Category: Nigeria

Rafiu Ajakaye

As I walked by the Government House gate last Saturday morning for my exercise, a man and his two little children — a boy and a girl — sauntered on the other side of the road, just before the Office of the Deputy Governor. The little ones joyously gestured at the prancing horse. I wouldn’t know if they were passing by the gate for the first time, but my hunch tells me the children were seeing the horse for the first time. The father walked them across the road to the site of the prancing horse. A security officer told the man they could take pictures and I saw that the kids were grateful for it. I could see that it was fun for the kids.

Humans are beautifully wired. Complex. Nuanced. Every day we traverse the earth to make new gains as a community, like the Artemis II mission just did in their near $100bn exploration of the Moon, what we see is the infinite wonders and beauty in the creation of God and man’s capability to conquer his world. 

One of the peculiarities of man is that he is an emotional being. He is moved by many things. When he is sick, drugs alone may not always heal him. Sometimes, families and friends are asked to sit around him for emotional support. Medical psychologists are sometimes called upon to examine him for better outcomes.

When humans suffer some trauma or are suspected of psychological (emotional) issues, they could be asked to change environment. Man’s pursuit of general wellbeing has led to many discoveries, including the roles that environment plays in calming the human spirit. People visit public gardens and many even plant trees and flowers to achieve the same purpose — aside the critical roles that trees and plants play to protect the ozone layer, ensure fresher air, and prevent diseases.

Yet, research has established that exciting sights play important roles in our emotional balance. Against this background, the prancing horse (sculpture) that was newly installed at the Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, offers an exciting view as people drive or walk by. And this means something different to different people.

The height, the beauty, and the novelty of it in that axis are an important addition to the state’s landmarks, especially for lovers of art and craft. But that isn’t just a prancing horse; the sculpture has security features carefully built into it.

Some opposition figures have taken up arms against the new addition, as a statement showed this morning. They want the ‘N22.8m or N250m spent on it’ deployed to feed the poor instead. That’s an interesting take; and it gets one curiouser about the nature of this opposition talk: is N22.8m or N250m all that is needed to end poverty or fight insecurity? 

The government spends on safety net and security the same way it expands health coverage and infrastructure across the state. From the multilayered KWASSIP to the many other safety net programmes, this administration has institutionalised anti-poverty spending more than any other Kwara government in the Fourth Republic. Just recently, the government made multimillion cash transfers to support struggling families. This has been a culture. Between 2020 and now, several billions of naira have been committed to support small businesses, smallholder farmers, and the elderly. 

Fighting poverty and other spendings that support overall human wellbeing are not mutually exclusive. The two can coexist. The government spends more than N500m to support security operations every other month, apart from any other special operations. 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should understand that Kwara cannot always remain the same. We are not ‘aguntan’ (sheep) whose outlook never gets better or newer year in, year out. We need to evolve. That is why the infrastructural transformation that the state has recorded over the last six years is clearly unrivalled in its chequered history.

* Dr. Ajakaye is the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor 

By Bashir Bello

The former governor of Kano State, Kabiru Gaya, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Gaya, who also served as a former Senator representing Kano South, dumped the party in a letter addressed to the ward chairman, Gaya Arewa, in Gaya Local Government Area, Kano State.

The former governor said the decision was taken in the best interests of his constituents and in line with his personal convictions to step aside from the party.

According to him, “I hereby formally tender my resignation from the All Progressive Congress (APC) effective today, 5th April 2026.

“It has been an honour to serve under the platform of the party, particularly during my tenure as a Senator (2015–2023). I remain grateful for the support, trust, and opportunities given to me during this period.

“However, after careful reflection and wide consultation, I have come to the considered conclusion that it is in the best interest of my constituents and my personal convictions to step aside from the party at this time. I extend my sincere gratitude to the party for the platform it provided me and for the cooperation and camaraderie extended over the years,” Gaya however, stated.

Aba Power, Nigeria’s newest electricity company (DisCo), has assured the people of Umuomainta in Mbawsi-Nsulu of Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State that they will celebrate Easter this weekend with light.

The assurance, made before the recently celebrated Easter, was contained in a statement by the Aba Power Senior Brand and Communications Manager, Edise Ekong.

The community has been without power for over two weeks following the loss of six high tension poles in the area.

“The six poles are among the over 70 high tension (HT) and over 10 low tension (LT) poles we have lost in the last three weeks to windstorm as the rainy season has set in and to haulage vehicles”, stated Edise who explained that “our reaction time to such incidents is affected by the unusually high demand for poles in recent months”.

As a result of reliable and quality electricity in the Aba Ring-fenced Area serviced by Aba Power which comprises nine of the 17 local government areas (LGAs) in Abia State, there is now a growing demand for poles.

“Just last week,” noted Ekong, “the Aba Power Managing Director, Barrister Ugo Opiegbe, directed our people, including suppliers, to source electric poles from neighbouring places like Port Harcourt in Rivers State because the demand far outstrips what is available in Aba and the environs”.

Calling the growing economic and social activities in Aba in the last two years unprecedented as a result of constant electricity and the Abia State development programmes, Ekong revealed that a growing number of communities which did not have power in several years like Nvosi in Ngwa South LGA, which is Governor Alex Otti’s hometown, now have quality and constant power.

He disclosed that communities like Ntigha were last December taken away from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and handed over to Aba for efficient electricity supply.

“There are some other towns in both Ukwa East and West LGAs which are having power for the first time in years”, he added, remarking that the Abia State government spent a huge amount to revive electricity in these places last December.

“In fact, Aba Power is about to officially commission its own 41-kilometre line dedicated to manufacturers in Ukwa West LGA sharing a border with Rivers State.

“As everyone, Aba power now provides electricity to towns in Etche LGA of Rivers State”.

He said these developments, coupled with the emergence of new industries, hotels, housing estates, and private individual residences, as well as the construction of a new airport in the Aba area “are putting enormous pressure on the demand for poles all over Abia State.

“It takes three weeks for electric poles to cure, that is, to be fit for installation”.  

Ekong said that his utility a large number of weak and compromised poles in its network when it took over the Aba Ring-fenced Area some three years ago.   

The Aba Power communication official said that “in spite of these challenges, the Umuomainta community in Ngwa North LGA are assured of quality and regular electricity supply from Easter, since we are getting cured poles from both Aba, Port Harcourt, and elsewhere on Friday.

“Good Friday will be a public holiday all over Nigeria, but the Aba Power staff will be on duty 24/7 to provide electricity which is an essential commodity”.

The stripping of Senegal of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, title and awarding it to the runners-up and hosts, Morocco, by the Confederation of African Football, CAF, has ignited one of the fiercest controversies in football history.

The emotionally-charged 2025 AFCON final on January 18, 2026 in Rabat was held up for about 17 minutes when the Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco.

CAF subsequently ruled that the walk-off violated Articles 82 and 84 of CAF regulations, which provide that, where a team walks out of the pitch in a football competition without the referees’ consent, or before the end of the match, such team is deemed to have abandoned the match. Further, the said team would be adjudged to have lost the match three goals to zero.

From this perspective, the decision reinforces order and deterrence. In many competitions, forfeiture results in victory for the opponent. CAF, in this sense, may argue it merely followed standard disciplinary frameworks. The referee had the power to have ended the game by simply blowing his whistle during the walk-out. However, since same was not done by him, there was technically no abandonment.

But in this case, the match resumed under the control of the centre referee. Morocco were allowed their penalty which they lost. The game proceeded to extra time with Senegal eventually scoring the winning goal. At full time, the referee, as required by the extant law(s), blew his final whistle to officially and legally signify the end the match, so the severity of CAF’s punishment raises uncomfortable questions.

Crowning Morocco champions by administrative fiat lacks the emotional and sporting legitimacy that comes from victory on the pitch. Fans’ displeasure will impose an odious, permanent stigma on the title.

Awarding the title to the host nation, under these circumstances, has opened CAF to accusations of bias and corruption, a challenge the body has long struggled to shake off. In a continent where football governance is often scrutinised, the importance of credibility should never be downplayed.

Since the referee was matured and patient enough to allow the game to resume and run its course, we strongly believe that Senegal won the 2025 AFCON trophy fair and square. Though the trophy has been forcefully retrieved and given to Morocco, Senegal remains the cup’s winner in the hearts of football-loving fans.

We condemn CAF’s retroactive decision. It is not only unfair to Senegal, it has also sown accusations that CAF is biased. Stripping Senegal of the title and reallocating it to the hosts went too far. A fine, warning or disciplinary action would have sufficed. It also undermined the authority of the referee and brought bitter feelings into the game.

Give the trophy back to the winners – Senegal!

The Federal Government has announced plans to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity architecture through enhanced collaboration with private sector players and key stakeholders, as part of efforts to boost the country’s digital resilience.

This was disclosed in a recent press statement by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, that the Federal Government was working towards establishing a Cybersecurity Coordination Council.

The proposed council will serve as a central platform to drive coordinated responses to emerging cyber threats across both public and private sectors, while also improving information sharing among stakeholders.

The minister emphasised that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility that requires sustained cooperation, noting that safeguarding Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital economy requires strong partnerships, trust and shared vigilance among government institutions, industry operators, and civil society organisations.

“Cybersecurity is a shared national responsibility. Protecting Nigeria’s digital economy requires strong partnerships, trusted collaboration, and collective vigilance across government, industry, and civil society. Through collaborative action and sustained engagement, we are strengthening Nigeria’s capacity,” he stated.

The initiative reflects the Federal Government’s broader policy direction aimed at fostering inclusive stakeholder engagement in addressing cyber risks, while strengthening national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to cyber incidents

By Vincent Ujumadu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Joemartins Uzodike, has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to resign, alleging that he has already failed Nigerians, even before the conduct of any election.

Reacting to INEC’s withdrawal of recognition of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC, Uzodike, a lawyer, described Amupitan’s pronouncements on the matter as disgraceful and mischievous.

According to him, the interpretation of a court order by INEC under Amupitan’s leadership, despite his status as a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), showed bias. He alleged that the Commission relied on an order submitted by an individual, thereby displaying what he termed deliberate ignorance of the law, particularly the meaning and application of status quo ante bellum.

Uzodike saaid the action of the INEC chairman had brought serious embarrassment to the legal system, accusing him of using a court order to create a leadership vacuum in an opposition political party.

He also faulted what he described as the recognition of an individual as a faction, arguing that Nafiu Bala neither has a secretary nor leads any known executive committee.

“I have been around in this country since independence and have actively participated in many elections. I make bold to say that an electoral umpire has never descended so brazenly and carelessly into the arena as we are witnessing now.

“The chairman is a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. How can he not interpret the meaning of status quo ante bellum, which means to return to the position before the matter went to court?

“At what point was the ADC before Nafiu Bala went to court, and who was the chairman at that time?

“The court simply said whoever was in office should remain pending the determination of the matter, but Amupitan’s INEC is saying the ADC does not exist.

“The INEC chairman has failed the law; he has shown he is not capable of presiding over our electoral affairs without bias. He should therefore resign,” Uzodike said.

He added that Amupitan ought to focus on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy rather than, in his view, serving vested interests, noting that his television interview suggested he was acting under pressure.

“From his demeanour during the TV interview, it is clear that the INEC chairman is not acting independently. For someone who has risen to the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, a professor and SAN, he should be a man of honour,” he added.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and James Sowole in Abeokuta

President Bola Tinubu again yesterday promised Nigerians that bandits and terrorists disturbing Nigeria would be defeated.
Tinubu reiterated the promise at Iperu in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, where he inaugurated the Gateway International Airport and some road projects in the axis.

An elated president commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for investing in security equipment, including vehicles.
 He said, “I am particularly pleased with the focus on mobility, security, and agriculture. The introduction of modern transportation solutions, including new vehicles, reflects a shift toward innovation and improved daily life.
“Strengthening security infrastructure reinforces our resolve to protect lives and property. We will overcome banditry and terrorism.
“I assure you that we will continue to make progress. Nigeria is determined to be great, and we are firmly on the path to achieving that greatness again.”
The president expressed delight at being part of the ceremony, describing the vision of Abiodun and his predecessors as remarkable.

Commending the governor, Tinubu said, “Today, we commission a major economic hub in this corridor. Over the past seven years, you have demonstrated commitment, vision, and patriotism in advancing Nigeria’s growth.
“We celebrate you today for your contributions to national development. I have no regrets, and I congratulate the people of this great state for their steadfast support of the government.

I also thank you for your continued faith in our party, the All Progressives Congress. Our investments are centered on our people. The infrastructure we see today reflects our confidence in our country’s future.
“We believe that today’s foundation will secure tomorrow’s prosperity. I stand before you with a deeply grateful heart. God has endowed us with a great nation and allowed us to move beyond past mismanagement. Our commitment to the future is clear—today, tomorrow, and in the years ahead.”

Addressing the gathering, which included the Senate President, Senator Godwill Akpabio, governors, and captains of industry, Abiodun described the ceremony as both historic and symbolic.
Abiodun said Tinubu’s presence reflected not only his commitment to national development but also his strong belief in subnational governments as engines of growth.

He said, “We are proud to align with your Renewed Hope Agenda, which is placing our nation on a path of economic recovery, fiscal discipline, and sustainable growth.”
The governor commended Tinubu’s bold economic reforms—particularly the unification of the foreign exchange system, the removal of fuel subsidies, and the repositioning of public finances to reflect market realities.
“These courageous decisions are restoring investor confidence, attracting capital inflows, and repositioning Nigeria as a competitive global destination.

“Your efforts to expand revenue through improved tax administration, digitalisation of government processes, and institutional strengthening are addressing long-standing structural challenges.
“Key initiatives such as the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Programme, student loan schemes, rail modernization, and major highway projects—including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway—demonstrate a deliberate reset of our national economy.

“Your administration has also shown courage in tackling fiscal leakages, promoting local production, and improving the ease of doing business through regulatory reforms.
“This renewed focus on infrastructure financing, public-private partnerships, and investment in agriculture, power, and transportation is laying the foundation for long-term prosperity,” he said.

He added, “The Gateway International Airport stands as a defining legacy of this administration. Built from the ground up and now fully operational, it features a nearly four-kilometre runway capable of handling large aircraft, a modern control tower, advanced aviation systems, and cargo facilities. It is the centerpiece of our emerging aerotropolis.
“Today’s ceremony also marks the launch of Gateway Airlines, beginning operations with Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, alongside cargo services aimed at boosting trade and logistics.”

The governor also used the event to highlight some projects executed by his administration in the areas of roads, housing, electricity, and health.
In his goodwill message, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,  commended Tinubu for all he was doing to make Nigeria great again.
Akpabio also commended the legislative arm of government for cooperation with the Executive arm, saying that without proper appropriation, what they are witnessing today would have been impossible.
 He said, “Without proper appropriation and collaboration between the executive and legislature, what we see today would not have been possible. Progress like this requires unity, not conflict.

“Mr. President, many years ago, you shared bold ideas for Nigeria. Today, you have the opportunity to bring those ideas to life.
“You were among the pioneers of independent power initiatives in Nigeria, and your commitment to internally generated revenue began during your time in Lagos. That model is now being replicated across states, including Ogun.
“We are moving toward greater decentralisation of power—both in electricity and governance—so that states can take more responsibility for development and service delivery.

At the federal level, your reforms have strengthened revenue distribution to subnational governments. Funds allocated through the federation account are reaching the states, enabling them to execute projects and meet obligations without excessive borrowing.
“Today, we see the results: states are implementing projects, paying salaries, and driving development.
I commend the Governor of Ogun State and all governors who are delivering meaningful progress across the country.
“The National Assembly remains committed to partnering with the executive to sustain this momentum.”
Also, in a goodwill message, the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said he was happy that a project like this had become a reality in Ogun State in his lifetime.

Obasanjo, who said he had shortened the time from the airport to his home in Abeokuta by over 40 minutes, said he had landed at the Gateway Airport from Abuja.
He said that while he used to spend almost an hour from Lagos airport to Abeokuta, he now spends only 25 minutes from the Gateway Airport.

He commended all past governors who had contributed to the state’s development since its creation in 1976.
The former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, also commended the president and Abiodun for all they are doing in the country and in Ogun State.
The Governors of Lagos State attended the ceremony. Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, Ondo State, Mr. Abiodun Oyebamji, Ondo State, Lucky Ayedatiwa, Niger State, Umaru Bago, Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, Borno State, Babagana Zulum, among others.

Every month, Nyesom Wike, Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory FCT, takes time off to brief Nigerians on his activities. To some people, the briefings are superfluous and indeed vexatious on account of some of the statements he makes about his political opponents. Other critics imagine that Wike presents the posture of an actor who enjoys usurping the role or powers of the President. The argument is no doubt simplistic. To start with, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is certainly not like his predecessor whose officials reportedly acted as if their principal was inactive. Wike would not have remained minister if his performance was out of tune with his mandate. To that extent therefore, no one needs to cry more than the bereaved especially as Tinubu has repeatedly and publicly commended the minister.  

Besides, a minister who accounts for his stewardship monthly should not be denigrated because ours is a developing society where the government ought to constantly brief the governed. In fact, stewardship accounts through the media are a bold step as they open the room for the minister to be taken up on areas of failure; just as they serve as feedback mechanism for him to be better informed of the preferences of the governed. If it is not being done now, we need to encourage ministers to effectively enlighten the public on their activities. I recall vividly that in the past, ministerial briefings were rotated and coordinated by the information minister as a strategy to bridge the gap between government and the people.

In the case of the FCT, the minister is more obliged to do so because of the nature of his location. Although the minister is an appointee of the president, we must not forget that he is running a territory which the constitution says should be treated as if it were a state. In other words, in practical terms, the FCT minister is not exactly the same as head of a ministry. He is more like what in other climes is called Mayor. For effective running of the FCT therefore, there are many things its minister would do as if he were a governor who must constantly serve as a veritable link that binds the territory together. If so, why does he not restrict himself to FCT matters some people would ask and even question why he often spends huge sums of money on live broadcast of media chats? I doubt if these questions fit today’s global village.

Those who think Wike’s media chats are that expansive because the minister has a political agenda probably have a point. Unfortunately, however, those who should normally set the agenda for governance in a nation have in our own clime remained idle for too long. All over the world, it is the media that owns the agenda setting role but in Nigeria, the role has been seized by the political class. Consequently, what the people get to know is determined not by the media but by politicians. If Wike spends more time on political communication than substantive issues of governance, he is not the only one to blame. First, many media organs are owned by political activists who themselves prioritize political communication.

Second, those who sell broadcast prime-time hours for huge sums know that much of it will be used to propagate politics, yet they do not only sell it daily, they strenuously struggle for it to garner ample resources. Everyone blames the politicians for converting the period of governance to electioneering campaigns; yet, it is campaign messages that are most appealing to our people. The average viewer/listener is more willing to follow a political rather than a health-related programme. If we take a typical media chat by Wike as a case study, it will not be difficult to see that even the journalists who constitute the interviewing panel are more at home with questions bothering on partisan politics.  

If we are all really bothered by the rather harsh living standards of our people, we should deemphasize politics and ask all our office holders questions about development projects rather than the merits or otherwise of political defections and meetings. When this type of parameter is stretched across the board, those performing well would stand out. Against this background, it is obvious that Nyesom Wike is the best FCT minister since the tenure of Nasir El Rufai. Those who held the office between those two leaders made little or no impact. It is Wike that has brought back the culture of transformation in the FCT which El Rufai pioneered.  Such actors will even do better if we hail them and urge them to do more. The way forward is to commend good work while pointing out areas in need of attention.

My verdict on performances is influenced by a research project done by one of my postgraduate students. Perhaps the best achievement of Wike which the project conveys is his institutionalization of the FCT. It was found that some land owners who had paid for certificate of occupancy (C of O) as far back as when El Rufai was departing office got it only after Wike’s appointment. In other words, for more than a decade the FCT operated a disorganized system. The solution which Wike reportedly introduced was that no C of O would be signed before those older than it. With such a simple system, documents paid for were to be signed before new ones were allowed to be processed making it possible for Wike to be the one signing C of Os that had been paid for some16 years earlier without the owners coming to lobby for their documents.

Media chats should uncover performances such as the above to set standards that would make it clear to future ministers that allocation of land in the FCT must be premised on a sound administration for the public good. In fact, the best form of media chat by an FCT minister is the second half of last week’s edition which threw light on projects that transform the lives of the people. It was really refreshing to hear from Wike that 250 schools in the FCT were currently under renovation. When added to roads and other development projects that are visible in parts of the territory, the usefulness of democracy speaks for itself which is a better omen than political controversies filled with claims and counter claims between and among political parties.

Other office holders should thus learn to address the media more on developmental projects and not politics. For that to happen, there is no better time than now for the media to fully recognize its beneficial pivotal role in holding government accountable to the people. It would therefore be reassuring if the numerous political programmes can be reduced. The Nigerian constitution says the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people. Accordingly, the media should place the security and welfare of the people in the front burner of attention.  Minister Wike explained last week that his administration is placing a focus on the opening up of the rural areas. In which other parts of Nigeria is that happening? If leaders get to know that Nigerians are thrilled by that policy everyone will buy-in.

Also last week, the FCT minister established that traditional institutions in the territory were being categorized and upgraded. That will not only reduce urban migration it will give hope to the local traditional leaders and their teeming followers. A better publicity of the policy will engender grassroots development in our country. At the same media chat, we heard with joy that contrary to the old discriminatory disposition, indigenes of the FCT will now get C of Os for their land. This will bring equity and social justice to the FCT whose citizens have been wrongly maligned for longer than makes sense. For this, we again commend the current minister.

It would be unfair if this piece which is full of praises ends without making the point that nothing in the piece concerns politics which has been quite unsettling to many well-meaning Nigerians who are not part of it. Second, it would be unprofessional to hold-back commendation that is due to Seun Okinbaloye an outstanding television interviewer and anchor of Channels Television who was criticised by the minister. I have watched the young man in action severally and I am convinced that what may irritate a politician about him is nothing other than that he embraces adversarial journalism in which an interviewer stands for the public while taking the position of a devil’s advocate. Those who don’t like him today may value him tomorrow.

A legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chineyere Moneme, is set to be honoured as Anambra Inspiring Woman of the Year 2025, with organisers citing her professional excellence and influence on younger female lawyers as key reasons for the recognition.

The organisers said the award was driven by Moneme’s career trajectory, passion for legal practice, and steady professional growth, which they described as a source of inspiration to many aspiring female lawyers from Anambra State.

Moneme, who is the Principal Partner at Crystal Legal Services, has spent about two decades in legal practice, with interests spanning arbitration, aviation law, energy law, corporate law, and commercial law.

They noted that her journey in the legal profession reflects dedication and resilience, especially in balancing career advancement with personal development, a challenge faced by many young professionals.

Available records also indicate that Moneme is the second Anambra woman in private legal practice to attain the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a milestone seen as significant within the legal community.

Reacting to the nomination, Moneme commended the organisers for recognising excellence and pledged to continue upholding the standards that earned her the honour.

“I appreciate this recognition and will remain committed to maintaining the values and professionalism associated with this honour,” she said.

The award will be formally presented by Anambra Man of the Year Awards (AMTY), which organisers describe as a leading recognition platform in the South-East, known for celebrating outstanding individuals across various fields.

They added that the award is expected to further motivate young Anambra professionals, particularly women, to pursue excellence in their chosen careers.