Shall we, in the fraternity of the pen, pause today to celebrate an icon, indeed, one of the towering figures of our time? Shall journalists, editors, publishers and custodians of public conscience across Nigeria and beyond not rise in unison to salute a man whose life has become inseparable from the story of our profession? At 91, Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, CON—our beloved Uncle Sam—stands not merely as a witness to history but as one of its master craftsmen; a quiet giant whose life has ennobled journalism and whose humanity has dignified success. Today, therefore, I celebrate not merely the birthday…
Author: Editor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said terrorism-related deaths in Nigeria have declined by 81 per cent since 2015, attributing the development to intensified military operations, improved international collaboration and sustained counter-insurgency efforts. Tinubu disclosed on Thursday in his Democracy Day address titled “Our Generation Must Secure Prosperity,” where he highlighted security as a critical pillar of democratic governance and national development. The President acknowledged that the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Borno and Oyo states had cast a shadow over this year’s Democracy Day celebrations, but expressed optimism that the victims would be rescued safely. ALSO READ June 12: Tinubu…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on 50 Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to the struggle for the restoration of democracy and the defence of democratic values in the country. The President announced the honours during his nationwide broadcast to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, paying tribute to journalists, civil rights activists, politicians and military officers who played pivotal roles in resisting military rule and advancing democratic governance in Nigeria. Tinubu described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, noting that the sacrifices made by pro-democracy campaigners helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy…
Today is June 12. As we celebrate, maybe I should say mourn, the great events that followed the annulled election of 12th June 1993, let us not forget that the event was a very long time ago. 33 years is ancient history for a majority of Nigerians, with a population whose median age is 18 years. For those of us of a certain age and a tradition of democratic struggles, June 12 was Nigeria’s rite of passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society. The big issue is that the June 12 narrative is a story of great heroes and…
Nigerian businesses grew more optimistic in May 2026, with confidence improving even as the country continues to grapple with insecurity, expensive borrowing, and multiple taxation. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released its latest Business Expectations Survey showing the Business Confidence Index (BCI) climbed to 7.9 points in May, nearly doubling from 3.9 points in April. What droves the improvement The apex bank said two key factors boosted business sentiment: Factor ContributionEasing governance & policy concerns 15.7%Progress in economic diversification 15.6% Businesses remain worried about energy supply challenges (26.7%) and geopolitical uncertainties (7.7%), which continue to weigh on operations. Sector-by-sector…
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has formally received the prestigious Central Bank of the Year Award, dedicating the recognition to the Board, management and staff of the apex bank for their role in driving reforms and maintaining economic stability. Cardoso received the award during the Central Banking Awards ceremony held in London on Wednesday, where he described the honour as a reflection of the collective efforts of the institution rather than a personal achievement.In his acceptance speech, the CBN Governor thanked the organisers, Central Banking Publications, and the award judges for the recognition. He also…
A recent intervention by veteran journalist/legal expert Richard Akinnola has triggered an uncomfortable but necessary conversation. Predictably, the debate quickly gravitated towards personalities, emotions and entrenched positions. Yet, beneath the controversy lies a much bigger question that deserves sober national reflection. Can a country confronting multiple security emergencies afford to leave potentially useful expertise completely outside its security equation? This is not a question about sentiment. Neither is it a question about friendship, loyalty or hero worship. It is a question about national capacity. For years, Nigeria has battled insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, arms trafficking and organised criminal networks. Entire communities…
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group and one of Africa’s leading industrialists, has taken delivery of a Bombardier Global 8000 private jet valued at about $81 million (approximately N110 billion at prevailing exchange rates), further expanding his corporate aviation portfolio. He disclosed the delivery via his Instagram stories, where he expressed gratitude over the latest addition to his fleet. The aircraft becomes part of BUA Group’s executive aviation assets, which already include a Bombardier Challenger 350 and a Global 6500, reinforcing the conglomerate’s long-haul mobility capacity for international operations. Rabiu had earlier signed the purchase agreement on December 4,…
Long after the celebrations that greeted Uganda’s emergence as host of the 2031 African Games, a different contest is beginning to unfold, one not on the track or field, but in the documents, resolutions and records that shaped the outcome. At the centre of the emerging debate are official African Union (AU) resolutions that appear to raise more questions than answers about Nigeria’s unsuccessful bid and the explanations that followed. The documents, originating from the Fifth Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture and Sports (STC-YCS V), provide a rare glimpse into the continental process…
The recent anti‑Islam protests organised by relevance‑seeking groups in parts of Nigeria’s South West are unfortunate, provocative, and capable of inflaming religious tensions in an already fragile society. While citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest, no group should use insecurity as a pretext to demonize an entire religion or its adherents. Kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and violent crime have affected Muslims, Christians, and Oníṣẹ̀ṣe practitioners alike. Victims bear names such as Rashidi, Salami, Abideen, Kudirat, Sekinat, Iyabo, Segun, Bola, Kemi, Emmanuel, Jacob, Caroline, Ifeoma, Bala, Audu, Bako, Ige, Ogundeji and many others. Criminals do not discriminate by faith, and…