On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Lagos went agog for former First Lady, Dame Abimbola Fashola, in celebration of her 60th birthday. Family members, friends and well-wishers celebrated and shared joy with the woman whom many call an Amazon and selfless giver.

Her husband, former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, fondly called BRF, took to his social media page to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the woman he described as a diamond that is treasured and much sought after.

He wrote: “Dear Abimbola, I celebrate you as you commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of your birth for a life that has been well lived, especially in the service of God and humanity.

“On this diamond anniversary, it is fitting to acknowledge how like a diamond you have sparkled and lit up many lives, including mine and our children.

“Beyond us, the spark of your existence has ignited many other lives from far and near.

“Like the diamond, you are valued, treasured, and much sought after. Most especially, you wear value and humility with ease.

“Above all, like the diamond, you possess an inner strength that has been a rock for all of us.

“I pray for many more years of a very healthy and fulfilled life for you. “Happy birthday and many happy returns, my darling”.

Not only did Fashola, who was also Minister of Power, Works & Housing, pen a romantic note, he also organized a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Gbaja, Surulere in honour of the celebrant.

The former governor also let his air down to ‘boogie ‘down with his wife as gospel singer Tope Alabi sang in honour of Abimbola to celebrate the remarkable milestone.

President Bola Tinubu felicitated with Abimbola for her renowned contributions as an experienced administrator in education management and as a passionate advocate for health and socio-economic issues.

Tinubu acknowledged her impact on public awareness and sensitization campaigns on children’s and women’s health.

He described the celebrant as a steadfast pillar of support for her husband, offering tremendous help during his tenure as governor and Minister. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his part, described Dame Fashola as an experienced administrator.

Former Chairman, First Bank Plc, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, who is married to the cousin of the celebrant, in a tribute, wrote: “It’s been a real pleasure to know you for the past thirty five years of being married to your cousin.

“Your forthrightness, loving, welcoming and humble nature has remained unchanged as I watched you walk through different seasons. “As you celebrate your sixtieth birthday, I wish you God’s goodness, grace, mercy, perfect health and abundance of joy.

As you selflessly care for others, may the care and love of God never cease in your life”.

As the Founder of Leadership Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN), Dame Fashola has impacted and transformed lives.

She is a caring, loving and supportive wife and mother. As First Lady of Lagos State, she used the Office to impact many lives by advocating for women’s health, championing education, and empowering the youth.

In recognition of her modest contribution to humanity, she was honoured by His Holiness, Pope Benedict the XVI, with a papal medal award. She is also a recipient of several other local and international awards.

Hopefully, we shall not die; we shall live to proclaim the glory of the Lord. But the god of warfare is always on the side of the superior weapon. He who strikes first carries the day. Ask any Ogun worshipper, the god of iron always sides with the faster swordsman. Ask Boko Haram, Ansarul, ISWAP, ISIS, Lakurawa,

Bandit, Unknown Herdsman, Unknown Gunmen, Kidnap kingpins and other messengers of the grim reaper. They would tell you that war is totally different from dambe, the local form of martial arts.
In my younger days, it used to be said that a war foretold shouldn’t take the life of the lame. That was because he would have had all the time to get out of the way or seek assistance to take care of himself. It was scandalous in those days of innocence to expect people to remain sitting ducks waiting to be plucked down by the rifles of raging bands of savages.

Enough Is Enough!

Any politician who continues to preach forbearance to people in the eye of the genocidal storm depredating the country is welcome to go ahead and print his own obituary. He should leave the people to find creative ways of enforcing their right to life. We have gone past platitudes or political correctness now. It is either we do nothing and die, or rise up against the beasts of terror in defence of our lives and heritage.

The other day, Governor Zulum of Borno State cried for help as Boko Haram continued to reverse earlier gains made by the Nigerian military in decimating the ranks of the terror group. Zulum is not a frivolous man.

“While my administration has been very supportive of the military and other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram, it is disheartening to note the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, and Izge in Gwoza, along with the killing of innocent civilians and security agents. This calls for serious concern and signals a setback”, he declared.

At the same time, Plateau State was burning. The state government admitted that bandits were in control of 64 indigenous communities in the state. A body count revealed that 58 defenceless people had fallen to the unprovoked attack of the savages.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) joined in the nationwide outcry against the killings. “The killing spree on the Plateau must be stopped immediately, and peace must return to the state. In the future, ACF calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to declare a state of security emergency in vulnerable and banditry-prone communities and to initiate effective early warning and early response strategies that incorporate the participation of community members,” said the ACF.

It added that, “The FG should intensify efforts in actionable intelligence gathering, processing and deployment by all relevant security agencies to establish the immediate and remote causes of the latest skirmishes. Investigate, identify, arrest and prosecute perpetrators and enablers of the attacks; fully compensate families for the lives lost and extend relief to those injured.”

Action Required
I’m sorry, many of the statements made by obviously well-meaning but fairly well insulated personalities and groups were too predictable and would do nothing to swing the pendulum of victory to the side of the defenceless people. If we continue in the same tepid way we have been handling these marauders, all we will have on our hands are loads of corpses, additional thousands of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and a guarantee of asymmetric war from generation to generation between the tribes of the victims and those of the aggressors.
Having written at least 10 articles in the last five years on the matter, I have no intention of boring my readers with a rehash of the details of my well-spelt-out position on how to stem the tide of lawlessness and rein in non-state dispensers of violent death all over the country. But the general principle remains relevant – every security is local!

Our National Assembly members are cowering in Abuja where they are shielded by state-funded security apparatuses instead of promptly passing laws empowering states to establish state police formations and forest guards equipped with adequate armaments commensurate with the level of dangers they will be confronting.

It is intellectually lazy to simply dismiss the idea of state policing with a wave of the hand. Any desperate politician, whether at the federal or state levels, can be inclined to attempt misusing the proposed security formations, so, what’s all the noise about governors hijacking the state police for their own ends.
State policing is not a new idea at all. During the First Republic, apart from the federal police, we had the regional police and local government police in the South. Up North, there was the Native Authority Police. And who says we can’t afford state policing when we can afford unaudited hundreds of billions in opaque security votes in the 36 states and the FCT?

We are in an emergency situation. While putting together the various state formations and training the personnel, we can quickly mop up the forests, hilltops and mountain ranges currently under the control of the terrorists by contracting private military companies (PMCs) to ‘fumigate’ the identified areas taken over by the terrorists and take out their henchmen.

Jonathan’s Initiative

President Jonathan did a similar thing rather quietly before the 2015 elections could be held in the Northeast. He brought in military contractors who fought alongside our armed forces to send Boko Haram packing. If we had seen through that massive exercise, Boko Haram would probably have become history by now. But, as always, continuity is our problem.
The Buhari government cancelled the contract of the South African firm, Executive Outcomes, and the surviving terrorists gladly returned to fill the abandoned spaces.

The foreign soldiers who were part of that exercise came with their own arsenal. They had high praises for Nigerian soldiers, saying they were a professional outfit needing adequate armaments, logistics and political backing. They operated under the overall command of our military chiefs. So, why not, if not?
The rump of the terror herds have found a new sport in the southern states – shooting defenceless motorists and commuters on inter-state highways in the macabre game of kidnapping for ransom. In that department, they have levelled the playing field, kidnapping kings and plebeians, princes and serfs, bloodless civilians and full-blooded generals. We are all sitting ducks.

Need For Arms

Nigerians should now be encouraged to acquire the basic personal light arms for self-defence while the government implements the broader suggestions that require statutory approvals and budget accruals. We ought to have implemented, long ago, the suggestions made by state governors, especially Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of blessed memory, of providing adequate arms and ammunition for the fledgling local security outfits like Amotekun.

Thanks to the social media which never forgets, Akeredolu’s voice still rings out clearly today: “Ondo State government under the doctrine of necessity has decided to fulfil its legal, constitutional and moral duty to the citizens of the state, by acquiring arms to protect them.

“This is more so, given that the bandits have unchecked access to sophisticated weapons. The state government cannot look on while its citizens are being terrorised and murdered with impunity. We will defend our people!”

Anytime people complain to my hearing about the lopsided high-level appointments made so far by President Bola Tinubu, I am tempted to gloat and proclaim: “Told you so!” I have never hidden my bias for the reflection of federal character, or equity, in appointments, employments and projects. My simple argument for decades has been that in a multi-ethnic society, every section must be given a sense of belonging, no matter who is in power. The truth is that in ethnically plural developing countries, marginalisation — or fear of domination — is a major root of rancour. This often fuels resentment and hostility. It inevitably slows down national integration and worsens political discord.

I have been told to shut up many times by those who oppose my position on political inclusion. They argue that we should focus on only “merit” if we want Nigeria to develop. However, I still maintain that the political atmosphere has to be conducive. We need to build national consensus and sense of ownership. Every part of the country must believe that they have a stake in the Nigerian project, not that they are just a part of the furniture. For as long as we keep playing cat and mouse with basic principles that are vital to the unity of a diverse nation such as Nigeria, the disharmony will continue to be a distraction. It will keep hurting and haunting us. We will never be able focus on our goals.

Those who make the “merit” argument often assume that it is the opposite of “equity”. The federal character principle actually means “merit plus equity”, not “merit minus equity”. There are minimum requirements, no matter where you come from. If this is being abused, that is a separate problem to be addressed in another way. Some people also assume that only their part of the country has merit. They think it is only when you appoint their kin into positions that you have used merit. If you appoint anyone else, it is “federal character”. If that is the case, why should anybody complain about imbalance in Tinubu’s appointments? Are we saying his appointees lack merit or competence?

There are so many prejudices we inherited from older Nigerians who lived in the colonial and independence eras — many of whom we generously call “statesmen”. They are so stuck in 1960 that they cannot see what has changed in 64 years. True, there was a time in this country when all the university graduates were southerners. That was when it was easy to deride northerners as “uneducated”. But we are now in 2025 and I make bold to assert that there is no part of Nigeria today that has not produced thousands of graduates, many of them educated at the best schools home and abroad. You would be shocked to learn that all states now have unemployed graduates!

Inherited prejudice will continue to blind us to the fact that every part of Nigeria has produced a fair share of university graduates, PhDs and professors. Every section of Nigeria now has a decent collection of professionals and experts who have distinguished themselves in various fields — law, medicine, finance, the arts, etc — locally and internationally. One part of the country may be more endowed than the other in some fields or areas, but that is a different argument. My point here is that we first have to discard this inherited prejudice from ethnic supremacists that they are the only ones who have merit when it comes to appointments. This mindset is definitely not based on facts.

More so, we need to be cautious about this “merit” argument. As I have told many of the proponents, is it only at federal level that we need merit in government? Is your state being ruled by “merit”? Are the appointees in your state the best professionals and politicians you can boast of? Which state in Nigeria of today can confidently claim to have significantly tackled basic development issues such as sanitation, roads, potable water, basic education, healthcare and gender equity as a result of their famous “merit”? It appears our merit argument only applies at the federal level. When it comes to our states and councils, we conveniently shut down our brains. It is called hypocrisy.

If we want to be consistent with the “merit only” argument, then we should stop complaining that Tinubu is running a government that is essentially “Yoruba Nayson” (credit: Sunday Igboho). All we need to do is look at the résumés of the appointees: schools attended, degrees amassed, work experience, career attainments… they tick all those boxes. Let us stop complaining and start singing: “All of Tinubu’s appointments are on merit/Give our president some credit.” We should not be looking at the state of origin, ethnicity and religion of appointees. Haven’t we been told these things should never matter, that we should only talk about education, work history and positions held?

But if we want to step down from the Utopian world and pay attention to the ground realities in a diverse society that has been struggling too hard to become a nation, we will be forced to agree that balancing is a vital ingredient in nation-building. I have said it several times: I do not want to go to a federal ministry or department and everybody is speaking the same language and I am told everybody was employed on merit. Come off it! There is no part of Nigeria that does not have qualified candidates. All councils, states, zones, regions and religions have competent people. This is 2025, not 1960. Let us wake up and smell the coffee: no part of Nigeria has monopoly of merit!

Meanwhile, it appears some people only complain when the boot is on the other foot. I didn’t hear many northerners complain when President Muhammadu Buhari was making appointments that seemed heavily in favour of the north, notably in his early years. Maybe they were enjoying it. Now that Tinubu is replicating the template, they are grumbling — although I must immediately confess he has taken it to an unimaginable extent. Some prominent Yoruba commentators who complained about Buhari’s appointments have suddenly developed sore throat and gone quiet under Tinubu. This inconsistency bothers me. Let us use the same yardstick for every president, no matter what.

I must at this point admit that even the federal character principle is subject to different interpretations. The appointment of Mr Bayo Ojulari as the CEO of the NNPC Ltd is a case in point. Ojulari’s identity is peculiar: he is ethnically Yoruba, like Tinubu, but he is from Kwara state, which is in the north. Tinubu is from the south-west. So how should Ojulari be classified in the federal character matrix? Will core northerners list his appointment under the column for the north or the one for Yoruba? Will south-westerners classify him as a northerner? Depending on the point you want to canvass, you can choose to identify him as a Yoruba, or as a northerner, or as a Muslim.

President Olusegun Obasanjo faced a similar situation when he assumed office in 1999. Because he rode on the back of northern power brokers to win his election, he had a gentleman’s agreement with them to cede certain positions to the region. Of the four service chiefs, he agreed to appoint three from the north. He picked Gen Victor Malu from Benue as army chief and went to Kogi to pick Air Marshall Isaac Alfa as air chief and Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi as defence chief. Malu was a Tiv while both Alfa and Ogohi were Igalas. Many core northerners were riled. While some grumbled in their bedrooms, the late Wada Nas openly kicked against it, accusing Obasanjo of marginalising the north.

Obasanjo himself played the game when he did not want the late Chief Sunday Bolorunduro Awoniyi, from Kogi state, to be the PDP chairman. Awoniyi was a strong character whom, honestly, not many Nigerian presidents would want as party chairman because he was not one to be shouting “yes, sir” night and day. Even though the position was zoned to the north-central where Awoniyi hailed from, Obasanjo’s foot soldiers went round whispering that it was not good for a Yoruba to be president and another Yoruba to be party chairman. It was politics, I agree, but this is the kind of nitpicking that come with the make-up of Nigeria. People deploy the identity argument that suits them per time.

Regardless, the principles of federal character and equity are obviously part of our DNA. National associations — such as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) — not only share exco offices to various geo-political zones to reflect the national make-up, they also rotate positions between the north and the south. There is no law requiring them to do this but it is just common sense for a national body in a diverse country struggling to remain one. That is why I always back the rotation of presidential power between the north and the south, even though that is not the ultimate formula for development.

In sum, while I do not pretend to know the solutions to Nigeria’s complicated problems, I am certain that Nigerians want a country where they will have a sense of belonging, where they will not feel sidelined, where they will not be marginalised, where they are treated with equity and justice. For the optics of politics, the distribution of federal appointments and projects — especially the top-level ones — must be done along the lines of common sense and balancing. I repeat: there is merit and competence in every part of Nigeria. I repeat: lopsidedness fuels resentment and further divides a country already locked in mutual suspicion. It is not too late in the day for Tinubu to change course.

AND FOUR OTHER THINGS…

ORONTO: 10 YEARS ON

I remember, as always, my friend, brother, mentor and benefactor, Mr Oronto Natei Douglas (OND), who died on April 9, 2015. Last Wednesday marked the 10th anniversary of his passing. I first met OND in 1996 through my pal, Doifie Buokoribo, who introduced me to the Environmental Rights Action (ERA) to help them design and print their newsletters, pamphlets, magazines and books. OND was the deputy director of ERA at the time. He was a genuine Niger Delta activist. As aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, Oronto described himself as an “activist in government”. His passion for democracy and development was amazing. He was a great soul and a loyal friend. Unforgettable.

ABBA KYARI: 5 YEARS ON

It will be five years on April 17 that Mallam Abba Kyari lost his life to complications from COVID-19. My last conversation with then-President Muhammadu Buhari’s chief of staff haunts me till this day. He told me he was on his way to Lagos for treatment because his cough was getting worse. We never got to talk again, but I kept getting progress reports that he was recovering well at a Lagos hospital. Sadly, he had what doctors call “co-morbidities” (other existing ailments) which were worsened by the COVID infection. He eventually lost the battle for his life. I was so pained. He was one of the most knowledgeable, passionate and loyal but well vilified Nigerian public servants I ever knew. Patriot.

TRAIN PAIN

It is difficult to celebrate some successes in Nigeria because there is always a fly in the ointment. The improvement in rail transportation is supposed to be a source of joy after all the billions we’ve spent but there is often a spanner in the wheel. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended operations on the Warri-Itakpe corridor because of a “major technical disruption”. The train broke down mid-journey, in the middle of a desert in a state where kidnappers are always on the prowl. We were told it would take 72 hours to repair the fault. This is not good at all. We hear these stories all the time. Something is definitely wrong somewhere but we keep patching things up. Troubling.

NO COMMENT

Something is happening in Rivers state that should worry every Nigerian who still cares about our democracy. An emergency administrator whose primary duty is to stabilise the state may be working on a different script, dismantling existing structures and building his own. While we were still watching the pro-Wike lawmakers partying in London, the administrator appointed his own caretakers for the councils. What we have is no longer an interim administration but a full-blown government. This looks to be more than a six-month arrangement. Anyway, all that President Tinubu needs to extend the emergency rule is the National Assembly. Is it not by voice vote? Hahahaha.

In every society, power, privilege, and governance form the tripod upon which leadership is exercised and societal progress or decline is determined. These three elements are deeply interconnected.
Power confers the ability to influence decisions, Privilege often determines access to power, and Governance dictates how power is applied for the common good.

In Nigeria and other developing democracies, the conversation around these concepts is especially crucial, as the abuse or mismanagement of any of them can have far-reaching implications for justice, development, and social equity.

Power, in itself, is neutral. It is neither good nor bad until it is exercised. The quality of leadership, therefore, is not determined merely by the possession of power, but by how it is used. Those who wield public office are entrusted with the mandate of the people, and such power must be exercised with wisdom, humility, and accountability. It is not for personal aggrandizement, neither is it a tool for oppression.
True power in governance lies in service, serving the people with integrity, making decisions that benefit the masses, and defending the voiceless.

Privilege, on the other hand, is often the gateway to power. It includes social status, access to education, wealth, political networks, or even ethnic and religious affiliations that give certain individuals an advantage in the political arena.
While privilege in itself is not evil, the danger arises when it becomes an exclusive gatekeeper, preventing competent, visionary, and patriotic individuals from ascending to leadership. When privilege replaces meritocracy, the result is a governance structure that is disconnected from the people and unresponsive to their needs.

Governance is the ultimate expression of how power and privilege are managed.
Good governance promotes transparency, equity, justice, and inclusive development. It is rooted in constitutionalism, the rule of law, and democratic accountability.
In Nigeria’s context, our democracy can only thrive when leaders see governance not as a means to enrich themselves but as a sacred trust to build a better society. Governance must be people-centered, participatory, and guided by clear moral values that place the welfare of citizens above all else.

As a legislator, I am continually reminded that our constituents do not just elect us to occupy positions; they expect us to act, to speak up, to legislate in their interest, and to defend their rights.
Governance begins with responsiveness, listening to the needs of the people, understanding their struggles, and translating those concerns into concrete policies and programs. The dignity of leadership lies not in titles or ceremonies but in the impact we make in the lives of ordinary people.

It is also important to dismantle the dangerous entitlement mentality that often accompanies political privilege. Leadership is not a birthright, nor is it the domain of a few elite families or regions.
Every citizen, regardless of their background, must have an equal opportunity to participate in governance. We must actively work to create a system where leadership is earned through competence, vision, and character, not simply inherited or purchased through wealth and connections.

In conclusion, our collective progress as a nation hinges on how we manage power, privilege, and governance.
Let us use power to serve, use privilege to open doors for others, and embrace governance as a moral responsibility, not a transactional enterprise. Only then can we build a Nigeria where leadership uplifts the people, institutions are strong, and the future is secured for generations to come.
I remain committed to these ideals as your representative, working tirelessly to ensure that governance becomes a force for transformation and hope.

 Hon Obi Aguocha is the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South.

In a resplendent, glitzy and well-attended ceremony at the Convention Centre of the upscale Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday April 11, 2025, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, added another merited accolade to his growing list of honours, clinching the ‘Vanguard Good Governance Award 2024’, presented by Vanguard Newspapers.

The event, which celebrated Nigeria’s most impactful leaders, served not only as a recognition of excellence but also as a reaffirmation of Governor Soludo’s transformational three-year tenure in Anambra, a tenure that has redefined governance as a vehicle for pragmatic solutions and inclusive growth.

Indeed, it was a night of shine and substance. Celebrating outstanding achievements, as affirmed in the brief welcome remarks by Editor Eze Anaba, the Vanguard Awards brought together Nigeria’s political, business, royal and cultural elite.

Mr. Atedo Peterside, Chairman of the occasion, captured the mood succinctly: “The gathering is awesome, a convergence of those rewriting Nigeria’s story.” Truly, the evening was as much about legacy as it was about laurels.

While successful businessmen, education investors, and billionaires, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke took home the Personality of the Year award, the spotlight equally beamed on exceptional governors like Soludo, whose policies have turned subnational governance into a laboratory of innovation in their respective states.

For Governor Soludo, the Vanguard honour arrives just months after being named SUN Newspaper’s Governor of the Year 2024, and this dual media recognition now underscores his unique blend of technocratic rigour and pragmatic leadership.

In Soludo’s Anambra, it has been a story of from Promise to Progress. Since assuming office in March 2022, Governor Soludo, a former Central Bank Governor and economist, has pursued what he terms a “people’s agenda” with relentless focus.

His administration’s pillars, anchored on security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, urban renewal, economic diversification and more, have become more than slogans. The multidimensional impact, often achieved amidst fiscal constraints, reflect Governor Soludo’s philosophy that development is not about grand announcements; it is about granular execution. It is also about doing more with less and without borrowing!

In his remarks, Vanguard Editor Eze Anaba emphasized that the awards were not merely for popularity but for verifiable impact. For Governor Soludo, this rings true and through. Yet, three years on, his results speak louder than rhetoric. The impact is verifiable.

No wonder, the SUN and Vanguard awards, both decided by rigorous verifications of development projects prioritising data over dazzle, validate the Soludo approach. One can say that Governor Soludo treats governance like a serious business: iterative, agile, and user-centric. Anambra is his MVP, and it is scaling fast.

Yet, while the awards celebrate past and ongoing achievements, Governor Soludo’s eyes remain fixed on the future. Challenges will always exist, but his administration’s methodical pace suggests confidence rather than complacency.

As the governor would have remarked after receiving the award, every honour is a debt owed to the people and the good work in Anambra has just begun. Now with his recent ratification as APGA candidate for a second term and overwhelming nonpartisan endorsements for Anambra’s November 2025 election, Governor Soludo is poised to turn Anambra into a blueprint for Nigeria’s subnational revival.

While Nigeria keeps contending with its own national questions, Governor Soludo’s story, of a professor-turned-politician delivering functional solutions and measurable progress, may well become a case study in award-winning leadership. For now, Anambra’s renaissance continues, one solution at a time.

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed hearty congratulations to Mr. Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, on the occasion of his birthday today, April 12, 2025.

In his goodwill message, Governor Soludo proudly lauded Mr. Iyiegbu, a distinguished son of Anambra State, as a dynamic personality who has consistently embodied the ingenuity, resilience, and entrepreneurial excellence for which Ndi Anambra are renowned.

As an ebullient entrepreneur, his ventures have not only created opportunities for countless Nigerians but have also placed Anambra on the national map of commerce and innovation. His philanthropic endeavours, particularly in youth empowerment and community development, also reflect a deep commitment to uplifting lives and fostering societal progress.

The Governor further stated that beyond his business acumen, Obi Cubana’s role as a cultural ambassador and socialite has celebrated the richness of Igbo heritage, strengthening our collective pride and unity.

On this occasion of his birthday, Governor Soludo wishes Mr. Iyiegbu enduring success and prayed that his new age be filled with greater achievements and the fulfilment of his noble aspirations.

Signed:

Christian Aburime
Press Secretary to the Governor

Toke Makinwa says she doesn’t mind being a second, third, fourth, or even fifth wife.

The media personality tied the knot with Maje Ayida, her longtime partner, in 2014.

However, their union was short-lived due to infidelity allegations in 2015, leading to their divorce in 2017.

In an interview on her podcast Toke Moments, Makinwa said she would consider becoming a co-wife if the opportunity arises.

She revealed that constantly being in charge can be exhausting, and she now desires a partner who can ease some of that pressure and allow her to unwind.

She added that while she used to judge others for certain choices, her perspective has changed and she now understands.

“I won’t lie, at this point in my life if I have the opportunity to marry as a 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th wife, I will think about it,” she said.

“I’m the boss everywhere, and that can be tiring.

“There are certain things you would be like this could never be me, could never be this, and you see people do some certain things, and you would be the biggest judge.

“Right now, I understand.”

Recently, Makinwa reflected on being 40, single, and childless while admitting that it once made her feel bad but no longer does.

She also said that if she had remarried, she would likely have gotten divorced again because the “lessons never stop”.

[TheCable]

Disorder, confusion and despondency! These three words capture the basic prevailing air across the land. Not just here in Nigeria, but all over the world. Nations, big and small organizations, advocacy groups, communities and individuals are all busy trying to solve one problem or the other. Many are looking forward to solutions of various types. But they do not really know what the problems are, or might be; for which they are seeking solutions. They may just finish celebrating one solution before they realize that the solution they just celebrated has not addressed the original problem, or that it has created new ones.

Sad, is it not?

No one can recognize the solution to a problem when he does not know, or understand, the nature of the problem itself. That is part of the issue on the table all over the world today. The climate, the cosmic environment, the political space, the regulatory environment for businesses, the moral landscape, our spirituality, the religiosity of a morally bankrupt world, the gender crisis, the decay of values are all in the line of fire. Why? Yes, why? Just why is it that everyone, and everything, seems to be going bonkers on the double?

Bedlam on steroids, and going strong!

Consider the apparently mundane matter of some of the most important decisions of President Donald Trump of the US. His most far-reaching decisions seem to have been taken without recourse to the very institutions set up to uphold what the American Dream is presumed to represent. Trump signed some 220 Executive Orders during his first term, between January 2017 and January 2021. In 2025 alone, in this his Second Coming, he is recorded to have signed 112 Executive Orders, from EO 14147 through EO 14528.

And he did all that without consulting with, or obtaining clearance and approval from, those elected by the people to speak for them in the matter of what they want the president to do, or not do.

And, lest we forget, Trump is the head of a democratic nation. His country is also the much-vaunted global defender of democracy, inclusivity, human rights and world peace through an attitude of mutual accommodation. He is clearly serious with the Providential business of dismantling the pretensions that have held up a world that can best be described as a living fraud. It has served true humanity in the breach.

Recall that an unusual interplanetary alignment occurred shortly before and around the time Trump was sworn in. It was at about that time that a Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Mercury “lined up” in the Elliptic, in a way that they had not done for a long time now. First there was the alignment of Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn one of January 21, before the Main Event of January 25. Then came the one of February 28, before the morning alignment of Neptune, Mercury, Saturn and Venus this month. And the August 11 morning alignment of Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn is yet to come.

If both scientific and quasi scientific circles are saying that “The alignment of several planets is believed to amplify the energies of these planets, prompting changes, introspection, opportunity, and transformation across the globe and across all zodiac signs”, it may well follow that this year has quite a few things up its sleeves. A look at history shows that interplanetary alignments have been associated with major energy shifts that impact political, social and environmental changes upheavals that impact nature and create global changes.

Because our world is part of a universe and comic environment that has long since been scientifically confirmed to be a network of interconnected radiations, no one can say for sure what the effects of the alignments of heavenly bodies and their magnetic fields might be. When we consider that astrologers have always considered interplanetary alignments to be moments of amplified energy in our cosmic environment, when we also consider that significant interplanetary alignments had coincided in the past with some major global or cultural shifts, scientific breakthroughs and artistic renaissances, then we must also consider the thought that we may be standing amidst heralds of change we do not know enough about.

The disorder, confusion and despondency in our world today is accentuated by the fact that we now have more wars, with others threatening to break out. Natural disasters are tumbling in on all sides. One hundred and ninety-one areas of tornado damage were recorded between March 14 and 16 in the US. That was less than a month ago. Within the same period 115 twisters were confirmed in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Other forms of natural and manmade disaster are being distributed all round the world. Economic pressures, environmental and climatic changes, distress of nations, strange and incurable diseases are all on rampage today. 

The 2025 US wildfires had more than passing impact on Los Angeles, where it led to significant loss of life and property. The fires came, swept its initial areas of impact and then keep spreading rapidly and unpredictably. California, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura all had sad stories to tell from the fires. So did Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.

So, attempt to put some thoughts on the table regarding where it all this may be leading up to. The first is the fact that our world of Volatile possibilities, Uncertain realities, Confusing demands and expectations and Ambiguous values (VUCA) has come with new developments that portend dangers for all. It is a world that is rapidly altering expectations, rules and the way so many things are done; and in which many will find themselves at a disadvantage in one way or the other

Another possible fact is that national economies will suffer and so will larger sections of the global population. We have all been living with many unquestioned assumptions about our lives and about international affairs for far too long. As the US is becoming more protectionist and almost trying to shut off the world, the counter measures other nations are being forced to take will become major triggers for new economic events that would affect us all.

The third fact is that the world, and all of us, are being forced to do a re-valuation of values, a reassessment of hitherto accepted paradigms and a recalibration of expectations. Moving in leaps and bounds from the rule-governed global village of only a few months ago to a world where all hitherto accepted norms are being revised without the usual consultations is something no one bargained for.

The other fact is that ours is now a New World order that is forcing a fundamentally pretentious world with well-dressed predatory nations to remove its gloves and boldly bare hitherto concealed teeth. Arbitrariness will very likely be on the upswing. Free trade will suffer, if the trend being orchestrated by Trump continues – and it is likely to. So, welcome to a more deadly period of blind protectionist tendencies and say goodbye to free markets, open skies for aviation watchers, and dangerous national insularity…

Another fact to consider is the possibility that questions must be raised about the world’s multilateral trading system, which had been hitherto projected as resting on clear rules, mandatory concessions and criteria that all countries welcomed because it had something for everyone. The stabilizing and custodian roles we all once attributed to the World Trade Organization (WTO), complete with its unquestioned template and platform, can no longer be vouched for.

That system certainly did not favour developing countries in more ways than one. It only helped maintain an illusion that Trump is now resolutely unmasking, dismantling and inviting us to dismiss.

Had there been any really honest attempt to reform the system over time, we probably won’t be where we are today. But with Donal Trump as the official demolition man, we are living with the irony today of having the US doing its best to destroy a system it did its everything to bring about and sustain. It would seem that rather than reform the system it is now being destroyed, and for good. Which is hardly surprising.

Let us calmly admit that everything false is collapsing on all fronts. We cannot say that the US approach to international relations, international trade and global politics under Trump will lead to a more peaceful, more prosperous and more stable world. The ongoing retaliatory tariff impositions and counter impositions from various countries, in reaction to Trump’s rampaging moves, will only fuel the comprehensive jettisoning of the presumably hallowed WTO template, paradigms and framework.

Thus, matters are not only likely to get worse, but also get out of hand. And the reason is simple:  The limited actions of the most dominant actors in the global economic space will ignite reactions that would lead to the total abandonment of all the false trappings we have all lived with for so long in international relations. As more countries adopt and deploy the same approach as the US, trading and transacting on their own terms, it would be absolute bedlam across board. But can they all see it coming?

Can Africa impose retaliatory tariffs on anyone? I think not. Can Africa escape the effects of the looming trade war? Again, I think not. As faith in international investments wavers, totters and probably falls dramatically, there will be greater uncertainly in international economics and economic relations. Unpredictability will blossom. The result would be a new world order wherein global economic growth will be slow and international trade will boil down to tariff wars and piracy.

Probably no other continent would be worse hit than Africa, largely because of the continents import dependence. To speculate on a possible magical transformation of African economies, in response to the ongoing global drama, is to prance off on a reprehensible exercise in self delusion. As we enter an era where all global institutions that once guaranteed the Rules of Engagement are on all fours, no one can say how the current situation will unfold in the coming months or years. But we must be clear-eyed about the dangers that are building up in the world.

In sum, all international Standard Operating Procedures are on retreat. There is a greater leaning towards selfish considerations by nations. What can we hold unto, or strengthen? Can Africa present a common, or fighting front, of any sort? Just asking. Prepare for the worst, I’d say! But what is the worst, really? Hunger, poverty, balance of trade issues? None of the above, I dare say.  It can only get worse if you take time to think about is.

It is about a world on a tail spin, for a new era to be born. The problems are more spiritual than material, as we wonder what world events are saying today.

Bitcoin has staged an impressive recovery, surging towards $84,000 on Saturday as it rebounds from losses sustained earlier in the week.

This recovery follows a 90-day pause on most tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, a move that has momentarily eased investor concerns amidst ongoing trade tensions with China.

As of the time of writing this article, Bitcoin was trading around $83,800, reflecting a 5.1% increase in the past 24 hours, according to data from CoinGecko.

This performance highlights Bitcoin’s appeal as an asset capable of weathering economic uncertainties.

In addition to Bitcoin’s gains, other cryptocurrencies have also experienced upward momentum: Solana has risen by 8.3% to $120, while Ethereum has climbed 3% to $1,550.

Trump’s trade war 

The price of Bitcoin dipped as low as $74,700 on Monday, fueled by concerns over the economic impact of Trump’s month-long trade war.

• However, the announcement of a temporary tariff pause two days later catalyzed a sharp turnaround.
• Over the past few weeks, Bitcoin has demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining a trading range between $75,000 and $85,000 despite significant price fluctuations triggered by shifting trade policies.
• This stability reflects strong buying interest, particularly from institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, commonly referred to as crypto “whales.”

These groups have returned to the market after months of cautious withdrawals, recognizing Bitcoin’s potential to serve as a hedge against economic uncertainty.

Chief Investment Officer at crypto asset manager Hashdex, Samir Kerbage, highlighted Bitcoin’s outperformance compared to traditional risk assets during the week’s turbulence.

“This week will be remembered for its volatility and uncertainty,” Kerbage told Decrypt. “Bitcoin has been behaving better than most risk assets in recent days, showcasing its resilience amidst market turmoil.” 

An overall eventful week 

The week has also been eventful on Wall Street, where stocks experienced some of the strongest swings in recent history.

• Despite the temporary tariff pause, Trump escalated the trade war with China, raising the total tariff rate on Chinese goods exported to the U.S. to a record 145%. U.S. equity markets responded positively to the tariff pause: the S&P 500 climbed 5.6% for the week, the Nasdaq jumped 7.3%, and the Dow rose 5%, according to Yahoo Finance.
• Despite these gains, analysts caution that the unpredictability of Trump’s trade policies continues to weigh on investor sentiment.

While the tariff pause provided temporary relief, market participants remain wary of the broader implications of escalating trade tensions, particularly as they pertain to global economic stability.

What you should know 

Bitcoin’s ability to recover and maintain stability indicates its growing reputation as a reliable store of value and a hedge against macroeconomic uncertainty.

• The cryptocurrency market’s resilience, driven by institutional interest, highlights the increasing role of digital assets in a diversified investment portfolio.

• As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, investors are closely monitoring the implications of trade policies, especially in relation to traditional and alternative assets like Bitcoin.

The unfolding dynamics of the U.S.-China trade war remain a key driver for market sentiment and could significantly impact the trajectory of both global markets and cryptocurrency valuations in the months to come.

[Nairametrics]