₦airaland Forum

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday held a memorial service in honour of his late friend and former President of the United States of America (USA), Jimmy Carter, paying glowing tributes to the American leader whom he described as a “titan and man of peace.”

Carter, the 39th president of the United States and the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his post-presidential work, died at 100, on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia.

At the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State, where the service was held, Obasanjo recalled how Carter stuck out his neck to save his life by seeking his release from prison under the late Head of State, General Sanni Abacha.

He said Carter paid a visit to Abacha solely to plead for his release.

He said, “President Carter was one of my foreign friends who stuck their necks out to save my life and to seek my release from prison. On President Carter’s visit to Nigeria, he got Abacha to agree to take me from detention to house arrest on my farm. But that did not last for too long.

“Many other friends and leaders intervened but President Carter was the only non-African leader, according to my information, that paid a visit to Abacha solely to plead for my release.

“I would remain ever grateful to all who worked for my release from Abacha’s gulag. Abacha ensured that I would not be released. Within a week of his death though, I was released by his successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who also facilitated my going round Africa and the rest of the world to thank all those who worked for my release.”

He said Carter later informed him of the efforts of Ted Turner, an American entrepreneur and founder of the Cable News Network (CNN), and others to secure his release.

“But the most surprising thing Carter said to me was, ‘Please see Ted Turner and thank him for his generosity. He came to me and asked me to get his friend, Obasanjo, released from prison. ‘I will take care of him and his family here or wherever he chooses to live’.

“I was touched and moved to tears. I immediately went to Ted who expressed to me the same sentiment that President Carter expressed,” he said.


‘What Carter and I shared in common’

In the tributes titled “JIMMY CARTER: THE DEPARTURE OF A TITAN,” the Ota farmer explained that he shared many things in common with Cater including an early life background.

He said “In terms of early life background, I shared similarity with President Jimmy Carter. He was born into a farming family in Plains, Georgia, and I was born into a farming family in the rural village of Ibogun-Olaogun in Ogun State.

“He grew up under a father and mother who were disciplinarians, who instilled in him the essence of discipline, morality, hard work, integrity, kindness and humility, compassion for the poor and strong belief in God. My parents inculcated similar attributes in me as I was growing up in a rural area that had no pipe water, no electricity just as it was in Plains, Georgia, while Jimmy Carter was growing there.

“He beat me though in one respect; there was a road to his settlement, there was no road to my village. We walked to every place or, at best, we were carried on bicycles.

“President Carter had a military background which I had and, in fact, we met when I was a military Head of State. But if not that we were both in politics, our paths may not have crossed.

“When I became Nigeria’s military Head of State, one major issue that Africa was facing, among others, was removing the last vestiges of colonization and getting rid of
apartheid all in Southern Africa.”

Obasanjo said he would miss Carter, “a great and true friend but I know we shall meet again in Paradise.”

He said, “One great lesson I learned from President Carter was that in his leadership, he carried along an army of co-workers that shared the ideal and the burden of the work with him. He led by example and in humility and that made success to attend his
way.”

Physiology of overexertion

Sexual activity, while often regarded as a pleasurable act, places significant physical demands on the body.

During sex, the heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and muscles are actively engaged. For a healthy individual, these changes are manageable.

However, for men with undiagnosed health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease—ailments common in Nigeria—prolonged or intense sexual activity can lead to fatal outcomes such as heart attacks or strokes.

“When a man goes for multiple rounds, he’s essentially forcing his body to recover and re-engage in high-intensity activity without sufficient rest,” explained physiologist Dr Chika Nnaji.

“It’s like running a marathon, pausing briefly, and then sprinting again without recovery. The body can only take so much.”

Also speaking on the medical dynamics of sex, a medical practitioner and Co-Founder of Prive, a men’s healthcare brand, Dr Olusina Ajidahun, stated that there are four distinct phases of sexual activity: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

He explained, “The first phase, excitement, begins with arousal. For men, this is when an erection occurs. For women, the labia majora swells, and beneath it, the labia minora becomes more prominent. The body begins to prepare for sexual activity.

“The next phase is the plateau. During this stage, the body is fully prepared for sex. Blood flow increases, and physical sensations intensify.

“Orgasm follows as the third phase. This is the crescendo or peak of sexual activity. For men, reaching orgasm is typically faster than for women, often taking about 20 minutes in one or two rounds of intercourse. This discrepancy leaves many women unsatisfied because their climax may require more time or stimulation.

“Finally, the resolution phase marks the return of the body to its baseline state. For men, this includes the penis returning to its normal size, while for women, certain physiological changes occur within the vagina.”

‘Women require more time to reach orgasm than men’

He also noted that it was important to recognise that the sexual experience isn’t just about men; it involves satisfying both partners.

“While a man may engage in 20 to 30 minutes of sexual activity, many women do not climax within that time frame. In fact, research suggests that 70 to 80 per cent of women have never experienced a climax in their entire lives. Some women require one or two hours of stimulation to achieve orgasm. This lack of satisfaction can strain relationships and, in some cases, lead women to seek satisfaction outside of their marriage,” he said.

Ajidahun further added that techniques such as MouthAction, anal sex, stimulation, and prolonged pre-intimacy can enhance satisfaction. He said by targeting erogenous zones, women may not feel the need to demand additional rounds of intercourse.

“The key is communication and understanding between partners,” he noted.

‘Peer pressure killing young men’

Among younger people, the medical practitioner noted that societal pressures and peer conversations about sexual performance can exacerbate the issue. It becomes less about genuine satisfaction and more about living up to perceived expectations.

“There are also cases where men, due to medical conditions like premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, seek to compensate by engaging in multiple rounds of sex. These individuals may not achieve adequate satisfaction and sometimes turn to enhancers such as aphrodisiacs. When such drugs are used, men may feel compelled to continue until the effects of the medication wear off.”

Stigma of weakness

One of the reasons this trend persists is the stigma surrounding male vulnerability. For many men, admitting to fatigue, declining sexual stamina or even health problems feels like an admission of failure. This cultural aversion to appearing weak prevents men from seeking help or discussing concerns with their partners.

“In our society, men are not encouraged to express vulnerability,” noted senior psychologist Usen Essien. “When a man can’t perform sexually, it’s often seen as a deficiency of character rather than a medical issue. This mindset pushes men to dangerous lengths to avoid ridicule.”


Older men should avoid multiple sex rounds – Physician

A medical practitioner, Dr Jennifer Emokai, said the acceptable benchmark depends on the age, stamina, and health of the man involved.

She said, “Younger men can go multiple rounds while older men can go fewer rounds. Men with health issues such as heart conditions, diabetes, and nervous system conditions, etc., will have their health and sexual function affected, hence they are not advised to engage in multiple sex rounds.”

The physician also noted that men should be aware of when they have reached their threshold for sex, listen to their bodies, and not engage when they feel exhausted.

“A lot of discipline and self-control is important for people who care about their health and well-being. An exception may be those men who are under the influence of drugs to enhance their sexual performance and those with mental illness such as mania; those ones may not have that control or discipline to avoid overexerting themselves,” she added.

Insatiable urge

A cleric and social commentator, Pastor Itekena Chepaka, said there was a pervasive cultural narrative that equates a man’s sexual prowess with his masculinity, often measured by the number of consecutive sexual rounds he can perform.

“This societal expectation exerts immense pressure on men to engage in multiple sexual encounters, sometimes to the detriment of their health and well-being. Men often face direct or indirect pressure from their social circles to conform to expectations of sexual endurance and frequency. Failure to meet these standards can result in ridicule or questioning of one’s masculinity. This is unnecessary. One round of sex is more than enough, and men should know that.”


70% of men aged 18 to 34 desire three sex rounds – PUNCH Investigation

On November 9, this reporter sent out a daring questionnaire to a group of men to know how many sex rounds they considered satisfactory.

The response was mind-blowing: 70 replies came indicating the sexual prowess of men aged 18 to 35 and those 45 to 70.

The response was a stunning revelation of sexual stamina preferences across two very distinct age groups.

The data, painstakingly analysed with the help of an expert data analyst, Ihechilurum Ikechukwu-Ogodo, exposed eye-opening trends that paint a fascinating picture of men’s sexual endurance and their expectations in the bedroom.

For the younger group—men aged 18 to 35—an overwhelming 70 per cent declared that three rounds or fewer were their limit during sexual activity.

This sets a clear stamina threshold, which many younger men seem to adhere to. Shockingly, 15 per cent of these men revealed that just one round was enough for them, while another 15 per cent felt two rounds were sufficient.

But here’s the kicker: only a tiny fraction, a mere 7.5 per cent, claimed they could go beyond three rounds.

What’s even more eye-catching is that many of these men confessed to using sexual enhancers to push beyond their limits.

Then, the plot thickens. Among the older group— 45 to 60—the data flips the script entirely. A striking 79 per cent of these men reported that just two rounds, or less, was all they needed to feel satisfied.

It’s a sharp contrast to the younger generation, and it’s clear: age is taking its toll on stamina. Yet, 10.5 per cent of these older men admitted that they could still push beyond two rounds, but not without the help of sexual enhancers.

Another 10.5 per cent were uncertain, hinting at the influence of health issues, lifestyle, or other personal factors that may contribute to their lack of clarity.

Ikechukwu-Ogodo, while analyzing the data, noted that there’s a stark decline in stamina as men age.

He pointed out that older men’s preference for fewer rounds correlates with the biological realities of ageing.

But the most intriguing was the reliance on sexual enhancers among both the younger and older groups, revealing an unsettling dependence on external aids to maintain sexual performance.

“The younger group’s admission of using enhancers, even when they exceed three rounds, strongly suggests that societal pressures to perform—along with a deep-seated perception of sexual prowess—play a crucial role in their behaviour. The data doesn’t just expose the physical decline in stamina with age; it also hints at the powerful social and psychological forces shaping men’s sexual expectations and behaviours,” Ikechukwu-Ogodo explained.

By Godfrey George


GODFREY GEORGE explores the rising phenomenon of multiple sex rounds among men and women, highlighting how social pressure, misguided beliefs around masculinity, and the performance-driven culture of modern relationships contribute to this trend

At 34, Chika Okonkwo has seen his fair share of life’s struggles. From losing both parents in one month when he was 11, to battling homelessness during COVID-19, his life has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs.

A native of Enugu State, he moved to Lagos in search of better opportunities and found his niche as a phone repairer in the busy Computer Village.

Known for his quick wit and steady hands, Chika became renowned for fixing even the most hopeless devices.

But, in his own words, no amount of skill could have prepared him for a near-death experience in the throes of passion that left him reeling for weeks.

The fateful night began innocently. Chika had met a vibrant young woman at a friend’s birthday party a few days earlier. Their connection was instant, and when she invited him over to her apartment for a late-night rendezvous, he thought nothing of it.

“She was beautiful and confident,” Chika recalls. “I didn’t want to seem like I wasn’t up for the challenge.”

What started as a seemingly ordinary night soon spiralled into a test of endurance. After their initial encounter, Chika was ready to call it a night. But his partner, fueled by boundless energy, was far from done.

“She kept saying, ‘One more round’,” Chika recounts with a weak smile. “I was flattered at first. I mean, which man wouldn’t be? But by the third round, I knew I was reaching my limit.”

Ignoring his body’s warning signs, Chika gave in to her demands for a fourth round. That was when things took a turn for the worse. “I started feeling dizzy and short of breath,” he says. “I thought it was just exhaustion, but then my heart started racing. I felt like my chest was going to explode.”

As panic set in, Chika tried to signal that he needed to stop, but his partner misinterpreted his distress as a playful act. When he began to pant heavily and clutch his chest, she finally realised something was wrong.

“I could see the fear in her eyes,” Chika says. “She asked if I was okay, but I couldn’t even speak. I thought I had died.”


Alone, afraid

In the chaos of the moment, Chika’s partner made a split-second decision that still baffles him. Gripped by fear, she grabbed her belongings and fled, leaving him gasping for air on her bedroom floor.

“I couldn’t believe she just left me there,” Chika says, shaking his head. “I was completely helpless. All I could think was, ‘This is how it ends.’”

After what felt like an eternity, Chika managed to drag himself to his feet and splash water on his face. His breathing gradually returned to normal, but the experience left him shaken to his core.

“I sat there for hours, just trying to make sense of what had happened,” he recalls. “I dreaded sex for weeks after that. I didn’t even want to think about it.”

Back at Computer Village, Chika’s near-death experience became the subject of hushed conversations among his colleagues. Though he initially tried to keep the ordeal private, the story eventually spilt out during a lighthearted discussion about relationships.

“They laughed at first,” Chika admits, “but when they saw how serious I was, the mood changed. One of my friends said, ‘You’re lucky to be alive.’ And he was right.”

Reflecting on the incident, Chika said he learnt to approach relationships—and his health—with a newfound sense of caution. “I used to think I was invincible,” he says wryly. “But now I know that even something as simple as overexerting yourself can have serious consequences. It’s not worth risking your life just to impress someone.”

Abiodun Akintomowo, a civil servant, was not as lucky. He died after a sexual encounter with a sex partner in Ondo State in January 2024.

That Sunday, the sound of church drums had faded and the evening breeze began to blow. The father of two, sought solace with a woman, identified simply as Bimpe. That evening, he checked into a modest hotel in the Akinjagunla area of the town for an intimate encounter.

However, as the evening progressed, an unforeseen darkness loomed.

After their encounter, Abiodun fainted, his vitality quickly waning. As he collapsed, Bimpe began to panic. Her frantic cries pierced the hotel’s silence, summoning the manager and concerned patrons. Despite their desperate attempts to revive him, Abiodun’s journey tragically came to an end.

The news of his untimely demise spread through Ondo like wildfire, igniting conversations laced with speculation and sorrow.

Whispers of ‘Magun,’ a traditional Yoruba charm believed to punish infidelity by causing sudden death during intercourse, surfaced.

Some locals, steeped in cultural lore, wondered if Abiodun had fallen victim to this ancient spell, especially given Bimpe’s status as a married woman.

The Ondo State Police Command, led by the Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, swiftly intervened.

Two individuals were detained: Bimpe, whose real identity remained shrouded in mystery, and the hotel proprietor.

Odunlami stated, “The man was not feeling alright after the sexual intercourse with the lady in the hotel, so he was rushed to the hospital and later died. The two suspects are still in our custody.”

As the investigation unfolded, the community grappled with a complex tapestry of emotions. Abiodun’s family was plunged into profound grief, mourning the loss of a husband and father whose life was abruptly cut short.

Experts who weighed in on the matter suggested that the man’s collapse may have been triggered by his body’s inability to handle the excessive physical exertion. His blood pressure, they noted, had likely shot up beyond normal levels, leading to a state of shock, which may have ultimately contributed to his tragic death.


40-year-old father of 12

The sleepy Tombia-Amassoma Road in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was, in May 2024, awakened to an eerie hush as residents discovered the lifeless body of a man in a brothel—an end both tragic and thought-provoking.

He was said to be 40 years old, a father of 12 children, and a man grappling with the challenges of a partial stroke. A Delta State indigene, his name, much like his final hours, remained cloaked in mystery as his story unfolded like an unscripted tragedy.

On a seemingly ordinary Tuesday morning, the man reportedly left his home unassumingly around 8 a.m. His destination? The now-infamous brothel nestled along the axis of Tombia-Amassoma Road.

What transpired within those dimly lit walls has left a community grappling for answers and a family with more questions than closure.

When his lifeless body was discovered, it was a haunting tableau: the man, naked, motionless, and alone in the quarters of the brothel. Not a single commercial sex worker was in sight; they had abandoned the scene, leaving behind only the echoes of his final moments.

Residents crowded the brothel, their whispers mingling with the morning air as they tried to piece together his identity. Neighbours and passersby speculated about his life, his choices, and the circumstances that led to his untimely end. To many, he was just “the man from Delta,” another customer of the brothel who had ventured too far into the shadows.

Some spoke of his struggle with partial stroke, wondering aloud if it was wise for him to engage in what would become a fatal tryst. Yet, it was the silence of the brothel and its usual inhabitants that spoke the loudest.

The brothel in question had long been marked as a “red-light zone,” a space where moral boundaries were blurred, and life often teetered on the edge of secrecy and danger.

Security operatives had raided it before, their efforts to bring order to its chaotic underworld yielding only fleeting success.

Commander of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Bayelsa State, Mr Tolumobofa Akpoebibo Jonathan, confirmed the man’s age and familial status.

“He is a 40-year-old father of 12 from Delta State,” Jonathan remarked, his words punctuated by the weight of the loss.

The Command Police spokesperson, ASP Musa Muhammed, also echoed the uncertainty surrounding the incident.

He admitted that investigations were ongoing and promised to uncover the chain of events that led to the man’s death. But for now, speculation reigns supreme.

Death in the shadows of intimacy

Again, in Ondo, tragedy struck one Wednesday evening in October 2022, shattering the calm of a popular hotel and sending shockwaves through the local community.

Lanre, a 45-year-old man, met his untimely demise under circumstances shrouded in whispers after he visited the hotel with a sex worker.

The man, who had reportedly checked into the hotel earlier that evening with his companion, excused himself after sexual intercourse to freshen up in the bathroom. Moments later, a loud thud startled the woman.

Alarmed, she rushed to the door, her frantic cries drawing the attention of the hotel staff.

The scene they encountered was grim: Lanre lay motionless on the tiled floor, unresponsive and lifeless.

Attempts to revive him proved futile. By the time police detectives arrived, the reality of his death was undeniable.

His body was later transported to the morgue at the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo for autopsy and further investigation.

The initial conclusion pointed to “Sudden and Unnatural Death”, but whispers in the community hinted at something far more sinister.

Some suggested exhaustion from an overindulgent romp, while others leaned into cultural folklore, claiming Lanre was a victim of magun.

The incident left Lanre’s family reeling in pain, their mourning laced with unanswered questions. What truly happened in that bathroom? What unseen forces, if any, played a role in his demise?


A shadow cast in Enugu

Three years earlier, in September 2019, a strikingly similar tale had unfolded in a hotel along the bustling Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

This time, it was a businessman in his late 50s, whose name was shielded from public scrutiny, and who fell victim to the intoxicating mix of lust, age, and, perhaps, reckless choices.

The man, whose story carried echoes of Lanre’s tragic end, had arranged a rendezvous with a widow from Anambra State. Unlike Lanre’s quiet companion, however, this widow would later deny any intimate involvement, her testimony steeped in protestations of innocence.

According to her account, the businessman had consumed two bottles of stout and a suspicious substance believed to be a performance-enhancing drug, seemingly in preparation for a night of passion.

But as the moments ticked by, his demeanour shifted. His breathing became laboured, and his behaviour erratic. Then, without warning, he collapsed.

Her cries for help drew the hotel staff, who immediately contacted the authorities. By the time the police arrived and the body was taken to a nearby hospital, the man’s fate had been sealed.

“I hadn’t even touched him,” she reportedly told investigators, her voice trembling with shock and disbelief. “He just started breathing fast and acting strangely.”

News of the incident reverberated through Enugu, raising eyebrows and setting tongues wagging. But unlike Lanre’s case, this tragedy was met with an almost stoic pragmatism by the man’s family. When his widow arrived from their home state, she was informed of the circumstances surrounding his death. Rather than pursue legal action or delve deeper into the murky details, she chose discretion over drama, a decision echoed by her husband’s relatives.

“It was a shameful death,” a family insider reportedly said. “They just wanted to bury him quietly and move on.”

The widow worked swiftly to secure the necessary documents to retrieve the body, closing a chapter that many in her position might have preferred to leave unopened.

Death in the name of desire

Sexual prowess has long been a source of pride and an unwritten standard of masculinity in many cultures, including Nigeria’s. For many men, their ability to satisfy their partners in bed, often through prolonged or multiple rounds of sexual activity, is seen not just as a personal accomplishment but as a societal expectation. However, this obsession with bedroom performance is increasingly proving deadly.

Stories of men collapsing and dying during or shortly after sex have dominated news headlines in recent years, sparking concern over a dangerous and largely unspoken trend. Behind closed doors, where passion turns into a race for dominance and stamina, the pressures of societal constructs of masculinity and self-worth converge in lethal ways. Men, driven by the desire to prove their virility, sometimes resort to dangerous substances, endure extreme physical exertion, or neglect critical health signals, leading to fatal outcomes.

While these tragedies often evoke shock and momentary discourse, they shed light on a critical public health concern that demands deeper examination.


Deadly obsession with masculinity

The patriarchal fabric of many Nigerian societies ties a man’s value to his ability to dominate—in business, social interactions, and even the bedroom, experts have noted.

A sociologist and researcher based in Owerri, Imo State, Dr Chikeluba Odinaka, said this urge to always dominate creates an unrelenting pressure to meet and exceed expectations.

He said, “For many men, sex becomes more than an intimate act; it is a performance where endurance, strength, and ‘rounds’ become metrics for self-worth.”

“When you ask men why they push themselves to such extremes in the bedroom, they often say, ‘I don’t want her to tell her friends I’m weak.’ It’s no longer about intimacy but about proving a point.”

Odinaka added that the societal pressure is amplified in relationships where the man feels inadequate or fears that a lack of sexual satisfaction might push his partner away.

“In some cases, men also overcompensate after perceived failures in other aspects of their lives—such as unemployment or financial struggles—by excelling in the one area they feel they can control: the bedroom,” he added.

Role of performance-enhancing drugs

To meet these lofty expectations, many men turn to performance-enhancing substances, ranging from herbal concoctions and over-the-counter drugs to prescription medications.

These substances, often taken without medical guidance, can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or even cardiac arrest—particularly in men with underlying health issues.

A study by the Nigerian Medical Association in 2022, revealed that 60 per cent of men aged 25–45 in urban areas have used some form of performance enhancement for sexual activity.

Alarmingly, 30 per cent of these men admitted to mixing drugs or taking more than the recommended doses, believing that “more” equals “better.”

Health experts have consistently warned against the misuse of such drugs. “These medications are designed for specific medical conditions, not for recreational use,” said a cardiologist, Dr Funmi Oyetunde.

“When men use them recklessly, they gamble with their lives.”

An Ibom Air passenger from Uyo to Abuja is to face prosecution for holding an Uyo-Abuja flight hostage until the flight was cancelled, preventing other passengers on board from flying.

It was gathered that the female passenger would have been lynched if not for the intervention of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and those of Ibom Air.

The incident happened on an Ibom Air flight scheduled to depart Uyo for Abuja at 1730hrs on Wednesday January 8, 2025.

Prior to the flight, passengers were said to have been informed that due to weight restrictions, some or all of their luggage may not arrive on the same flight.

Report from the consumer protection department of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that passengers with luggage above 20kg signed indemnity forms in this regard, while those whose bags were in the region of 20kg were informed verbally that their bags would arrive on the next scheduled flight which they all agreed including the passenger.

But after boarding, the passenger in question noticed that her bag was not among the luggage loaded into the bowels of the aircraft.

She therefore left the aircraft in anger and insisted that her bags must be loaded, otherwise the aircraft would not leave.

Despite the intervention of AVSEC and the pilot who even offered to carry her checked-in baggage in the cabin if not for the size, the passenger reportedly refused all entreaties and appeals.

However, the flight couldn’t depart again as Uyo is a sunset airport and it was almost time for the airspace to be shut.

Due to “the unruly behaviour” of the passenger, other passengers including those who had international flights in Abuja and those with important appointments could not leave Uyo that night as the flight was cancelled.

In a video of the incident shared on social media by the NCAA, other passengers were seen charging at the passenger, attempting to assault her as she was being whisked away by airport security personnel.

Another passenger was overheard saying she missed her British Airways flight because of the action of the lady.

It was learnt that the passenger’s reason for her action was because in December, her luggage was delayed as well and she didn’t want a repeat of that situation.

Confirming the incident, Director of Public Affairs and Consumers’ Protection of NCAA, Michael Achimugu said,

“Despite all pleas, she held the plane hostage until the airspace was closed. Consequently, the pilot had to announce a cancellation of the flight.

“It was at that moment that other passengers became irate. Had AVSEC and Ibom Air personnel not been on top of their game, the unruly passenger would have been lynched. I salute the timely intervention that saved her life.

“The airline had to provide immediate refreshment, transportation for passengers who were resident in Uyo, and hotel accommodation for those who came from out of town at great and avoidable cost.

“This means that the airline would have catered twice for the same flight. Added to this was the fact that a scheduling challenge has now been created automatically, one that will take days to normalize. For an industry where profit margins are extremely thin, this was very avoidable.”

Achimugu confirmed that in line with regulations, flight operations have weight restrictions and considering that in festive seasons, people travel with more luggage than they normally would, airlines are allowed to short-land baggage.

In line with the regulations, the Director confirmed that the passenger would be prosecuted, adding, “The NCAA continues to educate stakeholders about unruly behaviour and the penalties it attracts.”

“The regulations state firmly that no provocation justifies violence at the airport. Certain acts, especially holding up the movement of an aircraft through means of violence, could be interpreted as terrorism depending on the severity (to be determined by the police),” he added.

by Ayodele Oluwafemi


The Nasarawa State Judicial Commission has demoted Emmanuel Jatau, a chief magistrate, over misconduct in the case involving Chioma Okoli and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The judicial commission demoted Jatau from chief magistrate II to senior magistrate.

The decision of the commission was contained in a letter dated January 6, 2025, and addressed to Inibehe Effiong, Okoli’s counsel.

The letter was signed by Yahaya Shafa, secretary of the commission.

“Consequently, I have been directed by the Hon. Chief Judge of Nasarawa State and Chairman Judicial Service Commission to write and inform you that Hon. Emmanuel A. Jatau has been demoted by a grade level lower than his current grade level i.e from Chief Magistrate II on GL 15 to Senior Magistrate I on GL 14 and stripped of his magisterial duties,” the commission said.


BACKGROUND

On September 17, 2023, Okoli made a post on Facebook stating that she tasted Nagiko Tomato Mix, one of the tomato paste variants of Erisco Foods Limited, and found it sugary.

Erisco Foods Limited had described her claim as untrue and unfounded.

Days after the Facebook comment, Okoli was arrested by the police following a petition by Eric Umeofia, president and CEO of the company.

Her arrest sparked outrage on social media as many Nigerians called for her release.

The police had obtained an arrest warrant and remand order from a magistrate court in Masaka, Nasarawa, to that effect.

Subsequently, Okoli was arraigned at the federal high court in Abuja but she pleaded not guilty to the two counts of conspiracy and cyberstalking.

She was initially remanded at the Suleja correctional centre but later got bail.

Amid the legal battle, she suffered a miscarriage.


THE PETITION

Displeased with the remand order, Effiong petitioned the Nasarawa State Judicial Commission.

In the petition, Effiong argued that it is “brazen” for the magistrate to issue arrest and remand warrants against his client, who is not residing in Nasarawa and has never visited the state.

The lawyer also stated that the alleged offences were not committed in Nasarawa state.

“Fundamentally, the Chief Magistrate Court, Masaka, Nasarawa State lacks the jurisdiction (territorial jurisdiction) to entertain the applications for warrant of arrest and warrant of commitment to prison on remand,” Effiong wrote in the petition.

“The alleged offences were not committed in Nasarawa state nor is the Defendant living in Nasarawa State.

“We submit respectfully that a Magistrate Court has no jurisdiction to make any order or issue any warrant whatsoever (whether for search, arrest or demand) for the allegations levied against the Defendant which border on offences allegedly committed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

“This is simply because cybercrime is not only a Federal offence, it is one that the law creating the offence has donated exclusive jurisdiction to the Federal High court not only for the trial of alleged offenders but also for pre-trial investigative actions.

“We respectfully seek your Lordship’s intervention to investigate and appropriately sanction the assumed Magistrate (HON. E. A. JATAU ESQ.) on his/her involvement in this messy desecration of the judicial process and also invite any other official found culpable for necessary sanction.”

Lagos, arguably Nigeria’s go-to entertainment hub, was the spotlight of the recently concluded “Detty December” with nightclubs in the state alone generating a staggering N4.32 billion ($2.7 million) during the period.

A new report by advisory firm MO Africa Company Limited analysed data from November 19 to December 26, highlighting how the city’s vibrant hospitality and tourism sectors attracted travelers from across the globe.

Lagos alone welcomed an estimated 1.2 million tourists, of which 60% were domestic travelers.

This surge was partly attributed to insecurity in southeastern Nigeria, which prompted many to prioritise the safer southwestern states.

Most arrivals came for leisure and tourism, further going on to lend credence to Lagos’ position as a pole destination for holiday revelers.

Preferred destinations in Nigeria, for visitors coming from the abroad, included Lagos, Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ogun states.


Hospitality Boom

The influx of visitors drove record-breaking revenue across multiple sectors with hotels in Lagos reported to have generated an earning of N54 billion ($36 million) from 15,000 bookings in December. Short-term apartment rentals added another N21 billion ($13 million) from nearly 6,000 bookings. Short-let apartments charged an average nightly rate of N120,000 ($74.7).

Nightlife was another standout sector, with Lagos’ top 15 nightclubs generating a combined N4.32 billion ($2.7 million). Daily revenue for clubs averaged N360 million ($224,000), with premium tables fetching up to N1.2 million ($746.7) per night.

Beaches and resorts contributed proportionately as well, accounting for 70% of the N4.5 billion ($2.8 million) earned from recreational activities.

Event Centers and Luxury Rentals
Event centers hosted 1,175 bookings in December, yielding N1.2 billion ($804,000). Meanwhile, luxury car rentals saw a boom, with N1.5 billion ($937,500) spent on 750 bookings. High-end vehicles commanded daily rates ranging from N200,000 ($124.4) to N2 million ($1,244).

Kayode Omosebi, CEO of MO Africa Company Limited, says his team surveyed hotels, airports, short-let agents, and nightclubs to compile the data.

Omosebi noted the increasing reliance on cryptocurrency in Lagos’ hospitality sector.

“Eighty five percent of conversion to Naira and payments were done through this exchange platform. A number of bookings were done through agents rather than through booking platforms, which speaks to trust concerns and the power-play of agents in the industry.”

Looking ahead, Omosebi projected that ‘Detty December’ could bring in up to $2 billion in foreign exchange by 2026.

“The industry is evolving, and we would start seeing niche-focused hospitality and tourism experiences… There’s massive opportunity in bespoke event centers for concerts and shows,” he said.

Nigeria has called on the United Nations to investigate the funding and training of the Boko Haram terrorists.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, made the call in a recent interview he had with Al-Jazeera.

Musa said there was international flow of funding for the terrorists, stressing the need for the UN to come in to trace and track it.

The defence chief, who questioned how the insurgents had sustained themselves for 15 years, also fingered international conspiracy in providing the terrorists with funds, training and equipment.

Daily Trust reports that the CDS’ call on the international community for investigation came at the wake of a new trick by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists who are now deploying drones for surveillance ahead of launching attacks on security operatives.

Responding to a question on why Boko Haram has kept regrouping despite the claims by the federal government that the sect has been degraded, the CDS said: “The problem is that I think we have talked to the international community. Let’s find out the funding. As we speak, over 120,000 Boko Haram members have surrendered, and most of them came with hard currency. How did they get it? How are they funded? How did they get the training? How did they get the equipment?

“The UN needs to come in because we need to trace the funding. It is international flow, and we don’t have control over that,” he said.

Asked what his suspicion was, the defence chief said: “Well, maybe an international conspiracy… How are they being able to sustain themselves for 15 years? That is one question I think everybody should ask themselves.”

The defence chief, however, said he did not know whose interest it is to see Nigeria destabilized.

He noted that Nigeria is not the only country dealing with the asymmetric warfare.

“West Africa, the Sahelian area, and in fact, if actions are not taken, it is going to engulf the entire world.

“We are just good guys just trying to make sure that our country is secured, and then, some individuals seem not to be happy about it, and doing everything possible to throw us under the bus for whatever reasons…I have been in service for almost 33 years. Anytime we seem to be succeeding, somebody throws something at us, and the question is: why? Is it because we are succeeding or you don’t want the country to move forward? What is the aim? What’s the intent? That is the question we are asking.”

He also stated that the difficulty in getting equipment was one of the reasons the insurgency had not been wiped out.

“We have a procurement procedure which is being followed. And to also state that even with our monies at times, we find it difficult getting equipment. And the question is: why? One of the reasons why this insurgency has been for this long is because we have been denied access to equipment. Even when we have our monies to get it, it is difficult,” he said.

On why the military had been denied access to equipment, he said: “Well, I really don’t understand. It is a question that we keep on asking, why are we being denied?

“Our government is doing the best it can. But as an international system, like I said, we don’t produce (equipment), we need to buy. So, going to buy is sometimes a bit difficult, getting these items.”

Asked whether Nigeria has any foreign bases on its soil, the CDS exclaimed: “Not at all! We do not encourage any foreign bases. We have the capacity to secure our country, to secure the sub-region and to assist Africa. We have that capacity.

“All we need is to continue to do joint training, which we do, get equipment that we need to help us project these wars,” he said.


FG should send probe request to global community – Expert

In an interview with Daily Trust yesterday, a security sector reform expert, Chukwuma Ume, urged the federal government to consider a formal application to the UN for an investigation into the terrorists’ funding.

He said the government must show the willingness to invited the international community for such an investigation.

“Nothing is wrong with the CDS said in seeking the support of the UN…World over, when any country has issues with man-made issues or natural disaster, you seek support, capacity, intervention and even intelligence from other members of the international communities.

“Yes, it is something in the right direction, but it shouldn’t just stop at that action, and I’m sure the CDS is more than capable, and very knowledgeable of how to go about this. Most senior officers in the Nigerian military have international exposure.

“They must have gone on a peacekeeping mission to one or two other international assignments. I believe they are very vast and knowledgeable on how to table something like this. It is a request that should be matched with actions.

“The international community would also want to see your actions, they would also want to be encouraged by your human rights compliance records vis-a-vis your ability or intention to put in place good governance.

“In other words, if the government is making this request, they (UN) would want the government to show demonstrable efforts in terms of good governance, in terms of human rights compliance, in terms of all rules of engagements, how much are they complying with rules of engagements?


Military confirms 6 soldiers, 34 terrorists killed in Borno attack

The military high command yesterday broke its silence on the Saturday’s attack on it Forward Operating Base, Sabon Gari Area in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

It confirmed that six soldiers lost their lives during the encounter; while 34 terrorists, who had attempted to surprise the troops and retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops, were also killed.

Responding to Daily Trust’s enquiry Wednesday morning, Director, Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, said most of the bodies being recovered were those of the terrorists who were wasted by the gallant troops.

He said the terrorists were neutralised by the air component of Operation HADIN KAI when it conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists.

He said the Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were killed and their weapons recovered.

He said though the vigilante commander got injured when he stepped on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the timely arrival of reinforcement overpowered the terrorists.

He said: “On 4 January 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari Village of Damboa LGA of Borno State in a fire fight.

“The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops. The terrorists were taken unaware, when troops fighting patrol returning to the Base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced.

“Additionally, troops reinforcement team comprised of elements of Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilante as well as hybrid forces timely arrived the scene to overpower the terrorists.

“Furthermore, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.

“On the whole, 34 terrorist were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons recovered. Troops also recovered with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunitions. Sadly, 6 personnel were killed in action.”

He appealed to the media and Nigerians to respect non-disclosure of the names of killed-in-action personnel to allow administrative procedures of notifying their Next of Kin.

He said on the whole, the Armed Forces of Nigeria was profoundly conscious of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation, adding that troops remained committed to the course of defeating the terrorists.

By Hannah Johnson


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A viral video shows a Nigerian father praying fervently after discovering that his daughter was about to win a ₦5 million bet on SportyBet.

In the clip, posted by Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the father is seen kneeling with his head bowed on a chair, praying earnestly. The video briefly shows the game in which the daughter was on the verge of securing the win.

The caption reads, “Nigerian Father turns into a prayer warrior after finding out his daughter was close to winning 5 million naira from betting.”

As the video circulated online, it sparked a wide range of reactions. Many users flooded the comment section, sharing their thoughts and opinions.

One user, Crypto Ambassador, tweeting anonymously as #LordCrypto_, said, “An excuse for a dad, when you should be discouraging and cautioning your kid. Poverty is a ravenous beast.”

BÎĠ ÅŁĖX, tweeting as #Alex_fabulous2, wrote, “Let them play, prayer won’t work for SportyBet; if the game is meant to land, it will land.”

“See how you’re using your dad to play! Nawa sef for the papa,” commented BlackAfghan, identifying as #ese_billie.

Izuchukwu Nwabueze, tweeting as #princepark5252, wrote, “Lol, this thing isn’t for the faint-hearted.”

Country Boy, tweeting anonymously as #Country16983102, said, “A game that will land will land well, and the one that won’t, will not. No matter how many prayers you say, it won’t change the outcome.”

watch the video

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝟓 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐧

A viral video shows a Nigerian father praying fervently after discovering that his daughter was about to win a ₦5 million bet on… pic.twitter.com/b6TgI0c4NC

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) January 8, 2025

Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been urged to intervene in a case of alleged injustice, where Malam Surajo Yarima’s house, valued at about N20 million, was allegedly sold by a court for a mere N2 million.

Yarima alleged in an interview with Hikima Radio/TV yesterday monitored by LEADERSHIP in Kano that the house was auctioned by a court to offset the debt of N300,000 he failed to repay to someone who sued him.

According to him, he failed to appear in the court during sittings despite several summon notices pasted on his house gate ‘because he travelled out of the state’, but the court sold his house at the sum and threw him, his wife and nine children out.

He added that he has now brought the N300,000 debt, but the creditor rejected it. The court said he had a chance to appeal against the judgement within three weeks of its verdict.

“The house was auctioned on 4th January and I brought the N300,000 on 6th January, but my creditor refused to accept it. I am now sleeping outside with my family,” he stated.

Residents of Nottinghamshire, England have been left puzzled by the mysterious appearance of plates filled with peeled bananas left by the side of a road every month for over a year.

The phenomenon occurs on the second day of each month in 2024, when a plate of bananas is found on a street corner in Beeston, across from a local church.

The mystery began over a year ago at the intersection of Abbey Road and Wensor Avenue, and its purpose remains unclear. A local resident, Clare Short, discovered the pattern and noticed the bananas were consistently placed on the second day of each month.

The national leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has written to President Bola Tinubu, accusing the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, of sponsoring and imposing the President’s loyalist, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, on the union.

The NURTW made the allegation in an open letter placed as advert and signed by its President, Alhaji Ibikunle Tajudeen Baruwa.

The open letter is titled ‘SOS: A Passionate Appeal for your Immediate Intervention; Re: War of Attrition against National Union of Road Transport Workers by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff,’ is dated December 24, 2024.

The union called for President Tinubu’s immediate intervention in the matter, saying the controversy ravaging the union was caused by Gbajabiamila’s actions, who is allegedly sponsoring the imposition of MC Oluomo on the union.

SaharaReporters had reported how MC Oluomo emerged as the National President of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

He secured unanimous votes from all of the delegates in the Union's Quadrennial Delegate Conference for Zone 2 Council of the Union, which was held in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.

According to reports, MC Oluomo was nominated for the national position by the Ondo State Chairman of the Union and this was seconded by the Ekiti State Chairman.

Reacting to the result of the election, the Acting National President of the Union, Aliyu Ore, who was represented at the delegate conference maintained that MC Oluomo’s emergence as the incoming president is in line with the Union’s constitution.

But Baruwa in the letter, also endorsed by the Acting General Secretary, Comrade Sulaimon A. Musa and Treasurer, Bello Maduganari, stated, “We, the concerned National Officers and members of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), have found it necessary to bring to your attention through this medium, the benighted and awry fate of the Union.

“We wish to draw Your Excellency's attention to the challenges currently facing the National leadership of the Union, which we believe are exacerbated by certain actions attributed to the Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila."

The letter further read, “The situation leaves no hope of survival for the Union unless there is definitive intervention by your humble self.

“Your Excellency Sir, since last year, there are concerns about actions that appear to undermine the Union's constitution, allegedly aimed at influencing the leadership structure of the Union in a manner inconsistent with due process.

“We have been keeping quiet, believing that common sense will eventually prevail.

“To that effect and law-abiding citizens, we chose to handle the matter legally, but the situation keeps getting from bad to worse, hence this open letter to your exalted office for intervention.”

The letter explained that on May 24, 2023, Baruwa was duly elected for a second term in office and sworn in on August 21, 2023, in accordance and strict adherence to the provisions of the constitution of the Union.

“However, on August 28, 2023, it has been reported that a group of individuals forcefully entered the National Secretariat, resulting in the disruption of the duly elected leadership of the Union, and other National officers of the Union in the interest of peace and to avoid bloodshed, we instituted action at the National Industrial Court, Abuja against the illegal action of the former president and legitimate group in suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023.

“The National Industrial Court on the 11th of March 2024, the court delivered judgment in our favour.”

Not satisfied with the judgment of the National Industrial Court, “Our opponents filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja and on November 8, 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled on the matter and affirmed the judgment of the trial court.

“Soon after the Court of Appeal judgment, the former president, Alh. Najeem Usman Yasin purportedly inaugurated Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) as illegal president of the Union even when the said MC Oluomo did not participate in any election for the presidency of the Union as he was not a member of the Union at the time of the election as he voluntarily existed himself from the Union having publicly denounced his membership of the Union and joined the Lagos state Park Management Committee.

“Sir, we have received information suggesting that certain influential figures may be providing support to individuals acting in defiance of court orders, as contained in the judgments of the National Industrial Court as validated by the Court of Appeal.

“It is on record that there are allegations that some individuals have expressed confidence in their actions based on perceived backing from high-ranking officials, which undermines the rule of law and the judiciary's authority.

“We are prompted to bring this matter before Your Excellency because we sincerely believe that the "coup de grace" will come from you, being an advocate of democracy and the rule of law.

“Your Excellency Sir, we further employ you to use your good offices to cause a proper scrutiny of the doings of the Chief of Staff, with a view to saving a portentously vicious circle to industrial democracy, nay to political democracy, which the Federal Government has been sparing no resources to plant and enthrone as basis of the Nigeria polity.”


MC Oluomo – President Tinubu’s Loyalist

In March 2023, MC Oluomo sparked outrage when he threatened Igbo people in Lagos, warning them to stay home during the governorship election unless they planned to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.

He was caught on video threatening Igbo people in Lagos, warning them not to vote for candidates outside the ruling party. This incident sparked widespread concern, as it undermined Nigeria's democratic process and unity.

The video, which went viral, showed MC Oluomo addressing a gathering and issuing the threatening statement during the 2023 general election.

The Nigeria Police Force promptly denounced MC Oluomo's actions, but despite this, he has yet to face punishment for his conduct.

MC Oluomo's history of controversy is well-documented. As the former chairman of the Lagos State branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, he has been accused of using thugs to disrupt elections and intimidate opponents.

His influence and wealth, accumulated during his six-year tenure, have made him a formidable figure in Lagos politics.

Meanwhile, MC Oluomo has publicly described himself as being owned by Tinubu.

In October 2018, MC Oluomo, in an Instagram post, said Tinubu owned him and that whatever he (Tinubu) wanted was what he (MC Oluomo) would support.

He wrote on his Instagram page, “I am an Asiwaju Bola Ahmend Tinubu Jagaban loyalist, I wear the Jagaban jersey, I've been a loyalist since 1999, the first mecca i went is through his execellence in the year 2000, moreso, he as done alot for me, he made me who i am today our relationship has been was very cordial and strong in the area that I grew up in.

“So I'm one of his loyalist that have strong believe in him, he own the party and any where his interest belong I Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Mc oloumo belong. I and my people in Oshodi formerly endorse HE Akinwunmi Ambode for 2nd term because his government is still working in the shadow of the party national leader, but now the case is vice-visa i have to follow the interest of Bola Ahmend Tinubu and the party decision.”

Former staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) who were dismissed in a mass layoff last year, have sued the apex bank.

In a court document seen by TheCable on Monday, the workers alleged that the CBN violated internal policies, Nigerian labour laws, and their contractual rights.

The claimants, represented by Stephen Gana and 32 others, filed a class action lawsuit at the national industrial court of Nigeria (NICN), Abuja.

They said their termination process, carried out through letters, titled, ‘Reorganizational and Human Capital Restructuring’, and dated April 5, 2024, violated both the CBN human resources policies and procedures manual (HRPPM) and Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution.

The claimants said the process lacked the necessary consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.

The originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, under the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017, raised several questions for the court to consider, including whether the claimants were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing before and after their appointments were terminated.

The workers also claimed that the termination letters, issued on the basis of “restructuring,” were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.

Insisting that they continue to work for the apex bank, the claimants are seeking a court ruling that their dismissals are “void and useless”.

Additionally, they sought a restraining order to prevent the CBN from firing them without following the proper procedures, immediate reinstatement, and payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.

The court filing references Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which mandates consultation with the joint consultative council (JCC) and adherence to fair procedures before employment actions adversely affect staff.

The claimants said the provision was flagrantly disregarded, as they were given just three days to vacate their positions and hand over official property.

They are also seeking N30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal; and an additional N500 million as the cost of the suit.


COURT ENCOURAGES AMICABLE RESOLUTION

In another document dated November 20, 2024, the court called for an amicable resolution of the matter.

Gana and their counsel represented the claimants while Inam Wilson alongside seven other lawyers represented the CBN (the defendant).

In the document, Obaseki Osaghae, the presiding judge of the industrial court, acknowledged the defendant’s preliminary objection, filed on November 4, 2024, challenging the suit’s admissibility.

The claimants responded with a counter-affidavit, which their counsel confirmed had been served.

In response, the judge encouraged both parties to explore a settlement under Section 20 of the National Industrial Court Act (NICA) of 2006.

“It is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute,” Osaghae said.

The matter was, therefore adjourned to January 29 for the hearing of the preliminary objection or to review the progress of any settlement discussions.


BACKGROUND

In 2024, CBN terminated the appointments of about a thousand staff. The dismissal was said to have been conducted in four batches between March and May of the aforementioned year.

Some workers claimed that they received severance payments as low as N5,000, while others said their gratuities were absorbed entirely to offset outstanding loans.

Although the layoff was officially attributed to a “reorganisation” and “human capital restructuring”, the affected staff argued that the process violated the CBN Act, which mandates board approval for significant employment decisions.

On December 4 last year, the apex bank said its early exit package (EEP) was entirely voluntary and without any negative repercussions for eligible staff.

The CBN’s statement followed reports that 1,000 staff were sacked from the apex bank.

Reacting to the development, the house of representatives asked the CBN to suspend the “planned” retirement of 1,000 staff.

The lower chamber had also set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the “process and legality” of the exercise.

Speaking on the matter on January 3, Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the CBN, said the 1,000 staff who left the bank were not forced to leave.

Cardoso also said the early exit programme and the restructuring and reorganisation were to optimise the bank for enhanced efficiency.

Renowned Nigerian gospel minister and pastor, Nathaniel Bassey, has been invited to minister at the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

The non-political and faith-based event will be hosted by Reverend Merrie Turner ahead of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance’s swearing-in ceremony.

The prayer breakfast, to be held at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Presidential Ballroom, will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Dr. Alveda King and Pastor Mario Bramnick.

Confirming his participation on Instagram, Bassey stated, “Let’s raise a sound in America. See you on January 20, 2025.”

Bassey, celebrated for his music and ministry, is also known for the Hallelujah Challenge, an online worship movement.

In 2024, the Mayor of Albany, New York, honored him by declaring October 6 as “Pastor Nathaniel Bassey Day.”

The event emphasizes prayer and worship as a spiritual support for the U.S. government and presidency.

Written by Leadership News


As President Bola Tinubu’s administration completed its first full calendar year, the Presidential Villa became the hub of key decisions poised to transform Nigeria’s economic and political landscape. Here are some of the pivotal events that shaped the seat of power.


The Subsidy Saga and Economic Turbulence

The reverberations of Tinubu’s inaugural decision to remove fuel subsidies continued to echo through 2024. What began as a bold economic reform aimed at freeing up billions for reinvestment instead catalysed a chain reaction of economic challenges. The president’s unwavering stance on the policy, despite nationwide protests and soaring inflation, set the tone for an administration willing to make unpopular decisions in pursuit of its economic agenda.Recently in his maiden presidential media chat, defended his administration’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary reform to safeguard Nigeria’s economic future.

Tinubu expressed his resolve, stating, “I have no regrets whatever removing subsidies. It was necessary.”

The President explained that the subsidy system was unsustainable, likening it to mortgaging the future of the country for present consumption.

“We were not investing; we were just deceiving ourselves. The reform was necessary. We cannot have expenditure.

In response to mounting economic pressures, the federal government announced a new minimum wage of 70,000 naira. However, this gesture of relief was quickly undermined by the persistent rise in fuel prices, drawing criticism from labor leaders who argued that the wage increase was insufficient to offset the broader economic impact of the subsidy removal.


Cabinet Dynamics And Administrative Reforms

Perhaps no other aspect of Tinubu’s presidency drew more attention than his approach to government appointments and cabinet composition. In a move that raised eyebrows, the president maintained Nigeria’s largest-ever cabinet with 48 ministers, defending the decision as necessary for addressing the nation’s complex challenges. The October cabinet reshuffle brought significant changes, including the dismissal of six ministers, the appointment of seven new ones, and the controversial merger of key ministries.

Recently also , Tinubu defended his cabinet’s performance amid calls for reshuffling, asserting that his ministers are adding value and effectively managing their assignments.

“Nigeria is a large country. I need my cabinet; they are adding value effectively,” he said, dismissing criticism of their efficiency.

The President reiterated that job assignments in his administration are carefully structured to ensure efficiency and impact. “

You don’t give someone an assignment they cannot fulfill. Job descriptions must be efficient and effective,” he explained.

The presidential communications apparatus also underwent transformation following the departure of spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale. Rather than streamlining, the administration opted to expand the role, bringing in multiple special advisers to manage presidential communications – a decision that seemed to contradict calls for reduced government spending.


The Tax Reform Battle

The Presidential Villa became the battleground for what would become one of 2024’s most contentious political fights: comprehensive tax reform. Tinubu’s ambitious plan to overhaul Nigeria’s tax collection and administration systems met fierce resistance, particularly from northern governors and lawmakers who viewed the reforms as potentially devastating for their constituents.

The resistance culminated in an unprecedented situation where the Vice President’s economic advisory council, comprising the 36 state governors, urged withdrawal of the bills. This internal opposition highlighted the complex political dynamics at play and the challenges of implementing sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s diverse federal system.

However,the president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing comprehensive tax reforms, stating that they are essential for Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Tinubu stressed that the reforms aim to modernise the tax system, broaden the revenue base, and support the nation’s development goals.

“Tax reforms are here to stay. We cannot just continue to do what we were doing yesterday,” Tinubu declared. “We cannot retool this economy with the old broken pot.”

The President emphasised that the tax reforms are designed to be pro-poor and inclusive, targeting the expansion of the tax net rather than burdening low-income earners.

“All we ask for is to widen the net, make the cake larger so we can share a larger meal,” he explained.

Tinubu highlighted the importance of eliminating outdated colonial-era taxes, describing them as ineffective for Nigeria’s current economic realities.

He also underscored the need to address tax evasion, stating, “You cannot satisfy a larger community of tax invaders.”

The President asserted that his administration is focused on making tough but necessary decisions to stabilize the economy.


Security And Governance Challenges

While the administration maintained confidence in its security apparatus, persistent violence in various regions raised questions about the effectiveness of its approach. Tinubu’s resistance to calls for probes into security matters suggested a preference for maintaining stability within the security establishment over addressing public concerns about accountability.

We also witnessed the death of the chief of army staff , Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja and the subsequent appointment of Micheal Olukayode as the new army chief .

The year also saw a significant legal victory with the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy. While the administration celebrated this as a triumph for grassroots democracy, the practical implementation faced resistance from state governors, creating a new power struggle between federal and state authorities.


International Setbacks And Diplomatic Wins

The seizure of three presidential jets by a French court due to a historical dispute with a Chinese company marked a low point in Nigeria’s international standing. This embarrassing incident, stemming from a 2007 contract with Ogun State, exposed vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s handling of international obligations and raised questions about the country’s diplomatic preparedness.

However, the presidency also recorded notable diplomatic achievements. Tinubu’s re-election as ECOWAS Chair reinforced Nigeria’s regional leadership position. The country’s acceptance as a BRICS partner nation and participation in G20 meetings signaled growing international influence, though critics argued these foreign policy wins diverted attention from pressing domestic issues.

The absence of ambassadors throughout the year further complicated Nigeria’s international engagement, creating a diplomatic vacuum at a time when strong global partnerships were increasingly crucial.


Youth Engagement And Education Initiatives

In a positive development, the Presidential Villa saw the launch of the Student Loan Program, fulfilling one of Tinubu’s campaign promises. This initiative, providing interest-free loans to underprivileged students, represented a concrete step toward addressing educational access. However, rising unemployment and economic pressures continued to strain relations with Nigeria’s youth population.


Looking Ahead: The Villa’s 2025 Agenda

As 2024 drew to a close, President Tinubu expressed optimism about the coming year, emphasizing his commitment to service and cooperation with the Nigerian people. “2025 is a very promising year,” he declared, acknowledging the trust placed in his leadership while pledging continued dedication to his mandate.

Yet, the path ahead remains challenging. The Presidency enters 2025 facing pressures to demonstrate tangible progress on multiple fronts: resolving security challenges, implementing fiscal reforms, and addressing public sector inefficiencies. The administration’s ability to translate its bold policy initiatives into practical improvements in citizens’ lives will likely determine its legacy as it approaches the midpoint of its first term.

The events of 2024 at the Presidential Villa reflect a leadership willing to make difficult decisions but sometimes struggling to build consensus around its vision for reform. As Nigeria moves forward, the challenge for Aso Rock will be balancing the need for transformative change with the imperative of maintaining social stability and public support. The coming year will test whether President Tinubu’s administration can convert its controversial policy choices and diplomatic achievements into concrete benefits for the Nigerian people.

By Adam Mosadioluwa


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Operatives of the Odeda Division of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested Akintoye Waris for allegedly stealing and slaughtering a Savannah he-goat worth N200,000 to mark his child’s naming ceremony.

The Police Command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, disclosed to Punch on Saturday that the arrest occurred on January 2, 2024, in the Odeda area of the state. Waris was apprehended alongside his accomplice, Ajayi Yusuf.

According to the police, the suspects reportedly targeted a farm in the area, ensuring that the farm owner, identified only as Mark, had taken the cattle for grazing on December 25.

However, upon Mark’s return, he discovered one of the goats was missing, prompting a community-wide search.

Odutola explained that villagers later confirmed spotting the two suspects transporting the missing goat on a motorcycle, heading toward Olodo town.

Acting on this tip-off, detectives swiftly mobilised, leading to the suspects’ arrest in the early hours of January 2, 2025.

She said, “During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, explaining how they stole, transported, and later slaughtered the he-goat on December 27, 2024.”

“They disclosed that the goat was used to prepare food for the naming ceremony of Akintoye Waris’s daughter, which was held at Olodo.”

Odutola further stated that both suspects remain in custody as investigations continue at the Divisional Crime Branch.

She assured residents that the suspects would face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations and promised to provide updates on further developments.

“The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation at the Divisional Crime Branch.”

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has revealed the reason former President Umaru Yar’Adua did not sell the Port Harcourt refinery to a consortium led by Dangote.

Falana said the reversal was a pivotal step to address the legal and ethical breaches surrounding the transaction and to protect Nigeria’s national interest.

The senior lawyer, in a statement, explained that under the Privatisation and Commercialisation Act, the Vice President is the chairman of the National Council on Privatisation, NCP, the body responsible for overseeing the privatisation of public enterprises.

Falana, however, alleged that former President Olusegun Obasanjo bypassed this legal requirement by sidelining then-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and directly managing the privatisation of several state-owned enterprises.

“On May 17, 2007, President Obasanjo sold a 51 per cent stake in the Port Harcourt refinery to Bluestar Oil for US$561 million. In another transaction that took place on May 28, 2007, President Obasanjo sold 51 per cent shares in Kaduna Refinery to Bluestar Oil for $160 million,” Falana revealed.

The human rights activist stressed that the deals drew sharp criticism from key stakeholders, including the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN.

According to him, the unions raised concerns over due process and alleged that the country had been shortchanged.

He further explained that they also alleged that the nation had been shortchanged as the shares acquired in the Port Harcourt refinery for $516 million were worth $5 billion.

“It is on record that the cancellation of the privatisation was not challenged in any court as it was carried out contrary to the letter and spirit of the Privatisation and Commercialisation Act,” Falana stated.

He further commended the role of NUPENG and PENGASSAN in advocating for national interest and called on them to remain vigilant amid renewed calls for the privatisation of Nigeria’s refineries.

Falana’s statement emphasised the ongoing debate over privatisation in Nigeria, with advocates stressing the need for transparency and due process in managing the country’s public assets.

By Temitope Adetunji

Isoko highlife musician, Arube Otor, speaks to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about his decision to marry three wives on the same day and his plans to balance love and responsibilities among his wives

What inspired you to marry three women on the same day?

First of all, I am Arube Otor, popularly known as Isoko Fela. I am from Uzere, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, and I am a musician who plays Isoko highlife music.

What inspired me to decide to marry three women on the same day is rooted in my father’s example. When my father was alive, he married three women, and the remarkable thing was that when these women had children, you couldn’t tell which woman gave birth to which child. We lived together, ate together, and played together. This experience, growing up in such a unified family, greatly influenced my decision to marry three additional women.

If your father’s example influenced your decision, why did you decide to marry them on the same day?

The reason I decided to marry them on the same day is because of the deep love the three women share for one another. They genuinely care for each other, and I could see the unity among them. This made it easier for me to decide that I would marry them on the same day, as they support one another in every way.

How did you meet your wives?

I didn’t meet all of them at once. I met them one after the other. I was already married to my first wife, the senior wife before I decided to marry the three others. She knew about my decision, and all the women knew each other well. There’s no secret among us.

Aside from your first wife, how did you manage to balance love and understanding among the three other women, especially when you told them you would marry them on the same day?

It comes down to the decisions I make as a man. I am an entertainer, and my career permits me to have multiple relationships, which influences my life choices. Once I make a decision, I stick to it. I am very firm in my choices, and it’s hard to sway me once I’ve made up my mind. I told my first wife, ‘If you truly love me and are still married to me, you must obey my rules’. This clarity and firmness have helped me maintain balance and understanding among all of them.

Do you plan to get separate apartments for them?

No, we are all living together on the same compound. As we speak, they are all in my compound, and we share everything. I believe that living together harmoniously under one roof is key to maintaining love and unity among us.

How do you manage to maintain love and balance among your wives?

I do my best to maintain balance by treating each of them with respect and care. I am fully aware of their individual needs and emotions, and I make sure I am fair to all of them. Additionally, I trust in God’s guidance. He has been helping me to manage everything, and I believe He will continue to do so. As a man, I work with what I have. Even with the little I possess, I ensure that it is shared fairly and doesn’t become a burden.

Do you plan to marry more wives, or will you stop at four?

Yes, I still have two pending. I plan to marry two more wives to make it a total of six.

Many believe marriage is a union between two people, the husband and wife. Why do you choose to marry multiple wives?

The way my father raised us is how we live. If you meet people you want to marry, you marry them. If you meet people you don’t want to marry, you don’t. Everything is a matter of luck.

What was the sincere reaction of your first wife when you informed her about your decision?

She cooperated, and there was no negative reaction from her or any of the others. Even on the wedding day, all of us will wear the same attire. My first wife will greet the guests, welcome everyone, and coordinate, as is our cultural practice. She will wear the same head tie and dress as the others and the bride prices will be paid. Before you marry someone, you date the person to understand his or her character.

During the time I dated these women, my wife was aware of it, and she liked their characters. When I told her, I explained that some of these women already had children for me, and I didn’t want to leave my children without proper care. Two of them have already given birth, while one has not. But by God’s grace, she may have her baby before December. In total, I have nine children.

How do you plan to balance love, attention, and responsibilities among your four wives?

For the ‘bed duties,’ each wife will stay with me for three days. The sexual aspect will be rotational; if the first one spends three days with me, the next one will stay with me for the following three days, continuing until the fourth wife has had her turn. The wife staying with me during those three days will also prepare my food. That’s how we live our lives.

What do your wives do for a living?

In Isoko, everyone tends to become a farmer due to the economic situation in the country. My first wife is a hairdresser; the second one is a caterer. The third and fourth are traders.

How old are you?

I was born on March 13, 1971.

How does your family feel about your decision to marry three additional wives at once?

Every man has his preferences. For example, if you decide to buy a car, some family members may advise against it, saying it will bring you trouble later. So, there’s no need to involve family in every decision. Your decision is ultimately your own. Those who support it can join in the celebration, and those who don’t support it can choose to stay away.

Have your grown-up children expressed any concerns about your decision?

No. All of them have already bought the same clothes to wear on that day. If they were angry about it, they wouldn’t be spending their money on the preparations.

You mentioned that your father was a polygamist, and his love for his wives and children inspired your decision. Are you financially prepared to cater for four wives simultaneously?

Yes, I am. With the help of God, all things are possible.

How do you intend to handle potential conflicts or jealousy among your wives?

If I see anything like that, I will address it immediately. I’ll caution them and tell them to stop whatever they’re doing because such actions won’t bring any good. Women may quarrel from time to time, but we must live our lives by managing such situations calmly and with understanding.


When is the wedding?

The wedding will take place on January 19, 2025, at London Base, Uzere Kingdom, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State.

Some people view your decision as unconventional or controversial. How do you respond to criticism?

God rules my life, not human beings. If someone is uncomfortable with the way I choose to live, they can simply leave me alone. No one can control how I live my life.

What message do you think your decision to marry multiple wives sends to society about relationships and marriage?

My advice is this: Don’t do something just because someone else did it. Follow your heart. If your heart can handle it, go ahead. If not, don’t. If you want to marry another wife and your current wife agrees, go ahead with it. But if she doesn’t agree and you cannot endure the situation, then it’s best to leave it. There’s a saying, ‘Every malam with his kettle’, meaning everyone is free to live their life the way they deem fit. Live your life according to what works for you, and don’t let anyone control you.


What have been the responses from your closest friends? Were they discouraging, approving, or neutral?

We are human beings. Even with close friends, you can’t always predict how they will react. In our community, if you want to marry two wives or more, you can do so. You have to live within your means.

I even sang a song once that goes, ‘If you want to buy a motorbike, don’t tell your friend. If you want to marry, don’t tell your friend. Just do it. If it works out, you’ll be happy. If it doesn’t, you move on.’ Do what feels right from the heart without seeking too much advice. All my friends are okay with what’s happening.

Have you faced any backlash or criticism from religious or community leaders regarding your choice?

No, I have not faced any backlash or criticism at all.

What do you love most about each of your brides-to-be and your first wife?

Each woman has her unique strengths that set her apart. Some excel in intimacy or lovemaking, others excel in maintaining a home, and some are exceptional cooks. All of these qualities were what attracted me to them individually.

If you could marry only one of these four women, who would she be and why?

That’s a difficult question to answer. I can’t respond to that.

Do you believe you are prepared for the emotional and physical demands of a polygamous marriage?

Yes, I believe I am prepared.

Where are your wives from?

My first wife is from Uzere, and the remaining three are from Isoko North.

What advice do you have for the younger generation looking to get married?

For the younger generation, especially women, if your husband wishes to marry another woman, don’t try to prevent him. A woman’s character is paramount; it’s what makes a man stay. If a woman has a bad character, it could drive a man away.

As a man, if your wife possesses everything you need, there’s no need to look outside the relationship, especially if you’re not from a polygamous home. There’s no need to embrace that lifestyle.

The way I live my life is not the same as the way others live theirs. Everyone has their path. My advice is this; whatever you start, ensure you can finish. If you know you cannot finish something once you begin, don’t start it

A former Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu, has claimed that former President Muhammadu Buhari never supported the presidential ambition of his then Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

Ojudu also said Buhari did not back the current President, Bola Tinubu, despite their friendship and political alliance, but that Tinubu “outmaneuvered him in several ways.”

He spoke during his appearance on Edmund Obilo’s State Affairs podcast on Monday.

Ojudu, who served in the office of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, also said his former principal could have performed significantly better than the current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Recall that during the APC primary prior to the 2023 elections, Bola Tinubu secured 1,271 votes to clinch the party’s presidential ticket, while former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi garnered 316 votes. Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo got 235 votes, finishing third, while Senate President Ahmed Lawan got 152 votes.

Ojudu said, “I knew Osinbajo was going to lose the primary, I saw it coming. Because of the system we operated and still operating, I kept saying at our meeting that all of the efforts we are making like traveling around, convincing people, and addressing delegates is only 40 percent.

“60 percent of it lies in Buhari’s hands unless and until Buhari mobilises people around him, the governors, his aides, we are going nowhere.

“I used to refer to Buhari as one-man majority and he never mobilised his team towards Osinbajo and I think Tinubu outsmarted him in so many different ways.”

Speaking further, he likened the failure to elect Professor Yemi Osinbajo during the last presidential election to missing a second chance at the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“Osinbajo would have been good for this country. For me, it is like losing Awolowo for a second time because he was at Awolowo’s level in terms of capacity, ability, dedication and commitment.

A wedding in Jigawa State has turned tragic after a bride allegedly poisoned food served at the reception.

The incident is said to have left the groom critically ill and one of the wedding guests dead.

The incident occurred in the Jahun Local Government Area of the state.

Eyewitnesses suggested to PUNCH Online that the bride’s actions may have been driven by a personal vendetta.

Speaking to PUNCH Online on Friday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Shi’isu Adam, confirmed the incident and said an investigation was underway.

“We received a report that the bride had tainted the food served at the wedding reception, leaving the groom critically ill.

“Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged food poisoning incident that occurred during a wedding ceremony in the state,” Adam said.

He revealed that the two suspects are the bride and another female, adding that they are in custody and being interrogated by the Criminal Investigation Department of the command.

The police spokesperson added, “We will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.”

According to the police spokesman, all the wedding attendants who consumed the poisoned food have been discharged from the hospital, except for the one person who was confirmed dead.

“The command is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, and we will provide more details as soon as possible.

“For now, we can confirm that the incident occurred, and we are working tirelessly to unravel the facts. We urge the public to remain calm and assured that justice will be served,” he concluded.

The identities of the deceased, the groom, and other victims have not been disclosed by the authorities.

At the beginning of every year, analysts look back at the past 12 months – reflecting on what worked and what didn’t – and look forward to the next 12 months – prognosticating on what might and might not be. In that tradition, this column began last year with an article titled “2024: How Nigerians must assess Tinubu’s performance” (Vanguard, January 4, 2024). The piece looked back at 2023 and projected into 2024. Similarly, this intervention reflects on 2024 and takes the long view of 2025.

In setting the criteria for assessing Tinubu’s performance in 2024, I appealed, first, to religion and quoted Proverbs 29:2. “When the righteous [good leaders] are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked [bad leaders] rule, the people groan.” Then, I invoked the Jeffersonian credo that “the care of human life and happiness is the only legitimate object of good government”. This newspaper’s motto, “towards a better life for the people”, also aptly captures the primary purpose of every government. Thus, I posited that Tinubu’s performance in 2024 should be judged by the extent to which there were tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, and whether or not the people rejoiced or groaned.


So, what happened? Well, I gave my overall verdict in last week’s column when I said that Tinubu’s promise of renewed hope in his “2024 Renewed Hope Budget” turned out to be an illusion. In 2024, Nigeria’s ruling elite lived in outrageous opulence, using public funds to buy presidential yachts and fleets of SUVs and renovating their official residences with billions of naira, among many extravagances, while poverty reached dizzying heights, with over 64 per cent of Nigerians going to bed hungry, and an epidemic of kidnapping gripped Nigeria. In a country where there is no audit of budget implementation and performance, a mandatory practice in genuine and accountable democracies, several billions, if not trillions, of naira from last year’s N28.77 trillion budget would certainly have been embezzled and misappropriated without trace. Of course, Nigeria is a kleptocracy, as John Campbell and Matthew Page rightly stated in their book, Nigeria: What Everyone Needs to Know.

'My songs will make you buy bedsheets'- Ironha, who took hawking when fire razed his Yaba shop0:00 / 1:00

But my focus here is not the 2024 budget; rather, it is Tinubu’s governing philosophy, which led to his failure in 2024 and looks likely to make 2025 another wasted year. Everyone knows, by now, that Tinubu is a very arrogant and self-regarding ‘leader’, who believes he is a genius and can do whatever he wishes. Part of the reason for Tinubu’s self-confidence is that he has absolutely captured and pocketed the National Assembly and turned it into a supine and pliant legislature, thereby enthroning effective one-party rule.

Indeed, recently, Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, admitted that Tinubu has “muscled” the National Assembly. Akpabio said: “He [Tinubu] conferred on us Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON; whether he loved it or not he did it. He muscled the two Chambers together.” He said Tinubu did so to co-opt the National Assembly, knowing that the parliament “can turn a woman into a man and a man into a woman.” Of course, in Nigerian politics, everyone has a price, and Tinubu’s brand of politics is to pay the price, whatever it is, to get what he wants.


But at whose expense? If the National Assembly is so much in cahoots with Tinubu and rubberstamps everything that he presents to it, who then will hold him and his government up to scrutiny? Is an unaccountable government good for democracy? How come the parliament that “can turn a woman into a man and a man into a woman” can’t ensure that the Nigerian state works for the Nigerian people and engenders a better life for them? Aided by the National Assembly, Tinubu squandered 2024 shadowboxing on issues like national anthem, state police, local government autonomy and new tax bills without proper consultations and a coherent restructuring vision and without prioritising the needs of ordinary Nigerians. Of course, Tinubu and the National Assembly will trumpet the new monthly minimum wage of N70,000. But consider this: a senator, Sumaila Kawu, said in August that his monthly take-home pay was N21m, and lamented it wasn’t enough! Yet, Tinubu and the National Assembly brag about an inflation-decimated monthly minimum wage of N70,000. Simply put, they worked for themselves, not ordinary Nigerians, in 2024!

Which leads to Tinubu’s other governing philosophy: expansionary fiscal policy. Tinubu believes in large-scale government spending. He calls its “stimulus”. But the stimulus is not a rising tide that lifts all boats; rather, it unjustly enriches public officeholders, politically-connected government contractors and other political entrepreneurs who fleece the Nigerian people. Truth is, Nigeria is not only a kleptocracy, but also a plutocracy, a government of the super-rich and the well-connected. According to Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access, EFInA, a financial-inclusion outfit, 62 per cent of adult Nigerians earn less than N100,000 per month, with an average income of around N31,000. So, into whose pockets does Tinubu’s multi-trillion-naira stimulus go? Surely, not the pockets of ordinary Nigerians: the rising tide doesn’t lift their tiny boats!

Tinubu’s fiscal profligacy also triggers a large deficit, which leads to excessive borrowing and increases Nigeria’s debt burden. During his recent “media chat”, Tinubu said that “borrowing is not a crime.” But is devoting 33 per cent of a country’s budget to debt servicing – as the 2025 budget does with N16.33 trillion for debt-service – not a crime? Of course it is, because that’s money that could help improve people’s lives. Then, there’s the inflationary side of fiscal profligacy. Only the economically illiterate would say that Tinubu’s fiscal recklessness doesn’t contribute to Nigeria’s runaway inflation, now at 34.6 per cent. But who suffers most from inflation? Of course, it is the poor, whose disposable incomes and purchasing powers are completely wiped out, making the so-called minimum wage worthless.

Now, the above picture of Tinubu’s performance in 2024 offers insights into 2025. First, his governing philosophy, underpinned by arrogance of power and detachment from reality, will not change. He will continue to be wise in his own conceit. Second, his fiscal recklessness, as reflected in his proposed N49.74 trillion 2025 budget, will only further unjustly enrich the wealthy and the politically connected, while doing absolutely nothing to engender better lives for ordinary Nigerians. Tinubu said he will reduce inflation to 15 per cent this year. But the only way inflation can drop so dramatically amid fiscal profligacy is if the CBN continues to aggressively hike interest rates, thereby destroying industries and the prospects of reducing unemployment and poverty. He said he will bring the exchange rate down to N1,500 to $1. Yet, it is projected to reach N1,800 this year. Yet again, Tinubu is peddling fantasies!

Thanks to his perverse governing philosophy, Tinubu made life unbearable for ordinary Nigerians in 2024. Sadly, the omens are not good for 2025. My advice? Trust in God!


Happy New Year, dear readers!

Written by Patrick Ochoga


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A Nigerian Italy-based businesswoman, Tina Suyi narrowly escaped death in the wee hours of Wednesday as her estranged husband, Osaro Ahunwan allegedly set her three-bedroom apartment ablaze in Edo State.

The incident which elicited condemnation from members of the public occurred at Idumwonwina, near Oluku in Ovia North-East local government area of the state.

Tina reportedly lost huge amount of money in local and foreign currencies, including packages sent by her friends in Italy to their loved ones in Nigeria to the inferno.

According to eyewitness account, Tina who returned to Nigeria from her base in Italy on December 31, 2024, heard a loud bang on her window while coming out from the bathroom.

The eyewitness revealed that upon inquiry, the victim discovered it was her estranged husband, Osaro that banged the window, demanding entry into her apartment.

Tina however refused to allow Osaro into the apartment, claiming that their relationship had ended, as her family had returned her pride price since April, 2024.

Fatoyinbo’s Wife Hails Husband On Birthday Anniversary As COZA Fetes Less-privileged
Infuriated by his ex-wife’s refusal to open the apartment, Osaro reportedly threatened to burn down the apartment and harm its occupants.

“Despite Tina’s plea for him to leave the promises, Osaro shattered the glass windows, doused the apartment with petrol, and set it on fire through the help of a lighter and fuel, leaving the entire apartment completely razed.

“The inferno quickly engulfed the building, but neighbours intervened and successfully rescued Tina’s elderly parents (who are nonagenarian) from the flames.

“It took the frantic efforts of men of the Edo State Fire Service to put out the flames that wreaked havoc before their arrival”, the source said.

Narrating her ordeals, Tina who also sustained injury as a result of the inferno and currently receiving treatment, narrated that sometime in 2023, Osaro had threatened to kill her and himself as well.

According to Tina,”Osaro destroyed my Lexus (330) Jeep, when we had misunderstanding. He like too much control, and very suspicious, even when I am out shopping, and he calls, as soon as he hears a male’s voice, he would abuse me and call me names.

“So because of his violent and overbearing character, I decided to quit the marriage that lasted less than 2 years.”

LEADERSHIP learnt that Police in Ekiadolor have arrested the suspect, Osaro, and his accomplice, one Odaro Oviarobo who is Tina’s elder brother over the incident.

Osaro reportedly confessed during interrogation that Oviarobo, who is popularly known as “OD” provided him with detailed information about his sister’s itinerary upon her arrival to the country.

He also admitted to pay Odaro ₦5,000 for the information and revealed that he had hidden in Odaro’s apartment with the container of petrol.

He further claimed that the lighter used to ignite the fire was also supplied by Odaro.

Sources disclosed that Odaro harbored grievances against his sister, accusing her of withholding financial assistance despite building a hotel.

Tina was also said to previously sponsored Odaro’s trip abroad in 2003, but he returned to Nigeria voluntarily after 10 years, leaving behind his partner and a baby girl.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Edo State Command, SP Moses Yamu, although confirmed the incident, said he was yet to speak to the Divisional Police Officer in Charge of the Ekiadolor Division for full details of the incident.

As at the time of filing the report, both Osaro and Odaro remain in police custody as investigations continue.

By Azuka Onwuka


Anyone who pays attention to what is happening on social media knows there is a high demand for Nigerian men by women from other countries. In the past, the assumption was that most of the marriages between Nigerian men and women from other countries were mainly to acquire official papers that would guarantee the Nigerian man the visa or citizenship of the country. A young Nigerian man in his 20s or 30s would snap a picture of his registry marriage with a White woman in her 50s, 60s, or 70s. People would share such photos and make jokes about it.

But in recent years, there has been a spike in young Nigerian men marrying young foreign women. Interestingly, many of the young men are professionals who are financially stable and have permanent residency or citizenship status. Many of them get married overseas and return to Nigeria to perform a symbolic “traditional” marriage ceremony. Videos of such marriages usually show the joy of their non-Nigerian wives in their beautiful Nigerian attire, performing the marriage rites and dancing excitedly, most times offbeat, to Nigerian music.

And any time such women make a post about their amazing experience with their Nigerian boyfriend or husband, one can see the high number of Americans, Canadians, Britons, Jamaicans, etc., expressing interest in having a Nigerian man. Expectedly, many men flock to such posts dropping their numbers or messages, declaring their availability.

This high interest in Nigerian men has created an online market for matchmakers. There are now many online live events where people explain how to ensure that a foreigner is not talking to a romance scammer. These romance scammers have been exploiting the naïveté and desperation of women in search of love. Their actions have been bringing a bad name to Nigerians for some years.

What caused this recent uptick in the quest of foreign women for Nigerian men? There could be many reasons but the first is Afrobeats music. Nigerian music has been attracting global attention in recent years. Young people from different countries love Nigerian songs and musicians. This has made them take more interest in the country from where this music is coming. It is similar to what happened with reggae music from the 1970s. It made Jamaica a household name across the world.

In the past, before the popularity of Afrobeats, people from other countries only focused on the bad story of online scams in Nigeria. All the achievements of Nigerians in technology, business, literature, sports, international peace-keeping missions and independence of other countries, etc., were never remembered. Once the name Nigeria came up in North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and even some parts of Africa, people zeroed in on scams and kept their distance from Nigerians. Many scammers from other countries even identified as Nigerians, thereby worsening the image of Nigeria. The corruption in governance did not help the Nigerian case. Once you mentioned the name Nigeria while discussing a business venture online with someone in another continent, the person would abruptly end the communication.


Many Nigerians abroad confessed that some 30 or 20 years ago when they landed to study or work, most times they would not identify as Nigerians, because it caused them problems. Interestingly, this was the era Nigerian government was spending a lot of money telling the world that Nigeria was “the heart of Africa” as well as “Good people, great nation”. That advertising message did not have any effect on foreigners. But eventually, Afrobeats became globally popular and did a better image-laundry job for Nigeria. Now, people from other countries who watch Nigerian musical videos want to know more about Nigeria. They search online for information about Nigeria. By so doing, they see the other sides of the country.

Nigerians did not just become amazing recently. They have always been like this but the bad press did not allow the world to get close to Nigeria and know any positive thing about the country. Those who take the bold step of visiting Nigeria usually leave with mind-blowing stories about Nigerians’ hospitality.

It is the same case with marriage to Nigerian men. Women from other countries love Nigerian men. It is not because Nigerian men have any extraordinary genes. It is because of what the Nigerian environment has instilled in men from birth. It is hammered into their ears and psyche that, to prove that they are responsible and manly, they must bear the full burden of providing for all the women around them: wife, mother, sisters, nieces, cousins, grandmothers, friends and colleagues. These include paying school fees, buying clothes, bags, shoes, jewellery, food, and cars and giving regular pocket money, etc.

When a Nigerian boy goes on a date with a girl, even though they are both students (who yet don’t earn any money), the boy is expected to pay for all they eat. The girl may even bring along one or two of her friends, and the poor boy is expected to foot their bill, including the bill for the items they will take away, and even give her and her friends “money for transport”. He will constantly buy gifts and send money to her. If he cannot dole out financial favours to his girlfriend, he is ridiculed as a “Ju man” or “chewing gum boy”.

The more men give, the more they are expected to give. They are regularly compared to other men who are doing more for their women to show them that they are not doing enough like “real men”. Many men who can’t take the ridicule end up in crime to prove to their women that they are real men.

When Nigerian men meet women from other countries (who don’t have this type of orientation) and do just 30 per cent of what they are expected to do to Nigerian women, the foreign women are wowed because they have never seen anything like that. They can’t stop talking about Nigerian men because they don’t live in a society where a man is expected to take care of his needs and the entire needs of his woman. Love is expressed in many countries with flowers, but not in Nigeria.

Because the women from other countries did not grow up believing that the man has to take care of their needs, they are less demanding of things to be done for them. And whatever the Nigerian men do for them, they are very appreciative. Consequently, they treat their Nigerian men with more dignity. The men talk about having more peace and happiness.

Ironically, it is the same level of care Nigerian men give to Nigerian women but is not appreciated (because it is seen as their duty or nothing special) that they give to these non-Nigerian women, and the women find it exceptional. The result is that the internet has made the news of the “special loving nature of Nigerian men” spread faster from different countries, making more women aware of it and more receptive to Nigerian men.

The pressure the Nigerian society puts on the male child is unnatural and unhealthy. The rich and the poor, educated and uneducated, influential and non-influential, young and old as well as male and female, take it as the normal way of life. Most people who have lived in Nigeria, and only go to other nations on holidays, may not understand that there is something wrong with it, because that is the only way of life they have known.

There should be a conscious reorientation in Nigeria, especially led by successful and influential women, that the girl child is not created to look forward to marrying a rich and influential man but to be a rich and influential person herself. The Nigerian girl child should be groomed to believe that the way to know a man who cares and loves her is not through the amount of money and gifts such a person showers on her. Churches, mosques, schools, universities and town unions should also join the campaign and see if the perception of the next generation can be changed about this critical issue.

Financial analysts and economic experts are optimistic of a stronger value of the Naira to the US dollar as well as lower premium motor spirit (PMS)/petrol prices in Nigeria in 2025, driven by improved foreign exchange inflows and reduced fuel imports.

Analysts anticipate that increased oil production and domestic refining capabilities will ease pressure on the currency, potentially stabilising PMS prices.

This optimistic outlook is hinged on successful economic reforms and global market conditions.

This is as banks are expected to heighten their recapitalisation exercise in a move to beat the March 2026 deadline imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), with the same exercise to commence in the insurance industry next year after the Consolidated Insurance Bill is passed into law,

LEADERSHIP can exclusively reveal that, coupled with expected increased borrowing by the federal government to reduce the 2025 budget deficit, hopes are high that these developments will positively influence the inflation rate and reshape the economy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed budget aims to lower inflation from 34.6 per cent to 15 per cent and enhance the naira’s value from approximately N1,700 to N1,500 per dollar.

With a record budget of N47.9 trillion that is hinged on a deficit of over N13 trillion in a year that banks are shoring up capital, analysts said they expect the government to borrow more than it envisaged as it is anticipated that inflation and pressure at the foreign exchange market are expected to wane in 2025.

Banks will, by next year, put finishing touches to the capitalisation process some of them started in 2024 while those still at the preliminary stage of fund raising will heighten the process in the new year in a bid to meet the deadline.

Similarly, the recent apex bank’s intervention in the Foreign Exchange (Forex) market seems to be bearing good fruits as the nation’s currency has gathered strength in recent times, a development market observers expect will continue next year.

In the energy sector, the recent drop in fuel pump prices is expected to continue next year, as the Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) continues to reflect market price, following the pattern of the global oil price. At the same time, the government is expected to address the constant grid collapse that plagued the power subsector of the energy industry in 2024.

All these earlier-mentioned initiatives are expected to ease the operating environment for players in the manufacturing sector and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), while Nigerians will begin to feel their impacts on the pricing of goods and services across the country.

LEADERSHIP had earlier reported that, by 2025, the insurance industry would undergo a fresh recapitalisation exercise after the Senate passed the Consolidated Insurance Bill into law, specifying N10 billion for life insurance firms, N15 billion for non-life business and N35 billion for reinsurance companies in the country.

Although the bill will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence, and if the lower House concurs with the provisions, it will then be transmitted to the country’s president for assent before becoming a law, there are indications that the bill will scale through the remaining processes to become law, possibly, when the House returns early next year.

Although the federal government envisages strengthening the naira to N1,500 in 2025, the chief executive of Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane, said the Naira misalignment is expected to reduce.

In an emailed note, he said, “We believe the Naira will appreciate mildly in 2025, starting in February and reaching N1,550 per dollar in the first quarter.

“The exchange rate is the price of the dollar in Naira terms (N1,650 per dollar).It is the factor that brings the domestic and external economies into equilibrium. Our projections and estimates are based on the following: crude oil price at $70pb, oil production at 1.4mbpd, gradual but limited policy reform efforts, and modest FDI inflows, amongst others.”

He noted that will be a challenge with economic growth in 2025 but is expected to be better than in 2024.

“The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) posits that real GDP growth will strengthen in 2025-26 as the Dangote oil refinery ramps up production.

“This development is expected to displace fuel imports and boost exports. In line with this, disinflation, anticipated to begin in Q2 2025, along with interest-rate cuts and greater exchange rate stability, is likely to foster improved consumer and business confidence. Hence, we project GDP growth of 3.6 per cent in 2025 and 3.5 per cent in 2026.

“In 2025, the Nigerian economy will be marked by fiscal and monetary policy efforts to reduce food prices. We expect an extension of the import duty waiver and possible data changes like a GDP rebasing and inflation basket reconstitution,” he said.

For the banking industry, Rewane says the outlook is largely positive as banks are expected to make significant progress from recapitalisation exercise which would lead to positive investors’ sentiment in the sector, supported by a much stable regulatory environment.

According to analysts at Afrinvest West Africa, the CBN is expected to begin to cut back on its hawkish stance as it is anticipated that the current inflationary pressure will peak in the first quarter of 2025, owing to the combined effect of a high-base year, waning foreign exchange and energy goods price volatility.

Pointing out that the government plans to raise N7.4 trillion and N1.8 trillion at the domestic and foreign markets to plug a budget deficit of N13.1 trillion in 2025, the analysts say they “estimate that domestic borrowing could exceed target, requiring net issuances of N13.7 trillion minimum in 2025. Overall, we estimated inflows of N28.5 trillion from maturing bills and coupon payment against outflows via gross paper supply of N37.5 trillion. We also do not rule out the possibility of Eurobonds market outing in 2025.

“Consequently, we expect significant pressure in the domestic market to intensify, even as Banks would gear-up recapitalisation. Thus, we anticipate a strain on the system liquidity level in the year.”

For his part, the director/CEO of Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf expressed hope of better outlook for 2025.

“There are indications that the exchange rate situation is beginning to stabilise; the rates have appreciated marginally and the frequency of CBN intervention has increased. And the foreign reserves is also looking positive.”

“We are hoping that with the progress being made with the reforms in the forex trading system, with the import substitution effect of the Dangote Refinery, with the improvement of inflows through International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) and other autonomous sources, we are likely to see an improvement in the foreign exchange situation in 2025.

“This will give us some relief, hopefully; then, the outlook for the energy prices is also looking a bit positive. At the close of the year, we are seeing some slight reduction in PMS prices; we hope that will be sustained. There is also the issue of the electric traffic, which is not clear, but we hope in 2025 there should be an improvement.”

He pointed out that if the government could ensure a reduction in energy prices and an improvement in the exchange rate, this would greatly relieve the Nigerian manufacturing sector.

The director-general of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said a vibrant manufacturing sector was essential for driving economic growth and prosperity; however, the sector faces numerous challenges, including multiple taxation, limited access to credit, an unstable foreign exchange market, infrastructure deficits, and energy insecurity in 2024.

“To address these challenges and unlock the potential of the manufacturing sector, the government must take decisive action,” he said.

MAN recommended special windows for providing single-digit interest rates to productive sectors and relaxing stringent conditions for SMEs to access funding; recapitalise the Bank of Industry (BOI) to meet the growing credit demand of industries; enhance credit information systems and broaden the scope of assets for collateral; implement the recommendations of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee; and reducing the excessive increase in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Effluent Discharge (EMP) fees imposed by NESREA.

Ajayi-Kadir also called for prioritisation of budgetary allocation for infrastructure development, especially along strategic economic hubs, and encouragement of public-private partnerships for infrastructure development, including roads, railways, and port access roads.

He insisted that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) review the excessive increase in electricity tariffs for Band A customers, prioritise domestic gas supply to manufacturers, enforce Naira-denominated pricing, ensure transparency in electricity tariff charges, invest in infrastructure and efficiency improvements by distribution companies, and introduce outage compensation mechanisms.

For the insurance sector, the executive secretary/CEO, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Tope Adaramola, at the recent forum in Lagos, noted that the industry is not isolated from events in the overall economy.

He expressed belief that next year would be better as various federal government reform initiatives begin to impact the overall economy and increase Nigerians’ disposable income so that people can prioritise insurance coverage.

On her part, the chairman, Insurance Industry Consultative Council (IICC), Yetunde Ilori, is optimistic that the Consolidated Insurance Bill will change the landscape of insurance sector.

He expressed belief that the bill, having secured Senate approval, will easily pass through the remaining processes and become law in the early part of next year.

Ilori, who is also the president of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), noted that the operators, brokers and all other arms of the sector were working with the industry regulator, that is, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to ensure smooth passage of the Consolidated Insurance Bill into Law as soon as possible.

”We are giving the bill the needed push and support to ensure it becomes a reality because we believe it will revolutionise the industry and deepen insurance penetration in the country, especially in the new year,” she said.

Meanwhile, key energy industry players have advocated concentrating energy on the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) expansion, which will lower the cost of transportation even with the rise in the pump price of petrol.

The national president of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Lawal Othman, said CNG is providing the needed alternative to petrol as it is highly cost-effective and has low carbon emissions.

Othman said the association has seen major reductions in transportation costs after it took delivery of 25 buses provided by the Presidential CNG task force.

He said that since the deployment of the buses, operators had reduced fares by 50 per cent, operating from Lagos to Akure, Abuja, Ekiti, and other parts of southwestern states.

“We urge government and private sector operators to invest in refilling infrastructure to boost the initiative next year, and also, the provision of conversion kits at affordable prices will make more impact”, he said.

While speaking to LEADERSHIP, Ibrahim Yahaya, general secretary of the Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria (PEDAN), said that with deregulation, the price of petrol is expected to stabilise.

Yahaya advised that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) should secure appropriate pricing that is fair to citizens. The NMDPRA has the regulatory function of ensuring supply by monitoring the market, giving approval to import when there’s a perceived shortage, and making local producers’ products available. It also has the mandate of approving imports and licensing new refineries.

On his part, the publicity secretary of Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN), Eche Idoko commended the positive impact of naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

Idoko said sustaining the deal in the coming year and extending it to other operating refineries will help drive down the price of petrol in 2025.

In September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and the corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency, a development that stakeholders commended.

These expenses are domiciled under the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

A review of the 2025 proposed budget has shown that the Nigerian Presidency plans to spend N8.6billion on overhaul of presidential air fleet engines.

The review shows that the overhaul of 5N-FGW engines in the presidential air fleet is expected to cost N5.5 billion, while overhaul of two falcon 7x engines is expected to cost N3.1billion.

These expenses are domiciled under the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Other expenses include renovation of fifty units of presidential air fleet residential quarters at the rate of a budgeted N119.8 million.

Hangar for presidential air fleet is expected to cost N714 million.

Recently, there was a controversy on the President Tinubu-led administration purchasing a new jet, although the administration claimed it bought a refurbished one.

The jet had been estimated at N150 billion.

There have been concerns on the prudence in the management of resources by the Nigerian government, especially given the stated scarcity of revenue in the country.

A SaharaReporters' review of the just released Central Bank of Nigeria economic report also showed that the sum of N7.9trillion was spent on debt servicing between Q1 and Q3, 2024.

Per the data, in the first quarter of the year (January to March), the government spent N2.2 trillion on debt servicing, it spent N3.7 trillion between April and June, another sum of N2 trillion was spent between July and September.

Between January and September, the government also earned N6 trillion as retained revenue.

by Rahmotullah Lawal


The federal ministry of works has allocated N2 billion for the purchase of vehicles for senior special assistants (SSAs).

President Bola Tinubu, on December 13, presented a record N49.7 trillion as the proposed budget for 2025 to a joint session of the upper and lower legislative chambers.

Tinubu said the proposal aligns with the renewed hope agenda and reflects the administration’s commitment to stabilising the economy, improving lives, and repositioning the country for greater performance.

In the appropriation bill, the vehicle expenses are included in the 2025 executive budget of the federal ministry of works.

The federal ministry of works highlighted significant allocations to its various agencies, with the ministry itself receiving the largest share—a total budget of N1.07 trillion, including N5.64 billion for personnel costs, N1.86 billion for overheads, and a substantial N1.065 trillion allocated for capital projects.

According to the budget breakdown, the federal road maintenance agency was allocated N64.88 billion, which includes N4.92 billion for personnel costs, N33.47 billion for overheads, and N26.49 billion for capital projects.

The regional centre for training in aerospace survey was allocated N510.09 million, entirely for capital projects, with no funds set aside for personnel or overhead costs.

Overall, the ministry and its agencies were allocated N1.14 trillion, with the majority of the funds directed towards capital development.

By Joseph Chibueze (Abuja) and Benjamin Alade (Lagos)


To underscore the severity of the economic challenges Nigeria is going through, the country attracted $3.73 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) from 2020 to the third quarter of 2024.

FDI is an investment from a party in one country into a business or corporation in another country to establish a lasting interest. Sustained interest is what differentiates FDI from foreign portfolio investments (FPI), where investors passively hold securities in a foreign country.

An analysis of FDI contributions to the country’s capital importation over the period as published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that the figure is 41.99 per cent lower than the $6.43 billion received in the preceding five years –2015 to 2019.

According to the figures, in 2020, the total FDI was valued at $1.29 billion. The figure rose to $1.42 billion in 2021, only to slump to $386.2 million in 2022 and further down to $377.77 million in 2023.

FDI hit the rock in the three quarters of 2024, attracting only $252.82 million.In 2015, the total value of FDI that came into the country was $1.25 billion. It, however, dropped to $1.04 billion in 2016 and further down to $981.78 million in 2017, it jumped to $2.23 billion in 2018 but slumped in 2019 to $929.58 million.

Nigeria has faced decade-long economic challenges aggravated by the drop in crude oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic leading to the devaluation of the naira at different points and high inflation that has maintained a steady upward trend for close to three years. It hit 34.6 in November 2024.

Nigeria is currently facing what could be described as its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades, brought about by the twin reform initiatives of fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange rate reform.

The country is also facing serious security challenges, which have either scared off intending foreign investors from the country or forced those who have already invested to exit the country.

In the last three years, for instance, reports said over 16 multinational companies left the country, worsening the country’s revenue generation efforts as well as unemployment challenges. Among the companies that have divested from Nigeria are

Diageo, which sold off its stake in Guinness Nigeria to Tolaram, Kimberly-Clark, manufacturers of Huggies and Kotex brands of diapers, the U.S.-based Procter and Gamble (P&G), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Sanofi-Aventi Nigeria as well as Unilever Nigeria, which announced its exit from the home care and skin cleansing markets in Nigeria in November 2023, saying it did so “to find a more sustainable and profitable business model”.

Reasons given by the companies include high energy costs, currency depreciation, insecurity, policy inconsistency and falling purchasing power. It may not be surprising that foreign investors are showing apathy. Nigeria’s business environment is often characterised by uncertainty, corruption and regulatory challenges, deterring foreign investors, according to experts.

The country’s infrastructure deficits, including inadequate power supply, transportation and logistics failure have been linked to the reason the cost of doing business is high in the country, a major reason even local investors are closing shop.

Nigeria’s bureaucratic processes can be slow and cumbersome, making it also difficult for foreign investors to navigate the system and obtain necessary permits and approvals when needed.

There is also a lack of transparency in government policies and regulations, which creates uncertainty and deter foreign investors. There are also frequent changes in economic policies and regulations, which creates uncertainty.

Experts have advised that rather than wasting taxpayers’ money on foreign trips in search of investors, efforts should be invested in putting the house to make the country attractive to investors.

To show how desperately Nigeria needs foreign investors, the country has spent billions of taxpayers’ money to fund roadshows with ex-President Muhammadu Buhari visiting 43 countries just as his successor, Bola Tinubu embarked on about 30 foreign trips in search of investors.

According to data from GovSpend, a portal documenting the Presidential Villa’s expenditure, the country spent over N2.3 billion in just six months, from February to July 2024, to fund the President’s foreign trips. An analysis reveals that President Tinubu made 29 trips to 16 countries, spending over 124 days outside Nigeria within the period.

However, despite the intensive efforts, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that Nigeria recorded no foreign capital inflow from 11 of the visited countries during the first half of 2024.

To address the worsening economic challenges and attract more FDI, Prof. Godwin Oyedokun of Lead City University said the government must improve the business environment, invest in critical infrastructure, promote transparency and accountability, simplify bureaucratic processes, provide investment incentives, enhance security and stability, improve access to finance and build a skilled and qualified workforce.

“The authorities need to work towards ensuring political will and reducing corruption, as these factors significantly influence investment decisions.”
He said Nigeria should not over-depend on foreign portfolio investment (FPI) because it is often more volatile than FDI, leading to sudden capital flight during economic downturns or political instability, which can destabilise the local economy.

Renowned economist and CEO of Economic Associates (EA), Dr Ayo Teriba, said Nigeria’s inflation rate can be driven down to five per cent by 2025 if the government successfully attracts $50 in the next year from foreign direct investment (FDI).

Teriba said this while speaking on Arise TV’s Good Morning Show at the weekend. He emphasized that such an inflow of investment would strengthen the naira, stabilise exchange rates and positively influence the country’s macroeconomic indices, which currently exacerbate its inflation woes.The economist argued that bold reforms aimed at attracting substantial FDI would be transformative.

“Five per cent inflation is possible next year. Look at what happened in Argentina. Economists don’t prophesy but make conditional statements. If the President can complement the efforts on tax and finance reforms with an Investment Act to attract $50 billion FDI within the next year, exchange rates will stabilise and inflation will drop to single digits,” Teriba explained.

Teriba noted that the existing economic policies, particularly those focused on debt servicing, undermine the government’s ability to achieve this target. He pointed out that borrowing to pay off previous debt is counterproductive and fails to address Nigeria’s underlying economic challenges.

“The interest rates offered to Nigeria by international creditors are among the highest globally, primarily due to the country’s poor credit rating. This makes borrowing inefficient and unsustainable as a long-term strategy,” he said.

Teriba criticized the government’s current borrowing practices, urging a shift toward equity-based financing over debt. He noted that many countries with economies comparable to Nigeria’s borrow at significantly lower rates because they issue higher-grade debt instruments.

“They said they were not going to borrow, but they have continued to borrow. There are right and wrong ways of borrowing and efficient and inefficient methods. The foremost issue is the quality of the debt instruments you issue. Some countries of similar economic size borrow more heavily than we do but at a third of our rates,” he said. He further argued that Nigeria’s continuous reliance on debt to fund fiscal deficits is unsustainable.

“We should not continue to fund deficits year in, year out with debt. A country with a well-structured balance sheet would prioritise equity over debt,” he said.

Teriba called for the government to implement a robust investment strategy that prioritises structural reforms and incentives to attract foreign capital. He warned that without such efforts, inflationary pressures would persist, undermining economic stability.

“If we remain on this trajectory of high interest borrowing and poor credit management, we’ll miss the opportunity to stabilize our economy. However, if we adopt bold reforms and attract $50bn FDI, Nigeria can transition to an era of growth and stability,” he concluded.

No fewer than 12,000 supporters of Prophetess Naomi Ogunwusi, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have demanded justice for her, describing her arrest, arraignment and remand in a custodial facility as unfair.

Naomi was arrested alongside the Chief Executive Officer of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, after the stampede at a funfair they organised in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, turned tragic, claiming the lives of 35 children on December 18, 2024.

The prophetess, Hamzat, and the Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, where the event was held, Fasasi Abdullahi, are currently remanded at the Agodi Custodial Centre by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi of Magistrate’s Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The defendants were arraigned on four counts bordering on conspiracy, causing death by negligence, endangering public safety, and failing to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the event.

Naomi, Hamzat, and Abdullahi pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The ex-queen had planned to host 5,000 children, aged 0-13, across Ibadan for free under the aegis of the Women in Need of Guidance and Support Foundation with the funfair.

The programme was scheduled to start at 10 am, while police were expected to be at the venue by 8 am.

Reports indicated that the event was initially planned for 5,000 children, but over 7,500 children showed up.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the stampede occurred as children and their parents attempted to break through the main gate and scale the school fence to enter the venue at all costs.

Naomi and Hamzat have been in custody since the incident turned disastrous.

However, the ex-queen’s supporters continue to call for her release, arguing that she was carrying out a charitable programme to bring smiles to the faces of underprivileged children.

Thousands of Naomi’s supporters signed an online petition to demand fairness in the judicial process concerning her matter.

The petition, which started on Thursday, had gathered 12,000 signatures as of the time of filing this report on Saturday.

The originator of the petition, Yetunde Ola, stated that Naomi’s actions were driven by an earnest intention to alleviate the suffering of hungry children, but she found herself “unfairly entangled in a web of legal accusations that were both disheartening and misplaced.”

“We, the supporters of Queen Naomi, are seeking justice. It is paramount that her court cases are addressed with utmost impartiality and integrity. We must hold our judicial systems accountable for their actions and ensure that they remain transparent, fair and unbiased in their proceedings.

“Our plea is, thus, simple: Give Queen Silekunola Naomi a fair trial, unaffected by bias and calumny. We present this petition to highlight the necessity for a just legal process that respects the evidence and operates in compliance with the principles of justice.

“We reinforce our commitment to stand by Queen Naomi, championing justice, fairness, and truth,” she said.

This was as her mother, Funmilayo Ogunseyi, called on President Bola Tinubu and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene in her daughter’s legal troubles.

In an emotional video that has gone viral, Ogunseyi claimed that her daughter’s predicament was orchestrated by “powerful persons.”

“They say her ordeal is an ‘order from above.’ Please, I beg those in power to release her. She is not a killer; she came to help. Naomi is fragile and sick. President Tinubu, I beg you, come to our aid,” she implored.

The sentiments shared by Naomi’s supporters and her mother re-echoed insinuations that the ex-queen was being persecuted with her arrest and remand.

However, the Oyo State Government stated that there was no reason to persecute the prophetess.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said those spreading such insinuations would be unfair if they expected the government to interfere with the judicial process.

He also denied that the government knew about the programme.

He said, “It is a laughable insinuation. What is the motive for victimising the lady? We barely know her name. The government does not know anything about her apart from the normal stuff on social media. We have no relationship with her in any manner. There is no altar of political conflict or anything that looks like it between the Oyo State Government and the woman.

“The government did not officially know anything about her enterprise, what she does, or what she planned to do in Oyo State. We were not formally notified because there is no documentation to show that the government was given notification of what she wanted to do through the normal time-tested processes. So, she remained an unknown quantity and faceless to this administration.

“Are they asking us to meddle with the judiciary? A case was taken to court. Even a government official, the principal of a secondary school, was equally arraigned and detained because 35 of our children died.

“And there are no draconian issues extraneous to a normal course of justice on the ground.

“So, we will advise, therefore, that those who are engaged in such meddlesomeness allow the course of justice to prevail. That is the beauty of democracy. No matter whose ox is gored, for democracy to survive and thrive, justice must take its course.”

However, a video of a meeting between the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Toyin Balogun, and Naomi has surfaced online.

The meeting was held a day before the programme.

In the video, Balogun is seen and heard asking the ex-queen about the programme. After Naomi explained, the commissioner promised to attend the event.

Balogun said, “It is a fantastic intervention, I must say. It’s laudable to have an aspiration to put smiles on the faces of children, particularly the ones I call the special children. You are probably going to have to do this again next year; you are probably going to have to come back.

“On behalf of the Oyo State Government, on behalf of the Ministry of Women Affairs, we will be looking forward to doing something collaborative for both the women and the children in Ibadan, going forward. It is a laudable venture, one we are proud of and happy to be part of.”

As the year winds down, IMOLEAYO OYEDEYI captures some of the most dominant events that shaped political discourse and challenged the effectiveness of government policies for the masses


Ibadan Explosion

A series of explosions in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, shattered the early excitement of 2024, raising concerns about the escalating menace of illegal mining across the country. The blasts, which dominated public discourse for weeks, claimed two lives, injured several others, and caused widespread destruction of property. The explosions tore off rooftops and shattered windows, leaving many homeless for days and prompting costly government rescue operations.


Binance Executive Detention

In February, one of the most contentious issues in the country was the arrest and detention of Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, on charges of money laundering and operating without a licence.

However, his detention was short-lived, as he was eventually released due to deteriorating health and diplomatic interventions.


Kano Emirate Tussle

The first half of the year witnessed significant political drama in Kano, triggered by the state assembly’s repeal of the law that had divided the city into five emirates. Governor Abba Yusuf swiftly signed a new law, resulting in the removal of five prominent emirs: Aminu Ado Bayero of Kano, Nasir Ado Bayero of Bichi, Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa of Rano, Ibrahim Abubakar II of Karaye, and Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir of Gaya.

In a dramatic turn of events, former Central Bank Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi, who had been dethroned by the previous administration, was reinstated. However, Ado Bayero rejected the decision and moved to the Nasarawa palace. The two emirs, locked in a parallel leadership battle, continue to fuel tensions in Kano, making the emirate tussle one of the year’s most prominent issues.


Cabinet reshuffle

Amid months of intense speculation, President Bola Tinubu enacted a significant reshuffle of his 45-member cabinet on October 23, appointing seven new ministers, dismissing five, and reassigning 10 others to new roles. Notably, the ministers of finance, defence, and national planning, and two junior energy ministers retained their positions. The reshuffle also saw the Ministry of Niger Delta Development renamed the Ministry of Regional Development, the Ministry of Sports dissolved, and the Ministries of Tourism and Arts and Culture merged.

The reshuffle sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria, with many questioning why some underperforming ministers were retained while others were dismissed. The public discourse surrounding these changes made it one of the year’s most debated political topics.


Tax Reform Controversy

Since Tinubu introduced his tax reform bills to the National Assembly in October, the proposals have become a major point of contention. The bills—comprising the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, the Nigerian Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill—have sparked nationwide debate.

Supporters argue that the reforms will ease the tax burden on 90 per cent of Nigerian workers, streamline tax procedures, support small businesses, and enhance tax collection efficiency. However, opposition from Northern lawmakers and leaders, including Senator Ali Ndume and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, has been vocal. Critics contend that the bills could disrupt business operations and negatively impact state government revenue, particularly in the Northern region.


National Grid Collapses

A persistent issue throughout 2024 was the frequent collapse of the national grid, occurring no fewer than 12 times. These grid failures caused widespread blackouts across some of Nigeria’s largest cities, including Abuja, Lagos, and Kano, severely disrupting daily life and economic activities.

The outages paralysed businesses in affected regions, resulting in staggering financial losses. Northern electricity distribution companies alone reported losses exceeding N74 billion, underscoring the urgent need for reforms in the country’s power sector.


Prison Break in Suleja

On the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, a heavy downpour flooded the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, sparking a dramatic prison break. The flood destroyed critical sections of the facility, including its perimeter fence, enabling the escape of 118 inmates.

Although authorities later reported recapturing some fugitives, the incident raised serious concerns about prison security and disaster preparedness in Nigeria. The escape dominated the news for weeks, with many calling for urgent reforms in the country’s correctional system.


Flooding in Northern Nigeria/Alau Dam Collapse

A major humanitarian disaster in 2024 was the collapse of the Alau Dam in Borno State. On September 10, the dam’s embankment gave way, releasing an overwhelming 112 billion litres of water into low-lying areas in the Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area.

The resulting flood submerged entire towns and villages, displacing over one million people and affecting 414,000 residents. The catastrophe left hundreds homeless, prompting widespread sympathy and a swift response. Business tycoons and state governors donated over N13 billion to aid flood victims, highlighting the disaster’s devastating impact.


Ondo and Edo Governorship Elections

The off-cycle governorship elections in Ondo and Edo States were among the year’s most significant political events. In both contests, the Independent National Electoral Commission declared candidates from the All Progressives Congress—Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Ondo and Monday Okpebholo in Edo—as winners.

In Ondo, Aiyedatiwa secured 366,781 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Agboola Ajayi, who polled 117,845 votes. Similarly, in Edo, Okpebholo garnered 291,667 votes to beat PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who received 247,274 votes.

However, the opposition rejected the results, citing allegations of widespread electoral fraud. Both cases are now before election petition tribunals, with hearings expected to gain momentum in the early part of 2025.


#EndBadGovernance protest

One of the most defining events of the outgoing year was the eruption of the #EndBadGovernance protests, also known as #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria. Between August 1 and 10, thousands of young Nigerians, frustrated by the soaring cost of living, took to the streets in mass demonstrations across all six geopolitical zones of the country.

The protests quickly became a focal point in national discourse as they were met with brutal repression. Scores of protesters were killed, and over 1,000 were arrested across major protest grounds in cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Niger, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina. These demonstrations marked one of the most significant political movements of the year.


Detention of minors over protest

A controversial event that dominated political discourse this year was the arraignment of at least 76 detained #EndBadGovernance protesters at the Federal High Court in Abuja. They faced ten counts of charges related to alleged treason and conspiracy to destabilise Nigeria, contrary to sections 96 and 97 of the Penal Code Act.

Among those detained were 32 minors, aged between 14 and 17. Their court arraignment sparked nationwide outrage, especially when national television broadcasts showed clips of the minors, appearing malnourished and sickly, writhing in pain on the floor of the courtroom. Four of the minors collapsed before proceedings began, further igniting public anger. Amid growing controversy, the court eventually granted the minors bail at N10m each, with stringent conditions.

The Arewa Consultative Forum condemned the Federal Government for its treatment of the minors, calling the trial a blatant attempt to intimidate citizens and stifle their constitutional rights to protest and voice grievances.


Rise in killings, kidnappings, and terror attacks

Year 2024 saw a chilling rise in cases of kidnappings, banditry, killings, and terror attacks across Nigeria, making it one of the deadliest years in recent memory. From mass kidnappings to village assaults, the year was marked by shocking brutality.

High-profile kidnappings included the abduction of at least 61 people from Kajuru village in Kaduna State by bandits disguised in military uniforms on March 12, and the kidnapping of 80 people, mostly women and children, by bandits in Zamfara State on April 19.

In a particularly brutal attack on May 24, suspected Boko Haram militants abducted 160 people in Kuchi village, Niger State, while at least 100 more were kidnapped in Maidabino village, Katsina State, on June 22.

The year also witnessed some of the most horrific fatal attacks.

Bandits killed 40 people during an assault on Zurak village, Plateau State, on May 24. On the same day, Boko Haram terrorists killed 10 people in Kuchi village. A few weeks later, on June 10, unknown gunmen killed at least 50 residents of Yargoje village in Katsina State.

The killing spree reached a devastating peak on March 14, when 17 Nigerian Army officers were massacred during a peace-keeping mission in Okuama, Delta State. Among the fallen were the Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt Col Ah Ali, and several other military personnel.

Students were also not spared, as the year saw numerous abductions. Nine students from the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, Kogi State, were abducted on May 10, and 20 medical and dental students were taken from Otukpo, Benue State, on August 15.

Northern Nigeria, especially Borno and Zamfara States, endured a wave of bombings that left over 18 people dead and more than 30 injured in different explosions.

In response, the military launched major counter-terrorism operations. On May 21, Nigerian troops rescued 350 Boko Haram hostages, primarily women and children, from the Sambisa Forest in Borno State. Additionally, 974 terrorists were killed, 466 hostages were freed, and 1,157 terrorists from Boko Haram and ISWAP surrendered in February.


Spiking inflation, naira devaluation, and CBN interest rate hikes

A persistent trend throughout the outgoing year was the alarming spike in both nominal and food inflation, which stood at 34.60 per cent and 39.93 per cent respectively in November.

The surge in inflation was largely driven by the soaring cost of food, which placed an immense strain on Nigerian households across the country.

Similarly, the Naira endured frequent devaluations, becoming the third most devalued currency in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024. According to the Dataviz Economic Explorer, from November 2023 to November 2024, the naira depreciated by a staggering 51.79 per cent against the US dollar, based on the official exchange rate.

This devaluation significantly increased Nigeria’s external debt, which rose by approximately N30.03 trillion from 2023 to June 2024 when evaluated in Naira terms.

In response to this economic turmoil and to combat the mounting inflation, the Central Bank of Nigeria raised the interest rate six times throughout the year, eventually placing it at 27.25 per cent. This represented a cumulative increase of 875 basis points by November.


National Anthem Change

On May 29, Tinubu signed into law a controversial change to Nigeria’s national anthem, returning to the old version titled “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which had been in use since the country’s independence in 1960. This replaced the version “Arise, O Compatriots,” which had been adopted in 1978.

The decision to revert to the old anthem sparked mixed reactions across the country, particularly due to the swift pace at which the legislation was debated and passed by the National Assembly. The lawmakers’ performance further fueled public debate when they sang the chorus “On your mandate we shall stand” in unison before the president in the Red Chamber, intensifying perceptions of their rubber-stamp nature.


Bobrisky and Simon Ekpa’s detention

One of the year’s most talked-about stories centred on the imprisonment of controversial social media personality and cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, as well as pro-Biafran activist, Simon Ekpa.

Bobrisky’s trouble began on April 3, 2024, when he was arrested and detained by the Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. He faced accusations of mutilating naira notes worth N490,000 and engaging in money laundering.

This arrest followed the viral circulation of a video showing Bobrisky spraying naira notes at the premiere of the movie Ajakaju at Film One Circle Mall in Lekki, Lagos, on March 24, 2024.

After being arraigned on six counts at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison without the option of a fine for abuse of the naira.

However, his imprisonment became even more controversial when, upon his release on August 5, he appeared at a celebratory party just hours after walking out of jail. Many Nigerians were shocked to see him looking more radiant than ever, sparking suspicions about whether he had truly served his time in a custodial facility.

This episode spiralled into heated exchanges involving Bobrisky, social media activist Martins Otse (also known as VeryDarkMan), the EFCC, and renowned lawyer Femi Falana over allegations of unpaid debts. This saga remained one of the year’s most divisive topics.

In another high-profile case, Simon Ekpa was arrested on November 21 in Finland, alongside four others, on charges related to terrorism, including inciting violence and financing terrorism.

According to Finnish media outlet Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court, facing charges of incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. He was accused of orchestrating violent actions in Nigeria’s South-East region through social media from Finland.

The Federal Government sought Ekpa’s extradition to Nigeria, but the Finnish District Court has set May 2025 for the hearing of his case.

Dele Farotimi and Afe Babalola saga

The dramatic feud between elder statesman Chief Afe Babalola and civil rights activist Mr Dele Farotimi dominated national discourse in the outgoing year. Babalola took Farotimi to court in both the Federal High Court in Ekiti State and the Ekiti State Magistrate Court, accusing him of defamation and cyberbullying. The revered legal icon claimed that Farotimi had besmirched his character in his book Nigeria’s Criminal Justice System.

The case sparked widespread public outrage, with many questioning why Farotimi was being prosecuted in Ekiti, rather than Lagos, where he resides. The Ekiti Magistrate Court eventually granted Farotimi bail in the sum of N30m, with two sureties, but the controversy surrounding the trial continued to fuel heated debates across the nation.


Fatal stampedes

In just four days, a series of tragic stampedes across Nigeria claimed the lives of at least 70 people in Ibadan (Oyo State), Okija (Anambra), and Abuja. These fatal incidents sparked political outrage, with opposition parties accusing the current administration of failing its citizens. They described the stampedes as glaring signs of leadership failures and widespread poverty, drawing further attention to the nation’s deepening socio-economic crisis.


Labour Unions Strike

In June, the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared a nationwide strike due to the government’s failure to raise the federal minimum wage following an increase in electricity tariffs. The unions demanded an increase in the national minimum wage from 30,000 naira to 494,000 naira, but the presidency dismissed these demands as “unreasonable.”

The strike dominated national discourse for weeks, plunging the country into darkness as union workers shut down the national grid and the nation’s power supply, according to the Transmission Company of Nigeria. However, after a prolonged battle, both the labour leadership and the Federal Government reached an agreement on a N70,000 national minimum wage.


Opposition Verbal War with APC Over 2027 Presidency

Another major issue in the outgoing year was the series of verbal clashes between the All Progressives Congress and opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party, regarding the 2027 presidency.

The verbal war began when the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, declared that there would be no vacancy in the presidential villa in 2027, claiming that the current administration had exceeded expectations.

In response, the PDP and prominent Northern politicians, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, condemned Akume’s assertion, arguing that the poor performance of President Tinubu’s administration would lead to its ousting in the next presidential election.


Miss Universe Nigeria

In August, Chidimma Adetshina, who represented Taraba State, was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024. Her journey to the title was considered remarkable by many Nigerians, reflecting resilience and grace, reminiscent of the Miss Universe South Africa incident, where she was disqualified. While she will be representing Nigeria on the global stage in Mexico, her victory was undoubtedly one of the most talked-about events of the outgoing year

The rise of political movements inspired by the recently concluded American and Ghanaian elections offers a glimmer of hope for the opposition, ISMAEEL UTHMAN writes

In the wake of the American and Ghanaian presidential elections, several political movements have emerged in Nigeria, each aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. In both the United States and Ghana, the opposition defeated the ruling parties in landslide victories.

In the US, former President Donald Trump of the Republican Party defeated Kamala Harris, the incumbent Vice President and candidate of the Democratic Party, in the November 5 election. Similarly, Ghanaian Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, lost to the National Democratic Congress’s candidate, John Mahama, in the December 7, 2024 elections.

Following Trump’s election, opposition parties expressed hope that they could replicate the US and Ghanaian political trajectories in Nigeria. The outcome of the Ghanaian election has injected a renewed sense of optimism among opposition parties, as they step up their political games towards significant political realignment.

On November 26, it was reported that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, had concluded plans to form a new political party or adopting an existing one to form a coalition ahead of 2027.

After the report, Obi and Atiku met again in Adamawa, Yola State, on November 30, but the two camps of the political leaders denied having discussions for a joint ticket ahead of the 2027 election.

However, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, later revealed that the two political leaders had been engaging in discussions to form a united front against the APC.

Ibe, who appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on December 10, said, “The truth of the matter is that Atiku Abubakar has promoted opposition parties to work together, to come together; that is the only way they can kick out this incompetent and clueless government. And I believe that discussions have been going on.”

This was as the Peoples Redemption Party and African Democratic Congress confirmed that they had initiated discussions with each other on a potential merger ahead of the elections.

Similarly, some parties under the aegis of the Coalition of United Political Parties and the Social Democratic Party had also expressed readiness for talks of a possible alliance, saying the country needed more than just a coalition of only Atiku and Obi.

Also, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, last Saturday, hosted former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. According to Kwankwaso, the discussions centred on “significant national issues, including the future of politics and governance in Nigeria.”

A former Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum, Salihu Lukman, in an open letter titled, ‘Satanic Leadership and Nigeria’s Boiling Point,’ on Monday, called on Obasanjo to lead efforts to unify opposition parties to challenge Tinubu in 2027.

Lukman warned that disunity within opposition parties would make it easier for President Tinubu to secure a second term. He called on Obasanjo, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), Gen. Ibrahim Babangida(retd), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar(retd), Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari to lead efforts to rally opposition parties.

While the rise of these political movements brings hope, it also presents significant challenges. The political landscape in Nigeria is complex. In Nigeria’s recent political history, only once has an opposition party defeated a ruling party. In 2015, Buhari of the APC defeated Jonathan of the PDP.

Buhari had contested and lost three presidential elections before his party, Congress of Progressives Change, the Action Congress of Nigeria, and a faction of the PDP (new PDP) merged in 2013 to form the APC. The merger provided a bigger platform to achieve his presidential ambition in 2015 and for his re-election in 2019.

If the coalition of major opposition leaders works out (like that of the APC in 2013), it will pose a serious challenge to President Tinubu, who won his first election with a 1.8 million vote margin.

In the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu polled 8,794,726 (36.61%) to defeat the runner-up, Atiku Abubakar, who secured 6,984,520 (29.07%). Obi, the LP candidate, had 6,101,533 votes (25.40%) while Kwankwaso, the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, polled 1,496,687 (6.40%). Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso’s votes totalled 14,582,740.

Beyond the coalition of these individuals, many analysts believe that President Tinubu would face the challenge of convincing people for his re-election because of his economic crisis, which the opposition has already capitalised on to discredit his government. Analysts argue that a similar scenario won the election for Ghana’s opposition leader, John Mahama, as the country’s economy plummeted, went through a debt crisis, default, and currency devaluation.

Analysing why the opposition won the Ghanaian election, the Guardian Weekly, an international news magazine based in London, said, “Economic hardship was a major factor: at one point, inflation was as high as 50% and the cedi plummeted to historic lows while the number of taxes increased. A banking sector purge that was hailed by economists but led to thousands of job losses also angered voters, as did a bloated government in which several relatives of the president and ruling party members served.”

Currently, Nigeria’s inflation is at 34.6 per cent while the country’s debt stands at N134.3tn. The rise in inflation is largely driven by food price increases, which continue to place a strain on Nigerian households.

Commenting, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, expressed optimism that there would be a replica of the US and Ghanaian elections in Nigeria, considering the similarities in the two countries’ economies.

But Ologunagba said the replica could only be achieved if the Independent National Electoral Commission allowed elections to be free and fair and respected the people’s will.

He said, “You will see the replica if INEC allows the election to be free and fair. The American and Ghanaian elections reflect the will of the people, and you have independent electoral bodies that are willing to respect that will.

“The challenge of elections in Nigeria is not just the people. Yes, the APC has promoted poverty as an act of governance that has impaired the capacity to make rational decisions. But beyond that, even when the people make a decision and vote, INEC does not allow the people’s will to prevail as expressed in the ballot.

“INEC has been the major challenge for the electoral process, and so the issue of the opposition party winning will be a mirage, except INEC is informed, and INEC leadership is certain that it allows the will of the people to prevail. But there is a snag here, and that is a caution for the country.”

He warned of grievous consequences if the will of the people was not allowed to prevail.

“When you don’t allow the will of the people to prevail, the consequences for democracy can be grave,” Ologunagba stated.

The PDP spokesperson said the Ghanaian election gave hope to the Nigerian opposition for the 2027 presidential election.

“The Ghanaians were angry because of the ill-advised policies of the government in that country, and the people expressed it.

“In Nigeria, you can feel the economic hardship. You know that the twin policy of irresponsible floating of the naira, and withdrawal of subsidy on petroleum products without any cushioning effect, is what brought us to this level.

“So, when you have a government that does not respect the will of the people, and how the welfare of the people matters under the constitution, what happened in Ghana is the consequence of such behaviour.”

Similarly, the NNPP also stated that the Ghanaian election had increased the opposition’s hope of winning the 2027 presidential election.

“The Ghanaian election has given us confidence as opposition parties that we just have to keep working,” said the spokesman for the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson.

However, Johnson maintained that for Nigeria to have a replica of the Ghanaian election, the institutions must allow the will of the people to prevail.

He said, “The Ghanaian election has increased our hope. We hope that Nigerians, especially those in authority, like INEC, the police, and others see that the will of the people must be allowed to prevail. That is the key to it.

“We need stronger institutions in Nigeria. Our institutions are weak. A lot of the people in our institutions wrongly feel that they owe a sense of duty to either the president or the governor or local government chairman or whoever appointed them. Meanwhile, their duty is to the constitution and to the commonwealth and the well-being of the people of Nigeria.

“The moment public servants start to feel that they owe a duty to an individual, then democracy is gradually being eroded. Once we get to that stage, once there is reasonably a level playing ground, then the will of the people will come through.”

Johnson said the opposition parties were hopeful that the wind of change in Ghana would extend to Nigeria.

“When you see the system of one of your neighbouring countries improving, you always hope that the wind of improvement and positive change will blow your way. Things tend to influence each other, and that was why when there was a coup in Niger, a lot of people were panicking in Nigeria, because we all know that at times, the wind blows from area to area, country to country.

“The Ghanaian election has given us confidence as opposition parties that we just have to keep working. We just have to keep talking to Nigerians and make them understand that when someone is giving you palliatives, it means that the government is not working properly,” he added.

Johnson said the NNPP was open to coalition because the party believed in good governance and it wanted the best for Nigeria.

“If we need to enter into a partnership, into a coalition, into a merger, to bring about a government that will help move this country forward, salvage this country, and move it forward, then so be it,” he stated.

But the APC said it was not frightened by the political movements of the opposition figures, describing the participants as enemies of the country.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Oyo State, Olawale Sadare, said there was no serious opposition currently in Nigeria that could threaten President Tinubu’s re-election.

“They have every right to be optimistic, but the fact is that winning an election goes beyond mere wishes. They need to work for it. As it stands now, we do not even have any opposition at the federal level. My fear is that we may not even have anything called PDP or Labour Party in 2027,” said Sadare.

According to him, discerning minds would support Tinubu in 2027 because of his performance and pedigree.

“President Bola Tinubu is not resting on his oars; he is performing, and the 2027 election will be determined on account of pedigree and performance. When we move closer to 2027, every discerning mind in Nigeria will queue behind the president. So, in APC, we don’t have any cause to panic.

“Why should we be frightened by the opposition’s political movements or realignments? They are a bunch of clowns. They just want to remain in the heart of the media. These are known enemies of the country. You talk about a former president or his co-travellers. So, we are not bothered. They can afford to meet on an hourly basis. It is none of our business.”

Also, the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Lagos State, Seye Oladejo, described the political movements and optimism of the opposition parties as wishful thinking that would not materialise.

Oladejo said those involved in political realignment were those who had failed the country at one time or the other.

He stated the political and economic situations of the US and Ghana were not the same as Nigeria’s, promising that whatever seemed to be hardship now in Nigeria would no longer be in place in 2027.

The Lagos APC spokesperson said, “The opposition has been busy daydreaming in recent times, and for reasons that are known to them, they are drooling over the results of the election in Ghana and the US. One could wonder if they have been able to situate those results properly. But the truth of the matter is the situations in Ghana and the US are not exactly the same as Nigeria’s.

“The only thing that would be comparable would be that Nigerians will vote for good governance, being put across by APC at different levels in 2027. There is nothing in the camp of the so-called opposition parties to elicit the confidence of Nigerians to entrust them with the mantle of leadership. They are daydreaming.

“I can assure you that before 2027, a lot of things that have been put in place in terms of the reforms would have started yielding fruits. The ruling APC government means well for all.”

The Oyo State Government says the 11 Megawatts Ibadan Hybrid Power Project commissioned by Governor Seyi Makinde early this month has taken off.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said the whole of the Oyo State Secretariat and its environs, covering all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including the Secretariat Clinic, the State House of Assembly, and the Governor’s office, have started to experience uninterrupted power supply.

According to Oyelade in a statement made available to journalists, the development is a fulfillment of Makinde’s promise to commence the process of power independence for the state.

The first phase of the project, according to the statement, is a 5MW integrated power plant consisting of solar power and natural gas.

The next phase will extend uninterrupted power supply to other critical arms of government, including selected schools, Adeoyo and Ring Road Hospitals, the High Court complex, and Adamasingba Stadium, among others.

The commissioner said that the state government, through the Ministry of Energy, in partnership with a private energy conglomerate under a structured Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model, is undertaking the power project.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has said that the tax reform bills of President Bola Tinubu will favour states like Kano and Zamfara, as there will be an increase in their Value-Added Tax (VAT) allocation.

Bamidele stated this in his Christmas message to Nigerians, adding that those opposing the tax reforms currently before the National Assembly were spreading false narratives, contrary to the provisions of the bills.

“The provisions recommend 6.17 per cent to Kano compared to the current 0.89 per cent the state is receiving, and Zamfara will get 1.21 per cent of the total VAT allocation instead of the 0.05 per cent it currently receives,” he said.

The senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District also debunked the claim made by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State that, except Lagos, other states of the federation would not benefit from the tax reform bills.

Zulum, in a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service, lamented that the bills could have devastating consequences for the northern region of Nigeria, especially by preventing states from paying their workers’ salaries.

Bamidele, however, countered Governor Zulum, explaining that Lagos, which currently receives 80.26 per cent of the total VAT, will have its share reduced to 15.28 per cent, and Rivers State, which currently receives 7.74 per cent, will drop to 4.6 per cent if the bills are passed.

“As credible data have shown, for instance, the new model recommends 6.17 per cent to Kano compared to 0.89 per cent currently due to it. It recommends 1.21 per cent for Zamfara compared to 0.05 per cent,” he said.

“Currently, Lagos gets 80.26 per cent, but the new model only recommends 15.28 per cent, representing an 81 per cent decrease.

“Under the new model, Rivers’ share will decline from 7.74 per cent to 4.6 per cent, accounting for a 41 per cent decrease. With these figures, the narrative around the new derivation model is utterly incorrect and unfounded.”

Bamidele, in his Christmas message, explained that the National Assembly has taken note of all the concerns raised regarding the bills.

“We have taken due note of public concerns about these initiatives. We are also looking deeply into the areas of public concern,” he said.

“Our duty, as democrats, is not just to listen to our constituents but also to give effect to policy initiatives that will positively impact their lives.”

He also pointed out that, contrary to the opinions of some critics, the tax reform bills have recommended that those earning N83,000 monthly or N1,000,000 per annum should be exempted from paying VAT on consumption and essential services.

According to him, the bills promote justice and fairness in the distribution of VAT to all the 36 states across Nigeria.

“For the record, the tax reform bills, when finally enacted, utterly exempt all employees earning N1,000,000 annually or N83,000 monthly; exempt start-ups, shared services, and technologically-driven services from taxation; and recommend zero VAT on essential services and consumption,” he explained.

“Even though it reviews the derivation formula to 60 per cent, this proposal is guided purely by the principles of equity, fairness, and justice. The new model will eventually guarantee a significant increase in VAT distributable to every state of the federation.”