Campaign
Dissecting The Fuss About Endorsement In Ondo APC
Obviously, the writer must have been prompted to author the piece due to comments allegedly made by Senator Oluremi Tinubu during an encounter with Mr Segun Abraham at the 50th birthday ceremony organised for Mr. Sunday Dare, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Chief of Staff in Lagos. An online magazine, The Capital, had reported a seemingly fictional story on the alleged comments. As admitted by the writer, the piece was also premised on the fear that since Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN was imposed as the governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in 2012, any likely imposition may spell doom for the APC in Ondo State. I quite agree with the writer that Akeredolu was somewhat imposed on the party in 2012 considering the fact that he got the governorship ticket as a greenhorn politician. However, I am bold to say the fear expressed is needless.
Furthermore, it is necessary to admit that I read the same story on the website of The Capital but dismissed it as one of the stories online bloggers love to write or fabricate as the case maybe, with a target to attract online traffic at high frequency. Olowolabi’s thought is however evidently different from mine on the same story. Through his article, he appeared to be very concerned and passionate about the success of APC at the November 26 governorship poll. The question arises; Is the writer now an accidental pro-democracy campaigner?
Undoubtedly, the writer has no record of remarkable activism and advocacy. Therefore, his recent article is surprising to me. He said Akeredolu was imposed in 2012 but before the imposition, it is not on record that the writer did warn about any looming waterloo. Did he underestimate the eventual waterloo the candidate suffered at the poll or he was simply satisfied with the process that produced Akeredolu as candidate?
Meanwhile, since Olowolabi himself aired doubt about the truism and credibility of the story published by the online magazine about alleged comments made Senator Oluremi Tinubu, going haywire to declare it as suicidal mission and predicting that waterloo beacons is unjustifiable. The writer can not put something on nothing and expect it to pass intellectual test.
His claim that Senator Tinubu declared Senator Ajayi Boroffice as the “next Governor of Ondo State” and concluding that “It speaks volumes of arrogance and malfeasance of provocative proportion”, is an unprovoked attack. The writer even got out of his mind when he assumed the role of someone who can speak on behalf of the people when he said, “the statement offends the sensibility of our people.” Indeed, a fabricated tale cannot offend anyone.
Nobody or group has the powers to reserve governorship ticket for anyone and Senator Oluremi Tinubu could not have made such remark on the reservation of governorship ticket. If Olowolabi and others continue to drag Mrs Tinubu into Ondo politics, it will become very unhealthy for Ondo APC. Caution is required, please!
To my mind, it appeared Olowolabi has shallow understanding of why Rotimi Akeredolu failed and took a distant third position in the 2012 governorship election. It was not really about the process that produced him as guber candidate, it was largely about the happenstances that succeeded the process. The process was not the albatross, the candidate himself was. The questions are; in Akeredolu’s capacity as guber candidate, how did he manage other aspirants? I mean the aspirants who later defected, the aspirants who fled the state immediately after his emergence and the apirants who worked tirelessly for him at the poll. Were the resources of the party properly disbursed and channeled? Did the candidate do enough to convince electorates despite the huge support from party leadership? No matter how anyone attempts to answer the highlighted posers, it is quite clear that the candidate fired on while forgetting to exercise humility like those whose palm karnels were cracked for them by the benevolent spirit. If he had heeded Late Professor Chinualumogu Achebe’s warning, I am confident the outcome of the 2012 governorship election would have been different.
To me, the defunct ACN did not lose the 2012 governorship election in Ondo State, Akeredolu did. Anyway, I pray the mistake of the past will not be repeated.
Meanwhile, If Senator Boroffice has indeed received the endorsement of his colleague, Senator Tinubu, it must have been a merited endorsement. Boroffice is not known to be a pretender or a desperate governorship aspirant.
As a matter of fact, all guber aspirants have lobbied influential party chieftains for endorsement. Some have reportedly paid handsomely while some have promised ‘heaven and earth’ in a bid to snatch endorsements. Infact, some aspirants like Mr. Segun Abraham had dropped the name of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu severally in order to sway and deceive delegates. Recently, Senator Boroffice featured on a live interactive programme at the Ilara-mokin based radio station, Adaba FM. The interviewer asked him who had endorsed him considering the fact that many aspirants have paraded themselves as anointed aspirants of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and other leaders of the party. “God,” he replied the interviewer. He appears to hold strong belief that his guber aspiration is a divine arrangement.
Therefore, It doesn’t serve the interest of the party for the chosen ones in 2012 who have failed or yet to get endorsement from influential quarters, to mobilise and deploy towncriers and malleable writers to blackmail the favoured ones. It serves nobody any good when these guys come to town to raise false alarm. It is utterly counterproductive.
In addition, I don’t think the reported endorsement of Senator Boroffice by Southwest leaders of the party and Senator Tinubu is his greatest strength as the APC prepares to pick its guber flagbearer. Senator Boroffice is the contest the election not as a greenhorn but as a grassroot politician and a formidable aspirant at that. He had soundly won senatorial elections twice in succession.
The chairman of Ondo APC, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke has announced severally that the party will organise primary election for its numerous governorship hopefuls. Also, I have read Senator Boroffice’s interview in the media where he said he believes in internal democracy and battle-ready for the primary election. That is instructive.
The statement made by the party chairman is a signal that the party will conduct primary election. However, the election will not be about any aspirant mouthing his unfounded popularity or declaring that a fellow aspirant can never be governor of Ondo State as if man is God. That is nothing but sheer arrogance and absurdity taken too far.
The election will be about the thousands of party delegates with whom Boroffice has personal relationship and from whom he enjoys political loyalty. The election will be about the hundreds of delegates whose life have been blessed by the philanthropic gestures of Boroffice via empowerment and human capacity development. The election will be a direct reaction by delegates to those who abandoned them shortly after losing election in 2012. It will be about the coronation of a party builder. It will be the validation of the popular will of delegates that only the best aspirant can defeat PDP in the forthcoming poll.
Since Olowolabi indicated his preference for an aspirant through his article, may I will advise him to write about why the delegates should vote for the aspirant rather than expressing needless fear and crying wolf. I do accede that the writer has a constitutionally guaranteed right to support whoever he so wishes – that is peculiar to humans – we all take sides. Afterall that was what motivated Canadian novelist, Robertson Davies to opine that, “The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend”.
Is Nigeria Economically Broke? Challenges and Opportunities in Africa’s Largest Economy
BY BLAISE UDUNZE
Is Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, economically broke? It is a question no patriotic citizen wants to confront, yet one that confronts every Nigerian daily at the fuel pump, the market stall, the school gate, the hospital reception, and increasingly, in the national accounts. The country’s fiscal reality is no longer a debate in economic circles alone; it is a lived experience for millions and a gathering storm for future generations.
To understand the gravity of the nation’s situation, one must look beyond political speeches and interrogate Nigeria’s borrowing patterns, revenue profile/debt numbers, public spending, and the economic behavior of both federal and state governments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s. administration. What emerges is a troubling picture as taxation is squeezing small businesses, borrowing is mortgaging the nation’s tomorrow, and shockingly, the trillions shared among federal, state, and local governments every month translate into little visible development. Nigeria’s books show figures, but her streets show a different reality.
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in June 2023, Nigeria’s public debt has spiraled from N33.3 trillion to N152.4 trillion by mid-2025 which represents a staggering 348.6 percent increase in just two years. Economies do not collapse overnight; they weaken gradually, sending warning signs that only become obvious in hindsight. Nigeria is flashing all the red signals today. Between July and October 2025 alone, the government secured over $24.79 billion, €4 billion, ¥15 billion, N757 billion, and another $500 million in sukuk bonds. These figures, in a functional economy, should translate into expanded electricity capacity, world-class healthcare systems, vibrant industries, better roads, thriving SMEs, and export-oriented value chains. Instead, much of Nigeria’s real sector remains stagnant as energy is unstable, industrial output is weak, and infrastructure remains largely stuck in the realm of political promises.
Borrowing, in itself, is not the crime. Nations borrow to grow. Borrowing becomes a problem when the funds are not directed toward productive, self-liquidating projects capable of paying back the debt through increased economic activity. Nigeria borrows aggressively but produces too little. The loans are not translating into productivity or growth, which is why the debt-servicing burden continues to rise. Today, more than 90 percent of government revenue is spent on servicing old debts. In some quarters, debt servicing now consumes 25 percent of Nigeria’s entire annual revenue. This means that governance has been reduced to fiscal survival, with vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and industrialization competing for the crumbs left after creditors take their share.
Professor Uche Uwaleke of Nasarawa State University captured it aptly: “Nigeria’s debt service ratio is inimical to economic development… The opportunity cost for the country is high.” The tragedy is clear as the country has substituted borrowing for revenue and debt servicing for development. At the 2025 IMF and World Bank Meetings, global leaders lamented Africa’s growing debt, which has now exceeded $1.3 trillion. Sub-Saharan African governments spent over $89 billion servicing debts in 2025 alone. Yet Nigeria’s case stands out because of its size, population, weak industrial base, and persistent revenue leakages. Nigeria continues to borrow through Eurobonds, multilateral loans, bilateral facilities, and sukuk instruments, even without a corresponding rise in productivity. This raises a painful but necessary question: if these loans are development financing, where is the development?
Recently, the House of Representatives approved President Tinubu’s request to borrow $2.35 billion to finance part of the 2025 budget deficit. This is not borrowing to invest, it is borrowing to plug holes, pay salaries, and service existing debts. This is fiscal survivalism, not economic transformation. Countries that borrow to build infrastructure grow out of debt. Countries that borrow to fund recurrent expenditure sink deeper into it. Nigeria is drifting toward the latter.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) bluntly accused the president of being “addicted to debts,” noting that if all requested loans for 2025 are approved, Nigeria’s debt stock could reach N193 trillion. The Debt Management Office confirmed the possibility. In the ADC’s words: “You cannot claim your house is in order while taking new loans to stop the roof from collapsing.” The loan in question was the N1.15 trillion request by President Tinubu to fund the 2025 budget deficit, which the Senate and House of Representatives gave their approval during last Wednesday’s plenary.
Despite government assurances that inflation is easing by recording 18.02 percent headline inflation and 16.87 percent food inflation, Nigerians feel no relief. Prices remain high, purchasing power continues to collapse, and businesses are shutting down. There is no statistical comfort in an empty dinner plate.
While federal borrowing continues to dominate conversations, an equally critical yet often ignored dimension lies at the state level. Since the fuel subsidy removal in June 2023, state governments have become quiet but major beneficiaries of the enlarged FAAC allocations as a feeding bottle.
NEITI and OAGF/NBS records show that between June 2023 and June 2025, FAAC distributed N25.65 trillion yet few Nigerians can point to commensurate development in their states. Roads remain terrible. State industries are dead. Capital projects are abandoned. Health and education sectors are underfunded. Internally generated revenue remains weak.
Many states have weaponized FAAC allocations into a system of dependence. They line up monthly for their share but fail to harness the natural resources, agricultural potential, tourism corridors, or industrial hubs available within their territories.
Nigeria’s fiscal health is not a function of what federal government collects alone, it is a function of what the states produce. Development is a chain; a weak link breaks the entire system. Many states have become consumption centers instead of production hubs, contributing significantly to the national productivity crisis. Until FAAC allocations are tied to measurable development outcomes, Nigeria will continue to share poverty, not prosperity.
All these realities force Nigerians to ask again if Nigeria is economically broke?
A country is economically broke:
· when it borrows to survive rather than to grow;
· when it spends the bulk of its income servicing old debts;
· when its states depend on allocations instead of productivity;
· when taxation cripples rather than empowers businesses; and
· when development is measured by political speeches, not real outcomes.
By these metrics, Nigeria is edging dangerously close to fiscal insolvency, living on borrowed money and borrowed time.
Yet despite this troubling landscape, Nigeria’s economic prospects are not irredeemable. The country possesses immense opportunities that, if harnessed, could transform its economic future to becoming one of the most vibrant in the world.
1. Diversification: Agriculture, Technology, and Services –
Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil remains its most dangerous economic vulnerability. Oil accounts for more than 90 percent of export earnings and over half of government revenue. A single fluctuation in global oil prices can destabilize the entire economy. Diversification is not optional; it is a national emergency.
Agriculture, however, offers a powerful alternative. With vast arable land, abundant labor, and high domestic demand, agriculture can drive food security, export expansion, and industrial value chains.
Technology stands as another frontier of opportunity. Nigeria’s youthful population, fast-rising digital economy, and growing tech hubs offer pathways for innovation, employment, and global competitiveness.
The services sector which consists of telecommunications, finance, logistics, entertainment, and tourism also holds massive potential to absorb millions of jobs and stimulate economic growth and reduce reliance on oil revenue.
2. Job Creation and Youth Productivity:
Nigeria’s unemployment and underemployment rates remain dangerously high, particularly among young people. A productive youth population is an economic asset; an idle youth population is a socio-economic risk. Entrepreneurship support, industrial hubs, vocational training, and SME financing can unlock millions of new jobs.
3. Infrastructure Development:
However, none of these sectors can thrive without addressing Nigeria’s infrastructural deficit. Poor power supply, crumbling roads, inefficient transport systems, and inconsistent regulatory policies continue to choke businesses. Infrastructure is the backbone of any modern economy; without it, productivity remains low regardless of potential.
4. Governance, Transparency, and Anti-Corruption:
Governance and transparency play an equally critical role. Nigeria cannot build a productive economy on the foundation of corruption, mismanagement, and opaque financial practices. Strengthening institutions, enforcing accountability, digitizing public services, and ensuring full transparency in FAAC disbursements, budget execution, and loan utilization are essential steps toward restoring public trust and investor confidence. Transparency must become the norm not the exception.
The path to a resilient Nigerian economy requires a national reset in fiscal discipline. The following steps are critical:
– Borrowing must be tied strictly to revenue-generating, self-liquidating projects.
– Recurrent expenditure borrowing must stop.
– Debt ceilings should be legally enforced.
– States must be compelled to boost local productivity and mobilize internal revenue.
– FAAC allocations should be linked to measurable development benchmarks.
– Public finance transparency must be non-negotiable
– Economic diversification must be pursued with urgency, not rhetoric.
Currently, Nigeria stands at an intercession. One path leads to deeper debt, economic stagnation, and a future where the next generation inherits nothing but liabilities. The other path leads to reform, productivity, innovation, and the emergence of a strong, resilient economy capable of withstanding global uncertainties.
So, is Nigeria economically broke? The uncomfortable truth is that Nigeria is not yet bankrupt but it is dangerously close. A nation cannot continue borrowing to survive, consuming more than it produces, or neglecting the engines of real growth. The time for action is now. Nigeria’s challenges are vast, but so are her opportunities. With discipline, transparency, and visionary leadership, Africa’s largest economy can still reclaim its promise and chart a sustainable path toward shared prosperity.
Blaise, a journalist and PR professional writes from Lagos, can be reached via: [email protected]
GLOWFUX Concert ’22: FANAFILLIT set to host 1,000 children and adults to a fiesta
The organizers of the annual GLOWFUX Charity Concert, Fanafillit Integrated Concepts, have announced their plans to host not less than 1,000 adults and children from special homes across Lagos State. This was contained in its official statement made available to the press on Friday, to announce the official commencement of activities for the annual end-of-the-year social intervention event.
According to the statement signed by the Project Coordinator, Miss Margaret Ngonadi, this year’s edition marks the 7th edition of the impactful project and the second time of spreading its tentacles across Lagos State. “As we aim to again host children from special homes like orphanages, rehabilitation centers, less privileged homes, and homes of people with special abilities, we are not going back on our promise last year to make this glamorous event statewide”, the statement reads.
Reiterating their commitment to the project, the organizers stated that they look forward to giving everyone a funfilled, exciting, and memorable experience at this year’s edition of the GLOWFUX Charity Concert which is slated to hold on Saturday, 28th of December, 2022 at Dan & Den Arena, Elegushi Beachfront, Lekki, Lagos.
“The general public is welcomed to celebrate with our VIP guests who will be joining us from several orphanages/special need homes across Lagos State. Admission to the event is strictly by registration through the GLOWFUX registration link and invitations to some members of the public. However, all members of the public attending the event are encouraged to come with gift items as that’s part of the criterion for clearance at the entry point”, a part of the statement read.
On the content of the event, the organizers assured that this year’s edition of the GLOWFUX Concert promises to feature an avalanche of entertainment, gifts, food and drinks for all. “While we already have on board some notable entertainment practitioners like Kemi Stone, Da’Fresh Olorin, Vanessa Jones, Ogbono, TalkTalk, Princephelar, Meyrah, Maryjane Dawn, FKM, Dharnniella, we are working on more popular brands and entertainment practitioners to merry with the children and make them experience the overwhelming joy of the end-of-the-year festivities. Notable amongst entertainment brands we are in talks with are Prince Jide Kosoko, Funsho Adeolu, Bimbo Akintola, Yemi Blaq, Shushu Abubakar, Yinka Alaseyori and a host of others”, said the project coordinator in the release.
Also, the organizers announced the introduction of a new award category to its GLOWFUX Hall of Charity Award Category which is tagged GLOWFUX Charitable Corporate brand of the year to recognize and celebrate Corporate Brands whose charitable endeavors have impacted their immediate community.
The organizers of the GLOWFUX Charity Concert encourage the general public to join the cause as they set to put smiles on the faces of 1000 Special Children through donations and by attending the events with gifts.
GLOWFUX (Giving Love With Fun for Xmas) is an annual end-of-the-year charity concert that brings together children from orphanages/special need homes across the state for an unusual end-of-the-year celebration with the general public.
The last six editions of the GLOWFUX Charity Concert have recorded myriads of impact across the State with about 1,500 children from several special homes (government-owned and private-owned) as beneficiaries.
In addition to existing brands like iCare Foundation, Hands Lifting Hearts Initiatives, Corsican Brothers, Elegushi Royal stool, MALENS diagnostics, Headway Events, DJ MAPS Productions, OPREM Photography and NSNF who have always been part of the project, other notable being considered to come on board this year’s edition includes Fidson Healthcare, Beloxxi Biscuits, Dano Milk, Unilever Nig, Seniors Wellbeing Foundations, AkModel Properties, Hypo, Dan & Den Lounge, Germane Auto and SIFAX Group.
The media supports for this year includes AIT, KRAKS TV, Legit.ng, Pulse.ng, thestatusng.blogspot.com theeagleonline.com.ng, thegazellenews.com, newspop.com, mockinbird.com.ng, omonaijablog.com.ng, freedomonline.com.ng, Hottestgistinnaija.com, Encomium magazine, YES! International magazine, theelitesng.com freedomonline.com.ng, thecitypulsenews.com, Global Excellence magazine, saharaweeklyng.com freelanews.com theimpactnewspaper.com
Inquiries on the partnership, support, and donations can be forwarded to any of the following contact 07032312815, 08111236196, 09159712472, 07061893629, 08103103198, or connect with the organizer on their social media pages @glowfux.
Donations can also be made through the link https://donate-ng.com/campaign/glowfux-concert
“Why Poshglowskincare Is The Best Product For Your Skin”- Bukunmi Oluwasina Reveals
That top Nigerian actress, producer, screenwriter cum singer, Bukunmi Oluwasina has just signed a multi-million Naira endorsement deal is like stating this obvious.
This is because a few days ago, the dashing actress signed a mouthwatering endorsement deal worth £15,000 with Poshglow Skincare.
The Ekiti State-born entertainer who has lately been dominating the Nigerian music Industry with series of her new songs featuring international artistes, is gaining lots of attention due to her human nature.
However, in an exclusive interview with the Brand Manager of Poshglowskincare, Olanrewaju Alaka, who spoke on behalf of the company, revealed the reason the brand splashed £15,000 to renew the vivacious actress’ contract with the brand for the fourth time.
According to him, “this is the fourth time Poshglowskincare will be working together with Bukunmi, and we have decided to renew our working relationship this time because, we appreciate the loyalty, love and professionalism of those we work with. Additionally, it will be a good fit for our brand to work with someone people love, a celebrity with high level of relevancy and professionalism. Most importantly our goals align and of course working with her has given us good ROI”.
“Nevertheless, our working relationship shows that the two brands have good audience perception of influencer marketing in Nigeria, especially in the beauty industry. It is not very common to have an influencer in Nigeria who truly uses the product of the brand they represent and still work with them for several years. It is a common knowledge that influencers in Nigeria only care about the revenue they generate from their endorsement, our global ambassador is keen on her audience perception and scrupulous on how she represents her brand. This is who we love to work with”.
On why she joined the brand, Bukunmi said, “Poshglow Skincare missions is to create 100% natural, productive, and 100% cruelty-free skincare products for all skin types. I am particular on the type of brand I work with and of course our goals have to align. Working with Poshglowskincare has been an amazing and interesting journey for me. I find it quite interesting to work with a brand that values creativities and appreciate what I do. Poshglowskincare is not only after getting the value of what they paid for, they will still support you and make sure you excel in that project. It is an honour working with a brand that is keen on quality products and tries its very best to satisfy their customers”.
“Compared to some reviews I see on social media, I have never gotten negative feedback about the brand, it has always been a positive reviews and I can attest to this myself because my family and I use Poshglowskincare”
“I don’t promote products I do not use. I’ve made a name in the entertainment industry, so I try to protect it through what I do. Poshglow Skincare is completely remarkable product and for the fourth time, we are signing business deals together”.
“This demonstrates our tenacity and steadfastness in the belief of Poshglow Skincare’s existence, even in the United Kingdom, to make inroads into the UK market and dominate”, Bukunmi stated.
Reacting to this, the Chief Executive Officer of Poshglow Skincare, Folasade Omotoyinbo said, “I am delighted to have Bukunmi as the brand ambassador, and the gains of having her is enormous”.
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