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Knowledge Transfer Crucial to Civil Service Growth, Says Delta

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, has said that the importance of knowledge transfer for desired growth and development among civil servants could not be over-emphasised, urging them to make a duty of training other staff to guarantee continuity in the workplace and even after retirement.

Ekedayen gave the charge at a ceremony in Asaba to celebrate the meritorious service and retirement of four dedicated senior staff members of the ministry who contributed to the growth and development of the ministry.

He noted that a civil servant’s impact was not about maintaining the status quo, but more about creating a lasting legacy through knowledge sharing and empowering others to keep the flag flying high.

While acknowledging the individual efforts of the staff, Ekedayen said, “I was fortunate to join the team two years ago. Despite initial reservations about the public service, I must say I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the supportive work environment and the chance to collaborate with outstanding individuals like you.”

“Mr Frank Isume is an exemplary individual who has consistently demonstrated exceptional integrity, honesty, compassion and truthfulness throughout his illustrious career as a permanent secretary.”

“His leadership and administrative expertise made my work effortless and engaging, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him.”

“The following retired staff members are being recognised for their remarkable contributions to the ministry: Mr Thomson Olije, who served as Director (Budget), was a man of exceptional skill and knowledge in his field. Mr. Roberts Oviri, formerly Director of Finance and Accounts, demonstrated unwavering integrity in managing the ministry’s finances.”

“Mr Samson Ofoh, former Chief Executive Officer Budget, was a meticulous and thorough individual in the line of duty. Mrs Nkem Jalla, former Confidential Secretary to the Budget Director, was diligent in her duties.”

Moreover, encomiums poured in from numerous colleagues, including Director of Budget Mr. Daniel Okpako, D-CARES Coordinator, Lady (Dr) Patience Ogbewe, Director of Statistics Ms. Nkechi Maduemezia, and Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mrs. Felicia Omare, and Mr. Emeka Okonkwo of the budget department among others.

They extolled the virtues of the retired staff members, highlighting their exceptional work ethic, kindness, and commitment to duty.

They also expressed gratitude to the Commissioner, Mr Ekedayen, for organising a unique send-off ceremony that concluded with prayers and goowill messages for the retirees.

Retired Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr Robert Oviri, thanked the commissioner for economic planning on behalf of the retirees, praising his kind leadership during their service years.

He expressed gratitude for the commissioner’s personal attendance at the event, and also thanked the staff for their solidarity.

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, has said that the importance of knowledge transfer for desired growth and development among civil servants could not

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Imo Commissioner of Police Arrests Seven Officers for Extorting Motorists

. A’ Ibom Police nab 54 suspects for various offences

Amby Uneze in Owerri and Okon Bassey in Uyo

In a renewed effort to entrench professionalism, discipline, and public confidence in police operations, the Commissioner of Police(CP), Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, yesterday embarked on an operational tour of police checkpoints across the state where seven Cops were arrested for various infractions and misconduct.

In another development, operatives of the Akwà lbom state Police Command have arrested 54 suspects for various offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, vandalism, and cultism in the past two months.

The commissioner inspected check points along the Owerri–Onitsha, Owerri–Port Harcourt, and Owerri–Umuahia highways.

The inspection followed reports and complaints from members of the public concerning alleged acts of extortion, harassment, and other forms of unprofessional conduct by some police personnel on field duties.

During the tour, CP Danjuma addressed officers at various duty posts, reiterating the core values of modern policing — discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights. He issued a stern warning that any officer found engaging in extortion, operating of passengers’ phones, intimidation, or misconduct will face strict disciplinary action, including dismissal and possible prosecution.

In a release by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, he said following the inspection, seven personnel were identified and arrested for various infractions, noting that appropriate disciplinary measures had been initiated in line with established procedures.

In an open and reassuring engagement, the CP also interacted with several motorists and commuters, urging them not to give money to any police officer on duty or surrender their mobile phones for unauthorised searches. He emphasised that such acts are unlawful, unethical, and will not be tolerated.

To strengthen accountability and promote public confidence, CP Danjuma personally distributed the emergency contact numbers of the Command’s X-Squad and Complaint Response Unit (CRU), encouraging the public to report any misconduct through these channels. He assured them that all reports will be treated promptly, professionally, and with full confidentiality.

CP Danjuma reaffirmed that the Imo State Police Command under his leadership remained committed to restoring public trust and building a police force anchored on integrity, justice, and service to the people.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Akwà lbom state Police Command have arrested 54 suspects for various offenses including armed robbery, kidnapping, vandalism, and cultism in the past two months.

Also, the command said it has concluded arrangements to guarantee public peace ahead for the visit of President Bola Tinubu to the state weekend.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Baba Azare, at a press conference in Uyo yesterday said the suspects include six suspected armed robbers, seven suspected kidnappers and one murder suspect.

It also included 30 suspected cultists, six suspected vandals and four burglars.

The police, he said, recovered several weapons from the suspects. They found two double-barrel cut-to-size locally-made guns and one incomplete long gun. Additionally, they confiscated two single-barrel/cut-to-size guns and 18 locally made pistols.

The commissioner stated that the police also rescued three kidnap victims and recovered cartridges, two vehicles and various ammunition.

According to the commissioner, the command has demonstrated total commitment to policing with integrity, strategy, and resolve over the

period.

“We have dismantled cult cells, crushed burglary syndicates, thwarted kidnappers, repelled pirates, and intercepted vandals and robbers. Let

this serve as a clear message: Akwa Ibom State is no haven for criminals,” Azare stated.

The CP stressed that the command under his watch would continue to remain tough, smart, and focused.

He warned individuals or groups against threatening the peace of the state as it would be decisively dealt with.

“We use this occasion to once again urge the public to continue providing actionable information. Together, we will strengthen our gains and deepen community,” he maintained.

. A’ Ibom Police nab 54 suspects for various offences Amby Uneze in Owerri and Okon Bassey in Uyo In a renewed effort to entrench professionalism, discipline, and public confidence in police operations, the

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Anambra Guber: Umeh Warns against Using Election as Opportunity for Warfare

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, Senator Victor Umeh, has warned political actors in Anambra State against using the forthcoming governorship election as opportunity to ignite violence in the state.

This is coming as stakeholders in the South-east yesterdaybrainstormed on ways of reviving the zone through massive industrialisation.

Senator Umeh, who was the chairman of during a rebranding ceremony held by a South-east based Newspaper, Alpha Times, said that even though it is an election year in the state, politicians must go about their businesses with decorum, instead of seeing the election as a time for battle.

He said: “From my base in Abuja, I have been reading a lot about the state, especially as it is an election year, but I want to beg that this should not be a year of battle or war.”

“It should be a year for the governor to show what he can do and for those who think they can do better to show how they can do it. Let the actors be very patriotic.”

“We must realize that the world is a stage and everyone will have the opportunity to do their best and leave.”

“Let us show a sense of commitment to our state, a sense of brotherhood and I look forward to seeing intellectual engagements as the campaigns commence,” Umeh said.

Speaking of regional integration, the senator praised Dr Paul Nwosu, the publisher of Anambra Times, which also rebranded to Alpha Times to serve the South-east population, saying there was need for South-east governors to come together and revive industries in the zone to provide employment for the zone’s teeming population.

He said: “I’m here to be part of the discourse about how we can ensure collaboration in the zone, we can say that the South-east is not where it should be. In 1964 we were branded as the fastest growing economy in the world because of the ingenuity of the Igbo people, and the industrialisation policy was top notch.”

“That was when most of the industries you see today were built, in hospitality we had chains of hotels and in agriculture we were the best and the South-east was the development corridor of the world.”

“President Bola Tinubu did well with the South East Development Commission and the people appointed there are people who are forward thinking. We that are in the National Assembly have continued to speak, but we South-east must take the bull by the horn and concentrate on areas we have comparative advantage.”

“We should not be waiting for anyone to make the South-east an industrial cluster because we have the ingenuity. I challenge our governors. They are supposed to lead the quest for industrialisation, that was what Michael Okpara did.”

“All the industries built by Okpara have died, what are the governors doing to revive them? Our people are very ingenuous, we are very creative. If we are talking about industrial parks, let them come alive, if it is in Nnewi, let us see those industries. Roads are not the only things we need, we need industries to engage our people. We want to see what happened in Japan happen here.”

“I’m in the Senate and people are coming to ask for white collar jobs, but we know that people can acquire skills that can help them be useful. Small and medium scale industries are what helped to boost China and Japan, when you aggregate what everyone is doing, it boost the economy of the zone.”

Keynote speaker at the event, Prof. Godwin Onu, who spoke on the theme: ‘Harnessing the Power of Interstate Collaboration to Unlock the South-East’s Full Economic Potentials,’ called for collaboration among the governors of the zone, instead of competing among themselves.

He described the states of the South-east as alliance states, who should be forming an agenda about how to push the development of the region beyond their various states. Onu proffered several agenda on how the zone can improve, both in education, security, infrastructure and many others.

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, Senator Victor Umeh, has warned political actors in Anambra State against using the forthcoming governorship election as opportunity to ignite violence

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FIRS Targets Sustainable Model that Focuses on Culture of Voluntary Tax Compliance

Rethinking role of audits, shifting from punitive enforcement to strategic guidance
Focusing on building systems that make tax compliance natural, seamless

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has charted a new path in tax administration, shifting focus from audit-based compliance to a more sustainable model built on voluntary adherence, transparency, and technological innovation.

This new direction, according to Special Adviser on Communications and Advocacy at the FIRS, Collins Omokaro, underscores the agency’s drive to create a future-ready institution that fosters a culture of doing the right thing consistently—without coercion.

“While audits remain a critical tool for identifying irregularities and ensuring accountability, they are by nature retrospective. They tell us what has gone wrong. What we need going forward is a system that prevents errors before they occur,” Omokaro said in a statement.

Under the leadership of Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji, the FIRS is rethinking the role of audits—shifting from punitive enforcement to strategic guidance. The agency’s evolving approach is focused on building systems that make tax compliance natural, seamless, and sustained.

Central to this strategy is the adoption of technology and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The FIRS is deploying modern digital tools not just to automate processes, but to offer predictive and preventive assurance. These innovations are designed to anticipate risks, enhance efficiency, and provide timely support to both staff and taxpayers.

“Technology allows us to move from fault-finding to foresight. Our goal is not just enforcement—it’s enablement. We are designing a system where it is easier to comply than to default,” Omokaro noted.

Education and capacity building are also key pillars of the transformation. The FIRS is intensifying efforts to educate taxpayers and train staff, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities within a transparent and ethical framework.

The shift aligns with Nigeria’s broader fiscal agenda to boost internally generated revenue and reduce reliance on borrowing.

According to Omokaro, the FIRS is committed to raising revenue in ways that are “efficient, equitable, and empowering.”

As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, the agency sees trust and collaboration as essential to long-term progress.

“Audits will always have their place,” Omokaro affirmed, “but the future lies in sustained adherence—a culture powered by technology, guided by process, and inspired by purpose.”

With this transformation, the FIRS is positioning itself not just as a tax collector, but as a partner in national development—promoting shared prosperity for all Nigerians.

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DBN Awards N13m in Grants to Tech Entrepreneurs

Nume Ekeghe

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has awarded N13 million in grants to three outstanding startups as part of its 2025 Techpreneur Summit in Lagos, to further strengthen its push to foster innovation among Nigerian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

BuyScrap, a leading digital platform for recyclable materials, received N6 million, Qiqi Farms, which connects local farmers to hospitality and export markets, was awarded N4 million and Eco-Cyclers, a youth-led recycling initiative based in Enugu, earned N3 million for its environmental impact.

Also, the bank in a significant move to drive data-driven policy and impact investing in Nigeria’s micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) ecosystem, launched a comprehensive digital data asset designed to provide insights into the needs, trends, and growth trajectories of small businesses across the country.

In his opening remarks, DBN Managing Director/CEO, Tony Okpanachi, said the summit’s theme: ‘CTRL+SHIFT: Tech Empowered Movement for Naija’, is more than just a keyboard command, but a strategic call to rethink the future of enterprise development in Nigeria.

He said: “It represents a bold pivot a strategic reset, powered by technology, to reimagine and rebuild the future of business in Nigeria. It is a rallying cry for us to take control, initiate a shift, and chart a new course where technology serves as the backbone of inclusive and sustainable growth.”

Okpanachi reiterated that since its inception in 2017, DBN has maintained a focus on empowering Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through financing, capacity building, and now, innovation.

He said: “This year’s Summit aligns seamlessly with our AMPLIFI strategy. From the digital shift workshops to the Eco-Innovation Challenge, we are embedding sustainability, scalability, and impact into the DNA of Nigerian tech ventures.”

Encouraging the winners and other young innovators in attendance, Okpanachi said: “The future belongs to those who are bold enough to imagine and build it. DBN is proud to provide this platform where your ideas can be seen, supported, and scaled.”

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the DBN Data Asset, a digital platform designed to offer real-time insights into the MSME landscape, helping regulators, banks, investors, and development actors make informed decisions based on evidence and impact data.

DBN’s Head of Strategy, Policy and Innovation, Jeremy Dan Okayi, described the platform as “a reservoir of insight, potential, and direction,” adding that it reflects years of collaboration and research.

“This journey, which began two years ago, has been one of dedication, collaboration, and a shared vision: to illuminate the path for Nigerian micro and small enterprises using the power of data,” Okayi said.

According to him, the platform aggregates DBN’s internal data with external sources like the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to create a rich portrait of MSME performance and needs across regions and sectors.

“We are transforming that heartbeat into a symphony one that enables informed policymaking, targeted interventions, and inclusive growth,” he said.

He praised the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) for its continued support of innovation and inclusive entrepreneurship. Okayi urged stakeholders across the ecosystem to fundamentally rethink how innovation is financed and scaled in Nigeria, while challenging startup founders to channel their talents toward transformative impact.

According to him, “To the brilliant tech founders who will be pitching their ideas today: this is your moment. The future belongs to those who are bold enough to imagine and build it. Your creativity, your passion, and your courage are exactly what Nigeria needs to move forward. DBN is proud to provide this platform where your ideas can be seen, supported, and scaled.

“Let me close by saying this: Nigeria is teeming with potential. Our youth are not waiting for change; they are creating it, and DBN is committed to amplifying your voices, supporting your dreams, and investing in your future.

“So, let us CTRL + SHIFT, together. Let us take charge. Let us rewrite the narrative. Let us lead the tech-empowered movement for Nigeria.”

Nume Ekeghe The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has awarded N13 million in grants to three outstanding startups as part of its 2025 Techpreneur Summit in Lagos, to further strengthen

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Five Years After EndSARS, Caustival 2025 Rekindles Collective Memory

* As SEDC promises hope for South-south geopolitical zone

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Five years after the #EndSARS protests that shook Nigeria, over 1,000 citizens gathered in Abuja last week for Caustival 2025.

It was a powerful two-day arts and film festival dedicated to memory, justice and civic resistance, according to Gatefield, a public strategy and media group.

Gatefield’s Media Officer, Hannatu Asheolge, in her statement, said the festival transformed the federal capital into a reflective and emotionally charged space that interrogated the country’s democratic journey, governance and accountability.

Asheolge said Caustival held on June 13 and 14 and featured more than 10 artists and filmmakers who presented provocative installations, films and performances.

These works, the statement added, explored state violence, the lingering impact of #EndSARS, and the importance of remembering in the process of national healing.

It read: “At the heart of the festival was a striking tribute installation honoring the victims of the 2020 EndSARS protests.

“This immersive exhibit — blending sound, visuals and video — brought attendees face-to-face with the emotional toll and unanswered questions that remain five years later.

“It wasn’t just about art. It was about refusal — refusing to forget, refusing to be silent.”

Asheolge added that public artworks featured in the event included broken police shields inscribed with protest chants and a recreation of a protest site complete with candles and symbolic questions.

She also said films such as Freedom Way, Bad Press, and Radical Gambo Dawaba deepened the critical discourse. Post-screening panels enabled citizens and activists to connect Nigeria’s struggles with global movements for justice.

Co-organiser Mahmud Jafar, according to the statement, emphasized that Caustival goes beyond art.

Jafar said: “It is a platform for telling the stories the state would rather silence and for building the civic imagination this moment demands.”

He added that the event challenged the nation to confront its history and embrace the responsibilities of remembrance and resistance.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of democracy, governance and civic space, Caustival 2025 underscored the enduring power of art — not just as documentation, but as a demand for meaningful change.

SEDC: A New Era of Hope for South-south

In a separate development, the South South Development Commission (SEDC) is preparing to launch operations with a renewed focus on equitable development and transparency.

At a recent Senate screening, Usoro Offiong Akpabio, the Managing Director nominee, promised to ensure balanced allocation of projects across the oil-rich South-south region based on specific needs like population and levels of underdevelopment.

Akpabio assured the Senate Committee on SEDC that the new agency would prioritize both infrastructure and human capital development, with particular attention to healthcare access in rural areas.

Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, she emphasized the importance of medical outreaches and the rehabilitation of decaying health facilities often neglected in regional planning.

She stated: “The rural community is very important. COVID-19 taught us a lesson. While everybody focused on general hospitals, rural areas were abandoned. We will address that.”

The Senate panel stressed the need for projects that directly tackle the region’s challenges — economic sabotage, environmental degradation and infrastructure decay.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Benson Kombowei, urged the incoming leadership to design strategic programmes tailored to the zone’s diverse communities and pressing needs.

The SEDC’s full leadership team includes: Hon. Chibudom Nwuche (Chairman, Rivers State); Marcus Nie Eji (Executive Director of Projects, Rivers); Aganaba Preye Steven (Social & Human Capital Development, Bayelsa); Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye (Corporate Services, Delta); Joseph Ugheoke (Commercial & Environmental Development, Edo) and Ambassador Sony Abang (Finance, Cross River)

Additional board members were also nominated from each of the six geopolitical zones to ensure inclusivity.

Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs and a member of the SEDC screening panel, congratulated Akpabio on her nomination.

He recognised her as one of the few female MDs in Nigeria’s development agencies.

Ekpeyong encouraged her to work collaboratively with board members and leverage their collective expertise to drive progress.

According to him, “You have your work cut out for you. You have a lot to prove, and we believe, based on your credentials and your responses, that you are up to the task.

“The region is rich in resources — oil, gas, and solid minerals — and we hope the commission can harness these for inclusive growth.”

The Senate committee pledged its support to ensure the SEDC fulfills its mandate to deliver impactful development across the South-south.

The session ended on a hopeful note, with both lawmakers and nominees aligned on a shared vision of justice, progress and sustainable development for the region.

* As SEDC promises hope for South-south geopolitical zone Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Five years after the #EndSARS protests that shook Nigeria, over 1,000 citizens gathered in Abuja last week

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Democracy: Ezekwesili, Yesufu, Onigbinde, Stakeholders Bemoan Corruption, Insecurity

Stakeholders in the nation’s democratic enterprise yesterday bemoaned the state of insecurity and alarming corruption in the polity.
The event, organised by the group, Mandate4, was convened to commemorate democracy day and reflect on 26 years of unbroken democratic rule and forge a path toward genuine democratic renewal.
Delivering the keynote address, former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, challenged the celebratory tone often associated with democracy day.
She called attention to widespread disillusionment and democratic stagnation.
She lamented what she described as “monopoly democracy,” a system where political power is captured by a few elite, eliminating competition and silencing citizens.
In his remarks, civic advocate, Peter Akah, noted that anger, while valid, was not a strategy.
He linked Nigeria’s deepening insecurity and economic hardship to systemic corruption and electoral malpractice, underscoring the urgent need for electoral reforms, particularly the electronic transmission of results.
Renowned activist, Aisha Yesufu called on Nigerians to reject money politics and support candidates with competence, character, and capacity.
She decried vote-buying and political apathy, urging citizens to fund credible candidates and demand real accountability beyond elections.
She urged Nigerians to reclaim their democracy through conscious, sustained participation in the political process.
Head of SPPG Africa,
Alero Ayida-Otobo, warned that Nigeria was in a downward spiral, marked by mass poverty, stalled development, and leadership failure.
She called attention to the entrenched leadership crisis in Nigeria, pointing out that many in positions of authority approach governance as a means of personal gain, not public service.
“To change Nigeria’s story, we don’t just need policies, we need a new class of value-driven leaders” she said.
Seun Onigbinde, Co-founder of BudgIT, identified key democratic pillars that require urgent attention: electoral competitiveness, civil dialogue, human rights protection, and sustainable development.
“If we’re going to fix Nigeria, we must fix the democratic foundations first,” he said.
Founder of Mandate4 and convener of the Town Hall, Century Favour, stressed the need to shift toward strategic, long-term action.
He challenged widespread political disillusionment and affirms that no politician or savior will fix Nigeria, the responsibility lies with the Nigerian people, organised and united around shared values.

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2027: Fresh Trouble for Katsina PDP as 263 Ex-aspirants Join Coalition

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The gale of defections sweeping through the Katsina State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a different dimension following the defection of 263 former aspirants of the party into a new coalition.

The coalition, under the leadership of the former Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Inuwa, is said to have been working behind the scenes to form a political party to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

The defectors include 25 former State House of Assembly aspirants, 13 chairmanship and 225 councilorship aspirants on the platform of the PDP during the 2023 general election.

They announced their defection into the new political movement at a strategic meeting with leaders of the coalition held at Inuwa’s office along Katsina-Mani road yesterday.

Speaking on behalf of the 25 former state Assembly aspirants, Jamilu Yahaya, said they left the PDP because it had become disconnected from the aspirations of the Nigerians it seeks to lead.

He explained that the former Assembly aspirants under his leadership will work with leaders of the coalition to form a political party that will oust the APC from power in 2027.

Yahaya, who read the names of the defectors, said: “We have entered an agreement with leaders of the coalition, and we are going to support it to succeed. We will woo other members of the PDP to join the coalition.”

On his part, the Chairman of 2023 local government chairmanship aspirants, Yasir Ibrahim, said they left the PDP to join forces with the coalition because of deceit and leadership crisis rocking the party in the state.

He stated that 13 local government chairmanship aspirants have joined the coalition, and efforts were ongoing to woo aggrieved PDP members into the coalition ahead of the 2027 poll.

Earlier, the Chairman of the 2023 councilorship aspirants in the state on the platform of the PDP, Hon. Aminu Usman, said 225 out of the 361 former councilorship aspirants have joined the coalition.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina The gale of defections sweeping through the Katsina State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a different dimension following the defection of 263 former

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NiMRA: Rapidly Increasing Data Volume, AI, Should Force Market Research Industry to Re-Strategies

Oluchi Chibuzor

As the Nigerian market research industry continues to grow, the Nigerian Marketing Research Association( NiMRA) has identified that rapidly increasing data volume should force players in the sector to re-strategies with artificial intelligence(AI) driving the imperative of innovation and resiliency.

To this end, the Nigerian Marketing Research Association( NiMRA), through the ongoing flagship 2025 annual international conference in Lagos, charged practitioners and stakeholders to explore the evolving boundaries of their profession.

Speaking during the day-two of the event with the theme: ‘Beyond The Boundaries: AI and New Frontiers’, the President of NiMRA, Seyi Adeoye, called on the industry to leverage AI tools to deliver inspiring innovation.

According to him, “This conference is more than an event; it is a celebration of resilience, innovation and collective aspirations. I invite us to explore the evolving boundaries of our profession as we navigate the transformative power of AI while keeping their eyes on other emerging trends shaping their industry.”

With the day-two centred on social and policy research, the Vice-President, NiMRA, Ajibike Seun-Ajayi, said it was about encouraging those into developmental research to grow, while keeping to ethical issues.

According to her, “So today, we’re dedicating it to agencies that are in tandem with social research, so that we will see how that segment of research grows, and then to be able to ascertain that we’re doing everything right to be on top of our games. A lot of us in the Nigerian market research system, we are members of ESOMAR and so we know, and we work by the ESOMAR Code of Conduct. We also have our own NIMRA Code of Conduct.

“And if you go against the NIMRA Code of Conduct, we hand you over to the disciplinary committee. Well, it is not all research that is shared with governments. Basically, you share your research with the client that has commissioned it. Except if you do social research on your own, as in your agency, you decided to just do this and put it in the public space, then you can share that with the government.”

Delivering his keynote speech titled: ‘Development Practice And AI: Evolution and Current Landscape’, Prof. Samson Arekete of Redeemer’s University said rapid increase of data and AI is evolving the industry.

According to him, “In today’s world the urgency of AI market research cannot be underestimated. We are seeing rapidly increasing data volume and complexity. I’m sure we know that today data is all over the place and how to harness them, how to get the benefit from the insight that we provide is very cognitive.

“So the need to do faster and more accurate insights has become imperative. The competitive pressure to understand consumers deeply is also very important and AI as a transformative force has come to stay, not just as a tool but as a force that we can tap into. So every researcher must understand the comprehensive overview of how Al has transformed market research to current trends, and its future implications.”

On her side, the Chairperson Planning Committee, NiMRA Conference 2025, Vera Nnaji, said that the event marked a defining moment not only for market research in Nigeria but for the entire ecosystem of insight generation across Africa.

She harped that the industry is standing at the crossroads of data-driven evolution, where Artificial Intelligence is not simply a tool, but a strategic partner in uncovering truths about human behaviour, consumer decision-making, and cultural dynamics.

According to her, “Al has become the enabler that empowers to see beyond what is visible- to listen faster, interpret deeper, and anticipate with greater clarity.

“As professionals in the insight industry, we must embrace this frontier not with fear, but with purpose-bridging our traditional expertise with the limitless capacity of intelligent systems to better understand people, cultures, and markets. This conference is a clarion call for us to reimagine our methodologies, ethics, and frameworks in an age where machines learn from humans and increasingly, humans learn from machines.

“Nigeria, with its vibrant youth population and growing tech sector, is uniquely positioned to lead a new wave of Afrocentric innovation. Let this conference serve as a launch pad, where research meets resolve, and insights meet imagination. This event is not just a conference; it is a statement of intent that Nigeria, and indeed Africa, is ready to shape the next chapter of insight innovation.”

Oluchi Chibuzor As the Nigerian market research industry continues to grow, the Nigerian Marketing Research Association( NiMRA) has identified that rapidly increasing data volume should force players in the sector

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Ogun West Governorship Aspiration: The Chain is Broken, the Siege is Over

By Kayode Oladele

The long-standing dream of Ogun West to produce a democratically elected governor is no longer just a quiet hope—it has become a powerful and unified movement. What once existed as a hushed conversation among political elites has transformed into a loud and assertive call for equity, justice, and inclusion. The tide is turning. The chain is broken. The siege is over.

The rising tempo of the Ogun West governorship aspiration ahead of the 2027 elections is not merely political rhetoric—it is the cry of a people who have borne the brunt of systemic marginalization since the creation of Ogun State in 1976. For nearly five decades, Ogun Central and Ogun East have rotated the governorship seat, while Ogun West—despite its significant economic and demographic contributions—has remained politically sidelined.

Today, the people of Yewa and Awori are no longer pleading; they are demanding their rightful place at the leadership table. This growing political consciousness is reflected in the birth of strategic advocacy groups such as the Ogun West Initiative, which are organizing grassroots mobilization and intensifying public engagement.

The movement is no longer confined to partisan interests or ethnic advocacy—it has become a unifying call across political parties, religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and everyday citizens. The message is simple: It is time for Ogun West.

Prominent among the champions of this cause is Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), whose recent political re-alignment to Ogun West and his proactive legislative and constituency development efforts have positioned him as the most visible and viable aspirant to break the age-long jinx.

At the recent Third Session of the Twelfth Synod of the Diocese of Yewa (Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion), held at Rev. Fry Memorial Anglican Church, Ishaga-Orile, the theme “The Siege is Over” was not just a scriptural reference—it became a political declaration. The Bishop of Yewa Diocese, Rt. Revd. Michael Oluwarohunbi, in a spiritually charged moment, declared that the “siege in Yewaland has ended,” and called Senator Adeola a divine instrument for transformation. This spiritual endorsement resonated with thousands and reinforced what many in Ogun West already believe: The time is now and Senator Adeola is the people’s choice.

Senator Adeola’s legislative achievements and infrastructural footprint speak volumes. In just two years, his representation has brought unprecedented development to Ogun West and beyond.

These include just to mention a few:Construction of strategic roads (Imasayi–Ayetoro, Ilashe–Koko–Alari, Ilaro–Owode, Atan–Agbara, and more), Modernization of state hospitals and internal roads in Ilaro and Imeko, Renovation of schools, markets, town halls, ICT centers, and police stations, Installation of solar lights, provision of transformers, and extension of electricity to underserved areas, Youth and women empowerment initiatives, including vocational training, scholarships, and health intervention etc. The list goes on and on.

These projects, along with mega empowerment programs likened to “the spoils of war” in 2 Chronicles 20:25, have fundamentally altered the socio-economic landscape of the Senatorial District. .

Ogun West is not a political afterthought—it is the economic engine of Ogun State, the HEN that lays the golden eggs. The Agbara–Ota industrial axis hosts a concentration of multinational companies that contribute a substantial portion of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The region also serves as a vital trade corridor to West Africa, due to its proximity to the Republic of Benin and Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub.

Agriculturally, Ogun West boasts vast arable land with rich potential for food production and agribusiness. Despite these immense contributions, its people remain politically shortchanged.

Since the state’s creation, Ogun Central (Egba) and Ogun East (Ijebu/Remo) have alternated in the governorship seat, effectively shutting out Ogun West. This imbalance has created a legacy of resentment, underdevelopment, and political alienation. One recurring factor has been the lack of unity among Ogun West politicians, who in the past failed to rally behind a single strong candidate. This internal disunity often resulted in fragmented votes, making it easier for other regions to consolidate and retain power.

However, 2027 is shaping up differently. There is now a growing consensus across Ogun West to rally behind Senator Adeola, a candidate with a proven record, national reach, political stability, and strong grassroots connection with Over two two decades of legislative experience (Lagos Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate) who is also respected for his philanthropy, loyalty to progressive politics, and hands-on leadership style. He is currently the Chairman of Senate Appropriations Committee—by far, the most influential legislative positions in the National Assembly with deep ties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national APC structure, ensuring federal alignment.

His strategic repositioning to Ogun West is not opportunism—it is a return to his ancestral roots and a calculated mission to correct a historical injustice. It is the general consensus of the people that he is the most credible and prepared candidate to lead Ogun State to greater heights.

Democracy thrives on inclusion and fairness. Power rotation is not just a political expediency—it is an expression of justice and a guarantee of balanced development. For 49 years, Ogun West has waited. The wait must end in 2027. It is time for the other zones to show solidarity by supporting Ogun West’s bid. The political elite across Ogun State must acknowledge this glaring imbalance and rally for equity.

The 2027 governorship race is not just about politics—it is about correcting a generational injustice. With Senator Solomon Adeola leading the charge, backed by a now-unified Ogun West, the opportunity to break the jinx has never been stronger. This is more than an ambition. It is a movement. It is a declaration of intent. It is the fulfillment of a prophetic moment that signals the end of an era of exclusion.
Indeed, the chain is broken. The siege is over. Ogun West is ready.

*Kayode Oladele is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a member of the Federal Character Commission.

By Kayode Oladele The long-standing dream of Ogun West to produce a democratically elected governor is no longer just a quiet hope—it has become a powerful and unified movement. What