The Rule of Law, Institutional Transparency and the Economic Future of a Generation

By David Nwokorie

Economic growth cannot be measured by GDP alone. As former World Bank President James Wolfensohn argued in 2000, development also depends on whether courts are fair, public officials are accountable and rights are protected.

By that measure, Nigeria faces serious challenges. The World Justice Project's 2025 Rule of Law Index ranks Nigeria 120th out of 143 countries. It places the country 142nd in order and security and 118th in the absence of corruption. Foreign direct investment fell about 42% in a year, from $1.87 billion in 2023 to $1.08 billion in 2024, according to UNCTAD. The World Bank estimates poverty could reach 61% of the population by 2025.

Young Nigerians bear the heaviest cost. When contracts go unenforced, procurement is opaque and justice is slow; opportunity depends on connections rather than competence. A wealthy person can absorb these costs. A young entrepreneur may lose a whole livelihood.

Atiku Abubakar's 2027 manifesto commits to constitutional supremacy, judicial independence and the protection of fundamental rights. An Atiku presidency should turn those commitments into measurable action:

- Digital, transparent court administration

- Faster resolution of commercial disputes

- Open judicial appointments and discipline

- Compliance with lawful court orders

- Wider legal aid for low-income Nigerians

- Transparent procurement and independent verification of public projects

Such reforms would help young people build businesses, access credit and compete fairly, while rebuilding investor confidence.

Manifesto promises are only a starting point. Nigerian youth should demand outcomes, scrutinise every candidate and insist that whoever governs delivers stronger institutions, protected rights and real opportunity.

David Nwokorie is a youth leader and civil rights advocate. He is Chancellor of the School of Public Policy & Leadership (TSPPL) and President of the GENDA Foundation.

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15 Songs. One Heart Lifted to God.

Gospel music minister Pius Okogie proudly announces the release of his new 15-track album, I Lift My Hands in Praise, now available worldwide.

The album is more than a collection of songs. It is an offering of praise, worship, gratitude, testimony, faith, victory, and surrender to the God who has remained faithful through every season.

Featuring songs such as I Lift My Hands in Praise, You Are Good, I Will Testify, Oghena Kho Oghie, Sweet Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost Fire, Victory on the Cross, and I Surrender All to You, the project offers listeners a powerful collection of worship experiences designed to strengthen faith, inspire gratitude, and draw hearts closer to God.

Through these 15 songs, Pius Okogie invites listeners to reflect on God’s goodness, celebrate His faithfulness, and experience the uplifting power of praise and worship.

Whether during personal devotion, prayer, thanksgiving, or moments of reflection, I Lift My Hands in Praise serves as a musical expression of faith and complete surrender to God.

STREAM ALBUM HERE

Stream I Lift My Hands in Praise by Pius Okogie on your preferred music platform.

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Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, has expanded its cultural tourism offering with the opening of The Signature Gallery, a 295-square-metre art venue built from shipping containers.

The gallery opened on Saturday, October 24, providing visitors with a new space to explore African art, discover local creativity and meet artists shaping Rwanda’s cultural scene.

The venue showcases a range of artistic styles, including realism, abstract art, contemporary African works, portraiture, landscapes and sculpture. Its collections explore themes of culture, identity and everyday life.

The gallery’s founders describe it as Africa’s largest container art gallery and the world’s second largest, after GAD Gallery in Norway.

The opening attracted diplomatic representatives in Rwanda, Rwandan artist Ish Kevin and guests from the country’s arts and entertainment community.

Nigerian Entrepreneur Invests In Kigali’s Art Scene

Akinbo Temidayo, the Nigerian businessman who owns The Signature Gallery, said he established the venue to give visitors a deeper connection with Rwanda through its art and creative talent.

“I wanted to create a place where visitors could experience Rwanda through its creativity and meet the artists shaping its cultural scene,” Temidayo said.

The entrepreneur, who has invested in Rwanda’s real estate sector since 2020, said he wanted the gallery to introduce “fresh glamour” to the country’s growing tourism industry and offer visitors a distinctive cultural experience.

He praised the Rwandan government for maintaining security and creating an environment he said encouraged investor confidence.

Temidayo also commended the government’s efforts to promote the country internationally through its Visit Rwanda campaign.

Gallery Adds To Kigali’s Growing Art Scene

The Signature Gallery joins an expanding creative landscape in Kigali, which already hosts venues such as the Inema Arts Center.

Inema Arts Center supports artistic expression through exhibitions, workshops and community activities. Visit Rwanda has also described the capital as having a burgeoning art scene.

The new gallery aims to give African creativity greater visibility while providing a space where visitors can engage directly with artists and their work.

Its founders said they wanted African creativity to have “spaces as bold as the stories it tells.”

The gallery is located in Kiyovu, KN 52, Gate 54, Nyarugenge, Kigali.

Rwanda Seeks To Expand Its Tourism Offering

The gallery’s opening comes as Rwanda seeks to diversify its tourism experiences by promoting culture and the creative industries alongside its established attractions.

According to the Rwanda Development Board, the country generated $685 million in tourism revenue in 2025, compared with $647 million in 2024.

Visitor arrivals also increased by nine per cent to 1.49 million in 2025, according to the figures provided in the report.

The development of cultural venues such as The Signature Gallery could broaden the experiences available to visitors interested in African art, contemporary culture and local creative talent.

As Kigali continues to develop its arts scene, the new gallery adds another destination for tourists and residents seeking to explore Rwanda through its artists and cultural identity.

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Nigerian music act Sheglass is back with another exciting single titled "Runmo", featuring popular disc jockey and entertainer DJ YK Mule.

The new release sees Sheglass team up with DJ YK Mule to deliver a fresh sound 

With "Runmo", Sheglass continues to build momentum in the music scene, offering listeners another track to add to their playlists.

The collaboration with DJ YK Mule adds to the excitement surrounding the release, as fans look forward to enjoying the new single.

“Runmo” is now available for music lovers to listen to and enjoy.

DOWNLOAD DANCE VERSION

DOWNLOAD AUDIO HERE

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The Southern Edition of the Mega Street Endorsement Season 1 has commenced in Cross River State with a street walk aimed at highlighting the achievements of the state government and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The walk started from Calabar Road and continued to Wart Market, where members of the team interacted with residents and traders while canvassing support for Governor Bassey Edet Etu, President Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At Wart Market, women who gathered to receive the team sang praises of Governor Etu, applauding what they described as his developmental strides and ongoing projects across the state.

The women also expressed their support for the governor and said they were prepared to vote for him and other members of his team in the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the event, the President of the Capital Traders Umbrella Association, Mr Ekpe Okon, commended the governor for what he described as significant developments across Cross River State.

Okon also highlighted the increase in land ownership among residents, noting that more people were now able to acquire land and become property owners in the state.

The Director-General of the Mega Street Endorsement Season 1, Southern Edition, Mr Peter Ejeh, explained that the decision to organise the walk was inspired by the changes and developments his team observed across different sectors of the state.

According to him, the visible efforts of the state government motivated the group to take the message to the streets and encourage residents to support the administration.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs Fanny Odey, GEEP Programme Manager in Cross River State, commended Governor Etu for his efforts and developmental programmes in the state.

The Deputy Chairman of the APC in Cross River State, Mr Ogana Lukpata, also praised the governor, while the state APC Secretary, Mr Patrick Okon, was present at the event and expressed his support for the administration.

The Mega Street Endorsement, is expected to extend to the northern and central senatorial districts of Cross River State as the organisers continue their campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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