General News
Obasanjo At 89 Urges African Leaders To Embrace Values-Driven Governance
Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has urged African leaders to abandon personal interests and embrace a democratic system capable of delivering genuine good governance across the continent.
Obasanjo said leaders must rethink the model of democracy practised in Africa, especially the version inherited from colonial powers, stressing that it must be reshaped to reflect the continent’s realities and aspirations.
He made the call in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while delivering a lecture at an international colloquium titled “The Burden and Blessing of Leadership: Reflections from Africa to the World.” The event was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library as part of activities marking his 89th birthday.
According to him, Africa’s governance crisis is largely rooted in weak institutions and leadership driven by personal influence rather than strong systems.
“We have produced extraordinary individual leaders like Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Thomas Sankara and Samora Machel, but we have not consistently built institutional frameworks that sustain good governance beyond individuals,” he said.
He warned that when the fate of a nation depends solely on the character of one leader, the country remains vulnerable and unstable.
Obasanjo acknowledged that democracy may sometimes appear slow and imperfect but maintained that alternatives to democratic governance are far worse.
“Let us take democracy seriously—not as a system to manipulate for electoral advantage, but as a covenant with the people based on accountability, transparency, transformation and inclusive development,” he stated.
The former president also emphasised the need to strengthen democratic institutions, protect free expression and ensure judicial independence across African countries.
He urged leaders to build strong institutions capable of outlasting individuals, including independent courts, efficient civil services and universities that produce globally competitive graduates.
On continental development, Obasanjo highlighted the importance of economic integration, describing the African Continental Free Trade Area as one of the most significant developments for Africa in recent decades.
He said deeper integration would strengthen Africa’s global economic standing, attract investments, create jobs and boost the continent’s productive capacity.
Turning to Nigeria, Obasanjo cautioned against the growing influence of ethnic and religious politics, warning that such sentiments threaten the country’s unity.
“Nigeria is not merely a nation; it is an argument about what kind of people we are and what kind of future we can build together,” he said, stressing that the country cannot survive under ethno-religious domination.
He urged Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and embrace a shared national identity.
The elder statesman also noted that leadership is a collective responsibility that demands accountability and service to the people.
“As I cross my 89th year, I bow in gratitude, hope and continued commitment to the continent and the people I have spent my life serving. I will continue to serve until my last breath,” he added.
The Federal Government has inaugurated a Textile Steering Committee to lay the groundwork for a Cotton, Textile, and Garment Development Board, aimed at reviving Nigeria’s struggling textile industry.
The initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focuses on industrial growth, job creation, and economic diversification.
Speaking at the Abuja ceremony, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, highlighted that the textile sector, once a major contributor to the economy and rural livelihoods, has faced declining production, poor infrastructure, inconsistent policies, and competition from smuggled products.
He urged the committee to prioritise local content and public-private partnerships, assuring government support for implementing their recommendations.
The committee, chaired by Mr. Abia Ifiok Bassey includes representatives from key industry associations such as the Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association, Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria, Apparel and Accessories Manufacturers Association, and the National Cotton Association of Nigeria.
Coordinator of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Forum, Anibe Achimugu, described the move as a historic step toward rebuilding Nigeria’s cotton, textile and garment sector and coordinating policy, investment, and standards across the industry.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has clarified that the drug trafficking case against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari is still ongoing despite his recent discharge in a separate court case.
The agency said the substantive drug-related charges remain before Emeka Nwite, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the next hearing scheduled for March 16, 2026.
The clarification follows a ruling by James Omotosho, who discharged Kyari in a 23-count charge involving alleged money laundering and non-declaration of assets.
According to the NDLEA, the decision relates to a different case and should not be interpreted as an acquittal of the suspended police officer in the drug trafficking allegations filed against him.
NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the agency issued the clarification to prevent confusion about the status of the drug case.
He explained that the prosecution team had been directed to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before deciding on the next legal step.
“First, I need to clarify that the ruling by Justice Omotosho is completely different from the main and substantive drug case which continues before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, March 16, 2026. That one is very much on course,” Babafemi said.
He added that once the Certified True Copy of the judgment is obtained, the agency’s legal team will review it and advise the NDLEA leadership on whether to appeal the ruling.
The development underscores the ongoing legal battles facing Kyari, as the anti-narcotics agency maintains that it will continue to pursue the drug trafficking charges through the courts.
General News
Tinubu Oversees Resolution of OPL 245 Dispute, Paves Way for Major Deepwater Investment
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the successful resolution of the long-running dispute over Oil Prospecting Licence 245 (OPL 245), a development expected to unlock major deepwater oil investments and boost Nigeria’s crude production capacity.
The agreement, reached between the Federal Government of Nigeria, Eni, and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited, was finalised during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Present at the meeting were Eni’s Chief Executive Officer Claudio Descalzi, Chief Operating Officer Guido Brusco, Head of Sub-Saharan Region Mario Bello, Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Exploration Fabrizio Bolondi, and the President’s Special Adviser on Energy Olu Verheijen.
The settlement ends a dispute that has lasted more than 15 years and restores clarity to one of Nigeria’s most commercially promising deepwater oil assets.
With the dispute resolved, stakeholders say the pathway is now open for a Final Investment Decision on the Zabazaba–Etan deepwater project. The project is expected to add about 150,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s oil production capacity and strengthen the country’s long-term energy outlook.
Tinubu described the agreement as a strategic milestone in the government’s economic reform efforts, noting that resolving legacy disputes is key to restoring investor confidence and ensuring Nigeria’s natural resources deliver value to citizens.
“This resolution sends a clear signal to global investors that Nigeria is prepared to address legacy issues transparently, uphold the rule of law, and create a stable environment for long-term capital,” the President said.
Energy adviser Verheijen explained that the settlement represents a significant improvement on the 2011 resolution agreement and aligns with the policy framework introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act.
According to her, the revised terms provide investors with the clarity and predictability needed to proceed with large-scale deepwater investments, while also ensuring stronger value and safeguards for the federation.
The resolution forms part of broader reforms undertaken since 2023 to strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in global energy markets. These reforms, anchored in the Petroleum Industry Act and supported by executive actions, have helped renew investor interest and attract capital into the country’s oil and gas sector.
The President commended key institutions involved in reaching the agreement, including the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and NNPC Limited.
The government said the settlement underscores its commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s strategic energy assets, attracting responsible investment, and ensuring that the nation’s resources translate into growth, jobs, and long-term prosperity.