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Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, on Sunday emerged as the winner of Season 10 of the Big Brother Naija reality television show, themed ’10/10′, after polling 42.8 percent of the total votes in the final week.

According to statistics released by Big Brother Naija on its official Facebook page, Imisi’s 42.8 percent vote share placed her far ahead of her closest rivals.

Dede came second with 15.94 percent, while Koyin followed closely with 15.23 percent.

Other finalists: Sultana, Kola, Jason Jae, Mensah, Isabella, and Kaybobo garnered 7.94 percent, 5.48 percent, 4.24 percent, 3.54 percent, 3.07 percent, and 1.72 percent, respectively.

Imisi’s victory earned her the ?80 million grand prize, making her the fourth female housemate to win the reality television show.

The ’10/10′ edition, which ran for 72 days, featured 29 housemates and premiered on July 26 and 27, 2025, with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu hosting the show for the ninth consecutive time.

With this win, Imisi joins the exclusive list of past winners, including Katung Aduwak, Efe Ejeba, Miracle Igbokwe, Mercy Eke, Olamilekan Agbeleshebioba (Laycon), Hazel Oyeze Onou (Whitemoney), Ijeoma Josephina Otabor (Phyna), Ilebaye Odiniya, and Kingsley Sule (Kellyrae).

Teachers in public schools across Kwara State have called on the state government to prioritise their welfare, improve working conditions, and implement the promotion of teachers without bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Speaking at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Ilorin on Sunday, the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Yusuf Agboola, said the future of education in the state depends largely on how well teachers are treated, equipped, and motivated.

The teachers also urged the state government to address outstanding welfare concerns, including the non-implementation of the 27.5 per cent Teachers Specific Allowance (TSA), the harmonised retirement age, and rural allowances.

The event, themed ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession: Together for Teachers; Together for Tomorrow,’ featured a lecture delivered by Professor Lanre Olukunmi Olaitan, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin.

In his welcome address, Agboola commended the state government for the regular payment of salaries, the financial backing of the 2023 and 2024 promotions of TESCOM teachers, and the recruitment of over 3,000 teachers across basic and senior secondary schools.

He, however, noted that much still needed to be done, saying that, ‘The 27.5 per cent Teachers Specific Allowance for TRCN-certified teachers and 21 per cent for non-TRCN certified teachers have not been implemented in Kwara State.

‘The government has also not keyed into the 65/40 years national harmonised retirement age for teachers, and rural allowances for those teaching in remote areas remain unattended to.

‘The children in our classrooms today are the leaders of tomorrow,’ he said, adding that, ‘But for us to give our best, we must be equipped, respected and supported. Education is not a one-man show; it takes a system and a united teaching force.’

Agboola stressed that beyond welfare, the profession needs to be repositioned to foster unity and growth.

‘Let us recommit ourselves to unity within the teaching profession, foster mentorship between senior and junior teachers and create platforms for peer learning and innovation. We must champion collaboration not just in words but in practice,’ he said.

In his goodwill message, the NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, represented by Comrade Dayo Ajala, called on the government to adequately fund public education, invest in teachers, and support them in creating a peaceful, fair, and sustainable future for all.

‘Without deliberate investment in teachers, the future of education is at risk,’ he said.

He urged the government to increase education budgetary allocation, stressing that ‘a conducive learning atmosphere will bring about greater service delivery and quality learning outcomes.’

Amba, while commending the resilience of teachers in the state, assured them of the union’s continued advocacy. ‘Comrades, I commend your courage, resilience and patriotism in discharging your duties. Be assured that your success is our priority. We will continue to demand that teachers are accorded their rightful status and pride of place in society,’ he said.

‘The role of teachers has evolved beyond just delivering lessons. Teachers must be empowered to collaborate, innovate and influence education policies. The future of our nation is in their hands, and how we treat them today will determine our tomorrow.’

ON September 11, 2025, an Ondo State High Court presided over by Justice T.M Adedipe gave a landmark ruling in respect of a request on the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. The justice, who ruled on the applications brought before him by an Akure-based legal practitioner, Mr. Femi Emannuel Emadamori, ordered the commissioner of Finance in the state to release certified true copies of the disbursements from the Joint State and Local Government Account, which warehouses the councils’ share of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).

Though Emadamori is yet to conclusively get to the end of his mission on the subject matter, it is interesting that a court of competent jurisdiction is stepping in to help fix the jigsaw around the Need To Know issues in democratic governance.

Since the return of democratic rule, actors in government and many citizens alike have painted things as if a mystery surrounds government’s actions and inactions and that there are many things the government sees sitting down that the citizens cannot see, even when they climb an Iroko tree.

I believe that such thinking informed the decision of the Ondo State government to file a suit on June 4, 2018, in which it challenged the ruling of a Court of Appeal, which affirmed the application of the FOI Act in all the 36 states of the federation. Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly and the Auditor-General that year filed a notice of appeal to the Supreme Court, declaring that the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal erred by ruling in March of the same year that the Freedom of Information Act was applicable in all 36 states of the country.

Counsels to Ondo State government had argued then that ‘The term information or freedom of information is neither in the executive legislative list nor the concurrent legislative list of the second schedule to the Constitution,’ and that: ‘The power of the Federal Government to make law only extends to matters or items listed in the executive legislative list or the concurrent legislative list.’

Realising that the battles ahead against the spirit and soul of the FOI Act could be fierce and relentless, stakeholders in July this year put together a workshop to dissect the possible arrows against the implementation of the 2011 Act and the possible ways out of the conundrum.

But why should the FOI Act be of importance right now? The question is Germain, and the answer also sits right at the centre of the practice and workability of democracy in this clime. There is no doubting the fact that democratic practice is becoming more problematic than we envisaged in those heady days of anti-military rule protests. Democracy is believed to be the government of the people, which will cater to the needs of the people and guarantee that their voices count in the ears of the government. As things stand, especially after 25 years of unbroken democratic rule in Nigeria, the disillusionment is clearly written. The last general election showcased a drop in the number of electorates who turned up for elections. It was said that voter turnout over the years has dropped by as much as 26 per cent. In Nigeria’s last general election, less than 23 million citizens determined the winners and losers of the nation’s presidency, in a country of 260 million.

The elders say that words you didn’t hear can’t cause you pain. But if the people must be encouraged to get involved in the affairs of their country and the states, information about government activities must be readily available to them. The people must be in a position to have the facts and figures they need to interpret the rate of service delivery at every level, which is the role the FOI Act is set out to play.

Thankfully, stakeholders are not sleeping on this important issue, and last July, members of the civil society, the media, academia, and public service gathered in Abuja to deliberate on the identifiable impediments to the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI). The gathering which was at the instance of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), and YIAGA Africa, as part of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, Phase II (EU-SDGN II), unveiled some landmark resolutions, which could provide the much-needed assistance to the nation’s democratic process.

Mr. LanreArogundade of the IPC had opened the meeting with a declaration that it was somewhat odd that Nigerians are still debating the implementation of the FOI 14 years after, adding that freedom of information is sacrosanct because it is the oxygen of democratic rights. He highlighted the need to revisit the regime of sanctions contained in the Act and welcomed the push by two members of the House of Representatives to propose varying amendments.

The communique released at the end of the three-day event called for urgent steps to be taken to address the gaps recognised in the implementation process of the FOI. Some of the gaps include the criminalisation of all offences under the law and the failure to give room to mediation by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation or that of the states.

Dr. Akin Akingbulu of CEMESO, who spoke at the meeting, related an experience thus: ‘This is an email from a stakeholder: I’m reaching out because my team is working on a project that involves Nigeria, and we are looking for some support with FOI work. Specifically, our reporter in Nigeria is prepared to file a FOI request with the National Communications Commission; last time we filed a request with that agency, they did not acknowledge it, and we unfortunately missed the appeals window..’ He raised what he called some burning questions about the application of FOI. The questions include: Why are so many Ministries, Departments, and Agencies silent when FOI requests arrive? Why has no public institution been sanctioned for violating the law? Why are citizens still forced to go to court for basic budgetary or project information? Why do some state governments still behave as though the FOI Act does not apply to them-even after the Supreme Court has ruled otherwise?

He advised that the gathering must ensure that the ongoing amendment process of the Act at the National Assembly does not turn out to make the law a weaker instrument of democratic growth. ‘We cannot afford to create a regime that criminalises requesters or empowers gatekeepers with discretionary vetoes. Instead, we must strengthen the enabling environment for compliance, provide clarity on sanctions for defaulting institutions, and above all,’ he said.

EdeatanOjo of the Media Rights Agenda, who spoke on the gaps in FOI implementation, said that though the law in its present state is regarded as relatively good, it still contains some manifest weaknesses. He said that the law had received global attention with no fewer than 140 countries operating the law in one form or the other. He said the Global Right to Information (RTI) Rating platform, which analyses the quality of the world’s access to information laws, ranked the Nigerian law as 64, with a score of 88 points out of a maximum possible score of 150, adding that the ingredients that make up the score include the strength of national legal frameworks, the methodology and the best practices at the national level. Incidentally, the Nigerian law ranks below some of the countries in Africa, as Ojo submitted that some of the countries, even in West Africa, rank among the top 10 in the global rating. The FOI law of the Gambia, 2021, with 128 points, was rated number six in the global rating, while the Liberian Freedom of Information Act, 2010, was listed as No. 10 with a score of 123 points, he said. Other countries with better ratings than Nigeria include Sierra Leone at No. 11, South Sudan at No. 12, Tunisia at No. 15, South Africa occupying No. 16, and Namibia, which occupies number 17 in the global rating. This submission completely indicates that the Nigerian situation demands reforms that are not only urgent but imperative.

Ojo said of the Nigerian situation: ‘Our major undoing is the fact that we do not have an independent administrative appeals mechanism or administrative sanctions. The Law also does not place responsibility on any institution or body to promote the Act to ensure public awareness.’

Interestingly, the communique released after the Abuja session acknowledged the need for the establishment of ‘a robust administrative sanctions framework,’ aside from the need for budgetary empowerment for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at the state and federal levels to aid training of officers and implementation procedures of the Act.

As we continue to periscope the way forward for democratic practice in Nigeria and Africa, strengthening the FOI Act and its implementation with every energy at our disposal will aid that search most positively.

A young Nigerian Scientist, Dr Ayodeji Amobonye Emmanuel, has been recognised in the top 2% of Scientists in the World for his work in Biotechnology at the Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

The award was published by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier that identifies researchers whose publications have made the highest impact across 22 fields and 174 subfields of science.

Amobonye had obtained his PhD from the Durban University where he was also a lecturer/ researcher and presently a research fellow in the Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania. Not resting on his oars, Amobonye said he would continue to push the frontier of research in Biotechnology.

Expressing surprise at the recognition, he attributed it to the grace of God. ‘I was just in my laboratory doing what I love doing,’ he said.

He expressed joy that, by the recognition, he was able to join in the elevation of the good image of the country, in diaspora.

His citation described the award as ‘a powerful statement about the shifting geography of knowledge production.’

It continued that ‘in a world where African researchers often contend with limited resources, underfunded laboratories and uneven access to International networks, such recognition underscores the ability of talent and perseverance to transcend systemic barriers.’

Amobonye obtained his first degree from Federal University of Technology, Minna, Masters at Federal University of Technology, Akure and was a staff of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The Niger State Government, through its partner, Niger Foods Security System and Logistics Company Limited, has intensified community engagement in Wushishi Local Government Area of the state to sensitise residents on the benefits of a landmark agricultural project set to commence in the area.

Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr. Sammy Adigun, said the initiative, being executed in partnership with the Dangote Group, is valued at $150 million and described it as one of the most transformative agricultural investments in the state’s history.

He noted that the project will revolutionise food production, generate employment opportunities, and improve rural infrastructure.

Mr. Adigun explained that the project is designed to process up to 1,000 tons of harvest daily, emphasising that such a scale of operation is unprecedented in Niger State.

‘This has never happened before. It is a groundbreaking achievement that will not only boost food security but also create thousands of jobs across the agricultural value chain,’ he stated.

He added that beyond agriculture, the scheme would deliver broader social and economic benefits. According to him, the investment will support the construction of hospitals, schools, and roads in host communities to ensure residents directly benefit from the project’s impact.

The agricultural initiative is structured as a five-year development programme, with full-scale operations expected to begin by 2027. Mr. Adigun assured that the project will mark a new era of prosperity for Wushishi and serve as a model for agricultural transformation across Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Sarkin Wushishi, Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim, commended the Niger State Government for its commitment to agricultural development, describing the partnership with Dangote as a milestone for the people of Wushishi and the state at large.

A highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Niger Foods, the Sarkin Wushishi, Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim, and the Hakimi Karkara, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim.

It could be recalled that on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, community leaders in Wushishi formally endorsed the agreement with Niger Foods, signalling their support for the forthcoming agricultural project in the area.

Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to deepening transparency, bolstering investor confidence, and aligning Nigeria’s capital market with international best practices in financial reporting and sustainability disclosure.

Dr. Agama said the SEC’s transition to market-to-market (MTM) valuation of assets represents a major step in ensuring fair value reporting and enhancing investor trust across the market.

He explained that the policy was designed after extensive consultations with market operators and would be implemented in phases to allow for smooth adaptation.

‘Timelines have been carefully considered, especially with the concerns being raised by market participants,’ Agama stated in an interview at the weekend.

‘For us at the SEC, it is important that while we introduce new regulations, we also listen to the market and find a common ground that allows everyone to move forward,’ Agama added.

According to him, the October 2, 2025, deadline for the submission of implementation plans will enable the Commission to assess the readiness of institutions, while September 2027 remains the target for full transition to IFRS 9 standards.

‘Requesting implementation plans is not a bureaucratic exercise,’ Agama clarified, explaining that ‘It is to gauge institutional capacity, identify challenges, and ensure all operators move in the same direction toward compliance.’

He explained that while equity funds in Nigeria are already reported at fair value, the new policy specifically addresses gaps within the fixed income segment of the fund management industry.

‘Nigeria has come of age, and we must do things according to global standards. IFRS 9 requires market-to-market valuation of assets, and we cannot be left behind among the community of nations,’ he said.

Dr. Agama emphasized that the reform would make Nigerian assets more globally comparable, allowing investors to better assess market performance and risk.

‘Our goal is to create a market that is internationally competitive. Adopting IFRS 9 enables compatibility among assets across borders and firmly positions Nigeria within the global investment ecosystem,’ he stated.

Responding to concerns that market valuation could heighten short-term volatility, the SEC chief assured investors that the reforms were designed to strengthen, not destabilize, the market.

‘Some have expressed concerns about volatility, but our intention is not to disadvantage investors. Over time, as the market adjusts, transparency will drive long-term confidence,’ he noted.

Beyond IFRS 9, the SEC is also championing Nigeria’s early adoption of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework, which provides guidelines for climate and sustainability disclosures. Dr. Agama disclosed that Nigeria ranks among the first countries in Africa to embrace and begin implementing the ISSB standards.

‘We pride ourselves on being first movers. However, we are also mindful of local realities. We are taking a gradual, balanced approach so that companies are not unduly burdened,’ he said.

He explained that the Commission’s goal is to implement standards that attract capital rather than restrict it, ensuring that reforms drive sustainable growth.

‘We will not implement standards that will lock companies out of access to funding. Our aim is to open the door to capital and promote long-term investment,’ he affirmed.

Looking ahead, Dr. Agama expressed optimism about the market’s outlook for the final quarter of 2025, citing macroeconomic reforms and the enactment of landmark legislations such as the NIIRA 2025 and ISA 2025 as catalysts for investor confidence and market stability.

‘Markets thrive on stability. With the micro- and macroeconomic reforms being championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the market is positioned for significant expansion. The NIIRA 2025 Act is a game changer that provides the framework for sustainable growth,’ he stated.

Dr. Agama said that the SEC’s ongoing reforms, including the IFRS 9 transition and adoption of sustainability standards, form part of a broader agenda to globalize Nigeria’s capital market, enhance regulatory transparency, and foster inclusive wealth creation.

‘We are on a path of progress. The President’s reform agenda is already taking shape, ensuring that Nigeria’s capital market becomes a global reference point for transparency, investor confidence, and good governance,’ Agama added.

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives will on Monday hold an emergency meeting to deliberate on the suit filed by the embattled Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, aimed at halting his planned removal.

The notice of the emergency meeting was jointly signed by: Hon. Agbedi Frederick, Leader, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus; Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, Leader, Labour Party Caucus; Hon. Muktar Umar-Zakari, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Caucus, and Hon. Peter Uzokwe, Leader, Young Peoples Party (YPP), respectively.

It reads: ‘To all Minority Members of the House of Representatives.

‘You are hereby invited to an emergency meeting to discuss recent developments in the minority leadership, particularly to review the lawsuit instituted by Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all members of minority parties in the 10th House of Representatives.’

According to the notice, the main agenda of the emergency meeting is: ‘Response to the Lawsuit instituted by House Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all Minority Parties’ and ‘Any other Business (AOB)’.

In response to the suit filed by Hon. Chinda, Justice J. O. Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had issued an interim order restraining the removal of Hon. Kingsley Chinda as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, pending the determination of a substantive suit filed by the lawmaker.

Justice Abdulmalik made the order following an ex parte motion brought before the court on September 15, 2025, and filed a day later by Chinda, who represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State.

The motion sought to prevent what the lawmaker described as an unlawful and politically motivated move to oust him from his leadership position in the House.

The suit has the National Assembly, its Clerk, House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Young Progressives Party (YPP) as defendants.

The application, argued by a team of senior lawyers led by Dr. J. Y. Musa (SAN), urged the court to intervene and maintain the status quo, alleging that certain members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly loyalists opposed to Chinda’s association with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, were plotting to unseat him in violation of legislative procedures.

In the ruling delivered by Justice Abdulmalik, the court noted that the reliefs sought in the ex parte application mirrored those in a pending Motion on Notice filed in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025.

The judge emphasized the need to ensure a fair hearing for all parties in line with Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The court ordered that the Plaintiff, Hon. Chinda, must immediately serve all relevant court processes, including the Motion on Notice, on the Defendants. All parties are to maintain the status quo to prevent any act that could render the outcome of the case a fait accompli.

The hearing on the Motion on Notice seeking an interlocutory injunction is scheduled to take place in due course.

Hon. Chinda’s legal team argued that, according to Order 7 Rule 14 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (Eleventh Edition), any change in the Minority Leadership must be made by a majority of members of the minority parties and only after due notice to the House – procedures they claim are not being followed.

In a 14-point affidavit in support of the application, Chinda asserted that the House of Representatives is currently on recess, and many minority members are unavailable, making any legitimate leadership change impossible at this time.

His perceived alliance with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is the primary reason behind the move to oust him, and he added that such political victimization infringes on his constitutional right to freedom of association under Section 40 of the Constitution.

Hon. Chinda maintained that only the Court’s intervention can stop what he describes as an unconstitutional removal attempt that, if allowed, could destabilize the legislative process and violate internal House rules.

He further warned that without a restraining order, the minority parties could act before the defendants file their appearance and defence within the 30-day legal window, thereby undermining the judicial process.

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on credible information, on 4th October 2025, stormed Aguleri and arrested the prime suspect, Obadigbo Emmanuel Anumudu, for beheading the late Mrs Obianuju Akubi, a 69-year-old woman from Umuleri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Sunday, the suspect had allegedly been on the run since 22nd July 2024 after he gruesomely murdered and beheaded Mrs Akubi.

He said during interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and further mentioned members of his gang who participated in the murder and beheading.

He also disclosed the whereabouts of the victim’s head, which was taken away after the heinous act.

Meanwhile, intensive efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining gang members to ensure that justice is served.

Further developments will be communicated in due course.

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) on Sunday lamented that investors in Nigeria remain exposed to harassment and service disruptions due to a lack of comprehensive legislation guaranteeing their rights or shielding them from arbitrary regulatory decisions and unlawful shutdowns.

In a statement released by the CPPE Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muda Yusuf, the organisation warned that persistent harassment and shutdowns of investment structures could lead to loss of investor confidence, increased capital flight, a decline in foreign direct investment, and contraction of domestic enterprises.

According to the CPPE statement, ‘Investors in Nigeria operate in an environment marked by uncertainty and institutional weakness. Key sources of vulnerability include: Weak legal protection; a growing culture of coercion, intimidation, and impunity among labour unions, resulting in industrial actions that are often out of proportion; Frequent policy reversals, inconsistent enforcement, and opaque regulatory processes raise business risks and discourage long-term investments; and cumbersome procedures, unauthorized enforcement actions, and protracted legal disputes create delays and uncertainty, undermining investor confidence and productivity.

‘Together, these factors erode Nigeria’s competitiveness, deter both local and foreign investment, and slow economic growth and job creation.’

On the economic implications, the CPPE stated that, ‘Investor vulnerability carries serious macroeconomic and social consequences.

‘When investors lose confidence, capital flight intensifies, foreign direct investment declines, and domestic enterprises contract their operations. The resulting chain reaction includes job losses, declining tax revenues, and reduced economic growth.

‘Unrestrained strikes in strategic sectors such as energy, transport, and health disrupt production, threaten national security, and endanger public welfare.

‘Policy inconsistency and regulatory arbitrariness make long-term planning difficult, deepening Nigeria’s dependence on imports and weakening its industrial base.

‘Without corrective reforms, these trends will continue to erode national competitiveness, discourage innovation, and diminish Nigeria’s economic resilience.’

On recommendations, the CPPE stated that, ‘Nigeria should enact a dedicated Investor and Employer Protection Act to provide a strong legal foundation for safeguarding investors’ rights.

‘The Act should: Codify the rights and obligations of investors, employers, regulators, and unions; Prohibit unlawful actions such as intimidation, coercion, unauthorized shutdowns, and harassment; Establish penalties, damages, and restitution mechanisms for violations.

‘The Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) should be strengthened for faster, impartial resolution of industrial disputes.

‘An Independent Investment Ombudsman Office should also be created to handle investor complaints and mediate disputes involving government agencies.’

On incessant strike actions by labour unions, the CPPE explained that, ‘Labour unions play a legitimate role in protecting workers, but their activities must align with the law and national interest.

‘Reforms should include: Proportionality of industrial actions; Designation of strategic sectors – including energy, health, transport, and ICT – as essential services, where strikes are restricted or prohibited; Introduction of compulsory arbitration in essential sectors to prevent economic paralysis. Clear sanctions and restitution requirements for unlawful strikes that inflict damage on businesses and the economy. Labour rights should end where those of employers begin. Investors should have as much rights to protect their investment as labour unions have the rights to protect the workers. There is a need for a fair and equitable balance.

‘Mandatory publication of audited union accounts and governance records to enhance transparency.’

Concluding, the CPPE added that, ‘Protecting investors and employers is not a privilege – it is a national economic imperative.

‘Investors mobilize capital, create jobs, and generate the tax revenues that sustain government and society. Without them, there can be no sustained growth, no employment, and no national prosperity.

‘Nigeria must, therefore, urgently institutionalize a fair, secure, and predictable business environment that protects those who take risks to create wealth. This is not about weakening labour unions, but about balancing rights and responsibilities – to foster sustainable economic growth, social stability, and national security.’

In the wake of the tragic boat mishap on River Niger that claimed over 100 lives in Ibaji, Kogi State, the community has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to construct a modern market and rehabilitate the Idah-Ibaji-Anambra federal highway.

The incident occurred when a large wooden boat transporting traders from Ibaji to the Ilushi market in Edo State capsized, resulting in multiple fatalities.

In a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on Saturday, the Coterie of Ibaji Youths of Nigeria (COIYN) made a passionate appeal to President Tinubu to approve the establishment of a modern farm produce market in Ibaji and the reconstruction of the dilapidated Idah-Ibaji-Otuocha highway.

The group attributed the tragedy to the absence of critical infrastructure in Ibaji, including a standard market and accessible roads, which compel residents to rely on dangerous waterways to transport their farm produce.

The statement, jointly signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tony Edike, and the National Coordinator, Jerry Nwuchola, lamented the prolonged neglect of Ibaji Local Government Area and called for urgent federal intervention.

The group appealed for the construction of a centrally located, functional market that would reduce the risks faced by traders travelling long distances across perilous rivers to sell their goods.

‘Despite being a major producer of rice, yams, cassava, fish, and vegetables, Ibaji lacks electricity, asphalted roads, good schools, and health facilities, forcing people to travel dangerously by overcrowded boats to sell produce. We hereby passionately appeal to the government to construct a centrally located large market in Ibaji LGA, worthy of the produce Ibaji contributes to the national economy,’ the statement read.

The COIYN also called on the President to revive the abandoned Idah-Ibaji-Otuocha Federal Highway project, noting that the road would shorten travel time between Anambra and Abuja while enhancing economic activity in the region.

According to the group, the construction of a modern market and the rehabilitation of the highway would help prevent future tragedies, promote trade, and generate employment opportunities for the people.

‘Your Excellency Sir, we acknowledge your commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Hope is our lifeline, not just a slogan. Today, we hold onto it tightly. We urge you, as the father of our great nation, to immortalize the innocent souls lost in this latest tragedy by ensuring that such bloodshed is never repeated due to infrastructural neglect,’ the group added.

President Tinubu had earlier expressed condolences to the government and people of Kogi State over the incident, describing it as ‘shocking and unfortunate.’

The COIYN expressed optimism that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda would extend to the people of Ibaji, ending decades of neglect and infrastructural decay.

The group maintained that the development of a modern market and reconstruction of the highway would reflect the President’s commitment to responsive and compassionate leadership.