John Chuma Nwosu, candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the November 8, Anambra State Governorship Election, on Monday, joined other faithful in the Catholic Church across the world to celebrate Valerian Maduka Okeke, the Archbishop of Onitsha and the Metropolitan, on the day the renowned cleric turned 72.

Nwosu, himself a staunch Catholic, former Seminarian and Assistant Secretary to Francis Cardinal Arinze, who was a one-time Archbishop of the same diocese, before moving to the Vatican, where he is now one of the top leaders in the church, declared that Okeke, remained not only a true servant, but an example of God’s voice on earth.

He wrote: “Today, I join the Catholic faithful across the globe and the entire Christian community in Nigeria to celebrate His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, the Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan, on the glorious occasion of his 72nd Birthday Celebration.

“Your Grace, you are a perfect example that God indeed manifests Himself in diverse ways. You represent a demonstrable illustration of selflessness, piety, humility and holiness and through you, God has once again shown that the tortuous way of the cross will eventually manifest in the triumph of humanity.

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“Your life of devotion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the service of God and humanity stands as a shining example of true leadership — the kind that inspires us to build a more just, peaceful, and progressive society. You have been a moral compass to our people, guiding us towards values that uplift and unite.

“As we celebrate you today, I am reminded that the kind of selfless service you embody is exactly what our beloved Anambra needs — leadership rooted in compassion, faith, and integrity. It is this same spirit that fuels my commitment to serve our people under the great umbrella of African Democratic Congress (ADC). You are indeed a custodian of faith, a messenger of God, a gift to humanity.

“May God continue to bless and keep you, Your Grace, granting you long life, strength, and divine wisdom to shepherd His flock and to keep inspiring a generation of leaders determined to build a better future.

“Your life remains a light to Anambra and beyond. Congratulations once again. Happy birthday, Your Grace!

“With deepest respect and warm regards.”

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John Chuma Nwosu (ADC Gubernatorial Candidate )

Kenyan activist and pan-African advocate Patrick Lumumba has condemned the continent’s chronic inability to deliver reliable electricity to its population.

Speaking at Lagos’ 2025 Independence Day Lecture and Awards Night, Lumumba warned that unreliable power infrastructure undermines Africa’s potential for economic advancement.

The prominent rights campaigner voiced exasperation over Africa’s struggle to maintain consistent electrical supply and questioned why such fundamental infrastructure remains inadequate.

“Electricity is not rocket science, yet for some reason we are unable to supply stable electricity.

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“Who cursed us? Who bewitched us that we cannot do what must be done? These are the questions,” Lumumba said.

He characterized the continent’s power situation as intermittent, observing that blackouts typically occur within sixty minutes in hotels and public facilities.

Lumumba argued that Africa’s industrial objectives and Continental Free Trade Area ambitions cannot materialize without dependable energy infrastructure.

The vocal academic maintained that Nigeria must take charge of Africa’s economic renaissance given its scale and natural endowments.

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“Nigeria should be the leader economically. When Nigeria debates with South Africa or Egypt over size of economies, I laugh,” he said.

He likened the competition to “a debate between two dwarfs as to which is taller.”

Lumumba stated Nigeria should aim for a two-trillion-dollar economy, asserting the nation possesses everything necessary to reach that milestone.

“What does Nigeria not have? Is the oil produced in Nigeria different from that in Saudi Arabia or Qatar?” he asked.

He contended Nigeria should spearhead continental energy integration through cross-border pipelines and infrastructure development but cautioned that constant complaints impede advancement.

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“We have allowed ourselves to be paralysed by analysis and lamentations. I want to see Nigeria grow in education and economy,” Lumumba said.

Lumumba highlighted Nigeria’s significance to Africa’s trajectory due to its demographic weight and intellectual resources.

“The reason why she (Nigeria) must lead is because out of every five Africans, one is a Nigerian.

“With 300 million people in her territory, and possibly 350 million if counted properly, Nigeria must rise to its duty,”

He condemned recurring strikes in academia, stating that Nigerian universities should draw African students and earn income through educational services. Lumumba also called for Nigeria to reestablish its national carrier, contending that aviation is essential for continental unity.

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“If there were no ASUU strikes, we would be coming to Ibadan, Nsukka and Lagos School of Business.

“How can Nigeria be a country without an airline? It can be done. Air Peace and Ibom Air show it is possible,” he said.

Lumumba advocated for eliminating visa requirements between African nations, particularly for entry into Nigeria, which he termed Africa’s spiritual center.

“I look forward to the day I come to Nigeria and am not asked for a visa,” he declared.

The campaigner reminded his audience that independence-era African nations were structured by design to encounter difficulties.

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“It is incumbent on us to remember that the post-colonial African states were designed to fail,” he warned.

He suggested former colonial powers in European capitals anticipate African breakdown to validate their expectations.

“The fact that we are celebrating 65 years of independence shows we have refused to fulfil their predictions,” Lumumba said.

He observed that other formerly colonized territories have achieved superior development, challenging Nigeria to champion transformation.

Lumumba cautioned that peace eludes much of Africa, referencing active conflicts and displacement crises.

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“Go to Sudan, there is war and 3.5 million internally displaced persons. Somalia is not at ease,” he noted.

He referenced turmoil in Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, southern Cameroon, and insurgency-affected northern Nigerian territories.

“The reality is an island in a sea of sorrow and desperation,” Lumumba said, urging leaders to move beyond perpetual complaints.

“Our young men and women are asking what we, the aged, will give them,” he cautioned.

He urged African governments to overhaul healthcare systems, economic structures, and governance to deliver a unified and prosperous continent.

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“We have lamented for too long and agonised for too long. The time has come to act,” Lumumba concluded.

Stock market participants in Nigeria gained N1.811 trillion during September 2025, driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s continuing monetary adjustments, which have boosted trust among investors.

Experts point out that the CBN’s recent cut in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 27% from 27.5% has heightened demand for stock investments, prompting shifts from fixed-income options toward equities.

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Reviewing activity at the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) for the month, market capitalization—which reflects the overall worth of listed investments—rose by more than N1.811 trillion, reaching N90.580 trillion compared to N88.769 trillion at the end of August.

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The NGX All Share Index (ASI), a primary benchmark, also climbed 1.7% to 142,710.48 points from 140,295.50 points.

Observers attribute the uptick to revived enthusiasm for major large-capitalization shares. The recovery combined profit realization from prior declines with new investments in solid companies, as participants prepared for upcoming local and international events that could influence the market.

Overall mood was shaped by forecasts of company results, positive outlooks in specific sectors, and economic indicators, fostering a balanced yet optimistic environment.

On Tuesday, the NGX ASI ended higher, up 0.23% at 142,710.48 points, with market capitalization adding N445.2 billion to hit N90.58 trillion. Strong purchasing in stocks like ARADEL (up 9.82%), Fidelity Bank (5.26%), Nigerian Breweries (2.38%), and Transcorp (8.48%) propelled the gains.

That said, trading volume tilted negative, with 31 stocks declining against 28 that advanced.

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Analysts from InvestData Consulting Limited observed: “Looking ahead, the equities market appears poised for a cautious continuation of the recovery. Macro-economic factors such as domestic inflation trends, exchange rate volatility, and policy developments will remain critical in shaping market sentiment, alongside global cues such as crude oil prices and international risk appetite.”