Author: Nouman Ali

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, has reaffirmed the importance of deeper collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, saying such a partnership remains crucial to addressing insecurity and other strategic challenges facing the country.

Benson stated this while reflecting on his recent engagements with senior U.S. officials, which he attended alongside other relevant committee chairmen with reporters in Abuja.

According to him, the series of meetings reinforced a consistent message: that Nigeria and the United States are stronger when they work together.

He said, ‘On 19 November 2025, I led a team of relevant committee chairmen to meet a United States delegation led by Ms. Cassandra Carraway and Mr. Mark Handloff. This followed the 13 August 2025 consultations with the military-political adviser at the U.S. Embassy, also involving Mr. Handloff, and the earlier 15 December 2024 dialogue with the U.S. congressional delegation led by Rep. John James, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, alongside Reps. Young Kim, Sara Jacobs, Jonathan Jackson, and officials of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, led by Amb. Richard Mills Jr.’

Benson noted that each engagement reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between both countries and their shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in Nigeria.

‘Rep. John James has consistently reiterated the U.S. government’s dedication to supporting Nigeria through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches,’ he said.

He explained that the latest round of talks concluded with both sides agreeing on the need to deepen trust, expand U.S. support for Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts, strengthen human-rights protections, and enhance legislative diplomacy.

Benson added that Nigeria seeks a relationship with the United States that reflects not only the nation’s challenges but also the strength, creativity, and resilience of its youth, as well as the ongoing reforms aimed at restoring Nigeria to its rightful place as the giant of Africa.

He noted that Nigeria does not benefit from ‘condemnation or confrontation,’ especially at this delicate phase of its democratic evolution.

‘Our engagements with U.S. officials have consistently affirmed that cooperation, collaboration, and constructive partnership are the most effective tools for addressing our security concerns, deepening our democracy, and protecting human rights,’ he said.

Benson stressed that Nigeria remains open to honest dialogue, fair criticism, and mutual accountability-provided they occur within a framework of respect and shared strategic interests.

‘These,’ he said, ‘are the surest pathways to a more peaceful, more stable, and more prosperous Nigeria, in a manner that advances the long-term interests, values, and security of both Nigeria and the United States.’

BIC Cristal Pen, was awarded the Iconic Ball Point Pen of the Year at the 2025 Brandcom Awards, held at Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, recently.

The award spotlights BIC’s enduring legacy, widespread relevance, and consistent brand leadership in the period under review (2024-2025).

This award comes at a significant moment for the company, as the brand celebrates the 75th anniversary of the BIC Cristal Pen, serving as a testament to the longstanding excellence and unmatched legacy of the Iconic BIC Cristal Pen.

Commenting on the occasion, Anthony Amahwe, Managing Director, BIC, stated: ‘We are deeply honored to receive this award. For 75 years, the BIC Cristal Pen has been more than a writing instrument, it has been a significant part of people’s lives, serving as a trusted partner for learning and evolution. This recognition is a reminder of the trust our consumers have placed in us for decades, and we remain focused on continuing the legacy of the BIC Cristal Pen.’

Since its invention in 1950, the BIC Cristal Pen has remained one of the world’s most widely used writing instruments, renowned for its durability, precision, and affordability. Its transparent design, smooth ink flow, and dependable performance have made it a trusted companion in classrooms, offices, and creative spaces around the world.

Its invention democratised writing and drawing for millions; as an available and affordable tool.

Beyond function, the BIC Cristal Pen has become a cultural touchpoint across many generations, continuing to inspire self-expression and creativity for various age groups and professions.

As BIC celebrates the 75th anniversary of the BIC Cristal Pen all year-long, the brand has spearheaded several initiatives to empower students, teachers, artists, and individuals everywhere to continuously express themselves and achieve their goals.

Rise Up Together, a global nonprofit working across Africa, South Asia, and the United States, has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering emerging Nigerian advocacy leaders who are advancing gender justice for women and girls.

The organization, which has been operating in Nigeria since 2014, has now trained nearly 200 leaders working across the Federal Capital Territory, as well as in Nasarawa, Anambra, Rivers, and Kaduna states.

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday after training for its sixth cohort of 25 civil society leaders, Country Director Theresa Effa, said the initiative is designed to strengthen local advocacy aimed at improving policies, systems and social conditions for women and girls.

She said, ‘We identify those who are passionate about advancing issues and situations that enable women to live and thrive within their communities.

‘We work mainly around advocacy because when you talk with political leaders and policymakers, you’re trying to change the system for many people to be impacted.’

She said participants would return to their states to champion improved access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for girls, stronger legislation against gender-based violence and more effective implementation of existing gender policies.

Effa noted that Rise Up selects its partner states using available national data to identify gaps in gender development and areas where targeted interventions can drive measurable change.

She cited earlier successes, including the development of a girl-child policy in Nasarawa State by a member of the fifth cohort.

The policy, she said, helped the state attract federal and World Bank funding to renovate schools and provide conditional cash transfers to caregivers, enabling more girls to enroll and remain in school.

She added that Rise Up supports its leaders through a structured ‘leader’s journey’ that combines training, seed grants, technical assistance and ongoing engagement.

‘We stay in touch. We provide resources and support,’ she said.

Jennifer Broome, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the US headquarters, said the organisation was impressed by the quality and depth of commitment shown by the new cohort of 25 leaders.

‘They’re going to take this learning, this new knowledge and these new skills and go really far with advancing gender equity for girls and women in Nigeria.

‘You can imagine what will happen down the line after these girls graduate, more literate girls who become women who are economically independent and contribute to the development of the state and the country,’ she noted.

Broome said Rise Up will continue supporting the cohort with future funding opportunities, mentorship and technical guidance.

She confirmed that the organisation will return in 2026 to train a seventh cohort, as part of its long-term model of investing in leaders year after year to achieve sustained, evidence-driven change.

Participants of the 2025 Rise Up Leadership Accelerator described the programme as transformative, saying it has reshaped how Nigerian civil society organisations engage government and pursue gender justice.

Oluwatimilehin Onafeso, Executive Director of Working to Advance African Women (WAAW) Foundation, said the training redefined her understanding of advocacy and would directly reshape her organisation’s work for greater impact on the communities it serves.

She noted that many activities traditionally labelled as advocacy were merely courtesy visits, not strategic efforts to influence public policy.

‘The biggest takeaway for me was realising that advocacy is about working with decision makers to change policies and systems. For years, we treated the effects of problems without tackling the root causes,’ she said.

Onafeso said WAAW Foundation will now prioritise strengthening the implementation of the National Policy on Science and Technology Education.

She identified significant gaps in STEM infrastructure in girls-only public schools, especially in remote parts of the FCT, where ICT centres and science laboratories are lacking.

Strengthening these facilities, she said, would expand girls’ access to STEM careers and contribute to national development.

For Denis Tsakpa, Partnerships and Leadership Lead at Every Girl Initiative, the Accelerator has broadened his understanding of advocacy and its role in achieving systemic, long-term change.

‘We used to call ourselves advocates, but we were not. Now we understand strategy, context and how to push for large-scale, sustainable change,’ he noted

Tsakpa welcomed Rise Up’s planned one-on-one mentorship support and called for the programme to be expanded to reach more civil society groups, especially in conflict-affected regions transitioning from humanitarian response to development work.

He also urged corporate bodies to direct more of their social responsibility funding toward policy-focused initiatives, and encouraged government institutions to be more open to meaningful engagement with civil society, noting that effective advocacy benefits both policymakers and citizens.

A Lawyer and President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole has cautioned the members of the public from hauliing insults and blaming judges when court churn out rulings and judgement which may seem contradictory.

Apparently reacting to the spate of rulings that are generating controversies that led to the recent conduct of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, Ajewole said no two cases are exactly the same and facts presented before the court may also not be the same.

Noting that giving conflicting judgement may not be healthy for the judicial system, Ajewole, however said people must make deliberate efforts to understand the proceedings and facts presented before the courts that led to any judgements delivered before condemning any decision of the court in any matter.

He spoke on Wednesday while featuring as the Guest of the Month of the Oyo State owned broadcasting station, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Bashorun Ibadan.

He said: ‘Having conflicting rulings and judgements is not good for the country but let us warn observes, most times we don’t know what has been presented before each court before we condemn the judgements.

‘To the best of my knowledge as a lawyer, judgements are given based on what we are presenting before the courts.

‘Judges are human beings and they give rulings based on the facts before them. Even if you have two courtroom beside each other, the caes cannot be the same, they van only be identical.

‘What a lawyer presents before Court A may be different from what was presented before Court B and judges give rulings based on what is before them.’

In a powerful display of faith and unity, over 65 million members of PFN have continued to bask in celebration as PFN celebrates 40years of existence with thanksgiving celebration and veterans award as well as dinner to thank God for His faithfulness, positive significant impacts, humanitarian services by the PFN leaders ,churches and members, as well as transformation upon countless lives, achieved by the PFN members in Nigeria and beyond .

This is just as The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his wife Pastor Oluremi Tinubu, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, governors across the country, All progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, National and State Assembly members and other dignitaries commended the PFN for persistent prayers which is keeping the nation, united, strong and one.

Both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented at the dinner by his Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Dr. Daniel Bwala, and the President ‘s wife Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the wife the Chief of Staff to President, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, both described the PFN as a light and voice of hope, a force for unity and source of moral and spiritual strength for the nation.

They maintained that the PFN is contributing positively to nation building as well as raising and developing godly leaders that are transforming the country.

The duo appreciated the PFN and its members for their continuous prayers, faith and support for the administration.

They praised the PFN for its enduring role in nation-building, dialogue, and moral leadership.

Their words, ‘We appreciate PFN and their members for their continuous prayers for their unwavering faith and support to this administration. PFN has remained a light pointing the nation towards truth, integrity and love and the PFN leaders and its members have contributed to Nation building. We thank God for the progress of the PFN and its positive contributions in all ramifications. It is a great thing to celebrate 40 years of God’s faithfulness , it is a testimony to dedication, perseverance, and unwavering faith in the power of God to transform lives, the nation and communities .

‘Over the years, the PFN has been more than an organisation, it has been a voice of hope , a force for unity, and source of moral and spiritual strength for our nation. Your prayers, your compassion and your examples have encouraged millions and helped to shape a more peaceful and God-fearing society. We acknowledged the vision and sacrifice of founding fathers and steadfast leadership that has carried the legacy forward.

‘The PFN has remained a light pointing nation towards truth, integrity and love. This celebration is not about looking back with gratitude only, it’s also about renewed purpose, let us continue to work together , the church, the community and government to build a Nigeria guided by faith, unity and hope for the next generation ‘

‘President Tinubu, however, admits that there are communities in Nigeria who because of their faith are subjected to one form of problem or the other.

He stressed that there are challenges in the country in which Christians have been victims, and expressed regret for loss of lives in the country.’

In the same vein, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima who was represented at the event by Rev. Stephen Tunde Victor Adegbite, Secretary, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, (NCPC) said Nigeria is existing because of prayers of the saints, the righteous, commends PFN, describe the PFN as children of promise and fulfilment.

His words ‘ Nigeria exists because of prayers of the righteous. The PFN is a child of promise and fulfilment, and the promise of God will be fulfilled in the PFN.The PFN will move forward.’

On his part, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, who spoke on behalf of governors, who are PFN members, said the PFN plays a pivotal role in deepening unity in the country, commended the PFN for its role especially in the place of prayers.

Also speaking at the event, the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda stressed that steadfast prayers of the saints has led to progress in the country, he opined that God is answering Prayers by keeping the country stable.

Yilwatda, said the PFN had been a moral, spiritual compass for the nation.

He commended the PFN for its remarkable contributions to national unity, moral development, and community transformation over the past four decades, demonstrating his unwavering support for faith-based initiatives that promote societal growth.

His words’ We must thank PFN, its leaders and members across the country for their prayers which God is answering in several dimensions. The PFN has been a moral, spiritual compass for the nation. We have seen stability in several forms through your prayers , we are seeing changes and improvements through your prayers, keep praying for this nation in belief and faith because this country has a bright future and guided by moral compass this nation will not be misled in any form.’

In his welcome address, the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, said the PFN, a spiritual Tsunami birthed 40 years ago after a foremost, iconic evangelist, late Rev (Dr.) Uma Ukpai conducted a mass crusade in the city of Lagos tagged ‘Greater Lagos Crusade,’, where thousands of souls were won for Jesus Christ, with diverse Miracles and wonders.

He said PFN began as a band of twelve men of God.

Oke explained that the PFN had, since its inception in 1985, been blessed by God, noting that the vision of the founding fathers in bringing the Pentecostal believers together in unity under one umbrella was being fulfilled from generation to generation.

Oke, said the PFN which had over 65 million members across the country, has impacted positively on the country through consistent, persistent prayers of its members.

Oke, however lamented that there are targeted, ‘killing, raping and displacement’ of Christians across the country, insisting that there’s an ongoing ‘Christian genocide’ in the country,

Oke said the body would no longer remain silent in the face of persistent attacks on Christian communities. He called on the Government to do everything to stop the killings.

His words ‘ Our members in million all over are praying for this nation every single day as a matter of duty, we do it in our homes, assemblies, services, we fast and pray for Nigeria. That Nigeria is at peace today, that Nigeria is not at open war is due to prayers of the righteous.

‘A lot of our members’ primary job is to go round every nook and cranny of this country leading in prayer and fasting so that the nation will be at peace and we give glory to God. Positive impacts of the PFN in this country and beyond are immeasurable.’

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, has been conferred with an honorary Doctorate in Business Administration by the Rome Business School, Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu was honoured with the degree on Saturday during the 2025 Graduation Ceremony of Rome Business School, Nigeria, and the presentation of the Honourary Doctorate Award held at Victoria Island, Lagos.

The founder of Rome Business School and Rome Business School, Nigeria, Prof. Antonio Ragusa, said Sanwo-Olu was conferred with the degree in recognition of his outstanding leadership, dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the development and wellbeing of Lagos State.

He said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s visionary approach and valuable initiatives have significantly contributed to the economic growth, social progress, governance excellence and promotion of education, equality and justice in Lagos State and Nigeria.

‘His honourary degree honours not only his remarkable contributions but also his continuous legacy of service and leadership that inspires future generations,’ Prof. Ragusa said.

Speaking during the ceremony, Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to quality and affordable education in Lagos State.

He said his government, within six years in office, has increased the number of state-owned universities from one to three with the establishment of two new universities, as well as building more public schools across the State.

He said: ‘Today is special because of the conferment of the Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration. This honour speaks to impact, to dedication, and to meaningful contributions to our nation’s business landscape. It is a reminder that excellence does not go unnoticed.

‘Let me speak directly to our graduates. You are stepping into a world that is changing rapidly. Technology is transforming industries, innovation is reshaping economies, and leadership today is defined not by titles, but by the value you bring to the table. What you have gained here should reflect not only on your certificates but also in your mindset, your attitude, and your character.’

Substitute Enes Unal struck a late equaliser as Bournemouth came back from two goals down to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw with West Ham in the Premier League.

West Ham led 2-0 at half-time, courtesy of a double from Callum Wilson against his old club, but Marcus Tavernier reduced the deficit in the 69th minute before Unal rescued a point a minute after coming off the bench.

Unal could have then won the game for the hosts in the closing stages but the Turkish forward was denied by a brilliant save from West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola.

Wilson fired the visitors ahead at a rain-soaked Vitality Stadium after just 12 minutes with a superb goal – chesting down a long ball from Areola before drilling a low 25-yard drive past a wrong-footed Djordje Petrovic.

The 33-year-old forward added a second 13 minutes later after Jarrod Bowen flicked on a ball into the box towards Jean-Clair Todibo, who headed it down for Wilson to produce a sublime finish on the turn into the top corner.

Adi Wali is a writer, one of the very firebrand authors from Rivers State. He was once the chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Rivers State chapter. A vocal and great advocate of the rights of every writer, he was one of the authors admitted into the college of fellows of ANA at the just concluded 44th edition of the international convention of the association in Abuja.

As usual, Wali was happy; he was excited to be so recognised and honoured by Nigeria’s highest body of writers. And in an interview with The Nation, he made it clear that what he got is good for him and for the people of Rivers State for whom he worked many years to help build and stabilize ANA in the state.

‘I feel good. It is a very rare honour bestowed on me at this time. And this is the dream of everything I have worked for all my life, to be among the people who has been writing to shape the nation, to shape the environment and shape myself. Indeed, it is a thing of joy. ANA is a formidable association where you find scholars and nationalists like Chinua Achebe and my late uncle, Elechi Amadi. ANA is a place where you find intellectuals, people of worthy character who have contributed a great deal to make literature great and ensure that the society keeps afloat. This is why I am happy today to be among these people. It gives me a great joy to be so honoured by the leadership of ANA.’

Wali is not only a great leader of people, he is known to have used his resources to touch lives. He loves to encourage writers the best way he can. His leadership style is drawn essentially from one of the masters of the Nigerian creative industry in the person of Elechi Amadi. Amadi belonged to the early generation of Nigerian authors who used simple stories of the people to craft some of the best novels in Nigerian history. One of them is titled The Concubine. So, Amadi influenced Wali a lot and helped to shape his worldview about literature, about story-telling, leadership and relationship with fellow authors.

He said: ‘Yes, the story of Nigerian authors proves that it is a historic organization. Today, my uncle in his grave is a happy man, a happy man for his own son is so honoured. I think he is happy for he worked hard to see me as a great writer. Before he passed on, he anointed me. He said, ‘my son, take up the mantle’. I never knew he was going to die. Before then, he invited me to his house to a private session. He now said to me in our local Ikwerre dialect – ‘do you know you will do more than I am doing?’ Keep writing; keep writing. Never give up. So even if I die today, I have left a son. Not just anybody, but a worthy son who can take over the mantle and take it to far places’.

Wali is therefore on the right track. To be admitted as a member of fellows by ANA is the highest honour bestowed on a member who has consistently done well for himself, for the clan and for the sake of literature generally. ‘Amadi believed that through my works, I will represent him anywhere in the literary world. He confessed that my works were better than what he did for literature. He said I shouldn’t relax or allow anybody to stop or disturb me. And so, here we are today. It is a glorious moment for me to have lived to see the blessing come true’.

Wali had more opportunities of having several other discussions with Amadi that snowballed into greater zeal for him to write without stop. ‘You know we had those sessions over and over’, he said with a smile on his face. ‘So, I will say over and over again, today is a great day in my life as a writer. Yes, it is! That whatever happens, I am happy. I also want to thank ANA for this opportunity. I also thank my friends in the media who have always been there for me. It has been a wonderful journey so far. So far, so good.

‘I want to tell Nigerians like I have always said, that literature should be taken serious. Yes, it has to be taken serious by everyone. We grew up with it; it is here and it will continue to be here. Read. Find time to read, to see how literature can shape your life. Literature is our history. Literature is life. It is one thing you cannot control or fiddle with. It is the conscience of the people. It is time to continue to read, whether you use electronics or whatever means, please keep reading.

‘Those writing, should keep writing. There is need to impact reading in our society, in the system generally. Go to physical and not ICT library. Get hold of books and read. Get ideas and issues into your head. Expand your knowledge-base. Get to see the world through books. The world out there is in the books people write. History does not die when you keep it physical.

‘I have always advocated for it. Literature should be made compulsory at all levels, from primary, secondary through the university. I have been a vanguard of reading and promoting literature. This honour will spur me on to do more, to write more, to also advocate more and write more’.

Renowned Fuji maestro, Alhaji Abass Akande, popularly known as ‘Obesere,’ has narrated his ordeal at the hands of armed hoodlums who attacked him over the weekend in Ondo state.

Akande was violently attacked during a burial ceremony held at the government field in Okitipupa, while his band team, who were set to entertain guests at the ceremony, were also assaulted.

During the attack, it was gathered that one of Akande’s band boys was allegedly stabbed by the hoodlums while trying to repel the attack.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his media manager, Ayonla Obesere Althentic, said, ‘After Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere (Papa) concluded his performance and while we were preparing to leave the venue, large groups of touts surrounded the area.

‘One group converged on my location because I was carrying the bag of money. Despite our efforts to leave peacefully, my principal and I were aggressively confronted. The assailants demanded that I hand over the bag; when I refused, a violent struggle ensued.

‘During the attack, I was beaten, and my shoulder was dislocated as a result of the struggle. I was also struck with a knife while attempting to get into the car; I cannot confirm a stabbing wound, but I sustained several blows and am in significant pain,’ he said.

He added that the attackers eventually overpowered him and escaped with the bag of money while another group continued to assault Akande despite his attempts to placate them with cash.

He condemned the attack, describing it as ‘criminal and violent behaviour’ that should not occur at any public event, let alone a burial ceremony.

‘The attackers overpowered me and made away with the bag of money. At the same time, another group continued to manhandle Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere even after he attempted to placate them by giving money. I later guided Alhaji into our vehicle, and we left the scene to seek safety and medical attention.

‘We condemn this criminal and violent behaviour in the strongest terms. Such attacks on performers, their teams, and mourners at a burial ceremony are unacceptable.

‘Actions taken and requests we have reported the incident to the Okitipupa Police Division. We call on local authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible and to take measures to prevent similar incidents at public events.

‘We appeal to fans, event organizers, and the public to refrain from violence and to respect the safety of performers, their teams, and mourners.

The Fuji star appreciated ‘the assistance of those who helped us at the scene and the prompt attention of local security personnel and health services. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.’

Recall that LGA chairman, Hon. Adrew Ogunsakin, had described the attack as unfortunate and unacceptable.

Ogunsakin said his administration would not tolerate acts capable of undermining the peace and reputation of the community, assuring that measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence.

‘I received the news of the unfortunate mistreatment meted out to Abass Akande Obesere and his team with deep disappointment and utmost distaste. This incident is unacceptable and does not reflect the values we uphold as a people.

‘I will be personally reaching out to Obesere and his team to convey our regrets. We are looking into the matter thoroughly to ensure such an incident does not repeat itself,’ he added.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested two ‘key suspects’ in connection with the violent attack on Akande

Confirming the arrest in a statement released on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Ondo Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, listed the two suspects as Michael Abbey a.k.a ‘Emir’ and Oniye Oke.

Ayanlade, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the breakthrough followed the command’s prompt response to credible intelligence, indicating that Mr Akande was assaulted during the event.

‘Further investigations revealed that on 21st November 2025, a group of suspected hoodlums led by one Michael Abbey, popularly known as ‘Emir’, allegedly attacked the musician while he was performing.

‘During the assault, the suspects reportedly stole a bag containing N4,000,000, as well as a gold chain, handset, and wristwatch. The situation escalated when the victim’s manager sustained an injury to the hand after being stabbed with a broken bottle while attempting to intervene.

‘During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the criminal operation. A total sum of N479,100 was recovered as part of the stolen proceeds. Efforts are currently being intensified to track down the remaining fleeing suspects and recover the outstanding exhibits linked to the case,’ Ayanlade said.

He explained that the command acknowledged and appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his unwavering support and strategic guidance, which continue to bolster operational efficiency across Ondo State.

‘This encouragement has further strengthened the Command’s resolve to deliver effectively on its mandate.’

In line with this commitment, Ayanlade said the state commissioner of police, Adebowale Lawal, has reiterated that the command will not tolerate any act of hooliganism, thuggery, or violent conduct – especially as the state approaches the festive period.

The Southwest Arewa Community for Asiwaju 2027 has pledged 600,000 votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should he seeks re-election in 2027.

The group made this promise during South-West Stakeholders’ Summit. held at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, hailed the community for supporting President Tinubu’s bid to turn around the country.

Masari praised the South-West Arewa initiative for its loyalty and its strategic efforts towards the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The venue brimmed as thousands of enthusiastic Arewa residents from across the Southwest, showcasing an impressive display of unity, commitment and renewed loyalty to President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said, ‘Your presence reflects our collective commitment to unity, development and constructive engagement across our communities.

‘Today’s gathering brings together representatives from government, traditional institutions, market leadership and the Arewa community across the South-West. This diversity shows our strength and shared dedication to regional cooperation. We also acknowledge the ongoing national reforms and recent achievements under President Tinubu. Many here consider this summit as part of a continued partnership built on appreciation for his longstanding contributions to Nigeria and his support for communities across borders. Our structure has engaged deeply with grassroots networks, youth groups and community clusters, contributing significantly to civic awareness-reaching over 600,000 individuals across the South-West.

‘As we begin this programme, I encourage active participation, open dialogue and a united spirit. Thank you for being part of this important even.’

Represented by Alhaji Kabiru Magaji Gozaki, the Acting Chairman of Kafur Local Government in Katsina State, Masari commended the group for strengthening the long-standing bond between Arewa residents and their Yoruba hosts. He described their pledge to deliver over 600,000 committed votes for Tinubu in 2027 as a testament to trust, harmony and shared political vision.

One of the leaders of the group, Alhaji Shehu Usman ‘Sampam’, reaffirmed the group’s dedication to peaceful coexistence, civic participation and political continuity. He emphasised that the Arewa community remains an integral part of the political development of Lagos and the broader South-West.