A stakeholder in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Ima-owaji Shedrack, has called on Muslim faithful in the area to remember the Chairman of Andoni LGA, Hon. Lucky Promise Otuo, in their prayers as they celebrate Eid-ul-Mawlid, the commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Speaking on Friday during the nationwide celebration, Ima-owaji stressed the importance of continuous prayers for leaders at all levels, describing Hon. Lucky Otuo’s administration as one that transcends sentiments, tribal lines, and religious differences.

“The government of Hon. Lucky Otuo is one beyond discrimination. Both indigenes and non-indigenes are carried along. This is why I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to use this sacred celebration to pray for him and for the peace, progress, and prosperity of Andoni LGA,” Ima-owaji said.

He further noted that the Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration provides Muslims with another opportunity to renew their commitment to unity and inclusiveness, while also offering prayers for leaders who are steering the affairs of the people with sincerity.

Ima-owaji urged residents of Andoni, regardless of religion or origin, to embrace peace and support the development agenda of Hon. Otuo’s administration, which he said is focused on progress and inclusivity.

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a new directive requiring all Point of Sale (POS) terminals to be geo-tagged within the next 60 days, a move designed to curb fraud, enhance oversight, and modernize Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem.

According to a circular released on August 26, 2025, any terminal not geo-tagged will be deactivated from October 20, 2025.

“This initiative is designed to ensure that all PoS terminals are traceable and that transactions are secure. Terminals operating outside their registered location will be flagged, and non-compliant devices will be deactivated,” the CBN stated.

Here’s a breakdown of what the policy means for operators, agents, merchants, and customers.

What Geo-Tagging Means

Geo-tagging is the process of embedding location data, such as latitude and longitude, into a digital device.
For POS terminals, this means linking each machine to its exact physical address using GPS technology, creating a traceable digital footprint that makes every device verifiable and harder to misuse.

The CBN’s Key Requirements

1. Geolocation Features
   All POS devices must have GPS and dual-frequency receivers for accurate location tracking.
2. Real-Time Location Transmission
   Terminals must capture and transmit their exact location at the start of every transaction.
3. Geofencing
   Each POS terminal will be restricted to a 10-metre radius around its registered location. Transactions outside this zone will be flagged for investigation.
4. Registration
   Licensed banks and fintechs—such as Moniepoint, OPay, PalmPay, and others—must register each device with exact merchant coordinates through a payment aggregator.
5. New Devices
   No new terminal will be certified or activated without geo-tagging.

Why Geo-Tagging Matters

• Crackdown on Fraudulent Terminals
  Geo-tagging eliminates “ghost” or cloned devices and reduces card fraud, unauthorized withdrawals, and misuse of mobile POS machines. It also disrupts ransom collections and terrorism financing through untraceable transactions.
• Better Oversight and Transparency
  Regulators gain real-time visibility of nationwide transactions, improving fraud detection and aiding financial inclusion strategies by identifying underserved areas.
• Boosting Consumer Trust
  Customers gain stronger protection knowing every POS is tied to a verified address, building confidence in digital payments.

Impact on Stakeholders

• Banks & Fintechs
  Institutions face the challenge of upgrading thousands of terminals and registering them within 60 days, requiring both funding and logistics.
• POS Agents & Merchants
  Operators must work strictly within 10 metres of their registered business location, potentially disrupting mobile POS services that move around to serve customers.
• Customers
  Shoppers stand to benefit most, with safer and more transparent transactions in Nigeria’s payment system.

Conclusion

The CBN’s geo-tagging directive is one of the most sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s digital payments landscape. While it presents operational hurdles for banks, fintechs, and agents, it promises stronger security, fraud reduction, and renewed consumer trust in the long run.

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Chief Goodluck Nwaneri, a Director city boy movement, has paid a condolence visit to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at his residence in Abuja, following the passing of his beloved mother, late Mrs. Lydia Toma Yilwatda.

During the visit, Chief Nwaneri expressed his deep sympathy to Prof. Nentawe and the entire Yilwatda family, describing the death of a mother as a painful and irreplaceable loss. He noted that the late Mrs. Lydia Toma Yilwatda lived an exemplary life of faith, humility, and service, evident in the leadership qualities and values instilled in her children.

Chief Nwaneri prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and asked God to grant the APC National Chairman and his family the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss. He also encouraged them to find comfort in the enduring legacy their mother left behind.

He further reaffirmed his solidarity with Prof. Nentawe in this moment of grief, while urging the family to remain strong and united in honoring the life and memory of their departed matriarch.

By Pst Dr Mrs Dayo Ekong, State Chairman, Labour Party, Lagos State

As the State Chairman of the Labour Party in Lagos State, I have watched with growing concern the internal dynamics and external perceptions plaguing our great party.

The Labour Party, once a beacon of hope for the masses, is now grappling with issues that threaten its unity and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape. Chief among these is the meddlesome role and evidently waning influence of our former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. While I respect his contributions and the passion he ignited in 2023, it is time for a candid conversation.

Mr. Obi must recognize the grace that propelled him in the last election cycle—a divine and collective favor from the party and the electorate—and reflect on how his recent actions are eroding that very foundation.

Let us rewind to 2023. Peter Obi enjoyed an extraordinary wave of support, not just from the Labour Party’s structures but from a broad coalition of Nigerians yearning for change. Despite the controversies surrounding the election results, where many believe he was robbed of victory, his outing was undeniably successful. He garnered millions of votes, particularly from the youth and disillusioned voters, because the party rallied behind him, and the electorate saw him as a fresh alternative to the status quo.This grace was a combination of factors: the party’s platform, grassroots mobilization, and a genuine public desire for integrity in leadership. It was this synergy that allowed him to shine brightly, even in defeat.

However, fast-forward to today, and the narrative has shifted. Peter Obi’s influence in the Nigerian polity appears to be waning, as Nigerians grow increasingly tired and wary of what some perceive as inconsistent antics and political maneuvering. His interventions, once seen as principled, now risk being viewed as disruptive and self-serving, alienating allies and diminishing his appeal. This is not mere speculation; it is evident in recent electoral outcomes where his endorsements have failed to deliver victories, signaling a loss of the magnetic pull he once commanded.

Take the 2024 Edo State governorship election as a prime example. Amid internal party tensions, Peter Obi chose to campaign vigorously for Olumide Akpata, pitching his tent against the preferences of the National Working Committee led by Julius Abure, who wanted to adhere to the political leanings of zoning which the Edo electorate tilted towards, but because of his issues with Abure he stood firm behind Akpata.
While Akpata was the official Labour Party candidate, Obi’s involvement highlighted factional rifts, with his support seemingly at odds with key party figures.
The result? Akpata lost woefully to the APC’s Monday Okpebholo, securing only a fraction of the votes despite Obi’s rallies and endorsements in Benin and beyond.This defeat in Edo, a state where Labour had shown promise, underscores how Obi’s influence no longer guarantees electoral success.

Similarly, in the 2023 Imo State gubernatorial election, Obi threw his weight behind Senator Athan Achonu, the Labour Party’s candidate. Achonu, backed by Obi’s visibility and campaign efforts, was positioned as a strong contender against the incumbent, Hope Uzodimma. Yet, the outcome was another resounding loss, with Achonu failing to unseat the APC governor in a landslide defeat. These back-to-back failures in Imo and Edo raise questions about the effectiveness of Obi’s political strategy and whether his touch still carries the transformative power it did in 2023.

The most telling blow came recently in the Anambra State by-elections, particularly in Onitsha—Peter Obi’s own backyard and supposed stronghold. Here, we witnessed his sudden switch of allegiance, embodying the “Labour today, ADC tomorrow” shenanigans that have confused supporters and diluted party loyalty.

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…… the politics of division ethnic, religious, or partisan has slowed Nigeria’s growth for decades. In the digital age, collaboration is the new power

Today, as the world marks International Youth Day, we are reminded that the destiny of nations is not built solely in political chambers or government offices. True progress emerges from the creativity, resilience, and innovation of its people especially its youth.

In Nigeria, a country blessed with one of the largest youth populations in the world, the possibilities extend far beyond politics.

The modern world is evolving at a pace like never before, driven by technology, digital innovation, and global interconnectedness.

For Nigerian youth, this era offers an unprecedented opportunity to lead transformation not just by voting or holding political office, but by shaping industries, influencing culture, and building sustainable systems that outlast election cycles.

Recently, I listened to an elder reflect on Nigeria’s journey. He reminded us that during the Industrial Revolution, our nation missed the opportunity to industrialize at the same pace as other parts of the world. That moment in history has passed but a new one is here. This is the Digital Revolution, and it is the youth’s turn to seize it.

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Redefining Development Beyond the Ballot Box

Politics is important, but it is only one part of national development. Nigeria’s youth must recognize that progress also comes from entrepreneurship, science, technology, the arts, and social innovation.

The future will be shaped by those who can solve real problems whether in agriculture, renewable energy, fintech, health tech, or creative industries. Our role is to channel the same passion often poured into political debates into building solutions: Creating start-ups that employ thousands. Developing apps that solve everyday challenges. Producing films, music, and art that tell authentic Nigerian stories to the world.

Leveraging the Digital Revolution

In a dynamic digital world, the tools for impact are literally at our fingertips. With a smartphone and internet connection, a Nigerian youth can learn artificial intelligence, code a mobile app, sell fashion designs internationally, or run a global awareness campaign from their bedroom. Digital platforms are breaking barriers of geography and capital opening doors for anyone ready to learn, adapt, and innovate.

But this opportunity demands discipline: We must move from just consuming content to creating value-driven content. We must master digital skills that place us in the global economy. We must see technology as a tool for empowerment, not just entertainment.

Collaboration Over Division

The politics of division ethnic, religious, or partisan has slowed Nigeria’s growth for decades. In the digital age, collaboration is the new power. Youth from different regions can co-found tech companies, build joint advocacy platforms, and share resources to solve national problems.

The internet has given us a level playing field now we must use it to bridge divides, amplify each other’s voices, and create networks of mutual growth.

Taking Ownership of the Future

The truth is simple; No one will build the Nigeria we want except us. While we must hold leaders accountable, we cannot wait endlessly for political change before acting. Development is not a spectator sport it requires participation.

We must: Invest in self-education and continuous learning. Practice integrity and accountability in our personal and professional lives. Use our digital influence to inspire progress, not spread misinformation.

Conclusion

“Nigeria Beyond Politics” is not a call to abandon political engagement it is a reminder that politics is only one gear in the engine of national development. As youth, our most potent power lies in our creativity, adaptability, and unity especially in this digital era where a single idea can change millions of lives.

The world is watching. The future is calling. And the time for Nigerian youth to rise beyond politics and build the nation we dream of is now.

Bonaventure Asonye Nwankama is a Digital Media Entrepreneur and Publisher BONA NAIJA (www.bonanaija.com.ng). He is a Digital Transformation Advocate & Trainer. Reach him via email: bonaventure.bc@gmail.com

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