Author: Nouman Ali

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Darlington Nwauju, has applauded the three-year scorecard of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Describing Tunji-Ojo as a dedicated, visionary and committed minister, Nwauju said the minister had transformed a hitherto redundant ministry.

The former Rivers State Publicity Secretary of the APC recalled that Tunji-Ojo was among the 45 ministers Tinubu appointed, and that Tinubu assigned him to an unpopular ministry known only for headlining announcements of national public holidays.

But he said, ‘In the last three years, the Interior Ministry underwent measurable reforms and, in a particular instance, last year received parliamentary commendations for surpassing the revenue generation target set for it by the National Assembly for the 2024/25 fiscal year.

‘For those of us who believe that there is a serious need to deliberately inject fresh blood into every leadership stratum in this country, Dr Tunji-Ojo stands as empirical evidence. Having been tried and having delivered beyond the imaginations of naysayers.’

He said the Interior Minister remained a source of pride to the people of Ondo, the youth demography in the country and a silver lining for visionary and impactful leadership.

He said the minister hit the ground running as soon as he was appointed, mobilising funds through corporate social responsibility to the tune of N585 million to pay court fines and compensation for 4,068 indigent inmates in November 2023, as part of measures to decongest the custodial centres nationwide.

He said that, as part of the prison reforms introduced by Tunji-Ojo, many Master’s, undergraduate and PhD candidates had successfully completed their studies, with numerous others enrolling for NABTEB/NECO examinations.

‘Other empirically verifiable projects/policies like the remodelling/upgrade of the National Fire Academy; launch of ECOWAS national biometric identity card (ENBIC); a new NIMC Act 2026 empowering NIMC as the mother certification authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI),’ he said.

Nwauju said under the minister, the immigration services in the country witnessed a turnaround following the digitising of expatriate quota and resident permit processes, and the inauguration of a Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre, the first of its kind in the 62-year history of the NIS

‘These are all testaments to performance delivery, which speaks volumes of an accountable leadership paradigm,’ he said.

He added, ‘It is my time-tested principle and belief that politics and governance should and must be about the good of the greater majority. In that light, the Interior Ministry under Dr Tunji-Ojo’s watch has promoted over 75,000 paramilitary officers, with elevations across various ranks, thereby ending years of career stagnation.

‘There is also an ongoing recruitment exercise of 60,000 youths into the four paramilitary agencies under that Ministry.’

Bravematt Property and Investment Limited has alleged a coordinated attempt to take over its N21.5 billion property at the Maiyegun Tourism Zone, Lekki, Lagos.

It named a senior government official, a foreign national and an army officer among those allegedly involved in the unfolding dispute.

The allegation is contained in an account of the company’s acquisition and subsequent possession of the 13.067-hectare property, comprising Plots 5, 6, 7, and 8, Maiyegun Tourism Zone, Lekki Peninsula Scheme II, Ibeju, Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

The property, which is situated along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, is covered by a Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy dated July 15, 1988.

Bravematt called for the resolution of the dispute over the property valued at about N21.5 billion.

The property is covered by a Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy dated July 15, 1988.

Bravematt said it acquired the property from Industrial and General Insurance Plc (IGI) and 4H Nigeria Limited following negotiations that resulted in an Agreement for Sale.

According to court processes filed by the company, the property was initially offered for N22 billion through an appointed agent, but Bravematt made a counter-offer of N21.5 billion in a letter dated June 5, 2025.

The company said the offer was accepted on June 13, 2025, after which the parties proceeded with the transaction.

Bravematt said it paid N10 billion and N2 billion in instalments, followed by a further N7.475 billion, bringing the total amount paid to N21.475 billion.

A disagreement subsequently arose over the transaction, prompting the company to approach the Lagos State High Court for protection of its interest in the property.

On December 10, 2025, Justice R. O. Olukolu of the Lagos State High Court, sitting in the Commercial/Fast-Track Division, made an interim order restraining IGI, 4H, their agents and prospective purchasers from entering into transactions that could lead to the assignment or transfer of interests in the property pending compliance with the applicable pre-action protocol.

The court also restrained dealings with the property that could alter its state and made a related order concerning funds in a 4H bank account.

The order followed an application by Bravematt supported by documentary evidence relating to the transaction.

The company said the parties subsequently continued discussions over the transaction and documentation.

It said a Deed of Assignment was later executed in its favour, while transaction documents were handed over to it. Bravematt also said it was subsequently put in possession of the property.

Following its reported possession, the company erected a signboard, commenced a fresh survey and began perimeter fencing.

The dispute resurfaced in July 2026 when Bravematt said it received information concerning developments involving 4H and the original Certificate of Occupancy.

The company said it sought clarification from the relevant parties but did not receive a response that resolved its concerns.

It subsequently published a caveat in a national newspaper on July 15, 2026, notifying the public of its claimed interest in the property.

A further dispute arose on August 15, 2026, when persons reportedly entered the property amid competing claims concerning the land and the Federal Government’s right of way along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Bravematt said the disagreement involved the interpretation and application of a proposed setback associated with the highway project.

The company maintains that its property, which extends beyond the roadway, is covered by the Lagos State title document and that any competing claim to the land should be determined through the appropriate legal process.

Another issue in contention is the extent of the Federal Government’s interest in land required for the coastal highway and the effect, if any, of the proposed setback on the property.

Bravematt has questioned the administrative basis for treating the disputed area as falling within a Federal Government setback, arguing that questions of ownership and title should be resolved by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The company has also raised concerns over the involvement of security personnel in the dispute, maintaining that disagreements over possession and title should not be resolved through physical occupation or eviction.

At the centre of the controversy are the competing claims over the property, the validity and effect of the existing Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy, the status of the subsequent transaction documents, and the extent of land required for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Bravematt said its position is supported by the payment trail, the Agreement for Sale, subsequent transaction documents, the court order and its claimed possession of the property.

The company is therefore seeking a resolution of the dispute through due process, with the parties’ respective interests determined by the appropriate authorities and, where necessary, a court of competent jurisdiction.

Bravematt maintains that any competing claim should be properly documented and determined through lawful procedures rather than by unilateral action.

The company said it remains interested in resolving the matter through the appropriate legal and administrative channels.

The traditional ruler of the Ikate-Elegushi kingdom, Eti-Osa, Lagos State, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, has congratulated the Olu of Warri kingdom, Ogiame Atuwaste III, on his fifth anniversary on the throne.

In a statement from his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Temitope Oyefeso, the monarch described the Olu of Warri as a dynamic king who has brought innovative ideas and purposeful leadership to the Warri kingdom, resulting in increased development in the ancient city of Warri and among its people over the past five years.

Oba Elegushi said, ‘In the last five years, I have watched with admiration the purposeful leadership you have provided for your people and how you continue to inspire and support them towards making life better for your people; this you often emphasise in our various interactions over the years.’

He added that the Olu of Warri is a bridge builder, continuing to extend a hand of friendship to other traditional rulers across the country, contributing to national development and promoting peace among all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or religion.

Oba Elegushi prayed that the reign of Ogiame Atuwatse will continue for many years and that his impactful leadership will continue to benefit the Warri people and Nigerians in general.

Nigeria’s Pamela Bawa and Esther Mbah will take on Egypt’s Mariam/Rana in the Round of 16 of the women’s main draw at the 2026 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Senior Championship in Alexandria, Egypt, today.

The Nigerian pair are scheduled to face the Egyptian duo on Court 3 at 12 noon local time, according to the official match schedule.

The encounter is one of eight women’s Round of 16 matches listed for today as the championship enters a crucial stage.

Other matches on Court 3 will see Nadia/Verónica of Mozambique face Lu/Jany of Cape Verde, Amina/Diouma of Senegal meet Amelou/Bechar of Algeria, while Donne/Joanita of Mauritius take on Njie/Gambou of Gambia.

On Court 2, Marwa/D. Eghotashy of Egypt will play Tofolvi/Chapole of Lesotho, while Alexandra Erhardt/Darham of Morocco face Dania/Adeline of Seychelles. Cameroon’s Irina/Nina will meet Vanessa/Sinaportar of Mozambique, with Una/Yatku of Madagascar taking on Sena/Wavinya of Kenya.

The women’s competition is part of the African Beach Volleyball Championship being held in Alexandria from August 18 to 22.

The tournament has brought together leading beach volleyball teams from across Africa, with continental honours and qualification opportunities for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games among the major objectives.

For Nigeria, Esther and Pamela will be hoping to advance beyond the Round of 16 when they meet the Egyptian combination today.

Grassrunners FC and Abakaliki FC will meet in the final of the 14th Ogunjobi Gold Cup after both teams won their respective semi-final matches yesterday.

Grassrunners defeated Sunshine Stars 3-1, while Abakaliki FC edged Ikorodu City 2-1 to secure their places in Saturday’s final.

The final will take place at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, at 10am on Saturday.

Grassrunners, making their debut in the competition and yet to taste defeat, will be seeking to crown their impressive campaign with the trophy. They will, however, face an Abakaliki FC side that has also shown its strength throughout the tournament.

Sunshine Stars took an early lead in the first semi-final when Onoja Mathew scored in the 15th minute.

Grassrunners responded in the second half, with Agbejoye Papi equalising in the 58th minute from a difficult angle.

Papi struck again in the 86th minute to put Grassrunners ahead before Adeola Fadel added a third goal in the 89th minute to complete the comeback.

The second semi-final also produced an entertaining contest.

Ikorodu City took the lead in the 11th minute through Ayanda Tolulope. Abakaliki FC, however, responded through Moses Amanekwu, who scored his second goal of the tournament.

Amarachukwu Uche then put Abakaliki FC ahead in the 48th minute with a fine finish from a corner to secure the 2-1 victory.

The two teams will now meet in a winner-takes-all final for the 14th Ogunjobi Gold Cup.

Former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, has revealed how ex-military ruler Ibrahim Babangida privately warned former President Olusegun Obasanjo against trusting his deputy, Atiku Abubakar.

Duke’s account appears in Seun Oloketuyi’s new book, How to Win Elections in Nigeria, which chronicles the intrigues of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

According to Duke, tensions between Obasanjo and Atiku had reached a boiling point as the president prepared for his 2003 re-election bid. Atiku’s political manoeuvres, he said, raised doubts about his loyalty, prompting Obasanjo to confide in allies about what he saw as betrayal.

Duke recalled receiving a late-night call from Obasanjo, who complained bitterly about Atiku’s conduct. ‘I urged him to remain calm and promised to fly to Abuja the next morning,’ Duke said.

What followed was a dramatic meeting at the presidential villa involving Obasanjo, Atiku, Babangida, and Abdulsalami Abubakar. Babangida reportedly reminded Obasanjo of earlier agreements made after his release from prison and warned that northern leaders might resist backing his second-term bid.

But the most striking moment came after the meeting ended. As Babangida and Obasanjo walked back alone to retrieve Babangida’s forgotten keys, the former military ruler dropped his diplomatic tone.

‘I warned you not to trust that your deputy,’ Babangida allegedly told Obasanjo. Moments later, in front of the others, he looked at Atiku and declared: ‘This one cannot rule Nigeria.’

Duke said the episode underscored the depth of distrust between the two men and highlighted the brutal realities of political betrayal. ‘Betrayal is a very crazy thing in politics,’ he reflected.

The frosty relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku has endured for decades, marked by accusations of corruption, abuse of office, and political sabotage. Obasanjo recently reignited the feud, alleging that Atiku once offered ?5 million to the late Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba to initiate impeachment proceedings against him.

Atiku, a presidential candidate in next year’s general election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissed the claims as fabrications, accusing Obasanjo of bitterness over his failed third-term agenda.

The revelations in Oloketuyi’s book add fresh layers to one of Nigeria’s most enduring political rivalries. This uneasy partnership shaped the country’s democratic journey and continues to reverberate ahead of the 2027 election.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy to commence the installation of 3,700 base towers across the country to close 20 million digital access gaps.

Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani, who made this known yesterday, said President Tinubu wants everyone in Nigeria to have access to telecommunications irrespective of their location.

Also yesterday, the Federal Government inaugurated the National Innovation Hubs Standards Framework with critical groups such as the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the European Union, Denmark Government and the Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) calling on stakeholders to contribute meaningfully towards successful implementation of the framework.

Delivering a keynote address at the opening of the National Innovation Hub Standards Framework’s Formal launch and Validation, Tijani said the Tinubu administration is building Nigeria’s digital future on three critical layers that focus on how technology can be used to impact the lives of the citizens.

He added at the event organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) that Nigeria is currently attracting billions of dollars into the banking sector with the dominance of unicorn companies based on the solid financial frameworks.

The minister said the framework, which is built on digital infrastructures make banking transactions seamless and better in Nigeria than in the United States.

Highlighting the significance of digital infrastructures, Tijani said: ‘The banking community and CBN also did something that inspired me; for those who follow, they built Nigeria’s interbank settlement system, which is one of the best on the African continent.

”That’s why you see banking services sometimes in Nigeria are better than what you would find in countries like the US.

‘We got Nigeria to build an interbank settlement system, and we have connectivity. Most people don’t know that that’s why we have financial technology companies that are some of the best on the African continent.’

The minister also said government has secured funding for the laying of 90,000- kilometre fibre-optic cables to boost connectivity in the country. He said that the project would commence in October.

‘By the time we’re done with the project, it’s going to be either the third or second longest fibre-optic network on the African continent, somewhere between what we have in South Africa and Egypt. And this is a project that will start in October,’ Tijani added.

Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi, said the inauguration of the framework would open a vista of opportunities for start-up hubs across the country.

He said:’ Today for me marks a remarkable milestone in our journey of making innovation evenly distributed in Nigeria. We know innovation doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in an ecosystem, and that ecosystem also doesn’t happen by accident; it happens by design.

‘But to design it, we need to be intentional about it. In some locations it happens organically, but in some other locations we need to make some effort to make it happen, and to do that today we are here to socialise the national innovation hub standard framework.’

The Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA) 2026 once again brought the gospel music community together for a night of worship, excellence, and global recognition.

Organized by the Academy of Gospel Music Nigeria (AGMN), the awards continue to stand as Africa’s premier platform for celebrating ministers, creatives, and institutions using music to inspire faith and transformation.

It was a night of big wins and heartfelt tributes, held August 9 at MUSON Center, where worship leader Moses Bliss was crowned Artist of the Year, while Gaise Baba featuring Lawrence Oyor dominated with their anthem ‘No Turning Back II’, taking home Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Afro-Gospel Song of the Year. Veteran worshipper Frank Edwards won Album of the Year for ‘Heart of Worship’, and Sunmisola Agbebi emerged Female Vocalist of the Year.

Tim Godfrey and Fearless Community were honored as Group/Choir of the Year, while gospel legend Chinyere Udoma won Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year for ‘Eze Abata.’ Rising star Tkeyz was also recognized as the Sammie Okposo Next Rated Artiste.

NIGMA 2026 also celebrated gospel excellence beyond Nigeria’s borders. Nigerian minstrel Nkiruka ‘Enkay’ Ogboruche was named Diaspora Female Artiste of the Year, and Limoblaze won Diaspora Male Artiste of the Year.

Beyond competitive categories, the night was dedicated to honoring legacies. The Experience received the Gospel Concert of the Year. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award went to Evang. Dr. Bola Are and Pastor Kunle Ajayi, while Gospel Icon Awards were presented to global worship leader Sinach and veteran singer Kingsley Ike.

The Kingdom Impact Award recognized Pastors Paul Adefarasin, Jerry Eze, Emmanuel Iren, and Biodun Fatoyinbo for their influence through media and ministry. The Legacy Award celebrated pioneers Buchi, Lara George, Segun Obe, and a posthumous honor for Sammie Okposo.

Special Recognition Awards were awarded to Adeyinka Alaseyori, Pelumi Deborah, Blessing Lopez, G-EFFECT, and Akpororo. The Distinguished Service Award honored Peter Armand Boyo, Victor Igibinigie, and Dr. Timothy Ogboruche for their outstanding contributions to the gospel music industry.

The Organisers expressed appreciation to all nominees, winners, partners, and guests, reaffirming NIGMA’s commitment to ‘celebrating excellence, honoring impact, and advancing the sound of the Gospel across Nigeria and the world.’

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has assured Nigerians in the Republic of Chad of his administration’s readiness to facilitate their return home.

He gave the assurance when he visited them in Kaya camp in Chad’s Lac Province to celebrate World Humanitarian Day, which held on Wednesday.

Buni, according to a statement posted yesterday on the Facebook page of his Director of Press, Mamman

Buni, assessed the welfare of the Nigerians displaced by insurgency in the Lake Chad region.

The governor, who travelled to Chad for a meeting of the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum which he chairs, said: ‘For those of you willing to return home, you should liaise with the Lake Chad Basin Commission to take the census, while the state governments will facilitate your repatriation to your respective states.’

The governor commended the government and people of Chad for providing for the refugees and enabling peaceful coexistence between them and the host communities.

He urged the refugees to respect the laws of Chad and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements or attempts at infiltration of their camp to the appropriate authorities.

The governor also expressed satisfaction with the refugees’ involvement in farming and fishing, describing the acts as an important step towards self-reliance.

‘Your engagement in fishing and farming makes you more resourceful and less dependent. The Nigerian government will continue to partner with the Chadian government on your welfare,’ he said.

The visit, which underscored Nigeria’s renewed attention to the plight of Nigerian refugees across the border, was described by the refugee community as historic.

The refugees’ leader, Ba- Bulama Usman, said Buni was the first Nigerian government official to visit them at the camp.

Usman thanked the governor for visiting them, describing the gesture as a source of hope and renewed confidence.

‘You are the first Nigerian government official to visit us. This visit has given us a sense of belonging and hope,’ he said.

He expressed appreciation for the assistance provided to the refugees, assuring that members of the community would continue to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability.

During his courtesy call on the Governor of Lac Province, Gen. Saleh Tidjani, Buni lauded the Chadian Government for accommodating the displaced Nigerians and for sustaining peaceful relations between them and their host communities.

He said Nigeria and Chad remained committed to strengthening cross-border security, peace and economic cooperation in the Lake Chad Basin.

The governor recalled commitments made at the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, saying the body would continue to pursue initiatives aimed at deepening sustainable peace, security and economic development across the region.

He highlighted plans to open up waterways across the Lake Chad Basin to facilitate transportation, support security operations and improve the movement of goods and services.

‘We are committed to opening the waterways to enhance transportation for security operations and the transportation of goods and services. We will pursue this with vigour to improve the lives of our people,’ he said.

General Tidjani described Buni’s visit as an important demonstration of cross-border collaboration. He said the visit would strengthen peaceful coexistence, security, stability and economic growth of countries in the Lake Chad Basin.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard-bearer in the June 20 Ekiti State governorship election, Dr Wole Oluyede, has declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general election.

He made his position known yesterday when he visited Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti.

Oluyede informed the governor of his decision to work for Tinubu’s victory in the January 2027 presidential election.

He also discussed with Governor Oyebanji issues relating to the development and progress of Ekiti State, as the governor prepares to begin his second term on October 16.

Receiving Oluyede, Governor Oyebanji praised him for an act of statesmanship and his commitment to the progress of Ekiti State and national development.

Oyebanji expressed appreciation for Oluyede’s decision to support President Tinubu, saying his gesture demonstrated a shared commitment to the development of Ekiti and Nigeria.