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An interest group within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Team Rebuild Nigeria, has urged a renowned economist and banker, Dr Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, to join the party’s presidential race.

The group hinged its call on Hayatu-Deen’s track record of financial and economic reforms, stressing that he had demonstrated integrity and credibility throughout his entire career.

At a media conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the leader of the group, Dr Ebekuo C. Ebekuo, said Nigerians have had enough of “trial and error” leaders, adding that the demand for change is growing louder across the country.

The group warned that the next Nigerian president would inherit “an economy in distress, a security architecture in collapse, and institutions that have been systematically weakened.”

It added that addressing these challenges would require more than “goodwill and good intentions.”

According to the group, the country needs “someone who understands how economies are rebuilt, how institutions are strengthened, and how trust between a government and its people is restored.”

The youth group described Hayatu-Deen as a standout among aspirants within the ADC, citing his track record in both the private and public sectors.

“Of all the credible aspirants who have joined the ADC, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen stands apart, not by declaration, but by record,” Ebekuo said.

Highlighting his credentials, the group noted that Hayatu-Deen’s experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, manufacturing, aviation, cement, textiles and hospitality.

It also cited his leadership roles in key institutions such as the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

“These are not ceremonial positions. They are proof of the capacity to build, manage, and deliver,” the group added.

It also referenced his contributions to national economic policy, including his roles as Chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee on the Economy and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

“When Nigeria needed serious minds in serious rooms, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen was there,” the group said, adding that he “carries no corruption baggage” and “has no political vendetta to prosecute.”

The group further stated that Hayatu-Deen “arrives with one agenda: to fix Nigeria,” urging him to bring his experience to bear at the highest level of leadership.

“We are calling for the most prepared aspirant — a detribalised, competent leader who can unify the opposition, command the confidence of citizens, and do the hard work of national recovery,” it said.

The interest group concluded with a pledge of support should he accept the call to run, warning that “Nigeria does not need another lesson in the cost of choosing wrongly.”

No fewer than four chieftains of the ADC have already declared interest in the party’s presidential ticket.

In the lineup are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors Peter Obi (Anambra), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), and Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano).

Group Urges Hayatu-Deen To Join ADC Presidential Race is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Kano State House of Assembly has summoned the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Yusuf Kabir, to explain how the recent teacher recruitment exercise was conducted following complaints about the process.

Reports from local newspapers indicate allegations that some applicants paid money to obtain teaching job forms, despite the state governor’s approval for the recruitment of over 7,000 personnel.

An investigation reportedly found that at least 90 per cent of applicants purchased the forms with money.

The summons followed a motion raised by Murtala Musa Kore, the lawmaker representing Dambatta, who called for a full investigation and a review of how the exercise was carried out.

The Assembly said it seeks to ensure fairness, transparency and due process in all recruitment processes to prevent favouritism and safeguard the quality of education in the state.

The SUBEB chairman is expected to appear before lawmakers to clarify the issue.

There are concerns that the recruitment exercise could be cancelled over the alleged irregularities.

Kano Assembly summons SUBEB chairman over alleged irregularities in teacher recruitment

Pan-African banking group Ecobank is in advanced discussions with Bank of China to roll out a direct local-currency-to-yuan settlement platform for its customers before the end of the year, a move that underscores a growing shift away from the U.S. dollar in Africa’s cross-border transactions.

The initiative, disclosed by Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Awori, is designed to facilitate more efficient trade flows between African businesses and China by eliminating the need for intermediate dollar conversions.

The development comes amid intensifying commercial ties between Africa and China, as well as mounting pressure on businesses to reduce foreign exchange costs and improve transaction speed.

Awori said the bank is investing in payment infrastructure that allows customers—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to settle trade directly in Chinese yuan.

He noted that many African firms are increasingly turning to China for sourcing, manufacturing, and expansion opportunities, but face margin pressures due to multiple currency conversions.

The planned platform would allow Ecobank’s clients across its network of more than 33 African countries to transact seamlessly with Chinese counterparts, aligning with broader efforts across the continent to diversify settlement currencies.

Industry analysts say such initiatives could significantly reduce transaction costs, enhance liquidity management, and shield businesses from dollar volatility.

The move also reflects a wider trend among African financial institutions and governments exploring alternatives to dollar-based payments.

In South Africa, for instance, Standard Bank has secured approval to process transactions via China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System, positioning the yuan as a primary settlement currency for its clients engaged in Sino-African trade.

Several African economies have also taken concrete steps toward yuan adoption. Kenya has converted portions of its Chinese debt obligations into yuan, while Zambia has introduced the use of the Chinese currency in royalty payments within parts of its mining sector.

These developments coincide with Beijing’s broader push to internationalise the yuan and strengthen its role in global trade and finance.

China’s expanding economic footprint in Africa, particularly in energy, mining, oil, and gas, has further reinforced the rationale for such financial integration.

In parallel, Beijing has introduced zero-tariff trade measures for dozens of African countries with diplomatic ties, creating additional incentives for local businesses to transact directly in yuan.

For Ecobank, the strategy extends beyond payments. The lender is also scaling up its presence in China to capture emerging opportunities linked to trade finance, investment flows, and corporate banking services.

While specific investment figures were not disclosed, the expansion signals a long-term commitment to deepening Africa-China financial connectivity.

The bank’s latest initiative comes on the back of improved financial performance. Ecobank recently announced it would resume dividend payments for the first time since 2022, supported by strong revenue and profit growth in 2025.

Its corporate and investment banking division recorded a 40 per cent increase in pre-tax profit, driven by high-value mandates including sovereign debt restructuring deals in Gabon and Benin, as well as a major financing arrangement exceeding €200m for Uganda in partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

De-Dollarisation Deepens As Ecobank Targets Yuan Payment Integration is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has mourned the death of two intending pilgrims who lost their lives in a road accident along the Rimin Gado–Kano Road.

The victims, Alkasim Ibrahim Walawa and his mother, Hadiza Garba, were from Walawa village in Kabo Local Government Area of the state.

On Tuesday, the board’s Public Relations Officer, Sulaiman Dederi, confirmed the incident and described it as a tragic loss. He noted that the duo died in a fatal crash while travelling between Rimin Gado and Kano city.

Dederi said the deaths were particularly painful as the victims were preparing for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He added that Alkasim, 48, is survived by two wives and seven children, while his 73-year-old mother left behind five children.

The board, alongside its management, prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the deceased and asked that they be granted eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus. It also extended condolences to the bereaved family, urging them to remain strong during the difficult period.

In a separate incident, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the death of a dispatch rider in a road accident at Motorways inward Estate, Alapere, Lagos.

According to LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, an empty NIPCO tanker allegedly travelling at high speed rammed into the rider, causing his immediate death.

Two Kano Pilgrims Killed In Road Crash is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party and affirmed Nenadi Usman as the party’s leader.

In its judgment, the court also awarded a cost of N10m against Abure, stating that the matter had already been resolved by the Supreme Court.

The lead judgment was delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, with Justices A. B. Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike concurring.

The three-member panel held that the Supreme Court had settled the Labour Party leadership dispute on April 4, 2025, when it nullified the convention that produced Abure as national chairman. The appellate court therefore affirmed the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court.

The court also criticised the decision of a Nasarawa State High Court, which granted an interim order against Usman’s leadership. It held that the court lacked jurisdiction over internal party matters.

It also held that the constitution of the party’s caretaker committee was an internal affair and not subject to determination by a state high court.

According to the panel, the suit before the lower court was filed against the Independent National Electoral Commission and did not directly concern the internal leadership structure of the party.

The appellate court further stated that Abure’s actions amounted to an abuse of court process, noting that the issue had already been determined by the Supreme Court.

The leadership dispute within the Labour Party began after the party’s National Executive Committee removed Abure and constituted a 29-member caretaker committee led by Usman. The decision was contested, leading to multiple court cases and conflicting rulings.

On April 4, 2025, the Supreme Court nullified earlier decisions that had favoured Abure and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise the Usman-led committee.

In January 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja reaffirmed that position, with Justice Peter Lifu recognising the Usman-led committee as the party’s leadership pending a new convention.

Despite the rulings, Abure’s faction continued to challenge the decision in court.

Usman described the ruling as a victory for democracy and commended the judiciary.

LP Leadership: Court Fines Abure, Dismisses Appeal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has defended his administration, saying that although everyone makes mistakes, he did his best while in office.

His reply followed the criticism of his administration by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during an interview on Prime Time on Arise TV.

Atiku, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, had, during the interview, described Jonathan as inexperienced, stating that he made mistakes while he held sway.

Atiku is contesting the presidential ticket with the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi and former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In the interview, Atiku played down the prominence of Kwankwaso and Tambuwal in the North, limited Obi’s support base to the South-East and Amaechi’s strength to the South-South.

He also expressed disappointment in President Bola Tinubu’s administration and labelled ex-President Jonathan as inexperienced.

“I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but also inexperienced, and I believe that contributed to his inability to manage the affairs of the country, particularly when he was faced with challenges,” he said.

Speaking at the 2025 Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria awards ceremony in Abuja, on Monday, Jonathan said nobody who becomes a governor or president would say he did not make mistakes.

“So not too long ago, a very senior politician said, ‘Oh, Jonathan was too young and probably that’s why he made mistakes.’

“If I made mistakes, yes, nobody who becomes a governor or a president will say you did not make mistakes. Even when you promote yourself to the level of a god, you become a deity.

“All human beings must make mistakes. I became president in 2010 at the age of 53. I left in 2015 at the age of 58, and they say I was too young. Must it have been 100 years before I ran the affairs of the state?”

The former President defended his decisions in office, saying that while mistakes are inevitable, he did his best.

The former president highlighted Nigeria’s diplomatic achievements during his tenure, particularly its election to the United Nations Security Council.

“I’m talking to diplomats, so I can say that during my period, I knew what I did for us to appear in the UN Security Council two times… If I were so naive, I don’t think I would have been able to navigate through that process,” he said.

Speaking on the state of the West African countries, Jonathan stressed that political stability remains a critical foundation for economic development, warning that unstable governance systems will continue to hinder progress across West Africa.

He noted that while the founding fathers of ECOWAS had a strong vision, the bloc continues to face instability due to political challenges in member states.

He observed that, particularly in enforcing democratic norms among member states, ECOWAS has suffered setbacks, adding that although the bloc was initially focused on economic cooperation, the region cannot make tangible progress if its societies remain politically unstable.

He stressed, “We cannot progress economically if we are very unstable societies politically.”

He added that efforts to promote democracy and good governance often clash with national sovereignty, making consensus among leaders difficult.

“That means that ECOWAS must interfere with the internal affairs of the states, and the issue of sovereignty becomes a problem,” he said.

Jonathan further urged West African leaders to take collective responsibility for stabilising the region, stating, “the heads of states of ECOWAS must continue to work together and agree on concrete terms and make sure that the sub-region is politically stable.”

He noted that the region’s ambition for economic integration could not succeed without strong democratic institutions.

Jonathan also called on Nigerian diplomats to document the country’s foreign policy experiences to guide future administrations, noting that such efforts would help leaders make informed decisions in international relations.

Paying tribute to the founders of ECOWAS, including former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, Jonathan praised their foresight in establishing the regional bloc in 1975, describing the vision of a united and economically integrated West Africa as “bold, ambitious, and necessary.”

Gowon, who was also honoured at the awards ceremony, reflected on the origins of ECOWAS, attributing its formation to post-war diplomatic engagements and regional cooperation.

According to him, “it was as a result of the various efforts of all Nigerians when we went through a very difficult period, and I had to go to the various countries to say thank you.”

He explained that discussions with regional leaders revealed a common pattern in bilateral agreements, which inspired a broader vision for collective integration.

“Why don’t we also think about having something that we can at least have in agreement for all of us when we are working together?” he said.

The former leader emphasised that the regional bloc was not the work of one individual but a collective effort involving government institutions and civil servants.

“This would not have been possible without the support of all the staff of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development,” he stated.

Gowon added that the recognition given to him and other awardees should be shared widely.

“The honour that is being done to me today should really go back to all the staff that worked so hard to make sure that this became a reality,” he said.

He described the establishment of ECOWAS in 1975 as a defining moment for the region, bringing together leaders across West Africa to pursue shared economic and political goals, and commended ARCAN for sustaining diplomatic discourse and supporting governance.

The President of ARCAN, Joe Keshi, underscored the importance of recognising excellence in diplomacy, noting that the awards celebrate outstanding achievements and lifelong service to Nigeria and Africa.

“Diplomacy is one profession where success is often invisible, reflected not by news coverage, but by maintained stability, prevented conflicts, cultivated partnerships,” he said.

Keshi added that this year’s ceremony marks the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, paying tribute to its founding visionaries, including Gowon and Gnassingbé Eyadéma, describing the bloc as “a bold experiment in regionalism.”

He urged diplomats to respond to evolving global challenges such as security, climate change and economic transformation, while commending award recipients and their families for their service.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waheed Shaibu, also paid tribute to Gowon, describing him as a symbol of visionary leadership and national unity.

He said the honour offers an opportunity to reflect on a legacy “defined by visionary leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to the unity, stability, peace, and progress” of Nigeria, adding that Gowon’s leadership exemplified “patriotism, resilience, and a profound sense of duty.”

Shaibu further commended ARCAN for its role in shaping discourse on international affairs, noting that it remains “a vital intellectual and diplomatic platform” contributing to Nigeria’s engagement with the global community.

Jonathan Replies Atiku: I Made Mistakes But Gave Nigeria My Best is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) have unveiled a joint framework aimed at strengthening consumer rights enforcement, improving complaint resolution, and promoting fair business practices in Lagos State.

The framework was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the FCCPC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello signed on behalf of the Commissoon while Afolabi Solebo, General Manager of Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency signed for his agency.

Bello described the agreement as a major step toward improving the daily experiences of consumers through stronger institutional cooperation.

According to Bello, consumer protection has become a broad issue that now affects nearly every aspect of modern life, including transportation, food, housing, healthcare, digital services, financial transactions, e-commerce, product safety, pricing transparency, advertising practices, and essential services.

He said citizens increasingly expect fairness, accountability, and accessible channels for redress whenever things go wrong.

“Today’s event is significant because it reflects a shared commitment to improving the daily experience of consumers and strengthening fair business conduct through practical institutional cooperation,” Bello said.

He noted that as markets become more sophisticated, consumer complaints have also become more complex, often cutting across sectors and jurisdictions.

“This reality requires regulators to be coordinated, responsive, and forward-looking. That is why this partnership matters,” he added.

Bello explained that the FCCPC, established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018, has continued to promote competition, protect consumers, and ensure fair market practices through enforcement actions, market surveillance, complaint resolution, advocacy, and public education.

He stressed, however, that effective consumer protection cannot be driven from Abuja alone, noting that many consumer issues emerge within states and communities where they require swift interventions.

“State institutions are therefore indispensable partners in building a credible and accessible consumer protection framework across the federation,” he said.

The FCCPC boss noted that Lagos occupies a unique position as Nigeria’s leading commercial hub with a large concentration of consumers, businesses, digital enterprises, logistics networks, financial activity, and service providers.

He said the state’s fast-paced economic environment makes regulatory innovation both necessary and impactful.
Bello, who previously served in Lagos State, said he understood the scale and complexity of governance in the state, adding that public institutions must constantly evolve to meet changing realities.

He also highlighted the presence of the FCCPC South-West Zonal Office in Lagos, which he said would provide a strong operational base for practical collaboration between the two agencies.

He encouraged close cooperation in complaint handling, intelligence sharing, consumer education, and coordinated interventions where necessary.

According to him, the MoU provides a framework for information sharing, complaint referrals, joint consumer education initiatives, capacity development, market intelligence exchange, and coordinated action where legally appropriate.

“It is not merely a ceremonial document. It is an operational instrument designed to improve outcomes for citizens,” Bello stated.

He said consumers should benefit from quicker responses, clearer complaint channels, stronger awareness of their rights, and better coordination between federal and state authorities.

Businesses, he added, would also benefit from clearer expectations, more consistent regulatory engagement, and a stronger culture of fair dealing.

Bello further disclosed that the FCCPC remains committed to encouraging other states across the federation to enact, strengthen, or renew their consumer protection legal frameworks in line with local realities and market conditions.

He said strong state-level institutions working in harmony with federal regulators would significantly improve confidence in the Nigerian marketplace.

The FCCPC boss commended officials of both organisations for their efforts in achieving the agreement, stressing that the success of the partnership would depend on sustained commitment beyond the signing ceremony.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Mr. Afolabi Solebo, said the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Lagos agency will help curb consumer exploitation and strengthen enforcement efforts.

Solebo said the partnership was necessary because consumer protection agencies could not operate in isolation, especially when dealing with complex cases requiring federal intervention.

He noted that LASCOPA was conceived in 1999 and later strengthened by a law passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly, which enabled the agency to fully commence operations in 2018.

According to him, the agency has recorded major successes in resolving disputes and protecting residents from unfair business practices.

Solebo cited the transportation sector, particularly the airline industry, as one area where stronger collaboration was needed.

He revealed that LASCOPA had recovered over N40m and more than $10,000 for consumers from local and international airlines whose services fell short of expectations.

However, he said the agency’s jurisdiction had recently been challenged in some cases, making the FCCPC partnership more important.

“We are more than happy to sign this MoU. Big Brother has decided to join forces with us,” he said.

Solebo praised the leadership of FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Tunji Bello, and expressed confidence that the new alliance would improve consumer protection in Lagos.

He added that both agencies were committed to stopping exploitation, unfair practices, and ensuring consumers get value for money.

FCCPC, LASCOPA Unveil Joint Framework To Curb Consumers’ Exploitation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Midtjylland midfielder Alamara Djabi is in a stable condition having been seriously injured in a stabbing in Denmark.

Local police confirmed the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning in Herning – the central Danish town where Midtjylland are based.

The 19-year-old from Guinea-Bissau was signed from Benfica’s academy in 2023 and has made two senior appearances for Midtjylland.

The club said in a statement that Djabi had been “in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery”.

“Since then, he has undergone another operation, and thanks to the professional efforts of the emergency responders and later the hospital staff, his condition is now stable,” Midtjylland added.

“He has awakened from an induced coma and is doing well under the circumstances.”

Djabi made seven appearances on loan with Portuguese second division side CD Mafra last season and played once this term for Midtjylland in Europa League qualifying.

The four-time Danish Superliga champions, who last won the title in 2024, are currently second – two points behind AGF.

Guinea-Bissau Footballer Stabbed In Denmark is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Bamidele Kehinde, Director of Dynamic Ambassadors for Social Orientation Initiatives and the City Transformation Project, has expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its role in securing the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who had been detained in the Republic of Benin for over two years under harsh and inhumane conditions.

Pastor Egbaji, a Nigerian cleric, was reportedly subjected to severe mental torture and held in chains during his detention. His eventual release followed a presidential pardon granted by the government of Benin Republic under the leadership of President Patrice Talon.

Speaking on the development during a programme on News Central TV, Dr. Kehinde commended the diplomatic efforts that led to the pastor’s freedom, noting that the process was long and difficult. He highlighted that significant progress was made after Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu assumed office as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

According to Dr. Kehinde, despite not having any personal relationship or financial inducement involved, the minister took decisive steps by engaging Benin Republic authorities through diplomatic channels. Her intervention, including a visit to the country and strategic negotiations, ultimately secured Pastor Egbaji’s release.

Kehinde reiterated his gratitude to the minister for her commitment and resilience in ensuring justice and freedom for the detained cleric. He further extended appreciation to several individuals and institutions who contributed to the success of the advocacy and diplomatic efforts.

He also thanked Moses Eyo, Dickson Umu Unung, the Government of Cross River State, CP Alobi Lawrence (rtd), Joseph Bisong Ayi, Blessing Harrison, Eze Sampson and Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo

He emphasized that the collective effort of these stakeholders was instrumental in achieving the pastor’s freedom.

Kehinde also noted that while Pastor Egbaji’s release marks a significant victory, the cleric now faces the challenge of rebuilding his life after years of hardship. He stressed that Egbaji requires continued support — both moral and material — to help him get back on his feet and reintegrate into society.

Kehinde called for sustained government commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad, strengthening diplomatic relations across West Africa, and ensuring that individuals like Pastor Egbaji receive the necessary assistance to recover fully from their ordeals.

Nigeria cleric, Egbaji regains freedom after two years in detention; FG commended

Newly elected President of the Middle-Belt Youth Congress (MYC), Comrade Obande Gideon Obande, has declared that the 2027 general elections will mark a decisive shift in political engagement across the region, warning that “it will not be business as usual.”

Obande made this known during his acceptance speech after emerging as President of the Congress for a four-year term at an elective congress held in Abuja.

Addressing delegates and stakeholders, he stressed that Middle-Belt youths are ready to redefine their role in Nigeria’s political terrain.

“The 2027 election will not be business as usual. Middle-Belt youths will no longer be passive observers. We will organise, mobilise, and ensure that our voices are heard and respected,” he said.

Obande, in his remarks, emphasised unity as the cornerstone of his administration, pledging to prioritise the collective interest of the region above personal ambitions.

“I will place the interest of the Middle-Belt above all else. This mandate is not about me; it is a call to serve, to unite our people, and to advance an agenda that reflects the true aspirations of our region,” he stated.

He further highlighted the need for purposeful and strategic leadership to confront the region’s challenges, including political marginalisation, insecurity, and underdevelopment.

“We must move beyond rhetoric to action. Our youths deserve inclusion, opportunities, and a future that is secure. We will engage institutions, build alliances, and demand accountability at all levels,” Obande added.

The new MYC President also signalled a more assertive approach to political participation, noting that the Congress under his leadership would push for increased representation of Middle-Belt youths in governance.

“We are entering a new phase where our participation in decision-making will no longer be negotiable. The time has come for the Middle-Belt to speak with one voice and act with one purpose,” he said.

Obande, a former student union leader and immediate past president of the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing, is widely regarded as a consistent advocate of the Middle-Belt agenda.

2027 election won’t be business as usual — Middle-Belt Youths President