One of the greatest pains of patriots who truly love the African continent is that it continues to lag behind despite her enormous potentials. Curiously, Africa’s bane has largely been due to Africans who continue to show contempt towards a continent so blessed in human and natural resources, though some still refer to her colonisation by foreign powers as a major drawback. Nigeria, which was truly the giant of Africa, is a typical case of the unfortunate scenario after showing some glimpses of greatness at infancy. Many still recall the Malaysia story where that country came to Nigeria many years ago to explore how she could tap the potentials of oil palm and is today a major foreign exchange earner from that produce, while Nigeria continued its over reliance on oil until recently. Similar stories are legion, but the sad story was that Nigeria was almost left to bleed to death administration after administration, largely due to corruption, even as the civilian administrations did not fare better. Compared with other African countries, which have done better, the difference no doubt has been the issues of leadership and followership, wwhich are very critical in any nation state. Though Nigeria like most other African countries has good people at various rungs of the ladder, what separates it from other nations is attitude. For instance, have you bothered to ask yourself why Nigerians especially the elite suddenly become mute when they see issues that are injurious to the health of the nation? Why do they look the other way when somebody tells us to our face, that he will do the impossible when he becomes the President, when we know he lacks the antecedents? Why don’t they as opinion leaders shape the reasoning of the illiterates and vulnerable positively on issues of national importance as the coming election? These questions are germane when one considers the restructuring bait former Vice-President, Atiku Abubarkar has been dangling before Nigerians in the last few months. Suddenly, the Waziri Adamawa has become an advocate of restructuring after becoming the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Worse still, he says he would restructure Nigeria to correct imbalance in the system to ensure a level playing ground among all segments of the country within six months! Beautiful as his proposition appears, it still beats one hollow when one takes a critical look at both the message and the messenger. First, it appears that former governor of Lagos state, Senator Bola Tinubu, was right after all when he queried Atiku’s democratic credentials. This is because questions about the former Vice President’s sudden romance with restructuring needed to be asked. Having been on the political turf and rising to the level of the nation’s number two, when and how did he join the restructuring train? Meanwhile, he also needs to be asked how he will achieve restructuring within six months in office, if he becomes President? This is in view of the fact that we are knowledgeable enough to know that restructuring cannot be achieved by executive fiat. Such a proposition therefore needs to go before the National Assembly, where the two arms would subject the issue to serious debate before it can be actualized. Even foreigners have an idea about Nigeria’s complexity and what that therefore means is that some spade work would have to be done among critical stakeholders, even before such a bill is presented at all. This would no doubt require some time, even as government would also be busy with other germane issues of state, which means the six months proposed by Atiku is nothing but a fraud meant to hoodwink the electorate into voting for him as President. This reminds one of the emergency U-turn made by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who had all along rejected the idea of a national conference by Nigerians. His stand before the sudden change was that holding the conference might lead to the end of the Nigerian nation and that he would not be party to such. However, Nigerians were shocked to see the same Jonathan telling them that he had suddenly had a change of mind due to superior argument. But those who saw through the script knew that the former President only shifted ground to fulfil the agenda of certain interests whom he relied on for votes. The outcome today is public knowledge. Though Jonathan wasted a substantial part of our commonwealth on that conference for personal gains, he was roundly defeated by President Muhammadu Buhari, who is widely respected for his integrity at the polls. Today, a similar scenario is playing out with former President Olusegun Obasanjo drumming support for Atiku to become the next President. Both Obasanjo and Atiku led this country for eight years and they never touched restructuring with a long pole while their administration lasted. Atiku in particular is being clever by half in pushing his agenda during his political campaigns. Has anyone heard him pushing the restructuring agenda anywhere around the North? Never! However, the PDP candidate knows that restructuring is sweet music to the ears of those in the South and never forgets to drum it hard whenever he campaigns in the zone. As February 16 fast approaches, the time to put on our thinking caps is now, especially as we need to take a major decision about our future and our children’s future. This is in view of the fact that February 16 offers us a moment to decide whether to continue with a government that though not perfect, has shown prospects of a better future or one with an outlook of an uncertain future.
Union Bank Rewards Customers with Motorcycles, Cash Prizes in 3rd Save and Win Palli Promo 4 Monthly Draw
Union Bank of Nigeria has rewarded another set of customers in the ongoing Save and Win Palli Promo 4 campaign. Six lucky customers each won a brand-new motorcycle, and 120 additional winners won cash prizes.
The third monthly hybrid live draws were transparently conducted at the Bank’s Sabo, Yaba Branch in Lagos under the supervision of relevant regulatory institutions.
For integrity purposes, some of the winners were contacted to congratulate and remind them that the Bank will never call to request or confirm their confidential banking details such as BVN, date of birth, pins, or passwords.
Save & Win Palli Promo 4 is a nationwide campaign designed to reward both new and existing customers with cash prizes and other exciting gifts worth N131,000,000.
This initiative aims to support them in achieving their savings goals while getting rewarded at the same time.
To stand a chance to win, customers can continue to top up their savings in multiples of N10,000 or more and perform a minimum of five transactions a month to increase their chances of winning in the draws.
This promo is open to new and existing savings and current account holders. Prospective customers can download the UnionMobile app on their smartphones to open accounts or walk into any Union Bank branch. Returning customers can call the 24-hour Contact Centre on 07007007000 or visit any Union Bank branch nationwide to reactivate dormant accounts.
About Union Bank Plc: Established in 1917 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1971, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. is a household name and one of Nigeria’s long-standing and most respected financial institutions.
The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria.
The Bank currently offers a variety of banking services to both individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance.
The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.
More information can be found at: www.unionbankng.com Media Enquiries: Favour Ayeni +234 0201 2716800 Email: mediarelations@unionbankng.com
Zuriel Oduwole, Sterling One Foundation, Sanwo-Olu Harp on Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Nobel Peace Prize nominee Zuriel Oduwole and Sterling One Foundation have emphasized the need for gender equality and youth empowerment during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor’s Office, where discussions focused on sustained action in creating opportunities for young leaders.
L-R: Moyo Akinyosoye, Business Executive, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank; Zuriel Oduwole, Youth Envoy/Nobel Peace Prize Nominee; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor, Lagos State; Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation; and Ifeoluwa Elegbede, Communication Lead, Sterling One Foundation, during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor’s Office to discuss youth empowerment, gender equality, and the need for sustained action in creating opportunities for young leaders.
At just 22 years old, Oduwole is the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and the first to be recognized in this category. Her global advocacy in education, gender equality, and youth inclusion has influenced policies and engaged key decision-makers across multiple countries.
Sterling One Foundation, through its investment in social impact across critical sectors, has mainstreamed gender equality and women’s empowerment across all its initiatives, ensuring that young women and girls have access to the resources, platforms, and opportunities needed to thrive.
Speaking on the Foundation’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation, highlighted the importance of telling African stories and driving impact through intentional programming, while also reflecting on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action. “At Sterling One Foundation, we are intentional about telling African stories that reflect the strength and potential of our people. This is evident in our focus areas and programming, where we have deliberately mainstreamed gender equality and women’s empowerment.
This aligns with the call to ‘Accelerate Action’ this International Women’s Day, reinforcing the urgency of breaking barriers for women and girls.
We are proud of Zuriel Oduwole for amplifying these values on the global stage, and we remain committed to creating an environment where young changemakers, especially women and girls, have the support and opportunities they need to lead and succeed.”
During the visit, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recognized Oduwole’s contributions and her historic Nobel Peace Prize nomination, describing it as a milestone for Nigeria and the African continent.
“This achievement reflects the resilience and determination of our people. In the past five years, we have faced COVID-19, economic challenges, and instability, yet we have continued to create opportunities for young Nigerians in technology, finance, and entertainment.
The THEMES Plus agenda reinforces our commitment to inclusion and youth empowerment. Lagos is proud to support Zuriel’s journey and work with the Sterling One Foundation to expand opportunities for the next generation.”
Oduwole also emphasized the power of storytelling in driving social change: “I have seen the power of storytelling in changing perceptions and opening doors for young people. When we share our stories, we inspire action. I am grateful to our partners for amplifying young voices and creating opportunities that make a real difference.”
Her remarks highlight the role of storytelling in influencing narratives that drive meaningful change. By amplifying diverse voices and ensuring that young people, especially women and girls, have platforms to be heard, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for influencing policies, shifting mindsets, and creating lasting impact in communities. The need for sustained efforts to support and invest in these platforms has never been more critical.
The Sterling One Foundation remains committed to driving sustainable change through strategic interventions that create lasting impact in gender equality, youth empowerment, and About Sterling One Foundation. Sterling One Foundation (SOF) is a registered non-profit focused on tackling the root causes of poverty in Nigeria, and Africa through interventions and social impact programmes across five critical sectors namely: climate action, health, education and youth development, gender equality and empowerment, and food security. The Foundation’s programmes adopt a central theme of prioritizing partnerships for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For more information visit onefoundation.ng
n a resounding commitment to bridging gender digital divide, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), has taken a decisive step toward closing the gender digital divide by presenting the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) at the United Nations 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).
Esther Eghobamien-Mshelis – President of UN CEDAW
Iklima Musa – Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA
Noimot Salako – Deputy Governor Ogun state
Maryam Ciroma – former minster of women affairs
Imaan Sulaiman- Minister of Women Affairs
Josephine Anenih – former Minister of women affairs
Dr Maryam Keshinro – Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Women Affairs
Themed “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future,” the high-level event reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to fostering equitable access to digital technology, online safety, and economic empowerment for women and children.
Speaking at the event, Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to the Director General on Strategic Partnerships, presented the strategy, emphasizing NITDA’s role in driving digital transformation and creating opportunities for women and girls to actively participate in the digital economy. The NGDIS, developed in alignment with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8, seeks to remove barriers to digital inclusion by expanding access to digital skills training, infrastructure, and mentorship opportunities for women and girls. The Director General of NITDA Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE as represented by the SA, in his special remarks reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s digital transformation is inclusive and equitable, highlighting NGDIS as a game-changer in achieving gender parity in the digital space. He noted that the framework prioritizes digital literacy, entrepreneurship, safety, and gender-responsive policies to accelerate women’s participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
DG, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, represented by Mrs Iklima Musa Salihu, SA to the DG on Strategic Partnerships
The NGDIS is built on five core pillars that will drive women’s access, participation, and leadership in the digital ecosystem. It seeks to expand digital literacy and skills by ensuring at least 40% female participation in all national training initiatives. Recognizing the role of women in Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape, the strategy emphasizes access to funding, mentorship, and technical assistance for female-led startups, leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act to increase financial and institutional support for women in the tech ecosystem. With 58% of young women globally experiencing online harassment, the NGDIS prioritizes online safety and cybersecurity awareness.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Imaan Sulaiman, FSI, underscored the urgent need for action in tackling gender disparities in digital access. She revealed alarming statistics that demonstrate the stark reality of the digital divide in Nigeria, highlighting that 68% of Nigerian women do not own smartphones, making it difficult for them to access online services and economic opportunities. She stressed that this divide extends beyond access, as women and children face significant online risks, including cyber harassment, digital gender-based violence, and exclusion from the rapidly growing tech-driven economy.
She called for the swift implementation of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) 2024-2027, which seeks to remove the structural barriers that prevent women from fully engaging in the digital economy. She emphasized the need for strong legal frameworks that would accelerate action in promoting digital literacy, providing safe online spaces, and empowering women to thrive in technology-driven industries. She reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to creating an inclusive digital future where no woman or child is left behind. She urged all stakeholders to work together to transform digital access and security for women and children, making technology a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
As the world embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, NITDA in collaboration with stakeholders is taking bold and strategic steps to ensure that women and girls are not only participants but also leaders in the digital transformation journey. The National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy is a blueprint for action, providing a clear framework for accelerating digital inclusion, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening online safety for Nigerian women and children. The side event at CSW69 ended with a resounding call to action, urging stakeholders to work collectively to bridge the gender digital divide, expand opportunities for women in technology, and create a safe, inclusive, and thriving digital ecosystem for