Only telecom sector reforms enough to earn Tinubu a second term – Agbese

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said that the ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are so fundamental that they could secure him a second term in office.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Agbese noted that while Nigerians have endured economic pains triggered by necessary reforms in other sectors, the transformation of telecoms has stood out as a clear success story that directly impacts the daily lives of millions of citizens.

He added that if the current trajectory is sustained, the telecoms sector could become President Tinubu’s most compelling re-election asset.

‘The transformation in telecoms is not cosmetic; it is foundational. When millions of Nigerians get safer, more reliable connectivity, and when our networks begin to deliver broadband that supports jobs, education and business, citizens will remember who made that possible. That is why reforms in this sector alone can merit another mandate for President Tinubu,’ Agbese said.

He noted that one of the most significant steps has been the consolidation of the National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) linkage.

‘What had lingered for years under previous administrations was achieved within one year of Tinubu’s presidency, cleaning up the database of active mobile lines and strengthening national security,’ Agbese observed.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), over 153 million SIMs have now been harmonised with the NIN, a development Agbese described as ‘one of the most far-reaching exercises in Nigeria’s digital history.’

The lawmaker also pointed to the strides in broadband expansion, citing figures released by the NCC indicating a steady rise in penetration since 2023.

He maintained that improved access to high-speed internet was beginning to change the landscape of education, business and civic engagement across the country.

‘Connectivity is the new infrastructure. More people online means more economic activity, more taxation base and more resilience. This is the quiet revolution that the Tinubu administration is delivering,’ he said.

Agbese further commended the regulator for ensuring that Nigerians were now enjoying improved service delivery, with value for money and services that match the growing demands of a youthful population.

He noted that the NCC was also increasingly looking at corporate social responsibility as a necessity for communities, ensuring that telecoms investment leaves a wider impact beyond profits.

The deputy spokesperson added that the push towards 5G technology and the careful management of spectrum licensing have further underlined the government’s determination to future-proof Nigeria’s digital economy.

He stressed that the policy environment has given operators the confidence to continue investing in infrastructure despite foreign exchange pressures and a challenging macroeconomic climate.

Beyond infrastructure, he praised the Tinubu administration for listening to industry concerns about over-taxation. He recalled that proposed levies on telecom services, which would have increased the cost of calls and data for consumers, were suspended on the orders of the President.

According to him, this fiscal reprieve has kept services affordable and has allowed the sector to maintain momentum at a time when households are grappling with high living costs.

‘President Tinubu deserves credit for recognising the strategic importance of this sector and making the right calls. By removing unnecessary levies and encouraging reforms that promote investment, the government has ensured that Nigeria remains one of the fastest-growing digital markets in Africa,’ the lawmaker added.

Agbese, however, acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in extending reliable services to rural communities and ensuring that tariff adjustments do not widen the digital divide. He urged private operators to deepen investment while calling on regulators to maintain policy stability that would attract new capital.

He noted that despite these challenges, the telecoms sector offers a powerful narrative of delivery that the administration can proudly take to the Nigerian people.

‘Delivery on telecoms is tangible for ordinary Nigerians. It is visible in schools, markets and farms. It is the kind of delivery that people feel – and remember – when they go to vote,’ Agbese added.

Kwankwasiyya leader Danfulani joins APC

The Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Gobirawa Ward, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Amadu Danfulani, yesterday defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Danfulani expressed disappointment in the Kwankwasiyya Political Movement and its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The former NNPP chieftain stated that he and thousands of his followers were not happy with what he called the anti-people’s policies and programmes of the NNPP governing the state.

Danfulani’s defection ceremony was held at the Kano State APC Headquarters on the Hotoro-Maiduguri Road.

Kano State APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas, who was represented by the party’s Zonal Chairman for Kano Central, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Ungoggo, and the Managing Director of Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, ‘baptised’ the Danfulani and other defectors at the event.

Other party chieftains on hand to receive the defectors included the Kano State APC Youth Leader, who doubles as the Northwest Zonal Youth Leader, Alhaji Labaran Kura; the APC Chairman in Dala Local Government, Alhaji Munir Haruna; and the Gobirawa Ward APC Chairman.

Abbas, who was represented by Alhaji Ungoggo, stated that the party’s doors were open to welcome members from all opposition parties, provided they follow the party’s procedure, rules, and regulations.

He said even Kwankwaso was free to return to APC if he followed the party’s due process and obeyed the party’s laws, constitution, and principles.

He stressed that ‘Gobirawa, being the largest ward in the state and Nigeria, with the highest number of polling units, the defection of Danfulani and thousands of NNPP members to APC was a plus for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election’.

Danfulani said he was happy to join the APC, promising to work with Bichi and other party executives to ensure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates at the 2027 polls.

Education overhaul gains ground amid lingering challenges

Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has recognised education as a pillar of national development. It equips citizens with the skills needed for economic growth, social cohesion, and innovation. Post-independence, efforts shifted from colonial models to building inclusive, locally relevant systems. Unity schools, polytechnics, and universities were rapidly established, alongside agencies like WAEC, JAMB (1978), NERDC (1988), and the NUC (1962) to guide and regulate education.

Policies such as the National Policy on Education (NPE) and programmes like Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Basic Education (UBE) aimed to make education free, compulsory, and standardised. The 1969 National Curriculum Conference sought to modernize learning content to reflect national values and development needs. Mass literacy campaigns were also launched across regions.

However, many of these reforms were undermined by inconsistent implementation, political interference, and poor infrastructure. Overcrowded classrooms, lack of electricity and internet, and shortages of trained teachers-especially in technical and vocational fields-continue to hinder progress. Regional disparities also persist, leaving rural and northern areas at a disadvantage.

Today, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, fresh reforms are underway. These include increased education funding, the introduction of a student loan scheme, curriculum revisions, and nationwide digital skills training. The administration is pushing to integrate digital literacy across schools and boost technical and vocational education to meet modern demands. With over 170 universities now operating across the country, the focus is gradually shifting from expansion to improving quality and equity.

Student loan, curriculum review and reduced strikes

The landmark Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act, 2024, marked a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to higher education funding. Through the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Act provides interest-free loans to students enrolled in both tertiary and vocational institutions, covering not only tuition but also living expenses. Since disbursements began in February 2025-following the launch of the application portal in May 2024-NELFUND has disbursed over N107.6 billion to 581,878 students. Of this amount, N61.3 billion was paid directly to 231 approved tertiary institutions for tuition and fees, while N46.3 billion was distributed as monthly upkeep stipends of N20,000 per student, credited directly to their bank accounts.

In parallel with its funding reforms, the government has intensified dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary education unions. These engagements have yielded agreements aimed at resolving longstanding disputes and preventing strike actions. By settling part of the earned academic allowances and reopening negotiations, the administration has so far averted nationwide university strikes. However, this effort now faces a critical test. ASUU, during its recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the University of Abuja, issued a 14-day ultimatum over lingering demands, signaling renewed tensions in the sector.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education has completed a far-reaching curriculum review designed to align education with contemporary skills and economic demands. Rolled out in the current academic year, the revised curriculum places stronger emphasis on entrepreneurship, digital literacy, civic education, and practical skills acquisition. It reduces content overload and promotes hands-on learning across all levels. Key subjects like English and Mathematics remain central, while trade subjects for senior secondary students have been strengthened. History has also been reintroduced.

New focus areas now include programming, artificial intelligence, and other digital competencies, shifting towards a student-centered, competency-based approach. According to policy experts, the curriculum now better reflects labour market realities. In addition, plans are underway to upgrade medical schools and technical colleges. These reforms are reinforced by the government’s DOTS policy-covering Data Repository, Out-of-School Children Education, Teacher Development, and Skill Acquisition-to revitalise the broader education sector.

On the curriculum review, the Vice Chancellor African School of Economics, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, said: ‘I deem the reform one of the best to happen to the education sector. I consider it a smart curriculum for smart students. I believe efforts are on to train teachers, who will in turn train their colleagues in the TTT format. Everything doesn’t have to be ready immediately.

‘I remember that when the Computer-Based Test first started as an approach of screening undergraduate students, people were concerned about students from rural areas and infrastructure. Today, everyone is used to it. What is important is to start from somewhere. I have a positive mental attitude that objectives will be met. Whatever can be conceived and believed can as well be achieved.’

Budget and infrastructure spending

The 2025 federal budget reflects a significant increase in funding for the education sector, with N3.52 trillion allocated-up from the previous year. Of this, N826.90 billion is earmarked for infrastructure, representing 23.5% of total sectoral spending, a slight rise from the 23% allocated to capital projects in 2024. This boost underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving learning environments by reconstructing dilapidated classrooms and building new schools nationwide.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the budget also supports university research and the creation of innovation hubs. While these initiatives mark progress, critics argue that overall education spending still falls short of the UNESCO-recommended benchmark and point to persistent challenges, including delayed implementation of some projects. Through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the government has approved major research grants over the past two years. In August 2025 alone, N4.2 billion was allocated for 158 university research projects. Additionally, 18 innovation and entrepreneurship hubs are being established across the six geopolitical zones. These hubs will feature facilities for technology, robotics, and design. Select institutions have received substantial funding, with some universities getting N1 billion each, while polytechnics and colleges of education were awarded N750 million each.

Despite these investments, the administration’s education agenda has faced criticism. Many educators argue that the increased budget remains insufficient to resolve deeply rooted systemic problems. Notably, severe teacher shortages and training gaps persist, particularly in basic education. Although some state governments have announced teacher recruitment drives, progress has been slow.Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to grapple with a staggering out-of-school population. Over 18.3 million children remain out of school, the highest number globally. This crisis, driven by poverty, insecurity, and poor infrastructure, presents a serious threat to national development and underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive and sustained reforms.

Stakeholders weigh in

The Northern Progressives Coalition hailed the Tinubu administration for initiating policies that have positively transformed the region’s education system, including 101 Almajiri centres. NPC’s Convener, Usman Abdullahi, described the administration as ‘the most dependable leadership’ in Nigeria’s 65-year post-independence history. Among other things, Abdullahi outlined sweeping education reforms as a major achievement of the current administration.

He said, ‘The National Student Loan Scheme, financing over 396,000 students, has seen Northern students account for 55 per cent of beneficiaries, receiving over N45 billion of the N77 billion disbursed by NELFUND. Education reforms have been a cornerstone, with over 120 learning centres established across Northern senatorial districts, equipped with solar power and safe water systems.

‘The partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission has revitalised 101 Almajiri and Tsangaya education centres in states like Bauchi, Niger, Kaduna, and Kano.’

In an interview with The Nation, Congress of University Academics (CONUA) National President, Dr ‘Niyi Sunmonu, said at 65, Nigeria must recognise that education remains the bedrock of sustainable national development. He said to secure the future, three urgent priorities stand out.

‘First, sustainable funding of the education sector, from the foundational to the tertiary level, must be guaranteed. This requires not only increased government investment but also the exploration of credible alternative funding sources. Such funding must prioritise adequate remuneration of personnel. The current reality, where Nigerian university academics are among the lowest paid globally, is both shameful and dispiriting. It undermines morale, weakens research, and poses a grave risk to the nation’s development agenda.

‘Second, a national stakeholders’ convocation on university education is imperative. This forum should revisit critical questions: What kind of university system does Nigeria need? To what end should our education be directed? What should be the national research policy and its alignment with developmental priorities? Strengthening governance and policy direction in education will help reorient the sector toward national needs.

‘Third, Nigeria must embrace technology and innovation as catalysts for growth. Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and other emerging technologies should be strategically integrated into teaching, research, and national development frameworks. These tools hold immense potential to accelerate progress, boost competitiveness, and place Nigeria on a forward-looking trajectory.

‘At 65, education must move from rhetoric to structured action. A well-funded, well-governed, and technologically-driven education system is not optional; it is the indispensable foundation for Nigeria’s renewal and advancement,’ he asserted.

Also, the National President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Nigeria, Chief Yomi Otubela, lauded Nigeria’s educational trajectory in the last 65 years. He said from a handful of universities and colleges at independence, Nigeria today has hundreds of tertiary institutions, tens of thousands of primary and secondary schools, and millions of children enrolled across the federation.

‘There has also been gradual inclusion of vocational and technical education in curricula, alongside the recent introduction of trade subjects and a comprehensive review of the national curriculum to reflect the needs of a changing society.

‘Growing recognition of private schools as indispensable partners in national development has also helped to widen access, absorbing the demand government schools alone cannot meet.

‘On higher education, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a welcome initiative.’

Despite the progress, Otubela noted that the challenges remain glaring.

‘For the future, we must place education at the heart of governance and national planning,’ he asserted.

Compete with courage, says council

Wife of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mrs. Aishat Taiwo, has called on pupils to face their future with courage.

Speaking during Spelling Bee Competition, Mrs Taiwo, expressed satisfaction at the turnout and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to education.

She described the Spelling Bee as a celebration of learning and a reflection of the bright future envisioned for children in the community.

She praised teachers, parents, and guardians for their sacrifices in shaping young minds, calling them the true builders of society.

She urged participants to compete with courage and confidence, reminding them that their efforts today are seeds for tomorrow’s success.

Mrs. Taiwo also highlighted the history of the Lagos State Spelling Bee, initiated in 2001 by Senator Oluremi Tinubu through the New Era Foundation, which birthed the famous ‘One-Day Governor’ tradition. She noted that beyond word mastery, the competition builds confidence, sharpens vocabulary, and instills resilience qualities that prepare children for academic success and life’s challenges.

Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Aare Taoheed Taiwo, praised the participants and encouraged them to keep striving for excellence.

He reaffirmed his belief in the capacity of the pupils to make Ejigbo proud and assured that his administration will continue to create an enabling environment for learning, growth, and development.

The event, held at the council secretariat, featured thrilling rounds that tested vocabulary, accuracy, and mental alertness, creating a lively atmosphere of competition and learning.

At the end of the competitive event, Obuseh Destiny from Akinsanya Ajaloleru Nursery and Primary School, emerged winner in the primary school category. Okeke Goodness from Ejigbo Nursery and Primary School and Adurojaiye Daniel from Oladele Alake Nursery and Primary School were runners-up.

Aqua Kiana from Oke-Afa Comprehensive College won the Secondary School Category. Abdulwahab Misturah, also from Oke-Afa Comprehensive College and Akanbi Selimot from Ejigbo Senior High School, emerged runners-up.

The event was attended by the Vice Chairman, Abimbola Nicholas Ike; All Progressives Congress (APC) Party Chairman in Ejigbo, Alhaji Fatai Kasummu; legislators led by the Leader of the House, Gabriel Sobande; the management team led by the Council Manager, Olusegun Ajagunna; facilitators, and staff members of the council.

NAFDAC to regulate trans-fatty acids

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a comprehensive strategy and roadmap for the regulation of Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) in Nigeria. The event, which was held last Friday in Lagos, had in attendance officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, industry stakeholders, civil society organisations and development partners.

Director-General NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, said the initiative was aimed at protecting Nigerians from the harmful effects of trans-fats, which are widely recognised as a major contributor to heart disease and other non-communicable diseases.

Prof. Adeyeye said that the agency must protect Nigerians from invisible dangers in their diets, adding that the strategy is not about penalizing industry, but about transitioning to healthier food systems. ‘We will support industries in reformulation, but compliance is non-negotiable,’ she noted.

On why NAFDAC decided to prioritise TFA regulation at this time, she said the roadmap was rooted in the gazetted regulation on fats and oils published in 2022.

‘Many of us in Nigeria think the more oil in the food, the better it is – no. We must reduce the oils we use in our foods and ensure they do not contain trans-fatty acids or saturated fats, which cause cardiovascular diseases. WHO has shown that almost 300,000 deaths every year are linked to trans-fatty acids. We cannot ignore this,’ she stated.

She disclosed that manufacturers have been given an 18-month moratorium since 2023 to exhaust old labels and packaging stocks, after which new labels will indicate the presence or absence of TFAs. She also stressed that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would be carried along through capacity-building and awareness programmes.

Trans fatty acids are a type of artificial fat produced through industrial processes such as partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. They are commonly found in baked goods, margarine, fried foods and processed snacks. According to the World Health Organization, TFAs raise ‘bad’ cholesterol, lower ‘good’ cholesterol and are linked to thousands of premature deaths globally each year.

Studies suggest that reducing TFA exposure in populations can avert thousands of premature deaths. For example, research indicates that enforcing stricter TFA limits in Nigeria could prevent about 10,000 heart disease deaths over a decade and save significant healthcare costs.

It was gathered that the roadmap provides for a phased implementation, including an 18-month moratorium granted to manufacturers to exhaust old labels before full enforcement begins on February 1, 2026. The policy also mandates clearer nutrition labelling and sets a limit of not more than two grams of TFAs per 100 grams of oils and fats, in line with international best practices. Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission pledged their support for the implementation. Development partners such as the World Health Organization and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) also commended the move as a step towards safer food environments.

Industry stakeholders present expressed readiness to cooperate but called for clarity on technical standards and support for small and medium enterprises.

The roadmap, developed with input from a technical working group and validated at a stakeholders’ workshop in 2024, will guide enforcement, capacity building and public awareness campaigns. The overview of this road map was presented by Deputy Director (Food R and R)- Dr Tinuola Akinnubi

By this move, Nigeria joins countries implementing best-practice policies to eliminate industrially produced trans fats from national food supplies, in line with the World Health Organization’s global target.

PalmPay shares N2m to Hustle Grant beneficiaries

Nigeria’s leading neobank, PalmPay, has shared N2million to the first set of winners in its Hustle Grant campaign. The campaign is a bold initiative designed to fuel the ambitions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the country.

Launched on August 28, and running until September 29th, the Hustle Grant is more than just funding; it is PalmPay’s promise to stand beside everyday Nigerians as they transform their hustle into thriving enterprises that create real impact in their communities.

In this first round, four outstanding entrepreneurs emerged from thousands of entries, each receiving N500,000 to scale their dreams. The winners, a prolific community builder in Kebbi State, two budding fashion designers in Lagos and Jos, and a farmer, embody the spirit of resilience and innovation that drives Nigeria’s economy. With this support, they can now take their ideas from the ground up, creating impact that ripples beyond their personal success.

Entrepreneurs across the country continue to submit their entries on social media with the hashtag #PalmPayHustleGrant. From these, the top entries will be shortlisted, with four more winners set to be announced in the final round.

For PalmPay, this initiative is a reflection of its core mission: building tools that don’t just make financial services smarter but make ambitions possible. The Hustle Grant is a platform for turning bold ideas into impact stories, ensuring that Nigerians chasing their dreams have the resources to reach the next level.

As the company celebrates its 6th anniversary, the Hustle Grant reinforces PalmPay’s role as a brand that doesn’t just process transactions but empowers transformation.

For every Nigerian who chooses PalmPay, the brand proves it is more than a digital banking platform, it’s a trusted financial partner committed to their growth.

Police begin enforcement of tinted glass permit nationwide Thursday

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the full enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit (TGP) across the country beginning Thursday, October 2, 2025.

According to the police, the move is in line with the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, a key security regulation aimed at curbing criminal activities and safeguarding public safety.

The IGP noted that the grace period earlier given to motorists to obtain or renew their permits has expired, stressing that all vehicles with tinted glasses must now present valid and verifiable permit documents upon demand by enforcement officers.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Halima, on behalf of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja said, ‘The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, wishes to inform the general public, particularly residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger States, that the full enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit (TGP) will commence nationwide on Thursday, 2nd October, 2025.

‘Implications for Motorists: Operating a vehicle with tinted glass without an approved permit is now an offence.

‘Routine checks will be conducted across FCT and Niger State by designated enforcement teams.

‘Defaulters risk vehicle impoundment and possible legal prosecution.

‘To avoid sanctions, motorists are strongly advised to apply for or revalidate their Tinted Glass Permit (TGP) via the official police portal: www.possap.gov.ng

‘Compliance with this directive is not only a legal duty but a collective effort toward ensuring public safety and national security. We therefore call on all residents to show patriotism by supporting law enforcement personnel during this exercise.

‘For verified information and updates regarding permit application procedures and other police services, follow our official social media platforms via the link below: https://linktr.ee/npfzoneviiabuja?utm_source=linktree_admin_share’.

Adeleke frees 36 convicts to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the release of 36 inmates convicted for various offences in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

The governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, disclosed on Wednesday that the beneficiaries, serving sentences at the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife, were freed under the constitutional powers vested in the governor by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, based on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

In a proclamation dated September 24, 2025, and issued under his hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Governor Adeleke formally granted amnesty to the listed convicts under the state’s jurisdiction.

‘I, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Paragraph (a) Subsection (1) of Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and acting in accordance with the Advisory Council of State designated under Subsection (2) of the said Section, am graciously pleased to extend my mercy to the said thirty-six (36) convicts.

‘By this act, I remit and release unto them all pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever that may have accrued from their convictions, and I hereby require all to whom it may concern to take due notice thereof.

‘This shall be a sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Nigeria, this 24th day of September, 2025.’

He noted that beneficiaries of this Independence Day amnesty include men and women convicted mostly of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy, many of whom had served substantial portions of their sentences.

Rasheed noted that Adeleke emphasized that the decision reflects the spirit of compassion, justice, and renewal, which Nigeria’s Independence Day represents:

‘As a government of the people, we remain committed to upholding justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens. This amnesty is not only a gesture of freedom but also a call for true rehabilitation, reintegration, and a fresh start for these individuals,’ the governor said.

65th Independence: Oborevwori urges Nigerians to remain steadfast

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to building a stronger and more united nation, noting that the country’s economy has improved tremendously.

Oborevwori, in his Independence message signed by his chief press secretary, Festus Ahon, urged Nigerians to continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and his administration’s ‘MORE Agenda’, which, he said, were designed to improve the people’s living standards.

He noted that his government is investing heavily in massive infrastructure upgrades across Delta State, advancing a power revolution through a renewable energy mix, and creating an enabling environment to attract foreign direct investments.

He explained that the efforts were aimed at making life more meaningful for Deltans and residents and significantly boosting the state’s economy.

The governor also used the occasion to appeal to all ethnic groups in the state to embrace peace and remain united, stressing that peace was a prerequisite for sustainable development.

Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and pledged to continue working for the progress and prosperity of all Deltans.

Police dismiss claims against Egbetokun, reaffirm commitment to justice

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports suggesting that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun obstructed justice in a rape case involving an American citizen and an Indian national, describing the claims as untrue.

The allegations were reportedly contained in a letter addressed to the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, by a former senior police officer.

However, a senior police source who spoke on Monday said there was no truth to the claims, stressing that the IGP remains committed to upholding justice and the rule of law.

The source added that the police leadership would not be distracted by attempts to discredit the IGP, assuring that the Force remains focused on strengthening accountability, discipline, and transparency in its operations.

The Nigeria Police further reiterated its resolve to work with local and international partners to ensure justice is served in all cases, while calling on the public to disregard unfounded allegations capable of undermining the integrity of the institution.