Hot SOURCE News

Hot Source
Hot News
August 21, 2025
11 views

Makinde Approves Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan, Installation Holds September 26

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has officially approved the nomination of Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Following this official approval, the Olubadan-designate, Ladoja, would be formally crowned the 44th Olubadan at a coronation ceremony slated for Friday, September 26, 2025 at Mapo Hall in the ancient city.

A delegation by the state government, THISDAY gathered, met yesterday with Ladoja and other members of the Olubadan-in-Council at his Bodija, Ibadan residence.

A media aide to Ladoja, Chief Adeola Oloko, who confirmed the meeting said, “Ladoja will be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, 26 September, 2025.”

The former Oyo State governor had earlier on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with the kingmakers at his private residence on Ondo Street, Old Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government.

The meeting, the first since his return following the demise of the immediate past monarch, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, lasted for about two hours.
The former Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, joined his ancestors six weeks ago a few days after his 90th birthday celebrations.

But Ladoja, who had left town prior to the passing of the late Olubadan, returned to Ibadan Ibadan on Monday, preparatory to his official approval as the new Olubadan.

Ladoja, who described his journey to the throne as “bumpy and filled with trials”, attributed his emergence to the grace of God, Ladoja.
He spoke publicly for the first time on Monday since his official nomination, reflecting on the emotional and spiritual weight of his ascension following the death of his predecessor.

“When I heard about the transition of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, it hit me with a rude shock. I never imagined that destiny would call me at this moment,” he said, addressing a crowd at his residence on Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan.

He paid tribute to the late Olubadan, describing him as a traditional ruler who upheld Ibadan’s customs with dignity and honor. He extended condolences to the royal family, the Olubadan-in-Council, and the people of Ibadanland.

Recounting his path to the throne, Ladoja noted that his journey began over three decades ago when he was installed as Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland on October 1, 1993.

Since then, he has steadily risen through the 36 hierarchical steps of the Ibadan traditional chieftaincy system—one of the most structured in Yorubaland.
“It has been a journey of patience, perseverance, and divine favour. Many who started this journey with me are no longer alive,” he said emotionally.

The post Makinde Approves Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan, Installation Holds September 26 appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has officially approved the nomination of Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. Following this official approval, the Olubadan-designate, Ladoja,
The post Makinde Approves Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan, Installation Holds September 26 appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Hot Source
Hot News
August 21, 2025
12 views

REA, Delta Partner on Off-grid Power, Plan to Raise State’s GDP By $2.9bn

•Target 31,220 jobs, 471 unserved communities•Oborevwori: Delta won’t be left behind in renewables deployment

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Delta state government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the possible deployment of off-grid electricity to 471 unserved communities, leading to an addition of about $2.9 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Besides, when fully implemented, the agreement is expected to result in the creation of about 31,220 jobs in the renewables segment of the power sector to cut the growing unemployment rate.

Speaking in Abuja at the REA’s ‘State-by-State Roundtable Engagement’ themed: “Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State”, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori pledged the readiness of the state to fully take advantage of the suite of impactful programmes on offer by the REA.

During a presentation by the state government, it listed the immense potential for renewable energy, particularly solar power, with an annual average solar radiance of 4.53 kilowatts per hour, making it the highest in the South-south region.

On why the collaboration matters, the state government noted that electricity supply in rural areas is largely low, denying access to such basics as lighting and refrigeration for almost 70 per cent of the coastal rural areas of the state.

Despite the achievements of the government in rural electrification schemes, the state noted that on a regular basis, it is still inundated with requests from rural communities to either rehabilitate or reinforce existing dilapidated electricity networks or extend the electricity network as some communities do not have access to the national grid.

With an estimated 65 per cent of the rural communities in Delta State unserved and underserved, the government told the Renewable Energy Service Companies (Rescos) present at the event that huge opportunities currently exist for them in the state.

“I must emphasise that we view these programmes not only as energy access initiatives, but as powerful tools for inclusive economic growth, enterprise development, and rural transformation.

“Access to reliable energy is a cornerstone for unlocking productivity, attracting investments, and enhancing the livelihoods of our people, particularly in communities that have long been unserved and underserved. Delta State is committed to leveraging these programmes to accelerate the delivery of energy solutions that align with our medium-term development plan and the MORE agenda of Delta state.

“We believe that the outcomes of these initiatives will drive meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery, education, local industries, and job creation across Delta state,” Oborevwori stated.

Speaking on the advantages of renewables over traditional energy sources like fossils, Oborevwori highlighted that these sources remain critically volatile, environmentally unstable, non-renewable, and increasingly expensive.

On its part, he stated that Delta state will fully key into the federal government’s energy transition plan that ensures access to electricity, renewable energy means, and private sector collaboration as enacted in the State’s Power Sector Law (2024).

With an already established 8.5 MW embedded power plant, the governor said that this will be replicated in key public institutions in the state.

“As encapsulated in our electricity policy, Delta State is ready to widen its operations in the electricity sector. And therefore, we aim for the establishment of solar-powered mini-grids, solar farms for rural communities, hybrid solar wind systems, or any other renewable energy hybrid system for housing and coastal estates, and for businesses,” he added.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, while underscoring the need for mini-grids, stressed that on-grid power supply will not be cost effective for very far-flung communities.

“Here, we have identified 531 educational facilities that can be powered using the mini-grid. We also have identified 471 off-grid communities in Delta State. And we estimated that we can connect 120,000 connections using this mini-grid.

“Based on our analysis of this data, we have realised that if we address the electricity access target of all the communities within Delta state, we will boost the GDP of Delta State with at least $2.9 billion. This is based on factual data that we have written down.

“And we can create, in a very simple way, 31,220 job opportunities within the state and thereby attracting an investment of about $158 million,” Aliyu added.
In her presentation, the Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) of the agency, Doris Uboh, said that REF has successfully deployed 125 mini-grids, 25,000 solar home systems, and more than 200,000 electricity connections across 183 rural communities.

“We have connected 724 mini-grids with a total capacity of 16.6 megawatts. We have deployed 25,580 solar home systems. Our projects are all-encompassing, and we make sure it gets spread across the entire 36 states,” she stressed.

The post REA, Delta Partner on Off-grid Power, Plan to Raise State’s GDP By $2.9bn appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

•Target 31,220 jobs, 471 unserved communities•Oborevwori: Delta won’t be left behind in renewables deployment Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Delta state government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday signed
The post REA, Delta Partner on Off-grid Power, Plan to Raise State’s GDP By $2.9bn appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Hot Source
Hot News
August 21, 2025
11 views

NCC, Governors Forge Partnership to Boost Nigeria’s Digital Economy

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

In a significant step towards advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has commended Governors in the country for their openness to engage the commission in the management of the digital economy

In a statement, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Director, Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi, quoted Maida to have said, “The openness of the NGF to engage with us reflects a shared belief in the impact digital solutions can have on subnational development.”
Maida, emphasised the critical need for alignment between national and subnational digital infrastructure, describing it as a “game changer” for Nigeria’s digital economy.

According to the spokesman, a key focus of Maida’s address was the Right of Way (RoW) fees, currently set at N145 per linear meter, which he described as a significant burden on telecom companies.

Maida urged states to waive or reduce these fees to facilitate fibre optic deployment, stating, “The Right of Way is a critical element in opening up the digital economy, and this lies within the purview of the states.”

Echoing the call for collaboration, the NGF Director General, Mr. Abdulateef Shittu, highlighted the centrality of broadband and secure infrastructure to state development.

“Broadband and secure information infrastructure are no longer optional inputs to development,” he said.

He described them as foundational public goods. Shittu noted that while Nigeria has seen rapid growth in connectivity, national broadband penetration remains below the level needed for inclusive digital transformation.

To address this, he proposed four pragmatic areas for deepened partnership with the NCC: institutional alignment through State Broadband Coordinating Councils, policy harmonisation to standardise RoW rules, CNII resilience through state-level protection plans, and information sharing to enhance capacity building.

The Director General pointed to the World Bank’s SABER initiative as a model for success, citing states that have harmonised RoW fees, adopted coordinated trenching practices, and waived onerous fees to attract private investment.

“These policy choices have produced rapid increases in fibre kilometres and improved access to high-capacity networks,” he said, highlighting the socio-economic benefits, including improved productivity, job creation, and expanded access to education and health services.

Shittu and Maida emphasised the economic potential of enhanced connectivity, with Maida noting that that easing RoW barriers would enable telecom companies to create more value chains, benefiting citizens and increasing tax revenues for states.

Furthermore, Shittu said: “Expanded fibre coverage raises productivity, supports job creation, broadens access to education and health services, and enlarges the taxable base available to state governments.”

The NGF proposed leveraging the upcoming NCC Business Roundtable to convert commitments into concrete state-level pledges. “I further propose that the NGF and the NCC jointly convene a series of follow-up workshops to translate best practices from leading states into implementable toolkits for lagging ones,” the DG noted, advocating for measurable targets and clear timelines.

As Nigeria strives for universal, affordable, and resilient connectivity, the NCC-NGF partnership signals a collaborative path forward.

With states controlling critical administrative processes like land use and security, Shittu affirmed the NGF’s commitment, saying: “We will bring political will, coordination capacity, and the convening power of the governors to bear on this agenda.”

Maida, in turn, pledged the NCC’s technical leadership and regulatory clarity to ensure rapid and secure broadband expansion.
This landmark engagement sets the stage for a transformative push to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, with both the NCC and NGF poised to drive measurable progress in the nation’s digital economy.

Both leaders spoke when a delegation of the NCC paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat in Abuja.

The post NCC, Governors Forge Partnership to Boost Nigeria’s Digital Economy appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja In a significant step towards advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida,
The post NCC, Governors Forge Partnership to Boost Nigeria’s Digital Economy appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Hot Source
Hot News
August 21, 2025
7 views

Tinubu Approves N45bn for FCT Water Projects

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has approved for immediate release the sum of N45 billion, which is 50 per cent of the contract sum of Bwari Township and Karu Water Supply projects, to CGC Nigeria Limited.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, disclosed this yesterday at the official flag off of Lot 1 of Bwari Township Water Supply project.
He expressed hope that the contractors would deliver the project for the President’s third anniversary in office in May next year.

“The president has mandated that the contract for this ought to be 18 months, but we discussed with the contractors and pleaded with them that they have to do all it takes so that by the third-year anniversary of Mr. President, we will be able to commission these projects.

“And when the contractors assured us that they will try as much as they could, if funds are made available. Based on that, Mr. President immediately approved the release of 50 per cent of the total contract sum to CGC Nigeria Limited. I hope, by the grace of God, knowing the commitment of this company, in whichever job you give to them, they will deliver on time,” Wike said.

The minister noted that the project would provide not less than 1,600 direct and indirect employments for the teaming youth.

He assured FCT residents that with the flag off of the project they would no longer need to dig bore holes to source untreated water for domestic consumption.
He also added that after the Bwari and Karu projects are commissioned, the administration will make appropriation for Kuje and Kwali in next year’s budget, while the Gwagwalada and Abaji water will be executed in 2027.

“So, by the time Mr. President’s full four-year tenure expires, we’ll have touched all the satellite towns by providing them clean, potable water.

“We have also agreed that we are going to bring water. When I come back to say we have performed, you too will perform. What President has done for you, when it is your turn too, you do for Mr. President. So, let us fulfill our own first,” Wike said.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary FCDA, Richard Yunana Dauda, described the construction and expansion of water supply in FCT’s satellite town project as a strategic infrastructure initiative that aligned with the FCT regional master plan, designed to improve access to potable water supply to FCT residents.

He said the scope of works for the project included site clearance, artworks, excavation works, supply and installation of about 198 kilometers of various types and sizes of pipes, ranging from diameter 60 millimeters to 600-millimeter diameter, different types of pipes.

The post Tinubu Approves N45bn for FCT Water Projects appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has approved for immediate release the sum of N45 billion, which is 50 per cent of the contract sum of Bwari Township and
The post Tinubu Approves N45bn for FCT Water Projects appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Hot Source
Hot News
August 21, 2025
6 views

Ethiopian Airlines to Add Three Extra Flights to Abuja from October 28

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Ethiopian Airlines has decided to add three extra weekly flights to the daily flights already operating out of Abuja.

The additional flights, the Airline noted, would be in the evening, while the daily flight would remain at midday.

A statement yesterday, by the Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines, Mrs. Firiehiwot Mekonnen, stated: “To support this growing trend, Africa’s biggest airline, Ethiopian will be adding extra flights to Abuja from the 28th of October 2025.”

Mekonnen said passengers from Abuja would have increased options, noting: “The extra flights will offer immediate connection to many African and Asian destinations that reduce the total hours of flight time for passengers.

“The extra flights from Abuja do not just offer more flights it comes with extra benefits.”

According to her, “The extra baggage allowance is for passengers going to some part of India, and Dubai.

“There will be three evening flights and the daily midday flight will not change. Only the additional flights will have different times.”

She disclosed that the airline, in collaboration with Meetings Incentives Conferences and Events/Exhibitions (MICE) would host the event in Abuja.

The post Ethiopian Airlines to Add Three Extra Flights to Abuja from October 28 appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja Ethiopian Airlines has decided to add three extra weekly flights to the daily flights already operating out of Abuja. The additional flights, the Airline noted, would
The post Ethiopian Airlines to Add Three Extra Flights to Abuja from October 28 appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Hot Source
Hot News
August 21, 2025
9 views

Access Holdings Expands Global Footprint with Trade Diplomacy, Social Impact in Zambia

Nume Ekeghe

Access Holdings Plc has continued to deepen its pan-African ambition with a unique blend of global deal-making and grassroots impact, underscoring its evolving role as both a financial powerhouse and an agent of social transformation.

The bank in a statement revealed that last week, its Group’s Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, joined policymakers, investors, and private sector leaders at the AfriCaribbean Trade & Investment Forum (ACTIF) 2025 in Grenada, where discussions centred on building new economic bridges between Africa and the Caribbean.

Key focus areas included tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and digital trade sectors widely seen as critical to unlocking the full potential of both regions.
At the forum, Access Bank’s CEO for Caribbean Expansion, Sunmbo Olatunji, described the institution as a “bridge” enabling cross-continental partnerships.”
“We are building pathways for trade and investment that will outlast today’s market cycles,” she said, highlighting the Group’s commitment to sustainable long-term growth beyond immediate market opportunities.

No sooner had the conference concluded than Aig-Imoukhuede was in Lusaka, Zambia, where he met with President Hakainde Hichilema.

The discussions focused on Zambia’s economic transformation priorities, particularly in energy and agriculture.

Access Holdings pledged up to $100 million in financing towards strategic projects aimed at narrowing the country’s power generation and transmission gaps—an intervention the government hopes will accelerate industrial output, especially in the mining sector where copper production is projected to reach one million metric tonnes this year.

President Hichilema welcomed the financing commitment, stressing that improved power infrastructure would play a decisive role in unlocking growth and sustaining Zambia’s industrial competitiveness.

Beyond boardroom engagements, Access Holdings also reinforced its reputation for community-centred impact.

In Lusaka, Aig-Imoukhuede inspected the newly renovated Maternity Ward B03 at the University Teaching Hospital, an intervention delivered by Access Bank Zambia to improve healthcare outcomes for women and children. The Chairman also held discussions with Vice President Mutale Nalumango, who commended the Bank for backing social investments alongside its financial services expansion.

Access Bank Zambia’s Managing Director, Lishala C. Situmbeko, and Acting Board Chairperson, Mildred Kaunda, accompanied the Chairman during his visit.
They emphasised that the bank’s strategy in Zambia blends innovation in financial products with investments that directly improve livelihoods.

“Zambia is central to our pan-African vision. We are here to build enduring partnerships that unlock prosperity and improve lives,” Aig-Imoukhuede said, reflecting on the Group’s integrated strategy.

The post Access Holdings Expands Global Footprint with Trade Diplomacy, Social Impact in Zambia appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Nume Ekeghe Access Holdings Plc has continued to deepen its pan-African ambition with a unique blend of global deal-making and grassroots impact, underscoring its evolving role as both a financial
The post Access Holdings Expands Global Footprint with Trade Diplomacy, Social Impact in Zambia appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Hot Source
Hot News
August 21, 2025
7 views

Bello: How I Got Donations, Sold My House to Build 540-Seater Auditorium for Students

•Dedicates structure on his 60th birthday•Education minister unveils facility•Sanwo-Olu, Osoba laud initiative

Segun James

The Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Olatunji Bello, yesterday, disclosed how he reached out to friends for donation and also sold a property in Magodo area of Lagos State, to start and finish a 540-seater auditorium for students of the Lagos State University (LASU).

Describing the period as the toughest, Bello, a former Secretary to the Lagos State Government and ex-chairman, Editorial Board of THISDAY, who donated the structure to LASU to mark his 60th birthday, spoke at the Epe campus of the institution where the auditorium was built.

According to him, the cost of the project initially frightened him, but he later found creative ways to fund it.

“I appealed to friends and well-wishers to convert birthday gifts into donations for the project. One wealthy friend who had planned to surprise me with a Land Cruiser Jeep converted it to cash. With more donations and God’s grace, we started in 2021,” he said.

The former Commissioner for Environment revealed that rising inflation and the crash of the naira nearly derailed the project in late 2023, forcing him to sell his Magodo estate property to keep construction going.

“The toughest moment was when costs tripled, but our faith never wavered. To God be the glory, the rest is history,” he added.

He said he decided to build an auditorium for LASU as a way of sowing seed in the vineyard of knowledge, instead of spending lavishly on a birthday party when he clocked 50 in 2011.

Bello noted that the idea was in line with his belief that public purpose was served better by helping public universities fill the infrastructural gap.
“Without wishing to sound sanctimonious or all-righteous, one point I like to seize this moment to make is the consequential choice between transient enjoyment and posterity.

“Thus, by choosing to invest the money through sowing the seed in the vineyard of knowledge, I believe we are invariably preserving my 60th birthday cake in a way that it will be shared and savoured by many generations to come.

“Besides, this is my humble way of supporting the argument that public purpose is served better by helping public universities fill the infrastructural gap.
“Certainly, the government alone cannot do it. Private individuals who really have the means should invest in public tertiary education to create more opportunities as prevalent in several developed countries,” he said.

He had earlier on his 50th birthday in 2011, instituted annual prizes in five disciplines namely, Law, Mass Communications, Social Sciences, Engineering and Medicine at the same university.

“So, as my 60th birthday approached, in 2021, the concern was how I could do more. For me, the idea of throwing a big party to mark the occasion was completely off the table.

“My darling wife, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the very able Madam Vice Chancellor of this great university, is the one who initially mooted the idea of building something for LASU to mark my 60th birthday.

“She was not yet the Vice Chancellor then. I never gave much thought to her suggestion immediately until few days later,” he added.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, officially unveiled the multipurpose auditorium.

Alausa, who was the chairman of the occasion, expressed satisfaction over the initiative, and highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to raising the education standard in Nigeria and enhancing human capital development.

“LASU is the most subscribed university in Nigeria when it comes to JAMB. You keep the campus in the atmosphere of tranquility.

“You have a governor and a president who believe in education and human capital development. The President, in the last 30 years, has committed the largest amount of money to health and education.

“The president places education as the centre of national development. By this year next year, you will be having energy solutions. The president has committed that every university in the country will have a mini grid that will make them energy sufficient,” he said, commending the. VC.

The State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks said: “This iconic edifice, generously donated by one of our illustrious sons, Hon. Olatunji Bello, stands as a testament to vision, commitment, and the enduring value of giving back to society.”

He noted that Bello had over the years contributed immensely to the growth and development of Lagos. “Together with his wife, he has continued to leave a legacy of service and philanthropy, and today’s commissioning further cements that legacy.

“This modern facility is more than just a building; it is a beacon of knowledge, creativity, and intellectual engagement. It will serve as a hub for academic discourse, cultural exchange, and strategic gatherings, enriching the learning environment for our students and inspiring them to aim for excellence.

“As a government, we have consistently emphasised education as a critical pillar of our development agenda. Under the Education and Technology component of the THEMES+ Agenda, we remain resolute in our commitment to provide world-class infrastructure and opportunities that will produce globally competitive graduates and strengthen Lagos as a centre of excellence.

“What we are witnessing here today perfectly aligns with our vision for a greater Lagos, a Lagos where government institutions, and private citizens join hands to advance education and empower the next generation.”

On her part, the Vice Chancellor thanked the governor, stressing that the donation of the auditorium aligned with the third goal of the university, which has to do with developing lasting infrastructure.

“Your presence represents more than a ceremonial visit, it symbolises commitment to excellence. This is the first time a sitting Governor will set his feet on this campus in an official capacity,” she said.

Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, thanked Bello for the donation, praising him for his contribution to humanity.

The post Bello: How I Got Donations, Sold My House to Build 540-Seater Auditorium for Students appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

•Dedicates structure on his 60th birthday•Education minister unveils facility•Sanwo-Olu, Osoba laud initiative Segun James The Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Olatunji Bello,
The post Bello: How I Got Donations, Sold My House to Build 540-Seater Auditorium for Students appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Hot Source
Hot News
August 21, 2025
9 views

Two Years of Renewed Hope in Tunji-Ojo’s Interior Ministry

By Femi Salako

Rhere are many ways to look at visionary leadership, the capacity to translate vision into reality, as the American leadership expert Warren Bennis is justly famous for saying. Visionary leadership involves the ability to innovate and to create; which is why, according to Leroy Eimes, a leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others see; that is, one who knows, in the words of Alan Kay, that the best way to predict the future is to create it. Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts, it is about one life influencing another, says John C. Maxwell, and great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves. (Eleanor Roosevelt). If vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others (Jonathan Swift) and leadership is the art of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work (Seth Godin), then visionary leadership means creating a platform for revolutionary ideas that shape and change the course of human existence. As President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope leadership clocks two years in office, it is apposite to consider how far the country has come in terms of strengthening its internal security organs, and how this fits into a broad strategy.

To be sure, Nigeria still grapples with internal challenges—every country does—but a close analysis of the situation so far will reveal precisely why there is cause for cheer. Precisely two years ago when President Tinubu appointed Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as Minister of Interior, he was looking at security as the bedrock of national development. His focus is enhancing the capabilities of our security forces, promoting peace and stability, and ensuring that every Nigerian feels safe and protected, no matter where they reside. Recognizing the limitations of brick and mortar measures, the ministry deployed digitization looking at the capacity of advanced technology to detect and prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and human trafficking, streamline border crossing processes, reducing wait times and improving the overall travel experience.It aimed to reduce errors and inconsistencies in documentation and identification, making it easier to verify identities and track individuals; provide valuable insights and data analytics to inform policy decisions and improve border management, and reduce opportunities for corruption and bribery by minimizing human interaction and increasing transparency.

In the last two years, digital systems have enabled the immigration authorities to better manage and monitor the flow of people across borders. They have also facilitated legitimate trade and commerce by reducing delay and increasing the efficiency of customs procedures. They have led to improved compliance with regulations and laws and created a more efficient, secure, and effective border management system.

It is significant that in not more than a year, landmark achievements such as the clearance of a backlog of 204,332 passports within a record-breaking three-week period, restoring confidence in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), revolutionized passport processing within a two-week timeline for applications and introducing home and office delivery of passports, streamlined application process, and championing the rights of Nigerian applicants and ensuring that they receive just treatment abroad, were made. Regarding the welfare of paramilitary officers, the administration’s focus on equitable compensation and the unfolding of plans for a functional pension board to boost morale and productivity, and the alignment of paramilitary salaries with those of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to ensure fairness and equity attracted plaudits. But that was not all: there was, crucially, a focus on the criminal justice reform. This move saw to the decongestion of correctional facilities, clearance of fines and compensations worth N585 million for 4,068 inmates, and the transformation of correctional homes into centers of rehabilitation, fostering hope and redemption for inmates.

Today, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, security infrastructure has been modernized. Among other landmark initiatives, the ministry created a state-of-the-art Data Centre and Command and Control Centre supporting new visa and passport application policies and border management; and E-Gates at airports that enhance security and efficiency. It also saw to the rehabilitation of correctional centers, with the Interior Minister earning several awards, including the Public Service Person of the Year 2023 (Leadership newspaper) for the bold and exceptional reforms. Via the Ministry of Interior, President Tinubu has demonstrated transformative leadership, fortifying Nigeria’s security. Among other extremely innovative measures, there is Safe Haven, a means of enhancing national security and community safety through partnerships with law enforcement and community leaders; Smart Border, which relates to modernized border management with advanced technologies to enhance security and facilitate trade and travel; Disaster Response Unit, which coordinates emergency responses and preparedness for disasters, and E-Visa, which simplifies the visa application process to promote tourism and international collaboration. There is also Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS), a system for enhancing migration data management to inform policy decisions.

With a clinical focus on reforms and modernization, the Tinubu administration has emplaced the Immigration Service Reform Committee with a focus on modernizing the Nigerian Immigration Service to enhance efficiency, reduce corruption, and improve service delivery. It unfolded the Digital Case Management System, streamlining case handling in the justice system to enhance transparency and reduce delays. With specific reference to correctional services, reform has been built around rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society. A case study is the Kuje Medium Custodial Centre, where facilities have been modernized to create a more humane and effective correctional environment.

Take a look at the Centralized Interior Management and Administration System (CIMAS), a centralized platform that enhances oversight and decision-making across Ministry of Interior agencies. CIMAS facilitates secure inter-agency collaboration and intelligence exchange among security agencies, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. Nigerian travelers are now familiar with initiatives like Electronic Visa (e-Visa), Landing and Exit Cards (LEC), Advance Passenger Information (API), Migrant Information Management System (MIMS), Citizen and Business (C&B), Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), Temporary Work Permit (TWP), Guard Management System (GMS) and Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens.

Notable achievements include increasing patrols with over 30 patrol vehicles, launching contactless biometrics, enhancing security and efficiency, designing and developing a Tier 4, 8.3 petabyte Data Centre and automating the visa application process. Before Tinubu’s Renewed Hope government, the situation in the paramilitary agencies was characterized by demoralized workforce, career stagnation, spilled over promotion exercise and female gender disenfranchised with low recruitment profile. All of that vanished with the coming on board of the Tinubu administration, which ensured the recruitment of at least 35 percent females in all recruitment processes, approval of 30,000 recruitment, promotion of over 50,000 personnel in two years, approval of peculiar allowance, implementation of modernized immigration project, and approval of paramilitary academy.

In particular, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has witnessed the deployment of over 800 mobile enrollment devices, integration of NIN with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), revalidation of Front-End Enrolment Partner (FEP) licenses, inter-agency collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), launching of the Self-Service Mobile App and Web Modification App, and technological upgrades and monitoring and evaluation systems. Go to the Federal Fire Service and you see improved response time and emergency services, and decreased amount of property lost to fire incidents from 1.2 trillion to 1.9 trillion saved in 2024t. Take stock of the situation in the NSCDC and you will marvel. The launching of Mining Marshall to protect mining sites and the Special Female Squad to protect school environments; massive arrest of illegal miners, establishment of a Railway Command to protect railway infrastructure, and the security of all telecommunications installations nationwide is nothing short of revolutionary. The administration recently recruited 30,000 personnel to fortify the paramilitary agencies.

In particular, there is an evident commitment to accountability and transparency, instilling values of integrity and openness in governance. Another angle involves supporting educational programs, healthcare initiatives, and empowerment projects in communities. The overall Impact is transforming institutions and uplifting Nigerian society through effective leadership and innovation and demonstrating a proactive approach to governance and commitment to protecting lives and property. This is the ennobling state of affairs in the Ministry of Interior where, under President Tinubu’s guidance, Tunji-Ojo keeps recording milestones.

*Femi Salako is Media Consultant to the Minister

The post Two Years of Renewed Hope in Tunji-Ojo’s Interior Ministry appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

By Femi Salako Rhere are many ways to look at visionary leadership, the capacity to translate vision into reality, as the American leadership expert Warren Bennis is justly famous for
The post Two Years of Renewed Hope in Tunji-Ojo’s Interior Ministry appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Hot Source
Hot News
August 21, 2025
12 views

Pen to Power: How Oketola’s Journalism now Shapes Academic Research, Public Policy

Adedayo Oketola, a highly decorated journalist, author and former newspaper editor, is seeing his work transcend the newsroom. His award-winning reports are now being cited in academic journals, policy papers, and international forums, proving that rigorous journalism remains a critical force in driving research, accountability, and reform across sectors. Uzoma Mba writes that the

award-winning editor’s impactful reporting is influencing scholarship and shaping governance conversations

Adedayo Oketola is a globally recognised Nigerian journalist, author, and strategic, energy and tech communications expert with over two decades of high-impact experience in journalism, editorial leadership, and media innovation. He is one of Africa’s most decorated editors and investigative journalists, having won over 15 prestigious journalism awards across local and international platforms. He served as Editor of The PUNCH, Nigeria’s most widely read and influential newspaper, from 2022 to 2024, leading it to consecutive Newspaper of the Year wins and earning the Editor of the Year award from the Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA) in 2023 and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) in 2024.

He had earlier served as the Editor of PUNCH Weekend Titles, namely Saturday PUNCH and Sunday PUNCH, for three years; the first in the 50-year history of the media group to edit both Saturday PUNCH and Sunday PUNCH simultaneously. In that capacity, he oversaw The PUNCH weekend publications that produced many awardees under his supervision, tutelage and mentorship.

With a career spanning frontline journalism, media strategy, and thought leadership, Oketola exemplifies the highest level of professional distinction, innovation, and influence that he is deploying on platforms like the International Visitor Leadership Program Alumni Association (IVLPAA), a body under the auspices of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, where he currently serves as president.

Delivering in his capacity as a key member of the fourth estate of the realm, Oketola’s work has influenced public policy, exposed systemic corruption, and advanced national conversations on disability, social inclusion, the power sector, energy transition, agriculture, anti-corruption, and drug trafficking prevention, among others. His investigative journalism, cited in both national and international fora, has earned him many accolades.

Three of his reports, namely, ‘How Banks in Nigeria Shut out 22 Million People with Disabilities; ‘Left Behind: A Telecoms Revolution without the Blind, Deaf and Dumb”, and “Social Exclusion: Pains, Agony of Lawyers Living with Disabilities”, published between 2011 and 2015, described PWDs’ everyday pain aggravated by the lack of ramps across banks, telecoms service centres, and courts, among others. These reports, among others, pushed authorities to mandate the installation of ramps in banks, service centres, and all public buildings in Lagos and some other states.

“Gridlock: 10 million Lagosians battle traffic robbers amid endless wait for N555bn mass transit systems” published on November 7, 2015, documented the suffering of over 10 million Lagos commuters at the hands of traffic robbers due to the unending gridlock while awaiting the N555bn light rail and commercial car transit systems. After the report was published, the then-governor of Lagos State tackled traffic robbery headlong, critical roads were redesigned to ease traffic, and the government renewed the drive to deliver the blue and red rail lines, which had recently been launched.

“Trapped Overseas: Stranded Nigerian Youths Traffic Drug to Fund Return Home” and “Abandoned by Men: Hard Times Push Women into Drugs, Arrest and Regrets’ focused on the travails of young Nigerians stranded overseas who began trafficking drugs to fund their home return. The reports were aimed at discouraging youths from drug trafficking.

In his award-winning report titled “NigComSat-1R becoming white elephant four years after –Investigation”, Oketola exposed the shortcomings of Nigeria’s communication satellite and its inability to deepen broadband penetration as promised. The report won a continental fact-checking prize for uncovering the corruption going on at NigComSat.

Titled, “Power Failure: Nigerians burn N17.5tn fuel on a generator in five years”, the report was a poignant commentary on Nigeria’s endemic energy poverty. A follow-up to that report, which concentrated on small businesses, titled “Nigerian small businesses on ‘death row’ –SMEs, traders losing investments to power shortage”, challenged the government to address the power crisis crippling businesses and investments.

A report titled, “Firewood, Coal Usage Poses Great Danger to 120 Million Nigerians”, which won the energy report of the year raised the consciousness of policymakers, government and the populace to the incalculable diseases and death risk facing the majority of Nigerians cooking with dirty fuels (charcoal, firewood and sawdust). The report also pioneered strong advocacy for massive investment in clean cooking (use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas) from both the government and private sector.

Beyond the impact of many of Oketola’s landmark reports, some of his impactful reporting is now influencing scholarly research across the globe. His body of work has not only won numerous prestigious media awards but has also become a valuable resource for academic inquiry into Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. His investigative reports have been cited in peer-reviewed journals and university research, affirming the intellectual and societal impact of his journalism.

For instance, the Review of African Political Economy referenced his reporting in “International Crude Oil Theft: Elite Predatory Tendencies in Nigeria,” using his work to illustrate entrenched corruption in Nigeria’s oil sector. The paper was authored by Eddy Akpomera.

Similarly, his reporting on terrorism and governance has been instrumental to scholars like Prof. Ifeyinwa Emejulu and Charlesmartin Nnaegbuna, both of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who examined the impact of insecurity on tourism in Nigeria between 2009 and 2017 in a paper titled ‘Terrorism and Tourism in Nigeria’, published in the Interdisciplinary Journal of African & Asian Studies, Vol. 7, No.2, 2021.

In “Economy of the Third World and Search for Greener Pastures in the Desert,” published in the Brazilian Journal of African Studies, Emmanuel Akubor draws on Oketola’s journalistic insights to examine economic migration in Nigeria.

His work has also informed media and communication scholars such as Prof. Rotimi Olatunji of Lagos State University, who cited Oketola’s publications during the university’s prestigious 63rd Inaugural Lecture on Advertising and Public Discourse.

Moreover, his work on insurgency and religious extremism has been referenced in a global academic collaboration published in the special issue of Religion, Conflict Transformation, and Peacebuilding, co-authored by two scholars, Stephen Onakuse from University College Cork and Victor Jatula from the University of Utah (Asia Campus).

These citations are a testament to Oketola’s ability to bridge journalism and scholarship, providing nuanced, evidence-based narratives that both inform the public and enrich academic understanding of Nigeria’s socio-political complexities.

As a journalist whose work is not only impactful but also cited in international scholarship, Oketola occupies a rarefied position, which is one where public interest reporting fuels intellectual rigour and policy discussions.

In recognition of his contributions to journalism and intellectual development, former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo unveiled his debut book, and Mr. Oketola hosted Nigeria’s first-ever Exaugural Lecture by a newspaper editor to mark his transition from editorship and 20 years of service to journalism.

He is an Edward R. Murrow Fellow under the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program and has participated in advanced journalism training at Boston University’s New England Centre for Investigative Reporting. His global exposure includes attending and reporting from over 30 high-level international conferences across the U.S., U.K., Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Currently serving as a Strategic Communications Consultant, Oketola leads corporate and governmental PR initiatives, manages perception and crisis communications, and provides media training services. He writes commentaries on national issues and convenes the Africa Digital Economy & Innovation Conference (AFDEIC).

He is a member of notable professional and service organisations such as the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and Lions Clubs International, District 404B2 Nigeria.

The post Pen to Power: How Oketola’s Journalism now Shapes Academic Research, Public Policy appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Adedayo Oketola, a highly decorated journalist, author and former newspaper editor, is seeing his work transcend the newsroom. His award-winning reports are now being cited in academic journals, policy papers,
The post Pen to Power: How Oketola’s Journalism now Shapes Academic Research, Public Policy appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

Hot Source
Hot News
August 21, 2025
10 views

AI AND DIGITALISATION: NAL’S VERDICT

VICTOR C. ARIOLE writes that AI and digitalisation are expanding the frontiers of knowledge

Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) under the leadership of Professor Sola Akinrinade held its 27th Convocation and deliberated on “The Humanities in The Modern Digital World”. University of Lagos Akoka was the venue and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola anchored her brief speech on “Arts and Culture Constantly Remind Us of Who We are” – The Africans. It is only in Africa you have over one billion people speaking over 2,000 languages in the midst of over 6,000 languages of the world. Nigeria alone boasts of over 550 languages, and all of them harbor cultures and civilisations yet to be explored. And for the lecturer of the day, Professor Francis Egbokhare, every language has its own truth to tell and what seems to be superstition is now finding meaning in the current world – mythology, artifacts, meditation, contemplation, etc., are opening new horizons and spheres for telling some level of truth; either in contrast with what science proclaims or in counter-position with propaganda disseminated as truth. In all, both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digitalization are greatly helping to bring to relevance knowledge items in their different silos hidden in over 6,000 languages, which could be of great interest to Africa that speaks over 2,000 languages – both colonial and indigenous ones, while reviving over 1,000 dead ones.

Multiple scenarios exist to appreciate what Digitalization and AI offer to the African, if only Arts and the Humanities could use them to redirect the knowledge process to reveal “who the Africans are” distinct from the propaganda of “the others” that reduce the African to mere spectators of world events. A continent known to harbor the greatest number of youth population and arable land.

One of the scenarios is that recursive knowledge is now greatly available – to the computer scientist, it is recovering and converging smaller solutions in their smaller devised codes, spread in different silos for a greater impact. Languages and their hidden knowledge items could be interlinked like the spider, African folks tale hero of the Akans, reveals. The Ananse tales. Check out how Digitalization and AI simulation are proving that artifacts and inscriptions around the Caucasus mountains give room to African codes and that, in deed, Africans have served as nobles and kings there. Some simulations and cross-referencing of Xhosa and Kikuyi languages in South Africa relate with a language in West Africa. It is also to be noted that stolen artifacts, now being returned in bits, as empty shells, have been well studied by tools relating to AI and the knowledge stored in digital form and is yet to be made known to the world. Knowledge once stored in artifacts are recursively cross-referenced to reveal the African past, though not yet made available to all. Africa’s Arts and Humanities’ Studies must crave to unveil them like Cheikh Anta Diop partially did in unveiling the mystery behind the Egyptian pyramid as enabled by the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Scenario two, is the enablement of AI and Digitalisation to help researchers refresh and recall easily their memory as neuronally encoded facts that seem to be having issues in being recalled. For example, a lecturer in the gathering admits using AI to write a paper and it turned out to be better than she could have imagined. Here, issues of originality and plagiarism surface though mitigated by the new paradigm that allows up to 30% level of plagiarism. It is also a shift from a wider base of knowledge paradigm in which information gathering or facts at the bottom are now slightly tempered with and compacted to make room for next level on the knowledge paradigm which is Understanding, Analysis and Interpretation. Here, it takes a good and grounded researcher to discern effectively and efficiently expected outcome of their research enterprise. It is definitely not meant for undergraduate students. Undergraduate students are already abusing AI. Lecturers as gatekeepers must be at alert.

Scenario three, simulation of multiple possibilities are available in decision making like drawing up a decision tree. Here, selecting what to feed into the computer becomes the greater knowledge process and it falls within the range of understanding and analysis of the paradigm.

For Arts and Humanities that deal with proactive measures and attempt at elaborating basic research items with delayed gratification application possibilities, AI and Digitalization could be used to renew knowledge items about the African and create new African space that counters propaganda like Professor Abigail Ogwezzi-Nsikak advocates in her paper on “Citizens’ Journalism”. That is, getting each African community to tell appropriately its own story and relay it for greater impact as part of “knowing who we are”. For Prof. Olukoya Ogen, historicizing the humanities in the age of AI is cross-referencing knowledge for a better African view beyond seeing knowledge from mere scientific perspectives. For Professor Gideon Omachone, like already mentioned, over 2,000 languages are spoken by over one billion Africans; and relating them to one another could lead to explosive knowledge outcome never seen before if only researchers and African government could create agenda of knowledge sourcing and propagation backed by funding to leap frog Africa into its own niche carving prospects for further acknowledgement by those who have for over 21 centuries decided the fate of Africans into not letting them know “who they really are”.

For Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), the duty of re-imagining the African heritage for a greater impact with AI and Digitalization is to be greatly canvassed so as to align with the Sustainable Development Goals of UN and the Agenda 2063 for Africa. As the baton of leadership is relayed to Professor Andrew Haruna the new President of NAL, let the work begin and let African Union (AU) wake up.

Ariole is a

Professor of French and Francophone Studies at University of Lagos

The post AI AND DIGITALISATION: NAL’S VERDICT appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

VICTOR C. ARIOLE writes that AI and digitalisation are expanding the frontiers of knowledge Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) under the leadership of Professor Sola Akinrinade held its 27th Convocation and deliberated on “The
The post AI AND DIGITALISATION: NAL’S VERDICT appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.