Author: gqSbgCfmna

Actress Adeola Yusuf Kafirat Omashalewa, popularly known as Basira Beere, has shared details of her experiences with pregnancy losses and challenges in her marital life.

Speaking in a recent interview on Oyinmomo TV, the actress said she was misinformed about marriage while growing up, noting that she had believed it revolved solely around sex due to what her parents told her.

Beere disclosed that she has suffered four pregnancy losses, including one she was initially unaware of, and recounted a difficult experience involving a man she said deceived her.

She also spoke about the emotional toll of these experiences, admitting she continues to grapple with the trauma.

She said, ‘My parents really misled me. How do I even begin to recount the number of times I’ve had sex? It’s not possible to have been married to these men without them having sex with me. I believed marriage was for sex, not for learning. To me, the ‘lesson’ in marriage was having sex morning and night.

‘I was once pregnant without knowing, because I was still having my period. I was deceived by flowers on the 14th of February. When I later discovered I was pregnant, they summoned the man responsible, and he admitted he already knew. His mother had even suspected it from observing my legs when I visited their house. I have lost four pregnancies’, she said.

The road to the 2026 Osun governorship election is narrowing as visions, hopes and aspirations become clearer. Amidst claims, insinuations, and strategic calculations, choices are coming into sharper focus. Pundits and far-sighted sages are already donning their binoculars to view the upcoming contest through a sincere perspective.

The recently amended Electoral Act has moved the polls to August 15 this year, rather than the earlier date of August 8. Gladiators and their respective parties are hoping for the best prospects from the festival of democracy slated for that date. Speculations vary widely, and opinions differ as to how events will play out and what results the elections will produce at the end of the day.

One thing is clear: predicting how candidates will fare in elections is always a hard nut to crack. The truth that must be told well ahead of the polls is that the most favored candidate will not require ‘padding,’ ballot-stuffing, or any fraudulent gimmicks to emerge.

The clear choice of the people will prevail in determining the next helmsman of Osun in the full glare of all stakeholders and the entire world.

This year’s edition of ‘Osun Decides’ will be the fourth in the series of off-cycle elections held to determine who holds the reins of power in the state. The first was held in 2014, following the first tenure of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, whose mandate was initially secured through the Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan. That 2014 election was clouded by dicey issues and pre-election speculation, largely because the party at the centre, the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) was different from the then-metamorphosed All Progressives Congress (APC). The rest is history; Aregbesola won, and that era produced a successor in 2018.

Going down the memory lane, the baton changed four years later as the electorate opted for a different path. The incumbent governor, for reasons better shelved for another write-up, will be slugging it out for a second tenure under the platform of the Accord Party.

As the situation stands today, one characteristic that often plays out in the Nigerian body politic ahead of significant elections is the expectation that the party at the centre will throw its weight around forcefully to install its candidate. This was the same expectation in 2014, but the will of the people prevailed.

All indications today point to a high possibility that the APC candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji – popularly known as AMBO – will emerge victorious from the contest. The factors making this proposition realistic are many, and they subsist firmly with elements of certainty.

AMBO has rendered a stellar account of himself through his retinue of antecedents. He performed excellently in his first major public engagement in Osun as the Chief Executive of the Osun Investment Company (OSICOL). As a fantastic administrator, he transformed the utility not only by broadening its capital base but also by making it a household name, providing essential needs at affordable prices. The feats recorded by this corporate magnate at

Osun Investments crossed the borders of Osun into other Southwestern states and neighbouring Kwara and Niger states.

On the heels of this performance, he served as a commissioner for two consecutive terms under two successive governors. His steadfast stance as a political juggernaut and his constancy with the progressives – coupled with his unwavering support for progressive ideologies – have endeared him to the hearts of the electorate, not just within the APC but across all political divides.

Beyond the political front, AMBO is a pious, practising Muslim who has put his influence behind activities aimed at promoting the faith, while never undermining the interests of other religions. Oyebamiji became popular across faiths without a taint of discrimination. A philanthropist par excellence, he has influenced student bodies, trade groups, and professional associations through his magnanimity. Unlike many who scramble for office, his current quest was born out of popular demand.

Until recently, Oyebamiji served as the Chief Executive of the National Inland Waterways

Authority (NIWA). Rendering a brilliant account of himself in this role, he intervened copiously in the wave of boat mishaps across the nation. The rate of water-related calamities was significantly reduced under his careful watch. He was a conspicuous mover and shaker in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prior to his resignation to contest the Osun polls.

Even in the pursuit of this ‘AMBO-for-Governor’ mission, he stands tall as a ‘jolly fine’ politician, building bridges and mending fences. His human relations skills are fantastic.

Within the APC, he has extended an olive branch to those who contested the ticket with him.

Outside the party, he is loved by a multitude of voters who will not hesitate to endorse him come August 15.

His acceptance across all districts is intimidating. His milk of kindness drew civil servants to him during his nearly eight-year stint as Commissioner for Finance. Furthermore, his relationship with the traditional palaces and local communities is deep. In his hometown, Ikire, and throughout the Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade axis, Oyebamiji is clearly the ‘apple of the eye.’

No doubt about it, ‘Osun guber 2026’ will come and go, but what remains for Osun will be beyond mere winning. The enigma that is Bola Oyebamiji is a promise of service. Having been part and parcel of earlier administrations, he is not a ‘fresher.’

AMBO will hit the ground running, picking up a job he has long prepared for, adding immensely to the prosperity of the people.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has warned against attempts to disrupt the pipeline surveillance operations handled by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), urging the Federal Government to sustain the current security arrangement in the Niger Delta.

In a statement issued on March 27, 2026, and signed by its spokesman, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, the group said no individual or group should be allowed to undermine what it described as the ‘measurable achievements’ of Tantita in combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

The council called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain steadfast and resist pressures to alter the pipeline surveillance contract, warning against what it termed ‘orchestrated campaigns’ by vested interests.

The reconciliation talks between the two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have hit the brickwalls after the Tanimu Turaki led group vowed yesterday that it would have nothing to do with tomorrow’s national convention planned by the Abdulrahman Muhammad /Nyesom Wike faction.

The Turaki group said although it remains open to reconciliation, it has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court against the recent judgement of the Court of Appeal which voided the November 2025 National Convention in Ibadan.

The National Executive Committee of the faction held an emergency meeting in Abuja yesterday to review its status.

Its National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong told reporters at the end of the meeting that it was not aware of the national convention being planned by the rival side.

But Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike said the national convention would proceed as scheduled.

Ememobong said the Turaki faction was seeking peace in the interest of the party and its members who are interested in contesting elective offices in 2027.

He was optimistic that their decision to head to the Supreme Court would not affect the ongoing reconciliation efforts.

Major decisions taken ‘in utmost good faith’ at yesterday’s meeting, according to him, were:to explore reconciliation, appeal the judgement of the Court of Appeal at the Supreme Court, to take necessary steps to ensure the success of the on-going e-registration and to ensure that the party is on the ballot.

‘I can confirm to you that the appeal has not just been filed, that appeal has been entered in the Supreme Court and all the concomitant applications, applications for accelerated hearing and all of that have also been filed,’ he said.

Continuing, Ememobong said:’But what we said is that the filing of this appeal does not inhibit the reconciliation processes. The moment agreeable terms are met, parties will withdraw their cases. I mean, courts are usually very happy when parties approach them for discontinuance or withdrawal. So that appeal has been filed and other subsequent legal actions have been taken to protect the position of the party.’

On the reconciliation talks, the spokesman said: ‘We do know that reconciliation is a journey towards a destination and you measure it by movement. So, movement is being done along that line. The destination of reconciliation will be met and you can bear with me that we have a situation of negative peace at the moment, at least a cessation of hostility.

‘You’re not finding both sides trading blames and hot tackles. You’re finding de-escalation in rhetoric, hurtful rhetoric and the rest. What is there is that the journey of reconciliation is on course. The bus has left the station, the train has left the station, but has it arrived at reconciliation? No. Has it passed some bus stations and train stations? The answer is yes.

‘Do we want that in public? The answer is no, because we do not pretend that there are no people within and outside who do not want this peace to be. If we let them understand the milestones that we have achieved, it means they know the next bus or train station to wait for us.

‘So it’s best that the next time you hear from us, you’ll hear that we have arrived at the destination. How we arrived, whether by helicopter, by plane, would become immaterial, provided it is legal.

‘Remember that this reconciliation is made to strengthen the party and the party at this point is an opposition party, it’s not a ruling party. It is not to make the Peoples Democratic Party an appendage of any other party. It is made to strengthen it as an opposition party and a party aligning with the disposition and interest of Nigerians, which is the provision of an alternative to the ruling party.

‘So time is clearly an issue and both parties are working along with time as a condition. Irrespective of what both parties are doing independently on their own, it doesn’t affect the reconciliation. When the reconciliation happens eventually, the terms of the reconciliation will determine whether what was done and the things that were done have reached the destination.

On the alleged uncompromising stance of the other faction, Ememobong said: ‘like I said, negotiation is a destination and a journey. At the point where negotiation begins, you’ll see that people come to negotiations with hard-line positions. But the beauty of negotiation is in the ceding of grounds and time is a critical element in negotiation.

‘You find that parties who never sat before begin to sit. That negotiation is going somewhere immediately, parties previously opposed to sitting together agree to sit. You can see that between November and today, that negotiation alone has created people who haven’t sat together, people who haven’t greeted each other. So it is the element of time to achieve the purpose of this negotiation, which is an agreeable consensus and even within the limit of time.

‘It is only God who can give an answer whether the negotiation will eventually work or not. Only God can give that answer. But our duty is to act in utmost good faith towards that destination because at the end of the day, men must be men and God must be God.’

He said his group was unaware of any national convention taking place tomorrow.

‘There’s no convention coming up to our knowledge,’ he said.

He added: ‘ But we will not begin to deconstruct that because that would be an inconvenient truth. And we cannot be saying those inconvenient truths at these points in public.

‘Those are things we are discussing together. It’s like having a wife and someone comes to claim your wife. The wife knows whose wife she is.

‘My people say that the owner of a thing does not drag it too much. If you see our disposition, it is because at the end, we hope that we can get to an agreeable situation so that our people can find a solid political platform to run. Let me tell you, we have been speaking against the concept of mutually assured destruction.

‘People across the board do know that unless we come to a point of agreement, people running for elections will not be sure of the platforms they are running with. And that is what we want to avoid. We are clearly speaking against mutually assured destruction.’

Addressing the NEC meeting earlier, Chairman of the National Working Committee, Alhaji Turaki (SAN) said ‘all hope is not lost’ in reconciling the two factions.

He said: ‘It’s also important for me to inform us that every conceivable effort is being made by the leadership to ensure that PDP is on the ballot in all the elections in 2027.

‘It’s also my pleasure to inform us also that the leadership is assiduously working round the clock to ensure that the PDP remains a veritable platform for all our members wishing to contest elections, both in 2027 and beyond. We feel that to whom much is given, much is expected.

‘For us, all hope is not lost. Indeed, no hope is lost. We must therefore beat our chest and be very proud that PDP is the only party in Nigeria that belongs to Nigerian people.

‘Nobody and no group of people can stand up and say, this is our party. We have lost former presidents, we’ve lost former vice presidents, serving and former governors and members of the National Assembly, but that has not affected the survival of this party in any way. So, PDP will still continue to exist by the special grace of God because PDP has become an institution as far as democracy in Nigeria is concerned.’

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde was not at the meeting.

He reportedly sent his apologies.

PDP national convention ‘ll hold as scheduled, Wike insists; group opts for consensus

However, FCT minister, Nyesom Wike said the national convention of the PDP will take place tomorrow and Monday as scheduled.

He told reporters after inspecting some projects in Abuja yesterday that discussions on reconciliation could continue after the convention, adding that holding the convention would not necessarily preclude reconciliation.

His words: ‘the PDP national convention will go on as planned. Nobody will stop us.’

He insisted that there’s no faction in PDP but only aggrieved members.

Wike said that he had met with Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi over the planned convention and told him that the convention had to go on.

‘People are angry, yes. When a child is angry, well, you will try to see how you can pacify him, but that does not mean that you will allow the child to destroy the house that you have built,’ he said.

Faction opts for consensus, retains caretaker leadership

The Nation gathered yesterday that the Abdulrahaman Muhammad/Wike faction has resolved to bring in all members of the party’s National Caretaker Working Committee under a wholesale consensus option at tomorrow’s convention.

Sources named former Caretaker National Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and three-time former member of House of Representatives, Hon Teejay Yusuf – as persons strongly tipped by some party stakeholders for the purpose of actualizing a strong reconciliation and rebuilding process.

But it was understood that Wike and other leaders may have settled for the retention of the NCWS leadership.

Neither Makarfi nor Yusuf had requested for nomination or support last night but supporters, including a highly-visible female Senator who strongly canvassed support for Hon Teejay Yusuf, are said to favour one of them.

Screening of aspirants vying for national positions at the National Convention began in Abuja on Thursday and ended yesterday.

The exercise was conducted by the Screening Committee led by House Minority Leader, Hon Kingsley Chinda.

Earlier, the party had accepted the report of the Zoning Committee led by a former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi and Hon Teejay Yusuf which allocated party national positions to various states and geo-political zones, based on past zoning arrangements and consultations, with emphasis on clear zoning arrangements as core of the party’s search for unity and balance.

It was gathered that few top party stakeholders, including Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde who were unable to present nominees for positions allocated to their state before a reconciliation effort led by former Senate President, Bukola Saraki began to take root, are to be allowed to play significant roles in determining the party’s candidates for various positions in the 2027 general elections.

Party official documents sighted by The Nation showed that the zoning of national elective positions along zonal patterns for the national convention is being done as follows:

A. NORTH

National Chairman – North Central

Deputy National Chairman (North) – North East

National Organizing Secretary – North West

National Legal Adviser ~ North Central

National Youth Leader – North West

National Publicity Secretary ~ North East

Deputy National Financial Secretary – North East

Deputy National Women Leader – North East

Deputy National Auditor – North East

Deputy National Treasurer – North West

B. SOUTH

1. Deputy National Chairman (South) – South South

2. National Secretary ~ South East

3. Deputy National Secretary – South West

4. National Financial Secretary ~ South South

5. National Treasurer ~South West

6. National Auditor ~ South East

7. National Women Leader – South West

8. Deputy National Organizing Secretary ~ South South

9. Deputy National Legal Adviser – South East

10. Deputy National Youth Leader – South South

11. Deputy National Publicity Secretary – South East

In addition to these positions, each of the six geo-political zones is to produce a National Vice chairman.

‘Zoning remains vital to equity, unity, and stability within the party; the above distribution reflects the outcome of the Committee’s extensive consultations and deliberations,’ the Zoning Committee said.

Ibadan convention worsened PDP crisis ,says Saraki

Reviewing the PDP crisis,former Senate President Bukola Saraki said his warning against the Ibadan national convention was ignored by the Turaki faction.

He said the convention has now worsened the crisis in the party.

‘I screamed, I shouted at that time, and said, ‘look, don’t let us go and do this convention. The best thing for us at this point in time is let us have a caretaker committee,’ Saraki who headed the PDP reconciliation committee prior to the Ibadan convention said on Channels Television on Thursday.

He added:’I made a statement. There was a special committee set up. They came and I told them my advice is that we should not go to that convention.

‘We should have a caretaker committee because it was clearly the best solution for us, and that if we did that, we would have avoided this issue of different factions. Unfortunately, they did not heed that advice.

‘The purpose of going to Ibadan for any convention was for everybody to be on board and agree on what we were going to do when we got there, and meet all the criteria that had been demanded.

‘There was the issue of congresses in some states that had not been conducted. There were also talks about who should take which positions across the zones. So, when you go to those conventions, it should be affirmation-you should have resolved issues behind the scenes.

‘We said, ‘Don’t go to Ibadan. Don’t go to that convention’. There was no point going. Instead, let us form a caretaker committee. If we had done that, we would not have this crisis.

‘Before that, we were not in court. There were not these kinds of cases against different parts of the party until after the Ibadan convention.’

Saraki hinted yesterday that he would be part of tomorrow’s convention.

He confirmed on his Facebook wall that he received a delegation led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed ahead of the convention.

He said:’As we prepare for the Official Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Nigeria National Convention this Sunday, I received members of the National Caretaker Working Committee this evening, led by Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, alongside the Caretaker Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, who came by to appreciate the role I’ve played in the ongoing reconciliation efforts within our party.’

Fresh signs of renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial system have emerged, with about 28 per cent of ongoing bank recapitalisation investments sourced from foreign investors, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed.

The development, unveiled during the CBN Special Day at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair, highlights a growing international vote of confidence in Nigeria’s reform-driven financial sector.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations at the apex bank, Mrs. Sidi Ali Hakama, said the recapitalisation exercise due to close March 31, 2026, is progressing steadily, with 34 banks already meeting the new capital thresholds.

She stressed that the level of foreign participation is a strong endorsement of ongoing reforms. ‘About 28 per cent of recapitalisation investments are coming from foreign sources, reflecting renewed confidence in Nigeria’s financial system,’ she said.

Hakama attributed the renewed confidence to sweeping reforms under the leadership of Olayemi Cardoso, particularly in the foreign exchange market.

According to her, ‘the reforms have increased transparency and liquidity in the FX market, with a new FX manual removing many restrictive capital controls and simplifying trade and investment procedures.’

It was truly a privilege to serve on the Convention Planning Committee for the 4th Elective National Convention of the All Progressives Congress held at Eagles Square in Abuja. Being part of such a well-organised, seamless and purposeful event was both fulfilling and inspiring. The level of coordination, attention to detail and commitment from everyone involved reflects the strength and maturity the party has built over the years. I must sincerely commend the leadership and every individual who contributed to making the Convention a success.

More importantly, I was genuinely excited listening to the speech delivered by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It was not just a political address. It was a clear policy statement, a reflection of governance priorities and a roadmap for where the country is headed. What stood out was the balance between honesty about challenges and confidence in the direction of reforms.

From a policy point of view, the President’s speech strongly emphasised unity as the foundation for progress. This is not just political language. It reflects an understanding that policy implementation in a country like Nigeria requires cooperation across regions, institutions and political interests. Without unity, even the best policies fail at execution stage. By placing unity at the centre, the President is signalling that governance success depends on collective responsibility, not just government action.

Another important theme in the speech was institutional strengthening. The President made it clear that the party was not created merely as a vehicle for winning elections, but as a platform for national transformation. This aligns with a policy direction that prioritises strong institutions over individuals. When institutions work properly, policies become sustainable, transparent and more effective over time.

On democracy and political competition, the President’s position was quite instructive. He openly rejected the idea of a one party state and acknowledged the importance of a credible opposition. From a governance perspective, this is critical because strong opposition improves policy quality. It forces the government to think deeper, defend its decisions and remain accountable to the people. This reinforces democratic stability and policy credibility both locally and internationally.

The section addressing the Electoral Act also reflects a commitment to rule of law and due process. By highlighting that the law went through legislative scrutiny and public participation, the President is reinforcing the legitimacy of the electoral framework. This is important for investor confidence and political stability, as credible elections are the backbone of a functioning democracy.

One of the most significant parts of the speech was the explanation of the Renewed Hope Agenda as a governing philosophy rather than just a campaign slogan. This distinction matters. It shows that policies being implemented are not random or reactive, but guided by a clear framework. The emphasis on difficult but necessary reforms, such as removing unsustainable subsidies and correcting economic distortions, reflects a long term approach to economic management.

The President’s economic policy direction came out strongly in his discussion of reforms and results. He highlighted improvements in infrastructure, including roads, seaports and airports. These are not just physical projects. They are productivity enablers that reduce the cost of doing business, improve trade and support economic growth.

He also spoke about tax and fiscal reforms. This is a key policy area because government revenue determines the ability to fund development. By reforming the tax system, the government is trying to create a more efficient and fair structure that supports growth while increasing revenue.

Another important policy signal was the focus on social investment programmes. This shows an awareness that reforms can be difficult for citizens in the short term. Social programmes help cushion the impact and ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind. This balance between reform and social protection is critical for sustainable policy success.

The President also touched on macroeconomic stability. He mentioned improvements in foreign exchange buffers, trade surpluses, declining inflation and growing investor confidence. These indicators suggest that the policy direction is beginning to stabilise the economy. Stability is important because it creates a predictable environment for businesses, investors and households.

Energy and electricity challenges were also acknowledged openly. This is important because power remains one of Nigeria’s biggest structural problems. The proposed establishment of the Grid Asset Management Company shows a policy move towards restructuring and investment in transmission infrastructure. Addressing this issue will have wide impact across industries, job creation and overall economic performance.

Another strong policy area in the speech was youth inclusion. The President did not just describe young people as the future, but emphasised their role as present day contributors and decision makers. This is a shift towards more inclusive governance, where policies are shaped with active youth participation. Given Nigeria’s demographics, this is both necessary and strategic.

Similarly, his message to women reflects a policy direction towards gender inclusion. Expanding opportunities for women in leadership and governance is not just about fairness. It improves decision making, strengthens institutions and contributes to economic development. Empowering women is widely recognised as a key driver of national progress.

The President also focused on internal party democracy and discipline. While this may seem political, it has policy implications. Strong party structures often translate into more organised governance, clearer policy direction and better accountability within government systems.

His closing message about integrity, leadership and responsibility for those elected at the Convention reinforces the importance of ethical governance. Policies can only succeed when leaders implement them with sincerity, discipline and a sense of responsibility to the people.

Overall, the speech presents a government that is focused on long term reforms, institutional strength, economic stability and inclusive growth. It acknowledges challenges but frames them as part of a necessary transition towards a stronger and more resilient Nigeria.

It was an address that combined political messaging with clear policy direction, and it leaves a strong sense that the administration is committed to staying the course, improving systems and delivering measurable progress for Nigerians.

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd (PINL), the surveillance contractor for the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), has cautioned that any team found involved in sabotage risks contract termination and legal action.

Dr Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Relations, gave the warning during a meeting with host communities in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He highlighted a rise in vandalism and crude oil theft along the pipeline.

Mezeh noted that preliminary investigations into two recent oil theft incidents indicate a ‘coordinated conspiracy,’ and emphasized that all responsible parties will be held accountable once the investigation concludes.

His words, ‘we’re currently faced with an unpleasant situation, and I must use this opportunity to sound a strong warning to all our contractors and surveillance teams. Recently, at Atali axis – zone 4, two tankers were intercepted while attempting to load crude. It was only through the effectiveness of our backup intelligence system that this operation was foiled, otherwise, those trucks would have successfully loaded.

‘Preliminary findings point to a possible coordinated conspiracy. Let me be clear, once investigations are concluded, everyone found culpable will be brought to justice, and no one will be spared.

‘Furthermore, in Bayelsa State, at Otukpoti axis zone 9, we recorded yet another case of sabotage arising from negligence on the part of our surveillance guards. This is unacceptable. Let this serve as a clear and firm warning to all contractors and operatives that, any act of negligence, compromise, or collusion will not be tolerated.

Continuing, ‘ Going forward, any contractor found wanting will not only lose their contract but will also face full prosecution under the law. At the same time, we must continue to strengthen collaboration. The community intelligence systems have significantly enhanced information flow and improved response times’.

He promised to sustain advocacy for the provision of floating petrol and gas stations in riverine communities in Bayelsa state.

He called for enhanced collaboration between host communities, security agencies, government institutions, and pipeline operators to ensure success of securing critical national assets.

He said, ‘At PINL, we hold firmly to one guiding principle-Community Partnership is National Security. When Communities Protect Infrastructure, they Protect Livelihoods, National Revenue, and the Future of our Country’.

Mezeh highlighted the role of the nation’s energy sector in national development and economic stability.

‘According to the latest operational report released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the national oil company recorded a profit after tax of N385 billion in January 2026, generating N2.571 trillion in revenue and remitting N726 billion to the Federation Account during the same period after 1.64 million barrels per day production.

‘These figures demonstrate renewed operational efficiency and improved performance across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. This improvement was driven largely by the successful completion of maintenance operations at key onshore facilities.

‘Nigeria also recorded encouraging progress in natural gas production, which increased to 7,283 million standard cubic feet per day, compared to 6,914 million standard cubic feet per day recorded in December 2025. Gas sales strengthened as well, reaching approximately 4,978 million standard cubic feet per day, reflecting improved supply to power plants, industrial consumers, and export markets’.

Mezeh said the firm will remain committed to promoting initiatives that improve the welfare of host communities and foster inclusive participation, including capacity building training for community-based contractors, prioritizing collaboration just as he noted that security was a shared responsibility

‘We’ll have more youth participation in pipeline protection activities, women-focused economic empowerment programmes, educational support through scholarship schemes.

‘Several interventions have been implemented, including, Scholarship programmes for students, Women empowerment initiatives, Medical outreach programmes, Distribution of humanitarian support and palliatives, We recognize that young people remain critical stakeholders in the future of our communities and for this reason, PINL is proposing a comprehensive Youth Skills Acquisition Programme in 2026 across our states of operations.

‘We also acknowledge stakeholder feedback regarding the women empowerment programme, particularly the need for faster disbursement. And so we’ re currently working closely with Premium Trust Bank, and payments will commence as soon as possible’, Mezeh reiterated.

In a goodwill message, Chairman of the State’s Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo(Agada IV), praised the firm on its relentless efforts in developing oil and gas host communities for the better.

He praised the firm for its various initiatives aimed at bringing succour and awareness to host communities, calling on other oil and gas companies to emulate PINL to give relief to communities within their catchment areas.

The Nathaniel Idowu-Ajegunle Under-14 Football League is gathering momentum as Week 9 promises an action-packed day of matches today.

Four thrilling encounters are lined up, showcasing some of the finest young talent in the Ajegunle football community.

The day kicks off at noon with Coal City Football Academy taking on Ajegunle United Sporting Club.

Ajegunle United enters the fixture brimming with confidence after a 2-0 victory over Divinely Blessed FA, powered by a brace from James Solomon. Coal City, who drew 1-1 with Bright Future FA last week, will be eager to halt their opponent’s momentum.

At 1:00 p.m., Young 11 Football Academy faces Bright Future Football Academy. Young 11 will be seeking redemption after a heavy 7-1 defeat to Fortune FA, while Bright Future, fresh from a draw against Coal City, will be determined to secure maximum points.

The third match of the day sees Moree Wins Foundation Football Academy clash with Michael May FA at 2:00 p.m.

Moree Wins will be looking to bounce back from a narrow 2-1 loss to Strong Dove FA, while Michael May FA hopes to end their losing streak after a 6-0 defeat to Pure Talents FA.

The final showdown at 3:00 p.m. pits Divinely Blessed Football Academy against Strong Dove Football Academy.

Strong Dove, buoyed by their 2-1 win over Moree Wins FA, will aim to extend their winning run, while Divinely Blessed seeks to recover from their 2-0 loss to Ajegunle United.

With momentum, pride, and points at stake, Week 9 promises an exciting day of grassroots football, as these young guns continue to make their mark in one of Ajegunle’s most vibrant youth competitions.

At least six health workers were abducted in the early hours of Saturday when suspected gunmen attacked a Primary Healthcare Centre in Akure, Ondo State.

The assailants reportedly stormed the facility in the Oke Ijebu area of the state capital at about 2:00 a.m., catching medical personnel and patients unprepared.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen arrived in a vehicle, forced their way into the premises, and rounded up health workers on night duty.

Those taken included nurses, other essential medical staff, and interns assisting at the centre at the time of the incident.

A patient who escaped the attack said some of the interns on duty were also abducted. She described the operation as swift and coordinated, leaving little room for resistance.

‘The incident happened around 2:00 a.m. They came in and forced people into a vehicle,’ she said.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said security operatives responded promptly after receiving a distress call.

He disclosed that the victims have been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible.

‘We were able to rescue the victims and we are on the trail of the perpetrators. I will give more details soon,’ he said.

The incident caused panic at the facility, with patients and nearby residents fleeing for safety.

The attack has heightened concerns in Akure, as residents expressed fears over insecurity and the vulnerability of public institutions, including healthcare facilities.

The development added to a series of kidnapping incidents in parts of Ondo State, raising fresh concerns about the safety of health workers and the need for strengthened security across critical sectors.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the outcome of the party’s National Convention held in Abuja.

Mr. Aiyedatiwa, who led delegates from Ondo State to the convention, described the exercise as peaceful and well-organised. He noted that the emergence of national officers reflected internal cohesion within the ruling party.

According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Governor also congratulated the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), who were returned unopposed.

‘The orderly process, spirit of unity and reaffirmation of shared ideals attest to the maturity of our party and the strength of its internal democracy,’ the governor was quoted in the statement.

He also lauded party stakeholders, including members of the convention planning committee and delegates, for their discipline during the exercise.

The governor added that the convention’s outcome reinforces the responsibility of the APC as the governing party to deliver on its mandate under the Tinubu administration.

He said Ondo would continue efforts to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and expand development initiatives across communities.

Aiyedatiwa, however, lauded the delegates from the state for their conduct at the convention.