Flowerbud News

Category: Business & Economy

  • Abducted Oyo pupils, teachers rescued—- Presidency

    Abducted Oyo pupils, teachers rescued—- Presidency

     

    By Muhyideen Jimoh
    Abuja,  All the pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on Ahoro-Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued.

    Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, announced the development in a post on his verified X handle on Friday.

    “Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo, have been freed by their abductors,” Onanuga wrote.

    The victims were abducted on May 15 when heavily armed gunmen invaded the community, kidnapping 46 pupils, teachers and the principal of a secondary school.

    Onanuga said security operatives arrested eight suspected kidnappers during the rescue operation.

    He added that some members of the criminal gang were neutralised during the operation.

    “In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised,” he said.

    According to him, no ransom or concession was offered to secure the victims’ release.

    “There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, whose release the kidnappers demanded, is being prosecuted for his atrocities,” he stated.

    He said security agencies would provide a comprehensive account of the operation in due course.(NAN)

  • Works Ministry graduates 55 Batch 32 trainees, urges professionalism, innovation

     

    Some of the graduands

     

    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, The Federal Ministry of Works on Friday graduated 55 trainees in its Batch 32 Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Development Centre Training School in Ijora, Lagos, with a charge to uphold professionalism, innovation and selfless service to Nigeria.

    Declaring the graduation ceremony open, Mr Ayodele Akusu, the Principal of the training school and Public Service Rules and Mathematics Lecturer, described the event as the successful completion of a journey of learning, discipline and practical skills development.

    Akusu said: “Today marks the successful completion of a journey of learning, discipline and practical skill development.

    “We celebrate the dedication and hard work of our trainees, the commitment of our instructors and the continued effort of the Federal Ministry of Works in developing a highly skilled technical workforce for our nation.”

    The principal urged the graduates to make professionalism, innovation and service their guiding principles as they begin the next phase of their careers.

    “As we commence this memorable occasion, let us reflect on the importance of professionalism, innovation and service to Nigeria,” he said.

    Akusu congratulated the graduates and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to infrastructure development across the country.

    “We congratulate all the graduating trainees and wish them success as they apply their knowledge and skills in advancing the nation’s infrastructure,” he said.

    Speaking, the outgoing Students’ Union Government (SUG) Governor of Batch 32, Chief Matthew Okwori, said the centre had transformed the career prospects of technical officers through quality skills acquisition and professional development.

    Okwori, in his valedictory address at the graduation ceremony in Ijora, Lagos, said the institution had become a platform for career advancement for civil servants who previously faced promotion limitations.

    “The school has distinguished itself through its dual training system, focusing on skills acquisition, skills improvement and professional development.

    “The training programme was established to provide the essential academic and technical qualifications required for the advancement and conversion of Senior Foremen and Chief Technical Assistants to Works Superintendent cadre.

    “Many of us were stagnated for many years and had no solution to the problem until the school came on board. Our stories will soon change for the better.

    “We came to this school as novices, but with the assistance of our professional lecturers and competent management, we have been transformed into better and knowledgeable persons.

    “As we go out, we are going to project the good image of the school in our different places of work,” he said.

    The outgoing SUG governor said the training programme had equipped participants with the competence required for higher responsibilities in the civil service.

    “The training programme is designed as an essential requirement for the advancement and conversion of Senior Foremen and Chief Technical Assistants to Works Superintendent cadre.

    “The Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Development Centre has provided an opportunity for technologically inclined civil servants who, in the past, could not cross certain career barriers.

    “Many of us experienced career stagnation before now, but through this programme, we now look forward to greater opportunities and professional advancement,” he said.

    Okwori, who commended the principal, management and instructors for their commitment to the trainees’ success, expressed sadness over the demise of a colleague, Mr Godwin Achanya, who could not finish with them.

    “I sincerely appreciate my colleagues for finding me worthy to serve as Governor of Batch 32.

    “Let us continue to keep the spirit of brotherhood and love alive even after today,” he said.

    The ceremony featured the graduation of 55 trainees, including three drivers from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who successfully completed the technical training programme. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Osun:  Politics Apart; Why Pres Tinubu Should be Openly Proud of  Gov. Adeleke’s Achievements

    Osun:  Politics Apart; Why Pres Tinubu Should be Openly Proud of  Gov. Adeleke’s Achievements

     

    –  In fact, President Tinubu owes Governors Ademola Adeleke, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Alex Otti a sincere thank you. These governors have shown Nigerians what subsidy-derived revenues can accomplish when managed responsibly. Their performances have given citizens practical examples of what they should be demanding from their respective state governments.

    By Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba
    Having traveled extensively across Nigeria over the years, I have had the privilege of observing firsthand the realities of governance and development in different parts of our country.

    I first visited Osun State in 2021 and again in May 2022. During those visits, I traveled through several communities and observed the developmental realities on the ground.

    Recently, I returned to Osun, and I must confess that I could hardly recognize the state I once knew.

    The transformation I witnessed was remarkable and convincing enough for me to conclude that if the additional revenues accruing to states from fuel subsidy removal were utilized the way Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State have utilized theirs, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not be facing the level of criticism he receives across the country today.

    Since the removal of fuel subsidy in May 2023, Nigerians have endured enormous hardship. Transportation costs have skyrocketed, food prices have become unbearable, rents have increased dramatically, and many families struggle daily to survive.

    Yet while citizens bore the pains of the policy, state governments began receiving unprecedented revenues from the Federation Account. The real issue therefore is no longer whether subsidy was removed, but what governors are doing with the resources generated from that decision.

    Based on my observations across the country, I have come to a simple conclusion: Osun State has become one of the clearest examples of how subsidy-related revenues can be translated into visible development when leadership is focused on the people.

    Healthcare provides one of the strongest examples. Through the Imole Medical Outreach Programme, thousands of residents have received free medical treatment, including surgeries for cataracts and hernia, services many families could never have afforded under normal circumstances.

    Thousands of senior citizens and vulnerable residents have also been enrolled in the Osun Health Insurance Scheme free of charge, ensuring that healthcare is not reserved only for the wealthy.

    Beyond healthcare, the Adeleke administration has implemented various social intervention programmes aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship.

    Through the Imole Business Empowerment Scheme, small business owners have received support in the form of POS terminals, start-up grants, and interest-free loans. These interventions have particularly benefited women, youths, and cooperative societies, creating opportunities for economic survival during difficult times.

    Infrastructure development is equally visible across the state. During my recent visit, I personally observed significant improvements in parts of Osogbo, Ede, Iwo, and Gbongan. Roads that were once difficult to navigate have received attention, while rural electrification projects and portable borehole water schemes have extended development beyond the urban centers.

    Before my recent visit to Osun State, I came across a video of former President Olusegun Obasanjo speaking during the commissioning of some of Governor Adeleke’s projects, including the VIP Lodge and major road networks.

    In his characteristic jovial manner, Chief Obasanjo remarked in Yoruba: “Mr Governor, they call you a dancer. But you are dancing to praise God. And I heard you are working hard for your people.”

    He urged Governor Adeleke to ignore distractions and the shortcomings of previous administrations and remain focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

    At the time, I considered it a generous endorsement from a respected elder statesman. However, after my recent visit to Osun, I now better understand why Obasanjo made those remarks.

    One experience stood out for me. Seeing light virtually everywhere across Osogbo helped me understand why Governor Adeleke is popularly called “Imole.” In Yoruba, Imole means “Light,” and the visible improvements in infrastructure, electrification, and public services across the state give practical meaning to that nickname. Development, after all, is the light that dispels the darkness of poverty and neglect.

    Governor Adeleke’s commitment to long-term development is equally evident in its approach to the power sector. By signing the Osun Electricity Law, Governor Adeleke positioned the state to address chronic electricity challenges through off-grid and renewable energy solutions. This is the kind of forward-thinking policy many states should be emulating.

    Education has not been neglected. Instructional materials have been distributed to schools, and the state’s performance in national examinations has reportedly improved significantly.

    Combined with the payment of salary and pension arrears inherited from previous administrations, these measures have helped restore confidence among workers, retirees, students, and families across the state.

    In retrospect, my initial criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s subsidy removal policy was understandable, given the uncertainty and hardship that followed. Today, however, I see the issue differently. The policy itself is not necessarily the problem. The bigger challenge lies with governors who fail to translate increased revenues into tangible benefits for their citizens.

    Osun State, much like Kano and Abia States, has demonstrated that when leadership is people-oriented, even painful economic reforms can produce meaningful outcomes.

    In fact, President Tinubu owes Governors Ademola Adeleke, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Alex Otti a sincere thank you. These governors have shown Nigerians what subsidy-derived revenues can accomplish when managed responsibly. Their performances have given citizens practical examples of what they should be demanding from their respective state governments.

    More importantly, they have exposed the scale of resources now available to states. Citizens can now ask legitimate questions: If these states can build roads, improve healthcare, support businesses, expand social welfare programmes, and invest in education, what is preventing others from doing the same?

    The real debate surrounding subsidy removal is therefore no longer about the availability of resources but about the quality of leadership managing those resources. If Nigeria truly wants to understand what the benefits of subsidy removal should look like, it should stop listening to excuses and start studying examples such as Osun, Kano, and Abia States.

    As an outsider with no political stake in Osun State, I believe the people of the state should carefully reflect on the transformation they have witnessed under Governor Ademola Adeleke. Elections are ultimately a report card on performance. They should be about results rather than rhetoric, delivery rather than promises, and tangible impact rather than partisan sentiments. When leaders demonstrate commitment to improving the lives of ordinary people, democracy demands that such performance be acknowledged and encouraged.

    For me, the contrast between the Osun I saw in 2021 and the Osun I recently revisited is striking. The difference is visible, measurable, and difficult to ignore. If the current pace of development is sustained, Osun may well become one of the strongest examples in Nigeria of how responsible leadership can convert public resources into public good.

    The lesson is simple: when leadership works, even difficult policies can produce positive results. And when leadership fails, even abundant resources become invisible to the people they are meant to serve.

    (Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba writes from Kano, and can be reached via drssbaba@yahoo.com)


    About Flowerbudnews
    Established by Hon.  Biola Lawal, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FLOWERBUDNEWS is a consortium of active veteran journalists, experienced Multimedia broadcast experts and image makers.

    We are drawn from both public and private  sectors of Nigeria’s media Industry with a common  determination to enhance the practice of responsible journalism..

    Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.

    Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.

    The retired NAN Acting Boss holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.

    He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght.  The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.

  • NAFDAC Shines in London as DG Bags Prestigious Int’l Award in the House of Commons

    NAFDAC Shines in London as DG Bags Prestigious Int’l Award in the House of Commons

     

    – I accept this honour not for myself alone, but on behalf of the dedicated men and women of NAFDAC whose tireless work makes every achievement attributed to my leadership possible,” – Prof. Adeyeye

     

    – Exhibiting uncommon humility, Prof. Adeyeye declares; ”This recognition belongs to every member of the NAFDAC family.”

     

    By Biola Lawal
    FLOWERBUDNEWS: Nigeria’s Prof. Mojisola Christian Adeyeye, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has been conferred with the prestigious Special African Leadership Commendation Award.

    Prof. Adeyeye bagged the honour at the 16th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) in London, United Kingdom, for transforming Nigeria’s pharmaceutical regulatory system into a global benchmark.

    The award ceremony, which brought together heads of state, ministers, parliamentarians, and Africa’s most distinguished business and public sector leaders, was held at the historic Cholmondeley Room and Terrace, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, London, on 3 July 2026.

    The recognition, conferred by the Global Advisory Board of the African Leadership Organisation (ALO), the publisher of African Leadership Magazine, was awarded following a rigorous, merit-based screening and vetting process spanning several years, during which Prof. Adeyeye’s leadership trajectory and institutional impact were independently tracked and assessed by an international panel.

    The award tells a story that every Nigerian should know. When Prof. Adeyeye assumed office as Director General of NAFDAC on 30 November 2017, she inherited an agency in deep institutional distress, a statement on the historic event disclosed.

    It recall further:
    The agency carried a debt burden of over ₦3.2 billion. Between 70 and 80 per cent of the equipment across NAFDAC’s seven laboratories was non-functional.

    There were no vehicles for inspection. Staff morale had collapsed under repeated industrial strikes. No Director had a NAFDAC-issued laptop. Digitisation was non-existent. And on the World Health Organisation’s Global Benchmarking scale of one to four, NAFDAC was rated below Level One. One international observer had described the agency bluntly as a “good-for-nothing agency.”

    Less than a decade later, the same agency stands as one of the most credible regulatory bodies on the African continent.

    Through fiscal discipline alone, Prof. Adeyeye cleared the inherited debt of over ₦3.1 billion within her first year in office, discovering in the process that ₦200 million of that debt was fictitious. She procured over 150 utility vehicles, invested over ₦7 billion in laboratory equipment, and equipped more than half of NAFDAC’s 2,000-plus workforce with laptops and desktop computers.

    She digitised 90 per cent of the agency’s regulatory processes, instituted standard operating procedures across all functions, and pursued ISO 9001 certification, which NAFDAC achieved by 2019 and has maintained through recertification to date.

    The global recognition that has followed is remarkable by any standard.

    NAFDAC attained WHO Global Benchmarking Maturity Level 3 in March 2022, a distinction held by only 35 per cent of regulatory agencies worldwide, and was successfully re-benchmarked in June 2025.

    The Central Drug Laboratory in Lagos achieved WHO Prequalification in September 2023.

    Nigeria attained Pre-Accession Pre-Applicant status in the Pharmaceutical Inspection and Cooperation Scheme (PIC/S), a membership shared by only 50 countries globally.

    In 2025, Nigeria became the 24th member of the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH), one of only 25 members among 194 regulatory agencies worldwide.

    Through the Five Plus Five regulatory directive, Prof. Adeyeye drove a 70 per cent reduction in the importation of pharmaceuticals already being manufactured in Nigeria, significantly strengthening the domestic pharmaceutical industry.

    International pharmaceutical companies that left Nigeria in 2017 are now investing and reinvesting in the country, bringing technology transfer and global partnerships.

    NAFDAC is now working towards WHO Maturity Level 4 and World Listed Authority status, milestones that would enable medicines manufactured in Nigeria to be traded freely across the African continent and globally, positioning Nigeria as a pharmaceutical export nation of international standing.

    The two-day ABLA programme, themed “From Vision to Velocity: Driving Africa’s Next Wave of Growth and Leadership,” was held across two iconic London venues.

    Day One took place at the GMT Suite, Hilton London Metropole, where Prof. Adeyeye delivered a keynote address on “The African University of the Future: Innovation, Relevance, and Global Competitiveness,” calling for the urgent alignment of African university curricula with global regulatory standards and the integration of digitisation across all academic disciplines. Her address drew wide commendation from the assembled leaders.

    Day Two, the awards ceremony at the House of Lords, was hosted by Baroness Sandy Verma, with Lord Dolar Popat and Baroness Lindsay Northover attending as special guests.

    The ALO International Advisory Council, chaired by H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, was represented by H.E. Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor, former Vice President of Liberia, Gen. William Kip Ward, First Commander of US Africa Command, Hon. Nomvula Mokonyane, former Premier of Gauteng and Deputy Secretary General of the African National Congress of South Africa, and Dr. Victor Oladokun, Communications Advisor to the President of the African Development Bank, among others.

    Speaking after receiving her award, Prof. Adeyeye said:

    “I accept this honour not for myself alone, but on behalf of the dedicated men and women of NAFDAC whose tireless work makes every achievement attributed to my leadership possible.

    When I assumed office in November 2017, NAFDAC was rated below the first rung of the WHO Global Benchmarking ladder.

    Today, we stand at Maturity Level 3, successfully re-benchmarked in June 2025, a distinction held by only 35 per cent of regulatory agencies worldwide.

    This recognition belongs to every member of the NAFDAC family.” FLOWERBUDNEWS)

  • NAFDAC,  MAN, SON urge women manufacturers to strengthen regulatory compliance

    NAFDAC,  MAN, SON urge women manufacturers to strengthen regulatory compliance

    (NAFDAC Operatives in action, protecting public health)

    By Rukayat Moisemhe
    Lagos:  The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have urged women manufacturers to prioritise regulatory compliance.

    The organisations gave the advice at the maiden edition of the MAN Women in Manufacturing Knowledge and Support Series, with the theme: “Regulatory Compliance and Market Readiness for Women Manufacturers,” on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The Director-General of MAN, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said regulatory compliance should be seen as a business strategy rather than a statutory obligation, noting that it enhanced product quality, built consumer confidence and created market opportunities.

    Ajayi-Kadir said women manufacturers continued to face challenges beyond access to finance and markets, particularly in navigating regulatory requirements.

    He said the knowledge series was designed to equip women entrepreneurs with practical guidance on regulatory compliance, product standards and certification to position their businesses for sustainable growth.

    “We want women manufacturers to better understand regulatory requirements, improve product compliance and strengthen the competitiveness of their businesses.

    “Compliance is an investment in business growth, not just an obligation,” he said.

    The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, identified poor documentation, delayed responses to compliance directives and inadequate regulatory management as common factors delaying product registration.

    Adeyeye, represented by Mrs Temitayo Adeoye, Director of Drug Registration and Regulatory Affairs, urged manufacturers to ensure complete documentation, maintain Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant facilities and regularly monitor NAFDAC’s Digital Management System and National Product Administration and Monitoring System portals.

    She also advised manufacturers to appoint dedicated regulatory affairs officers to oversee compliance processes and promptly address regulatory queries.

    According to her, product labels should comply with NAFDAC guidelines, while factory records, product dossiers and technical documents must remain consistent throughout the registration process.

    “Treat Good Manufacturing Practice compliance as an ongoing standard, not a one-off exercise for inspection purposes.

    “Proper documentation, timely responses and regular monitoring of registration portals will facilitate a seamless product registration process,” she said.

    The Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said standards and certification remained critical to improving product quality, strengthening consumer confidence and enhancing manufacturers’ competitiveness.

    Represented by Mrs Theresa Ojomo, Director, Lagos Region, Okeke said SON supported manufacturers through standards development, product certification, inspection services, training, metrology and conformity assessment for imports and exports.

    He said adherence to standards reduced regulatory risks, removed technical barriers to trade and improved access to domestic and export markets.

    According to him, manufacturers should identify applicable Nigerian standards, obtain relevant certification and participate in SON’s capacity-building programmes to sustain compliance.

    “Standards are business enablers, not barriers. Certification enhances credibility and competitiveness, while compliance positions businesses for growth and market expansion,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Noxie Ltd., Dr Ngozi Oyewole, urged women entrepreneurs to remain resilient in the face of operational challenges and leverage regulatory compliance to build sustainable manufacturing businesses.

    Oyewole said integrity, continuous learning, investment in people, regulatory compliance and a long-term growth mindset were essential for business success.

    “Compliance should not be seen as a burden but as a strategy for business growth, credibility and access to larger markets.

    “Manufacturers must prioritise quality standards, staff development and knowledge acquisition to remain competitive,” she said. (NAN)

     

  • FCCPC hails court affirmation over authority to investigate ticket pricing complaints

    FCCPC hails court affirmation over authority to investigate ticket pricing complaints

     

    By Ginika Okoye
    Abuja:   The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has hailed the Federal High Court, Abuja division’s judgment affirming the commission’s authority to investigate consumer complaints in pricing of airline tickets.
    This is contained in a statement by Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC’s Director, Corporate Affairs, in Abuja on Friday.
    Ijagwu quoted Mr Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, as saying that the judgment was an important judicial affirmation of the Commission’s statutory responsibility to investigate market conduct where reasonable grounds pointed that consumers or competition was adversely affected.
    Bello said that investigating consumer complaints was fundamentally different from regulating prices.
    According to him, the FCCPC neither sought to fix nor regulate Air Peace’s fares.
    ”It simply exercised its lawful authority to obtain information as part of an investigation into a matter of legitimate consumer concern.
    ”An investigation is a fact-finding process. It is neither a finding of liability nor an enforcement action.
    ”Every responsible regulator must be able to inquire into credible complaints affecting consumers and markets without those inquiries being misconstrued as findings of liability, enforcement action or price regulation,” he said.
    Bello noted that the judgment provided important judicial clarity on the scope of the commission’s investigative powers.
    He further said that the development confirmed that the exercise of statutory price regulation powers remained governed by the separate legal framework established under the FCCPA.
    He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to exercising its statutory mandate fairly, transparently and in accordance with the rule of law.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Air Peace Limited had challenged the commission’s authority to investigate complaints concerning possible exploitative ticket pricing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
  • Obi’s comment on FG’s JSS-SSS separation policy misleading, reflects flawed knowledge-Group

    Obi’s comment on FG’s JSS-SSS separation policy misleading, reflects flawed knowledge-Group

     

    By Bassey Asuquo

    TMSG has described the reaction of the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDC), Peter Obi, to the federal government’s plan to discontinue the junior secondary and senior secondary school separation policy as misleading and fatally flawed, saying it reflects his poor understanding of the Nigerian educational sector.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG wondered why a former governor would find it hard to understand that the flaws identified in the policy could be corrected now to guarantee continuous basic education for the ultimate benefit of the nation’s educational system.

    The statement read in part: “We find it baffling and bewildering that the NDC Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, who is always quick to condemn any policy of the President Bola Tinubu administration, has claimed that the federal government’s plan to discontinue the separation of Junior and secondary schools is an admittance of its poor grasp of the complexity and dynamics of the education sector.

    “It would have been understandable if it had come from an individual who had never been a governor, especially as state governments are largely in charge of basic education, which includes primary and junior secondary schools.

    “But here is a former two-term Anambra state governor who is known to have declared in 2006 that education was not for the poor, lashing at efforts of the Tinubu administration to correct a policy that some subnationals have bungled almost irretrievably.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, plans to revert to the old policy of a unified junior and secondary education stemmed from credible data available to the federal government, which showed that a large number of students dropped out at the junior secondary level, leaving the entire education system crisis-ridden.

    “We indeed were startled to hear the Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, saying that there are about 80,000 public primary schools in the country compared to 15,000 junior secondary schools.

    “More shocking is the information that while about 24 million pupils are enrolled in primary schools, only about 4 million of them completed senior secondary.

    “The implication of this is bad for the nation’s future at a time and era when education makes the difference. We fully endorse and support any data-driven initiative by the Bola Tinubu administration to retain students in schools across the country after completing their basic education.

    “Which is why plans to revert to a unified secondary education policy that will leave no room for a break in education may be a good way to ensure that students do not drop out of junior secondary schools. The implications of such a glaring mismatch are too critical for any serious and responsive government to ignore.

    “So we find it baffling that a Presidential candidate who headed a subnational government would claim that the failure of the junior secondary school policy was a reflection of poor funding on the part of the federal government.

    “We expect that Peter Obi should be aware that subnational governments have administrative and financial control over basic education, and it is within their remit to fund schools in their respective domains.

    “The only way the federal government could be held liable is in the area of policy, so we insist that the onus is on the Tinubu administration to ensure that it puts good policies in place in the education sector.”

    “It is also surprising that Peter Obi, who is on record as a former state governor who never built any school throughout his 8-year tenure, could resort to blaming President Bola Tinubu for the recent poor performance by students in English and Mathematics in the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    The group added that the revamped Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria, which now provides incentives to attract young Nigerians with payment of monthly stipends, starter packs and payments of take-off grants, is one of the reforms introduced by the administration in the education sector.

    The group cautioned Nigerians against buying into Peter Obi’s angst against every policy move of the Bola Tinubu administration, especially on education, where he pursued a lacklustre anti-people educational policy

    The group argued that Peter Obi has nothing to offer in education, noting that even by his own public admission, the former Anambra State Governor did not build any completely new schools from scratch during his eight years in office.

     

  • Opposition indulging in scandal fishing as campaign strategy against President Tinubu-Group

    Opposition indulging in scandal fishing as campaign strategy against President Tinubu-Group

     

    By Danladi Ahmed

    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has accused opposition politicians of indulging in scandal-fishing to cast the President Bola Tinubu administration in a bad light ahead of the 2027 election.

    The group alleged that recent events had shown that the opposition is banking its political campaign on scandal shopping after realising that it would be difficult to defeat President Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election.

    It said in a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo that Nigerians should not be surprised to see the opposition either misrepresenting facts or echoing unverified information about the government in the public space.

    “One of the major issues that opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, are latching on to in recent times is the position of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the 2026 budget.

    “We are aware that the IMF, in a recent report, spoke about what it called a discrepancy of N8.83 trillion or approximately 2% of GDP in the budget, which it said was executed outside formal budget processes, though it acknowledged that the government had been revising the nation’s laws to capture such expenditures.

    “It is instructive that the federal government, through the Finance Minister, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, was quick to respond, clarifying that the N8 trillion expenditures were public spending, which included statutory transfers and intervention funds backed by acts of Parliament.

    “To be clear, statutory allocations and contributions to development commissions and other agencies created by law, cost of collection, as well as cost of administration retained by revenue-collecting agencies are not new in the country.

    “These are regular, annual developments tied to the Nigerian budget as a first-line charge.

    “In addition, there are special interventions backed by law to address national priorities such as security, infrastructure, and disaster response.

    “It is noteworthy to emphasise the position of the finance minister that the N8 trillion included capital expenditure approved in separate budgets for some agencies and the Federal Capital Territory by the National Assembly.

    “This is exactly why we find it strange that a former Vice President, whom we expect to be conversant with governance and local laws guiding federal budgets in his eight years in office, would jump into the issue to make political capital out of it.

    “And while Peter Obi’s limited, and most times, flawed grasp of governance laws at the centre may be understandable, it is clear that former Vice President Abubakar was simply being mischievous,” it added.

    TMSG also described the recent allegation by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that President Tinubu was responsible for plunging 17 million Nigerians into acute hunger as a gross misrepresentation of facts.

    “Another example of scandal fishing is the ADC’s claim that President Tinubu is to blame for the humanitarian situation, which the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) says is affecting more than 17 million Nigerians.

    “What the opposition did was to twist the report by the UN agency showing that more than 17 million Nigerians across nine conflict-affected Northern states are facing acute hunger and present it as the outcome of the policies of the President Tinubu administration.

    “Without doubt, this is the height of political mischief, debauchery and brigandage by individuals who take delight in surfing the Internet for materials they could use to undermine and malign the administration.

    “While the federal government is making concrete efforts through kinetic and non-kinetic measures to check security challenges in affected communities, it is mischievous of politicians to accuse the authorities of ‘cruel indifference’ just to further their political interests,” the statement said.

    End

  • Beyond the AGM: How NATOP is positioning Nigeria’s tourism for a new era

    Beyond the AGM: How NATOP is positioning Nigeria’s tourism for a new era

    By Jimoh Babatunde
    The 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) was more than another gathering of tourism stakeholders. It became a meeting point for ideas, policy advocacy and institutional reforms that could shape the future of Nigeria’s tourism industry.
    Held in Lagos, the event brought together government officials, tourism operators, airlines, security agencies and policymakers around one central question: How can Nigeria unlock its enormous tourism potential?
    From the inauguration of NATOP’s first national secretariat to the launch of a new website and the NATOP Tourism Passport, and from discussions on infrastructure to debates on taxation and destination marketing, the AGM reflected an industry determined to move from potential to performance.
    A permanent home, a stronger identity
    Perhaps the most symbolic achievement unveiled during the AGM was the commissioning of NATOP’s first-ever national secretariat.
    For an association established more than a decade ago, owning a permanent headquarters represents more than acquiring office space. It signals institutional maturity and provides a central hub for policy engagement, member services, training and international collaboration.
    Chairperson of the AGM Planning Committee, Joy Alexander-Ozeigbe, described the secretariat as giving NATOP a permanent identity while complementing its growing digital presence.
    The secretariat is expected to become a rallying point for operators seeking collaboration, capacity building and stronger engagement with government agencies and international partners.
    Government responds on taxation
    For years, multiple taxation has remained one of the biggest complaints from tourism operators in Lagos and across Nigeria.
    At the AGM, the Lagos State Government sought to reassure investors that the situation has improved significantly.
    Representing the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Oloruntoyin Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed the harmonisation of taxes to eliminate multiple taxation.
    Although she admitted that isolated complaints may still arise, she insisted that businesses complying with tax obligations should no longer experience repeated demands from government agencies.
    For tour operators, hotels, restaurants and other tourism businesses, reducing multiple taxation could lower operating costs and improve the investment climate.
    Tourism beyond government
    One of the strongest messages from the AGM came from Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, who argued that government alone cannot build a thriving tourism industry.
    According to him, tourism requires an effective partnership between government and the private sector.
    He challenged tour operators to become active promoters of Nigeria’s tourism assets rather than depending solely on government campaigns.
    His endorsement of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway generated considerable attention.
    While acknowledging that opinions differ on the project, Onyema argued that improved transport infrastructure will open up beach destinations, improve accessibility and stimulate tourism-related investments along Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline.
    He compared Nigeria’s coastal resources with Caribbean nations that rely heavily on beach tourism despite having far fewer natural advantages.
    Selling Nigeria’s cultural wealth
    Nigeria possesses one of Africa’s richest cultural landscapes.
    With hundreds of ethnic nationalities, colourful festivals, traditional architecture, historical monuments, wildlife reserves, waterfalls and beaches, the country arguably has one of the continent’s most diverse tourism portfolios.
    Yet many of these attractions remain poorly marketed.
    Onyema challenged tour operators to package events such as the Durbar festivals, the Calabar Carnival and numerous local cultural celebrations into marketable tourism products capable of attracting domestic and international visitors.
    His argument reinforces a growing consensus within the tourism industry that Nigeria must move beyond simply possessing attractions to professionally packaging and promoting them.
    Strong institutions matter
    For NATOP President, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, the conversation goes beyond marketing destinations.
    She believes the country needs stronger tourism institutions capable of supporting operators and creating globally competitive destinations.
    Speaking on the conference theme, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable Destination Development,” she said tourism development requires empowered operators, innovation, strategic partnerships and sustainability.
    Her message reflected a broader understanding that successful destinations are built through coordinated institutions rather than isolated initiatives.
    She reminded members that tour operators are not merely travel agents but destination ambassadors, storytellers and contributors to national economic development.
    Technology meets tourism
    Recognising the digital transformation sweeping through global travel, NATOP also unveiled a redesigned website alongside the NATOP Tourism Passport.
    The website is expected to improve the association’s visibility while making it easier for tourists and investors to connect with certified operators.
    The Tourism Passport serves as both a promotional publication and a directory of authentic Nigerian tour operators and tourist destinations.
    Together, both initiatives reflect NATOP’s determination to embrace digital tourism while maintaining a physical presence through its newly commissioned headquarters.
    Leadership continuity
    The AGM also produced a clear vote of confidence in the association’s leadership as members returned Hajia Bolaji Mustapha unopposed for another term as president.
    Her re-election followed recognition by the Board of Trustees Chairman and former FTAN President, Nkereuwem Onung, who praised the administration for restoring stability, increasing membership, introducing a unified identity card scheme and enhancing NATOP’s national and international profile.
    Leadership continuity may provide the association with the stability needed to pursue long-term reforms and deepen collaboration with government agencies and private investors.
    The road ahead
    The discussions at NATOP’s 10th AGM demonstrated that Nigeria’s tourism industry is no longer focusing only on identifying challenges. Stakeholders are increasingly proposing practical solutions—improved infrastructure, tax reforms, institutional strengthening, destination branding, digital innovation and stronger public-private partnerships.
    The inauguration of the association’s first secretariat symbolises an organisation building stronger foundations. The launch of new digital platforms reflects an industry adapting to changing global travel trends. Government assurances on tax harmonisation point to efforts to improve the operating environment, while calls for greater collaboration highlight the need for collective action.
    Whether these commitments translate into measurable growth will depend on sustained implementation. But one message emerged clearly from the Lagos gathering: Nigeria possesses the assets to become a leading tourism destination. The challenge now is transforming those assets into experiences, investments and jobs that can drive economic diversification.
    If the conversations at the 10th NATOP AGM are matched with consistent action, the association may well have set the agenda for the next phase of tourism development in Nigeria.