₦airaland Forum

Dear Daily Trust,

Thank you for your feedback. However, your fact-check is not based on facts. Although I am still grateful that you admit that Nigeria's debt has reduced under President Tinubu from what was inherited from General Buhari:

The figure of $108.29 billion, which you quoted as the total debt figure inherited from General Buhari by President Tinubu was accurate only up to March 31, 2023, because the debt data is reported quarterly by the DMO. The $108.29 billion was NOT what President Tinubu inherited from General Buhari.

Those figures did not take into account loans borrowed by the Buhari administration in the second quarter of 2023, which ended in June, which included the Ways and Means debt that was not discovered until after General Buhari handed over to President Tinubu.

As of June 2023, the total debt figure inherited from the Buhari administration had climbed to $113 billion.

You may want to read a more accurate fact-checking from Dubawa, an independent verification and fact-checking project published by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) here dubawa.org/comparative-an…

According to Dubawa, which also quoted from the Debt Management Office:

"In the second quarter, which marks the beginning of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the total debt was ₦87 trillion ($113 billion). The total external debt stock was ₦33 trillion ($43 billion). The federal government’s external debt was ₦29 trillion ($38 billion), while the external debt stock of States and FCT totalled ₦3 trillion ($4 billion)."

I do note your anti-Tinubu stance; however, please verify this and take down this misleading and dishonest headline. No further steps, legal or otherwise, will be taken.

Thanks again, and may God bless you.

Reno Omokri

Ambassador Designate to Mexico. Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year, 2022. 21st Most Talked About Person in Africa, 2024.

This is me in the attached photo, taken in 1998. I was being honoured by Bastiaan Korner, the then Dutch ambassador to Nigeria, for my role in fighting for democracy against the despotic and murderous Abacha military junta. The other gentleman is one of the most patriotic Nigerians alive. He is the current editor of Thisday Newspaper.

Having fought that despicable regime, I will not sit idly by while persons like Farooq Kperogi and Dele Momodu make unjust and unfair comparisons between that government, if you can call the Abacha regime a government, and the Tinubu administration.

Making accusations that the judiciary is "susceptible to political manipulation" without supporting them with facts, data, and statistics is unhelpful to democracy, undermines the trust Nigerians have in their government, and is itself anti-intellectual. I wonder why a man like Kperogi would say such.

You shouldn't make such opinionated statements without backing them up, because that assertion is not only false but will also negatively affect Nigeria's FDI drive, as investors do not invest in countries without an independent judiciary.

And for Mr Kperogi to say the President is "stealthily but systematically weakening all the political parties that could provide viable platforms for his opponents in 2027" is fallacious.

Again, he, like Dele Momodu before him, offers no evidentiary backup for those strong words.

But it is not just that. These gentlemen betray both a lack of grasp of party politics and history.

Let me start with history. It is not President Tinubu who is systematically weakening opposition parties. No. The truth is that it is the character of his opponents that is ruining these parties.

Some of these persons have a history of lacking the patience to build solid structures and of causing dissension, whether they go.

For example, Peter Obi began his political career in the All Progressives Grand Alliance after he was picked up by Dim Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, whom he subsequently betrayed.

While in APGA, Peter Obi, in a now-viral video, swore that he would never leave the party. Yet he did leave, but not before dividing that party. The chaos he caused was so deep-seated that he was cursed by the then Chairman of APGA, Victor Oye! Please fact-check me.

Then he moved to the Peoples Democratic Party and also caused havoc in that organisation by insisting on contesting against his former principal.

After splitting the PDP, he joined the Labour Party, which then split into two factions, each producing its own Chairman and NEC.

When he had finished destroying the Labour Party as a viable alternative, he officially joined the African Democratic Congress on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

After just three weeks in the ADC, the official spokesman of that party publicly called the Obidient movement a "divisive" mob!

And instead of adjusting their behaviour, today, the Obidient movement has released a statement attacking the ADC for calling them divisive!

Now, if you have gone through four very different political parties and ended up with the same result of division, quarrels, and factionalism, the question you should ask yourself is this: Is it the parties that are the problem or Peter Obi?

How can a man who has divided four political parties in a row unite Nigeria? And how can men like Kperogi and Momodu overlook this and blame the President for the failings of these parties?

And then, they also ignore the historical fact that parties in Nigeria tend to splinter when elections are around the corner.

This started right from independence and has continued into the Fourth Republic.

For example, under our government (the Jonathan administration), when the All Progressives Congress was established on Wednesday, February 2013, an alternate All Progressives Congress was established by some persons.

Reno Omokri Hoist The Nigerian Flag at the Top Of Mountain Kilimanjaro

The Nigerian ambassador to Mexico Amb Reno Omokri has successfully climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in just three and a half days—half the time it typically takes most climbers.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, is usually conquered over a seven-day trekking schedule to allow climbers to gradually adapt to the altitude. Completing the ascent in such a short time is not only physically demanding but also requires extraordinary endurance, preparation, and mental strength.

Sharing the achievement on his verified Twitter handle, Omokri expressed gratitude to God and dedicated the feat to the honour of his country, Nigeria. The climb symbolizes resilience and national pride, showing what can be accomplished through faith, discipline, and determination.
Kilimanjaro’s summit, known as Uhuru Peak, stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level and has long been considered a powerful symbol of human perseverance.

For Omokri, reaching the summit in record time was not just a personal milestone but also a moment meant to inspire fellow Nigerians to believe in their capacity to achieve great things.

To God Be The Glory, I Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro In Three And a Half Days, Instead of Seven, For The Honour of My Country, Nigeria! pic.twitter.com/nKgbQja8CD

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) March 10, 2026

I Dedicate Day One Of My Climb To The Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro To President Tinubu and All Nigerians pic.twitter.com/JTPCavYRvj

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) March 7, 2026

The pharmaceutical industry is a global powerhouse, with some companies reaching staggering revenue figures as they drive medical advancements and innovation. Here is a ranking of the top 20 biotechnology and pharmaceutical giants of 2023, based on revenue.

1. Johnson & Johnson (USA)
• Revenue (2023): $85.16 billion
• Stock Exchange: NYSE: JNJ
Known for its diversified healthcare portfolio, Johnson & Johnson leads the global market with revenue generated from pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products. The company’s continued innovation and research focus make it a key player.

2. Sinopharm (China)
• Revenue (2023): $84.06 billion
• Stock Exchange: SEHK: 1099
As China’s largest pharmaceutical company, Sinopharm is a significant force in both domestic and global markets. The company distributes pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services.

3. Roche (Switzerland)
• Revenue (2023): $68.48 billion
• Stock Exchange: SIX: ROG
Roche specializes in oncology, immunology, and diagnostics. Its commitment to personalized healthcare and biotechnology places it among the top earners globally.

4. Merck & Co. (USA)
• Revenue (2023): $60.12 billion
• Stock Exchange: NYSE: MRK
Known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada, Merck & Co. is a leader in oncology and vaccines, with blockbuster drugs that drive its significant revenue growth.

5. Pfizer (USA)
• Revenue (2023): $58.50 billion
• Stock Exchange: NYSE: PFE
Pfizer’s revenue soared during the pandemic due to its COVID-19 vaccine. Despite a decrease in recent revenue, Pfizer continues to focus on vaccine development and treatments for infectious diseases.

6. AbbVie (USA)
• Revenue (2023): $54.32 billion
• Stock Exchange: NYSE: ABBV
AbbVie’s success largely stems from its immunology and oncology products, including the blockbuster drug Humira, which continues to drive revenue in multiple markets.

7. Bayer (Germany)
• Revenue (2023): $51.72 billion
• Stock Exchange: FWB: BAYN
Known for its consumer health products and agricultural segment, Bayer also produces pharmaceuticals that significantly contribute to its revenue.

8. Sanofi (France)
• Revenue (2023): $46.84 billion
• Stock Exchange: NYSE: SNY
Sanofi is a global leader in vaccines and specialty care. Its strong product pipeline in immunology and oncology supports continued growth.

9. AstraZeneca (United Kingdom/Sweden)
• Revenue (2023): $45.81 billion
• Stock Exchange: LSE: AZN
AstraZeneca’s expertise in oncology and respiratory treatments, along with its COVID-19 vaccine contribution, keeps it among the top pharmaceutical companies worldwide.

10. Novartis (Switzerland)
• Revenue (2023): $45.44 billion
• Stock Exchange: NYSE: NVS
With a focus on oncology, immunology, and gene therapy, Novartis consistently ranks as one of the top earners in pharmaceuticals.
11. Bristol Myers Squibb (USA)

• Revenue (2023): $45.01 billion
• Stock Exchange: Nasdaq: BMY
BMS specializes in oncology, immunology, and cardiovascular treatments, with a robust pipeline and steady growth.

12. Abbott Laboratories (USA)
• Revenue (2023): $40.11 billion
• Stock Exchange: Nasdaq: ABT
Known for its diagnostic devices and nutritional products, Abbott continues to rank high among healthcare companies globally.

13. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) (United Kingdom)
• Revenue (2023): $38.63 billion
• Stock Exchange: LSE: GSK
GSK’s strength in vaccines and consumer healthcare drives its revenue, making it a top competitor in the pharmaceutical sector.

14. Eli Lilly & Co. (USA)
• Revenue (2023): $34.12 billion
• Stock Exchange: NYSE: LLY
Eli Lilly’s innovations in diabetes and oncology have propelled its growth, with blockbuster drugs supporting its position in the top 20.

15. Novo Nordisk (Denmark)
• Revenue (2023): $33.83 billion
• Stock Exchange: NYSE: NVO
As a leader in diabetes care and obesity treatment, Novo Nordisk’s growth reflects increasing demand for its innovative therapies.

16. Shanghai Pharmaceuticals (China)
• Revenue (2023): $36.68 billion
• Stock Exchange: SSE: 601607
Shanghai Pharmaceuticals is a key player in China, with a diverse range of pharmaceutical products and a strong distribution network.

17. Takeda Pharmaceutical (Japan)
• Revenue (2023): $30.24 billion
• Stock Exchange: TYO: 4502
Japan’s largest pharmaceutical company, Takeda, focuses on oncology, rare diseases, and gastrointestinal treatments.

18. Amgen (USA)
• Revenue (2023): $28.19 billion
• Stock Exchange: Nasdaq: AMGN
Known for its expertise in biologics and biosimilars, Amgen remains a top player with a focus on oncology and cardiovascular diseases.

19. Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany)
• Revenue (2023): $27.70 billion
• Private Company
As one of the few privately held pharmaceutical companies, Boehringer Ingelheim has a strong focus on respiratory diseases and animal health.

20. Gilead Sciences (USA)
• Revenue (2023): $27.30 billion
• Stock Exchange: Nasdaq: GILD
Gilead’s portfolio includes treatments for HIV, liver diseases, and more recently, COVID-19, keeping it a significant force in biotechnology.
Industry Trends and Insights.

The global pharmaceutical industry is ever-evolving, driven by breakthroughs in research and development, especially in fields like oncology, immunology, and gene therapy. As pharmaceutical companies continue to develop innovative solutions, competition remains fierce. Emerging technologies, increased focus on personalized medicine, and growing demand for sustainable practices are shaping the future of these companies and the industry.
From massive mergers to partnerships with technology companies, the pharmaceutical sector is adapting to meet new challenges in healthcare delivery, precision medicine, and regulatory compliance. The combined efforts of these top 20 companies ensure that life-saving treatments reach patients around the world while advancing medical knowledge and healthcare practices.

Conclusion
The top 20 largest pharmaceutical companies are not only leaders in revenue but also pioneers of medical innovation. Their contributions to global health continue to expand the boundaries of what is possible in medicine, making them pillars of the healthcare industry. As they push forward with new treatments, therapies, and vaccines, they shape the future of healthcare worldwide, bringing both challenges and hope for better health outcomes.

With the advancement of technology in the automotive industry, new braking systems and technologies have been developed to enhance vehicle safety and prevent accidents. These innovations are not just about stopping a vehicle more efficiently; they also involve complex systems that can detect potential hazards, anticipate driver reactions, and even take control in critical situations to avoid collisions.

Traditional Braking Systems: A Brief Overview
Before delving into new technologies, it's important to understand traditional braking systems. Most cars have used hydraulic braking systems, where the driver's pressure on the brake pedal is amplified and transferred to the brake pads via brake fluid, causing the vehicle to slow down or stop. While effective, these systems rely heavily on the driver's reaction time and judgment, which can be insufficient in preventing a car accident.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
One of the earliest advancements in braking technology is the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintaining tractive contact with the road surface. This system allows the driver to maintain better control of the vehicle under heavy braking and reduces stopping distances, particularly on slippery surfaces.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Electronic Stability Control is an extension of ABS. It helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the car turns more or less than desired. ESC can apply the brakes to individual wheels and reduce engine power if necessary to help steer the car where the driver intends to go. It’s particularly effective in preventing skids and loss of control in slippery conditions.

Advanced Braking Technologies

1. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
AEB systems detect an impending forward crash with another vehicle in time to avoid or mitigate the crash. These systems use various sensors, such as radar, cameras, and lidar, to detect potential obstacles and apply the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond in time. AEB can be particularly effective in urban environments where the risk of rear-end collisions is higher.

2. Adaptive Brake Technology
This system goes beyond traditional ABS and ESC by adapting the braking response to different driving conditions. For instance, in wet conditions, it can apply slight pressure to dry the brake discs, improving effectiveness. It also includes features like hill-start assist, which prevents the car from rolling back on a slope.

3. Brake Assist Systems
Brake Assist detects when a driver is attempting an emergency stop and automatically increases braking pressure to stop the car more quickly. This technology compensates for situations where the driver does not press the brake pedal hard enough to achieve maximum braking performance.

4. Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
CBC is designed to enhance stability and control when braking in a corner. It varies the brake pressure applied to each wheel, helping to maintain the car's stability and preventing it from skidding out of control.

Integration with Driver-Assist Technologies

1. Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) and Crash Imminent Braking (CIB)
DBS and CIB are part of the suite of driver-assist technologies. DBS activates when the driver initiates braking but not hard enough to avoid a crash. CIB, on the other hand, automatically applies the brakes when a crash is imminent, and the driver has not taken any action to avoid it.

2. Predictive Brake Assist
Some modern cars come equipped with predictive systems that analyze driving patterns and warn the driver of potential hazards, like sharp curves or traffic jams ahead. If the system detects a high risk of collision, it pre-conditions the brakes for a quicker response.

The Role of Regenerative Braking in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Regenerative braking is a key feature in electric and hybrid vehicles. This system captures the kinetic energy typically lost during braking and converts it into electrical energy, which is then used to recharge the car's battery. While its primary purpose is to improve efficiency and range, it also contributes to safer braking, especially in city driving.

The Future of Braking Technology
Looking ahead, braking systems will become increasingly integrated with other vehicle technologies. The advent of autonomous vehicles will see braking systems that are fully automated and capable of making complex decisions based on a wide array of sensor data. These systems will not only prevent accidents but will also contribute to the smooth flow of traffic and enhanced fuel efficiency.

The evolution of braking systems in cars from purely mechanical components to sophisticated, technology-driven systems marks a significant leap in automotive safety. With the integration of ABS, ESC, AEB, and other advanced features, modern vehicles are increasingly capable of preventing accidents, protecting passengers, and enhancing the overall driving experience. As we move towards more autonomous driving technologies, these braking systems will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring road safety. For consumers, understanding these technologies is key to making informed decisions about their vehicles and driving habits. With these advancements, the future of driving looks safer, smarter, and more efficient.