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MORE than 100 students from seven secondary schools in Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, have benefited from a workshop on technology and artificial intelligence that was organised recently by a UK -based tech expert, Kayode Ajayi.

The students were trained on the use of technology in building build apps, solving real problems and the creation of career opportunities.

The workshop which also featured an interactive session with the students on software development, also involved a training on web design and IT support.

Speaking on the event, the convener, Ajayi noted that the workshop is meant to give the students the opportunity to explore concepts in more depth.

He added that giving students early exposure to technology will prepare them for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Reflecting on the session, Ajayi said, ‘I am inspired by how much the students learned and how interested they were. Their curiosity and energy were amazing, and it reminds me why I want to do more events like this.’

Ajayi further stated that the workshop which also held to inspire and motivate the students was organised with the support of an IT firm, Veldarr.

‘Technology is part of every industry today. If young people start learning now, they’ll be ready to take on the future with confidence.’

In their separate remarks, teachers at the event praised the convener of the workshop for making technology accessible and exciting for the students.

Wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged women to embrace all the programmes under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), her pet project in the areas of agriculture, girl child education, and skills acquisition.

She made the call during her remarks at the grand finale of the 48th Isanbi Day Celebration held at Ilishan-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State on Saturday, noting that hope is already rising for the nation as several government policies are helping to stabilize the economy.

Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by Mrs Temitope Adeola, wife of the Chairman, Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, donated N20 million to the ‘Ilisan for Tomorrow’ project, an initiative conceived by the town to drive its socio-economic development.

She commended the indigenes and residents of the community for their spirit of oneness and brotherly love, as exhibited during the celebration.

The First Lady also called for continued support for the present administration at both the federal and state levels.

She said, ‘I however want to urge the women to embrace the programmes of the Renewed Hope Initiative in the areas of agriculture, skills acquisition, and girl child education. As it is now, hope is rising as the different policies of the government have begun to stabilize the economy towards growth and the benefit of the people. In collaboration with the residents of Ilisan town, who are very purposeful in pursuing the development of their community, I hereby support the development trust fund with N20 million.’

She also announced a donation of N10 million on behalf of Senator Adeola, representing Ogun West, in support of the development of the community.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, appreciated the sons and daughters of Ilishan for being partners in progress with his administration.

He said his government remains committed to the development of every part of the state, citing the newly constructed Gateway International Airport in the community as well as other ongoing road projects.

Ogun State First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, said the theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Ilisan: Rooted in Heritage, Rising by Self Help,’ focused on the need for all sons and daughters of the community to continue investing in its socio-economic growth.

She explained that the Isanbi Day Celebration over the years has provided a platform to celebrate the togetherness of the community and their roots, pay homage to their ancestors, and showcase their rich cultural heritage.

‘Our Yoruba heritage teaches us the timeless values of Omoluabi – integrity, hard work, respect, and compassion. These values define who we are as sons and daughters of Ilisan-Remo and as ambassadors of Ogun State and Nigeria, wherever we may find ourselves in the world,’ she said.

In attendance were the wives of the governors of Ekiti, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; Ondo, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; Imo, Mrs Chioma Uzodinma; Oyo, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde; Lagos, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; and the wife of former Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi.

Others included the lotto magnate who chaired the occasion, Sir Kensington Adebutu, represented by Apagun Seye Sonuga, and former deputy governors of Ogun State, Alhaja Salmot Badru and Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga, among others.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ilisan Development Association, Otunba Wemmy Osude, rallied support for the further development of the community and called for generous donations to the newly unveiled ‘Ilisan for Tomorrow’ project.

The traditional ruler of the town, Oba Michael Sonuga, thanked the sons and daughters of the community and urged them to remain united while working for the continued upliftment of the town.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, CON, has approved the release of ?2.321 billion for the settlement of pension entitlements, gratuities, and death benefits to retirees and families of deceased civil servants across the state.

The disbursement covers Accrued Rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and Gratuity/Death Benefits under the old Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). With this payment, Kaduna State has now disbursed ?6.678 billion in 2025 and a total of ?13.5 billion in the last two years of the present administration.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said the welfare of pensioners remains a top priority of the government, stressing that regular and timely payments will continue to ease the hardship faced by senior citizens.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pension Bureau, Ibrahim Balarabe, the latest batch of payments will benefit 661 retirees and families across the state and local governments – with ?1.736 billion allocated for the Accrued Rights of 511 retirees under the CPS, and ?585 million for gratuities and death benefits to 315 pensioners and next-of-kin under the DBS.

The Bureau further explained that beneficiaries under the Contributory Pension Scheme will have their Accrued Rights credited directly into their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) with their respective Pension Fund Administrators, while pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme will soon be invited for screening and verification before payment.

Governor Uba Sani has consistently maintained that ensuring dignity for retirees is not merely a statutory obligation but a moral responsibility of government.

The statement concluded that the approval underscores the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of pensioners, upholding their rights, and strengthening the trust of the Kaduna State workforce.

Segun Adegboye, better known in the music industry as ShawBiT or ‘King Shaw,’ is taking his artistry into a new dimension with the launch of his latest brand, Djandthemuse. The official unveiling held on October 1st, 2025, at 234 Lofts, Elegushi Beach, during the much-anticipated Afroluxe 2025 festival.

For years, ShawBiT has established himself as a multi-talented beat maker, vocalist, sound engineer, and producer, mastering genres from Amapiano to Afro-Soul and Afro House. His ability to seamlessly merge African rhythms with contemporary soundscapes has earned him recognition across borders. But with Djandthemuse, the Lagos-born creative is charting a fresh path that blends performance, storytelling, and cultural immersion.

> ‘The concept behind the name started with the idea of doing something different,’ ShawBiT explained. ‘In most parties, you have a DJ and a hype man or woman. I wanted to flip that by making my ‘hype man/woman’ the muse of the day. The Muse can be anybody, and in the future, I plan to use it to unveil celebrity superstars at my gigs.’

The new brand, he stresses, does not erase his identity as ShawBiT but rather complements it. ‘This is a hobby I’m turning into a passion, but ShawBiT remains my unique identity. Djandthemuse is just a short, sexy expression of the same artistry.’

At its core, Djandthemuse is designed as a space where sound meets soul. ShawBiT describes it as an avenue for channeling energy and emotion through music, particularly Afro House, which he believes carries a deeper, almost spiritual resonance.

‘My kind of sound speaks directly into your soul when you hear it. It’s like a transmission of energy, what my sister often calls healing and cleansing,’ he said.

His extensive background as a sound engineer and producer gives him an edge, shaping how he curates the Djandthemuse experience. Having spent years behind the console and microphone, he understands how to manipulate sound to move both body and spirit. ‘I already knew the sounds before I started spinning. That made the transition to DJing easy, and with the support of my DJ friends, it can only get better.’

Choosing Afroluxe 2025 as the stage for the brand’s debut, ShawBiT revealed, is as symbolic as it is strategic.

‘Afroluxe is a dream I share with my sister, and it’s also my first big gig. It’s the perfect open space to show the world my art,’ he noted.

With Djandthemuse, ShawBiT is not only reimagining the role of the DJ but also pushing African music into new creative territories. His vision goes beyond entertainment, aiming to build an immersive cultural brand that places the audience at the heart of the performance – as the ‘muse.’

Blending wellness, creativity, and fine dining, PitStop Restaurant has unveiled PitStop Village – a multi-faceted lifestyle destination in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The project, described by its founder, Aminadab Adegboro as a ‘celebration of Lagos energy,’ represents a shift from the brand’s beginnings as a themed café into a world-class wellness and hospitality centre.

Founded in 2019, PitStop outlived pandemic challenges while retaining its entire workforce, a decision the founder said was guided by ‘faith in people and purpose.’

At the event, where guests were treated to a six-course meal dining and wine tasting, she thanked the Lagos community, investors, and partners for sustaining the dream, while highlighting the PitStop Academy’s outreach to 400 underserved children and 45 cyclists.

‘We wanted to build a space that reflects excellence and social good,’ she said, adding that the brand’s model fuses lifestyle, learning, and empowerment. She emphasised that PitStop’s success reflects the resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurship and the city’s growing appetite for quality experiences.

General Manager, Jamal Bendghoughi, detailed the concept behind PitStop Village, describing it as an ecosystem of café, gym, restaurant, and rooftop bar designed for wholesome living. ‘Everything we serve – from bread to ice cream – is made from scratch,’ he said. ‘Our food blends French techniques with African character, ensuring every meal tells a story of craftsmanship.’ Weekly events, including DJ sessions and live jazz nights, aim to make PitStop a lively cultural hub for relaxation and connection.

The evening also featured the unveiling of Phoenix by PitStop, a premium fine-dining restaurant that extends the brand’s creative flair. Built with attention to design and acoustics, Phoenix combines food, music, and community in an intimate yet elegant setting.

The host, one of Nigeria’s finest music artiste, Dare Art Alade, described Phoenix as a restaurant designed to create memories in comfort and style saying, ‘This is not just a venue; it’s an experience.’

Among the guests was Ngozi Madueke-Dozie, a longtime member of the PitStop community, who described the event as ‘inspirational.’ She praised the founder’s story and the fusion of fitness with fine dining, highlighting the nine-course meal paired with curated wines. ‘PitStop has achieved what many thought impossible – merging a gym and a restaurant into one seamless, world-class experience,’ she said, commending the brand’s authenticity and attention to detail.

The village houses a restaurant, gym, wellness lab, sports shop, café, and rooftop bar, among other facilities.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called for a bold new vision to transform Africa from a mere supplier of raw minerals into a global hub for mineral processing, innovation, and green industrialisation.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori, quoted the Alake saying ‘Africa’s minerals have powered industrialisation elsewhere while our own economies remain under-industrialised. This paradox must end. Our vision must be clear: to move from extractive dependence to transformative industrialisation.

‘With these words, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) Dr Dele Alake made a case for a bold new vision to transform Africa from a raw minerals supplier to a global hub for mineral processing, innovation, and green industrialisation.

‘Delivering the keynote address at the African Mining Week in Cape Town, South Africa themed, ‘Vision and Strategy – Setting the stage for Minerals Industrialization, Dr. Alake underscored the continent’s strategic role in powering the 21st-century economy through its vast mineral wealth.’

He noted that Africa is home to some of the richest mineral deposits in the world, stressing that these resources are critical to clean energy, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and global security.

‘Our youth should no longer seek jobs abroad while opportunities lie buried beneath their feet. The time to industrialise is now. Let us set the stage for an Africa that is not just a participant in the global minerals economy, but a driver of its future,’ the Minister asserted.

Throwing light on ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector, the minister, represented by Permanent Secretary, Farouk Yabo stated that the nation is incentivising local beneficiation from gold refining to Lithium processing; Revoking dormant licenses to promote serious investment; Strengthening governance and transparency to attract credible global partners, and building a national critical minerals strategy.

In a related development, the minister addressed the ministerial roundtable of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) on the sidelines of the mining week, highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to create a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

His words, ‘We are investing in digitising mining processes from data accessibility to mineral traceability. We are also focusing on bequeathing strong institutions and the right policies to drive reforms, hence the ongoing efforts to amend the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act to provide a more robust legislative framework that will propel investments in the mining sector’.

He emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to ensure traceability from mining to monetization, affirming that the nation’s minerals are set to come from two sources: licensed holders or a seller and supplier buying from Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) who are registered and formalized.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Alake stressed that African countries must prioritize mapping their mineral resources to better understand the location and scale of deposits.

‘After national mapping, it is the duty of countries to ensure only licensed operators are mining. We must also build adequate capacity for effective supervision,’ he said.

Nigeria was also ably represented at the country spotlight session where the Permanent Secretary gave a presentation on Investment opportunities in the solid minerals sector, highlighting key reforms, incentives for investments, and a synopsis of the nation’s mineral endowments.

The African Mining Week was attended by Mining and Minerals Ministers from DRC, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone. Nigeria, Gambia, and Ghana sent representatives whilst major private sector players on the continent also graced the conference.

FOR many years, skill acquisition was often pushed to the background, while Western education was highly valued in Nigeria and regarded as the main path to success. However, the current economic reality, which has driven unemployment to unprecedented levels, has compelled both government and individuals to recognise the value of skills acquisition, not only as a viable source of income but also as a vital contributor to national development.

The essence of skill acquisition is as crucial as water to the human body. Increasingly, unemployed youths, particularly graduates, are realising its importance and embracing it as a source of livelihood.

A recent finding by Sunday Tribune showed that many young Nigerians now pursue Western education alongside skill development. Many of them use their compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year to acquire one form of technical or artisanal skill, while some graduates continue after completing service.

For example, visits to mechanics’ workshops and similar sites show a surge in apprenticeship among young boys and girls, including secondary school leavers, a development that reflects the growing zeal for skill development.

From all indications, skill acquisition is critical to addressing unemployment, which has fuelled social vices and the mass migration of Nigerian youths in search of menial jobs abroad.

As part of efforts to stimulate youth interest in skills and address the skilled manpower shortage, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) launched the SUPA programme to increase professionalism and provide trainees with internationally recognised certification. Several training centres have been enlisted under the initiative.

Speaking to Sunday Tribune during an inspection tour of Skill Up Artisan (SUPA) Training Centres organised by the ITF in Jos, Plateau State, an economics graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Hauwa Ibrahim, said she enrolled to learn tailoring after repeated unsuccessful attempts to secure employment.

She explained that after two years of job hunting without success, she realised learning a skill was her best option and decided to pursue it as both a passion and a career path.

During the recent visit to some of the centres in Jos, ITF Director-General, Dr Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun, said the SUPA programme is designed to transform vocational training in Nigeria and equip artisans with skills to meet modern economic demands.

He stressed that the initiative is not only to bridge the skills gap but also to drive sustainable development and empower the workforce.

He noted that countries like China actively integrate skills into education from an early stage, with a focus on green skills. In line with this, ITF has established the ITF Model School Skill Academy.

Speaking while inspecting the new academy, Dr Ogun said its aim is to inspire young Nigerians in skill development. The programme, he explained, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s goal of combining formal education with skills training to boost the economy.

He said: ‘The academy will commence in September with pupils from ITF Model School, Jos. Regular school hours will end at 1:30 p.m., after which pupils will be conveyed by bus to the two-hour training daily, with three additional hours at weekends. Initially, it is for JSS 1 and SSS 1 pupils.’

On certification, he explained that trainees will undergo two years of training before sitting for international examinations such as the City and Guilds of London, ensuring global recognition.

‘We will carry their parents along; this is not a case or issue of child labour. When you visit a country like China, this is how they raise their children. We are not discouraging formal education. In the end, they would take both the international test and the WAEC and NECO,’ he said.

The DG added that the academy will be replicated across the six geopolitical zones, adding that students will also receive career guidance from professionals and academics before training begins.

He criticised the inability of Nigerian artisans to work abroad due to a lack of international certification, stressing that every ITF training must now culminate in such certification to prepare graduates for global opportunities.

‘We want Nigeria to become a major exporter of skilled manpower,’ he said, adding that ITF has secured approval from City and Guilds and other global bodies as an exam centre.

During visits to SUPA centres in Jos, Sunday Tribune observed high youth participation, with trainees in IT, mechanics, plumbing, tailoring, hairdressing, welding and other trades, many of them graduates.

A political science graduate, Abdullah Tanko, now training in welding at Solap Technologies, said: ‘I decided to use this training to diversify into something that would give me a consistent income, even though I teach government in secondary school.’

At the Daganel Automobile Mechanic Workshop, trainee Abraham Dauda, who is a roadside mechanic, said certification was his main motivation, adding that he can use it to work anywhere in the world.

‘What I have at the moment is a certificate of learning with no seal of authority. But I was told that following my training here, I will write an examination to be held by City and Guilds of London, which is internationally renowned, meaning that I will be recognised anywhere in the world,’ he said.

Trainer and fashion entrepreneur, Sadia Bayero of Zebah Amani Fashion, said she currently supervises 45 trainees, who will undergo three months of training before sitting for international exams.

She commended ITF and the government for including management and business ethics in the tailoring programme.

The ITF DG, Ogun, also disclosed that a standard workshop has been established at the academy for training in CNG conversion, auto mechanics, and welding.

A former teacher, Albert Ibrahim, commended the government for reviving artisan training.

‘I recall when we were coming up, our parents introduced us to their sources of livelihood or professions. Those whose parents were tailors learned tailoring, blacksmithing, farming, and other skills. We were encouraged to participate in a variety of crafts in both primary and secondary schools. However, these methods of training were eventually abandoned. Thank God, this administration is returning to this in a modernised form,’ he declared.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects millions of women worldwide, often leading to irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and fertility challenges.

Detecting PCOS early makes it easier to manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications such as diabetes, heart disease, and infertility. While there is no cure, lifestyle changes, especially diet, can play a huge role in managing symptoms and balancing hormones.

In this article, Tribune online examines eight foods that can help regulate hormones if you’re living with PCOS:

1. Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that help reduce inflammation. They are also low in calories, making them excellent for weight management in women with PCOS.

2. Fatty Fish

Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce insulin resistance and lower testosterone levels, two key concerns for women with PCOS.

3. Avocados

Full of healthy fats, avocados support hormone production and improve satiety. They also provide potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, a common issue for some PCOS patients.

4. Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are loaded with antioxidants that fight oxidative stress. They also have a low glycemic index, meaning they won’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar.

5. Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are rich in fiber and healthy fats. They can help balance estrogen and progesterone while also reducing cravings.

6. Eggs

Eggs are a nutrient powerhouse, offering protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. They help regulate blood sugar and support overall hormonal balance.

7. Legumes

Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are high in plant-based protein and fiber, which aid digestion and help manage insulin resistance.

8. Green Tea

More than just a refreshing drink, green tea can lower testosterone levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it a great choice for women managing PCOS.

A PCOS-friendly diet doesn’t have to be restrictive. By incorporating these foods into your daily meals, you can support hormone balance and improve overall health. Along with medical advice and regular exercise, the right diet can help you take control of PCOS naturally.

TWO of my ardent readers and friends prevailed on me to comment on the ongoing scuffle between Dangote refinery on the one hand and the two Labour unions in the oil and gas sector, NUPENG (Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers) and PENGASSAN (Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria) on the other. While junior workers in the oil and gas sector belong to NUPENG, PENGASSAN houses senior staff in the same commanding height of the nation’s economy, the cash-cow that we have milked relentlessly since crude oil was first discovered by Shell-BP in commercial quantity at Oloibiri in present-day Bayelsa state in 1956, to the unfortunate abandonment of agriculture, the initial mainstay of the country’s economy. Overriding public interest also commands that I do.

Consequences of oil workers’ strike

With the two workers’ unions in the critical oil sector spoiling for a fight with the management of Dangote refinery, the consequences and reverberations of any industrial action will be felt by all and sundry. Anticipation of fuel scarcity that will undoubtedly ensue will lead to panic-buying by motorists and other users of petroleum products. Queues will form at fuel stations with the attendant consequences of disruption of seamless movement of persons, goods and services. Characteristically, petrol station managers will cash-in on the situation to further milk an already traumatised citizenry. Expect hoarding of the commodity. Expect, also, accidents arising therefrom and the attendant loss of life and property. Touts hiking fuel in bottles and jerry-cans will line our major roads, accentuating the scarcity and exacerbating the suffering of the people. Transportation fare from one location to another will balloon and food costs, unbearable at the moment, will shoot through the roof. Every imaginable item and services, including medicine and medicaments, school fees, rents, name it, will climb up, thus piling more misery on hapless Nigerians. The marginalization of Nigerian workers in favour of foreign nationals will further deepen unemployment, heighten youth restiveness, shoot up crime rate, and the JAPA syndrome will become accentuated. No one prays for another #ENDSARSNOW! Neither does anyone want the Arab Spring or Nepal to happen here! But we must watch it!

War by proxies?

Says Dante Alighieri, in his famous work titled ‘Inferno’: ‘The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who in times of great moral crisis maintain their neutrally’ May we never experience an inferno here in NIgeria! Echoes our own Wole Soyinka in ‘The Man Died’: ‘The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny!’ Some said NUPENG and PENGASSAN are resisting the tyranny of one man and his audacious ambition to capture, confiscate and appropriate unto himself the entire downstream sector of the oil and gas section of the commanding height of the nation’s economy. Dangote refinery counters that they are victims of a relentless and sustained sabotage by workers whose corruption threatens to up-end their multi-billion dollar investment.

What we are witnessing on the surface is a labour dispute between the Management of a refinery and its workers, but beneath, the struggle is more vicious and deadly. It is a fight for control of the goose that lays the golden egg for Nigeria, touted as Africa’s giant and its leading oil-producing nation. As a monopolist moves stealthily in well-measured steps but scantily-concealed manner to extend his tentacles like an octopus into the country’s life-wire, competitors are stopping at nothing to checkmate him and reverse the advantages he has chalked up against them over time. When he had the opportunity, the monopolist seized it with both hands. While others were buying private jets, stashing off-shore accounts and embarking on spending binge in Dubai and other exotic locations, someone chose to invest his own loot, as some of his competitors have described it, in an investment that has become a game-changer in a country where governments are steep in inefficiency and corruption. The other side of the story, however – and this is frightening – is what happened the moment the monopolist took total control of cement, sugar, etc. The people’s misery tripled, in place of the succor they were promised.

Between investment and profligacy

But who is to blame? If you chance, on a platter, on the footprints of a mad man and fail to cash-in on it to enter into stupendous riches, is it a sane man that will be careless with his own footprints? The story is told of a Lagos-based Afro-juju musician from Ogun state who, in 1990, invested N20 million, which is the value of billions of Naira by today’s exchange rate, to construct a mansion in the Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos. When completed, the mansion was said to be the talk-of-town. People trooped there to behold its splendour. It was the type the Yoruba people call ‘a-wo-si-fila’ – a wonderment, to put it mildly. Be-that-as-it-may, call the mansion a cost centre – a liability. Today, they say the mansion has fallen into bad times, like similar mansions that once belonged to the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin Dada and his Zairean counterpart Mobutu SeseSeko. The story is also told of another Nigerian, this time from Delta state, who invested a similar amount of 20 million Naira at about the same time as the musician to start a small bank. Call that an investment. Today, that small bank has become one of the country’s leading commercial banks, worth billions, if not trillions of Naira. So, who is to blame? If someone invested his own loot while others fritter theirs, who is to blame? But once bitten, twice shy!

We were told the Dangote refinery cost between 18 and 20 billion dollars to build; his critics say it costs far less. Admirers of the man say the refinery was a testament to his business acumen; but his critics say it was evidence of the unfair trade favours he curried from successive governments since the return to civilian rule in 1999, especially so from the Muhammadu Buhari administration (2015 – 2023). While some say Dangote succeeded where successive Nigerian governments failed, others counter that his so-called success story was at our collective expense and that the refinery was built on our back. To such critics, it will not even be out of place if the refinery is nationalised! But if they do – granted but not conceding – who runs it? Will the government not run it aground like it has done the government-owned refineries?

What’s at stake?

PENGASSAN and NUPENG may be right when they said they were fighting for workers rights at the Dangote refinery. Unionization is an internationally-recognised right of workers. Freedom of association is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Suspect every employer of labour that seeks, be it flagrantly or surreptitiously, to abridge the rights of workers to organize. Such employers have skeletons in their cupboards. They have something to hide. And such hidden motives are usually sinister. The unions also alleged that there was no due consultation before 800 workers were sacked; there was no fair hearing; and the process was, through and through, shadowy and opaque, without transparency and justification.

But we cannot pretend not to know that there are many of Dangote’s competitors who are happy each time his ship runs into bad weather. Unfortunately, some of the time, Dangote’s misfortunes are self-inflicted. Like capitalism, which Marxism says have embedded in it the seeds of its own destruction, the monopolistic tendencies of the practised monopolist also drives him to self-destruct, thus leading him to overplay his hand as he stretches his advantage beyond elasticity and carries his luck too far. A man who knows too well how he got into his riches is edgy when confronted by forces he knows are privy to his underbelly and what to do to unsettle, if not completely unhinge, him. The last, therefore, may not have been heard about the tango between Dangote refinery and the forces arrayed against it.

Back-and forth!

The labour unions alleged that 800 Nigerian workers were sacked because they dared to unionize. Two: That 2000 Indian workers were recruited in the face of millions of Nigerian unemployed youths pounding the streets in search of jobs. Three: That qualified Nigerians were replaced by Indians. Four: That many of the Indians so recruited lacked the appropriate Immigration documents. Five: That sacking Nigerian workers while retaining the services of Indian workers violates the spirit and letters of Section 7 of the Labour Act which prohibits discrimination in the workplace and enshrines fair and equal treatment. Six: That despite Dangote refinery’s pretentious attempts to mask its real intentions, the sacked Nigerian workers were targeted because they voluntarily elected to exercise their right to unionize. ‘When the witch cries in the night and the child dies in the morning, what do you expect’, asked PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa.

The right of workers to unite was the first declaration made by Karl Marx in the ‘Communist Manifesto’. Thus, the rallying cry of revolutionary workers all over the world became ‘Workers of all countries, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains’ Those very chains are what capitalists do not want workers to lose!

The Dangote refinery counters that over 3000 Nigerian workers are still in its employment and none of its workers was victimised on account of unionization; but that some workers were sacked as a result of repeated acts of sabotage, culminating in the need to take firm and appropriate action to protect life and property, address safety concerns; and, of course, protect the good health of the company. They described the refinery as a ‘strategic national asset’, which should be protected for the benefit of Nigerians and the refinery’s partners across Africa, and in the overall economic interest of thousands of people whose livelihood depends on it.

Nigerian workers: Enemies of their own selves?

We must listen to the Dangote refinery on this! There is a worrisome trend whereby Nigerian workers themselves are the ones eating up and running down both public and private businesses set up here in this country, only for them to turn round and complain of unemployment! I listened to a post on social media where some Ghanaian businessmen equally complained of the same scourge in Ghana. Is this, then, an African malaise? I suffered that scourge as a small employer of labour in my own little corner. Rather than set up factories and businesses here, anyone who has been so dealt with by their Nigerian employees will prefer to put their funds in Treasury bills and save themselves the stress, and the stark reality of losing all their investments while the scoundrels pound the street in search of their next victims. What is Labour doing about this? Or are they only interested in the check-off dues they collect from workers?

Most times when we advocate for fiscal federalism or true federalism, it is mere sloganeering and hot air. Over-centralization, which decades of the military’s command-and-control structure, has imposed on us, has permeated every sector of our national life, including, tragically, the so-called democratic or revolutionary movements. Democratic organisations like the trade unions, rather than organize from top to bottom, ought to organize from bottom upward. So we should have, using my own Ondo state as an example, Ondo State Labour Congress, and not Nigeria Labour Congress (Ondo State chapter); ditto for NBA, NMA, NUT, NUJ, etc. Checkoff dues, to be made voluntary, should be paid at the state level by willing members. States should be free to affiliate at the centre, if it serves their interest.

No fewer than six staff of United Capital Plc and four staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) lost their lives following a fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island. The incident is a reminder of how quickly disaster can strike and why it is important to know practical tips for a fire outbreak.

The fire started in the power inverter room in the basement, with smoke rapidly spreading, causing panic among occupants trying to escape. Emergencies like this show the importance of knowing what to do immediately, not just after the alarm sounds.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at seven key tips for fire outbreaks to help you stay safe at home or in the office.

1. Stay calm and evaluate the danger

Panic spreads quickly, making decision-making harder and increasing mistakes. Take a moment to locate where the fire is coming from and assess its size. If it seems small and manageable, you may attempt to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher or blanket. If it is spreading or near flammable materials, focus on escaping.

Deep breaths and clear thinking reduce risks. According to a study, panicking during a fire leads to unpredictable movement and slower evacuation, increasing danger for everyone.

2. Raise the alarm and call for help

If you discover a fire, alert others immediately. Shout, activate building alarms, or use any available warning system. The sooner people know, the more time they have to escape. At the same time, call emergency services or firefighters.

Even a small fire can release smoke and toxic gases that spread unseen. Exiting safely should be the priority over trying to manage the fire alone. Smoke inhalation causes more deaths in fires than burns. Delaying the call for help wastes valuable time.

3. Leave everything behind

It is natural to want to pick up valuables such as laptops, phones, or documents, but every second matters. Do not return to burning areas for any item. Fires can escalate within seconds. Instead, focus on getting yourself and others to safety. Survivors often owe their lives to escaping quickly without hesitation over material things.

4. Use stairs, avoid lifts

In a fire, lifts are dangerous. They may fail due to power cuts or allow smoke and heat to enter the shaft. Stairs are safer, even if slower. When many people are evacuating, staying calm and orderly helps everyone exit faster.

Always know at least two escape routes. Buildings should have clearly marked fire exits, often with lights or signs visible in smoke. Regular fire drills at workplaces help people get used to alternative exits.

5. Stay low and protect your breathing

Smoke rises, and inhaling it can be more dangerous than flames. Crawl or stay close to the floor where the air is clearer. Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth if possible.

Smoke inhalation, as seen in the Afriland Towers fire, is often the leading cause of death in fire incidents. Remember this as one of the most vital tips for fire outbreaks.

6. Use a fire extinguisher only if safe

If the fire is small, contained, and you have clear access, you may use an extinguisher. Only do this if it does not put you in danger. Remember the PASS rule: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.

If the extinguisher fails to work quickly, leave immediately. Many fatalities happen because people underestimate how fast a fire can spread.

7. Evacuate quickly

Once you determine escape is the safest option, move without delay. Follow exit routes, avoid blocked passages, use staircases, and do not return inside. After evacuation, gather at a safe point away from the building and ensure emergency services are contacted if not already done. Do not re-enter until professionals declare it safe.