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A federal lawmaker from Lagos State, Honourable Adesola Adedayo, has said the ongoing voter registration exercise is crucial to favourable outcome in the 2027 elections.

The medical doctor, representing Apapa federal constituency also tied the expected success of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election project to the exercise in the state and nationally.

He appealed to chieftains of his All Progressives Congress (APC) to massively mobilise the grassroots for the President, starting with getting those constitutionally-qualified to vote, to register.

Adedayo, a former two-term chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA disclosed that he has been on the field with his team since the commencement of the exercise, mobilising his base and constituents to go out and register.

The first-termer in the National Assembly stated that his involvement with the grassroots mobilisation has shown him that there are countless potential Tinubu voters in the state who just need to be guided through the process of being able to vote in 2027.

Describing the President as a wartime leader in the mould of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Julius Caesar, Saladin, Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower, the lawmaker explained that apart from the insecurity gripping the country, which is almost at war-front proportion, the President is also fighting economic battles to rescue the commonwealth from cannibals sucking it for decades.

He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration, saying that at the President’s age and the quantum of material blessings he has received from God, what is paramount to him now is a legacy of service to his fatherland.

He assured the Nigerian leader will deliver, noting, ‘I remember when he became Lagos governor and in the early days, some people were shouting just like now, that he wasn’t shaping up as expected. But they usually forget Asiwaju is a strategist. He just doesn’t do things, particularly in governance and politics because he knows people’s lives are at stake. Then his strategic governance delivery kicked in, in Lagos and everybody began to hail him, including the early-day critics.’

A civil society organisation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, has raised concern over the weak enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) Act and the increasing abuse of personal data and digital rights in the country.

The organisation, known for its accountability and anti-corruption advocacy, said the situation underscores the need for stronger awareness campaigns to protect Nigerians’ digital freedoms.

The Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, told journalists that the organisation was deeply worried about the rising misuse of personal information and the NDPC’s inability to effectively safeguard the digital rights of citizens. He said this prompted the organisation to partner with the UN Women, US Embassy, ActionAid, DigiCivic, Inclusive Friends Association, Paradigm Initiative, and others to organise the ‘Rights and Rhythm’ concert in Abuja on Friday.

Odeh explained that the concert aimed to advocate for safer digital spaces and freedom of expression through music and creative arts. ‘Nigeria’s online space is becoming increasingly restrictive. Surveillance, censorship, weak enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, arbitrary internet shutdowns, and unchecked disinformation continue to undermine freedom of expression and privacy.

‘These threats often target young people, artists, journalists, and human rights defenders. Unfortunately, many Nigerians still do not fully understand their digital rights or how to protect them, and low digital literacy, especially in rural and underserved communities, fuels this vulnerability.

‘Art and music have the power to cut across education levels, languages, and cultures, translating complex policy issues into relatable content and inspiring collective action. Hence, Rights and Rhythm leverages this power to demystify digital governance, promote rights-based dialogue, and link creative voices to policy processes,’ he said.

He recalled that in July 2025, Accountability Lab Nigeria, in collaboration with the NDPC and the Ministry of Youth, reported a surge in complaints about data and digital rights violations, particularly the misuse of data affecting youth, journalists, and grassroots social media users.

He further said: ‘Also, in July 2025, the NDPC fined MultiChoice Nigeria N766,242,500 for violating the NDPC Act. The violations included unlawful cross-border transfer of personal data and breaches of subscribers’ privacy. These developments are clear indications of the growing scale of data breaches in the country. While these cases show progress in enforcement, they also highlight a gap – that many citizens remain unaware of their digital rights or how to protect them.’

‘Without awareness and literacy, people will continue to be vulnerable to data privacy violations, surveillance, and misuse of their personal information. This moment calls for urgent and widespread sensitisation so that citizens can better understand their rights and take active steps to protect and defend their digital rights.

‘We also cannot ignore that democracy, elections, and governance are all shaped by online platforms. Digital spaces are central to civic participation. Yet the digital divide remains stark. Many in the villages are still offline, cut off from the conversations that shape policies and the opportunities technology creates. Until access is widened, until every Nigerian can connect meaningfully, our digital rights will remain uneven and incomplete.

‘Through music and rhythm, we affirm these truths. We affirm that the right to speak, to associate, to critique, and to dream belongs to us all. And we remind ourselves that protecting civic space, online and offline, is the heartbeat of any real democracy.

‘This is why Nigerians, government, and companies must renegotiate the rules of digital engagement. Regulation is necessary, and responsible speech is important. But political criticism should never determine who enjoys freedom after speech. The heart of this is trust that when we press ‘send’ on WhatsApp, the message will arrive, and trust that our data will not be misused,’ Odeh stated.

The Storytelling Development Officer at Accountability Lab Nigeria, Blessing Anolaba, described the ‘Rights and Rhythm’ concert as a demonstration of how creativity can drive civic change.

‘Conversations from the concert amplified critical issues around digital rights, strengthened advocacy around data protection, and could play a pivotal role in shaping the public narrative on freedom of expression and a safer, more inclusive digital space in Nigeria.

‘It is also a platform where young creatives used music, art, and storytelling to amplify digital rights issues, understand the provisions of data protection laws, the cybercrime act, and advocate for safer digital spaces,’ she said.

She added that partners at the event reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sanity in the digital space and ensuring the enforcement of users’ rights, particularly those of young Nigerians.

They observed that the civic space in Nigeria remains fragile, noting that while the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, association, and participation in public life, these rights are constantly tested by restrictive laws and practices. Some partners lamented the existence of vague legal provisions that criminalise dissent and the tendency of government institutions to suppress citizens rather than safeguard their rights.

AS the World Habitat Day is being marked globally, the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has emphasized that need to engage registered builders to construct buildings in order to drastically reduce the cases of building collapse in Nigeria.

This step, according to the statement by NIOB, would make Nigeria’s urban cities safer, free residents from avoidable displacement, prevent needless deaths, and protect the poor who are always the victims of building collapse.

‘On this World Habitat Day, let us recommit ourselves to making safe, resilient, and affordable housing a reality. Let us embrace the vision of cities that can withstand crisis and protect every citizen,’ the statement read.

As builders, built environment professionals, policymakers, and community members, NIOB urged that they must respond by prioritizing resilient building/construction standards and climate-sensitive designs: and engaging appropriate and qualified professionals in housing developments.

It also called for the need to strengthen urban infrastructure like drainage and safe and affordable housing.

‘Ensuring inclusive policies that protect the marginalized. Working together – government, professionals, private sector, NGOs, and citizens – to build housing solutions that endure.

‘Equally important, we must emphasize that engaging Registered Builders to construct our buildings will drastically reduce the cases of building collapse in Nigeria,’ the statement read.

NIOB said that housing is not just about shelter; but about dignity, safety, and sustainable resilience.

Talking about the theme for the year, ‘Urban Crisis Response’, NIOB said it has called the attention to the urgent need to prepare ‘our cities, towns and communities to withstand shocks – from floods, chaotic planning and development; building collapses, overstretched public infrastructure and climate change to displacement and economic hardship.’

‘In many of our communities, towns and cities in Nigeria, families live in fragile and dilapidated houses, vulnerable to storm damage, flooding, and poor infrastructure. Too often, the most vulnerable in the society- women, children, the displaced, and the poor – suffer the hardest impact. We cannot remain indifferent,’ the statement rea World Habitat Day: HDAN seeks action toward climate-resilient housing, others.

THE Federal Government has launched a Digital Platform for Applicable Fees in Diving Operations within Nigerian Territorial Waters, a move the Ministry of Labour and Employment described as a groundbreaking step toward strengthening regulation, safety, and professionalism in the country’s diving sector.

The official launch and awareness workshop held in Abuja brought together key industry stakeholders and regulators.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Salihu A. Usman, said the digital platform represents a ‘significant milestone’ in Nigeria’s effort to align its diving operations with global standards while safeguarding the lives and welfare of professional divers.

Dr. Usman highlighted the importance of the diving sector to Nigeria’s economy, noting that professional divers play crucial roles in offshore oil and gas, maritime operations, underwater construction, and salvage activities. He described diving as one of the most challenging and high-risk professions in the country, underscoring the need for stronger oversight mechanisms.

According to him, the Ministry is introducing the digital platform as part of broader policy reforms to tighten regulation and promote transparency. He described the new platform as more than just a technological tool, saying it embodies a renewed commitment to professionalism, accountability, and, most importantly, the safety of every diver.

He explained that the digital system will simplify compliance processes, promote efficiency, and enable real-time monitoring of diving activities across Nigerian waters. The reform, he added, will ensure that every diver and operator adheres to prescribed safety standards while eliminating bottlenecks associated with manual oversight.

As part of the new measures, the Permanent Secretary announced that the Foreign Labour Card will no longer apply to professional divers working within Nigeria’s territorial waters. In its place, divers will now be issued a Nigerian Diving Labour Card through the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Department.

Dr. Usman also drew attention to the Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations 2018, which require all professional divers to register with the recognized National Association of Professional Divers. The policy, he said, aims to unify practitioners, strengthen operational standards, and give divers a collective voice in policy and regulatory matters.

Emphasising the importance of capacity building, Dr. Usman stressed that competence and training remain the foundation of safety in the industry. ‘Only through continuous training can we ensure our professionals meet national and international standards,’ he said, calling on contractors, operators, and training institutions to fully embrace the Ministry’s reform agenda.

He expressed optimism that the digital initiative and associated regulatory measures would transform Nigeria’s diving sector into a globally respected and safety-driven profession. ‘Together, we can build a diving industry that stands as a model of excellence. This is not just a digital reform, it is a step toward a safer, stronger, and more respected diving profession in Nigeria,’ he concluded.

Also speaking, the Director of the Occupational Health and Safety Department, Mrs. Florence Owie, explained that the new regulation is driven by the need to protect the lives of divers and ensure proper monitoring of diving activities. ‘Divers are people whose work takes them beneath the waters, and the hazards they face are numerous. That’s why we must monitor and ensure safety,’ she said. ‘If you are a diver, you must be licensed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.’

She emphasised that the Ministry’s oversight will extend to certifying divers’ competence and verifying the safety of equipment used for underwater work. ‘We have lost many lives in that industry, and we want to protect them,’ Owie added.

In his remarks, the National Secretary of the Association of Professional Divers of Nigeria (APDN), Mr. Jackson Oreme, commended the government for the initiative, describing it as a major step that will give the Nigerian diving industry global recognition and credibility. ‘The Divers at Work Regulation seeks to ensure that the regulation of the industry in Nigeria is recognized globally and respected in the country. Many Nigerians are practicing diving, and some are doing it in an unsafe manner, which has exposed many to fatalities and accidents,’ he said.

Oreme noted that enforcement of the regulations and the partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Employment are vital to professionalizing the sector. ‘This means that we have strong government backing in the regulation of the industry. This regulation will be the backbone of safe and regulated diving practice in Nigeria because all divers are expected to adhere to its stipulations,’ he stated.

OUR economy has always been in a doldrums whether past or present. We continue to mismanage our economy whether knowingly or unknowingly. You cannot give what you don’t have, unfortunately, most of our leaders don’t have what it takes. Leadership in Nigeria is about whose fist is stronger and not ideas. The leaders that are in the know govern people according to their expectation. Having destroyed the educational system and weaponised poverty, some of our people don’t know any better. They praise politicians for the crumbs that are served to them. Their predicament makes them susceptible to the manipulation of the ruiners class (majority of our current leaders/politicians). The resilience of Nigerians is immense, so people remain docile and plod on. Our issues are obvious and not that difficult to solve but there is no will to tackle them. Nigeria, the so-called ‘Giant of Africa,’ is rich in natural and human resources. However, despite its potential, the country continues to face significant economic challenges. These problems have persisted over the years and have hindered sustainable development and poverty reduction. The major causes of our economic woes range from structural weaknesses and governance issues to external shocks and insecurity. Let’s break it down.

1. Overdependence on Oil: One of the most significant economic issues in Nigeria is its heavy reliance on crude oil exports. Oil accounts for over 90% of the country’s export earnings and a large portion of government revenue. This dependence makes the economy highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. When oil prices fall, government income drops, leading to budget deficits, inflation, and economic instability. This ‘mono-economy’ structure has stifled diversification efforts in other critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. In addition, the oil is being stolen. Bunkering remain rife and crude exploration is devastating to our environment, with local biodiversity loss. It is on the record that we don’t know the amount of oil that is pumped out of our fields. Whereas country like Saudi Arabia can account for every drop of oil they produce through technology; every inch of the pipeline is monitored remotely from a sophisticated control centre.

2. Poor governance and corruption: Corruption remains a deep-rooted issue in Nigeria. Mismanagement of public funds and widespread corruption at all levels of government reduce the effectiveness of economic policies and discourage foreign investment. Funds that should be allocated for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development are often embezzled or misused. As a result, the country’s economic progress is slowed, and public trust in government institutions is weakened. 3. Inadequate infrastructure: Nigeria suffers from serious infrastructure deficits, including unreliable electricity, poor road networks, limited railway systems, and inefficient ports. These challenges increase the cost of doing business, reduce productivity, and discourage both local and international investment. Power outages, in particular, force many businesses to rely on expensive generators, reducing their profit margins and limiting economic growth. The current administration is investing heavily in road projects, but at the end of it all, half of the money will be siphoned into individuals’ pocket, the project will be shoddily carried out and incomplete. The roads will have no adequate drainage, landscaping and signage.

4. Insecurity: Insecurity has become a major threat to economic activities in Nigeria. Armed conflicts, terrorism (such as the Boko Haram insurgency), kidnapping, banditry, and ethnic clashes disrupt agriculture, trade, and industry. Farmers are often forced to abandon their land, leading to lower food production and increased food prices. Insecure regions also experience reduced investment and tourism, further weakening the economy. Can you imagine we have ramshackle armed bandits in charge of certain parts of Nigeria? It was well publicised recently that they were holding press conferences and parading their captives. That is in a country with the rule of law. What a shambles! 5. High unemployment and underemployment: Unemployment, especially among youth, is a critical issue in Nigeria. Millions of young Nigerians graduate from schools and universities every year, but few jobs are available. Many are underemployed or forced into low-paying informal jobs. This situation increases poverty and crime and reduces national productivity. The resources of the country has been cornered by few people, they are living large at the expense of the rest of us, hence the productivity is low. They missed the civic class and lack moral values. They are in government to enrich themselves and not to serve.

6. Inflation and currency instability: Nigeria has been plagued by high inflation and exchange rate instability. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of citizens, leading to a decline in living standards. Frequent devaluation of the Naira, currency scarcity, and multiple exchange rates confuse investors and make economic planning difficult. A self-inflicted woe. The current administration attempts to address this pales insignificant to what is required. The reforms need to be radical and swift. 7. Weak industrial and agricultural base: Despite its agricultural potential, Nigeria imports a large portion of its food and manufactured goods.

Poor support for local farmers and industries has led to low productivity. Many factories operate below capacity or have shut down due to high production costs and poor infrastructure. Multinational manufacturing companies have left our shores and locations converted to churches where Nigerians go to pray for jobs. What a mess, Nigerians are tempting God. Unless we have a reset, we will continue to wallow in the multidimensional poverty that is rife in the country.

8. Debt Burden and Poor Fiscal Management – Nigeria’s rising debt profile is another source of concern. A large percentage of government revenue is spent on debt servicing, leaving little for investment in critical sectors. Furthermore, poor tax collection systems mean that the government relies heavily on borrowing rather than generating sustainable income. We continue to borrow for consumption. The cost of government is high with bloated executive and legislature.

9. Rapid Population Growth – Nigeria’s population is growing rapidly, putting pressure on non-existent or woefully existing infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing, and the labor market. Unfortunately, economic growth has not kept pace with population growth, resulting in widespread poverty and urban congestion. Our best asset remains our people but we failed to make adequate investments in human capital.

10. Poor Education and Health Systems – Education and healthcare are essential for developing a productive workforce, but these sectors are underfunded and poorly managed in Nigeria. Many children lack access to quality education, and healthcare facilities are often inadequate. This limits human capital development and reduces the nation’s capacity for innovation and growth.

There is no denying that Nigeria’s economic problems are complex and interconnected. Addressing them requires bold and sustained efforts by government, private sector, and civil society. Diversifying the economy, fighting corruption, investing in infrastructure and education, and improving security are critical steps towards achieving economic stability and long-term prosperity. With the right policies and commitment, Nigeria can overcome these challenges and unlock its full economic potential.

The story of development in Nigeria is often written in the dust and mud of its roads. Highways are not just strips of asphalt; they are lifelines that connect farms to markets, towns to cities, and families to opportunity. When they fail, they do not simply inconvenience motorists. They cut communities off, strangle economic activity, embolden criminals, and corrode public trust in governance. In Edo State, the decay of federal roads has for years symbolised this national malaise. Yet under Governor Monday Okpebholo, a new chapter is being written, one where leadership refuses to hide behind jurisdictional excuses and instead accepts that the welfare of citizens must come before the politics of federal and state boundaries. For years, Edo people watched with frustration as critical highways deteriorated into craters and death traps. The previous administration under Godwin Obaseki adopted a stance that proved deeply unpopular: the position that federal roads should remain the federal government’s responsibility.

In principle, this might have seemed administratively correct, but in practice, it was devastating. Roads are not used by ‘federal people’ or ‘state people.’ They are used by Nigerians, and in this case, overwhelmingly by the people of Edo State who bore the brunt of the neglect. By refusing to intervene even with temporary measures, the past government left commuters stranded, traders counting losses, farmers unable to move produce, and families exposed to grave danger. The failures on these highways became not just a logistical nightmare but a metaphor for indifference, deepening the divide between citizens’ expectations and governmental response. Governor Okpebholo has chosen a markedly different path. From his first months in office, he treated the condition of federal roads not as an abstract problem awaiting Abuja’s slow machinery, but as an urgent developmental and security challenge. His administration flagged off emergency palliative repairs on major failed sections in Edo North, simultaneously moving to intervene in other critical corridors that had effectively collapsed.

These actions are more than symbolic. They have restored mobility to areas where traffic once crawled or stopped entirely, brought relief to communities that had been cut off, and given traders and farmers renewed access to markets. By taking visible, immediate steps, the governor has sent a clear message: the state cannot afford to wait for distant bureaucracies while its people suffer. The immediacy of these interventions is key to their effectiveness. Across Nigeria, citizens are accustomed to hearing long speeches about future projects that may never materialise. Okpebholo’s approach has been to act quickly with palliative works, grading, resurfacing, and controlling erosion, so that relief is felt within weeks, not years. These fixes are not permanent, and he does not pretend that they are, but they serve an invaluable purpose. They buy time, reduce accidents, facilitate commerce, and restore a sense of normalcy. In a context where waiting for complete federal reconstruction can take a decade, such stopgap measures are not just practical, they are lifesaving.

Equally significant is the way the governor has framed road rehabilitation as a matter of public safety. Edo, like much of Nigeria, has struggled with insecurity along isolated and broken road corridors. Criminals exploit these failed highways to stage kidnappings and robberies, taking advantage of traffic jams and poor visibility. By intervening in these areas, the government is not just fixing asphalt but reclaiming territory from criminal elements. A smooth, passable road is easier to patrol, harder for criminals to exploit, and safer for travelers. This linkage between infrastructure and security reframes the debate. It reminds the public that development and protection are intertwined, and that a government which repairs roads is also, in effect, fighting crime. Another pillar of Okpebholo’s strategy has been his openness to partnerships and external financing. Infrastructure repair is expensive, and state resources are limited. Rather than hide behind this constraint, his administration has reached outward. The recent investment summit in Glasgow, which attracted $250 million in diaspora and private investment commitments, reflects this openness. While the funds are targeted at multiple sectors, including energy, agriculture, and industry, the willingness to attract and negotiate such commitments creates fiscal breathing space. It signals that Edo is not waiting passively for federal allocations but is creatively expanding its revenue and investment base. This approach marks a clear departure from the more insular economic management of the past and demonstrates how international engagement can be tied back to local development needs.

Beyond finance, the culture of governance is also shifting. The Okpebholo administration has leaned into visibility and accountability. By publicly flagging off projects, setting timelines, and giving regular updates, it creates benchmarks against which citizens can measure progress. This openness makes it harder for projects to vanish into procurement limbo and raises public expectations for continuity. It also builds trust, which is perhaps the most intangible yet essential asset for any government. Citizens who believe their leaders are acting in their interest are more willing to endure temporary discomfort and more likely to support long-term development plans. What makes this entire approach particularly instructive for other states is its pragmatism. Too often, federalism in Nigeria is invoked as a shield for inaction. Governors deflect responsibility by insisting that certain roads or facilities belong to the federal government. While technically correct, such excuses leave citizens to wonder whether their suffering is lessened by the knowledge of jurisdiction.

Okpebholo’s decision to act anyway recognises a fundamental truth: government is judged by outcomes, not excuses.

The fact that the roads in question are labeled ‘federal’ does not change the reality that they are used by the people of Edo, and it is their welfare that matters most. This lesson-that governance is ultimately about responsibility to people, not paperwork-should resonate across Nigeria.

Of course, caution is necessary. Emergency palliatives, no matter how welcome, are not substitutes for complete reconstruction and long-term maintenance. States that follow Edo’s example must ensure that patchwork does not become permanent policy. The ultimate goal must remain full rehabilitation and modernization, ideally in partnership with the federal government and private contractors.

Yet even here, Okpebholo’s model offers guidance. By demonstrating good faith through immediate interventions, states strengthen their case when lobbying Abuja for larger projects. They can point to the fact that they have already put their own skin in the game, thereby creating a moral and political claim for federal follow-up.

There is also the critical issue of transparency. For interventions to serve as models, procurement must be clean, contracts must deliver value for money, and timelines must be respected. Substandard works not only waste funds but also erode the very trust these interventions are meant to build.

Yet for all the caveats, the significance of Okpebholo’s interventions cannot be overstated. Roads are among the most visible and visceral symbols of governance. They touch every aspect of life-from how quickly food gets to the market, to whether children arrive at school on time, to whether patients can reach hospitals in emergencies.

They affect not just the economy but also the dignity of daily life. By stepping in where his predecessor chose to step aside, Okpebholo has not only rehabilitated stretches of tarmac but also restored a sense of care and connection between the government and the governed. He has demonstrated that leadership is not about pointing fingers at who should act, but about taking responsibility for those who must live with the consequences of inaction.

If other states follow this example, the transformation of Nigeria’s federal roads may begin not from Abuja but from the courage of governors willing to put their people first. It may begin with simple palliative works and culminate in sustained partnerships for full reconstruction.

What matters most is the willingness to act. In Edo, Governor Okpebholo has shown that willingness, and in doing so, he has offered a model of governance that is pragmatic, responsive, and deeply human. That, more than any technical detail, is the lesson other states should take away: when leaders refuse to normalise bad roads, they do more than fix infrastructure-they restore hope, dignity, and the promise of progress.