The saga of Speed Darlington’s detention and subsequent release has been a whirlwind of drama and social commentary, captivating the attention of Nigerians and sparking debates about accountability, the rule of law, and the use of power. With Speed Darlington now set free, it is important to reflect on the lessons this episode holds for him and others, particularly Burna Boy, whose actions played a pivotal role in the incident.

For those unfamiliar, Speed Darlington’s troubles began when he allegedly fell afoul of Burna Boy, the Nigerian music icon known for his larger-than-life persona and global acclaim. The conflict reportedly escalated to the point where the police became involved, leading to Speed Darlington’s arrest. While details of the incident remain contested, one fact is clear: the situation underscores the complexities of personal responsibility, the wielding of influence, and the principles of justice.

Now that Speed Darlington, also known as Akpi, has been granted freedom, it is time for introspection. Both parties must examine their roles in this debacle, as the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of actions taken without regard for the rule of law and mutual respect.

Akpi’s release should be seen not as an exoneration but as an opportunity for a fresh start. His freedom comes with a caveat: to go and sin no more. The public has watched too many figures stumble into avoidable controversies, only to emerge unrepentant and unchanged. Akpi must resist this trend.

First and foremost, Akpi should seize this moment to reflect on his actions and how they contributed to the escalation of the conflict. Was there a lapse in judgment, a failure to communicate effectively, or a tendency to provoke unnecessary disputes? Whatever the case, self-reflection is a vital step toward personal growth and public redemption.

Moreover, Akpi must recognize the weight of public opinion and the responsibilities that come with being in the spotlight. Whether he is a public figure or an ordinary individual, his actions resonate beyond his immediate circle. By choosing to lead a life marked by integrity and peace, Akpi can transform this negative episode into a story of resilience and reform.

On the other hand, Burna Boy, as a global star and influential figure, must also learn crucial lessons from this incident. The use of law enforcement should never be a substitute for personal responsibility or a way to flex one’s influence. The law is a sacred institution designed to ensure justice, not a weapon to settle personal scores or intimidate others.

In fact, Burna Boy’s reported involvement in escalating the situation to the point of involving the police reflects poorly on his stature as a role model. With great power comes great responsibility, and Burna Boy must understand that his actions set an example for millions of fans worldwide. By resorting to the police in what appears to be a personal matter, he inadvertently undermines the respect for the rule of law and portrays himself as a figure above reproach.

Instead, Burna Boy should channel his influence into fostering peace and dialogue. As a prominent public figure, he has the resources and platform to resolve conflicts amicably, setting a positive example for his fans and followers. The respect and admiration he enjoys should not be squandered on actions that reflect poorly on his character.

This incident also highlights the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining justice and impartiality. The police should serve as an unbiased arbiter of the law, ensuring fairness and equality in their dealings with all parties involved. Situations like these test the credibility of the police force and its commitment to justice.

Without a doubt, the police’s involvement in the Akpi-Burna Boy saga should be a reminder of the need for transparency and professionalism in law enforcement. Rather than being drawn into personal disputes, the police must prioritize the larger interests of justice and maintain their integrity.

Beyond the individuals involved, this incident also holds lessons for the public. Social media reactions to the Akpi and Burna Boy case revealed a mix of support, criticism, and outright sensationalism. While public discourse is essential, it must be guided by fairness and responsibility. Amplifying conflicts without understanding the full context only fuels division and misunderstanding.

As a society, we must strive to hold individuals accountable without resorting to baseless accusations or personal attacks. The focus should be on fostering an environment where justice prevails and personal differences are resolved constructively.

Ultimately, the Akpi-Burna Boy saga is a microcosm of larger societal issues. It is a story of conflict, power dynamics, and the quest for justice. Yet, it also offers an opportunity for growth and transformation.

For Akpi, this is a chance to rebuild his reputation and lead a life marked by integrity and responsibility. For Burna Boy, it is a moment to reflect on the ethical use of his influence and the importance of respecting the law. And for the rest of us, it is a reminder of the values that underpin a just and equitable society.

As the dust settles on this controversy, let us hope that all parties involved emerge wiser and more committed to fostering peace and respect. In the words of the biblical admonition, Akpi must go and sin no more, while Burna Boy must learn to let the law take its rightful course, rather than bending it to his will.

This incident should not merely be remembered as a celebrity spat gone wrong but as a turning point that inspired reflection, accountability, and positive change. Let us all take these lessons to heart, ensuring that such controversies serve as stepping stones toward a more just and harmonious society. Without a doubt, particularly as not a few people thought Akpi would spend his Christmas in detention, it is not a misnomer to opine that the release of Akpi was quite speedy, and that it is a meted justice Burna Boy shouldn’t burn.

The Oshodi-Isolo Local Government is set to rename Liverpool Road in Oshodi-Isolo after Seyi Tinubu, the son of Mr. President Bola Tinubu.

Chairman of the council, Kehinde Oloyede, explained that the decision was “borne out of his immense contributions to youth and community development.

According to Oloyode, in a statement shared on the LG’s X handle by his media aid, “All is now set for the renaming of Liverpool Road in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government after the son of Nigeria’s President, Amb. Seyi Tinubu.”

When contacted to confirm the claim, one of media aides to the Chairman of Oshodi –Isolo council said, The road, which is strategic to Oshodi and one of the major roads linking Oshodi/Apapa Expressway and connecting the international airport, “would soon be commissioned and renamed in Seyi Tinubu’s honour at a date to be announced.”

Oloyode, claimed “The road was a lion’s den, as no one could dare pass it either during the day or at night.”

He, however, noted that upon his assumption of office, the criminal elements, who had been using the road as a hideout before its reconstruction were all chased away.

[Opinion Nigeria]

To the uninitiated, journalism is a profession cloaked in allure and prestige. From the glitzy awards ceremonies to the chance to rub shoulders with influential figures, the field appears to outsiders as an open ticket to wealth, power, and respect. However, for those within its ranks, journalism is often a precarious balancing act between passion and survival, a world where the reality seldom matches the glamorous facade.

For many, the appeal of journalism starts young. The allure of telling stories, shaping public opinion, and holding power to account draws in bright-eyed hopefuls who envision themselves changing the world. But what happens when the reality of the newsroom or the field hits? What happens when the glamour fades, and all that is left is the grind?

Outsiders often believe that journalists are well-paid professionals who live comfortably, enjoying perks and privileges that come with their job. They imagine news anchors in sharp suits, investigative reporters uncovering scandals, and columnists shaping national discourse with their pen. The rise of social media influencers posing as journalists has only deepened this misconception, as they flaunt their “media lifestyle” with expensive gadgets and exotic travels.

The truth, however, is that these images represent the exceptions, not the rule. For every famous journalist with a primetime show, thousands are toiling away in obscurity, chasing stories that barely pay the bills. To the outside world, journalism screams “E don better” (It has gotten better), a signal that its practitioners have arrived at a comfortable station in life. But this perception couldn’t be further from the truth.

For insiders, journalism often feels like an endless hustle. Salaries, where they exist, are modest at best and non-existent at worst. Freelancers face late payments, if they are paid at all. Even staff journalists endure long hours, hostile work environments, and little recognition. The profession has become a labor of love for many, sustained by the hope that “E go better” (It will get better).

In Nigeria, the situation is particularly dire. Media organizations are plagued by financial instability, and many journalists are paid irregularly, sometimes going months without receiving their salaries. Some even resort to borrowing money just to make it to work. This financial strain forces many journalists to take on multiple jobs, diluting their focus and compromising the quality of their reporting.

A journalist’s day often begins before dawn and ends long after dusk. Covering stories in volatile regions, working on tight deadlines, and dealing with editors’ demands are all part of the grind. Add to this the lack of basic workplace protections and the constant threat of censorship or violence, and the shine of the profession quickly fades.

One of the most heartbreaking realities of journalism is that many of its practitioners live in hunger. There are countless stories of journalists who can’t afford the very commodities they report on. From food to healthcare to housing, basic needs often remain unmet. The disparity between the image and reality of journalism is most evident in this contradiction.

Some journalists rely on brown envelope journalism, accepting “tips” or bribes to supplement their income. This practice, though widely condemned, is a symptom of a deeper systemic issue. When journalists are not paid living wages, their ethics are compromised, and the integrity of the profession suffers.

In fact, Journalists in Nigeria also face unique challenges. Field reporters are often sent to dangerous locations without adequate security measures or health insurance. Others cover beats like politics or crime, where their safety can be threatened by powerful individuals who dislike critical reporting. Despite these risks, the pay remains meager, and recognition is scarce.

Given these harsh realities, one might wonder why anyone stays in journalism. The answer lies in the passion for the craft. Journalism offers a unique opportunity to make a difference, to be the voice of the voiceless, and to hold power accountable. For many, this sense of purpose outweighs the hardships.

There is also the faint glimmer of hope that things might improve. Like actors waiting for their big break or entrepreneurs holding out for their first success, journalists live in hope. They hope that one day, their work will be recognized, their pay will improve, and their sacrifices will be rewarded.

The problems facing journalists are not just personal; they are systemic. In Nigeria and many other countries, the media industry operates in an environment of declining revenues and increasing costs. Traditional media outlets are struggling to adapt to the digital age, where audiences expect free content but advertisers pay less.

Governments also play a significant role in stifling journalism. Draconian laws, harassment, and outright violence are tools often used to silence critical voices. In Nigeria, incidents of journalists being arrested, beaten, or even killed for their work are not uncommon. This hostile environment makes it even harder for journalists to earn a living while doing their job.

To bridge the gap between the illusion and reality of journalism, several steps must be taken. First, media organizations must prioritize fair pay and better working conditions for their employees. A journalist who is not worried about where their next meal will come from is better equipped to do their job with integrity.

Second, governments and stakeholders must create an enabling environment for the press to thrive. Freedom of the press is not just a nice-to-have; it is a cornerstone of democracy. Without it, societies cannot hold their leaders accountable or make informed decisions.

Third, audiences must recognize their role in supporting journalism. Paying for quality journalism, whether through subscriptions or donations, is a direct way to ensure that the profession survives and thrives. If we continue to demand free content, we undermine the very foundation of independent media.

Journalism is a profession caught in a paradox. To outsiders, it is the epitome of glamour and success. To insiders, it is a constant struggle to survive and make a difference. The gap between these perceptions must be closed if journalism is to fulfill its vital role in society.

For now, the reality for most journalists remains that of living on the edge, driven by passion and sustained by hope. It is a profession of “E don better” to the world and “E go better” to those who live it. Until the systemic issues are addressed, this dual reality will persist, leaving many journalists to wonder whether the sacrifices they make are truly worth it.

Justice Mohammed Zubairu granted the injunction following an ex-parte motion moved by Reuben Atabo (SAN), counsel to the applicant, Nextdora Nigeria Limited.

The motion, marked M/16807/2024, was heard on Monday, and its certified true copy was released to journalists on Tuesday.

Justice Zubairu, in his ruling, stated that the injunction was necessary to ensure justice and uphold the principle of fair hearing.

“The interim order of injunction is to last for a few days pending when all parties are served and appear before this court for the hearing of the motion on notice,” the judge said.

He ordered the defendants, including the Minister of FCT and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), to refrain from trespassing or interfering with the claimant’s possession of the property until the motion on notice is heard.

“An order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the defendants/respondents, whether by themselves or agents, privies, servants, workmen, and any person howsoever called acting on their behalf from trespassing into and interfering with the claimant’s exclusive possession of the property,” Justice Zubairu added.

The court also granted three other prayers sought by the applicant, including a directive to halt any development or reassignment of the property. The matter has been adjourned to December 30 for the hearing of the substantive suit.

The defendants in the suit include Eric Anyamene Nnamdi, Bilikisu Mallam, the FCT Minister, and the FCDA.

The applicant, Nextdora Nigeria Limited, claims ownership of the land, which is covered by a Right of Occupancy with File No. MISC 128232.

The company has requested the court to declare it as the legitimate titleholder and to bar the defendants from selling or developing the land.

The legal action, which includes a writ of summons filed on December 16, seeks a total of seven reliefs, including the preservation of the property’s title and its protection from third-party interference.

Justice Zubairu directed that the motion on notice be served on all defendants to enable their appearance in court for the hearing of the substantive matter. The interim injunction remains in place until the court delivers a further ruling.

[NaijaNews]

Last week, the Akwa Ibom state government held a three-day appraisal of its performance for fiscal 2024, bringing all MDAs one room to present their scorecards to a cross-section of the people. In his opening statement, Governor Umo Eno made a very curious remark. He said that he has been constantly blamed by government officials for not releasing funds to them any time they asked. His reluctance is because he’s only been judicious in managing the finances of the state and so officials should not expect to get money for everything they want.

Here’s how the governor put it: “If there’s anything people will blame me about, and I am sure you are going to hear more of it, it is no release of funds. I hold money in trust for Akwa Ibom people and I will always disburse those funds (in a way) that will address the needs of the generality of Akwa Ibom people, beyond very personal needs. I hold myself accountable to the people of Akwa Ibom state for the funds we have been blessed with and I will not fritter the funds away in an attempt to play to the gallery.”

Sometime in October, the governor told an informal group in Lagos that he’s been under constant pressure from civil servants to sponsor them to attend conferences, workshops and seminars; but since those conferences do not add much value to the government, he’d been reluctant to approve them. “Anybody who wants to make money from government must be more creative than seeking to attend workshops,” he said with a tinge of derision. We all laughed.

Earlier in his administration, he had declared publicly that he was going to deploy resources as frugally as he managed his own personal funds as a businessman before he was elected. Recently, he’s also said that he’s been using the same official vehicles he inherited from his successor despite pressures from every quarter, including car dealers to buy new ones. He was not in a hurry to change them, he said, because the vehicles are still serviceable and he detests excessiveness.

It is not rare for some politicians to make nice statements in public, only to act in the opposite direction in private. But I will give this governor the benefit of the doubt. He deserves our encouragement for taking a stand against reckless spending and waste of resources. This may not make him very popular within government circles, but Akwa Ibom people will stand by him and history will judge him fairly if he’s honest about it. I have fumed repeatedly about wastefulness and corruption in the Akwa Ibom government in recent years, and written a lot about corruption, incompetence and decadence (our own CID) being at the root of Nigeria’s problems. It would be a herculean task for Eno to hold off the pressures.

He would be frequently castigated for not being as “generous” as his predecessors were. Some of them indulged in buying houses and expensive vehicles for musicians, friends and associates as gifts. A governor of the state, I am told, once gave a cash gift of £1 million (one million British pounds) to the sitting president at that time, to assist the president furnish his new apartment in London.

He also funded the establishment of a cattle ranch in Kaduna for his friend, among other expensive giveaways he indulged in often. This same governor had many emirs in his payroll and was constantly dolling out huge cash payments to them, in addition to sponsoring many Northerners on pilgrimage to Mecca.

But expectedly, some people are not happy with the governor despite his good intentions. The state branch of APC in a statement issued by Iniobong John, the DG of APC media network, claims that the government has spent only N228.76 billion in 2024 out of the N757. 17 billion budgeted, “leaving N528.41 billion unutilised”. “The excuses offered by the state governor for implementing only 30% of the 2024 budget is unacceptable.” the statement said.

This is a typical mindset of Nigerian politicians. They measure budget performance by the volume of cash spent and the amount of contracts awarded; rather than the value added to the lives of the people. If Umo Eno had spent a good part of the budget on conferences, donations, buying cars and houses for girlfriends and sponsoring emirs on pilgrimages as was our experience not long ago, perhaps the APC would have scored the government high for “good budget performance”.

If the government had elected to buy another private jet for the use of the governor and built a brand new governor’s lodge in Abuja, the governor would have been commended for “putting money in people’s pockets” as we often hear. But for being prudent and sticking to only what is important, the government has drawn the ire of the political class in the state. They are used to easy money. Gov Eno should not budge.

I would rather he establishes a savings account for the state and put away money for future generations than throw it away on frivolities in the name of ‘’putting money into people’s pockets or budget performance’’. I support leaders who treat government resources with responsibility, good sense and thoughtfulness. Prudence is still a virtue and history will be kind to those who live by it.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said President Bola Tinubu’s media chat confirmed the insensitivity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the “widespread hardship and suffering” faced by Nigerians as a result of ill-implemented and anti-people policies of the APC.

The PDP urged Tinubu to stop relying on fabricated statistics bandied by officials of his government and travel from Abuja to Lagos by road, visit any market or take a walk on any Nigerian street to properly gauge and appreciate the real situation in the country.

The opposition party said Tinubu’s declaration of having no regrets for the sudden removal of fuel subsidy without any cushioning measures to mitigate the resultant crippling effect on the productive sector, confirmed APC’s disconnection from the primary purpose of government which is the welfare and security of the citizens.

The national publicity secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba, said Tinubu, in the chat, admitted that Nigerians are bearing the brunt of the failure and inability of the APC administration under his watch to effectively police and secure the nation’s borders to prevent the smuggling of petroleum products to neighboring countries.

Ologunagba added that PDP is disturbed that APC has failed to account for the proceeds saved from the removal of subsidy, while Nigerians are subjected to crushing economic hardship because the APC administration has failed in its fundamental duty of ensuring the territorial integrity of the nation.

“Moreover, Nigerians are appalled that instead of admitting failure and seeking for solutions, Mr. President again claimed that the nation’s economy has improved under his watch when in reality the situation has worsened with comatose productive sector, deteriorating value of the Naira at N1,700 to the US Dollar, 34.6% inflation and 40% unemployment rates in the last 18 months.

“The widespread food stampede in various parts of the country which recently led to the death of about 80 Nigerians shows that our nation is indeed in perilous time under the APC.

“The PDP holds that there is no hope in sight under the APC given its failure to embark on meaningful investments in critical sectors including agriculture and food production, electricity, petroleum and gas, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, which are the real drivers of the national economy.

“Also, alarming is President Tinubu’s claim that Nigerians can now freely and safely travel by road despite the horrible reality of banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery as well as the worsened condition of highways across the country under the APC,” the opposition party added.

The free train rides declared by the federal government across the country have kicked off across the country amidst delays and overcrowding at some of the stations as Nigerians turned up in large numbers for the rides to their various destinations.

The federal government has directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to offer free train rides across all its passenger routes in a bid to reduce the burden of rising transportation costs on Nigerians.

The free train services, which were also declared last year cover all the passenger routes including the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service; the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service; Warri-Itakpe and the Lagos-Ogun Mass Transit trains on the narrow gauge.

According to the acting MD, the initiative targets an estimated 340,000 passengers between now and early January 2025, with about 20,000 passengers expected daily.

However, reports from across the country indicated that while Nigerians embraced the initiative, it has been marred by delays, alleged racketeering, as well as overbooking.

At Rigasa Train Station yesterday, thousands of passengers struggled to board the train amidst overcrowding.

Those who had booked online found themselves stuck in a disorganised crowd with no clear guidance on how to board the train.

“We woke up early to get tickets, but we are not guaranteed entry,” said one frustrated passenger. “It’s supposed to be free, but there’s no order to the whole thing. It’s just a mess.”

The process was, especially difficult as residents of Rigasa believed that since the train service was free, they could board without any ticket or reservation, regardless of whether they had any business in Abuja.

This belief contributed to the chaos, as many simply jumped in line or tried to board without tickets, taking advantage of the disarray.

Daily Trust’s reporter, who followed the entire process from ticket booking to boarding the train to Abuja, witnessed the disorganisation firsthand.

The problems started at the first security check, where passengers were asked for IDs and tickets.

The waiting area was overcrowded, with some passengers struggling to find a place to sit.

One mother, with a baby of just two months, had to climb through a window to get fresh air for her child. “I couldn’t breathe inside. It was so stuffy, and my baby was struggling to get air,” she said.

Once inside the train, the situation didn’t improve as there was confusion over seats. Many passengers were claiming ownership of seats, but others argued that there were no assigned seats since the service was free.

Meanwhile, some passengers who had not managed to board the morning train were asked to wait for the 5 p.m. service, with no guarantee of getting a seat.

People travelling to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to celebrate the Christmas and New Year have commended the free train services declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Our correspondent, who visited the Rigasa Train Station in Kaduna observed that there were a few passengers waiting to board the train.

The station however became rowdy when officials of the NRC announced that passengers with tickets will board the train first to instill orderliness.

Other passengers subsequently boarded after writing down their names and National Identity Number (NIN).

A cross section of passengers who spoke with our correspondent thanked the president for declaring the free rides for the yuletide season.

Fatima Adam who traveled in company of four others said she enjoyed the ride to and from Abuja on the train.

She said, “I learnt that the president had declared free train ride for the Christmas and New Year, so we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to visit a friend who lost her father. Five of us came in this morning (Tuesday) and we are going back with no transport expenses courtesy, Mr President.”

Asked if she encountered any challenges during the rides, she said, “I did not have a ticket, but I was able to secure a seat on the train. It was seamless and no one was standing on the train.”

Also, Chukwu Egugolu, another passenger, commended the Muhammadu Buhari administration for establishing the train service saying, “While the rich enjoy air transport, the poor can also enjoy the train comfortably.”

In Lagos, many passengers were seen at the Babatunde Raji Fashola Train Station Agege waiting to board the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service.

Many of the passengers who spoke with our correspondent lamented that they could not book online for the train services.

However, they were asked to queue outside pending the arrival of the train from its destination – Mobolaji Johnson Train Station, Ebute-Metta.

The Lagos Railway District Manager, Engr. Augustine Arisa in a chat with our correspondent said the service between Lagos and Ibadan and Ibadan Lagos has been smooth, saying the passenger turnout is also impressive.

Commuters stranded as Ujevwu-Warri train service breaks down

For passengers in Ujevwu, near Warri, Delta State, it is a different ball game as some of them are grappling with severe transportation challenges as the Ujevwu-Warri train service continues to face technical breakdowns, leaving travelers stranded for days.

The train service, reportedly faulty since December 21, 2024, has disrupted travel plans for many, especially workers and festive season travelers.

A source said, “As of today, December 24, the train has been faulty for three days. People who should have resumed work by 7 a.m. are still at home because the train isn’t functional. Those who traveled yesterday have not returned, and those trying to commute to work are stranded,” the source disclosed.

According to the insider, the service is supposed to operate two trains, ensuring continuous movement.

However, only one train is operational, causing significant delays. “If there were two trains, one could go while the other returns. But now, only one is running and passengers must wait long hours for it to come back. It moves and then fails to return. It keeps breaking down, and this isn’t helping matters,” the source lamented.

The MD had said, “For those unable to secure tickets online, NRC staff will profile passengers at stations to ensure fair access.

“The free train rides will operate on six major routes, including Abuja-Kaduna, Lagos-Ibadan, Port Harcourt-Aba, Lagos Mass Transit, and Warri-Itakpe.”

[DailyTrust]

A former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, has slammed President Bola Tinubu for saying he is not interested in probing military spending under his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

Sani stated this on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday.

DAILY POST recalls that President Tinubu during a media chat on Monday said he won’t probe military expenditure under Buhari.

The ex-lawmaker said doing that was tantamount to rewarding larceny and corruption.

According to him, the President’s stance was contradictory to his probe of the past activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, under embattled its former governor, Godwin Emefiele.

“When you find yourself in this position, especially with a nation facing these critical issues like ours, you still have to go backward and see how public funds that were looted have been recovered and I think we have been doing that with what has happened in the CBN the last time.

“But when one of the panelists questioned him (Tinubu) about the looting, the mismanagement of security and defense forces under the Buhari administration, which he needs to probe, I think he made it clear that he is more interested in moving forward than moving backward. It’s a bit contradictory; you can move backward in CBN but you can’t move backward in security.

“I believe that what should have been is that if he is being provided with evidence that shows that there are clear cases of corruption, he would move to recover public funds. That is what the answer was supposed to be.

“If you say that whatever happened in the past has gone, it is more like rewarding larceny which he has done by saying he is not going to go back,” he said.

He added that Tinubu should be held accountable for all his policies and the actions of his ministers since he claimed all his cabinet members are performing.

[DailyPost]

• Financial experts review TV interview

Economic and finance experts have said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Monday media chat showed admirable grasp and clarity of thoughts on the nation’s macroeconomic outlook.

The financial markets reacted positively yesterday, in the first trading day after the presidential media chat.

The naira firmed up, it appreciated by four basis points to N1,540.33 per dollar. At the stock market, the benchmark equities index rose by 829.88 points to a new recent high of 102,186.03 points, implying net capital gain of N503 billion.

Reacting to the one-hour, live engagement between the president and senior journalists, business experts said the president showed a commendable understanding of policy expectations and outcomes, which could further reinforce confidence in the overall economy.

Hajiya Maryam Shettima, described the president’s media chat as a demonstration of strong leadership, which is already impacting more public confidence in his administration. 

Managing Director, AIICO Capital, Dr Femi Ademola, said the president’s macroeconomic thoughts were in line with general expectations.

According to him, the presidential media chat provided very good opportunity to hear the thoughts of the president directly from him and he delivered his thoughts and actions quite very well.

“I am generally okay with his responses especially concerning the economic reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, the tax reform bills and the progress on security,” Ademola, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), said.

He noted that while the president’s candour and lack of political correctness could be misread as lacking in emotion, the president showed confidence and ability to deliver on his electoral promises.

He, however said the government needed to  justify the need for borrowing and its cabinet size by outlining clear deliverables expected from such decisions.

“Be that as it may, the media chat is very welcome and I hope it continues regularly as it is an opportunity to inform and educate the people directly on what the government is doing. Communication with the people should be honest, direct, simple and humble,” Ademola said.

Managing Director, Arthur Steven Asset Management, Mr Olatunde Amolegbe, said the president showed consistency of thoughts that reinforced confidence that with steady progress, Nigeria will gradually surmount current challenges.

He said: “I think on the economic front, the president was clear as to the challenges the economy is facing and what it will take to surmount them. I am glad that he recognised that monetary policy could do only so much to tackle the issue of inflation and he articulated the fiscal and structural issues he would aim to tackle in order to control inflation”.

He noted that the move towards a full liberalization of the economy appeared hard on the citizen because of historic default to subsidies and patch-ups, adding that a continuation of the ongoing policies would lead to a sustainable economic rebirth.

“I believe if we stay the course, as the president insists he would, then there should be light at the end of the tunnel,” Amolegbe, a former president of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), said.

Managing Director, HighCap Securities, Mr. David Adonri, said Tinubu’s delivery was both inspiring and educative.

“I listened to President Tinubu’s first media chat, quite an inspiring performance by him. He exhibited sound knowledge of economics and public finance. The programme was informative, engaging and confidence boosting.

“More of such chat should be organised to enable the public understand the president’s thoughts and the philosophy behind his administration’s policies, a glimpse of which he shared on Monday,” Adonri, a senior investment banker, said.

At the stock market, investors showed strong appetite across the sectors of the economy.  Average year-to-date return for Nigerian equities climbed to 36.7 per cent, making Nigeria one of the three best-performing stock markets globally.

There’s nearly analysts’ consensus that Nigerian stock market would close the year stronger.

Analysts at Afrinvest West Africa said they expected the market “to sustain its broad-based bullish performance as investors continue with strategic portfolio realignment, ahead of the new year”.

Shettima said ongoing reforms were indeed timely, considering Nigeria’s current economic landscape, adding that the removal of petrol subsidy, unification of exchange rates, and the financial sector reforms aimed at correcting market distortions and promoting economic stability are already manifesting results.

 Tinubu on Monday made a passionate appeal to Nigerians to have faith in his administration during the inaugural presidential media chat in Lagos.

He emphasised that despite being only 18 months old, his government is headed in the right direction and marks the beginning of a glorious era.

In her reaction to the takeaways from the presidential media chat, Shettima, through her media office emphasised that the president explicitly conveyed his empathy and support for the ideals of Restoration and Hope, demonstrating his commitment to uplifting the country economically.

She added that the president’s exemplary leadership, highlighting his responsiveness to the nation’s needs and willingness to take bold steps, even in the face of adversity.

Notably, she said Tinubu “has refrained from blame game, instead expressing his commitment to shouldering the responsibilities of leadership, a trait that underscores his accountability, transparency and strong sense of ownership”.

Said she: “Mr. President has demonstrated to Nigerians that he does not only care but is responsive. He has not shied away from all the decisions he has taken since he assumed office 18 months ago, despite the challenges that came with them. He hasn’t blamed anyone for any reason, rather he keeps telling Nigerians that he asked for the job and he will live up to expectation. This is what leadership is all about.

“By engaging in direct dialogue with the public, this administration has effectively bolstered the people’s trust and faith in its leadership. This approach has further helped to foster a sense of transparency and accountability, which is essential for building strong relationships between the government and its citizens. Through this engagement, the President, again has been able to communicate policies, decisions, and visions directly to the public. These engagements build public trust, shape public opinion, and demonstrate leadership, allowing the president to address concerns, showcase his capacity, and influence the national agenda”.

On the ongoing reforms in various sectors of the economy, Shettima appealed to Nigerians to be prepared to withstand short-term challenges associated with the ongoing economic reforms, just as China did, in order to reap the long-term benefits.

She also  hailed President Tinubu’s deliberate approach to implementing these reforms,  urging Nigerians to support him while also constructively criticising areas that require improvement”.

 She said: “It is imperative that we acknowledge and applaud the sweeping reforms implemented across various sectors, which are reinvigorating Nigeria’s economic landscape. Most of these reforms are timely and these are necessary sacrifices that patriotic Nigerians must make for the betterment of the country and future generations.

“This collective effort will ultimately determine the success of the reforms. The administration’s commitment to transparency and dialogue is crucial in navigating the challenges associated with the reforms. The anticipated benefits of these reforms, including improved economic stability, increased investor confidence, and enhanced competitiveness, make them a crucial step towards Nigeria’s economic revival.

“The administration’s bold policy initiatives on fuel subsidy, though initially daunting, are yielding tangible dividends. This bold move has been instrumental in freeing up resources for critical infrastructure development, social welfare programmes, and human capital development.

“The recent decline in petroleum pump prices nationwide can be attributed to the positive impact of market competition, as seen with the operationalization of the Dangote refinery and the Port Harcourt refinery. The crude-for-naira deal has also contributed to this downward trend. As more players, such as BUA and others, enter the market, we can expect even greater competition, which will likely lead to further reductions in pump prices.

“The financial sector, the lifeblood of any economy, has witnessed significant reforms under President Tinubu’s leadership. The administration’s commitment to strengthening the financial system is evident in the establishment of a robust framework for banking operations. This has enhanced the stability and resilience of Nigerian banks, positioning them to support the country’s economic growth.

“Furthermore, the government has introduced measures to deepen financial inclusion, ensuring that more Nigerians have access to formal financial services. This initiative has been bolstered by investments in digital infrastructure, facilitating the proliferation of fintech services and mobile banking platforms.

“The agriculture sector has received a major boost as seen in the 2025 budget with a difference of over 100 per cent  allocation compare to previous year. Just this week, the  President approved N95 billion for the rehabilitation of over 16 Kano dams to boost irrigation farming and the construction of the state Eastern Bypass Road, which will connect the southern region to the city. This is huge, particularly for my people in Kano State and neighbouring states.

“The administration has also implemented policies to attract private sector investment in agriculture, recognizing the critical role that the sector can play in creating jobs, generating revenue, and ensuring food security.

“The Nigeria’s infrastructure sector has received considerable attention. This has been evident in the massive investments in road construction, rail development, and aviation infrastructure. These projects are not only creating jobs and stimulating economic activity but also enhancing the country’s competitiveness and business environment.

 “The reforms implemented across various sectors, though challenging in the short term, hold immense promise for long-term prosperity and stability. I appeal to Nigerians to rekindle their faith in President Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

[TheCable]