UBA Business Series: Digital Entrepreneurs Highlight Authenticity, Consistency, Passion as Real Game-Changer

Directorate Head, Group Resources, United Bank for Africa(UBA), Tomiwa Sotiloye; Group Head, Remittances, United Bank for Africa, Uzomaka Oyeka; Nigerian Content Creator, Nasiru Lawal (Nasboi); Kenyan Actress and Media Entrepreneur, Catherine Kamau; Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo; Managing Director/CEO at Nitro 121, Dr. Lampe Omoyele; Nigerian Digital Influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Digital Creator & Actor, Elozonam Ogbolu; at the UBA Business Series , themed , “Content that Converts: Building Influence and Driving Growth Through Strategic Marketing,” held at the UBA House in Lagos on Thursday

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, hosted another enlightening edition of the UBA Business Series, bringing together some of Africa’s most dynamic digital entrepreneurs and influencers to discuss the secrets behind building impactful online communities.

This edition of the Business Series, which had the theme, “Content that Converts: Building Influence and Driving Growth Through Strategic Marketing,” was held at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA Head Office, Marina, Lagos on Thursday.

The very engaging session, shed light on how authenticity, consistency, and passion remain true cornerstones of success in the ever-evolving digital landscape, while the content creators shared first-hand experiences from their journeys across diverse industries and markets.

UBA’s Group Head, Digital Banking, Kayode Olubiyi, who welcomed participants and the panellists to the session, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs across Africa through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives such as the Business Series.

He emphasised that the quarterly event continues to serve as vital avenues for supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, equipping individuals with practical insights to grow their brands and businesses in a competitive digital economy.

In his keynote address, the Managing Director/CEO at Nitro 121, Dr. Lampe Omoyele, who said that “You can create something out of what appears to be nothing,” gave insight on key trends to develop content that creates Impact.

He noted that content creation should go beyond aesthetics or trends to focus on value, purpose, and agility as he pointed out that creators who aim to make a difference must develop a clear personal brand identity and remain consistent in delivering messages that resonate with their audience.

The panel session featured an impressive line-up of digital entrepreneurs and content creators, including Digital Creator and Actor, Elozonam Ogbolu; Digital Health Educator, Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor); Kenyan Actress and Media Entrepreneur, Catherine Kamau; Content Creator, Nasiru Lawal (Nasboi) and Digital Influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, who was also the moderator of the event.

Growth is very important, says Nasiru Lawal. “For the younger creators here, my best advice is this: please prioritise your growth. As a creator, the moment you become famous, you no longer move at your own pace; you move at the people’s pace. It is therefore important to ensure you grow consistently and then overtime, the recognition and the money begins to roll in.”

Elozonam Ogbolu who agreed with Lawal, had this to say: “Content creators have to engage their audience with proper storytelling, because brands are always out to carefully choose their creators. For the brands, you must pick your influencer or ambassador very deliberately and work together over time to grow. That is when you will see a proper return on investment.

In his submission, Chinonso Egemba, said, “If you’re building a business or doing content creation, treat content creation as a business. When you treat it as a business, it needs proper structure. Otherwise, it won’t last. If you don’t put structure in place, you’ll end up responsible for everything, and that leads to burnout. You have to build structure, because if you want longevity, structure is very essential.

For Catherine Kamau, it is important for content creators to find a balance and stay close to their community. “What I realized is I have a community that keeps me grounded, and that’s family. When you get famous, you tend to forget where you come from, you know, social media is an illusion and you start assuming that it is your real family until bad things happen to you. So please remember the real people in your life, because fame can get to your head, but those are not the people who are going to have your back when things go south.”

The creators while sharing their diverse experiences, they collectively emphasized that building a personal brand should take precedence over chasing financial gain. They also underscored the importance of originality, urging young creators to find their unique niche rather than replicating what others have done.

UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, who commended panellists for taking time to share their useful insights at the event, took time to celebrate the UBA Management for organising conversations like this which according to her, ‘remain impactful and will impact not just the individual customers, but also the economies at large.”

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

FirstHoldCo sustains growth momentum as gross earnings rise 17% to N2.6trn By Chima Nwokoji

FirstHoldCo sustains growth momentum as gross earnings rise 17% to N2.6trn

By Chima Nwokoji

FirstHoldCo Plc has sustained its growth momentum across core business segments, reporting a 17.1 percent year-on-year increase in gross earnings to ₦2.64 trillion for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to ₦2.25 trillion in the corresponding period of 2024.

According to the unaudited results released by the Group, interest income rose sharply by 40.4 per cent to ₦2.29 trillion from ₦1.63 trillion in September 2024, reflecting improved asset yields and loan book expansion. Net interest income also climbed 71.7 per cent year-on-year to ₦1.5 trillion, buoyed by stronger core banking operations.

However, non-interest income declined 49.2 percent to ₦296.9 billion, while impairment charges for credit losses surged 68.6 percent to ₦288.9 billion, reflecting prudent risk provisioning in a volatile operating environment.

Operating income rose 23.2 percent to ₦1.80 trillion, though profit before tax slipped 7.3 percent to ₦566.5 billion, down from ₦610.9 billion a year earlier. Profit after tax also fell by 15.5 percent to ₦450.9 billion, largely due to reduced fair value gains and higher operating costs, which jumped 39.3 percent to ₦942.7 billion.

Despite the profit decline, the Group maintained balance sheet stability, with total assets at ₦26.4 trillion, marginally lower than ₦26.5 trillion as of December 2024. Customer deposits rose 4.2 percent year-to-date to ₦17.9 trillion, while net loans and advances increased by 9 percent to ₦9.6 trillion.

Key performance ratios show that FirstHoldCo maintained a post-tax return on average equity of 19.9 per cent and a post-tax return on assets of 2.3 percent. The Group’s cost-to-income ratio stood at 52.4 per cent, compared with 46.4 percent a year earlier, while the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio improved to 8.5 per cent from 10.2 percent in December 2024.

Group Managing Director, Adebowale (Wale) Oyedeji, described the results as a reflection of the Group’s underlying resilience and commitment to sustainable growth.

“FirstHoldCo has once again demonstrated solid earnings capability,” Oyedeji said. “Our interest and operating income grew strongly by 40.4 percent and 23.2 percent, respectively, supported by a 26.9 percent rise in fees and commission income. The decline in profit before tax was due to the normalisation of fair value gains and balance sheet strengthening initiatives.”

He noted that the Group’s strategic risk management measures were already yielding results, as seen in the improved asset quality.

On the recapitalisation of FirstBank, Oyedeji disclosed that the first phase of its private placement capital raise had been successfully executed and is awaiting final regulatory approvals.

“We expect to conclude this phase in November 2025, ensuring FirstBank’s full compliance with the new minimum capital requirements by year-end,” he said. “Subsequent capital raising rounds will further enhance our financial solutions and support value-accretive initiatives.”

Oyedeji reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to achieving its 2029 financial targets, noting that FirstHoldCo remains well-positioned to deliver stronger shareholder value through operational scalability and prudent capital management.

FCT residents lament soaring cooking gas prices

Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory have decried the high cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, popularly known as cooking gas, calling on the government to find a lasting solution to the persistent price hikes.

Residents who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja said the recent surge in gas prices is unsustainable and negatively affecting household expenses.

The PUNCH recalls that the prices of cooking gas rose recently from an average of N1,000 per kilogram to about N2,000/kg in some locations. This followed the recent strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria during the rift between it and the Dangote refinery.

A businesswoman, Mrs Tina Okojie, said she refilled her 12.5kg cylinder for N18,125, up from N15,000.

“I had to visit three outlets in my area before I finally bought at Shafa filling station. We are already struggling with other bills, and this is affecting my expenditure on other needs. I hope the government can address the issue because many Nigerians rely on gas for cooking,” she said.

A security guard, Mr Nura Idris, said he could no longer afford to refill his 5kg cylinder and called on the government to intervene.

“I usually fill my 5kg cylinder for between N5,500 and N5,800. Now it costs N8,000. I just bought 3kg at N4,800 and have been managing. I call on the government to please help Nigerians; we are going through a lot of hardship. Let them find a solution to the high cost of cooking gas,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs. Bose Ajibade, a tailor, said she could not refill her 12.5kg cylinder until the price comes down.

“I was refilling at N14,000; now it’s N21,000. The difference is too much. How many Nigerians can afford this? I just bought what N14,000 could give me because I’ve already budgeted that amount. Going beyond that will affect my expenses on other items. I have cautioned my children not to waste gas. I am calling on the government to come to our aid,” she said.

A civil servant, Mrs Beatrice John, said she resorts to charcoal whenever gas prices increase.

“Whenever gas goes up, I use my charcoal stove. It’s not convenient, but what can one do? I have a large family, and with the current price, it’s difficult to sustain its use alongside other bills. The government needs to find a lasting solution,” she said.

However, some residents are still able to access gas at lower prices. Mrs. Ese Okoro, a public servant, said she purchased her cylinder from major marketers amid long queues.

“I refrained from using roadside outlets due to the price surge and bought from NIPCO, which sells at about N1,120 per kg. I filled my 12.5kg cylinder for N14,000 after queuing for a few hours. The situation seems to be easing gradually. I urge the Federal Government to ensure full product circulation to restore normalcy and affordability,” she said.

Following the price hike, the Federal Government directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify monitoring of LPG depots to prevent hoarding.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the surge was mainly caused by the PENGASSAN strike at the Dangote Refinery and ongoing maintenance at Nigeria LNG Train Four, which reduced LPG availability.

He assured that operations at the Dangote Refinery have resumed, with LPG now being loaded for the domestic market.

“Similarly, the Bonny River Terminal operated by Seplat Energy has commenced loading, while the Nigeria LNG is gradually restoring normal operations as maintenance nears completion,” Ekpo said.

He appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and assured that the situation is temporary. He also called on marketers, distributors, and stakeholders in the LPG value chain to be patriotic and desist from hoarding.

NAN

Reps to probe green energy projects in MDAs

The House of Representatives is set to investigate the domiciliation of green energy projects in inappropriate government entities to prevent substandard implementation and loss of public funds.

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance at Wednesday’s plenary, sponsored by the member representing Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi.

The Federal Government, through its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, is currently funding numerous green and renewable energy projects aimed at promoting sustainable power generation, reducing carbon emissions, and improving access to clean energy, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

However, reports indicate that some of these projects, including solar mini-grids, wind farms, and other renewable energy initiatives, have been domiciled with entities and institutions that lack the technical expertise, professional competence, or statutory mandate to effectively execute or supervise them.

Speaking on the motion, the Labour Party lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as “the misplacement or inappropriate domiciliation of projects,” noting that it undermines the objectives of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan.

He said, “The House is concerned that this encourages duplication of efforts, delays implementation timelines, and often results in substandard or abandoned projects, thereby wasting public funds and eroding public trust.

“The House is worried that the lack of due diligence and proper inter-agency coordination in assigning such projects has led to inefficiency, poor monitoring, and loss of value in the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in rural electrification and public sector energy efficiency programmes.

“The effective management and domiciliation of green energy projects with competent and appropriate agencies such as the Rural Electrification Agency, Energy Commission of Nigeria, and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, among others, are critical for ensuring technical quality, sustainability, and accountability in project delivery.”

Onuakalusi further warned that the continued mismanagement and misplacement of green energy projects could derail Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and the Paris Climate Agreement, with grave consequences for environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Renewable Energy to investigate the reported domiciliation of green and renewable energy projects across MDAs to determine compliance with due process, capacity standards, and statutory mandates.

The Committee is also to identify cases where renewable energy projects have been misplaced, mismanaged, or underperformed due to domiciliation with inappropriate entities and recommend corrective measures, including sanctions where necessary.

Additionally, the House directed the Federal Government, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Bureau of Public Procurement, to ensure that future green energy projects are domiciled strictly with competent, legally mandated, and technically qualified institutions, as recommended by the Committee on Renewable Energy.

It also urged the Federal Ministry of Power and the Energy Commission of Nigeria to develop a clear framework for inter-agency coordination and delineation of responsibilities in implementing renewable and green energy initiatives, and to report back to the House Committee on Renewable Energy within four weeks.

Furthermore, the House proposed an urgent amendment to the Electric Power Sector Reform Act to align existing legislation with Nigeria’s renewable energy objectives.

NELFUND opens student loan portal for 2025/2026 academic session

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, providing access to financial support for students across tertiary institutions in the country.

The agency said the application window will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

This is contained a statement issued on Tuesday by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

NELFUND urged fresh students to apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.

It appealed to tertiary institutions to show understanding regarding registration and fee payment deadlines for applicants awaiting loan disbursement.

“Institutional Institutions are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee Flexibility payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement

“Institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session should Special Notice formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility

“NELFUND appeals to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints,” the statement said.

Reps to mediate in PENGASSAN, Dangote refinery dispute

The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to intervene in the recent face-off between members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Dangote Refinery, which had disrupted petroleum product distribution nationwide.

The resolution of the House followed the consideration and adoption of a motion of urgent public importance co-sponsored by Kano and Sokoto lawmakers, Alhassan Doguwa and Abdussamad Dasuki, respectively, at Tuesday’s plenary.

Titled: “Need to protect private investment from adversarial unionism,” the lawmakers drew the attention of their colleagues to the significance of the Dangote Refinery, describing it as the largest private petroleum refinery in Africa.

The face-off between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery led to an industrial action which commenced on September 29, 2025, disrupting the operations at the $20bn refinery.

It also led to a disruption in Nigeria’s crude oil production, with a reported daily loss of approximately 200,000 barrels over three days.

The disruption worsened the petroleum supply situation across the country, resulting in scarcity and long queues at filling stations in several states, resulting in severe hardship for millions of Nigerians.

Speaking on the motion, Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, Kano State, stressed the need to protect the Dangote Refinery given its strategic significance to the nation’s economy.

He said, “The House is aware that the Dangote Refinery is a strategic private investment of immense national importance, with the potential to guarantee energy security, reduce import dependency, generate employment, and conserve foreign exchange.

“We are aware that the Dangote Refinery operates within a Free Trade Zone, and therefore falls under the regulatory framework of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, particularly Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act which clearly states that ‘Employment in the free zone shall be governed by rules and regulations made by the Authority and not subject to the provisions of any enactments relating to employment matters.’

“The House is concerned that actions by labour unions that disregard the legal protections conferred on Free Zones under the NEPZA Act not only constitute a breach of law but also create a hostile investment environment that may deter future local and foreign investors;

“We are worried that if private investments of strategic national importance are continually subjected to unlawful disruptions by adversarial unionism, Nigeria risks not only the failure of key economic assets but also the erosion of investor confidence necessary for national growth and development.”

In his contribution, the member representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, Ahmad Jaha, urged the House to tread carefully, adding that the call for a probe as prayed by the motion was ill-timed.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged its leadership to broker peace between the two parties in the interest of the nation.

It also urged the Federal Ministries of Labour and Employment, Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as Justice, to “Jointly develop and implement a national framework or set of policies to safeguard private investments of strategic national importance from adversarial and unlawful union actions.”

It further charged the Federal Ministry of Justice and NEPZA to ensure full enforcement and compliance with the provisions of Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act in all relevant Free Zone operations.

Osinbajo leads ECOWAS team to monitor Côte d’Ivoire poll

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has been appointed by the Economic Community of West African States to head its Election Observation Mission for the forthcoming presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire.

According to a statement from ECOWAS, the election is scheduled to be held on October 25, 2025, while the observation mission will be deployed from October 19 to 29, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“As Head of Mission, Osinbajo will lead a delegation of eminent West Africans who will engage with key national stakeholders to encourage a peaceful and credible electoral process,” the statement said. “The team will also collaborate with international and domestic observer groups to assess the conduct of the polls.”

The regional body said the deployment of the mission underscores ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting peace, stability, and credible elections across West Africa.

The Côte d’Ivoire election comes at a critical time for the region, where several member states are preparing for key national polls amid efforts to consolidate democratic governance.

I regret buying it, Influencer GehGeh speaks on iPhone 17 drama

The ongoing controversy over the authenticity of the iPhone 17 Pro Max in Nigeria has taken a dramatic twist, after popular TikTok content creator GehGeh voiced deep regret over spending millions of naira on the device amid mounting confusion about which versions are genuine.

In a heartfelt video posted on TikTok on Saturday, the influencer opened up about his disappointment, saying he felt deceived by the conflicting narratives surrounding the phone’s originality.

“At this point in time, I don’t want to pretend again, I regret why I carry my millions go buy this phone. Every day I wake up, I cry, I weep deep inside me.”

GehGeh lamented that owners were now being forced to justify their purchases, as even experts could not clearly tell which iPhone 17s were authentic and which were rebranded older models.

“Now, you know the pain of buying something, you go come dey explain bro na the original be this one, because nobody knows the difference between the original one and the fake one.”

He explained that his decision to buy the phone had been driven by its perceived prestige.

“The reason why I buy this phone is because as you see am for my hand, you go know say bro — na millions dey him hand,” he said, adding that the name alone carried weight.

The influencer then compared his new purchase with his older device, admitting he preferred the comfort of his previous iPhone 16.

“But at this point, my brother, I regret buying the 17 Pro Max. The phone, it’s not even comfortable for hand,” he said, lifting his older iPhone 16. “See how it’s flexible for my hand, even with pouch. But see the television that I carry for hand.”

The iPhone 17 debate began trending on October 13, 2025, after businessman and tech investor Blord (Linus Williams Ifejika) shared a video unboxing what he described as a “modified iPhone 17 Pro” priced between ₦400,000 and ₦450,000.

The device, however, was later revealed to be a refurbished iPhone XR encased to look like Apple’s latest flagship, sparking confusion and outrage across social media.

Geh Geh went on to express his frustration that even after spending millions, there was still no concrete proof that his version was authentic.

“Because even this one, it’s not even enough evidence say okay, now the original one be this one,” he said. “I will carry millions of Naira go buy something. Now, I go dey explain to people, I go carry my money go buy material things.”

On X, users had a field day reacting to the saga, #edkel250 wrote, “You go buy iPhone 17 Pro Max for Nigeria and you go begin explain say nor be fake. Dem use that 17 Pro Max tire person.”

Another, #TheManAfricano, added, “Nigeria has to be the only country in the world selling these repackaged fake iPhone 17s. It really says a lot about us.”

The banter extended to Instagram, where users took turns to poke fun at the situation, #bestdeal_appliances joked, “This iPhone 17xr come be like Labubu everyday price dey reduce,” while #chef_ivyjones1 teased, “Before next week, the phone go be 2,500″

Another, #diamondjearny, quipped, “If I don’t walk into Apple Store, I don’t want.”

Others weighed in more seriously, calling it a lesson for Nigerian buyers chasing luxury trends. “People reject real prices because they want shortcuts,” one user wrote. “Then they complain online when the cheap version doesn’t match up.”

The official launch of the iPhone 17 series took place on September 9, 2025, when Apple unveiled the new lineup—iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

However, prices differ depending on the vendor. According to Apple, the official prices for the iPhone 17 series are as follows: iPhone 17 (base model) — $799 (approximately ₦1,210,485), iPhone 17 Air — $999, iPhone 17 Pro — $1,099 (around ₦1,664,385), iPhone 17 Pro Max — $1,199 (around ₦1,815,285)

Despite the online uproar, Apple Inc. has not issued any statement on the alleged presence of fake or “modified” iPhone 17 models in Nigeria. For now, the debate rages on — and many, like Geh Geh, are left wondering whether their million-naira gadgets are truly what they seem.

Tracking Tinubu’s five major economic pledges

As 2025 enters its final quarter, President Bola Tinubu’s administration faces mounting public expectations to deliver on major economic and social pledges that define its reform agenda.

From tackling inflation and boosting growth to driving infrastructure and food security, several commitments made over the past year have set clear benchmarks for performance.

Below are five of the most critical promises that Nigerians should be tracking closely in Q4 2025:

Reduce inflation to 15 per cent by the end of 2025

Tinubu first made this pledge on December 18, 2024, during the presentation of the ₦49.7 trillion 2025 Budget to the National Assembly.

He assured Nigerians that his administration would bring inflation down to around 15 per cent and stabilise the exchange rate.

The target, reaffirmed by the Finance Ministry in early 2025, aims to ease the cost-of-living crisis.

With inflation currently at 18 per cent, the administration has recorded modest progress, but the goal remains challenging. Tracking this promise requires close monitoring of monthly inflation figures from the National Bureau of Statistics and changes in the prices of essential goods such as food, transport, and fuel.

Achieve 7 per cent economic growth by 2027

On August 14, 2025, at a Federal Executive Meeting in Abuja, President Tinubu announced his administration’s goal of achieving at least 7 per cent annual economic growth by 2027. https://punchng.com/nigerias-economy-growing-consistently-due-to-tinubus-reforms-edun/ He said bold reforms, improved investment flows, and infrastructure expansion would drive the recovery.

The current GDP growth rate is 4.23 per cent. Tracking this will depend on quarterly GDP reports and foreign investment data over the next two years.

Boost local agricultural production for food security

The Federal Government declared a national emergency on food security on April 15, 2025, following renewed spikes in food prices.

According to the Federal Ministry of Information, there was a rollout of 2,000 tractors for mechanised farming, fertiliser distribution, and irrigation expansion in June. Tinubu said the move was aimed at reducing Nigeria’s heavy dependence on food imports and strengthening local production. The announcement followed an earlier declaration made in July 2023 when the administration first recognised food insecurity as a national crisis.

Accelerate major infrastructure projects nationwide

On June 6, 2025, President Bola Tinubu flagged off a series of major infrastructure projects across the country, including federal highways, bridges, and transport corridors. The initiative forms part of his administration’s broader plan to modernise Nigeria’s road network and enhance regional connectivity.

He reaffirmed this commitment on October 12, 2025, pledging equitable infrastructure development across all regions and promising that no part of the country would be left behind. According to The Guardian, the projects are aligned with the Federal Government’s drive to improve transportation links and stimulate economic growth.

Tracking this promise will involve monitoring the progress of key national projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road, and ongoing rail expansion programmes.

Implement Comprehensive Tax and Revenue Reforms

On June 26, 2025, President Bola Tinubu signed into law four major tax reform bills — the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2025, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act 2025.

The reforms, earlier passed by the National Assembly between March and May 2025, are expected to raise Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio, enhance fiscal transparency, and curb revenue leakages.

The laws will take effect from January 1, 2026. Tracking progress will involve monitoring quarterly federal revenue reports, budget performance data, and improvements in tax collection efficiency.

These five promises, made between December 2024 and October 2025, define the Federal Government’s reform agenda heading into Q4. They cover inflation, growth, food production, infrastructure, and fiscal reforms. They are areas that directly impact Nigerians’ livelihoods and the overall economy.

As 2025 winds down, the delivery of these promises will shape public confidence in the Tinubu administration’s ability to translate policy goals into tangible progress.

Adeleke hails Ooni at 51 as beacon of peace, progress

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has extended warm felicitations to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on the occasion of his 51st birthday.

This is as he described the revered monarch as “a beacon of peace, cultural rebirth, and national inspiration.”

In a Friday statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke lauded the enduring legacy of the Arole Oduduwa.

He also noted that the Ooni’s reign has become synonymous with “transformational traditional leadership, youth empowerment, and cultural diplomacy.”

“It gives me immense pleasure to celebrate our royal father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on the occasion of his 51st birthday.

“Kabiyesi’s life and reign continue to exemplify vision, courage, and compassion, attributes that define great leaders and enduring legacies,” Adeleke stated in his congratulatory message.

The governor praised the monarch’s contributions to the social and economic rejuvenation of Ile-Ife and his efforts in promoting unity among Nigeria’s diverse peoples and faiths.

“Kabiyesi has continued to project the glory of Yoruba culture and tradition on the world stage, advancing values of peace, unity, and progress.

“His consistent advocacy for youth inclusion and community development reflects a deep understanding of leadership as service to humanity,” the governor added.

Adeleke also highlighted the Ooni’s pivotal role as Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, commending his commitment to fostering collaboration among royal fathers and strengthening traditional institutions across the state and beyond.

“As Kabiyesi marks this new age in good health and divine favour, I pray to Almighty God and Eledumare to continue to grant him wisdom, long life, and renewed strength to guide his people and contribute to the prosperity of Osun State and Nigeria,” Adeleke concluded.

PUNCH Online reports that the monarch is the 51st traditional ruler of the ancient and historic town. He became the Ooni after his predecessor HRM Okunade Sijuwade in August 2015.