Court gives SSS go-ahead to detain suspected terrorists for 60 days
The Federal High Court’s decision to grant the SSS permission to detain suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP members underscores the ongoing fight against terrorism and the importance of intelligence-led operations in preventing potential threats to national security. Read more
Athena Commentary: While the SSS’s proactive measures are commendable, the extended detention period highlights the delicate balance between safeguarding national security and ensuring suspects’ rights are upheld during investigations. Swift and transparent judicial processes will bolster public confidence in such actions.
Shake-up as sports commission reassigns 57 federation secretaries
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reassigned 57 Secretary-Generals and officers across various sports federations to revitalize Nigeria’s sports sector. This decision, led by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, aims to improve federation performance, attract private investments, and drive economic growth. The reassignment covers key federations like Athletics, Basketball, and Volleyball. Read more
Athena Commentary: The NSC’s reshuffling of sports secretaries is a step toward revitalizing Nigeria’s sports sector, but sustained success will require more than reassignments. In advanced countries, sports management is highly professionalized, with transparent policies, structured training, and measurable performance metrics. Private investments thrive in these systems because they inspire confidence through consistency and innovation. To match such standards, Nigeria must ensure that these reassignments come with clear objectives, accountability, and capacity-building.
General Hydrocarbons’ accounts frozen amid $225m debt dispute with First Bank
A Federal High Court in Lagos has frozen the accounts of General Hydrocarbons Limited and its directors over a $225.8 million debt owed to First Bank. The order restricts financial transactions and mandates banks to disclose account details of the defendants. The case stems from loans tied to Oil Mining Lease (OML) 120. Justice Dipeolu emphasized securing assets and compliance from all parties until the motion’s hearing on January 20, 2025. First Bank’s claims highlight past agreements involving oil exploration financing and alleged breaches, underscoring complexities in Nigeria’s oil sector and financial dealings. Read more
Athena Commentary: The freezing of General Hydrocarbons’ accounts over unpaid debts highlights gaps in Nigeria’s financial and regulatory systems. In more developed countries, financial institutions often use stricter due diligence, ensuring loans are backed by solid collateral and clear repayment plans. Countries like the U.S. also use credit risk management tools to avoid such high-profile defaults. Nigeria can learn from these systems by improving regulatory oversight, enforcing contract integrity, and ensuring financial transactions are more transparent and less prone to disputes.
LAMATA restates commitment to seamless public transport
LAMATA’s Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to seamless public transportation in Lagos. During an inspection of the Marina Train Station and Mile 2 interchange, she highlighted efforts to integrate road, rail, water, and non-motorized transport under the Lagos Strategic Transport Masterplan. The 13-kilometer Blue Rail Line from Mile 2 to Marina was described as transformative, promising improved connectivity for residents in areas like FESTAC and Amuwo-Odofin. months. Read more
Athena commentary: LAMATA’s effort to integrate multiple transport modes is commendable, but Lagos still lags behind global cities like Singapore or Amsterdam. In those cities, seamless public transport is achieved through real-time data integration, widespread ticket interoperability, and infrastructure that prioritizes efficiency and sustainability. While Lagos’s Blue Rail Line and transit hubs are positive steps, challenges like delays, overcrowding, and safety concerns must be tackled.
Ogun to recruit 2,000 teachers
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, announced plans to recruit 2,000 additional teachers in 2025 under the Ogun Teach initiative, raising the total to 6,000 teachers. The initiative aims to address the student-to-teacher ratio and improve education quality, especially in rural areas. The governor highlighted increased wages for Ogun Teach interns to ₦80,000 and the permanent employment of 2,000 teachers from the program. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to educational reform and collaboration with programs like Teach For Nigeria. Teach For Nigeria praised Ogun’s supportive environment for fostering leadership and addressing education inequality through strategic dialogue and partnerships. Read more
Athena commentary: Ogun State’s recruitment of 2,000 teachers under the Ogun Teach initiative is a positive step toward improving education. However, compared to better-performing countries, it highlights gaps in planning and sustainability. Nations like Finland or Singapore prioritize long-term teacher training, continuous professional development, and competitive salaries, ensuring teaching is an attractive career. These countries also focus on reducing class sizes and leveraging technology for personalized learning.
Compiled by Ebube Blessing Chukwukaeme