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Journalist, columnist and author, azu ishiekwene, has released a new book, titled: A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit.

The 10-chapter book focuses on how older adults can profitably interact with and expand their frontiers in the evolving new media landscape, particularly in light of the complex and promising developments of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

In a statement, Ishiekwene, fondly called Azu, said: ‘The book shares insights with midlifers on the possibilities for rewarding their mental exertions handsomely, whether literary, artistic or acoustic talent, or the sheer capacity to curate and tell a good story from their experiences using new technologies.’

The book, published by Premium Times Books, is a sequel to ‘Writing for Media and Monetising It,’ published in 2024, and is considered a practical and valuable text for young adults in the media and literary fields.

In the Foreword, historian of African Studies and distinguished teaching professor in Humanities, Toyin Falola, said: ‘The book is a groundbreaking work that challenges the widespread belief, especially among the older generation (Gen X), that aspirations should diminish after the age of 50.’

The Publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, said: ‘It’s another masterpiece from Azu, who is gaining new heights not only in the mastery of new media forms but also in his capacity to share his insights in meaningful ways.’

As part of his interest in new media, Azu has also published a workbook on content monetisation, given several lectures, and co-authored a scholarly article with Professor Farooq Kperogi, titled: Light in A Digital Black Hole: Exploration of Emergent Artificial Intelligence Journalism in Nigeria, published in the Journal of Applied Journalism and Media Studies.

His new book, A Midlfer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit, can be accessed on www.azu.media and other global distribution platforms.

In recent times, Nigeria’s macroeconomic trajectory has seen a remarkable turnaround, drawing praise from multilateral agencies, economists, and global investment leaders. The World Bank, Moody’s, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Governor Alex Otti, and Adebayo Ogunlesi are among the voices recognizing the country’s bold steps toward economic reform and stabilization.

The World Bank’s ‘Building Momentum for Inclusive Growth’ report highlighted a significant improvement in Nigeria’s fiscal outlook. The fiscal deficit has narrowed substantially from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, a powerful indicator of fiscal discipline and policy coherence. Complementing this development, Moody’s upgraded Nigeria’s credit rating from Caa1 to B3. Fitch also upgraded the country’s rating to B from B- with a stable outlook, further affirming renewed investor confidence and macroeconomic stabilization.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, commended the Tinubu administration’s efforts, stating, ‘You can’t really improve an economy unless it’s stable.’

Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, also lent his voice in support, stating: ‘The audacious structural reforms embarked upon by the current administration of HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu have rescued the economy from the tipping point.’

Similarly, Governor Alex Otti, a seasoned banker and former Managing Director of Diamond Bank, acknowledged that while the reforms have been tough, they are essential to placing Nigeria on a sustainable growth path.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, a globally respected investment banker and founding partner at Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) now part of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, remarked that ‘Nigeria is now a place that is exciting to invest in.’

However, well before the current administration took office in May 2023, AACS a Nigerian consulting firm specializing in strategic disruption and led by Dr. Ayo Abina, had already emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. In a series of policy briefs and publications but specifically in April 2023, AACS had in its ‘ Fortnightly ‘ and media interviews ‘(tinyurl.com/ter6u5jh, tinyurl.com/2s3jybv9,lnkd.in/eiRE9A6S), identified six critical areas and reforms that were a sine qua non to drive Nigeria’s economic recovery and macroeconomic stability:

– Revenue Generation: Implementing fiscal reforms to sustainably increase government revenue

– Oil Subsidy Removal: Phasing out fuel subsidies while cushioning the impact on vulnerable groups

– Exchange Rate Realignment: Allowing the naira to reflect its true market value to improve transparency and investor confidence

– Oil Theft Reduction: Tackling crude oil theft to boost revenue and minimize economic losses

– Infrastructure Development: Specifically investing in power to unlock growth

– Tackling Insecurity: Strengthening security to attract investment and reduce disruptions to economic activity

AACS emphasized the importance of political will and transparency in implementing these tough reforms, which are not attributes in abundance within the political class. The reforms were not going to be popular or the politically correct thing to do, but it was the right call by leadership interested in the long term stability of a nation on the brinks. The firm also advocated for local government autonomy t.ly/KjI3h, education loans bit.ly/4o0AyZx, state police (bit.ly/4pTgTwj), and a reduction in interest rates to drive growth. Indeed, AACS on 23rd of September 2025 called for a 50 basis point reduction in interest rates once the data showed a disinflation trend (bit.ly/4qcYkUn). These reforms are not ideally rocket science but where the data led. Today, all top analysts can agree with this position especially as the result is now evident.

While Nigeria’s economic stability is a welcome development, challenges persist especially in the hardship and sacrifices of the citizenry, and the leadership must work through them. The government must also improve its optics and more aggressively introduce intervention policies to support the vulnerable. The focus on reforms must remain laser-sharp as Nigeria marches toward its rightful place in the comity of nations. One of the most important attributes of leadership is not to pander to what is politically correct but what will ultimately benefit the people no matter how difficult it may be.

AACS speaks objectively to the data, pushes where it leads and bells the cat . AACS was ahead of the curve, our blueprint on the reforms was right and we believe it would still take the nation and its people to prosperity if we remain resilient.

Dr Abina is the Chairman of AACS – International Consulting and Principal Investment Firm

Learning and Development Network has impacted over 1000 chief executives, human resources directors, policymakers and EdTech leaders in Africa, by exploring strategies for building future-ready workforces.

This was championed at its 11th Champions of Talent Development (CTD) Conference.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Future-Fit Talent: Learning, Leading, and Thriving,’ President, Olumide Ajomale, said it is about making people ready for the future, adding it is a wake up call for organisations to make them pay attention to things that would make them strive for the future.

‘The theme is helping us to the fore, the skills and competence people have had in the work place over the years will not stand the test of time.

‘We must learn and re-learn and make sure that in the work place, we collaborate with people. The most important thing is, paying attention to other aspects of life,’he said.

Conference Chair, Habiba Balogun reiterated importance of making talents future-fit, by learning, thriving, leading and changing the world.

She said: ‘The key point is we have to make sure our people, our talents, are fit for whatever the future has for them. They should know how to learn, so if what they are doing is irrelevant, they can learn a new skill to earn a living and contribute to society.

‘The world is changing so fast that we need people who know how to analyze critical thinking and make sound decisions and inspire confidence in other people to follow them.’

She also urged Nigerians to learn how to be team players and to learn how to care about their physical and mental well-being.

Representing the Keynoted speaker, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Permanent Secretary for the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Nigeria, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana , who spoke on the topic, ‘ Future fit talent, building capacity for organizational and national development, urged civil servants to explore every available knowledge to perform better.

The Special Assistance to the Governor on Establishment and Training, emphasized that talent development is not just professional growth, but also on building a nation’s capacity.

‘Learning and Development aside, civil service is very important, it prepares them for not just the future, but also for today,’ she said.

Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, has doled out N44.5million to 81 outstanding farmers across Ekiti State under the Afe Babalola Agric Expo and Youth Empowerment Programme (ABA-EX).

Breakdown showed in each of the 16 local governments, top five farmers received N200,000, N150,000, N100,000, N75,000 and N50,000.

The best farmer in the state, Chief Sunday Babalola from Ado Local Government, won the N2 million star prize.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Babalola said the annual initiative was designed to make farming attractive and complement government’s efforts in revamping the agricultural sector.

The legal icon said the programme since its inception in 2015 had disbursed over N170million cash awards and start-up grants to promote food production, empower farmers and attract youths to agriculture.

He decried the growing dependence of Nigerians on government palliatives and handouts, warning that such culture of laziness posed a grave threat to national productivity and dignity.

‘It is lamentable that many Nigerians, especially youths, no longer want to work. Instead, they prefer to queue for bags of rice and beans distributed as palliatives.

‘The question is: are they truly entitled to eat without working? The Constitution does not empower government to feed citizens; it only mandates government to provide an enabling environment for productivity,’ he said.

He described the practice of distributing food items to able-bodied citizens as ‘unconstitutional, wasteful and counter-productive,’ noting that it encouraged laziness, instead of fostering the spirit of self-reliance.

Babalola said his intervention in the agriculture sector over the years had been motivated by his desire to restore the country’s economic self-sufficiency through food production, create jobs and empower communities.

He hailed the Federal Government for adopting some of his long-standing proposals on agricultural mechanisation, saying mechanised tools should be distributed to local governments, not state governments, to ensure they reached real farmers at the grassroots.

He reaffirmed his belief that Nigeria’s surest path to prosperity and economic breakthrough lied in agriculture, not oil, politics, or foreign aid.

‘If properly managed, agriculture can sustain this nation, create employment, reduce crime and restore dignity to our people. Nigeria’s future is on the farm, not in the streets,’ he said.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Abiodun Ojo, described ABA-EX 10th anniversary as ‘a decade of impact, innovation and hope.’

He recalled that the flagship agricultural project began modestly in 2015 with N7 million in rewards, but had since grown to N44.5 million in 2025.

Appreciating the ABUAD founder for his commitment to agriculture, Ojo lamented the growing neglect of farming among Nigerians despite rising food insecurity and population pressure.

He said Babalola’s investment in agriculture was an example of how individual initiative could inspire national transformation.

ABUAD Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, lauded Babalola’s consistency in driving self-reliance through agriculture and education, describing him as ‘a man whose philanthropy continues to shape Nigeria’s development narrative.’

Governor Biodun Oyebanji praised the legal icon for using his resources to complement government’s agricultural and job creation initiatives.

Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, the governor described Babalola’s strategic interventions as vital to the state’s agricultural growth.

The Federal Government has expressed delight over the state-of-the-art Tasmania Digestive Centre built by a Nigerian Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Dr Albert Nwaba, in Tasmania, Australia.

During the inauguration, Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to Australia, Ambassador Jane Bassey Adams, said Nwaba’s establishment of the centre was a shining testament to the power of dedication and community spirit.

Adams also said the hospital singlehandedly built by Nwaba was more than just a building, saying it represented hope, care and compassion. ‘Today, we gather to celebrate a momentous occasion – the inauguration of the first private hospital built by a Nigerian in diaspora, a shining testament to the power of dedication and community spirit. This hospital is more than just a building; it represents hope, care, and compassion.

‘I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the visionary founder, whose tireless efforts have brought this project to fruition. Your selflessness and commitment to improving healthcare services in Tasmania are truly inspiring.’

The High Commissioner expressed belief that the hospital will significantly enhance healthcare options for the Tasmanian community, providing access to world-class medical facilities and expertise.

‘It will create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region, contributing to Tasmania’s prosperity.

‘This Nigerian-built hospital in Australia symbolises the strong bonds between our nations, fostering cultural understanding and cooperation,’ Adams also said.

While acknowledging the tireless efforts of the hospital’s staff, builders, and all those involved in making the project a reality, the High Commissioner said their hard work and dedication have paid off, saying ‘and today we celebrate your success and we are proud of you.’

Adams said: ‘The government and people of Nigeria are proud of you.

‘As we mark this significant milestone, let us also recognize the potential for future collaborations and partnerships between Nigeria and Australia in healthcare and beyond.’

Delta State-born Nwaba, said the hospital was more than bricks and water.

Nwaba also said it was a promise of better care, earlier detection and improved outcomes for patients and families.

‘It represents progress, compassion and a commitment to the health and wellbeing of our community.

‘As we cut the ribbon today, let us remember that this is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new chapter.

‘May this Digestive Day Hospital serve as a beacon of healing, hope and humanity for generations to come,’ Nwaba prayed.

Mayor of Devonport, Alison Jarman, said it was a real pleasure to be at the ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate the vision and dedication of Dr Nwaba, who has chosen Devonport as the home for his new hospital.

‘We could not be prouder, nor more impressed, by his decision to build such an important facility right here in our community.

‘For too long, waiting lists have been a major challenge across Tasmania, particularly in specialist areas like gastroenterology. Dr Nwaba, the only gastroenterologist on the Coast, has seen this challenge first-hand. He recognised that only one in three category-one patients were being seen within the recommended 30-day timeframe. Instead of simply accepting this situation, he took matters into his own hands. He committed to creating a solution – one that would deliver cheaper procedures, shorter waiting times, and more holistic care for patients,’ Jarman said.

The mayor added that the new 8 million dollar facility on Oldaker Street represented more than just bricks and mortar. ‘It represents hope. Hope that those who need urgent care can be seen sooner, and hope that public hospitals will be freed up to concentrate on emergencies and the most complex cases. By partnering with government and ensuring some public patients can have procedures done here, this centre will benefit the entire North-West Coast.

‘We are particularly impressed by the courage and determination behind this project. As Dr Nwaba has pointed out, building a state-of-the-art facility in regional Tasmania is not without its risks. But his commitment as both a medical professional and a businessman has given him the credibility and drive to see it through.

‘Importantly, this centre will not only serve patients, but also support specialists and nurses across a range of fields – from gastroenterology to general surgery, orthopaedics, urology, obstetrics, and gynaecology. Already, we’ve seen strong interest from nurses wanting to join the team, with 12 applicants responding within just hours of the job advertisement going live. That in itself shows the strong demand for a facility like this.

‘The Tasmanian Digestive Centre also represents an investment in our region’s future. By creating a modern, efficient and cost-effective hospital here in Devonport, Dr Nwaba is helping to make our city a centre of medical excellence. He is also showing that regional Tasmania deserves the same opportunities, the same high-quality care, and the same investment as anywhere else in the country,’ the Mayor of Devonport said.

Ecobank Nigeria, a subsidiary of pan-African banking group, has unveiled its upgraded mobile app for a faster, smarter, and simpler banking experience.

This marks a significant step in the bank’s commitment to digital innovation and financial empowerment. The app features a modern design and improved functionalities, including advanced facial recognition, seamless bill payments, airtime top-ups, and QR code payments, to make banking more convenient.

Bolaji Lawal, managing director, said: ‘These features make smart banking effortless for customers using smartphones. The app leverages digital technology to offer real convenience, security, and flexibility, enabling individuals to manage their finances with ease.’

Kola Adeleke, executive director of Commercial and Consumer Banking, said ‘the app comes with account opening, cardless onboarding; end to end card management for card request, activation, PIN change, block and unblock account; end to end profile management; dormant account reactivation and live monitoring of foreign exchange rates’

He added: ‘This app is not just a digital tool; it represents how we want to engage with our customers. Our goal is to make banking faster, smarter, and simpler for customers.’

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it was closely monitoring the remaining banks yet to meet the recapitalisation requirements.

The apex bank had recently stated that 14 banks had already met the new minimum capital base for their functions.

Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Hakama Sidi Ali, who spoke in Abuja during the ‘CBN Special Day’ at the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair, said the apex bank, under the leadership of Governor Olayemi Cardoso, remains committed to tackling economic challenges and strengthening the resilience of the Nigerian financial system.

According to her, the CBN has continued to sustain a stable and sound banking sector despite prevailing macroeconomic pressures.

‘The CBN has continued to address pockets of macroeconomic challenges confronting the Nigerian economy, ensuring that the banking system remains robust and resilient, with most financial soundness indicators staying within their respective prudential benchmarks,’ Sidi Ali said.

She explained that the recapitalisation exercise is part of broader reforms to safeguard the financial system, deepen productivity, and prepare the economy against external shocks.

She said the bank is leading the evolution of Nigeria’s payments system through innovation. ‘The Bank’s Payment Systems Vision 2028 is a bold initiative to future-proof Nigeria’s payments ecosystem, aiming to broaden financial inclusion in rural areas, improve security, and minimise downtime for faster, safer, and more efficient transactions,’ she said.

Sidi Ali stressed that achieving economic sustainability rests on three pillars – a strong financial system, a stable foreign exchange market that supports planning, and effective collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities.

According to her, these efforts are beginning to yield results. ‘Our external reserves reached $43.05 billion on September 11, 2025, up from $40.51 billion at the end of July 2025,’ she disclosed.

On currency management, she reiterated the bank’s commitment to ensuring the availability of clean Naira notes, urging Nigerians to treat the currency with respect.

She said: ‘We urge you to see the Naira as our vital symbol of national identity. Respect it and keep it clean. Do not spray, hawk, mutilate, or counterfeit the Naira. Be ambassadors of the Bank’s clean Naira notes, as the CBN cannot do it alone. Our Naira, Our Pride’.

Director General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, commended the CBN for its role in supporting business growth and ensuring macroeconomic stability.

‘For the business community represented by ACCI, the CBN is not just a regulator but a vital enabler of growth. Through access to credit facilities, intervention funds, forex management, and financial inclusion strategies, the CBN has opened opportunities for our members, particularly MSMEs, to thrive in a competitive environment,’ Jideani said.

He noted that the bank’s efforts in stabilising inflation, promoting innovation, and enhancing financial transparency are essential for business sustainability.

He said: ‘The rollout of the Open Banking Framework, expansion of contactless payments, regulatory sandbox for fintech innovation, and continued support for MSMEs are crucial milestones.

‘These initiatives provide businesses with easier access to finance, safer payment channels, improved forex transparency, and innovative financial solutions that address the peculiarities of our economy’.

Jideani also acknowledged the CBN’s contributions to youth empowerment, capacity building, and targeted sectoral interventions in agriculture, housing, healthcare, and education. ‘These efforts not only reduce barriers to doing business but also de-risk critical sectors for private investment, creating a more inclusive and resilient economy,’ he said.

He added that the business community appreciates the Bank’s deliberate steps toward fostering an environment where enterprises can innovate, expand, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to a former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Eluonye Irabor, on his 60th birthday.

The President described him as one of Nigeria’s most remarkable soldiers and a true war commander.

In a congratulatory message yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded the retired Army general for his patriotic service and outstanding leadership during his years in uniform.

General Irabor, who hails from Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, was the CDS at the height of Nigeria’s war against Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast, leading strategic operations that helped to reclaim occupied territories and restore confidence in the nation’s armed forces.

The President said Irabor’s courage and dedication have earned him a distinguished place among the nation’s military heroes.

‘He was courageous. General Irabor remains one of the most remarkable soldiers this country has ever produced,’ President Tinubu stated.

He also praised the former defence chief for his recently launched book on Boko Haram, noting that the work would enrich public understanding of the insurgency and guide future counterterrorism strategies.

The President described the book as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s security literature, adding that it would help the country to deal not only with Boko Haram but also with similar security challenges that may arise.

At the book presentation in Abuja last Friday, General Irabor explained that the publication was intended for national reflection rather than as an indictment of any individual or institution.

President Tinubu wished the retired CDS continued good health, peace of mind, and many more years of invaluable service to the nation.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna Sector Command, has confirmed the death of four persons in a crash on the Kaduna-Abuja highway yesterday evening.

Sector Commander, Corps Commander Iliyasu Tijjani, who confirmed the incident, said the crash occurred about 4:30 p.m. at Kakau, near Gonin Gora, on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis.

He said the accident involved a gas-laden tanker and a Toyota Hilux vehicle, both heading towards Kaduna, adding that preliminary investigations showed that the Hilux, which was on high speed, rammed into the tanker from behind.

‘The crash was caused by excessive speeding and dangerous overtaking,’ Tijjani stated.

According to him, five persons; four males and one female, were in the Hilux at the time of the crash. ‘Sadly, the four male occupants were confirmed dead at St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, while the only female passenger is receiving treatment at the FRSC Clinic, Tollgate, Kaduna,’ he said.

Tijjani added that the impact of the collision was severe, leading to significant damage to the Hilux and disruption of traffic flow on the busy highway until emergency responders cleared the scene.

He warned motorists against speeding and reckless overtaking, stressing that most road crashes on the Kaduna-Abuja highway are caused by impatience and violation of safety rules.

‘Drivers must always obey speed limits, maintain safe following distances, and avoid dangerous manoeuvres. The Corps will continue to enforce traffic regulations to save lives on our roads,’ he said.

The Sector Commander commiserated with the families of the deceased and assured that the FRSC, in collaboration with other emergency agencies, remains committed to ensuring safer road use across Kaduna State.

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has elected executives in the state headed by Mr. Nosa Ogieva.

The new factional executive was elected at a Congress in Benin City, Edo State capital.

Five hundred and seventy-six delegates from the 192 wards participated in the election.

Last week, another Edo PDP faction held its Congress and elected Tony Aziegbemi as its chairman.

Addressing the PDP delegates, SouthSouth Vice Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, accused former governor Godwin Obaseki of causing decline in the fortunes of the party.

He said the poor performance of the party at the recently conducted by-election showed how unpopular PDP had become in Edo State.

He urged the delegates to elect people with capacity that would reawaken PDP.

He said: ‘Just yesterday (Saturday), I saw a statement issued by some funny characters saying they are advising party members not to attend this event. Are you not here?

‘Those who don’t have any moral authority to speak on behalf of the party should keep their mouth shut.

‘As we prepare to elect our executive, I will appeal to you to vote for those with capacity to lead this party, not those who will sell out, not those who will deny members their legitimate right.

‘As members of our great party, there is no doubt that PDP is going through leadership crisis at the national level and several other states.

‘Let us not deceive ourselves. For the first time in the history of our great party, we have elected governors of PDP and founding leaders, founding members of this party, leaving this party every day for one simple reason, failure of leadership.

‘Elected governors are leaving. Elected senators are leaving. Elected members of the House are leaving. In Edo State, we know the root of our problem. We had a united party where everybody related with one another as brothers and sisters, until Godwin Obaseki joined our party.

‘Obaseki destroyed our party. He sowed the seeds of discord, deep rooted seeds of discord in our party. He sinned against the party. He sinned against the people. He sinned against the state.

‘Obaseki came into the party and destroyed everything that was good in the party. Today, our party’s umbrella is shattered, torn and we are here today to rebuild the party.

‘What used to put us together as a family was destroyed by Obaseki. He fought every person except himself, and at the end, we are at a very disadvantaged position in the politics of Edo State.’

The new factional chairman promised to reunite the party, saying PDP would soon begin to win elections again in the state.