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Christian minority groups in Northern Nigeria have for years spoken of being marginalised in the political equation of the Nigerian state.

That cry of marginalisation gained global attention in the recent past when Ted Cruz, a US congressman raised an allegation of Christian genocide happening in Nigeria,

Cruz had on September 8 officially introduced the bill known as the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 in the US Senate. The bill is a concrete legislative action to address the alleged persecution of Christians in the northern part of Nigeria.

However, on Tuesday October 7 he made public statements, including a post on X (formerly Twitter) blaming Nigerian officials for the ‘mass murder’ of Christians and vowing to hold them accountable.

A day after Cruz alleged public call for accountability, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) through its president, Daniel Okoh, issued a statement clarifying the Association’s position on the matter.

CAN through a statement on Wednesday October 8, brought to public knowledge some of its earlier actions in addressing the situation.

‘The Association has established mechanisms for recording incidents of religiously motivated killings, engaged with international partners, written to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and hosted global Christian organisations such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement.

‘These sustained efforts demonstrate CAN’s consistent advocacy for justice, peace, and the protection of Christian communities under threat,’ it stated, indicating that many Christian communities in some parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, have suffered severe attacks, loss of lives, and the destruction of places of worship.

According to CAN, these realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for the government and security agencies to act decisively in protecting every citizen, regardless of their region. The Christian umbrella body added that the pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics.

‘It is equally imperative that perpetrators of violence are brought swiftly and transparently to justice. We also appeal to all Christian leaders to continue to speak and act with wisdom, unity, and faith, knowing that peace is too fragile to be taken for granted,’ CAN stated.

According to CAN, Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage. ‘The courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities. Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace.’

While CAN statement cannot be said to be a direct acceptance of Ted Cruz’ allegation of ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria; the statement is however loaded with unspoken words that brings to reckoning what available data on killings say about Nigeria.

For years, international observers and advocacy groups have referenced the scale and targeting of these attacks as evidence of an attempt at ‘Christian Genocide,’ a term that the CAN statement sought to clarify as persecution experienced in the north.

While conflicts in the region are historically complex-often revolving around land, water scarcity, and political marginalisation between predominantly Muslim nomadic pastoralists and Christian farmers-the consistency of the attacks on Christian settlements and clergy lends credence to the notion of systematic ethno-religious targeting.

The problem of operational failure

The frustration expressed by CAN stems from a widespread belief that the government possesses adequate information but lacks the will or capability to act decisively. This point has been consistently validated by independent security analysts.

‘The tragedy we consistently document is the failure to translate specific, actionable warnings-which our data shows precedes the majority of major attacks-into decisive, timely interventions. The issue is less ‘intelligence failure’ and more operational failure rooted in accountability gaps,’ Kehinde Giwa, an analyst at SBM Intelligence, whose firm tracks conflict dynamics and security incidents across Nigeria, highlighting where the real failure lies.

According to Giwa, the tragedy is not that the state is blind, but that it is often paralyzed, allowing for what SBM Intelligence often calls a ‘Cycle of Carnage’ to repeat across vulnerable zones.

Targeting the clergy

This operational failure has had profound consequences on the Christian leadership itself. SBM Intelligence data confirms that Christian clergy are specifically targeted for kidnapping and extortion, disrupting the very fabric of community life and leadership.

According to data by SBM Intelligence, 21 Catholic priests were abducted in Nigeria between July 2022 and June 2023. Similarly, official data from the Catholic Church also indicated that about 145 priests were kidnapped over the last 10 years.

According to SBM data released in late 2023, the trend of kidnapped priests in Nigeria has been alarming, with dozens of Catholic priests and other clergy members abducted annually across different states, including those in the Middle Belt, over the past few years.

The targeting of these religious figures serves a dual purpose for criminal elements: they represent a high-value target (due to the assumed ability of the Church to pay ransom) and their removal creates a vacuum of moral and social authority in rural, besieged communities.

This strategy according to the report effectively hollows out local resilience, forcing displaced populations to remain in internal displacement camps.

However, Giwa is of the view that CAN’s concluding plea in the statement ‘courage to face our collective failures’-thus serves as both a moral appeal and a strategic warning. According to him, the CAN statement makes it clear that until the government moves beyond political denial and addresses the operational failures and accountability gaps that SBM Intelligence and others point to, the violence will continue to erode not only the faith and safety of its citizens but the very foundations of the Nigerian economy.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it has many tools of development to execute its mandate to transform the Niger Delta region and make a difference.

One of the schemes is said to be the Postgraduate Scholarship Project through which the Commission embarks on human capital development.

One of the star candidates that put the commission’s efforts on the global map is named Idara Bassey.

She is a beneficiary of the postgraduate scholarship scheme of the NDDC who is said to be making waves as the 263rd Certified Global Tech Hero. According to a document by Ifeatu Agbu of the communications unit of the NDDC, Bassey was named a recipient of the prestigious Connected Awards in recognition of her pioneering work at the intersection of law, technology, and ethics.

Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC CEO (3rd right) presenting a letter of award to Reginald Omubo-Pepple (left) during the award ceremony for the NDDC 2025/2026 Local Postgraduate Scholarship in Port Harcourt.

From the right: Dimaro Denyanbofa, Bayelsa State Representative on NDDC Board, (2nd right), Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director Corporate Services (2nd left), Angela Chukwudifu, Director Education.

The award highlighted Bassey’s ability to translate governance principles into systems that protect people and create lasting social value -a skillset that is said to have defined her professional journey.

Awarded the NDDC scholarship in 2023, Bassey is said to have pursued a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property and Technology Law at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA. Since completing her studies, she is said to have earned globally recognised certifications in artificial intelligence governance and privacy practice, solidifying her expertise in privacy-by-design, AI risk assessment, and digital policy formulation.

Her work is said to have played a pivotal role in shaping national-scale digital infrastructure, benefiting millions of users. By integrating privacy safeguards and operational standards into large identity and security systems, her interventions are said to have significantly reduced cyber vulnerabilities and enhanced community-level protections.

This recognition places Bassey among a distinguished cadre of global innovators who are redefining the ethical and legal frameworks of emerging technologies.

For the NDDC, her achievement are said to have underscored the enduring value of its scholarship programme in cultivating world-class professionals who drive transformative change far beyond the Niger Delta region.

The Nigerian stream:

Building on stories of success like Bassey’s, the NDDC is said to have expanded its scholarship programmes to include postgraduate studies in Nigerian universities. On October 8, 2025, the Commission presented award letters to 600 successful candidates for its 2025/2026 Local Post Graduate Scholarship Programme.

Presenting the scholarship letters to the successful candidates during the award ceremony in Port Harcourt, Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, stated that the scholarship programme was an initiative designed to enhance human capital development in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku described the scholarship scheme as an essential component of the NDDC scheme of work, noting that education was the most powerful weapon for changing the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.

He observed that previous beneficiaries of the scholarship programme set enviable standards for subsequent groups, stating: ‘It is remarkable that 32 of our scholars graduated with distinction in Coventry University this year.’

Ogbuku advised the NDDC scholars to avoid distractions to excel in their studies, reminding them that they owed the Niger Delta a duty to succeed.

He declared, ‘You are the torchbearers of transformation. Your education is not just for you but for the millions who look up to you for hope. As you pursue your postgraduate studies, remember that every lecture you attend, every paper you write, and every solution you provide is a step towards transforming our communities.’

In his remarks, George Uzonwanne, the NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, disclosed that out of 46,240 applicants, only 600 were selected through a transparent electronic examination process. He said, ‘I congratulate the successful candidates who applied and went through a seamless selection process.’

Uzonwanne stated: ‘Through initiatives like the NDDC Local Scholarship Programme, we are investing in the minds that will shape the Niger Delta’s tomorrow. By equipping our youth with advanced knowledge in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, technology, humanities, and management sciences, we empower them to tackle our region’s unique challenges.’

The Director explained that the Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Scheme was meant to equip Niger Delta youths with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the local content programme of the Federal Government.

He added, ‘The objective is to equip our people to compete favourably with others in terms of employment and entrepreneurship in the region.’

He noted that emphasis was placed on science disciplines because of a noticeable deficiency in the oil industry, which made it challenging to employ young graduates from the region in that critical sector.

According to him, previously, the oil and gas industry had discriminated against fresh graduates, dismissing them as not possessing the requisite qualifications. ‘We also need to encourage our youths to show interest in engineering for the sake of our projects. We need qualified engineers who can manage our projects just as in agriculture, environmental science, and other science-related courses.’

Uzonwanne stressed that the foreign scholarship scheme was designed to expose the graduates to other developed environments outside the country. ‘So far, we have been proved right as those who benefited from the programme in the previous years have justified the need for the advanced training programme,’ he said.

The Director recalled the outstanding performance of one of the beneficiaries who studied in the United Kingdom. He said that Francisca Chiedu, the star NDDC scholar of that year, was elected President of the University of the United Kingdom Student Union.

That feat, he said, demonstrated that Nigerian youths could lead innovative changes within and outside the country. ‘Her success was indeed a victory for the NDDC. It is a testimony of the capability of the new generation of Nigerians to be the change they seek and champion worthy causes’.

Transparent process yields first-class results:

Uzonwanne expressed optimism that the transparent process for selecting beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme would continue to yield first-class performers. ‘It will guarantee the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large the likes of Francisca Chiedu, the Information Engineering and Network Management student at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, who brought glory to NDDC, the region, and nation.’

Angela Chukwudifu, the NDDC Director of Education, observed that the new scholarship programme emphasised on local education to ensure that beneficiaries remained connected to the Niger Delta’s challenges and opportunities, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

She stated: ‘Through initiatives like the NDDC Local Scholarship Programme, we are investing in the minds that will shape the Niger Delta’s tomorrow. By equipping our youth with advanced knowledge in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, technology, humanities and management sciences, we empower them to tackle our region’s unique challenges.’

The best performing scholarship candidate, Reginald Omubo-Pepple, thanked the NDDC for allowing them to enhance their education. He pledged that the beneficiaries would do their best to be good ambassadors for the region and subsequently contribute to the development of the Niger Delta.

Sharing the sentiments of Omubo-Pepple, another beneficiary from Abia State, Brian Okafor, promised that the new set of scholars would follow the foot steps of those before them in striving for excellence.

Those who set the standards for NDDC scholars include Ubong Peters, an NDDC scholar in Australia, who was celebrated for winning the university’s three-minute thesis competition.

Apart from Peters, ‘Augustine Osarogiagbon of Memorial University is so brilliant he completed his PhD in less than the stipulated time and was offered a dual PhD programme with two graduate assistants to work with and a post-doctoral fellowship lined up.

Among the stars is Charles Igwe whose exceptional contributions in Construction Engineering at Concordia University, Canada, made headlines. Igwe’s unique design saved the Montreal Area Municipality over $1 billion. He achieved this feat by redesigning the TURCOT interchange road construction project, which cost $3.67 billion.

Lenin Francis, who benefited from the foreign scholarship programme and earned a Master’s degree in petroleum engineering, suggested that NDDC should also extend the scholarship to other undergraduate students and increase the number of beneficiaries.

Francis, from Bayelsa State, agreed that the programme was a good capacity-builder that would equip the youth to join in developing the Niger Delta. ‘I pray that the NDDC will continue with this laudable programme, which has helped many youths in the region,’ he said.

He said that the foreign scholarship was a boost not just for the beneficiaries but for the entire Niger Delta, as it would enable the youths to develop themselves and acquire technical expertise, which would ultimately benefit the people of the region.

According to him, the NDDC made the right decision to build the capacity of the youths, rather than focusing only on infrastructure. ‘After all, human resources are more important than physical infrastructure.’

Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria (DECN) which is handling a major portion of the construction of Train 7 in the NLNG in Bonny has continued to suffer frequent shutdowns due to industrial crisis.

The workers (mostly welders and fitters) have accused the company of overtaxing them and failure to remit the taxes of over alleged N5bn to the coffers of the government, thus allegedly keeping them (workers) outside legitimate tax net.

Daewoo has denied any wrongdoing, but the disagreement has led to frequent shutdown, even after the company would claim that all matters had been resolved.

In the latest development, Daewoo has issued another statement claiming that all matters have been resolved and that the company was not found liable, but until the workers admit it is so, the tension may continue.

By October 7, 2025, the workers issued fresh demands stating demanding that the welders and fitters coming back to site must not be made to face intimidation or signing of any undertaking.

A note distributed to the media and to some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) demanded for ‘total dissolution of Union executives with immediate effect’, and for an account of the taxes deducted from workers from inception of project. They also demanded for total refund of taxes imposed on the workforce, a deduction they dubbed fraudulent.

They made other demands including increase of hardship and feeding allowances, no sacking of workers for leading the protests, etc.

They suggested the need for representatives from each department be chosen to convey the message standing as one team.

The workers’ position came after Daewoo management had issued a notice of suspension work activities, effective from Friday, October 10, 2025, saying the safety of both personnel and equipment could no longer be guaranteed.

Daewoo thus shut down their own portion at the Train7 and directed workers to vacate from the work locations. The company also directed workers to vacate their rooms at the ‘Workers Village’ with effect from October 10, 2025.

The statement signed by management said: ‘All DECN own portion site workers are hereby put on standby until further notice. All accrued salaries up to October 9, 2025, would be remitted into individual bank accounts.

‘Management will announce the resumption of site operation when the issues are resolved and the safety of employees and equipment can be guaranteed.’

By end of Friday, October 10, 2025, Daewoo announced that all matters concerning tax deductions at the NLNG Train 7 Project site ‘have been fully clarified and conclusively resolved in cooperation with the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS).’

The company said following recent misunderstandings regarding tax deductions and clearance certificates, DECN requested the RIRS to review and verify the company’s overall tax compliance. ‘During the official review process, the RIRS confirmed the following key points:

‘All Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) and Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs) issued to DECN personnel are authentic, valid, and duly issued by the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service.

‘DECN’s tax deductions, remittances, and filings have been accurately and transparently executed in full compliance with Nigerian tax laws. There are no outstanding tax liabilities, discrepancies, or irregularities associated with DECN.’

To ensure continued transparency and prevent future misunderstandings, DECN said they also conducted a short simulation demonstrating how employees can independently verify their tax information through the RIRS online platform. ‘This practical step further reinforced confidence among workers and stakeholders regarding the company’s compliance and accountability.’

The statement issued by Bernard Ewubare, Community Affairs and Security Manager of Daewoo, said the company reaffirmed that the tax matter has been completely resolved.

It said Daewoo was committed to maintaining a compliant, trustworthy, and productive working environment as it continues the successful delivery of the NLNG Train 7 Project.

The last time Daewoo issued this kind of notification last week, the workers said it was not true as this had never been the position of things. The workers said their issues had not been addressed, alleging with photographic evidence that they saw what looked like huge sums given to mediators in the matter.

Background to crisis:

Daewoo Nigeria began about middle of September 2025 fighting to restore stability at the Train-7 plant which was in turmoil. Though top managers in Daewoo suspected external influences, the crisis was due to mass protest by a section of the workers.

The workers claimed they were over 8,000 and that deductions from their taxes had run into several billions of naira.

The company said there was no tax fraud situation in Daewoo.

The workers had alleged that the deductions were not being remitted to the coffers of the government. They said they feared that the fast-approaching new tax law in January 2026 would hurt them if tax identification number (TIN) was not issued to them.

Some of the workers interviewed said the deductions ranged from N80,000 per month to N180,000.

The company said there was no tax fraud in Daewoo, and that it did not use uniformed men to intimidate protesting workers. It however acknowledged the issue of controversy surrounding tax receipts.

Daewoo further denied withholding the taxes, clarifying that tax deductions from workers were instantly remitted to the RIRS and tax receipts obtained and advanced to respective staff.

Management also said tax identification number was not generated by Daewoo but by the Joint Tax Board (JTB) and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). ‘Management also wishes to clarify that there is no incidence of fraud associated with tax deductions in DECN.’

The company promised to facilitate through the RIRS the provision of verifiable TIN having DECN code for accessibility to all welders/fitters within two weeks from 22/09/2025 to 04/10/2025. ‘Management is actively engaging with the welders and fitters as well as their respective unions to address the issue and this dialogue processes have reached advanced stages with an appeal for workers to give the management two weeks or fourteen days to resolve the issue.

On resolving the impasse, Daewoo said: ‘Management has been in active communication with the workers, unions, and other stakeholders with a view to communicating the state of things with all parties concerned in the matter with a view to resolving the issue.

‘Management has agreed that in case of perceived over taxation of any Welder/Fitter, such matter should be made available with evidence of pay slip to the site representatives and forward to DECN human resource team for necessary attention.

‘Management has also agreed with the various unions that no Welder/Fitter will be placed on redundancy within this period without being provided with his/her verifiable TIN. It has also not mandated any security agency to invite, arrest, interrogate or detain any worker with regards to the issue at hand.’

Daewoo however, alleged that some of the workers smashed glasses and caused some damages and assaulted their colleagues and even security personnel on duty. ‘Management wishes to inform that the project owner, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, project implementer, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders are all informed that resolution processes have been activated to resolve the issue. The company appealed for calm and for all to maintain the existing good relationship.

The frequent shutdowns and denial by workers that the matter had been resolved seem to add tension and confusion in the crisis, making it difficult to know the true situation of work in the Train 7 project.

In our fast-changing world, embracing digital transformation is essential for thriving-it’s no longer just an option, but vital for our future! Cybersecurity stands at the heart of this evolution, acting as both a guardian and a critical factor for global stability. While the digital age has offered incredible connectivity, it has also opened the door to new challenges with swiftly changing cyber threats that can outstrip traditional defenses. From ransomware to AI-based attacks, the call for strong cybersecurity has never been clearer. To truly succeed in this digital landscape, we need to cultivate a proactive mindset, emphasizing agility, foresight, and strategic resilience as the cornerstones of digital trust. It’s time for everyone-institutions, governments, and individuals-to rethink our strategies. The days of simply reacting are behind us; let’s embrace anticipation and innovation as we journey forward together into this exciting digital future!

Key Issues in cybersecurity today

The landscape of cyber threats has become increasingly sophisticated, primarily due to Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) from nation-state actors and organized cybercriminals. These attackers use strategic, long-term methods to infiltrate and maintain access to systems. The malicious use of artificial intelligence is a growing concern, enabling attacks like phishing, deepfakes, and automated vulnerability discovery. Additionally, zero-day exploits are more common and harder to detect, posing significant challenges in complex software environments.

The evolving digital landscape brings both challenges and opportunities for security enhancement. The growth of IoT and edge devices increases the need for robust security protocols to protect against threats. While cloud infrastructure offers flexibility, it requires proper configuration and understanding of the shared responsibility model to mitigate risks. The rise of remote work fosters innovation but requires vigilance in securing decentralized access points. By proactively addressing these challenges, organizations can build a more resilient and secure framework.

Human factors are a decisive element in cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Social engineering tactics like phishing, baiting, and pretexting are not just common; they are among the most effective methods employed by cybercriminals to exploit individuals. Furthermore, poor cyber hygiene-characterised by weak passwords, outdated software, and a pervasive lack of awareness regarding security practices-significantly heightens the risk of breaches. Additionally, insider threats, whether born of malicious intent or negligence, pose a substantial danger to organizations. It is imperative that cybersecurity strategies address these human factors head-on to fortify defenses effectively.

Thought processes for strategic adaptation

Cybersecurity is more than just a collection of tools and practices-it’s a vital part of an organization’s culture. To truly safeguard our digital landscape, we need to shift our perspective from simply reacting to threats to embracing a proactive approach. This means weaving cybersecurity principles into the very fabric of our organisation. Every employee, whether you’re an executive in the boardroom or a team member in the breakroom, plays a crucial role in creating a secure environment. By fostering a collective understanding of its significance, we can empower everyone to become active participants in our cybersecurity efforts. Let’s make security a shared priority!

A risk-based approach involves prioritizing assets according to their impact on the business. This strategy emphasizes the importance of understanding which assets are most critical to operations. Additionally, employing threat modelling and conducting attack simulations can help organizations identify potential vulnerabilities, allowing them to proactively address risks before they escalate.

In the realm of intelligence-driven defense, organizations are encouraged to utilize Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs) to enhance their security posture. Additionally, it is crucial to integrate Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems with User and Entity Behaviour Analytics (UEBA). This integration allows for a more comprehensive understanding of security events and user behaviour, improving the overall effectiveness of threat detection and response strategies.

In today’s digital landscape, building trust and upholding ethical standards are essential for cybersecurity. It’s about integrating security into technology from the start, prioritising user privacy, and maintaining transparency. As we adopt AI tools in cybersecurity, embracing accountability and ethical practices is crucial to ensuring users feel secure and respected.

Assertive solutions and strategic recommendations

In the realm of cybersecurity, several technological interventions are essential to enhance protection against emerging threats. One key approach is the implementation of Zero Trust Architecture, which operates on the principle of never trusting any user or device by default, particularly within internal networks. Additionally, the incorporation of artificial intelligence can significantly bolster defense strategies; machine learning techniques can facilitate anomaly detection, enable automated responses to incidents, and provide predictive analytics to anticipate potential issues before they arise. Finally, with the advancement of quantum computing, it is crucial to prepare for new security challenges by adopting quantum-resistant cryptography, ensuring that encryption standards evolve to safeguard against post-quantum threats.

In the domain of governance and policy, it is essential for organisations to adopt established cybersecurity frameworks such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ISO/IEC 27001, or the CIS Controls. Ensuring regulatory compliance is non-negotiable and must involve alignment with critical laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), and any specific mandates relevant to their sector. Furthermore, organisations are mandated to implement robust incident response plans that are regularly tested and updated to effectively tackle potential breach scenarios.

Capacity building in cybersecurity is a constructive and comprehensive approach designed to enhance skills and knowledge at all levels. It begins with a comprehensive cybersecurity education program that caters to a diverse audience, ranging from training executives to raising awareness among grassroots communities. A significant focus is placed on talent development, aiming to nurture the next generation of ethical hackers, analysts, and digital forensics experts. To further bolster defences, fostering public-private partnerships It is essential, as it promotes collaboration between different sectors, facilitating effective intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to cyber threats.

Resilience engineering focuses on constructing systems that not only withstand challenges but also emerge even stronger. Picture a world where organizations are fully equipped to confront disruptions directly-this is the essence of resilience engineering. Achieving this requires companies to implement a range of effective strategies.

By weaving in redundancy and designing rock-solid disaster recovery plans, they build safety nets that catch them when chaos strikes! Investing in cyber insurance is like equipping themselves with an impenetrable shield against the unknown, guaranteeing protection from the ever-present digital threats that lurk around every corner!

Regularly engaging in simulations and Wargaming exercises sharpens their crisis response skills, allowing teams to practice and perfect their strategies in real time. These proactive approaches not only bolster organizational continuity but also lay the groundwork for a resilient framework, paving the way for lasting success in the face of adversity.

Conclusive final thought

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity stands at the forefront, guiding us in our battle against increasingly sophisticated threats. It’s not just about defence; it’s about weaving security into the very fabric of digital design and fostering dynamic collaboration across all sectors. Our mission extends beyond mere protection-it’s about safeguarding the integrity of our entire digital landscape.

Renowned expert Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola passionately asserts that cybersecurity is not just a necessity but a strategic priority that calls for innovative thinking, ethical leadership, and bold collaboration. With his unique blend of spiritual insight, technological savvy, and deep policy knowledge, he is helping to forge resilient digital futures that can weather the storms of tomorrow. Join the movement and be part of this crucial journey!

Onitsha, a historic city in Anambra State renowned for its vibrant commerce and rich cultural tapestry, is preparing to once again host the grand spectacle that is the Ofala Festival. As the 2025 edition unfolds, the city is set to come alive with pomp, pageantry, and a renewed sense of pride, echoing its centuries-old traditions. The festival, themed ‘Cultural Renaissance and Economic Renewal,’ underscores the enduring significance of heritage in fostering social cohesion, boosting tourism, and invigorating Nigeria’s economy, particularly across the Southeast.

The Ofala Festival is more than just an annual celebration; it is a vital cultural institution anchored by the revered traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, mni, the Obi of Onitsha. Under his leadership, this festival has grown beyond a spiritual homecoming, transforming into a vibrant display of Igbo identity that attracts not only locals but also tourists and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. It is a time when history, tradition, and community spirit converge to reaffirm the values that have sustained the people of Onitsha for generations.

This year’s theme, ‘Cultural Renaissance and Economic Renewal,’ captures a dual call to action. It challenges the community and stakeholders to preserve and celebrate their traditional legacies, which form the bedrock of their identity, while also exploring innovative ways to leverage these cultural assets for economic development. The festival aims to ignite conversations on safeguarding indigenous institutions and harnessing their potential to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s broader economic landscape, especially as the nation seeks to diversify its sources of revenue beyond oil.

Central to the festival’s success and visibility is the longstanding partnership with Globacom, Nigeria’s indigenous telecommunications giant. For over a decade, Globacom has been a steadfast supporter of the Ofala Festival, providing not just financial backing but also strategic support that has elevated the event to international prominence. This partnership has helped modernize the festival’s presentation, ensuring seamless logistics, extensive media coverage, and infrastructural improvements that enhance the experience for attendees and participants alike. Through their support, the festival’s cultural documentation has been digitalized, creating a repository of heritage that can be accessed and celebrated by future generations.

His Royal Majesty Igwe Achebe highlights the importance of this collaboration, emphasizing that Globacom’s involvement transcends sponsorship. ‘Their support is a testament to their commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity. They have helped us scale the Ofala Festival from a regional celebration to an event with global reach, all while maintaining the spiritual and cultural integrity that defines us,’ he notes. The partnership exemplifies how corporate entities can play a pivotal role in cultural p: Onitsha community plans 2025 Ofala Festival with rich cultural heritagereservation and national identity reinforcement.

Globacom’s engagement with Nigeria’s cultural heritage extends beyond Onitsha. The company is also a key supporter of the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, among others. These festivals serve as vibrant expressions of Nigeria’s ethno-cultural diversity, fostering unity and mutual understanding among different ethnic groups. Globacom’s sponsorship is rooted in three core pillars: cultural preservation, ensuring that traditional festivals remain vibrant and relevant; continuity, supporting platforms that educate and engage younger generations; and community empowerment, creating economic opportunities linked to tourism, markets, and creative industries.

This strategic and sustainable approach aims to ensure that festivals like Ofala do not fade into obscurity but thrive as platforms for cultural diplomacy and economic growth. By supporting these events year-round, Globacom contributes to a broader vision of Nigeria’s social inclusion and national development. Their interventions enable local artisans, performers, and entrepreneurs to showcase their talents, attract visitors, and generate income, turning cultural festivals into engines of economic renewal.

The 2025 Ofala Festival promises to be a powerful catalyst for social and economic transformation in Onitsha. It draws thousands of visitors, both domestic and international, who come to witness the elaborate ceremonies, traditional dances, and regal displays that are hallmarks of Igbo heritage. Local vendors, hoteliers, transport operators, and artisans are poised to benefit from the influx of guests, while young creatives find a platform to showcase indigenous storytelling, music, and performance arts. The festival’s vibrancy underscores its role as a unifying force that strengthens communal bonds and celebrates shared identity amidst Nigeria’s rapidly changing socio-economic landscape.

Beyond its cultural significance, Ofala serves as a strategic avenue for Nigeria’s broader goal of economic diversification. As the country seeks to reduce its dependence on oil revenue, cultural festivals like Ofala demonstrate the immense potential of culture-led development. They attract tourism, stimulate local commerce, and create employment opportunities, all while fostering a sense of pride and continuity among the people. The festival exemplifies how tradition and modernity can coexist and complement each other in building a resilient, inclusive economy.

The 2025 edition of the Ofala Festival embodies a powerful message: that culture is not merely a relic of the past but a vibrant, living force capable of driving unity, pride, and prosperity. It is a celebration of heritage, a reaffirmation of community bonds, and a call to harness Nigeria’s rich cultural wealth as a catalyst for sustainable development. As Onitsha’s streets fill with color, music, and dance, the festival stands as a testament to the enduring strength of tradition and the limitless possibilities that emerge when heritage is embraced as a foundation for the future.

In a nation eager to forge a path towards economic resilience and social cohesion, the 2025 Ofala Festival offers a compelling blueprint-highlighting that through cultural renaissance, Nigeria can unlock new avenues of growth and unity. It is a reminder that the roots of tradition, when nurtured and supported, can blossom into the fruits of prosperity, fostering a sense of identity and collective progress that resonates far beyond the gates of Onitsha.

Across cultures, proverbs distill the wisdom of lived human experience into compressed language. In Igbo cosmology, proverbs, as cognitive map of socio-cultural realities, are not merely linguistic ornaments; they are the very ‘palm oil with which words are eaten.’ Beyond serving the rhetorical strategy of decorative flourishes, proverbs are condensations of ancestral experience, crystallized into pithy wisdom. They distill centuries of observation into images so powerful that entire treatises of political philosophy can be folded into a single line. Among these, one particularly vivid saying speaks powerfully to the Nigerian condition today: mkp?k?r? ikwe n? ?kw? reburu ?n? – ‘pounding rotten palm nuts in a broken mortar.’ Picture the imagery: a woman in an Igbo hamlet, seated before her mortar, pounding parboiled palm nuts to extract the oil that sustains her household. But the mortar is cracked, unable to contain the force of her pestle. Worse still, the palm nuts are rotten – useless, incapable of yielding oil. However much she labours, her sweat and toil are futile. She ends with exhaustion but no reward.

This image, rooted in the everyday struggle of agrarian life, is both literal and metaphorical. It describes futility, i.e., labouring where the conditions of success are structurally impossible. It is not laziness of the citizenry but the futility of the system. To unpack this, the broken mortar-rotten palm nut metaphor foregrounds and contextualizes Nigeria’s democratic failures within the long arc of political thought. It provides the premise for deploying modern tools of conceptual metaphor theory espoused by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson to account for how this proverbial image embodies the crisis. That is the tragedy of Nigeria’s democracy, 26 years of unbroken electoral rituals since 1999, yet the system is cracked like the broken mortar, and its political class rotten like the spoiled palm nuts. No matter how hard the people pound with their votes, their petitions, their protests, no oil of justice or governance flows. To understand this futility, it is important first to recall the philosophical evolution of democracy itself, what it promised, how it developed, and why its Nigerian variant appears trapped in perpetual frustration.

Democracy did not emerge fully formed; it evolved through centuries of thought. The story begins in Europe’s age of turbulence. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), writing in Leviathan (1651), was not himself a democrat but provided the starting point by grappling with the chaos of human selfishness. To Hobbes, the natural state of man was a ‘war of all against all,’ where life was ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.’ The solution, he argued, was the ‘social contract;’ it is the surrender of individual freedoms to a sovereign who guaranteed security. Though Hobbes justified monarchy, his contract idea laid the groundwork for democratic thinking. Legitimacy must come from the consent of the governed.

John Locke (1632-1704) radicalized this. In his Two Treatises of Government (1689), Locke argued that people possessed inalienable rights – life, liberty, and property – and government existed to protect them. Should rulers betray this trust, the people had the right to replace them. Here was the seed of modern liberal democracy. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) further sharpened this with his idea of the general will. In The Social Contract (1762), he insisted that true sovereignty lay not in kings but in the people collectively. Liberty was obedience to a law one prescribed for oneself as part of the political community.

Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755) provided the structural architecture. In The Spirit of the Laws (1748), he advocated separation of powers among the executive, legislature, and judiciary to prevent tyranny. His doctrine shaped constitutions across the modern world. Taken together, these thinkers – Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu – charted the promise of democracy, as a contract between rulers and ruled, a system where power flows from the people, institutions check arbitrariness, rights are preserved, and sovereignty remains collective. Democracy, as they envisioned, promised productivity, which guaranteed steady flow of oil from healthy palm nuts pounded in a sturdy mortar.

Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999 with promises of liberty, progress, and justice. Two and a half decades later, the record is sobering. Seven general elections have cost nearly ?1 trillion, the highest election bill globally, yet voter turnout has steadily declined, from 69% in 2003 to barely 27% in 2019 and about 29% in 2023. Transparency International consistently ranks Nigeria among the lowest scorers in its Corruption Perceptions Index. Afrobarometer surveys show citizens’ trust in democracy plummeting, with many Nigerians doubting whether elections express the will of the people. If democracy is meant to guarantee popular sovereignty, Nigeria’s version has yielded its opposite – elite capture, pervasive impunity, and broken institutions. It is here that proverbial metaphor as a conceptual frame from the insights of George Lakoff and Mark Johnson becomes illuminating.

In Metaphors We Live By, Lakoff and Johnson (1980) argue that metaphors are not just literary flourishes; they structure thought. Metaphor, they insist, is conceptual, shaping how people understand abstract domains through mappings from concrete experience. For example, we say ‘time is money’- mapping the concrete domain of finance onto the abstract domain of temporality. Applying this insight, the Igbo proverb becomes more than a local saying, it becomes a conceptual metaphor for Nigeria’s democratic crisis.

Here, the Source Domain (agrarian experience) is the oil processing activity of pounding palm nuts in a mortar. The Target Domain (democratic practice) denotes Nigerian elections and governance. The connection between the concrete and abstract domains is effected through mapping, whereby Mortar denotes the institutional framework (constitution, judiciary, electoral umpire); ‘palm nuts’ depicts political actors and leaders; ‘oil extraction’ denotes ‘the dividends of democracy’ such as justice, rule of law, even development, human rights; ‘rotten nuts’ denotes ‘corrupt ruling elite and ‘transactional political parties;’ ‘broken mortar’ depicts ‘compromised state institutions’ such as INEC, courts; ‘futility of pounding’ mirrors ‘citizens’ wasted votes, protests, and appeals’.

The entailment is devastating. Democracy in Nigeria is a cognitive frame of futility. Like the woman labouring over rotten nuts in a broken mortar, the Nigerian citizen labours in elections, petitions, and protests, but no oil flows. The metaphor structures not just critique but despair. It suggests irredeemability unless the very mortar and nuts are replaced. As long as the institutions remain broken and the elite rotten, democratic effort cannot yield oil. Citizens may pound harder; yet, futility is structurally guaranteed by the twin pillars of executive impunity (as cracked mortar) and judicial capture (as rotten palm nuts). Conceptual Metaphor Theory helps us see how sub-metaphors reinforce the central frame. These two pillars of ‘futility of pounding rotten palm nuts in a broken mortar’ constitute the two formidable dynamics, which canonize this ‘metaphor of brokenness’ as existential reality of Nigeria’s democratic experiment.

In a way, some democratically-elected Nigeria’s presidents have tended to wield their enormous presidential powers with a regimented mindset of garrison commanders, reminiscent of the Hobbesian Leviathan. Obasanjo’s imposition of state of emergency, first in Plateau State and later, Ekiti State in the 2000s set the stage. He followed these autocratic moves up with collateral leveling of Bayelsa community of Odi. Two decades later, President Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State echoed the same highhandedness. The extra-judicial rendition and continued incarceration of IPOB leader, Maazi Nnamdi Kanu; 6-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the federal government’s ironic reluctance to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, more than one year after obtaining a favourable judgment from a suit it filed before the apex court all illustrate the same drift, that is, executive impunity and power wielded without restraint. As former NBA President Olumide Akpata observed bluntly, ‘impunity has become the operating system of governance in Nigeria.’

The foregoing feeds into the judicial capture. Once considered the ‘last hope of the common man,’ the judiciary is now widely perceived as compromised. Ironically, Obasanjo in his latest book, captured the awful transition from ‘court of justice’ to ‘court of corruption’. The Sultan of Sokoto, while addressing the 2025 NBA Conference in Enugu, decried the judicial rot when he lamented that justice has become a ‘purchasable commodity’ in Nigeria. The now-routine catchphrase ‘go to court’ no longer inspires hope but ridicule. Together, executive impunity as cracked mortar and judicial capture as rotten nuts instantiate futility. And why does this cognitive frame of democratic futility matter? The broken mortar-rotten palm nut metaphor thus does three things – diagnoses futility; reframes discourse; and cautions irredeemability. Nigeria’s democracy is not failing because citizens are apathetic; it is failing because the structural conditions ensure futility. Instead of blaming voters, it shifts critique to institutions (the mortar) and elites (the nuts). Like rotten nuts, some ruling elite members are allergic to ‘reformation’. In this case, outright replacement, not pounding, remains the only enduring and sustainable panacea.

Together, these make the mortar mortally cracked and the nuts almost terminally rotten. The judicial mortar cannot contain the pounding; the executive palm nuts yield no oil. What remains is the futility of democratic rituals without substance. From Hobbes to Montesquieu, democracy promised a social contract in which citizens, through institutions, could check power and secure justice. From Lakoff and Johnson, metaphor teaches us that cultural imagery translates these abstractions into cognitive frames. From Igbo lore, the proverb of the broken mortar and rotten palm nuts captures futility in its purest form. Nigeria’s democracy, 26 years on, reflects all three. The institutions that should guarantee sovereignty are broken, the actors who should deliver governance are rotten, and the people’s energy is expended to no avail. The challenge of a sequel is to probe the empirical realities of this futility – elections, corruption, and prebendal politics – in order to measure the full weight of the metaphor.

From Hobbes through Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, democracy promised a contract guaranteeing rights, sovereignty, and institutional balance. From Lakoff and Johnson, we learn that proverbs embody cognitive frames shaping how people grasp abstract failures. From Igbo proverbial lore, mkp?k?r? ikwe ne ?kw? reburu ?n? distills Nigeria’s plight: no matter how hard the citizen pounds, the mortar is broken, the nuts rotten, and the oil never flows. This is the prefatory paradox of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic (1999-2025): 26 years of ‘unbroken democracy,’ but what is unbroken is not productivity but futility. The imagery of futility is not a literary indulgence; it is a cognitive truth. Unless the mortar is rebuilt and the nuts replaced, the pounding will remain an endless ritual of despair.

I will end Part I of this series on a note of cautious optimism by staying the course of broken mortar-rotten palm nuts metaphor as a preliminary verdict. Placed side by side, judicial capture and executive impunity expose the hollowness of Nigeria’s democracy. Citizens may labour, casting ballots, staging protests, seeking justice; yet, their energy yields no democratic oil. What should be a harvest of legitimacy and accountability becomes only disappointment and bitterness. This is what the proverb teaches us. You cannot pound oil out of rotten palm nuts, and you cannot build justice out of a broken mortar. Nigeria’s democracy today is caught in that bind.

What is the way forward? The first step in this direction is to recognise that proverbs are not only warnings; they are also guides. The message is clear. Repair the mortar (if possible) or curate a brand new one; discard the rotten nuts and procure healthy fresh ones; and only then will oil flow. That means restoring judicial independence, upholding the rule of law, dispensing with executive impunity, rolling back the inglorious ‘technical glitches’ narrative, and demanding accountability from those who govern. It means building institutions strong enough to withstand the whims of individuals. Democracy may be bruised with shameless canonization of ‘technical glitches’ and ‘go to court’ mantra, but it is not beyond redemption. The people – the battered ‘orphans’ of the supposedly democratic Nigerian State – must insist on reforms that make their votes count, their voices matter, and their courts impartial. Anything less will keep us pounding ekw? reburu ?n? (rotten palm nuts) in mkp?r? ikwe (broken mortar) – all in vain!

In an era of shifting geopolitics, how does ACCPA ensure that Africa-China cooperation remains equitable, transparent, and sustainable for both sides?

ACCPA promotes equity and transparency by grounding all its work in independent research, data-driven analysis, and open dialogue. We engage both African and Chinese stakeholders on the basis of mutual accountability and shared development goals, rather than one-sided narratives.

Through policy briefs, public forums, and strategic partnerships, we highlight the importance of responsible investment, climate-conscious development, and respect for local priorities. Our role is to ensure Africa-China cooperation evolves as a balanced, evidence-based partnership that advances sustainability and benefits both sides over the long term.

With teams across several African countries, as well as in China and the UK, how does ACCPA coordinate its diverse network to maintain a unified research and policy agenda?

ACCPA maintains a unified agenda through a central coordination model led from our Accra headquarters, guided by a clear five-year strategic framework that outlines our thematic priorities and research standards.

Our teams across Africa, China, and the UK collaborate through virtual working groups, joint research projects, and regular policy dialogues, ensuring alignment and shared learning.

We also emphasize inclusive coordination, where local teams provide contextual insights that strengthen our continental perspective. This structure allows ACCPA to stay cohesive, agile, and consistent in advancing Africa’s voice within Africa-China cooperation.

Among your thematic priorities, namely, climate, food security, natural resources, youth and governance, technology, energy, and health, which has proven most challenging to address, and why?

At ACCPA, we see our thematic pillars as interconnected rather than competing priorities. Naturally, we began with climate, youth, and governance, given their urgency and the demand from policymakers and partners for deeper engagement in these areas. These themes have allowed us to shape high-level dialogues, policy frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives with tangible outcomes.

The other areas-such as food security, natural resources, technology, energy, and health-are equally critical, but we are approaching them through a phased strategy. It is not so much that they present insurmountable challenges, but rather that we are deliberate in sequencing our focus to ensure depth, impact, and sustainability.

Going forward, we see enormous opportunity to expand our research and advisory work in these additional areas, building on the foundation we have already established.

Could you share specific examples where ACCPA’s policy briefs or expert analyses have directly influenced government policy or shaped Africa-China cooperation strategies?

A key example is our work under the Sino-African Green Finance Alliance (SAGFA). In Ghana, ACCPA’s policy briefs on green finance informed national discussions on climate funding and guided engagement between the Ministry of Finance, EPA, and Chinese partners.

In Ethiopia, our expert analyses helped shape dialogues on integrating sustainability principles into Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, supporting the country’s climate adaptation agenda.

Through SAGFA and similar initiatives, ACCPA has moved from research to real policy impact-bridging governments, investors, and institutions to promote climate-resilient, equitable Africa-China cooperation.

How does ACCPA balance the often-competing interests of African governments, Chinese stakeholders, and local communities in your dialogue platforms?

ACCPA’s role is to serve as a neutral convening platform where all parties can engage constructively and transparently. We achieve balance by grounding every dialogue in evidence-based research and shared development priorities, rather than political or commercial interests.

Our approach emphasizes mutual understanding and inclusivity-ensuring that African governments articulate policy needs, Chinese stakeholders share technical and financial perspectives, and local communities highlight social and environmental realities.

What would you say are ACCPA’s most significant achievements to date in advancing Africa’s voice in Africa-China relations?

ACCPA’s greatest achievement has been positioning Africa’s voice at the center of Africa-China cooperation through research, dialogue, and policy engagement. We have become a trusted bridge between policymakers, diplomats, and experts on both sides.

Notably, our Sino-African Green Finance Alliance (SAGFA) has shaped national and regional conversations on climate cooperation, producing actionable policy recommendations adopted in Ghana and Ethiopia. We also hosted the Ghana-China Climate Summit 2025, which brought together senior government officials, Chinese diplomats, and development partners to chart a joint path toward green and sustainable growth.

Beyond climate, ACCPA has signed strategic MoUs with institutions such as the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore, Institute of Chinese Law, ISPS South Sudan and the Africa Policy Institute (Kenya) etc.

What structural, political, or financial obstacles does ACCPA face in fulfilling its mandate, and how do you navigate these hurdles?

Like many independent policy institutions, ACCPA faces challenges related to sustainable funding, limited research infrastructure, and the need to navigate political sensitivities inherent in Africa-China relations.

We address these by maintaining institutional independence, building strategic partnerships with credible organizations across Africa, China, and beyond, and diversifying our funding sources through grants, commissioned studies, and training programs.

Given Africa’s youthful population, how is ACCPA ensuring that young people are not only included but also empowered in Africa-China policy conversations?

Youth empowerment is central to ACCPA’s mission. We ensure young Africans are not just participants but active contributors in shaping Africa-China relations. Through initiatives like the Ghana-China Media Fellowship and the upcoming Sino-African Green Finance Fellowship, we equip young professionals with knowledge, networks, and practical exposure to policy and international cooperation.

We also integrate youth voices into our policy dialogues, research projects, and mentorship programs, ensuring intergenerational perspectives in every conversation. By doing so, ACCPA is building a new generation of African thinkers and leaders who can confidently engage China and the world on equal terms.

What was the inspiration behind establishing the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory, and how has its vision evolved since its inception?

The idea for ACCPA was inspired by the growing importance of Africa-China relations and the absence of an African-led institution dedicated to shaping this partnership through research, policy dialogue, and advisory work. We wanted to ensure Africa’s perspectives drive the agenda-not just react to it.

Since inception, our vision has evolved from focusing on trade and diplomacy to addressing emerging issues like climate change, green finance, digital transformation, and governance.

Today, ACCPA serves as a trusted bridge-connecting governments, businesses, and academia to promote cooperation that is evidence-based, inclusive, and aligned with Africa’s long-term development priorities.

Looking ahead, what is ACCPA’s five- to ten-year roadmap, and how do you envision scaling your work to have an even greater continental and global impact?

Over the next decade, ACCPA aims to cement its role as Africa’s leading voice on Africa-China and South-South cooperation. Our roadmap focuses on expanding regional offices across Africa, deepening our work on climate, green industrialization, and digital transformation, and building strong alliances with global think tanks and development partners.

Through these initiatives, ACCPA seeks to move from shaping national conversations to influencing continental and global policy agendas, ensuring Africa’s perspectives remain central in global cooperation frameworks.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigating two travelers arrested for allegedly attempting to leave the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with undeclared foreign currencies totaling $6.1 million and £53,415 in cash.

According to a statement released by Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, operatives from the Commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 in Ikoyi received the suspects, identified as Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi from the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The suspects were reportedly intercepted by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) operatives during a routine check on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Lagos airport.

They were said to have just arrived in the country from Dubai, en route Addis Ababa, and were scheduled to continue their journey to Abuja when the cash was discovered.

Upon discovery of the undeclared funds, the FAAN officers handed the suspects over to the DSS, which subsequently transferred them to the EFCC.

‘In addition to the cash, three mobile phones were recovered from the suspects as exhibits’, EFCC said.

The statement confirmed that Margaret Lamai of EFCC, received the suspects and the recovered items on behalf of Ahmed Ghali, acting Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC.

The EFCC reiterated its commitment to enforcing all financial laws relating to movement of funds, stressing that travelers are required under Nigerian law to declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent upon arrival or departure.

Investigations into the case are ongoing, and the Commission assured that appropriate legal action will be taken upon conclusion of the inquiry.

In celebration of his sixth studio album, Fuji, award-winning singer and songwriter, Adekunle Gold, hosted a legendary street carnival that lit up the heart of Lagos Island.

At the centre of the momentous celebration of music, culture, and artistry was Legend Extra Stout, Nigeria’s original full-brewed stout, in partnership with Mainland BlockParty, to deliver a truly unforgettable experience; one that refreshed guests and fuelled the night’s bold energy with its unmistakably rich taste.

Fans turned out in droves for the singer they fondly call ‘Big Fish’, a sobriquet now used interchangeably with Adekunle Gold himself, and if there’s one thing that defines Lagos, it’s the city’s unmatched love for music and culture.

With premium refreshment flowing, courtesy of Legend Extra Stout, the atmosphere was electric. Cups were raised high as AG took the crowd on a journey through his discography: from the nostalgic rhythms of ‘Pick Up’ and ‘Orente’ to the introspective ‘Ire’, and the chart-topping energy of ‘High.’ Every lyric, every note, echoed through Broad Street as thousands sang along in unison, soaking in the night’s bold spirit.

The energy reached new heights when rapper and singer Zlatan stormed the stage, electrifying the crowd with his monster hits including ‘Cash App,’ ‘Hallelu,’ and ‘Ale Yi.’ Rising artist Tml Vibes also thrilled the audience with his performance, adding another layer of excitement to the already unforgettable night.

One of the night’s most powerful highlights came as Adekunle Gold paid homage to the genre that inspired his latest project, Fuji. Throughout the carnival, AG brought out Fuji music legends Saheed Osupa, Taye Currency, and Obesere during different sets, each taking the stage to perform their timeless hits. Their individual appearances sparked waves of nostalgia and excitement, uniting generations through sound and reaffirming the deep roots of Nigerian street music in the heart of Lagos Island.

As a special treat to fans and music lovers, AG performed songs off Fuji, the very album that inspired the night’s celebration including ‘Bobo,’ ‘Don Corleone,’ ‘Attack,’ and ‘Only God Can Save Me.’ From the first chord, the crowd was captivated, singing along to every new rhythm as if they’d known the lyrics for years. The reception was electric: a mix of awe, nostalgia, and pure Lagos energy as Adekunle Gold proved once again why he remains one of Nigeria’s most dynamic performers.

At the heart of it all stood Legend Extra Stout, fueling the celebration with its unmistakably rich, full-brewed taste. The iconic Legend Bar became a hub of excitement, where guests paused between performances to cool off, connect, and raise their glasses to bold moments. With every pour, the brand reaffirmed its place as the ultimate companion for those who live and celebrate life on their own terms.

As the night drew to a close, fans chanted, mirroring the energy that had pulsed through Broad Street all evening. What began as a celebration of Adekunle Gold’s artistry evolved into a full-blown cultural moment. With music, laughter, and the smooth taste of Legend Extra Stout uniting thousands, the Legend x Adekunle Gold Street Carnival will be remembered as a declaration that boldness, originality, and celebration will always have a home in Lagos.

Peter Mbah, Enugu State governor, has inaugurated a 29-member committee to implement the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP).

Mbah, while inaugurating members of the committee at the Government House, Enugu, said that the initiative was in demonstration of his administration’s unwavering commitment to tackling the global climate crisis through local solutions and sustainable development strategies.

Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, said that ESCPAP, launched on March 17, 2025, provides a comprehensive framework to promote low-carbon economic growth, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and build resilience against climate impacts.

‘This plan positions Enugu as a leading subnational player in climate governance and sustainability across Africa,’ he said.

He highlighted the functions of the committee to include provision of strategic oversight, coordination, and technical guidance for the effective implementation of the policy and ensure the successful delivery of climate mitigation, adaptation, finance mobilisation, and monitoring in line with state, national, and global climate commitments.’

He also said that the committee would drive sectoral coordination across all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs); strengthen climate governance; mobilise climate finance through green bonds, carbon markets, and development partnerships; and monitor progress through an established results-based framework.

‘Under mitigation, the committee will promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, low-carbon transport systems such as electric and CNG vehicles, sustainable waste management, afforestation, and climate-smart agriculture.

‘For adaptation and resilience, the committee will undertake vulnerability assessments, develop local adaptation plans, and implement nature-based solutions for erosion and flood control. It will also promote climate-smart infrastructure, clean cooking technologies, and resilient livelihoods in communities.

‘On governance and inclusion, the committee will mainstream climate actions across state policies, ensuring the integration of gender, youth, and disability considerations. It will also intensify climate education, capacity building, and public awareness programmes,’ he further stressed.

Mbah maintained that the committee had been mandated to develop a comprehensive Climate Finance Plan, attract domestic and international funding, and publish its annual progress reports for transparency, accountability and evaluation.

He urged the members to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, transparency, and inclusivity, describing the committee as ‘a key mechanism for translating Enugu’s climate vision into tangible action.’

Sam Ugwu, the state commissioner for Environment and Climate, pledged the team would diligently deliver on the assignment and thanked the governor for the trust reposed in them.

The 29-member team is chaired by the the secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia.