As global trade tensions intensify among the world’s economic giants, African leaders and policymakers gathered in Abuja for the 2025 edition of the Focus Africa Leaders Forum and Awards, aimed at rethinking the continent’s economic strategy in a shifting global landscape

Delivering the keynote address, former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, emphasized the urgent need for Africa to transition from exporting raw materials to producing and selling value-added products in the global market. He stated that this transformation is essential for wealth creation, job growth, and economic sustainability.

Dr. Ikpeazu explained that the continent must begin to craft and implement a clear and strategic vision that aligns with the realities of a multipolar world where power and influence are distributed across various nations. According to him, “The time of waiting for grants and sympathy is over. We must rise and take responsibility for our future. No one else will do it for us.”

He further noted that Africa’s economic vision must transcend political transitions, urging that national development plans should be sustainable enough to outlive any single administration. He said leadership may change, but the overarching dream must continue through successive governments and citizen support.

Dr. Ikpeazu also stressed the importance of supporting small businesses and local enterprises, which he described as the backbone of African economies. He added that intra-African trade should no longer be considered optional, but rather a vital necessity for the continent’s economic future. “Step by step, with steady focus and good planning, we can build trade and manufacturing systems that will lift Africa out of poverty and hopelessness,” he said.

Also, Director of the Focus Africa Series, Professor Sucex Bright, explained that the project was established to convene high-level discussions around governance, economic policy, and the future of African development. He stated that the forum aims to spotlight transformative projects that can position the continent more prominently on the global stage.

Professor Bright noted that every African has a role to play in shaping the continent’s trajectory, and the forum provides an inclusive platform for dialogue and collaboration. He said, “We are bringing every single person to the discussion table to speak on how we can move the continent forward.”

Addressing the role of youth in Africa’s growth, Professor Bright also stated that development efforts must blend the energy of the young with the wisdom of the old, highlighting the importance of intergenerational cooperation in achieving sustainable progress.

Making a case for Forensic Science

Another critical voice at the forum was that of Director General of the Institute of Security and Forensic Studies Nigeria, Ambassador Dr. Morgan Okocha, who underscored the transformative impact of forensic science in strengthening Nigeria’s justice system and security apparatus. He emphasized that integrating forensic science into criminal investigations significantly improves the reliability and efficiency of evidence gathering and prosecution.

Dr. Okocha highlighted the recent implementation of the Evidence Act (Amendment Act) 2023 as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s legal framework. He noted that the new law, which allows for the admissibility of digital evidence such as electronic records and signatures, brings Nigeria in line with modern investigative standards.

He also advocated for continued legal reforms and enhanced training for law enforcement officers, stressing that strategic security policies and specialized skill development are critical to overcoming emerging threats. According to him, “We have trained thousands of security personnel through our organization, Security and Forensic Studies Nigeria (SFSN), and this has greatly improved the effectiveness of criminal investigations nationwide.”

Dr. Okocha further explained that the integration of forensic science and strategic reforms holds immense promise for revamping Nigeria’s security framework. He said this combination will enable the country to address security challenges with more precision and accountability.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the forum, Dr. Okocha, reiterated the importance of forensic science in promoting peace and justice. He noted that his organization has trained over 10,000 security personnel, which has led to significant advancements in criminal investigations across Nigeria and other African nations.

He concluded by expressing optimism that with continued investment in forensic capacity and legal modernization, Nigeria’s security infrastructure can evolve into a more proactive, credible, and resilient system capable of delivering justice and protecting lives.

Dr. Sani Aliu Calls for Strategic Security Reform and Adoption of NESO in National Framework

Additionally, Dr. Sani Aliyu, Co-Commander-in-General of the Neighborhood Enlightenment and Safety Organization (NESO), called for urgent strategic reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take bold steps in aligning the country with global and continental expectations of leadership.

Speaking at a recent leadership recognition event, Dr. Aliyu said such events play a vital role in reawakening the sense of responsibility among leaders by refocusing them on national challenges and helping them strategize more effectively for development.

Addressing Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, he explained that the country’s inability to match its growing population with adequate security personnel has left it vulnerable. “We are dealing with over 237 million people spread across 923,768 square kilometers, yet our total security personnel—including the military, police, DSS, and others—number less than a million,” he noted. “With over 10,000 porous and unmanned borders, insecurity becomes inevitable.”

He emphasized that Nigeria must live up to its position as the leader of the black race globally, recalling Nelson Mandela’s assertion that “if Nigeria sneezes, Africa catches a cold.” He added that for Africa to progress, Nigeria must first regain its strength and stability.

Dr. Aliyu commended President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for acknowledging the need for Special Forces. He likened this move to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s creation of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to safeguard critical infrastructure.

He urged the president to take it a step further by sending an executive bill to the National Assembly to formally adopt NESO into the national security framework. “NESO has been on the frontlines, complementing the efforts of the military in the fight against terrorism. In fact, it was NESO’s idea that led to the creation of the Civilian Joint Task Force,” he stated.

Dr. Aliyu concluded by stressing that the 70,000 well-trained NESO members nationwide represent a ready force that can be deployed with minimal government spending, helping Nigeria reclaim its rightful place as Africa’s leading nation.

….says he’s Icon of peace-building, uncommon emancipator and the ‘Face of Niger Delta Struggle’

The National Executive of the Host Communities Producing Oil Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council Of Nigeria with the board of trustees BoT, under the leadership of the National President, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder (Aka General OSAMA), have felicitated with frontline Freedom Fighter, High Chief (Dr) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo on his 54th birthday anniversary.

The HOSTCON Youths Council in statement signed by the National Executive of the Host Communities Producing Oil Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council Of Nigeria with the board of trustees BoT, under the leadership of its National President, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder (Aka General OSAMA), described Tompolo as an uncommon leader, embodiment of wisdom, a mentor, brother and prominent son of the Niger Delta region, whom is their hero and a living legend, and the ‘Face of the Niger Delta struggle’.

He added that he is an icon of peace-building who have brought about economic stability to the entire nation as far as oil and gas exploitation and exportation are concerned.

Pathfinder Fiawei also said the Host Communities Producing Oil and Gas in the Niger Delta region, sees Tompolo as an emancipator who has given them hope and a sense of belonging, and added that he has been a visionary and foresighted Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, TSSNL, that has changed the narrative in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

He said: “We felicitate with you and acknowledge your uncommon painstaking charismatic leadership disposition embedded with truth and wisdom, your patriotism and selfless sacrifice in the struggle for the overall development and betterment of the Niger Delta people is unprecedented.”

” And also we see you as the beacon of hope and the light for the Ijaw nation, and that of the Oil and Gas Producing Communities and the Niger Delta people in general, because you have fearlessly and doggedly stood firm for justice, equity and fairness in the treatment of the people of the Niger Delta region.

“You are indeed a trailblazer, detribalized, and patriotic Nigerian leader whose concern is to ensure the unity and progress of this great country.”

“Amid economic instability, security challenges and heated political permutations, your selfless sacrifices, commitment and dedication remain undaunted to salvage the economy of these great nation by doing everything humanly possible to protect the nation’s oil and gas assets through the TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES no matter whose ox is gored, and this yielded uncommon and unprecedented results because of its professionalism and resilience.”

“You and your indefatigable team are the game-changers, and the professional conduct in the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited have deeply sanitized the nation’s upstream and downstream sector of Nigeria’s oil industry by taking the war against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism, and the results have been unprecedented and awesome as Nigeria can now boast of over 1.8 million barrels to 2m barrels of crude oil production daily as we speak.”

“Also, your patriotism and integrity have attracted the world to Tantita Security Service because you have proven that crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism can be curbed in the creeks of the Niger Delta.”

“Today, we are not just celebrating High Chief Dr Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, but we are celebrating an Icon of peace, a bridge builder between the North and the South, an embodiment of equal right justice, equity and fairness, and a Nigerian statesman.”

“We could refer to you as the rallying point of the Ijaws home and diaspora, at the same time the strength and the ORGANIC VOICE that has given hope to the Ijaw ethnic Nationality with much wisdom and knowledge imbedded in you, whereby, the Ijaws could call on you on salient issues concerning their place and interest in the Nigerian State.”

“You are the fearless leader who speaks truth to power, and with your comment on the restoration of the Governor of Rivers State along other duly elected political officials, and the removal of the state of emergency declared in the State, and also making it clear that the Governor was made to win the governorship election by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike who is his predecessor, and where was the Ijaws that time. We strongly believe in you that Governor Fubura’s restoration will happen.”

“You have never relented but remained resolute and determined that justice is served to the oppressed people of the Niger Delta region, therefore have given hope to millions of youth in the region by creating employment, awarding scholarships, payment of hospital bills, skill acquisitions and many more to mention.”

“No wonder on your enviable achievements to fight oil thieves mafias and their sponsors to a standstill, Vanguard Newspapers Editorial Board awarded the prestigious Crude Oil Infrastructure Security Award 2023 to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL)”.

“On your achievements to drastically reduce criminality in the oil and gas sector, the foremost media body in Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, through its leadership conferred on you a national merit award in recognition of your contribution to the war against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.”

“Notably, your undying commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region led to the long awaited establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University, in Okerenkoko, Gbaramtu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, and it officially commenced academic activities in the 2017/2018 session and has already begun shaping the region’s education narrative, as education is the bedrock of every community, and the nation at large, all these were made possible by your humble self. You are the Hero and the face of the Niger Delta struggle.

“Your awards of honour and recognition are too numerous to mention because of the enormous impact you are making to stabilize and sustain the Nigerian economy including the transformation of lives and communities in the Niger Delta region.”

Meanwhile, he (Pathfinder Fiawei) assured Tompolo and Tantita Security Services of support and collaboration to ensure the oil and gas sector is completely rid of criminal elements.

“The National executive of the Host Communities Producing Oil Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria with the board of trustees BoT, under the leadership of its National President, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder (aka General Osama), assure you of our unalloyed and firm support to enable you continue the good work you are doing for the people of the region and to change the narrative in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, and the overall development of oil and gas bearing host communities across the country.

“Once again, massive congratulations to you sir, we pray the Almighty God continues to give you a long life with wisdom to enable you to do more for the region and the nation at large.”

Ahead of the party’s national convention, the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDPGF) has appointed Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State as chair of the committee on zoning of its party offices.

Also appointed were the governors of Zamfara and Plateau states, Dauda Lawal and Caleb Mutfwang as vice chair and secretary respectively of the committee.

The forum equally recommended the constitution of a National Convention Committee headed by the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri with Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State as vice chair and the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, as secretary.

This was contained in a statement on Monday by Chief Press Secretary to Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah.

According to the statement, these recommendations, which are subject to ratification by the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of the party, were part of the communique issued after the forum’s meeting on Monday at the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

The PDPGF Chairman and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, who read the communique, also stated that the governors resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or be part of a merger of political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

The forum restated its decision to approach the Supreme Court to give a clear interpretation on the declaration of a state of emergency in any state and reaffirmed its commitment to stand with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

The communique reads in part: “Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of political parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger. However, the PDP as a major opposition party welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it with a view to wresting power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.

“The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba on the issue of the National Secretary of the party, but in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment, Forum resolved to recommend that the Deputy National Secretary acts as National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a Substantive Secretary from the South East Zone and NEC respectively at its next meeting.

“The Forum reasserts our collective determination to avert a rape of our constitutional democracy hence the decision of approaching the Supreme Court to give a clear cut verdict on the interpretation of the provisions of the law on the declaration of State of Emergency in any state.

“The Forum restates its solidarity with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on the ordeal into which his state and people are being plunged by the declaration of a state of emergency. And we reiterate our commitment to stand with him till the end.

“The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country, as evidenced in parts of the country especially Borno, Plateau, Katsina and Edo States. The Forum calls for review and reordering of priorities and strategies, including adopting a bottom-up template that guarantees the sub-nationals to constitute an effective line of defence against security breaches.

“While raising the concerns above, we condemn the recent attacks in Plateau State, and commiserate with the government and people of the state, especially those who lost their lives and property during this unfortunate mishap.

“The Forum resolves that working in conjunction with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant organs of the party, to hold a NEC Meeting on the 27th of May, 2025; constitute a Zoning Committee that will address all issues relating to zoning of party offices and hold an early convention in August 2025, precisely on the 28th, 29th and 30th in the ancient city of Kano.

“The Forum equally recommends the constitution of the Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC as follows:

“Zoning Committee: Gov. Douye Diri – Chairman; Gov. Dauda Lawal – Vice Chairman and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang – Secretary, while the National Convention Committee has Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman; Gov. Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Gov. Peter Mbah as Secretary.”

Those who attended the meeting were Senator Bala Mohammed, Engr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Senator Douye Diri (Bayelsa) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara)

Others were Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Sir Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor of Delta State.

Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest track, “Tell Your Papa,” has recorded a remarkable milestone despite being banned by the National Broadcasting Commission.

The song, which criticises President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has gathered the attention of several Nigerians and has been making waves on social media.

According to the statistics on YouTube, ‘Tell Your Papa’ has 22,754 views on YouTube with 1,200 likes and the video numbers have since skyrocketed to 82,138 views and 2,600 likes, on YouTube too, indicating a surge in popularity amid the controversy.

On Spotify, the song has also reached a notable milestone with over 30,116 streams, indicating that Nigerians are still streaming the song despite the ban.

The NBC sparked criticism after it banned “Tell Your Papa” from airplay on April 10.

The commission cited a breach of broadcasting code, but, Eedris Abdulkareem responded by condemning the government for suppressing dissent and constructive criticism.

He likened the ban to the censorship of his iconic hit “Jaga Jaga” in 2004, accusing the current administration of being “insensitive and vindictive”.

Abdulkareem took to Instagram to express his views on the ban, stating, “It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government.”

The ban was also faulted by the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, which predicted that the ban would be counterproductive and make people want to stream it more.

Similarly, in a statement on Sunday, Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka also condemned the NBC over the ban, describing it as a return to the culture of censorship and a threat to the right to free expression.

In a statement issued from New York University, Abu Dhabi, on Sunday, Soyinka criticised the action and its wider implications, saying it echoed past attempts to stifle artistic and socio-political commentary in Nigeria.

He expressed irony in suggesting that the ban did not go far enough, stating, “It is not only the allegedly offensive record that should be banned – the musician himself should be proscribed. Next, PMAN, or whatever musical association of which Abdulkareem is a member, should also go under the hammer.”

The literary icon warned that such censorship was not only counterproductive but also dangerous to democratic development.

Soyinka urged the relevant regulatory body to reverse what he described as a “petulant irrationality,” warning that any government that only tolerates praise-singers has already commenced a downhill slide into the abyss.”

Soyinka noted that he had not listened to the banned song but stressed that the issue transcends content and concerns a fundamental democratic principle.

“The ban is a boost to the artist’s nest egg, thanks to free governmental promotion. Mr. Abdulkareem must be currently warbling his merry way all the way to the bank. I envy him,” he added.

Some fans have also reacted to the ban on the song.

A fan on YouTube, Sheggzyunited, wrote, “Naija government, this is 2025, for goodness sake. There is no single lie in the song.”

Asa Anthony also wrote, “They were too quick to ban it because the message was well passed. We mount on streaming platforms and social media.”

A user on Instagram, directorjoelmatt, said, “Our government don’t like the truth.”

Mohammed Monguno, senator representing Borno north, says any government that fails to guarantee the safety of its citizens does not deserve to remain in power.

Speaking to News Central in Maiduguri after a security meeting, Monguno, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said the gathering was convened to address the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Borno state.

“We decided to meet the security chiefs against the background of the resurgence of the Boko Haram insurgency in the nooks and crannies of the state,” the chief whip of the senate said.

“We decided to see them with a view to alerting them about the resurgence of the Boko Haram insurgency and also the need to deploy more men and resources back to the theatre that has been hitherto redeployed to the north-western part of the country.

“To be redeployed back to the theatre in the north-east and in particular in Borno state in order to combat the Boko Haram insurgency.”

The senator stated that security is the fundamental purpose of government.

“Security is the primacy of governance. The whole essence of government is to guarantee the peace, order, and good governance of its citizens, as well as protecting the lives and property of the people,” he said.

“That is the primary purpose of government.

“Any government that fails and or neglects to perform that primary duty of guaranteeing peace, order, and good governance, that government is not supposed to last a minute longer than absolutely necessary.”

He said all actors within the security architecture were brought together to brainstorm on restoring peace to Borno.

“So, it was against this background that we decided to bring together all actors in the security architecture under one roof with a view to bonding, cross-fertilising ideas,” Monguno added.

“For the purpose of ameliorating the security challenges that we have in our senatorial district, especially against the background of the fact that our senatorial district has been ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.”

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, recently expressed concern over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings across the state.

Zulum spoke on April 8 at a high-level security meeting attended by military commanders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku has been honoured with the “African Public Service Award” by the Heritage Times in recognition of his transformative leadership and service to the people of the Niger Delta region.

The 3rd Edition of the African Heritage Concert and Awards 2025, took place in Marrakesh, Morocco, with notable Nigerian and African leaders in attendance, including the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabiru Yusuf and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

At the ceremony, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, represented by the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, expressed joy over the Award and restated his commitment to sustaining the development of the Niger Delta region.

He stated: “For us at NDDC, this award means we must redouble our efforts. We will continue striving to positively impact the lives of Niger Delta people through impactful programmes and projects.”

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, acknowledged the Commission’s achievements but stressed that there is still much more to accomplish.

“This award is an encouragement to do more. It shows that Nigerians and Niger Delta people appreciated the development efforts of the Commission,” he said.

According to him, the award recognizes the transformation taking place in the NDDC and the Niger Delta, especially as the Commission celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who received the “African Life Achievement Award,” affirmed that Africa needed to look inward to rediscover its potential.

Speaking through a recorded message to acknowledge the award, she thanked the Heritage Times for celebrating excellence in the African continent.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Heritage Times, Mr. Moses Siasia, said that the Pan-African event was organised to recognise and celebrate the outstanding global accomplishments of distinguished African personalities, organisations, and brands on the continent and in the diaspora.

He acknowledged the positive contributions of Dr Ogbuku, stating: “Among his most notable achievements is the groundbreaking ‘Lighting Up The Niger Delta’ project, aimed at lighting up vulnerable communities in the oil-rich Niger Delta Region of Nigeria.”

Siasia said the recognition and awards become imperative for sustaining the African culture of excellence, promoting Afrocentrism, and inspiring an ecosystem that will further retell the true African story towards the continent’s full potential.

He said further: “We celebrate African excellence, culture, and heritage and honour African leaders, change-makers, and individuals who embody the spirit of African excellence. We bring together influential African innovators.”