stakeholders to improve infrastructure and drive economic growth, the Governor pledged Cross River State’s continued cooperation in the pursuit of sustainable development.

‘Cross River will remain a willing partner to all stakeholders committed to improving the living standards of our people. We are ready to collaborate in finding lasting solutions to our infrastructural challenges,’ Otu assured.

Earlier in his remarks, Alabi had stated that the committee’s visit was part of a nationwide oversight tour to inspect federal road projects and assess ongoing interventions by the Federal Ministry of Works.

He described the Uyo-Odukpani Road as ‘one of the worst roads’ he had encountered, stressing its significance as a key gateway linking Cross River to the South-South and other parts of Nigeria.

‘This road is a national emergency,’ Alabi declared. ‘We have seen too many inconsistencies, from the termination of the initial contract with a U.S. firm to its re-award to Sermatec, and now a change of scope from asphalt to concrete pavement. This project has suffered from confusion for too long, and we cannot continue this way.’

He further disclosed that the National Assembly would soon convene a public hearing on the project to ensure transparency and accountability, bringing together all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Works, contractors, Cross River State Government officials, the media, and civil society organizations.

‘We are determined to find a lasting solution. The legislature will play its role to ensure this road is fixed,’ Alabi assured.

Among those present at the meeting were Rufai Hanga, deputy chairman of the Senate Committee on Works; Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District; and other distinguished members of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Works.

President Bola Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives seeking the approval of plans by the Federal Government to raise 2.34 billion dollar in external capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fund is aimed at financing part of the 2025 budget deficit and refinancing maturing Eurobonds.

The Speaker, Rep. Abba Tajudeen, read the president’s request on the floor of the house on Tuesday.

Tajudeen said that the president also sought parliamentary approval for the issuance of a 500 million dollar debut sovereign Sukuk in the international capital market.

He said that the request was made in accordance with the provisions of Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (DMO) Establishment Act 2003.

According to the president, the total external capital to be raised amounts to 2.347 billion dollar, comprising 1.229 billion dollar in new external borrowing provided for in the 2025 Appropriation Act and 1.118 billion dollar.

He further stated that the money was to refinance maturing Eurobonds due in November.

Tinubu said that the borrowing would be sourced through a mix of Eurobond issuance, loan syndications, bridge financing and direct borrowing from international financial institutions, depending on market conditions.

He said that the new financing was part of the government’s strategy to support infrastructure development, refinance costly debt obligations and sustain investor confidence in Nigeria’s credit market.

The president sought for the legislature’s authorisation for the issuance of a stand-alone 500 million dollar sovereign Sukuk in the international capital market – the first of its kind for Nigeria.

He said that the Sukuk would diversify Nigeria’s funding sources, attract ethical investors and complement domestic Sukuk issuances that had raised over 1.39 trillion dollar since 2017 for critical road projects across the country.

‘The proposed Sukuk may be issued with or without a credit enhancement guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) – member of the Islamic Development Bank Group

‘Under the plan, up to 25 per cent of the proceeds could be used to refinance high-cost government debts, while the balance will fund pre-identified infrastructure projects,’ he said.

Tinubu assured that the refinancing of the maturing 1.118 billion dollar Eurobonds due in November was a standard practice in global debt management, aimed at avoiding default and maintaining market credibility.

He affirmed the willingness of the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office to collaborate with transaction advisers to ensure the most favourable market terms and conditions at the time of issuance.

In a visionary move that could redefine digital service delivery and inclusive finance in Africa, Gbolahan Owoeye Nigerian-born business leader has officially launched the Yield Haven AI App and its revolutionary Loan Marketplace this April 2025. The twin platforms represent a bold new chapter in Africa’s digital evolution, one where artificial intelligence is no longer a passive tool but an active agent for solving real-world challenges.

The milestone marks the emergence of Africa’s first all-in-one AI-powered concierge, combining chatbot intelligence with direct access to live agents, micro-lenders, forex traders, educational support, and job facilitators. More than a platform, Yield Haven reflects Gbolahan’s broader vision: to design a digital ecosystem that bridges people to solutions with dignity, speed, and choice.

Gbolahan’s rise from Archer Fellow in Washington, D.C., where he trained in public policy and governance, to VPI Strategy Lead at Cummins Inc., has been marked by a rare blend of technical insight and human-centered thinking.

At Cummins, he distinguished himself as a strategy expert driving operational transformation, particularly across the supply chain and compliance operations.

These experiences, combined with prior roles in Nigeria’s banking sector and federal statistical systems prepared him to design a system like Yield Haven, grounded in real-world complexity and the economic realities of underserved populations.

According to early users, the Yield Haven AI App feels like ‘a friend who gets things done.’ Instead of ending conversations at answers, the AI agent connects the user to real service providers, scholarship portals, micro-loan agents, forex vendors, or business consultants. In Gbolahan’s words:

‘We didn’t build another chatbot. We built an assistant that gets you help, not just advice.’

For instance, a student in Osun State looking for a foreign scholarship can now be matched to live counselors. A small business owner in Nairobi can chat with a loan vendor, compare rates, and close deals within minutes, all from one interface.

On the other hand, the Yield Haven Loan Marketplace connects:

Loan vendors to borrowers

Forex buyers to sellers (at negotiable rates)

Users to a decentralized financial choice model where market forces drive transparency No more rigid terms. No more bank-first bias. This is Gbolahan’s answer to monopolized finance: ‘Let the people choose the rates. Let the system serve the person, not the other way around.’

What sets Owoeye apart is his multi-sectoral approach. The Yield Haven app is accessible via low- bandwidth devices, integrated into WhatsApp, and available in multiple African languages, a reflection of his commitment to inclusive tech. He built for urban centers and rural towns alike.

His work is gaining traction not only in Nigeria and the U.S. but across emerging African tech scenes. Yield Haven’s headquarters in Indiana supports cross-border tech development and capital coordination, while the Nigerian operations serve as a launchpad for grassroots engagement and scaling.

Gbolahan Owoeye is not just a founder. He is a strategist, a thinker, and an architect of Africa’s tech renaissance. From his academic foundation in economics and policy to his innovation in logistics and digital lending, Owoeye’s fingerprints are on every aspect of the Yield Haven system.

‘Technology should listen, act, and deliver. Africans don’t just want access , we want resolution,’ he says.

His work is an evidence to this philosophy. And with the launch of Yield Haven AI and Loan Marketplace, millions of Africans may now have a smarter, faster, and fairer path to solutions.

With future phases including credit scoring, impact investing, and social commerce, Yield Haven is poised to become Africa’s first AI-powered platform that combines digital empathy with economic empowerment.

‘We’re just getting started,’ Gbolahan says. ‘This is not about hype. It’s about legacy.’

Important men speak in codes and parables. Gov Sim Fubara who is returning from six months hibernation seems to speak tongue-in-chick. The most profound was when he swore in as permanent secretary (Govt House) a man who was said to have stood firm during the emergency rule.

It was a period of long hours when betrayals were like tow for penny. The governor has made a statement, showing he heard everything and saw everything.

Now, he has charged the newly sworn in Permanent Secretary, Austin Ezekiel-Hart, to remain unwavering in professionalism, uphold the values of the civil service, and shun any act of illegality in the discharge of his responsibilities.

The Governor gave the charge during the swearing in ceremony held at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and integrity, stressing that the civil service must remain the backbone of good governance.

Reflecting on past challenges during the period of emergency rule, Gov Fubara lamented that some Permanent Secretaries failed in their responsibility to safeguard due process and instead engaged in actions that undermined the principles of the service. He warned that such conduct was unacceptable and that erring officials would ultimately be held accountable.

The Governor praised Ezekiel-Hart for his professionalism and refusal to compromise his integrity despite pressures, noting that his steadfastness and principled stance earned him the new appointment. He pointed out that the appointee’s colleagues could attest to his record of doing the right thing even in difficult circumstances.

Gov Fubara further emphasised that civil servants must remain consistent in their service, prioritising truth, fairness, and due process above personal or political interests. He stressed that no directive, regardless of its source, should override established rules and procedures, assuring that his administration would never pressure officers to act outside the law.

He added that all appointments were based strictly on merit, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to service.

The Kwara State Government, on Tuesday, refuted the reckless claims that nine local government areas of the State are under siege by the bandits, saying, ‘this is totally false. No local government area is under siege in the State.’

Bolanle Olukoju, State Commissioner for Communications, said that the unfortunate challenges ‘we have had in a few areas do not warrant the wicked escalation and fake news which are being promoted by opposition elements in and outside of the State.

‘We have reasonable grounds to suspect that these elements are the online promoters and equivalence of bandits as they help to instill fear in the populace through fake news such as the unfounded claims of nine LGAs being under siege and movement of gunmen in parts of Asa LGA.

‘We regretfully observe that Peter Obi has lent his social media handles to spreading such fake news. This is not expected from him as a statesman. We request Peter Obi to bring down the post as it is totally false and inappropriate.

‘We also urge members of the public to avoid sharing unverified information, which may cause panic, confusion, and psychological trauma to the people.’

Olukoju added that such an irresponsible behaviour is making things harder for the security forces who already have enough on their plates.

The federal government plans to refinance its expensive debt in a bid to lower growing debt service obligations and reduce the overall cost of borrowing, according to Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy.

Speaking at the 55th Annual Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja on Tuesday, Edun said the refinancing effort is part of a broader fiscal strategy aimed at restoring stability, unlocking investment, and delivering inclusive growth under President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.

‘Efforts are underway to refinancIe expensive debt and thus reduce both the debt service cost and the cost of borrowing,’ Edun said. He noted that the country’s debt servicing burden had surged sharply, with treasury bill rates rising from 8 percent in 2023 to nearly 24 percent, and external debt servicing ballooning from a budgeted ?2.7 trillion to ?6.7 trillion in 2024.

The minister said the decision to refinance costly obligations forms part of a wider set of initiatives designed to improve expenditure efficiency, boost revenue, and attract private sector capital.

These include formalising the informal economy, expanding the tax base through a new tax reform law, automating revenue collection, and optimising the government’s balance sheet.

Nigeria, he noted, is seeing early signs of macroeconomic recovery driven by recent reforms. ‘Between April and June 2025, our economy’s output grew by 4.23 percent year-on-year, up from 3.48 percent in Q2 2024,’ he said.

He added that the industrial sector had nearly doubled its growth rate to 7.45 percent, reflecting improved investor confidence, more stable exchange rates, and falling inflation, which declined to 20.12 percent in August from 21.88 percent in July.

‘These are not just numbers. They are signals of a nation regaining its economic footing and confidence,’ Edun stated.

But while the government is seeing fiscal gains, it is also facing rising expenditure pressure. Edun said the high cost of debt service threatens to crowd out essential investments in infrastructure and social services. As a response, the administration is turning to a combination of debt restructuring and private sector mobilisation to close funding gaps.

Part of that strategy includes infrastructure initiatives like the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) to attract private investment into roads and rail, as well as Project Bridge, a $2 billion World Bank and AfDB-backed project to expand Nigeria’s fibre optic network by 90,000 kilometres. The goal, according to Edun, is to achieve 70 percent internet penetration nationwide and close Nigeria’s digital infrastructure gap.

He also cited Mission 300, a $32 billion programme supported by development partners to increase energy access and ensure long-term industrial competitiveness. ‘Public resources are limited, and the complementary role of the private sector cannot be overemphasised,’ he said.

In the education sector, Edun highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has supported over 418,000 students across 229 institutions, and in healthcare, the government is launching digital and value chain initiatives to improve access and quality of care.

He urged ICAN and the accounting profession to play a central role in the reform effort, just as he called for the development of a rating model for accounting firms to ensure transparency and promote excellence.

In his address, President Tinubu spotlighted key policy interventions his administration has rolled out so far to stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence.

Chief among them is the Nigerian Tax Reform Act of 2025, which modernises tax administration, broadens the tax base, and eliminates overlapping taxes to foster a more business-friendly environment. ‘It will enhance compliance through digital platforms and strengthen taxpayer rights,’ he noted.

Represented by Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s decision to abolish multiple exchange rates, describing it as a crucial move that has eliminated arbitrage and improved investor predictability.

He also underscored the pivotal role of collaboration between government, professional bodies, and the private sector in entrenching transparency and driving inclusive growth. He urged every Nigerian, particularly the accounting fraternity, to adopt the principles of sustainability, transparency, and prudence.

He challenged accountants to be the ‘custodians of trust’ and ‘guardians of the figures that either build or erode economic resilience,’ noting that the strength of public institutions hinges on their professionalism.

Echoing the federal government’s reform message, Haruna Yahaya, ICAN President said the country stands at a defining moment where aligning reforms and building resilience are no longer optional.

‘Nigeria must choose between a J-curve recovery or L-curve stagnation,’ he warned, citing bold steps like fuel subsidy removal and FX unification. Yahaya outlined ICAN’s five-pronged reform alignment strategy, including a quarterly reform dashboard, sustainability assurance training, and support for MSMEs.

He said, ‘What gets measured gets done; what gets published gets believed,’ stressing the accounting profession’s central role in turning Nigeria’s reform ambitions into measurable, people-focused outcomes.’

Ibi Sofekun, aka Firekiss, 69-year-old Nigerian adventurer has completed his ‘Ride for the Boy Child’ journey, covering 40 countries in 99 days across Europe and Africa on his power bike.

Sofekun rode into Lagos on Sunday, October 5, 2025, to a hero’s welcome, after embarking on this mission to shine a light on the mental health struggles faced by young boys.

The journey which began on June 28, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland, took him through diverse terrains and cultures, spreading a crucial message: ‘It’s okay to not be okay.’

His advocacy campaign, inspired by Project HELP aims to encourage a global dialogue on providing better support systems for young boys.

Sofekun emphasised the importance of nurturing boys to become emotionally intelligent and confident individuals.

During a chat with press men on his arrival at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba, Onikan, Lagos, on Sunday evening, he shared a harrowing revelation from his journey.

‘The ambassador in Rabat shocked me when the man said that in 2024 alone, on the Moroccan coastline, they fished out 10,430 bodies from the Mediterranean Sea, trying to cross into Europe. 10,000 plus in one year. It’s become a mental issue where young Africans think that success is only elsewhere,’ Sofekun said.

He stressed that the problems of the world, such as gun crimes, knife crimes, extremism, and cults, are centered around men.

‘The question I ask is simple. I know so many men who are doing well in their lives. But the question is, which kind of boys grew into the kind of men that are doing all of these nasty things?’ Sofekun said, emphasising the need for men to lead by example and for society to provide boys with hope and encouragement.

He explained that Project HELP is an acronym that stands for ‘H’ – Give young boys hope, ‘E’ – Encourage them that it will be well with you, ‘L’ – Leaders must lead by example, and ‘P’ – Provide them with a sense of purpose. ‘Without being judgmental, they must have something to dream of,’ Sofekun said.

Uchechi Deborah Uchenna, documentarian and project manager, who documented Sofekun’s journey, said that this journey was never just about travel, it was about purpose, about shining a light on the boy child, about showing how one man’s vision can unite supporters from every walk of life.

‘When we talk about the mental health of the boy child in Africa, we are not just speaking locally. We are addressing a global crisis because when boys are silenced, men grow up broken, and humanity suffers,’ Uchenna said.

She called on Nigerians to welcome Firekiss home and to join the movement to support the mental health of the boy child, saying, ‘Let us permit our boys to feel, speak, and heal. Because when they rise, we all rise.’

The homecoming event was attended by dignitaries, including Sam Amuka, publisher, Vanguard Newspaper; Bode Olajumoke, chairman, board of trustees, Boys Scouts, Lagos, and Adebesin Olohuntoyin Oyeyemi, state scout commissioner, Lagos State Scout Council, as well as friends, family, and well-wishers, who came out to celebrate Sofekun’s achievement and to support the mental health cause.

As Sofekun rode into Lagos, he rode for every boy who’s struggling, and for a future where men can heal and thrive.

Sofekun’s remarkable journey showcases the profound impact of advocacy, proving that one person’s dedication can drive meaningful change.

His fearless determination has inspired many, and his message is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting the mental health of young boys.

Coronation Registrars Limited has secured three major industry awards within eight months of 2025, establishing new benchmarks for innovation and service excellence in Nigeria’s capital markets.

The accolades validate Coronation Registrars’ strategic transformation of Nigeria’s registrar services through pioneering technology solutions, international quality standards, and market-leading thought leadership that addresses decades-old inefficiencies constraining Africa’s capital markets.

The company has been recognised as Best Financial Institution Nigeria 2025 from Global Business and Finance Magazine, Outstanding Registrars Company of the Year from Marketing Edge Awards, and Best Securities Registrar for Investor Services from Gazet Awards.

Nigeria’s capital markets have struggled with systemic inefficiencies-N158 billion in unclaimed dividends, manual processing delays, and disconnected investor services that exclude retail participation from wealth creation.

Coronation Registrars’ comprehensive product suite directly addresses these challenges through technology-enabled solutions that democratise market access whilst enhancing operational efficiency.

ShareholderLive, the company’s flagship digital platform, transforms retail investors into empowered participants by providing real-time portfolio access, seamless corporate action participation, and transparent dividend management.

‘Every shareholder, regardless of location or portfolio size, deserves institutional-quality service and access to their investments,’ said Oluseyi Owoturo, CEO of Coronation Registrars.

IssuerLive delivers unprecedented market intelligence through live balance sheet data, insider trading monitoring, and on-demand compliance reporting.

Coronation Virtual revolutionises corporate governance by enabling hybrid AGM solutions that expand shareholder participation whilst maintaining governance integrity across banking, oil and gas, telecommunications, and manufacturing sectors.

Coronation Registrars achieved ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Certification, becoming one of Nigeria’s first registrar companies to meet these international standards. This reflects a systematic commitment to operational excellence that attracts both local and global investment confidence.

‘Our ISO certification represents more than operational achievement-it’s a public declaration of our commitment to building sustainable competitive advantages through systematic quality management,’ states Owoturo. The company’s recent automation of Nigeria’s first fully integrated bond processing workflow exemplifies this commitment to excellence, eliminating manual delays and calculation errors that previously discouraged institutional investment.

As outgoing President of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR), Owoturo has championed digital transformation across Nigeria’s capital markets. ‘Africa’s capital markets are not merely catching up to global standards-they’re leapfrogging traditional limitations through innovative technology adoption,’ Owoturo noted.

‘These awards validate our strategic focus on technology innovation, operational excellence, and thought leadership,’ explains Owoturo.

‘More importantly, they signal to institutional investors, listed companies, and regulatory bodies that Coronation Registrars operates at international standards whilst pioneering solutions for African challenges.’

‘As prosperity partners, we understand that efficient capital markets are essential for Africa’s sustainable development,’ concludes Owoturo. ‘When entrepreneurs can access capital markets easily, when retail investors participate meaningfully in economic growth, and when institutional capital flows efficiently to productive opportunities, we create foundations for broad-based prosperity.’

Medical experts on Tuesday proffered solutions to fertility challenges between couples.

The experts, from Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos highlighted the solutions in during the faculty’s 20th annual scientific conference and gathering, in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference had as its theme: ‘Women’s Reproductive Health, Navigating the Labyrinth with Silent Heroes.’

Speaking at the occasion, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Christian Makwe, described women seeking fertility care as silent heroes.

Makwe, who said that infertility might result from female and male factors, highlighted the treatment options to include: ovulation induction, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) surrogacy and adoption.

According to him, the success of ART depends on certain things, such as patient/couple factors and clinician/clinic related factors.

In his own contribution, the Dean of the faculty, Prof. Olufemi Fasanmade, said that the theme of the conference focused on how smiles could be put on the faces of couple facing infertility problem.

Fasanmade said that the guest lecturer was able to establish that it was not only women that has infertility problem, as there are both male and female factors.

He submitted that that if couples presented themselves early in the hospital, infertility could be treatable.

Also, Rufus Ojewola, Chairman, Scientific Sub-committee of the faculty, said that the conference spoke to women’s reproductive health.

Ojewola said that emphasis was always on women as regards infertility, adding, however, that 50 per cent of infertility are caused by male factors and the remaining half by female factors.