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REMITA AND IP OWNERSHIP IN FINTECH ECOSYSTEM

REMITA AND IP OWNERSHIP IN FINTECH ECOSYSTEM

 The success of the TSA is a demonstration that local technology can solve national challenges, argues CHRIS UWAJE

In today’s hyperconnected world, digital infrastructure has become the lifeline of national development. Just as roads and power once defined industrial growth, so now do data platforms, software systems, and digital frameworks define the knowledge economy. For a country like Nigeria, the implications are profound. Digital infrastructure is no longer a luxury. It is a strategic asset, a national security issue, and an economic necessity.

Back in 2001, Nigeria adopted its first National Information Technology Policy. That document signalled intent, but the digital era has since evolved with breathtaking speed. What once seemed futuristic is now foundational. Nations must choose whether to be passive consumers of foreign technology or strategic producers of indigenous innovation. At stake is not just economic potential, but sovereignty itself.

The global economy is moving toward artificial intelligence, cloud governance, digital currencies, and decentralised systems. Without a deliberate strategy to build and protect local digital capacity, we risk exclusion from critical value chains, and we would continue to depend on external systems we neither control nor fully understand to our detriment.

Technology is more than hardware and code, it is a nation’s capacity to define its future. Local tech innovations have the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy by creating jobs, opening new markets, and enabling digital self-reliance. From payment infrastructure to education platforms and digital identity systems, indigenous technologies are becoming essential tools for economic resilience and inclusive development.

Consider India, which implemented a deliberate national strategy that helped build a software export industry worth over 200 billion dollars. Nigeria has comparable human capital and an equally vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. With the right mix of strategic investment, policy alignment, and institutional support, our software ecosystem has the potential not only to replicate that success but to surpass it, shaping Africa’s digital future and influencing the global tech landscape.

Indigenous software also plays a vital role in inclusion. Designed with contextual awareness, it helps bridge rural access gaps, address gender inequities, and navigate infrastructural constraints. It ensures that technology serves the needs of all Nigerians – not just the connected elite – while preserving cultural relevance and economic value within our borders.

This has long been my advocacy. At a keynote address delivered seven years ago at the NITRA Quarterly Forum, I called for a national software development strategy and the creation of a technology innovation park to nurture talent and boost productivity. I also urged the allocation of at least 10 percent of the national budget to ICT, noting that Nigeria’s technology ecosystem was, and remains, underfunded and insufficiently protected. True indigenous content must involve products developed by Nigerians that do not require foreign remittance. That principle is more critical today than ever.

Few examples illustrate the power of indigenous innovation more clearly than the Treasury Single Account (TSA). Once plagued by fiscal inefficiencies, Nigeria now has in place a robust public finance mechanism made possible by a local software solution, Remita.

The TSA was created to address the longstanding problem of fragmented government banking. Before its introduction in 2011, thousands of government accounts scattered across commercial banks facilitated financial leakages and institutional opacity. The TSA’s goal was to consolidate government revenues into a single account at the Central Bank of Nigeria, enforce financial discipline, and eliminate waste.

Since its full implementation in 2015, the results have been near-extraordinary. The TSA helped recover over ₦3 trillion from previously untracked accounts, led to the closure of more than 17,000 redundant accounts, and has saved the country over ₦45 billion in monthly interest payments. Annual overheads from bank charges also dropped by over ₦24 billion, according to reports.

This success story was enabled by Remita, a world-class solution developed by Nigerian software company SystemSpecs. Originally a product of SystemSpecs, Remita has since evolved into an independent company, Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL). Contracted through a competitive process involving the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and international consultants, Remita outperformed foreign options. Its performance over the years has demonstrated unequivocally that Nigerian software can deliver significant national impact.

The TSA’s achievements have drawn global attention. Countries such as The Gambia and Kenya have sought to replicate the initiative, seeing in Nigeria a model of digital fiscal reform. TSA is a powerful validation of Nigeria’s indigenous technological capacity and a testament to what is possible when local innovation is aligned with national strategy. Now, a new and transformative policy frontier is emerging in the form of the National Revenue Service (NRS) and its accompanying Revenue Assurance initiative. This reform aims to harmonise revenue collection across all levels of government, reduce tax evasion, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for sustainable revenue mobilisation. At the heart of this reform is a coordinated framework that will rely heavily on the foundational digital infrastructure already laid by the TSA.

The TSA would remain the critical bedrock on which the NRS must stand. The centralisation and accountability the TSA brought to public finance are the same principles the NRS must uphold and expand. If Nigeria is to build a credible, secure, and efficient national revenue system, then it must be deliberate about embedding indigenous technology such as Remita, which is tested and trusted, into the very fabric of its evolving.

Digital sovereignty is a nation’s ability to control its digital infrastructure, data, and technological future. In today’s world, software is at the heart of this control. Without it, we compromise our economy, governance, and national resilience.

The most vulnerable point of a nation’s development and security ecosystem is the financial ecosystem – especially when the Software that powers its processes is owned and controlled by foreign solution providers.

It is important to clarify what we mean by indigenous content. Too often, indigenous content is mistakenly equated with local content. However, the two are not always the same. Local content may refer to digital platforms or solutions developed within Nigeria, yet owned or controlled by foreign corporate entities. In such cases, while the software may be locally deployed, the underlying intellectual property (IP) remains foreign. True indigenous content, on the other hand, embodies both local development and indigenous IP ownership. It is Nigerian in conception, in code, and in control. This distinction is crucial because only indigenous content truly strengthens digital sovereignty, ensures value retention within the local economy, and guarantees long-term control over critical systems.

Nigeria is rich in talent, with over 400,000 developers and indigenous tech firms such as Interswitch, Flutterwave, and Paystack demonstrating global competitiveness. These success stories are not outliers, they reflect the broader potential of our tech ecosystem and the capacity that exists when innovation is supported and scaled. It is therefore imperative to preserve and protect homegrown solutions.

A recent call by the House of Representatives for penalties of almost two hundred billion Naira to be imposed on the indigenous company, Remita on account of an ongoing and yet to be concluded reconciliation process in respect of transactions processed over the past 12 years is puzzling and bizarre, to say the least.

If there are legitimate concerns about aspects of the TSA implementation, then any investigation must be seen to be impartial, transparent, and rooted in verifiable evidence, with findings made available to the public. No individual or organisation is exempt from accountability. However, targeted actions that appear politically motivated risk eroding the very trust that public finance reforms such as the NRS seek to build. These practices not only destabilise confidence in Nigeria’s software ecosystem, but also reveal a tendency to sacrifice long-term digital independence for short-term expediency.

Despite the notable successes, institutional inertia continues to undermine Nigeria’s software potential. Many government agencies at the national and sub-national level still default to foreign software, often driven by outdated preferences and procurement biases. The procurement process remains fragmented, with no clear national standard for evaluating software solutions based on performance, security, and adaptability.

Executive Orders EO003 and EO005, which mandate the use of local goods and services, are yet to be implemented with the consistency and seriousness they require.

The proposed National Revenue Service law offers an unprecedented opportunity to correct these structural flaws. It must not only harmonise revenue collection but also institutionalise indigenous technology as the default infrastructure for digital public finance. Much like the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Local Content Development Act of 2010 transformed local participation in energy, a national digital content policy is needed to protect our fintech and govtech industries.

While legislation is key to driving compliance in the public sector, the private sector must be encouraged to voluntarily adopt local technologies as part of broader ESG and national development strategies. Corporate Nigeria can play a crucial role in normalising trust in indigenous platforms, forming innovation partnerships, and integrating Nigerian solutions into their value chains. The shift from import dependence to domestic innovation must be a collective national movement, not a government-alone endeavour.

Equally important is the creation of an Indigenous Software Sovereignty Fund, a dedicated mechanism to support research and development, incubate startups, and scale local platforms that will power the NRS and future national systems.

Years ago, I remarked that SystemSpecs deserved a national merit award for the monumental role it played in harmonising government accounts into a single, technology-driven platform through the Treasury Single Account (TSA). This was not just a technical achievement — it was a profound act of patriotism. At a time when few believed local solutions could drive national-scale reform, SystemSpecs stood firm, offering its homegrown innovation to serve the nation’s fiscal transformation. For over a decade, the company has supported the TSA’s implementation with uncommon dedication, professionalism, and resilience. That contribution should not fade into the background — it deserves formal recognition as a benchmark of what becomes possible when Nigeria believes in Nigeria, and when private enterprise rises to meet the public interest.

The success of the TSA is a demonstration that local technology can solve national challenges. Now, as Nigeria embarks on a broader revenue transformation through the NRS and Revenue Assurance initiative, we must ensure that the lessons of the TSA are not only remembered but also enshrined in the next chapter of reform. This is our chance to cement digital sovereignty as a pillar of national policy. The sovereign code has already been written by Nigerian hands, on Nigerian soil. What remains is the political will to protect it, scale it, and embed it in the future we are building.

 Uwaje, “Oracle of the Nigerian IT Industry,” is a pioneer of Nigeria’s National IT Policy, which led to the creation of NITDA and the country’s National Software Strategy

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 The success of the TSA is a demonstration that local technology can solve national challenges, argues CHRIS UWAJE In today’s hyperconnected world, digital infrastructure has become the lifeline of national development.

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NIGERIA THROUGH THE LENS OF THE YOUTH

NIGERIA THROUGH THE LENS OF THE YOUTH

 President Tinubu’s administration has taken commendable steps which resonate with the young generation, reckons DARE OJEPE

As we mark two years since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, it is essential to evaluate his administration’s impact on Nigeria’s youth, a vital segment of the nation’s future. From the lens of students and young professionals, several initiatives and policies stand out, particularly the introduction of student loans, grants for technical education students, and the composition of his cabinet.

One of the most anticipated moves by President Tinubu has been the successful execution of the student loan scheme (NELFUND) aimed at increasing access to higher education. For many Nigerian youths, financing university studies remains a significant hurdle, often leading to prolonged academic timelines or inability to attend higher institutions. The administration’s efforts to establish accessible, affordable loans is revolutionizing higher education financing. It is enabling bright but economically disadvantaged students to pursue their academic aspirations without the crippling fear of debt or financial exclusion.

This initiative also signifies a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s educational policy, moving from a subsidized or free education model to a more sustainable, loan-based system that encourages responsible borrowing and repayment. For the youth, this provides hope and a clearer pathway to upward mobility. Moreover, it instills a sense of financial discipline and responsibility among students, shaping a generation that values education and understands the importance of financial planning.

Recognizing the importance of skill acquisition and technical education, the government’s N45,000 grants for students in technical schools show a commendable commitment toward diversifying Nigeria’s workforce. Such grants can potentially stimulate interest in technical colleges, leading to a more technologically skilled youth population capable of driving Nigeria’s industrialization and innovation agendas. It is an encouraging move, especially in a country where youth unemployment remains high, and practical skills are increasingly valued in a global economy.

Furthermore, these grants can serve as a catalyst for rebranding technical education as a first choice for many young Nigerians who traditionally view it as a lesser alternative to university education. By investing directly in technical institutions, the government is fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance; qualities essential for tackling unemployment and economic stagnation.

President Tinubu’s cabinet choices have reflected a progressive approach to youth involvement in government. Several key positions have been filled by young and dynamic individuals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. This inclusion demonstrates an understanding that the challenges facing Nigeria require daring and energetic minds capable of devising new ways to forge progress. Through mentorship and direct involvement, these young leaders are learning the intricacies of governance, ensuring a sustainable leadership pipeline for the future.

The presence of youthful ministers and advisors also energizes youth engagement in governance processes, encouraging more active participation from young Nigerians in policymaking, civic discourse, and activism. It serves as a signal that leadership is increasingly recognizing the importance of diversity in age, experience, and outlook and that youth voices are vital in charting Nigeria’s future.

While these initiatives are promising, the journey toward meaningful change is undoubtedly ongoing. For Nigeria’s youth, the next two years will be critical in seeing these policies translate into tangible benefits. More accessible education, practical skills, and genuine youth participation in governance are necessary to realize the full potential of these efforts.

Future plans should include expanding the reach of the student loan programme, ensuring it is inclusive and sustainable, and integrating more youth-centric policies into broader economic and social reforms. Additionally, fostering entrepreneurship among young Nigerians by offering seed funding, mentorship programs, and technology hubs can accelerate job creation and innovation.

A strategic approach would be to embed youth-focused policies into Nigeria’s overall development plan. This could involve dedicated ministries or agencies tasked with youth development, skill acquisition, and employment facilitation. Building partnerships with private sector stakeholders to create internship and apprenticeship programmes can also bridge the gap between education and employment.

Another essential aspect is amplifying youth voices in policy conversations. Platforms such as youth councils, consultative town halls, and digital forums can foster greater inclusivity and ensure policies address the real needs and aspirations of young Nigerians.

In summary, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has taken commendable initial steps that resonate positively with Nigeria’s young generation. It demonstrates an awareness of the importance of investing in youth-centric policies. If executed with transparency, commitment, and continuous engagement, these measures can lay a solid foundation for a more empowered, skilled, and engaged youth population. As young Nigerians, our hope remains steadfast: that the next phase of his leadership will deliver on these promises and pave the way for a brighter future for all.

 Ojepe is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Engagement

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 President Tinubu’s administration has taken commendable steps which resonate with the young generation, reckons DARE OJEPE As we mark two years since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, it is essential to

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NNL Chairman Hails Gov Oborevwori on Super 8 Hosting 

NNL Chairman Hails Gov Oborevwori on Super 8 Hosting 

The Chairman  of the Nigerian National League (NNL) Board,  Mr George Aluo, has commended the Delta State  Government  for accepting to host the Super 8 playoff, even as  he confirmed that the Playoff  will take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba  between July 5th and 12th.

Speaking after a meeting  with  the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr Solomon Oborevwori, Aluo said he was excited that the Delta State Government  agreed to host the Super 8 play off  to cap off an extra  ordinary  season of the second tier of Nigerian  league. 

“I am happy to  confirm and  announce that the Super- 8 play off  will take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba Delta State  from 5th to 12th July to determine the eventual champion of the 2024/ 2025 season alongside those to be promoted to the Premier League. 

“We are so grateful to the Governor  of Delta State His Excellency Rt Honourable Sheriff Francis  Oborevwori for accepting to host the play off. He has once again demonstrated  his love for the  Nigerian National  League. We look forward  to a very exciting event as the best 8 teams from the regular season converge on Asaba, Delta State. If the  standard  of the regular  season was so high, then what lies ahead in the Super 8 promises  to be super  fantastic.”

Osun United, Crown FC,  Barau FC, Kunkhalifa FC, Warri Wolves, Doma FC,  Yobe Desert Stars and Wikki Tourists have all qualified for the Super 8 Play off to determine the four teams that will be promoted to the Premier League.

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The Chairman  of the Nigerian National League (NNL) Board,  Mr George Aluo, has commended the Delta State  Government  for accepting to host the Super 8 playoff, even as  he confirmed

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FCT Wins 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament 

FCT Wins 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament 

Michael Olugbode  in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has won the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate tournament with 7 Gold, 5 Silver and 3 Bronze Medals 

Anambra State came in Second with 6 Gold, 6 Silver and 2 Bronze, while Bayelsa State was Bayelsa State was Third with 4 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze Medals.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the competition in Abuja, the Japanese Ambassador in Nigeria, Hideo Suzuki, said his country is happy to sponsor the tournament as a token of a contribution to sport development in Nigeria.

He said: “It is a great honour for me to be able to attend the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Tournament in Nigeria today. I am proud that we can continue this wonderful tradition, providing a platform to showcase the impressive skills and spirit of Nigeria’s karateka.”

He added that: “I was deeply impressed by not only the skill, but also profound human character, and passion for karate. Indeed, every participant here has embodied the fundamental principles that make karate more than just a sport: discipline, integrity, respect for one’s opponent, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement and excellence.

“To the athletes, congratulations on your wonderful performances. The strength you cultivated in the dojo will surely serve you well in life and in your communities.

The success of this tournament is a testament to the collaborative spirit of many people.

“My heartfelt thanks go out to Nigeria Karate Federation, officials, coaches, judges and all those who worked behind the scenes to make this event possible.

Next month, Nigeria will host the first-ever African Karate Championship. I understand this is a remarkable achievement, and I offer my heartfelt congratulations on this milestone. I am confident that the success of this tournament will contribute to the further development of karate at the regional level.”

He added that: “May the practice of karate continue to foster discipline, build character, and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our nations.”

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Michael Olugbode  in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has won the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate tournament with 7 Gold, 5 Silver and 3 Bronze Medals  Anambra State came in Second

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The Scourge of Marauding Herdsmen in the Benue and Urgent Need for Justice 

The Scourge of Marauding Herdsmen in the Benue and Urgent Need for Justice 

In a chilling replay of unrelenting violence, the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State came under siege between the night of 13 June and early hours of 14 June 2025. Armed men, believed to be herdsmen, unleashed terror on sleeping families—burning homes, slaughtering residents, and reducing an entire community to ruin. With nearly 200 lives lost and survivors left traumatised, Esther Oluku writes that the massacre had reignited national outrage and intensified demands for justice, security, and lasting peace in Nigeria’s most beleaguered farming heartland

Between 10pm on 13 June and the early hours of 14 June 2025, the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State was once again plunged into chaos and bloodshed. Armed men, alleged to be herdsmen, stormed homes and market stalls where defenceless men, women, and children were fast asleep. What followed was one of the most brutal massacres the state has witnessed—victims were butchered, shot, and burnt. The death toll is speculated to be close to 200.

As the community reels under a blanket of grief and disbelief, survivors are trying to rebuild their lives from the ashes of devastation. Though the loss remains palpable, the government, security agencies, and victims themselves are engaging in dialogue to forge a path back to peace and a semblance of normalcy.

A Survivor’s Pain

“My brothers and other family members were with me in the store. When I heard the shootings, I told them that we should leave, but my half-brother laughed, asking if I was scared of bullets. He said he would lock the doors with the women and children. That is how I escaped with my two wives. My other younger brother in the provision store was killed along with my half-brother, our wives, and children. They shot the door multiple times, forced it open, and shot him dead,” recounted Terhemba Iormba.

Of the eleven members of the Iormba family who took refuge in their shops that night, only three survived—Terhemba himself, his first wife Mtire, and his second wife Elizabeth. His other wives, Apam and Philomena; his sister Mgbetsan; younger brother Matthew; child Kumawuese; half-brother Akaama; and Akaama’s eight-year-old daughter were all reduced to ashes.

A successful farmer and businessman, Terhemba lost more than just loved ones. He watched his life’s work disintegrate in a matter of hours—1,000 bags of rice, 140 bags of beni seed, 540 bags of guinea corn, 70 bags of soybeans, 30 bags of maize, four mattresses, two motorcycles, two wheelbarrows, a power tiller, and two shops and warehouses filled with goods worth an estimated ₦3 million. Also destroyed was ₦500,000 in cash and 200 crates of beer, along with a refrigerator.

Many of these items, he noted, belonged to other traders and farmers who had stored them in his warehouses for safekeeping. With this loss, Terhemba, like countless others, has returned to zero—emotionally, mentally, financially, and psychologically.

The Toll of Violence

This attack, executed while most victims were asleep or paralysed with shock, is among the most inhumane and devastating carried out by suspected herdsmen in recent memory. Bodies were burnt beyond recognition. While some managed to escape, the memories and trauma remain.

With nearly 200 fatalities and numerous others wounded, residents fear this may be just one more episode in the long series of killings that have plagued the state for over two decades. Survivors have been relocated to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, where a new challenge has emerged: insufficient resources to address their needs.

“I came here when herdsmen attacked Yelewata. The governor told us to come here—that he would take care of us. We are hungry. They brought food but have not given it to us, and the rations barely feed one person. We share what we have. As the resources are insufficient, we’ve decided to return to Yelewata and fend for ourselves,” said Nancy Ugbir.

A History of Bloodshed

The Yelewata massacre is not isolated. Earlier in June, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia confirmed that 23 people were killed in Apa and Gwer West local government areas. In February, five people were killed in Okpomaju village, and 19 more in Kwande. 

On 3 April, Fulani gunmen attacked a Benue Links bus, killing two and abducting 13. Another 72 were killed in Ukum near Zaki Biam, and in April and May, multiple killings were recorded in Otukpo Local Government Area. Just this week again, they marauding herdsmen struck again and left blood in its wake. 

Farmer-herder conflicts are not new. A study by Cletus Famous Nwankwo in Science Direct titled “From Ejecting the Herds to Hidden Dangers” links the violence to changing socio-economics and commercial farming, land competition, and climate change. These pressures often lead to the displacement of farmers, creating ungoverned spaces.

“Ungoverned spaces, characterised by weak governance, violence, and insecurity, pose significant national and international security threats,” Nwankwo argued. These areas, he said, became breeding grounds for criminal activity due to state weakness.

“In northern Nigeria, inadequate forest governance enables criminal activities, including cattle rustling, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Though ungoverned spaces are not the sole cause, socio-economic dynamics among pastoralists contribute significantly to these conflicts,” he added.

Benue’s anti-open grazing law, while aimed at protecting farmers, has further escalated tensions, with herders responding through violent attacks.

Speaking on Arise TV, Governor Alia said, “The river is not too far by that axis. We understand that they came in through the water.” This points to a strategic exploitation of weakly governed natural corridors, underlining the complex and shifting dynamics of the conflict.

Religious Undertones

The Director of Communications of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuku, highlighted another disturbing dimension: religion.

“With herders being Muslims and farmers being Christians, these persistent attacks could be a calculated jihad towards conquering Christian settlements and converting them,” he warned.

Government Response and Presidential Visit

Five days after the incident and zero silence from the presidency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu finally visited Makurdi to commiserate with the victims, calling for reinforced security and justice. Although he held a stakeholders meeting, he however failed to reach the victims of the massacre, citing the rains and bad roads. 

 However, at the stakeholders meeting, he charged “I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals. Police, I hope your men are alert. How come no arrest has been made? Get those criminals.”

He urged Nigerians to embrace peace: “We now have to share and accommodate. We must change that attitude of hate… It must reflect in everything we do.”

Governor Alia echoed the president’s sentiments, saying, “We have the assurances of their support. We now have increased security teams. It remains our prayer and resolve that this kind of thing doesn’t happen again.”

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, pledged action: “We are going all out… We want this to be the last one that will happen”, while Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the police’s commitment: “We are committed to fighting this battle and winning this war.”

Allegations of Genocide

In the face of such chilling deaths, the Paramount Ruler of the Tiv nation, HRM Prof. James Ayatse, was emphatic: “This is a full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder terrorists. It is not learning to live with neighbours. It is war.”

He lamented the politicisation of the crisis: “What has Benue done to deserve this? We appeal to you to end the genocide and the insecurity across Nigeria.”

Terhemba Iormba stressed the need for security. “This conflict didn’t start now. It’s been over 15 years. They’ve chased me from my home. I now sleep in the market. If there was security, the herdsmen wouldn’t get away with this.”

Another respondent, Francis, pointed to an imbalance in power: “When they come with weapons, we have nothing to defend ourselves. The herders fear only the security operatives.”

Towards a Lasting Solution

To find a lasting peace, President Tinubu has established a Peace Committee. Members include former governors Gen. Atom Kpera (rtd.), George Akume, Gabriel Suswam, and Samuel Ortom; the Paramount Ruler of Tiv Nation, HRM Prof. James Ayatse; and the Ochidoma, HRM Dr. John Elaigwu.

Governor Alia appealed for a special intervention fund: “While we mourn and rebuild, we urge the Federal Government to establish a special intervention fund for communities affected by these incessant attacks.”

Such a fund, he said, would support the rehabilitation of displaced persons, the reconstruction of homes and infrastructure, and ongoing humanitarian relief.

For the survivors of Yelewata, life will never be the same. Amid the ruins of their homes and the ashes of their loved ones, they are left to grapple not just with grief, but with the overwhelming task of rebuilding from nothing. Children who once played in the courtyards now huddle in makeshift shelters. Farmers who fed entire communities have become beggars in IDP camps. Yet, even in their devastation, they speak with unwavering resolve.

“We may be broken, but we are not defeated,” said Terhemba Iormba. “We will return to our farms, rebuild our homes, and start again—not because it is easy, but because we must. But we cannot do it alone. The government must not turn away. We have done our part by surviving; now they must do theirs by protecting us. This land is our inheritance, not a battlefield. We are not asking for favours—we are demanding our right to live.”

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In a chilling replay of unrelenting violence, the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State came under siege between the night of 13 June and early hours

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Mike Abdul Captivates Fan Base With Release of FUJI RUSH

Mike Abdul Captivates Fan Base With Release of FUJI RUSH

Amid expectation and excitement, Fuji Rush, another song from the portfolio of music veteran Mike Abdul was introduced into the Nigerian market on June 20, 2025, promising another gyrating celebration of African gospel music.

Defined by heavy percussions, yet laced with intelligent lyrics, the song reinforces the creative dexterity for which the artiste has become famous in Nigeria’s gospel landscape and the music industry at large.

Fuji Rush is built on strong percussion. It’s intense and rhythmic, but it also has a base. It’s not just about the beat—it’s energetic, layered, and musical, the Ojoro crooner stated.

Speaking at the unveiling in Lagos, Abdul said, “It’s Fuji at its core, but with elements of pop and other genres woven in. What’s interesting is how gospel is now pushing the boundaries of Fuji, which traditionally wasn’t seen as gospel-friendly. That shift is exciting. Rap has done it. Afrobeat has done it. Fuji Rush is doing it.”

He added, “This isn’t about keeping gospel music in a corner—it’s about going into the culture, speaking the language of the streets, and flipping the script so they can be saved. That’s the energy Fuji Rush is bringing to the narrative.”

Although Fuji Rush represents a strong salute to Mike Abdul’s Midnight Crew days and the energetic throaty Fuji sounds with exciting modern vibes, the new single is also a departure from what the Igwe, Korede, and Eyan Jesu crooner has done within the Fuji genre. This new Fuji sound lays modern string and horn progressions on what is traditionally percussion-led, thus creating a spinning rendition of African sound.

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Amid expectation and excitement, Fuji Rush, another song from the portfolio of music veteran Mike Abdul was introduced into the Nigerian market on June 20, 2025, promising another gyrating celebration

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Industrial Revolution Work Group Technical  Session Ignites Industrial Renaissance

Industrial Revolution Work Group Technical  Session Ignites Industrial Renaissance

In what has been hailed as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s industrial journey, the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IRWG) concluded its 2-day technical session in Lagos, with resounding optimism, strategic clarity, and renewed resolve to shift Nigeria’s industrial transformation from vision to verifiable action.

Themed “From Activities to Outcomes: Driving Industrial Renaissance,” the session convened over 20 high-impact institutions spanning government, private sector, development partners, and regulatory bodies. The event was spearheaded by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI).In his compelling keynote, Senator Enoh charged participants to reject passive commentary and embrace agile execution, asking the now-anchoring question of the session: “What will success mean after this session?” His response—“a clear line of sight from insight to action, from policy to prosperity”—set the tone for two days of rich engagement, breakout working groups, and strategic prioritization.“This is not another conference. This is a pivot point. Nigeria cannot afford to continue the cycle of plans without implementation. IRWG is our engine room for delivery,” the minister stated.

Following rigorous deliberations across five thematic pillars, the IRWG adopted a series of high-impact resolutions poised to re-anchor Nigeria’s industrial ecosystem:

• Energy Security & Infrastructure Development: Strong calls were made for embedded power solutions, dedicated energy corridors, and harmonization of energy incentives for industrial zones. A gap analysis and naira-denominated energy pricing strategy were recommended as urgent interventions.

• Upskilling the Workforce: The Group endorsed the establishment of a National Industrial Skills Development Framework, reactivation of TVET colleges, and the deep integration of private sector-led apprenticeships. The National Skills Development & Innovation Framework (NSDIF) was proposed for adoption.

• Made-in-Nigeria Patronage & Counterfeit Control: A national campaign to promote local products, enforce stricter import controls, and harmonize regulatory frameworks was agreed. There was also strong support for a National Adire Day and the establishment of market hubs for Nigerian products.

• Affordable Long-Term Finance: Recommendations included establishing centralized industrial financing vehicles, accelerating BOI fund disbursement reviews, and declaring a State of Emergency on Manufacturing to mobilize targeted relief and incentives.

• Bureaucratic Reforms: Proposals were made for a single-window clearance platform, reduction of overlapping mandates, full digitization of regulatory processes, and alignment of fiscal and monetary incentives to fast-track industrial approvals. 

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In what has been hailed as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s industrial journey, the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IRWG) concluded its 2-day technical session in Lagos, with resounding optimism, strategic clarity, and renewed

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• June 22, 2025
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Plan International Champions Girls’ Rights, Gender Equity

Plan International Champions Girls’ Rights, Gender Equity

Nume Ekeghe

As momentum builds towards the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 4.0, Plan International Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to placing girls’ rights, gender equity, and inclusive education at the heart of the continent’s development agenda.

The non-governmental organisation, which returns this year as a theme partner, in a statement announced it will focus on system strengthening, strategic partnerships, and policy influence as part of its mission to protect, empower, and elevate adolescent girls particularly in fragile and crisis-prone settings.

Country Director, Plan International Nigeria, Charles Usie, said: “The development conversation is incomplete if girls are still being left behind. ASIS is a space where that reality cannot be ignored. We are here to keep the focus on meaningful change for every girl navigating risk, uncertainty and unequal systems.” 

Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, OlapejuIbekwe, lauded the organisation’s leadership at the summit. “Plan International Nigeria plays a critical role in keeping the summit equitable and inclusive,” she said.

“Plan International Nigeria does more than represent girls. It defends their place at the centre of every policy conversation. Their presence raises the standard. It reminds every stakeholder that any solution that excludes girls is incomplete by design,” Ibekwe added.

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Nume Ekeghe As momentum builds towards the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 4.0, Plan International Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to placing girls’ rights, gender equity, and inclusive education at