Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Emem Usoro, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and the strengthened collaboration between the Federal Government and the apex bank, saying the partnership is helping to build a more resilient economy.
Usoro spoke at the weekend in Uyo after she was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree during the combined 10th, 11th and 12th convocation ceremony of the University of Uyo. She told the graduating students that the CBN is actively implementing policies to stabilise the economy, avert crises and create opportunities for young Nigerians.
“At the Central Bank of Nigeria, we are working to build a resilient economy that will support your aspirations and position you within a global economy filled with opportunities,” she said. Usoro explained that, in close collaboration with the Federal Government, the Bank has aligned monetary policy with fiscal reforms to deliver exchange rate stability, improved macroeconomic conditions, growth and more inclusive development.
She expressed deep appreciation to the University of Uyo for the honorary degree, describing the recognition from her home state as especially meaningful. “To be honoured by one’s own people is profoundly significant. It affirms that sincere service and diligent work are recognised, even when carried out quietly,” she noted.
The CBN deputy governor thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in her which led to her appointment, and paid tribute to Akwa Ibom State governor Umo Eno for his “unimaginable” support. She also lauded CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso for his “staunch support” and described him as one of her biggest cheerleaders at the Bank.
Usoro further acknowledged Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Visitor to the University of Uyo, for his role in conceiving and nurturing the institution. She said Akpabio’s vision in establishing the university has already begun to yield significant impact across the state and beyond.
Addressing the graduands, she urged them to stay hungry for knowledge and remain curious in a complex, fast changing world. “Do not be afraid to ask questions and do not be apathetic to new knowledge. Always remember that excellence is rarely accidental but is a fruit of preparation, sacrifice, and perseverance,” she advised.
Speaking directly to young women, Usoro warned that they may face additional hurdles as they juggle demanding careers with family and community responsibilities. She encouraged them not to be deterred by visible or invisible barriers, but to keep striving beyond societal and cultural constraints.
About the author
Talent is not enough in music industry, says Tiwa Savage
Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage says talent alone is not enough to succeed in today’s music industry, stressing that opportunity, access and industry knowledge are just as important. The 46 year old singer made the point while speaking about the vision behind her Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, an initiative created to support emerging African creatives with training, exposure and professional guidance. “Music changed my life but talent alone isn’t enough especially when access is limited,” she said, adding that many gifted youths struggle because they lack structure and support. Savage said the foundation, run in partnership with the prestigious Berklee College of Music, is designed to “open people’s eyes to the full scope of what’s possible in music”, beyond just singing or performing. Over 100 participants are set to showcase what they have learned at a grand finale concert in Lagos […]
Kachi Offiah launches ‘Open Spaces’ podcast
Media entrepreneur and TV presenter Kachi Offiah has launched a new long form conversation series titled ‘Open Spaces’, a podcast that explores defining life moments when people step into purpose through uncertainty, faith and personal transformation. Inspired by the biblical verse Genesis 26:22, Offiah describes ‘Open Spaces’ as more than a podcast, but a reflective platform that documents the emotional, spiritual and creative journey of becoming. The show features honest, thought provoking conversations with voices from culture, film, media and faith who have navigated transitions, redefined their identity and embraced new seasons with intention. Explaining her motivation, Offiah said ‘Open Spaces’ was created to capture the moments when “everything shifts”, when people leave behind what is familiar and step into who they are becoming, guided by clarity, courage and trust in the growth process. She stressed that the podcast is […]
How I learned special effects in my dreams – Hakeem Effect
Popular Nollywood special effects artist Onilogbo Hakeem, widely known as Hakeem Effect, has revealed that he first learned his craft through a series of vivid dreams. Hakeem, regarded as one of the industry’s leading prosthetics and special effects creators, said the journey began when a mysterious tall, white figure appeared to him in a dream, placed a hand on his shoulder and asked him to follow. He recalled that the figure asked what talent he had, and when he replied that he could draw, the stranger promised to “announce” him to the world if he was willing to follow. According to Hakeem, the same dream kept recurring as he joined a church choir and later a drama group, where he was unexpectedly assigned to provide special effects despite not knowing what the term meant at the time. While he worried […]
Atletico Madrid suffer fresh injury scare ahead Arsenal UCL showdown
Atletico Madrid have suffered a new injury concern after midfielder Pablo Barrios limped off during their 3–2 La Liga win over Athletic Club just days before their Champions League semi final showdown with Arsenal. Barrios was restored to the starting lineup on Saturday as Diego Simeone rotated his squad following the recent defeat to Elche, with the coach clearly managing minutes ahead of the European tie. However, the youngster was unable to complete the game and had to be substituted shortly before the hour mark, making way for Johnny Cardoso. The club later confirmed that Barrios felt muscular discomfort in his left thigh, with further medical tests scheduled to determine the extent of the problem. The manner of his withdrawal and his visible discomfort on the pitch have raised serious doubts over his availability for both legs of the semi […]
Osimhen cleared to face Fenerbahçe in title defining Istanbul derby
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been cleared to play in Sunday’s high stakes Istanbul derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe after concerns over his protective arm brace were dismissed by Turkish football authorities. Osimhen featured in Galatasaray’s midweek defeat to Gençlerbirliği wearing the brace, which he has been using for protection following a recent arm injury. Fenerbahçe subsequently lodged an official complaint with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), arguing that the gear could pose a danger to opposing players. After reviewing the case, the federation rejected Fenerbahçe’s protest and confirmed that the brace had been medically approved. Officials said all necessary consultations were carried out before Osimhen was authorised to use the support in competitive matches. Fenerbahçe’s unease is understood to be tied to the importance of the derby in the tight Super Lig title race. Galatasaray currently hold a […]
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe smashes marathon barrier with historic sub two hour run in London
Kenyan distance star Sabastian Sawe has become the first athlete in history to run an official marathon in under two hours, winning the London Marathon in a stunning time of 1:59:30. Sawe, the defending champion, broke clear of Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in the closing stages after the pair had battled shoulder to shoulder deep into the race. Kejelcha, competing in his debut marathon, also dipped under the magical barrier with 1:59:41, while Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo finished third in 2:00:28. All three men ran faster than the previous world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago in 2023. “We started the race well and at the end of the race I was feeling strong,” Sawe said after the finish. “Finally reaching the line, I saw the time and I was so excited to see I had run […]
Related
Businessman excretes 45 cocaine wraps as NDLEA seizes Captagon in Kwara
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says a 33 year old businessman has excreted 45 wraps of cocaine after he was intercepted on a commercial bus in Oyo State, just as operatives seized a fresh consignment of the terror drug Captagon and other hard drugs in Kwara and several other states. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said in a statement that the latest Captagon bust came almost five years after the agency recorded Africa’s first seizure of the amphetamine pill at Apapa seaport in Lagos. Operatives on patrol along Bode Saadu road in Kwara State on April 21 stopped a trailer conveying passengers and recovered 10 packs of Captagon containing 10,000 pills and nine packets of Tapentadol 250mg from 33 year old suspect Nasiru Mu’azu. Babafemi described Captagon as a tiny, highly addictive pill widely abused in the Middle East […]
NAF airstrikes destroy terrorists’ hideouts in North East
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed terrorists’ hideouts in Ali Sheriffti, a notorious enclave in the southern Tumbuns of the North East. NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said in a statement that the strikes were conducted on April 24 after air assets, acting on credible intelligence, carried out focused surveillance over the area. Several insurgents were sighted moving along concealed tracks before being traced to structures hidden under dense foliage in what he described as a deliberate concealment effort. “Following positive identification, the NAF executed a precise strike, engaging the structures with onboard munitions,” Ejodame explained. He said the operation achieved its objective, with the terrorists’ structures destroyed and their capability and freedom of movement in the area further degraded. The NAF spokesperson stressed that the strikes underscore the Force’s commitment to intelligence led, precision driven operations aimed […]
High Court rules FCCPC can probe customers’ complaints against banks, other financial institutions
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has the power to investigate consumers’ complaints against banks and other financial institutions. The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, dismissed a suit filed by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, which had challenged the Commission’s jurisdiction in matters involving a commercial bank licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). UBA’s case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1972/2025, was thrown out in its entirety and the bank was fined N2 million for filing what the judge described as a frivolous and unmeritorious action. FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, hailed the judgment as “a big victory for bank customers,” saying it strengthens advocacy for consumer rights in the financial sector. In its statement signed by Corporate Affairs Director Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission explained […]
Alleged coup: Military inaugurates general court martial, begins trial of suspects
The Nigerian military has inaugurated a general court martial to try officers accused in an alleged coup plot, formally kicking off internal trial proceedings months after their arrest. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused personnel were brought under tight security to the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, where the court martial is sitting. Journalists were barred from entering the courtroom, with the session held behind closed doors. Several civilian lawyers were seen arriving at the venue ahead of the inauguration, indicating that the officers are being represented by external counsel. The sitting marks the start of the military’s disciplinary process following investigations into the alleged plot. The case dates back to October 2025, when about 16 serving military personnel, including senior and junior officers, were arrested over alleged acts of indiscipline. Subsequent investigations reportedly […]
APC targets rancour free primaries with revised timetable
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled a revised timetable for its primaries and says it is working towards rancour free exercises across the states ahead of the next general election. The move followed a major consultation meeting at the Presidential Villa between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC governors, where they reviewed preparations for the party’s candidate selection process. From tomorrow, the party’s national secretariat and state offices are expected to come alive with the commencement of sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to all eligible party members. The APC also confirmed that its electronic membership register has been transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in line with the Electoral Act, which restricts participation in primaries to members on the list. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other party leaders say early submission of the register […]
Nigerian officials involved in killing of Christians — US Senator Ted Cruz
United States senator Ted Cruz has alleged that some Nigerian government officials are complicit in attacks against Christians in the country. Cruz made the claim during a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing on Washington’s counterterrorism strategy in Africa, where he described Nigeria as the country with the highest number of Christians killed because of their faith. He said that since 2009, more than 50,000 Christians have been killed and over 20,000 churches, schools and other religious buildings destroyed. “Nigerian officials have been, unfortunately, complicit in facilitating these atrocities,” he told the hearing, linking part of the violence to the operation of Sharia law in some northern states and criticising what he called the slow response of Nigerian authorities to insecurity. Cruz recalled earlier meetings with Nigerian defence and security officials, saying they had promised to tackle the violence but […]
Be the first to leave a comment