Beyond Optics: Setting the Record Straight on Nigeria’s TICAD Booth

I feel compelled to clarify misconceptions around Nigeria’s so-called “unmanned booth” at TICAD, which has unfortunately become the subject of misleading commentary.

First, the space in question is not a national pavilion. It is a designated spillover area—typically used by delegates without access to the main auditorium to follow proceedings, hold side meetings, or work quietly. Countries may choose to convert such spaces into national showcases, but it is not compulsory. Any Nigerian delegate can use the space at any time. Several other countries also had similar spaces today that were quiet or lightly used. It is neither unusual nor a sign of disengagement.

Now, to the real issue: Nigeria is not in Japan for optics. Visibility is not the only metric. Value is.

While some chase appearances, Nigerian officials are working deliberately and with focus:

HM Pate is finalising a landmark health sector agreement with Japanese partners.

HM Power is advancing a major energy partnership.

BOI and BOA are deep in investment negotiations.

HM Foreign Affairs is leading ministerial-level engagements and aligning national plans.

Mr. President is meeting Japanese investors, Nigerian diaspora business leaders, development partners, and fellow heads of government.

The work is being done—quietly, strategically, and with impact.

So what purpose is served by amplifying an incomplete visual to imply national failure? Even if unintended, this kind of knee-jerk commentary can undermine progress and reinforce misrepresentation. Visibility should not be confused with value; applause is not the same as achievement.

Koko of the Matter: Nigeria’s space was not “unmanned” in the sense implied. We are under no obligation to adopt the performative routines of others. In diplomacy, presence is not always performance—and substance will always outweigh spectacle.

In line with TICAD’s structure, Nigeria’s space will see more active use on Day 2 and Day 3, which focus on Economy and Society, functioning as an open national stand accessible to all delegates.

Let us focus on outcomes, not optics—in the best interest of our country.

~ Otega #TheTiger Ogra
@NigeriaGov @NGRPresident @NigeriaMFA

LEKKI TOLL GATE RENAMED: 103 LIVES TOLL GATE LEKKI

On October 20, 2020, the world witnessed the horror of the Lekki Toll Gate Massacre, where Nigerian youths raising their voices for justice were met with bullets instead of dialogue. 103 of those brave souls, now confirmed as victims, were gruesomely murdered and unceremoniously buried. Their blood still cries for justice.

In their honour, and in memory of the Nigerian flag that bled to death that night, the Believe and Build Nigeria Movement (BBNM) hereby announces the renaming of Lekki Toll Gate to “103 Lives Toll Gate, Lekki (103 LTG Lekki).”

This symbolic act is a call to conscience for Nigerians and the world: Humanity must never be silent again.

The official branding will be unveiled on September 20, 2025, and will fly across social media and global solidarity platforms from that date until October 20, 2025, and beyond.

We invite the world to mourn with us and join the call for remembrance and justice:

#103LivesTollGateLekki

Signed,
Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi, 20th, August 2025.
For Believe and Build Nigeria Movement (BBNM)

Civil Society in Edo Clears Air on Auchi Crash, Says Dangote Cement Truck Was Not at Fault

The Coalition of Edo Civil Society Organisations (CECSO) has absolved Dangote Cement of blame in the recent tragic accident along the Auchi-Okpella-Okene road, near the Omega Fire Ministry in Auchi, Etsako West LGA of Edo State, insisting that contrary to online reports, the company’s truck was not responsible for the fatal crash.

In a detailed investigative report released on Tuesday and signed by its president, Comrade James Osahon, the coalition said its independent findings aligned with police confirmation that it was a third-party cement truck, not the Dangote Cement CNG truck, that triggered the chain of events leading to the accident.

CECSO described as “malicious and mischievous” the attempt by certain groups and online platforms to hastily blame Dangote for the tragedy, stressing that such misinformation not only disrespects the dead but also undermines efforts at holding the real culprits accountable.

“After a careful on-the-ground investigation, which included visits to the accident scene and consultations with security personnel, we can authoritatively confirm that the accident was not caused by the Dangote Cement CNG truck. The evidence overwhelmingly shows that a third-party truck, loaded with cement, lost control on a slope due to suspected brake failure and rammed into other vehicles before colliding with the Dangote truck,” Osahon said.

He explained that the Dangote truck became an unfortunate victim of circumstance when it was struck on the side after the errant truck lost control, which eventually caused the Dangote vehicle to catch fire.

The coalition further reinforced its position with the official statement of the Edo State Police Command. The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, had earlier confirmed that three vehicles were involved in the accident — two trucks and a Mercedes-Benz GLK.

According to him, all three occupants of the GLK were evacuated to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead, while the Dangote truck that caught fire was later brought under control.

CECSO noted that this clear police confirmation invalidates the false narratives being pushed online, accusing some groups of deliberately seeking to “drag the name of Dangote through the mud.”

“This smear campaign is nothing but a hatchet job. We are aware that some shadowy interests are uncomfortable with the growing strides of Dangote Cement, particularly in the area of safer, cleaner CNG trucks now deployed on Nigerian roads. These individuals seize every tragedy as an opportunity to malign the company. But truth is sacred, and no amount of propaganda will change the facts,” Osahon declared.

The coalition stressed that civil society in Edo will not sit idly by while falsehood is weaponised against businesses and communities, warning that spreading misinformation in moments of tragedy only fuels public anger and diverts attention from systemic road safety lapses that truly require urgent solutions.

“We must not allow reckless narratives to overshadow the core issues of road safety, vehicle maintenance, and stronger regulation of third-party transport operators. What happened in Auchi is tragic, but blaming the wrong party will not bring back the lives lost or prevent future accidents,” CECSO declared.

The group also commiserated with families of the deceased and urged government agencies to fast-track road safety reforms, including stricter enforcement of haulage vehicle standards to reduce accidents caused by brake failure and poor vehicle maintenance.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, CECSO said it would continue to monitor the case to ensure that the victims receive justice and that accurate information reaches the public.

“We stand with the truth, and the truth is simple: Dangote Cement did not cause this accident. Any report suggesting otherwise is false, misleading, and driven by ulterior motives. We urge Nigerians to ignore such fake news and focus on demanding stronger road safety reforms. Our coalition remains committed to speaking truth to power and defending the integrity of our communities,” Osahon concluded.