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Trump Lists Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Amid Alleged Christian Killings

*FG to issue official response today

Sunday Ehigiator

President Donald Trump yesterday designated Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ citing alleged widespread killings of Christians and rising religious intolerance.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a “COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN” — But that is the least of it.”

This comes despite pushback from the Nigerian government, as only a few days ago, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, faulted some US lawmakers for relying on what he described as “inaccurate and misleading data” to accuse Nigeria of carrying out a Christian genocide.
When contacted yesterday, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, said the “Federal Government of Nigeria is studying the situation and by tomorrow (today), we shall respond.”
The ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ is a list of nations the US finds to have engaged in religious freedom violations. The list includes China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Pakistan, among others, according to the State Department website.

The US President emphasised that action must be taken when people are persecuted for their faith.
FOX News quoted Trump to have said he had directed Rep. Riley Moore, R-W. Va., Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., and members of the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the situation and report their findings to him.

“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries,” Trump said. “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”
According to the international watchdog group Open Doors, nearly 70 percent of all Christians killed for their faith worldwide last year were in Nigeria. The group warned that Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Fulani militant herders were responsible for most of the bloodshed, often targeting Christian farmers in the country’s Middle Belt. Rights organisations estimate that thousands of believers are murdered every year, while countless others are forced to flee.

Trump’s ambassador-designate for International Religious Freedom, Mark Walker, told Fox News Digital that the United States must do what it can to pressure Nigeria’s government to act.
“Even being conservative, it’s probably 4,000 to 8,000 Christians killed annually,” Walker said. “This has been going on for years — from ISWAP to Islamist Fulani ethnic militias — and the Nigerian government has to be much more proactive.”
The White House also acknowledged a surge in anti-Christian violence across sub-Saharan Africa, where jihadist movements were exploiting political instability and porous borders. Both Pope Leo and the U.S. State Department had condemned recent massacres in Nigeria, warning that the crisis risks spreading beyond the country’s borders.

Walker added, “The United States should always stand up for freedom of religion, and that starts with speaking the truth about what’s happening.”
While humanitarian groups continue to raise alarm, Nigeria’s Information Minister, Idris recently told Fox News Digital that claims of mass persecution are “very misleading,” rejecting U.S. reports that tens of thousands have been killed.
Idris spoke during an interview on CNN earlier this week, saying the claims, which prompted calls for US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to impose diplomatic sanctions on Nigeria, distort the country’s complex security realities.
“Some of the claims made by officials of the United States are based on faulty data and the assumption that victims of violence are largely Christians,” Idris had said.

“Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not target one religion — they attack both Christians and Muslims, especially in the northern part of the country.”
According to Idris, the federal government remains committed to protecting religious freedom and upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. He emphasised that freedom of religion is guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and must be respected by all.

The minister warned that spreading false narratives about a religious genocide risks playing into the hands of criminals who seek to incite sectarian conflict. He insisted that Nigeria’s insecurity should not be characterised as a religious war.

“Characterising these attacks as being against Christians alone will drive Nigeria towards unnecessary division,” he said.

“The criminals want to portray the situation as a fight between Christians and Muslims. It is wrong to describe Nigeria as a country that does not tolerate religious freedom. It is also inaccurate to say that nowhere is safe in Nigeria. Our country is indeed safe.”

Idris maintained that Nigeria remains a tolerant nation where people of diverse faiths coexist peacefully, adding that it was wrong to describe the country as unsafe or hostile to religious freedom.

While admitting that Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, Idris said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated stronger commitment and better coordination among security agencies to tackle the problem.

He added that recent changes in the leadership of the armed forces were part of efforts to enhance Nigeria’s security architecture and ensure a faster, more effective response to emerging threats.

“Yes, we have security issues in Nigeria, but the government has made massive investments to ensure safety for everyone,” he noted.

Idris added, “In recent years, the government has focused more attention on improving security through better military hardware and strategy.”

“We are also investing in agriculture and social services to strengthen non-kinetic approaches to peacebuilding. Even the recent changes in service chiefs were made to improve our security architecture and ensure government responds effectively to emerging threats.”

Onanuga, had dismissed the criticism, saying, “Christians are not targeted. We have religious harmony in our country.”

*FG to issue official response today Sunday Ehigiator President Donald Trump yesterday designated Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ citing alleged widespread killings of Christians and rising religious intolerance.“Christianity is

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Naira Strengthens to N1,421/$, Stock Market Gains N35.07trn in 10 Months

Nume Ekeghe and Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian economy has continued to show signs of resilience as the naira yesterday appreciated to N1,421 to a dollar on the official forex market, reflecting improved liquidity and investors’ confidence.
At the same time, the stock market maintained its upward momentum, with investors gaining N35.07 trillion in value over the past 10 months, underscoring renewed optimism across key sectors.

The naira extended its rally by appreciating by 1.1 per cent against the dollar to close at N1,421.73 on the official market yesterday. Yesterday’s gain was the strongest level since the launch of the Central Bank’s Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS).
The sustained rally, underpinned by policy reforms and improved foreign inflows, signalled rising confidence in the management of the foreign exchange market.
Data from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) showed that the naira gained N15.24 from Thursday’s rate of N1,436.97/$.

On the parallel market, the naira exchange rate against the dollar also firmed by 0.7 per cent, closing at N1,450 in Lagos, compared to N1,460 the previous day. The spread between both markets narrowed to N28.27, indicating a gradual convergence between the official and informal market rates.
Analysts attributed the appreciation in the naira exchange rate to CBN’s sustained reforms, stronger oil receipts, and improved foreign portfolio investment inflows.

Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, recently expressed optimism that the domestic currency’s rally would continue in the coming months. Speaking at a world press conference in Lagos, Dangote had said: “I can assure you that within the next one or two months, with the new policy of the government supporting the downstream, you will see the dollar rate actually improve a lot.

“If I have dollars today, I would rather sell them than wait for the next month or so.”
Speaking to THISDAY on the current momentum, the Head of Financial Institutions Ratings at Agusto & Co., Mr. Ayokunle Olubunmi, said: “The strengthening naira is caused by the combination of several factors. The acceptability of the various reforms of the CBN and the success in attracting FPIs have significantly supported the currency.
“The naira also benefited from the weak USD on the back of the various policies of the Trump administration. The removal of Nigeria from the Grey List would further support the currency. However, navigating the bond obligations maturing before year-end will be imperative in keeping the exchange rate stable.”

Meanwhile, average investors’ return on the stock market segment of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) appreciated to N35.1 trillion in the first 10 months of 2025, attributable to the favourable foreign exchange, among other reforms of the federal government.
Measuring the performance by market capitalisation, data compiled by THISDAY revealed that the stock market opened for trading in 2025 at N62.763 trillion, gained 55.87per cent or N35.07 trillion to close October 31, 2025, at N97.829 trillion.
On the other hand, the NGX All-Share Index closed yesterday at 154,126.46 basis points, gaining 51,200.06 basis points or 49.7 per cent from 102,926.40 basis points, the index closed for trading in 2024.

The market capitalisation in October 2025 gained N7.25 trillion or eight per cent from the N90.580 trillion it closed for trading in September 2025, to N97.829 trillion in October 2025, while the NGX ASI advanced by 11,415.98 basis points or nearly eight per cent to 154,126.46 basis points from 142,710.48 basis points the major NGX index closed for trading in September 2025.

Equally, in October 2025, the stock market crossed the 150,000 basis points mark, which was a historic record.

Speaking on the development, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NGX Group, Mr. Temi Popoola, described the milestone as a reflection of growing investor confidence and the Exchange’s strategic focus on deepening market participation.

“Crossing the 151,000-point threshold is a testament to the strength and adaptability of our market. It demonstrates how local and international investors continue to see value in Nigerian equities despite global headwinds,” Popoola said.

“At NGX Group, we are committed to driving innovation, transparency, and market expansion to sustain this growth trajectory. This milestone reinforces our belief that the Nigerian capital market remains a critical enabler of economic transformation.”

For the 10 months 2025 performance of the stock market, analysts attributed the 55.87per cent growth to stability in the foreign exchange market, companies recovering from foreign exchange losses, market liquidity, capital inflow, dominance of domestic investors, increasing portfolio investment, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s banking sector recapitalisation and insurance sector reforms have played a critical role in overall stock market performance in the period under review.

Also, the yield on Nigerian Treasury Bills dropped to 15 per cent in October 2025, from 18 per cent.

Nume Ekeghe and Kayode Tokede The Nigerian economy has continued to show signs of resilience as the naira yesterday appreciated to N1,421 to a dollar on the official forex market,

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Alex Iwobi:Leading with Legends

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Onanuga: Tinubu’s Pardon Review Shows He Listens, Corrects Mistakes

Boluwatife Enome

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s review of the controversial prerogative of mercy list, saying the decision was not a sign of weakness but of strength, compassion, and accountability.

Speaking in an interview on ARISE News’ ‘Prime Time,’ Onanuga described Tinubu as a leader who listens to the people and is never afraid to admit and correct mistakes.

“What Nigerians ought to have seen by now is that this President is not one who is afraid to reverse himself. If he feels he has made an error, he will admit it. He is human. He listens to the public,” Onanuga said.

He wakes up every morning to read all the newspapers, watch television, and understand what people are saying. So this is not weakness — it is strength. It shows that he can reappraise his actions and make adjustments when necessary.”

Onanuga explained that the public outrage that followed the initial release of the pardon list was largely focused on specific cases, particularly that of Mariam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband.

“Most of the criticisms were coming from the case of Mariam Sanda,” he said. “Even the revised list still contained some drug offenders who were granted clemency, not pardon. In her case too, it was clemency.”

He described the President as a compassionate leader, citing Sanda’s case as one that evoked empathy because of her young children.

“Her case was complicated by the fact that she has two children. The father is gone, and the mother is in jail. Who takes care of them?” Onanuga said. “It was a crime of passion, not premeditated. Anything can happen between a husband and wife in the heat of an argument.”

Onanuga stressed that the President’s action did not amount to condoning crime but reflected a humane outlook.

“The President is a compassionate person. His decisions often show where he is coming from — his personal philosophy and humanity,” he said.

Responding to criticisms that the government acted only after public pressure, Onanuga dismissed claims of inconsistency, saying Tinubu’s review was part of a deliberate process to strengthen the justice system.

“There is no flip-flop here. The President looked at the issues again, identified where the process failed, and corrected it,” he said. “The Secretariat of the Prerogative of Mercy Committee has now been moved to the Ministry of Justice to ensure proper oversight.”

Onanuga also clarified that the President acted based on recommendations from senior Nigerians who served on the committee.

“These are respected people. They must have considered several factors before making their recommendations. Many of those granted clemency are young people — some were teenagers convicted for illegal mining,” he explained.

He said the case of former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan, convicted of bribery, was misinterpreted by critics.

“Lawan had served his sentence. The President’s pardon allows him to live a new life. The State has a duty to rehabilitate reformed citizens who have shown remorse,” Onanuga said.

On whether Tinubu’s action undermined judicial authority, Onanuga insisted the President acted within his constitutional powers.

“The same Constitution empowers him to exercise the prerogative of mercy after the judiciary has completed its task. The executive keeps prisoners — that’s why the President can grant clemency,” he explained.

He added that anyone opposed to this provision should seek constitutional reform.

“If people feel that Section 175 should be reviewed or repealed, they should take it to the National Assembly. Until the law is amended, the President retains that power,” Onanuga said.

On lessons learnt, he maintained that the episode demonstrated Tinubu’s openness to public opinion.

“This President listens. He’s always guided by what people say and is never too proud to make corrections. That’s strength, not weakness,” he said.

Onanuga also addressed reports of an alleged coup attempt, warning sections of the media against “irresponsible sensationalism.”

“The military has already issued a statement saying investigations are ongoing. Journalists should wait for official information. Rumours about coups scare investors and harm the economy,” he cautioned.

“As journalists, we must ask ourselves — of what benefit is this story to Nigeria? Not everything is fit to print. The media has a social responsibility to protect the nation’s stability.”

Onanuga emphasised that the Tinubu administration remains focused on stability, accountability, and public trust.

“The President is human, compassionate, and willing to correct mistakes. That’s what true leadership is about,” he concluded.

Boluwatife Enome Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s review of the controversial prerogative of mercy list, saying the decision was

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Akpoti-Uduaghan: Why I Invited Akpabio, Other Senators to Witness My Projects Inauguration in Kogi

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has explained that her decision to invite Senate President Godswill Akpabio and all senators to her constituency in Kogi State for the inauguration of completed projects was driven by gratitude to God, a renewed spirit of reconciliation, and the desire to celebrate service and resilience after a turbulent year in office.

Akpoti-Uduaghan in a statement by her Media Office yesterday, said that the inauguration ceremonies would mark her second year in office, even as she reflected on her suspension ordeal and projects she executed despite her absence from the chamber for six months.

Part of the statement read: “Basically, today, in celebration of my second year in office, six months of which I lost to an illegal suspension, I extended an invitation to all the Senators.

“The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read it on the floor of the chamber. I actually give glory to God because, some months ago, the plan was that my seat would have been pronounced vacant. But God, being merciful, saved me through all the ordeals I went through.”

The Kogi Central lawmaker said she would commence a week-long series of project inauguration across various local government areas from October 30 to November 2.

These, according to her, include water projects, transformers, streetlights, police quarters, new primary and secondary schools, and markets.

She said, “To the glory of God, we are celebrating our second year in office with the commissioning of many projects, which we are starting from today.

“I’ve just arrived in Kogi for the first water project commissioning in Lokoja-Ganaja, then we’ll move to Adogo and Jakuta for streetlights before heading to Ihima,” she said.

She also revealed that the climax of the events would be a “mega empowerment programme” on November 2, where over 2,000 constituents will receive life-transforming tools and equipment.

“The empowerment is massive. We’re giving out electric vehicles, deep freezers, gas cookers, co-blast kits for shoemakers, sewing machines, fishery ponds, farming tools, and many more.

“It’s all part of ensuring that my constituents continue to feel the impact of democracy.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that all the projects being inaugurated were conceived and executed during the period of her suspension, a development she described as “a testament to resilience and God’s grace.”

She said, “I’m grateful to God for keeping me alive and giving me the courage to keep working for my people during and after the illegal suspension.

“Even though I was out of office for six months, I made sure my people did not feel deprived of the dividends of democracy,” she stated.

On the symbolic nature of inviting the Senate leadership, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the gesture was both procedural and personal.

She said, “It was important for me to write officially to the Senate President to read my invitation on the floor. I don’t want to celebrate in isolation. I’m a progressive person.

“Even with ongoing court cases, I continue to carry out my duties in the chamber and follow proper procedures,” she said.

Her invitation, read aloud by Senate President Akpabio during plenary, drew applause from senators across party lines, with Akpabio smiling and saying, “congratulations in advance.”

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has explained that her decision to invite Senate President Godswill Akpabio and all senators to her constituency in Kogi State for the inauguration of

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THISDAY’s Omolabake Fasogbon, 14 Others Selected for West Africa DPI Fellowship

Omolabake Fasogbon, a journalist with THISDAY newspaper, has been selected for 2025/2026 Digital Public Infrastructure(DPI) Journalism Fellowship by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Fasogbon was selected alongside 14 other journalists across the country, emerging from a rigorous multi-stage competitive process.

The DPI Journalism Fellowship is a flagship initiative jointly implemented by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), in partnership with support from Co-Develop.

The Fellowship aims to amplify public awareness, participation, and uptake of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Digital Public Goods and Services (DPGs) through media narratives and public discourses.

Through this opportunity, selected journalists will receive hands-on training, editorial mentorship, and access to a continental information hub that curates resources and data on DPIs and DPGs.

Fasogbon and 14 others emerged as the finalists from close to 200 applicants and 45 shortlisted candidates.

In a statement announcing the fellows, MFWA disclosed that the 15 Fellows were drawn from a mix of print, broadcast, and online media outlets from Nigeria; and are made up of a fairly balanced gender representation of eight males and seven females.

It noted that the fellows will join an expanding network of alumni across West Africa who are using journalism to illuminate the opportunities and challenges in the region’s digital evolution.

“The fellowship is expected to run for six months beginning from October 31, where fellows are obliged to churn out at least six original and well-researched stories,” the statement reads.

The stories will focus on driving awareness and public discourses around inclusive digital identification, digital payments, data exchanges, interoperability, safeguards and related issues in the design, implementation and uptake of DPI and DPGs in Nigeria and beyond.

Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Honour in recognition of their contribution to improving awareness, uptake, transparency and accountability around DPI governance, and related issues.

Those selected alongside Fasogbon include: Adeyemi Adepetun (The Guardian); Abubakar Muhammad Usman (WikkiTimes, Kano); Yakubu Mohammed (Premium Times); Rasheedat Oladotun Iliyas (Harmony FM, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Kwara State); Muhammad Auwal Ibrahim Daily Episode, Kano State); Obidah Habila Albert (HumAngle Media, Abuja); Abdulsemiu Monsuroh (TheCable); Juliet Buna (Crest 91.1FM, Ibadan); and Juliet Umeh (Vanguard Newspapers).

Others are Kola Muhammed (Legit.ng, Lagos), Timileyin Precious Akinmoyeje (Foundation for Investigative Journalism, Lagos), Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal (Bond FM, Lagos), Anibe Idajili (TechCityNG, Niger State) and Frank Eleanya (TechCabal, Lagos State).

“The DPI Journalism Fellowship represents a strategic investment in fostering informed and independent media narratives that shape public discourses around inclusive design, implementation and uptake of DPI developments in the areas of policy, governance and utility. We are grateful to Co-Develop for the partnership and the support in making this initiative possible,” remarked Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, Sulemana Braimah.

Omolabake Fasogbon, a journalist with THISDAY newspaper, has been selected for 2025/2026 Digital Public Infrastructure(DPI) Journalism Fellowship by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). Fasogbon was selected alongside 14 other journalists

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Art Collector, Shyllon Urges Govt to Invest More in Education

James Sowole in Abeokuta

A renowned artist, collector and philanthropist, Dr. Yemisi Shyllon, has challenged governments at all levels to do more on education in order to solve many of the problems confronting the country.

Shyllon made the call at the unveiling of a life-size bronze statue of the late Tai Solarin, which he donated to the Ijagun Campus of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASUED) in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The unveiled statue was one of the two donated by Shyllon to Nigerian universities as legacy projects in honour of who they were named.

The second statue is what was described as a larger-than-life bronze monument of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and would be unveiled on December 5, 2025 during a three-in-one event at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State.

Also in the field of art, the ‘Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Exhibition Hall’ will be unveiled at the Nigerian Unity Museum of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Jericho.

According to Shyllon, the likes of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo did much to promote education in their time, which he said is why he was doing something to immortalise him.

He said, “On December 5, I am unveiling a bronze sculpture like this for the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He built Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State in 1962 and became the Chancellor in 1967. I observed that people have graduated from the university and they never left a legacy for him.

“That is why I am doing this. The Holy Book said that we should embrace charity as it is written in I Corinthians 13 verse 13 in the Bible and Holy Quran Chapter 18 verse 46. If you read them, you will see why you should show love and leave a legacy for others.

On Tai Solarin, Shyllon said the late educationist was one man he cherished so much and whose life influenced many.

He said, “When I was with my paternal grandmother, one man that I valued so much was the late Tai Solarin.

“When I was just 12 years of age, I read Tai Solarin article ‘May Your Road Be Rough’ that was about 1965. I read that article and said woah, how can somebody curse that anybody’s road should be rough? That was the intuition that made me read that article and that influenced my life. In fact, when I was with my paternal grandmother, she used to talk a lot about the late Tai Solarin. She used to talk about one man that comes to Lagos to pick dead bodies that would have been abandoned on Lagos streets and pick them to go and bury. And of course, as time went on, I got to know more and more about him.

The philanthropist said that those donations he was making were based on his principle about life, which he said started a long time ago.

Shyllon said that he has done similar projects for the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos and Pan Atlantic University, where he said he established the biggest art museum in Nigeria.

He said, “My purpose in life is very different and my purpose in life is to give and not to receive and that is what Winston Churchill meant when he said, ‘you live when you get but when you give you give life’. I believe in giving.

“One of the ways I give is to give a lasting legacy about my life. There are people who are in this world who are very rich but they never left a lasting legacy, once they are dead, they are forgotten. But my intention is that I don’t want to be forgotten about my contributions to life.

“I don’t want to believe that life is vanity. Life is full of many things you can do that can make sure that life is not vanity.

“I have helped many people to get PhDs through my foundation. I have helped many artists to become somebody great in the world and I will continue to do more. I try to leave lasting legacy wherever I go.

“It is not in universities alone that I leave legacies, go to Freedom Park in Lagos, I donated 18 sculptural works like this to the public park to encourage tourism in Nigeria. If you go there you will see them there. I have donated them since 2010.

“It is not only in universities. In Abeokuta, through Prof. Funke Ifeda, I donated 20 feet High Sodeke. It is not in universities, we are everywhere.”

Shyllon said the “younger generation needs to learn more beyond ordinary sculpture or what I am donating. I am currently writing a book, which I have finished but just editing. It is titled ‘Lifetime Reflection for Building Lasting Wealth’. The purpose is that I want generations yet unborn to read that book and get inspiration on how they can make success in their lives without embezzling and without dipping their hands in anybody’s wealth.

In his comment, Chairman of TASUED Governing Council, Professor Rahman Bello, thanked Shyllon for the statue donation, noting that the donor had been a great philanthropist that has affected many lives.

Also speaking, the 5th Vice Chancellor of the university Professor Oluwole Banjo, commended Shyllon for his gesture, saying he was noted for philanthropism.

James Sowole in Abeokuta A renowned artist, collector and philanthropist, Dr. Yemisi Shyllon, has challenged governments at all levels to do more on education in order to solve many of the problems confronting the country.

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Access Holdings Grows Profit Before Tax by 10.4% to N616bn in Q3 2025

Kayode Tokede

Access Holdings Plc, yesterday announced a N616 billion profit before tax for the third quarter (Q3) ended September 30, 2025, which was a 10.4 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase over the N558 billion declared in the third quarter (Q3) ended September 30, 2024.

The group from the profit & loss figures recorded improved performance for Q3 2025, with gross earnings rising by 14.1 per cent YoY to N3.9trillion from N3.4 trillion as at Q3 2024.

The Company Secretary, Access Holdings, Sunday Ekwochi, in a statement stated that, “This performance was driven by sustained growth in both interest and fees and commission, reflecting the strength of the Group’s diversified earnings base and improved performance from core operations across its banking and non-banking businesses.

“Maintaining the same momentum, gross earnings rose by 56.2per cent quarter-on-quarter from N2.5 trillion as at Half Year (H1) 2025. Interest income rose by 21.1 per cent year-on-year to N2.9 trillion in Q3 2025, compared to N2.4 trillion in Q3 2024.

“Net interest income also increased by 48.9per cent to N1.3 trillion from N845 billion in the same period. This performance was driven by loan book expansion, reflecting our disciplined risk management approach and a strategic focus towards higher-yielding, quality assets to strengthen portfolio returns.

“On a quarter-on-quarter basis, interest income and net interest income grew by 42.1per cent and 27.8per cent, respectively, from N2.0 trillion and N984 billion in H1 2025.

“There was 44.3per cent growth in net fee and commission to N476 billion in Q3 2025 from N330 billion in Q3 2024, reflecting higher transaction volumes and increased customer activity across digital and payment channels across both periods. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, net fee and commission income also increased by 100.8per cent from N237billion in H1 2025.

“While total non-interest income declined marginally by 8.1 per cent to N872 billion in Q3 2025 from N984 trillion in Q3 2024, the Group’s growth momentum from core operations continues to support overall earnings trajectory.”

He noted that operating income rose 18.8 per cent to N2.13 trillion in Q3 2025 from N1.8trillion in Q3 2024, while impairment on loans increased by 141.5 per cent to N350 billion as of Q3 2025 from N145 billion in Q3 2024.

“Operating expenses increased marginally by 6.7 per cent in Q3 2025 to N1.2 trillion from N1.1trillion in Q3 2024. The cost-to-income ratio (CIR) improved to 54.6 per cent in Q3 2025 from 60.8per cent as at Q3 2024, as revenue growth outpaced operating expenses. We expect cost-to-income ratio to stay moderated from ongoing efficiency initiatives, cost optimisation measures, and stronger revenue across the Group.”

“Compared to H1 2025 performance, profitability demonstrated resilience, as profit before tax (PBT) increased by 91.9 per cent from N321billion in H1 2025 YTD to N616 billion in Q3 2025. Profit after tax (PAT) also showed improvement in the period with a 107.9 per cent increase to N447 billion in Q3 2025 from N215 billion as at H1 2025 YTD.

“The Group’s balance sheet increased with total assets growing by 25.8per cent to N52.0 trillion in Q3 2025 from N41.5 trillion in FY 2024. The growth in balance sheet was supported by customer deposits, which grew by 47 per cent to N33.1 trillion in Q3 2025 from N22.5 trillion in FY 2024. Loans and advances increased by 19.7 per cent to N15.6trillion in Q3 2025 from N13.0 trillion in Q3 2024. The Group is positioned to unlock revenue synergies, enhance cross-border collaboration, and drive sustainable earnings growth.

“The Group’s strong performance was largely driven by its non-Nigerian subsidiaries, which together contributed over 50 per cent of consolidated results.

“These subsidiaries continued to deliver strong growth across key metrics, reflecting the benefits of diversification and deepening franchise strength across our African markets. In comparison, the Nigerian operations experienced underperformance during the period, attributable to changing macroeconomic conditions, inflationary pressures, and continued regulatory adjustments. Despite these headwinds, the Group’s diversified structure continued to provide stability and resilience.”

Looking ahead, He added that, “We will continue to strengthen our franchise across all our markets and businesses, deepen operational resilience, and create sustainable value for all our stakeholders.

“We appreciate the continued trust and support of our shareholders, customers, and employees. Together, we are shaping a resilient and inclusive franchise that is anchored in prudent portfolio management, guided by innovation, and committed to sustainable growth.”

Kayode Tokede Access Holdings Plc, yesterday announced a N616 billion profit before tax for the third quarter (Q3) ended September 30, 2025, which was a 10.4 per cent year-on-year (YoY)

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Katsina to Bar Children Without Birth Certificates from Accessing Healthcare

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced his administration’s plans to ban children without birth certificates from accessing healthcare and education in the state.

He said the state government will soon make birth certificates a mandatory requirement for accessing the essential government services.

Radda, who announced this during the formal launch of an e-birth registration exercise at the Continental Event Centre in Katsina yesterday, said the ban will soon be enforced in the state.

He said birth registration certificates will serve as one of the basic requirements for children and adults seeking healthcare, school admissions and employment in the state.

“Very soon, we are going to make the birth registration certificate a necessary requirement for children seeking school admission, healthcare and even employment,” Radda said while addressing the gathering in Hausa language.

He said the decision will enable parents and guardians in the state to avail their children for birth registration for accurate data of the state’s population.

He explained that birth registration is the first legal recognition of a child’s identity and the foundation for accessing education, healthcare, social protection, and civic participation.

Radda lamented that millions of Nigerian children have grown up without the fundamental recognition. “This is not just a systemic failure but a moral deficit we must correct,” the governor.

He reiterated that under his administration, birth registration has become a viable platform and key pillar of child protection and inclusive governance.

The governor directed that the ward and village across the 34 local government areas of the Katsina State will serve as permanent birth registration centres.

“This strategic decision embeds the registration process at the very heart of our communities, ensuring accessibility, cultural acceptance, and long-term sustainability,” he said.

He called on traditional and religious leaders, as well as parents, to support the ongoing birth registration exercise in the state in order to achieve the desired results.

In his remarks, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano, Rahama Farah, said the launch of the e-birth registration has given every child in the state the opportunity to be counted, recognised and given identity from birth.

He said, “We are pleased that a vital opportunity is now being provided to all children in Katsina State to have access to a birth registration system which is sustainable and community based.

“This is a fulfilment of one of the fundamental rights in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) which Nigeria had ratified and now is domesticated into law in many states across Nigeria including Katsina State.”

Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced his administration’s plans to ban children without birth certificates from accessing healthcare and education in the state. He said the

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Peter Obi: Investment in Healthcare Sector Can Raise Life Expectancy in Nigeria

.Donates N20m to nursing college, mission hospital

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that investment in the healthcare sector can help raise life expectancy in Nigeria.

Obi, who was at College of Nursing Sciences, Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, yesterday, to make a donation to the college, said Nigeria presently was among the countries with the lowest life expectancy.

He however said that investing in the training of doctors and nurses and also equipping hospitals can help Nigerians live longer, bearing in mind that a country is only productive when its health sector is functioning well.

Obi who presented a cheque of N15 million to the college also addressed the students, encouraging them to take their profession seriously.

He said, “By 2030, we will have a shortage of healthcare workers in Nigeria. Many healthcare workers are leaving Nigeria, but with support, we can train enough nurses and doctors to help Nigeria.

“Life expectancy today in Nigeria is about 55 years, it is among the lowest in the world, but I believe that with investments in healthcare sector, we can raise life expectancy in Nigeria.

“That is why I have been supporting the healthcare sector in Nigeria in my own little way by donating to hospitals and nursing colleges. We are here to support the Bishop (Ephraim Ikeakor) in our own little way, because we know how he started this college and what he has done to bring it to what it is today.

“You as nurses have a job to do, to better the healthcare sector. Don’t just accept that the country is messed up, but do your own part to make it better because everyone has to do their own part.

“I’m here because I consider you very important and I have to do this as my own way to support healthcare in Nigeria. Health is number one measurement of any society. The first measurement of life of any society is life expectancy, and some of us are aware that Nigeria has the least life expectancy in the world.”

Reacting to this, the Anglican Bishop of Nnewi Diocese and Proprietor of the College, Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor, praised Obi for continuously coming back to donate to the college despite his contribution to its establishment when he was governor.

He said Obi’s consistency reflects his sincerity and passion for uplifting the community.

He said, “Obi’s style of politics is different. I have never seen a place where someone contested election and even after election he is still making donations as if it is campaign period. This is a man Nigeria will treasure for a long time.”

The Students’ Union Leader, Onyedikachi Otubaluonye, who spoke on behalf of the students, described the former Anambra governor as a blessing to the school and the wider community.

Obi also visited St. Felix Catholic Hospital, Nnewi, where he donated N5 million, while also reiterating his call for investment in the healthcare sector.

The former governor commended the commitment of the medical team.

Manager of the hospital, Rev. Fr. Peter Ugochukwu, who recalled how Obi visited 2023, thanked him for coming back again. He said the hospital wants to expand as they have already acquired a permanent site to build a multi-specialty hospital and establish a School of Nursing and Midwifery.

.Donates N20m to nursing college, mission hospital David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that investment in the