Author: Dodo Elias Denen

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development as 700 young professionals joined the bank through the Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), signalling a major investment in the next generation of leaders who will continue to drive the continent’s economic and financial transformation.

At the graduation ceremony, which was held at Landmark Events Centre in Lagos on Sunday, October 19th, 2025, the bank celebrated graduates from Nigeria and across African countries where the bank operates.

UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu; Deputy Group Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke, and other Board Members, Executive Management, faculty members, were on ground to receive the newly graduated professionals into the UBA Tribe.

Since the inception of the program over three years ago, the GMAP, designed to equip entrants with the necessary skills and knowledge, has graduated well over 4,000 banking and finance professionals while providing them with mentorship, training, and hands-on experience needed to boost their career.

In his speech, Elumelu, who referred to the graduands as “lions and lionesses”, reiterated the bank’s commitment towards raising the next generation of passionate and competent leaders on the continent.

“We are happy to have you as part of this tribe. At UBA, we strongly believe in the transformative power of young people, and that is why we designed this programme that allows us to transfer the baton of knowledge and experience onto others,” he said. “A few decades ago, I started out just like you fresh out of the university, and I am glad that this organisation is providing for you that same opportunity that I got, and I look forward to seeing you guys prove your worth.”

He connected the graduates’ journey to the bank’s larger mission, emphasising that UBA’s role extends beyond profit, as it is also about being relevant to situations in the environment as well helping to catalyse economic prosperity for Africa.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke, who represented the Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, celebrated the graduates’ perseverance and reaffirmed the bank’s belief in human capital development.

“This ceremony is a celebration of potential, perseverance and purpose. You all are not just graduates; you are our next generation of innovators, leaders, and ambassadors of an enduring legacy. This program reflects our belief that Africa’s future will be shaped not by chance, but by capable and courageous Press leaders like you,” he said.

Nweke elaborated on the rigorous, six-month Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), which, according to him, blended classroom learning, digital simulations, field assignments, and mentorship from senior executives.

The new cohorts, who now join UBA’s family of over 25,000 employees were charged to take ownership of their careers, show initiative, and be at the forefront of transformation in technology, customer experience, and sustainability.

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

The 81 Division Nigerian Army has taken note of a disturbing incident circulating on social media, claiming that gunmen shot and killed a civilian, identified as Rilwan Adekunle, inside a market within the Ojo Military Cantonment. We wish to provide a clarification to set the record straight.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army “contrary to the reports, the incident did not occur within the Ojo Military Cantonment. Imperative to state that on 18 October 2025, we received a distress call about a shooting incident at a junction near the Mammy Market abattoir gate. Investigations reveal that the incident was a result of suspected cult related activities, which tragically led to the loss of life.

Own standby team responded promptly, and upon arrival, the victim was rushed to the Ojo Cantonment Medical Centre, being the closest medical facility, as the perpetrators had fled the scene. Tragically, the victim was pronounced dead by the medical team.We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased.

We, however, appeal to the public and members of the press to always verify information with relevant authorities before disseminating it to prevent the spread of misinformation.

Troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade on 17 Oct 2025 successfully foiled an attack planned by Boko Haram terrorists around Kashimri general area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the troops had successfully located and destroyed identified Boko Haram camps in the area, thereby frustrating the terrorists’ plans to attack civilians and disrupt socio-economic activities in the area. During the operation, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun fight and neutralized several, while others suffered injuries.

However, the encounter took its toll on our side, as the Commanding Officer, 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price, as they fell in battle. These brave heroes fought for the peace of our great nation, and their legacies shall endure forever. The Nigerian Army will continue to honor the weight of their sacrifices as their loss comes with the reminder of our unyielding resolve to stamp out the scourge of terrorism from our great nation, Nigeria.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, hereby extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed. They were not just soldiers but fathers, brothers, and sons who expressed immeasurable courage by taking the last stand in the face of adversity, and we stand together in this time of grief. The Chief of Army Staff also reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to pursue all terrorist elements relentlessly until total peace and normalcy are restored in the region and the nation by extension.

In the spirit of respect and compassion, members of the public and the media are kindly advised to refrain from sharing or publishing images of personnel who have paid the supreme price during operations generally until their next of kin may have been duly informed. This is to preserve the dignity of such fallen heroes and protecting the privacy of their families.

The growing partnership between the media and security agencies took a positive step forward on Monday as the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of RazorNews Group, Odita Sunday, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh Moshood, at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja.

Speaking during the visit, Odita Sunday described the engagement as “more than a courtesy call,” noting that it was a gesture of respect and appreciation for the Commissioner’s exemplary leadership and commitment to innovative, people-centred policing in Lagos State.

“Since assuming office, CP Jimoh has redefined policing in Lagos through discipline, intelligence-led operations, and community engagement,” Odita said. “Under his leadership, we have witnessed a measurable reduction in violent crimes, improved police-community relations, and renewed public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.”

He commended the Commissioner for recognizing the media as a strategic ally in the fight against crime, citing his open-door policy and constructive relationship with journalists as a model for transparent policing.

“At RazorNews, we believe that security and the media are twin pillars of social stability, the police safeguard lives and property, while the media enlighten and hold society accountable. When these two sectors work together in trust, society becomes safer and more informed,” Odita added.

The RazorNews boss also lauded the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for his leadership and support to Commands nationwide, which he said has strengthened operational efficiency and fostered a culture of accountability within the Force.

“We salute the CP’s professionalism and the IGP’s vision. RazorNews remains committed to fair, factual, and peace-driven reportage that builds public trust and strengthens collaboration between the media and law enforcement,” he affirmed.

In his response, CP Olohundare Jimoh Moshood thanked Odita and his team for their visit and praised his professionalism and dedication to balanced journalism.

“You have been a voice of truth, direct, constructive, and objective. Even your criticisms are purposeful. The media is a mirror through which we assess ourselves, and that makes this partnership invaluable,” the CP stated.

He emphasized that the media plays a vital role in shaping public perception of security efforts, noting that collaboration between journalists and law enforcement is central to building mutual trust and maintaining peace in Lagos.

Highlighting key achievements since he assumed office, CP Jimoh credited the IGP’s support for enabling innovations such as the establishment of the Coast Guard Force, a special initiative to enhance maritime security across Lagos and adjoining coastal communities.

“With the IGP’s backing, we expanded our patrol teams from five to ten, improving both coastal and inland security coordination. His leadership has been instrumental to every milestone we’ve achieved,” he said.

The CP further listed notable successes under his administration, including the dismantling of criminal networks, arrest of high-profile armed robbers and land grabbers, and the peaceful conduct of recent political activities in Lagos.

“Despite early fears, Lagos recorded one of its most peaceful election seasons in recent history. No lives lost, no property destroyed, that’s the result of coordinated strategy, police discipline, and responsible media reportage,” he noted.

He also revealed that the Command has expanded its tactical squads from 23 to 33 units, leading to a significant decline in kidnapping, container hijacking, and other organized crimes.

“We appreciate the cooperation of the media. Your balanced coverage inspires our officers to give their best. With continued partnership, Lagos will remain a beacon of safety and progress,” CP Jimoh concluded.

The event, witnessed by notable media and security figures including Sir Emma Nnadozie, Crime Editor of Vanguard Newspaper; Hyacinth Nwafor, Publisher of Hybrid News; and ACP Idowu Jaiyeoba, underscored the growing synergy between journalists and law enforcement.

It reaffirmed that sustainable peace and development thrive where information, transparency, and collaboration are prioritized.
As Nigeria advances in its democratic and security evolution, the partnership between visionary leaders like CP Jimoh Moshood, journalists like Odita Sunday, and the pragmatic leadership of the IGP continues to prove that when truth and duty align, society moves forward.

Residents of Natufe Estate and surrounding communities in the Bode Thomas area of Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday defied heavy rainfall to protest the alleged construction of a cemetery within their neighbourhood.

The protest, which drew large crowds from Natufe, Animashaun, and adjoining streets, took place at the disputed site, a wide expanse of land off Babs Animashaun Road, bordered by residential buildings, a school, and a church, just a few metres from the Bode Thomas junction traffic light.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “No Cemetery Here”, “Our Health Matters”, and “Protect Our Children, Stop the Cemetery Project”, the demonstrators accused the developers of attempting to force the project on them without community consent.

Health And Environmental Concerns

Speaking during the protest, some residents said the proposed burial ground poses grave health risks due to potential groundwater contamination and environmental hazards.

Mr. Seyi Oluwafolalu, a resident, warned that decomposing human remains could contaminate the community’s borehole water supply, especially as the area is already prone to flooding.

“This area is waterlogged. Once it rains, water rises across compounds. If a cemetery is built here, the leachate from decomposing bodies can seep into our boreholes, exposing families to infectious diseases,” he said.

Experts have long cautioned that cemeteries located within residential zones can leach harmful pathogens, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals into groundwater. The World Health Organization (WHO) also notes that poorly planned cemeteries in flood-prone areas increase the risk of contamination of drinking water sources, potentially causing cholera, dysentery, and other waterborne diseases.

Residents also expressed fears that the site could become a hub for ritual activities, insecurity, and psychological trauma, especially for children and women who move around the area at night.

Community Leaders Reject Alleged Manipulation

Mrs. Omolabake Aminat Buraimoh, Chairperson of the Natufe-Animashaun Community Development Association (CDA), accused the developers and some government officials of conducting meetings without community representation.

“We have been opposing this project since 2020. We went to the Ministry of Physical Planning in Alausa twice. Suddenly, they called a meeting at short notice and claimed 60% of residents agreed, that’s false. They brought people from Orile, Mushin, and other places to represent us. We reject it completely,” she said.

Another resident, Mrs. Yinka Iluyomade, who has lived in the area for over 47 years, described the project as “a direct assault on community peace and property values.”

“How can you compare this to cemeteries abroad? Those are planned with strict environmental control. Here, insecurity is already an issue. Siting a cemetery in a densely populated area will worsen it,” she said.

Experts Call For Urban Planning Compliance

Urban planners argue that cemeteries should only be located in controlled environments with proper soil testing, drainage systems, and at least 500 metres buffer distance from residential buildings, a guideline often ignored in Nigeria.

Mr. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, a former CDA chairman, said the community had written several petitions to ministries of Environment, Physical Planning, and Health.

“We lack good roads and public water supply. Now they want to impose a cemetery that could worsen our health and security challenges. We’ve written to 11 ministries and agencies, yet no action,” he said.

He stressed that cemeteries within urban centres violate international best practices, which recommend siting such facilities on the outskirts of towns to prevent contamination and maintain public safety.

Property Devaluation And Socioeconomic Impact

Real estate experts note that the presence of cemeteries within residential zones can reduce property values by up to 60 percent. Residents fear their investments and long-term livelihood will be jeopardized if the project continues.

“Nobody wants to live beside graves. Businesses will relocate, schools will lose students, and house rents will drop drastically,” said another resident, Mr. Ofo.

Government Yet To Respond

As of press time, the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development had not issued an official statement on the matter.

Community leaders, however, vowed to sustain their peaceful demonstrations until the project is halted and the land use reverted.

Environmental health experts emphasize that cemeteries within residential zones pose long-term risks to water quality, soil health, and mental wellbeing. Proper zoning, groundwater testing, and environmental impact assessments are essential before such developments are approved.

The Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has successfully concluded a comprehensive in-house training programme held from Monday, October 13 to Friday, October 17, 2025, aimed at enhancing the capacity and professionalism of its senior officers.

According to a statement by CSC Oscar ivara, PRO TCIP, the week-long training, conducted within the Command premises, brought together officers from various units and departments to strengthen core competencies and operational efficiency.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka emphasized the importance of continuous learning and capacity development, encouraging officers to take full advantage of such opportunities to sharpen their skills and stay abreast of evolving operational demands.

According to him, “This training is not just a routine exercise but an investment in the growth of the personnel of the Service, he stated. “I urge all officers to apply the knowledge gained to their daily responsibilities and strive for excellence in service delivery.”

He further disclosed that while the just-concluded session targeted senior officers, plans are underway to organise a similar training programme for junior officers in the near future, ensuring that no cadre is left behind in the Command’s drive for enhanced efficiency and professionalism.

Resource persons for the programme were drawn from within the Command, reflecting the depth of knowledge and experience available internally. Key topics covered during the sessions included: Physical Examination which was handled by the Customs Area Controller, Reputation Management, Risk Management and Documentary Checks, Evidence Exploitation, Customs Procedure Codes and Customs Classification. Others included VIN Valuation, Customs Valuation, Code of Conduct, Customs Administration among others.

In closing, Comptroller Onyeka noted that the Command remains committed to building a highly skilled, knowledgeable, and proactive workforce capable of meeting the dynamic challenges of modern customs operations.

Reacting after the training, several participants shared their appreciation for the quality and depth of the sessions, noting that the program provided valuable insights and enhanced their operational capabilities. Many highlighted the practical nature of the training, which they said would positively influence their day-to-day responsibilities.

In her comment, one of the officers, Assistant Controller Rose Bonat of the Transire Unit lauded the Command for what she called a “laudable and forward-thinking initiative.” According to her, the exercise exposed her to updated Standard Operating Procedures and best practices that will significantly boost her efficiency and confidence on the job.

“This training has broadened my understanding and equipped me with tools that are directly applicable to my role. I commend the leadership of the Command for investing in the professional growth of officers,” AC Bonat stated.

No fewer than 578 young entrepreneurs across Nigeria have benefitted from Unity Bank’s Corpreneurship Challenge, the Bank’s flagship entrepreneurial development initiative launched a few years ago.

Over this period, the Bank has invested in supporting budding entrepreneurs across multiple sectors to start businesses, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The ongoing initiative recently produced 30 new winners, who received a total grant of ₦16 million during the Batch B, Stream II edition of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation course, held across 10 states of the federation.

The winners, innovative young entrepreneurs developing solutions across various value chains such as fashion design, bag making, pastry and beverage production, event management, and vegetable farming, emerged after pitching their business ideas during the challenge at NYSC Orientation Camps in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Kogi, Rivers, and Plateau States.

At the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ipaja, Lagos State, Fiyinfoluwa Titilayo Ojo, who pitched a soap-making enterprise, emerged the overall winner to clinch the ₦800,000 grand prize. Ndukwe Chiamaka Joan, with her innovative Small Chops business proposal, claimed ₦500,000 as first runner-up, while Barakat Modinat Olamide secured ₦300,000 to support her beverage-making venture.

Expressing her excitement after emerging as the overall winner in Lagos, Fiyinfoluwa Titilayo Ojo described the experience as life-changing, stating, “I’m truly grateful to Unity Bank for this opportunity. Winning the Corpreneurship Challenge has given me the push and confidence I needed to scale my soap-making business. Beyond the grant, the experience taught me how to structure my business better and believe in its potential. It’s amazing to see a bank that genuinely invests in young people’s dreams.”

Across the remaining nine states, 27 other winners also emerged after pitching diverse business ideas ranging from fish and poultry farming to printing, piggery, and cake production.

Over the past six years, the Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge has become an integral part of the NYSC programme, aligning with the Federal Government’s drive to upskill young graduates and promote entrepreneurship amid the scarcity of white-collar jobs. Each edition attracts thousands of entries from corps members whose business plans are evaluated for originality, marketability, job creation potential, and overall business acumen.

Speaking during the grand finale in Lagos, Unity Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail & SME, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through enterprise. She said:

“At Unity Bank, we believe that the energy and creativity of young Nigerians are vital to the nation’s economic transformation. The Corpreneurship Challenge is our way of nurturing this potential by giving corps members the financial boost, mentorship, and confidence to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. Seeing over 578 young entrepreneurs already impacted motivates us to keep expanding the initiative and deepening our support for the SME ecosystem.”

The Corpreneurship Challenge has earned Unity Bank national recognition for its role in youth empowerment and job creation, attracting over 2,000 applicants per edition.

In partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, the initiative continues to serve as a launchpad for youth-owned enterprises, offering grants of up to ₦800,000 to help corps members turn their business dreams into reality.

• Many women still lack access to information, capital, and markets — Aisha Babangida
• FG pledges reforms to boost women-owned businesses and inclusive growth

The Presidency has commended Nigerian women and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for their immense contributions to national development, describing them as the “lifeblood” of the country’s economy.

Speaking at the 5th Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA) Conference held in Abuja, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation in the Digital Economy, Ms. Chayla Shagaya, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the ecosystem for women entrepreneurs through reforms aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, improving access to finance, and advancing gender-responsive policies for inclusive growth.

The conference, themed “Policy Reforms and Resilience Strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises in a New Economy,” brought together policymakers, financiers, development partners, and business leaders from across Nigeria.

“Women: The Quiet Economists of Every Household”

Ms. Shagaya noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, women-led SMEs remain a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic resilience.

“Across Nigeria, women entrepreneurs are doing the hard work of keeping our economy alive, innovating, employing, and solving local problems with global relevance. About 70 percent of submissions received on SME policy reforms came from women,” she stated.

She highlighted key reforms, including the Presidential Power Initiative, digital financing pathways, and tax harmonisation frameworks designed to lower operational costs for SMEs, most of which are women-led.

Ms. Shagaya also disclosed ongoing partnerships between the Bank of Industry and other financial institutions to improve access to affordable credit for female entrepreneurs, noting that women often face challenges related to collateral.

“You no longer need to bring your grandmother’s land title to secure a loan,” she quipped, eliciting laughter from participants.

According to her, a recent digital feedback exercise conducted by her office received over 100,000 submissions, more than 70 percent from women business owners.

“This is no longer a time for policy on paper. It’s time for policy that reaches people where they are especially the women at the heart of our enterprise sector,” she said.

Aisha Babangida: “From Policy Talk to Practical Tools”

Founder of the Women Enterprise Alliance, Aisha Babangida, said the conference aims to accelerate the translation of national and global policy commitments into measurable outcomes for women-led businesses.

She lamented that many women still lack access to information, finance, and markets and continue to struggle under complex regulatory requirements.

“When I founded WenA, I thought passion was enough. But it wasn’t. The paperwork, the tax codes, the licensing rules, they were heavy, even for those of us with networks. Imagine what it’s like for a woman starting a micro-business in a rural town with little support,” she said.

Babangida commended UN Women Nigeria for its Affirmative Action Procurement Reform in Kaduna State, which introduced female representation on procurement boards, waived registration fees, and reserved a portion of public contracts for women-led enterprises.

“Inclusive procurement is not a concession to women; it is an economic strategy,” she emphasized.

She announced that WenA will soon launch a National Certification Programme to help women entrepreneurs qualify for public contracts through enhanced documentation, compliance, and capacity-building.

“Our goal is to move from policy talk to practical tools from exclusion to empowerment,” Babangida added.

UN Women, AfDB Call for Care-Responsive Policies

During a pre-conference workshop, Ms. Aisha Bendo-Alkali of UN Women Nigeria called for stronger policies to address unpaid care work, which continues to limit women’s participation in the economy.

Supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), the initiative advocates for integrating care-responsive measures and women’s economic empowerment into national development planning.

“Reducing the burden of unpaid care is not just about gender equality, it is key to unlocking national productivity,” she said.

FIRS Announces ₦100 Million Tax Exemption Threshold for SMEs

In his goodwill message, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, announced new fiscal reforms to support small businesses, especially those owned by women.

Effective January 2026, businesses earning not more than ₦100 million in annual turnover will be exempted from corporate income tax.

“Taxation should support the growth and formalisation of small businesses not stifle them,” he said.

He also revealed the rollout of a Unified Tax Identification Number (UTIN) integrated across the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other agencies, along with a fully digital tax filing system to simplify compliance.

Building a Resilient and Inclusive Economy

The 5th WenA Conference attracted senior government officials, private sector leaders, and development agencies all reaffirming the critical role of women in driving inclusive growth and job creation.

In her closing remarks, Aisha Babangida stressed that reforms must produce tangible impact:

“Real reform is when a woman in Kaduna, Aba, or Makurdi feels the change in her daily hustle when she can register her business in minutes, access credit without fear, and compete fairly for public contracts,” she said.

The event, supported by FIRS, FCMB, and UN Women, ended with a collective pledge to advance a gender-inclusive economic framework that leaves no woman behind.

“Empowering women entrepreneurs is not charity,” Ms. Shagaya concluded. “It is a national strategy and the key to building a resilient and inclusive Nigerian economy.”

The Nigerian Navy has foiled another attempt at economic sabotage following the interception of a fibre boat carrying approximately 4,000 litres of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) within Lagos waterways.

Speaking on behalf of the Command, the Executive Officer of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, who represented the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, said the operation took place in the early hours of Saturday, October 11, 2025.

According to Captain Udoessien, the patrol team stationed at Tarkwa Bay made the interception through the effective use of the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness facility, specifically the Western Regional Control Centre of the Falcon Eye Alignment.

“The fibre boat, laden with about 4,000 litres of suspected AGO, was intercepted around the approaches to Commodore Pool within the Atlas Cove general area. Upon sighting the naval patrol team, the suspects abandoned the boat and fled,” he stated.

The confiscated product has since been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, represented by Superintendent Amoo Kehinde, for further investigation and necessary action.

Captain Udoessien emphasized that the successful operation aligns with the Strategic Directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, aimed at maintaining a credible presence along Lagos waterways and eliminating economic sabotage and maritime crimes.

He warned individuals involved in illegal maritime activities to desist, stressing that NNS BEECROFT remains committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“We will continue to intensify surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-driven missions to deny criminals the freedom to operate within Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks, thereby promoting socio-economic activities to thrive,” he added.

Celebrity cleric, Dr Chris Okafor has given a rare insight into why the national football team, the Super Eagles are no longer as dominant and as formidable as their predecessors who were a global force in the round leather game in the days of yore.

Nigerians are wont to easily reminisce over the exploits of the Super Eagles of yesteryears especially against the backdrop of the constant flounderings of the current team that have often flattered to deceive.

The Nigerian team only just managed to bag a play-off ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada in an African qualifying group analysts believed they could have won.

But the Eagles would confound many as they struggled to pick valuable wins against teams like Benin Republic, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and South Africa. In the end, they had to settle for a play-off spot albeit on the last day of the qualifiers as palpable suspense filled the air.

Now, they are condemned to fight their way through a maze of opposition in a play-off tournament involving teams like Gabon, Cameroun and DR Congo scheduled for Morocco in November to have a realistic chance of making it to the mundial the first time since Russia 2018.

But, according to Dr Chris Okafor, founder and senior pastor of the Grace Nation Church International, Lagos this arduous and long-winding journey to qualification ticket could have been avoided had the team been more passionate and committed to the cause right from the get-go.

He believes that the present Eagles team appeared not sufficiently driven to risk everything to settle their qualification early.

“The current Super Eagles appear not to have the DNA of the Eagles we used to know,” Dr Okafor began while emphasising on the role passion plays in helping people achieve their set goals in life.

“I remember that the Eagles which paraded such players as Daniel Amokachi, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Uche Okechukwu, Celestine Babayaro, Victor Ikpeba, Nwankwo Kanu, Julius Aghahowa, Sunday Oliseh, Rashidi Yekini, Dosu Joseph and a host other legendary names was a team the opposition always feared on the African continent and beyond.

“In those days, Nigerians were always confident that the Eagles would always overcome any opposition no matter how bleak their chances looked.

“The manner of the Dream Team’s conquest of the football gold medal in the Atlanta 1996 Olympics Games remains a stuff of legends. On two occasions against football powerhouses, Brazil and Argentina, the Dream Team came back twice to win enroute to making history as the first African team ever to win the Olympic football gold. Those players were not only committed, they were passionate.

“What about the quarter-final game between Nigeria and Senegal in the Africa Nations Cup co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria in 2000? I remember Sunday Oliseh braved the odds, offering to play when it looked like Nigeria was on the verge of losing despite being down with malaria.

“Well, it turned out that his introduction into the game despite earlier misgivings by coach Jo Bonfrere was the saving grace as it was Oliseh who gave the pass that enabled Aghahowa to level the scores with just five minutes of regulation left to play.

“These were occasions where our players showed an unquenchable passion to win and make their fellow countrymen and women happy. Such demonstrations of desire, drive and commitment amongst our players is quite rare these days.

“I am sure the present team would not have been huffing and puffing in their qualification campaigns for the World Cup if they exhibited similar traits as their predecessors. I can only see a few players like Victor Osimhen in the present team displaying the passion and zeal those other Eagles were known for,” he said.