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The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has commissioned a training centre for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Kaduna, as the Federal Government renewed its call for Nigeria to develop indigenous technological capacity and reduce dependence on foreign security technology.

The Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa, represented by the Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Kolade Ademuwagun, said the country must build the expertise to operate, maintain and adapt technologies to meet its security needs.

Speaking at the official commissioning of the NASCAV UAV Training Centre, the minister said technological self-reliance went beyond acquiring equipment to developing the knowledge, skills and local capacity required to sustain it.

He warned that excessive dependence on foreign suppliers could expose Nigeria to vulnerabilities, particularly when access to technical information, equipment maintenance and critical security systems remained largely in the hands of external partners.

The minister said developing local expertise would reduce dependence on foreign technology, minimise maintenance delays and improve the availability of equipment for security operations.

He added that indigenous technological capacity was essential to strengthening intelligence gathering and addressing the country’s security challenges.

He noted that UAVs had become important tools for surveillance, reconnaissance, infrastructure protection and intelligence gathering, stressing that their effectiveness depended on trained personnel, proper maintenance, sound operational procedures and responsible deployment.

In his remarks, the NASENI Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, highlighted the importance of building indigenous technological capacity, particularly in equipment development, assembly, training and maintenance.

Halilu said Nigeria needed to invest in local knowledge and practical skills to ensure that technological innovations translated into tangible benefits for national development. He emphasised the importance of sustained partnerships among government institutions, industry and technical organisations in developing solutions to the country’s challenges.

He also noted that UAV technology had applications beyond security, including agriculture, healthcare and other critical sectors. According to him, developing local expertise would expand opportunities for young Nigerians while supporting innovation and economic growth.

Halilu urged the trainees to approach their work with discipline, curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning, saying the long-term value of the facility would depend on the competence of the people trained and their ability to apply the knowledge acquired.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State described the centre as an important investment in indigenous technology, technical skills and innovation, saying it would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to train professionals in UAV operations.

The governor said the facility represented more than a training centre, as it would help develop practical knowledge and create opportunities for Nigerians to contribute to technological advancement. He commended NASENI and its partners for supporting the initiative.

Sani particularly highlighted the centre’s female-led structure, noting that at least 60 per cent of its participants were women. He said the initiative demonstrated the importance of creating opportunities for women to participate in emerging technology fields.

‘This is a deliberate statement that the future of aviation and technology in Nigeria must be shaped and led by women,’ the governor said.

He added that expanding access to technical training would help build a skilled workforce capable of deploying UAV technology in agriculture, security, infrastructure monitoring and other areas of national development.

The governor also commended the NASENI leadership, the AFIT Commandant and his team, as well as other stakeholders, for their contributions to the project. He expressed the state government’s commitment to initiatives that promote innovation, skills development and economic opportunities.

Earlier, private-sector partner Rotimi Makonuola described the centre as a practical investment in developing Nigeria’s UAV capabilities, saying the partnership was designed to expand training opportunities and strengthen the country’s technical workforce.

Makonuola said the facility would help prepare more professionals to operate UAVs and apply the technology to practical challenges in security, agriculture and infrastructure development. He thanked NASENI, AFIT, the Kaduna State Government and other partners for supporting the initiative.

The speakers stressed the need for sustained collaboration between government, technical institutions and private-sector partners to ensure that the training centre produces skilled professionals who can contribute to Nigeria’s technological self-reliance and broader development.

The Movement Adebayo for President (MAP) has outlined 21 reasons it believes make the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Citizen Adewole Adebayo, a strong contender in the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement promoting Adebayo’s candidacy, the movement highlighted his legal career, policy proposals, commitment to social democracy and plans to address Nigeria’s security, energy, education and economic challenges.

According to MAP, Adebayo is among the candidates who have presented a comprehensive policy document outlining proposed solutions to the country’s challenges.

The movement said the candidate had released a 117-page manifesto containing policy proposals, implementation timelines and strategies for national development.

It also highlighted his legal practice, particularly his reported commitment to providing free legal services to indigent Nigerians, describing it as evidence of his concern for the welfare of ordinary citizens.

On youth development, MAP said Adebayo understood the challenges facing young Nigerians and was committed to addressing them through education, skills acquisition and empowerment programmes.

The movement identified his campaign slogan, ‘Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity,’ as a reflection of his stated priorities for the country.

On national security, MAP said Adebayo had proposed retraining and equipping security personnel, as well as improving their remuneration.

The group said the candidate believed Nigeria must adequately support those responsible for protecting the country.

It also highlighted his position on petroleum and energy policy, saying he supported a carefully considered return to fuel subsidy, which he believes could reduce energy costs and support small and medium-scale enterprises.

According to the movement, Adebayo’s economic agenda includes investment in agriculture, affordable energy, domestic refining, energy logistics, industrial development and improved electricity distribution.

Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should not assume it enjoys widespread support in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration could affect the party’s performance.

He gave the assessment on Monday during Morning Show, where he discussed political alignments and public sentiment ahead of the elections.

Oseni argued that the enthusiastic reception some politicians receive during public engagements in the North should not automatically be interpreted as electoral support, noting that financial inducements and public displays of loyalty might not translate into votes.

The broadcaster said his position was based on his assessment of public sentiment and the political atmosphere in the region, while acknowledging that his views could attract criticism over the generalisation of opinions across the North.

‘Do not deceive yourself, you see, politicians are the most delusional and the most optimistic people on earth.

‘Because you are giving tonnes of people money in the north, they are shouting your name; they are saying everything is well. Elections will shock you. Do not deceive yourself.

‘The north is not happy with this administration,’ Oseni said.

He acknowledged that critics might challenge his assessment for lacking sufficient empirical evidence but maintained that gauging public opinion and observing political trends were relevant to understanding voters’ mood.

‘I know a lot of people will come back at me and say that’s a fallacy of hasty generalisation.

‘But it’s an opinion gathering. It’s about feeling the pulse of the people in the north. It’s feeling the trajectory of what is happening in the north.

‘Clearly, I know you’re going to ask me what’s the empirical data. Obviously, when you check a lot of public sentiment analysis, you see that obviously, to a large extent,’ he added.

Oseni also questioned the level of commitment the APC could expect from governors who defected to the party amid the crisis and fragmentation within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He suggested that some of the governors might have joined the ruling party because of circumstances surrounding their former political platform rather than a longstanding preference for the APC.

‘Will the APC be able to trust the complete commitments of the governors that came to the fold of the APC because of the disintegration of the PDP? That’s another factor,’ he said.

Describing the defections as a political arrangement shaped by circumstances, Oseni questioned whether the governors would fully commit to the APC if the PDP had not experienced internal divisions.

‘You see, it’s a strange marriage arrangement. They just had to come to the APC, not because if they had a choice, if their own party was not disintegrated, or had not gone through the metamorphosis, do you think they’re going to come?

‘So, are they going to be able to give their full commitment and just sweep everything off like that? It’s going to be interesting,’ he said.

The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has officially confirmed the results of the 2026 Local Government Council elections held across the 21 local government areas of the state on Saturday.

The Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Mamman Nda-Eri, announced this in a statewide broadcast following the receipt and verification of official election returns from the authorised Returning Officers.

Nda-Eri said the exercise covered all 21 local government areas and 239 electoral wards, describing the election as another important step towards strengthening democracy and bringing governance closer to the people at the grassroots.

He explained that the Commission had received and verified the official results submitted by the Returning Officers after the completion of voting, counting, and collation at designated centres.

According to him, the Commission’s responsibility was to provide a fair, transparent, and credible electoral process that allows citizens to freely choose their representatives.

‘Our responsibility as an electoral management body is not to decide who wins or loses, but to provide a fair, transparent and credible process through which the electorate can make their choices,’ he stated.

The KOSIEC chairman confirmed the successful candidates as duly returned by their respective Returning Officers in accordance with applicable electoral laws and guidelines.

He added that detailed results, including the names of successful candidates, their political parties, and their respective local government areas and electoral wards, would be made available through the Commission’s official communication channels.

Congratulating the successful candidates, Nda-Eri reminded them that their victory at the polls should be regarded as a call to service rather than an opportunity for political celebration.

He urged the elected chairmen and councillors to demonstrate humility, fairness, and accountability while prioritising the welfare and development needs of their respective communities.

According to him, the electorate has entrusted the successful candidates with its hopes and aspirations, making it imperative for them to justify the confidence reposed in them through purposeful leadership.

He also commended candidates who did not emerge victorious for participating in the democratic process, urging them to respect legitimate electoral outcomes and pursue any grievances through lawful channels.

‘Democracy thrives not only when we win elections, but also when we respect the rules, accept legitimate outcomes and pursue grievances through lawful means,’ he said.

The Commission’s chairman expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing the institutional support that enabled KOSIEC to discharge its statutory responsibilities during the electoral process.

He also commended security agencies, political parties, candidates, election observers, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, the media, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the conduct of the elections.

Nda-Eri equally praised the management and staff of the Commission, including Commissioners, Electoral Officers, Returning Officers, Presiding Officers, and ad hoc personnel, for their dedication and sacrifices. He thanked the people of Kogi State for participating in the elections and exercising their democratic rights.

As the electoral process concludes, Nda-Eri appealed to political leaders, party supporters, and residents of the state to maintain peace, remain law-abiding, and work together towards the development of Kogi State.

emphasised that elections should not be treated as conflicts between enemies, but as democratic contests among citizens with a shared future.

‘Political parties may differ in ideology and approach, but our collective responsibility remains the peace, unity and development of Kogi State,’ he said.

The KOSIEC chairman noted that while the elections had produced representatives for the various local government areas and electoral wards, the more important task ahead was to build stronger communities and improve the living conditions of residents.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral process and strengthening grassroots democracy in the state.

However, a newer workplace trend known as ‘quiet cracking’ is drawing attention to the emotional and psychological struggles employees may experience while continuing to show up and perform their duties.

Unlike quiet quitting, which involves deliberately doing no more than what a job requires, quiet cracking describes a gradual decline in motivation, job satisfaction and wellbeing, often without obvious signs of distress.

What is quiet cracking?

According to a 2025 survey by TalentLMS, a workplace learning platform, quiet cracking refers to persistent unhappiness at work that gradually affects employees’ motivation, performance and overall wellbeing.

Employees experiencing the phenomenon may continue meeting deadlines and carrying out their responsibilities even as they struggle internally.

This makes it difficult for employers and colleagues to recognise the problem before it begins to affect work performance or the employee’s health and wellbeing.

How quiet cracking differs from burnout

Although quiet cracking shares some similarities with workplace burnout, the two are not necessarily the same.

Burnout may become apparent through exhaustion, missed deadlines and a noticeable decline in productivity. Quiet cracking, however, can remain hidden behind an employee who appears reliable and continues to deliver expected results.

In fast-paced workplaces, where employees are often expected to maintain high levels of productivity, managers may overlook the signs if they focus primarily on output.

By the time the problem becomes obvious through declining performance or a resignation, the employee may have been struggling for months.

How quiet cracking differs from burnout

Although quiet cracking shares some similarities with workplace burnout, the two are not necessarily the same.

Burnout may become apparent through exhaustion, missed deadlines and a noticeable decline in productivity. Quiet cracking, however, can remain hidden behind an employee who appears reliable and continues to deliver expected results.

In fast-paced workplaces, where employees are often expected to maintain high levels of productivity, managers may overlook the signs if they focus primarily on output.

By the time the problem becomes obvious through declining performance or a resignation, the employee may have been struggling for months.

Research reveals scale of workplace dissatisfaction

Research by TalentLMS found that 54 per cent of employees reported experiencing some level of quiet cracking, while about 20 per cent said they experienced it frequently.

The research also estimated that the phenomenon could cost businesses approximately $438 billion in lost productivity.

The findings suggest that workplace dissatisfaction may extend beyond employees who openly complain or disengage from their duties, affecting workers who continue to appear productive.

Why quiet cracking is becoming a concern

Several factors have been linked to quiet cracking, including economic uncertainty, excessive workloads, poor leadership and fears of job losses.

However, anxiety about artificial intelligence is emerging as another source of concern for workers.

While quiet quitting has often been associated with employees feeling undervalued or disengaged, quiet cracking may also involve fears about job security and the possibility of being replaced by technology.

For some workers, the uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence adds to existing pressure to remain productive and meet employers’ expectations.

AI anxiety adds to workers’ concerns

Data cited by Glassdoor in 2026 showed that mentions of artificial intelligence in employee reviews had more than tripled year on year, while the tone of those mentions shifted from largely positive to largely negative.

A separate global survey involving more than 39,000 workers found that only 22 per cent were confident their jobs were safe from elimination driven by artificial intelligence.

The findings highlight concerns about how technological changes could affect employment and the future of work.

As businesses adopt AI tools to improve efficiency, employees may worry about whether their skills will remain relevant and whether their positions will continue to exist.

Workers lack adequate support for AI transition

The concerns are compounded by a perceived lack of preparation and support from employers.

A 2026 survey found that 41 per cent of workers said their employers had provided nothing to prepare them for the use of artificial intelligence at work, including training, tools or guidelines.

Meanwhile, some employees have begun experimenting with AI tools independently, without formal workplace policies or structured guidance.

This leaves workers to navigate the changing demands of their jobs while worrying that the same technology they are learning to use could eventually replace them.

The cost goes beyond lost productivity

Beyond the financial implications for businesses, quiet cracking can affect employees’ sense of value and their relationships with managers.

TalentLMS research found that employees experiencing the phenomenon were 152 per cent more likely to report feeling undervalued. Nearly half also said their managers did not listen to their concerns.

Such findings suggest that communication, recognition and employee support are important aspects of workplace wellbeing.

When employees feel ignored or undervalued, dissatisfaction may deepen over time, particularly when their workloads increase or their job security becomes uncertain.

Why some employees stay despite dissatisfaction

Quiet cracking does not always lead to resignation.

Economic uncertainty, limited job opportunities and fears about finding alternative employment may compel dissatisfied workers to remain in their positions.

In such circumstances, employees may continue working not because their concerns have been resolved, but because leaving their jobs appears too risky.

This combination of persistent dissatisfaction and limited options may make quiet cracking difficult to address, both for employees and their employers.

What employers can do to address quiet cracking

Research by TalentLMS points to training, skills development and supportive management as potential ways to reduce the risk of quiet cracking.

Providing employees with opportunities to develop their skills may help them feel better prepared for changes in the workplace, including the growing use of artificial intelligence.

Managers can also help by listening to employees’ concerns, recognising their contributions and paying attention to signs of declining motivation rather than focusing exclusively on productivity.

These measures do not necessarily require major organisational changes. However, they require employers to take employee wellbeing seriously and create an environment where workers can raise concerns without feeling ignored.

Why quiet cracking deserves attention

Workplace trends often attract attention through new terminology, but quiet cracking raises questions about employee wellbeing, job security and the responsibilities of employers.

With research suggesting that a substantial proportion of workers experience some level of the phenomenon, the issue may have implications for both individual employees and business performance.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape workplaces, addressing workers’ concerns through training, effective communication and supportive leadership could become increasingly important.

Recognising quiet cracking early may help employers understand when employees who appear productive are struggling beneath the surface, before the situation leads to disengagement, declining performance or resignation.

Thor Explorations Ltd has won the Diversity Champion Award at the AIM Awards 2026 in recognition of its commitment to promoting inclusion and creating opportunities for employees from diverse backgrounds.

The award celebrates companies within the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) community that demonstrate leadership in equity and inclusion. According to the organisers, Thor Explorations stood out for its approach to fostering diversity across executive leadership and field operations.

The company said the recognition reflected the collective efforts of its workforce, comprising people from different nationalities, professional disciplines and cultural backgrounds, and its commitment to creating an environment where employees can thrive.

Speaking on the award, Thor Explorations’ President and Chief Executive Officer, Segun Lawson, described the recognition as a source of pride, stressing that the company’s strength lay in its people and the opportunities available to them.

‘I am immensely proud and honoured that Thor Explorations has been recognised with the Diversity Champion Award at this year’s AIM Awards,’ Lawson said.

He said that, as an African-focused company, diversity remained particularly important to him, adding that he had always sought to build an organisation where talent, ambition and hard work determined opportunities, irrespective of background, gender or nationality.

According to him, promoting diversity goes beyond meeting targets or fulfilling formal requirements, as it involves building a workplace culture that reflects the communities in which the company operates, empowers local talent and enables employees to reach their full potential.

Lawson said an inclusive workforce strengthened collaboration, improved organisational performance and positioned the company for greater success.

He added that while the award was personally significant to him, the recognition belonged to employees across the organisation who demonstrated the company’s values in their daily work.

‘I could not be prouder of what we are building together,’ he said.

Thor Explorations thanked the AIM Awards organisers for the recognition and commended its employees for their continued contributions to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

As the All Progressives Congress kicks off its campaigns for the forthcoming general elections, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has urged the party faithful to create a conducive environment to ensure a fresh mandate for President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during the inauguration of the National and Subnational Structures of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security, General Musa declared that every member of the Committee has a role to play in ensuring victory of their principal.

He said: ‘The return of Mr President is not an issue that we should even start worrying about, because God willing, he’s coming back. Now it is how do we make that, provide that enabling environment for it to happen. That’s what we should be thinking about. And that’s why it’s very, very important that as we have started today, as we have been inaugurated today, everybody should know that he has a role to play in what’s going on.’

The Defence Minister, however, told the gathering of serving and retired military personnel to live up to expectations in providing adequate security in the course of the party campaigns across the 36 states of the federation.

‘The survival of Nigeria is critical to all of us, because our families and everybody is here, and we must do everything possible to make sure that Nigeria is safe and secure. And our campaigns are peaceful and safe, because I think that is the most critical aspect of what we do. The party has continued to evolve. The President has done remarkably well. I think most of us, I find out that we’re not even talking so much as to what he has done. He has done so much for this country. And so it is important that we work together with the Information Directorate, so that we will be able to spread these things for individuals to understand what is going on, because like we said, social media is going to play a critical aspect in what we are doing. How we project what we are doing, how we enlighten Nigerians is very, very critical.’

General Sarkin Yaki Bello (rtd), Director, Intelligence and Security, APC-PCC, charged the team to deploy their professional experience in crowd management and containment of criminal activities.

‘We must remain conscious of risks associated with public gatherings, broad movements, crowd management, misinformation, criminal activity, communal tensions, and other circumstances that could endanger campaign participants or members of the public, no less our own principal, Mr President.

‘These challenges require a team that is alert without being alarmist, decisive without being reckless, and firm without losing sight of the law. Our work must be grounded in credible information, sound assessment, and clearly defined responsibilities. We must distinguish verified intelligence from speculation, communicate risks promptly to the appropriate authorities, and ensure that decisions are proportionate to the evidence available. Our duty is to protect, Mr President, the people and not to threaten them, to preserve order, not to create fear, and to support a peaceful, democratic process, which is the vision of President Tinubu and his team.

‘As the Directorate, I believe our work must be guided by several essential priorities. The first one is prevention through preparation. We must ensure that appropriate risk assessments, contingency arrangements, and emergency procedures are established before major campaign activities take place. Preparation is most valuable when it is completed before a crisis begins. Second is professional intelligence assessment. We must develop reliable channels for receiving, verifying, and evaluating relevant security information. Rumours must not be treated as facts, and consequential decisions must be based on credible evidence rather than assumptions.

‘Thirdly, coordination and cooperation. We must work within clearly defined responsibilities and maintain appropriate communication with the legally authorised security agencies, emergency services, campaign organisers, and relevant public authorities. We cannot work in isolation.

‘Fourthly, the protection of lives and public safety.

‘The safety of the President, campaign leadership, staff, supporters, journalists, service personnel, and members of the public must remain central to our plan. Every gathering must be approached with due regard for crowd safety, emergency access and the possibility of unforeseen incidents.’

Giving the acceptance speech on behalf of his colleagues, Major-General Abdulmalik Jibrin (rtd) assured President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the APC-PCC, that his team would discharge the assignments with seriousness, discipline, professionalism, and a determination to deliver on the responsibilities.

‘We will endeavour to ensure that the duties assigned to us are discharged diligently, that our reports are accurate and timely, and that our recommendations are practical, evidence-based, and relevant to the decisions they are intended to support.

‘We pledge to support these objectives within our respective mandates and in accordance with the approved institutional framework.

‘We will work to strengthen communication and cooperation among the National, Zonal, and State Structures, while respecting established reporting relationships and avoiding unnecessary duplication of responsibilities.

‘Our collective objective will be to ensure that the Directorate functions as a coordinated and results-oriented institution rather than merely as a collection of appointed officers.

‘We will not allow personal interests, partisan emotions, or private grievances to compromise the quality of our professional responsibilities.

‘Our commitment is to professional service, responsible advice, lawful conduct, and institutional credibility.’

THE Debt Management Office (DMO) plans to raise N5.75 trillion through the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bond issuances in the fourth quarter of 2026, as the government’s rising financing needs threaten to sustain pressure on domestic interest rates.

According to a fixed-income market outlook by CSL Research, the planned issuance comprises N1.75 trillion in October and N2 trillion each in November and December.

The fresh offers will come after the government allotted N7.15 trillion in FGN bonds between January and September 2026, more than double the N3.48 trillion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

The rising issuance reflects the government’s substantial domestic financing requirements amid an expanded 2026 expenditure budget and persistent revenue shortfalls.

Analysts had earlier projected a fiscal deficit of N26.7 trillion, equivalent to 5.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), while estimating that net domestic borrowing could exceed N11.5 trillion in the second half of the year.

CSL Research said the additional bond supply could limit further declines in yields as investors demand competitive returns to absorb the government’s securities.

Although the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 350-basis-point reduction in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) initially supported lower yields across Treasury bills and FGN bonds, rates have since rebounded, reflecting the influence of borrowing requirements and market liquidity on fixed-income pricing.

As of October 9, Treasury bill yields had risen by 10 basis points to 18 percent, while FGN bond yields increased by 30 basis points to 15.9 percent. Both, however, remained below their levels before the monetary policy adjustment.

The research firm warned that the planned fourth-quarter bond offers could sustain upward pressure on yields by increasing the supply of government securities.

However, it noted that N7.46 trillion in Open Market Operations (OMO) and Treasury bill maturities expected in October could support demand for fixed-income instruments as investors reinvest their proceeds.

The extent of this support would depend partly on fresh OMO issuance by the CBN, which could absorb some of the liquidity released by maturing instruments.

On the fiscal side, improved crude oil production offers the government a potential revenue boost, although the extent to which it reduces borrowing needs remains uncertain.

Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate production rose by 2.3 per cent month-on-month to 1.72 million barrels per day in September, from 1.68 million barrels per day in August, marking its highest monthly average since June.

Crude-only production averaged 1.53 million barrels per day, exceeding Nigeria’s OPEC quota of 1.50 million barrels per day for the fifth consecutive month.

The improvement, alongside elevated international oil prices, could strengthen export earnings and government revenue. However, the actual fiscal benefit will depend on production costs, the government’s share of oil proceeds and statutory deductions.

CSL Research cautioned that higher oil prices might not translate proportionately into stronger net oil receipts, meaning sustained production gains would need to generate additional government revenue to meaningfully reduce domestic borrowing requirements.

Against this backdrop, the firm maintained its preference for short-to-medium-duration fixed-income investments, arguing that the strategy would allow investors to benefit from prevailing yields while limiting exposure to potential repricing at the longer end of the yield curve.

The outlook suggests that although reinvestment demand and improved oil production could provide some support, sustained government borrowing is likely to remain a key factor shaping Nigeria’s fixed-income market in the final quarter of the year.

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has endorsed Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for governor, recalling how they shared a bunk bed at boarding school 49 years ago.

Otedola disclosed their longstanding relationship in a post on his X account on Monday after hosting a dinner in honour of Hamzat, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Lagos State election.

‘Yesterday, I hosted dinner in honour of @DrObafemiHamzat, the incoming Governor of Lagos State. A man of the highest integrity, with whom I shared a bunk bed at boarding school 49 years ago,’ Otedola wrote.

The businessman highlighted Hamzat’s personal qualities, describing his character as one shaped by honesty, sincerity, fairness and strong moral principles.

‘My experience of his character over the years has been defined by his honesty, sincerity, fairness and strong moral principles,’ he added.

The dinner brought together some of Nigeria’s most prominent business figures, including Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and billionaire industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu.

The Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO) has challenged the Presidency to provide documentary evidence that the N250 billion Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) dividends allegedly accruable to states have been paid, demanding the release of relevant financial records to clarify the controversy.

MDPCO is the campaign organisation of the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and his running mate, Mr Lawal Daura, for the 2027 polls.

The organisation said the Federal Government should publish receipts, Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) decisions and official communications showing the amounts received, approved for distribution and paid to the states.

MDPCO stated its position through its Director of Strategic Communications, Mr Richard Ihediwa, in Abuja on Sunday, while reacting to the Presidency’s response to allegations by Makinde that the dividends meant for states were being withheld.

‘If the Tinubu Presidency claims that Engr. Makinde is wrong in his assertion that the N250 billion NLNG dividend meant for states is being withheld, we challenge President (Bola) Tinubu to directly tell Nigerians if the said dividends have been paid to the states rather than resorting to personal attacks on the APM presidential candidate’, the organisation said.

It added, ‘We therefore challenge the Presidency to publish the relevant NLNG dividend receipts, Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) decisions and official communications establishing the amounts received, the sums approved for distribution and the timing of the proposed payments to states.’

MDPCO argued that the Presidency should address the substance of Makinde’s allegation instead of citing figures that, according to it, did not establish whether the disputed funds had been released to the states.

It insisted that Nigerians deserved clear answers to three questions: how much NLNG paid in dividends during the period under discussion, how much was credited to the Federation Account and how much was approved for distribution to the states.

MDPCO maintained that citing NLNG’s cumulative dividend payments over the past 25 years would not resolve the issue, arguing that historical totals could not establish the amount received within a specific period or determine whether a particular payment had been approved, delayed or withheld.

The body stated, ‘Historical totals cannot, by themselves, establish the amount received during a specific period and the sum available for distribution.

‘It does not answer whether a particular payment was proposed, approved, received, delayed or withheld. Those questions can only be settled by the relevant financial records.’

The organisation also dismissed the Presidency’s reported argument that allocating N250 billion to each of the 36 states would amount to N9 trillion, a sum it said NLNG had never paid as a single dividend.

According to MDPCO, the calculation did not address the central question of the amount actually in dispute, insisting that the relevant official records should determine the facts.

It further questioned whether the federal government had any constitutional authority to withhold funds accruable to states in a federation, urging the Presidency to explain its position on the matter.

The organisation accused the Tinubu administration of avoiding accountability over the issue, insisting that demanding explanations on public funds was a legitimate civic right and should not be treated as an offence because Makinde was seeking the presidency.

It also defended Makinde’s conduct, describing him as a politician committed to an issue-based campaign and accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of relying on propaganda and misinformation as its strategy.

The MDPCO said it stood by Makinde’s description of the Nigerian economy under President Bola Tinubu as a ‘voodoo economy’, arguing that official claims of improvement did not reflect the economic difficulties experienced by citizens, alleging that the Presidency was unsettled by what it described as the ‘growing acceptance of Makinde’s Reset Nigeria agenda across the country.’