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Discos to face fresh hurdle ahead of licence renewal

A new major policy requiring electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to meet a minimum capital adequacy requirement to qualify for the renewal of their operating licenses is underway. The policy is aimed at addressing the capital adequacy requirement to strengthen the financial health and liquidity position of the utilities.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, made this known yesterday at the opening session of the Nigeria Energy Week 2025 which kicked off in Lagos at the Landmark Event Centre. The summit, organised by Informa Markets, has as its theme: ‘Powering Nigeria through Investment, Innovation, and Partnership.’

According to Adelabu, the sector continues to face challenges of under-capitalisation among several Distribution Companies (DisCos) and a severe debt burden.

‘As the tenure of their operational licenses approaches renewal, the government intends to introduce a minimum capital adequacy requirement as part of the license renewal process, to strengthen the financial health and liquidity position of the utilities,’ Adelabu said.

The minister also disclosed that prior to the coming of the present administration, Nigerians spent about N15 trillion on diesel and fuel to power their generators in a year because of unreliable public power services.

He, however, said that given the reforms of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration the narrative has changed as he claimed that there is better power provision currently.

Adelabu’s disclosure corroborates with the report of the National Bureau of Statistics which stated that the cost of petrol imports rose by 105.3 per cent to N15.42tr in 2024 from the N7.51tr recorded in 2023.

He therefore charged the private investors to invest more in the nation’s power sector, adding that the federal government alone does not have the capacity to fund all the investment needed to make very efficient.

The minister also used the occasion to give updates on critical infrastructure projects. He confirmed that contracts for the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) Phase One have been signed, with the aim of adding 7,000MW of operational capacity to the grid. He also revealed that generation capacity has been sustained at an average of approximately 5,300MW in 2024, up from 4,200MW in 2023.

‘In parallel to the grid expansion, generation capacity is being expanded through the rehabilitation of existing NIPP plants to unlock about 345MW, alongside the successful integration of the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant into the grid.

‘Collectively, these interventions have helped sustain an average generation capacity of approximately 5,300MW in 2024 up from 4,200MW recorded in 2023’.

The Minister disclosed further that the government has operationalized the Presidential Metering Initiative, with N700 billion already secured to deploy 1.1 million meters by the end of 2025.

He also noted that the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) into two organisations: the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which manages the operation of Nigeria’s electricity grid and coordinates the electricity market, and the Transmission Service Provider (TSP), which owns, maintains, and expands the physical transmission infrastructure marks a long-awaited and critical structural reform in the power sector.

Adelabu direct appealed for investment, emphasising that Nigeria’s power sector remains open and ready for business more than ever before. He pointed to the over 10 GW of stranded generation capacity as a critical opportunity, assuring stakeholders that market fundamentals are improving, policy environment is clear, and the national leadership is committed.

‘As we commence today’s forum, let me once again emphasise to our investors, financiers, and innovators that Nigeria’s power sector remains open and ready for business more than ever before. We recognize that achieving the scale of investment required to transform the sector requires greater private sector participation across the entire value chain, particularly in the transmission segment.

‘A useful reference is South Africa’s ambitious $25 billion transmission grid expansion initiative, which seeks private developers to deliver 14,000 kilometers of new power lines and connect over 59 GW of new capacity within the next 14 years. This is remarkable when compared to Nigeria’s Presidential Power Initiative (the Siemens project) valued at $2.3 billion.

‘In Nigeria today, we have over 10 GW of stranded generation capacity. Energy that could power industries, create jobs, and even support electricity exports to our neighbouring countries through the regional power pool. We are therefore open to strategic partnerships to mobilize the necessary investments and unlock this potential. Our market fundamentals are improving, our policy environment is clear, and the national leadership is committed to creating the enabling conditions for long-term investment and innovation,’ Adelabu said.

He also spoke of the comprehensive reform agenda for the sector since 2023, describing it as a multi-pronged approach to reposition the Nigerian power sector for sustainability, efficiency and growth.

He said: ‘This approach spans critical pillars which include legislation, policy reforms, infrastructure development, energy transition and access expansion, and local content and capacity development with each designed to address structural challenges, unlock private capital, and enhance service delivery across the electricity value chain.’

The Minister highlighted the Electricity Act 2023 as a foundational milestone, which has already granted regulatory autonomy to 15 states. On the policy front, he revealed that the first comprehensive, sector-wide policy in nearly two decades, the Integrated National Electricity Policy, has been approved.

He said: ‘This represents a clear shift towards a liberalized and investment-friendly electricity market. Since its passage, 15 states have received regulatory autonomy to establish subnational electricity markets with one fully operationalized. We are working actively with these states to ensure strong alignment between the wholesale market and the retail market. In this regard, we believe the active involvement of state governments, particularly in the off-grid segment is critical, given the series of roundtable engagements held with governors by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as well as the ongoing efforts to closely track the Distribution Company (DisCo) performance within their respective jurisdictions.

On stabilisation of the market and sector commercialization, he said the government is deepening power sector commercialization to strengthen revenue, liquidity, and investor confidence. ‘Through tariff policy reforms which enabled cost-reflective tariffs for select consumers, supply reliability has improved while reducing energy costs for industries, and industry revenue has increased by 70 percent to N1.7 trillion in 2024 compared to previous year and the revenue is expected to exceed N2 trillion for 2025.’

To stabilise the market, he revealed: ‘Mr. President has approved a N4 trillion bond to clear verified GenCo and gas supply debts. Alongside this, a targeted subsidy framework is being developed to protect vulnerable households and ensure a sustainable path toward full commercialisation and viable industry,’ the minister concluded.

Zamfara PDP lawmaker, ward chairmen defect to APC

Hon. Maharazu Faru, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly representing the Maradun II constituency, along with his ward chairmen, has defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

During a formal declaration on Tuesday at the APC headquarters in Gusau, the state capital, Hon. Faru cited several reasons for their decision to leave the PDP, including a lack of focus on development projects in their area.

He stated, ‘We are forced to leave the PDP due to inconsistency, poor leadership, and a lack of development projects in our constituency. We are in dire need of projects in our area.’

According to him, the Maradun II constituency, which comprises Gidan Goga ward, Kaya ward, and Faru/Magami ward, has experienced a significant absence of development initiatives from the current administration.

In a notification letter addressed to the Hon. Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, and signed by Hon. Maharazu Salisu Faru, he wrote: ‘I, Hon. Maharazu Salisu Faru, Member representing the Maradun II State Constituency in this esteemed House of Assembly, having reviewed the recent developments within our party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), particularly at the national level, and my personal assessment of what I perceive as poor leadership within the party in Zamfara State, wish to announce that, effective today, the 28th day of October, 2025, I am ceasing to be a member of the PDP in Zamfara State and have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).’

He concluded, ‘This decision follows extensive consultations, especially with my constituents, who have all decided to move to the APC starting from my ward.’

Receiving the defected member and his supporters, the Zamfara State APC Chairman, Tukur Umar Danfulani, expressed appreciation, noting that the APC has continued to attract reputable and distinguished individuals, even though it is not the ruling party in the state.

He emphasized that this influx is a testament to the growing confidence in the APC at both the state and national levels for its exemplary leadership.

CSOs hail FIRS, NNPC, NUPRC, NCC’s revenue generation stride

The National Council of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), operating under the Civil Society Organisations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), has commended key revenue-generating agencies of the Federal Government for their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The Council also cautioned unaccredited groups against filing petitions without verified facts or due diligence.

In a statement signed by Ambassador (Prince) Emeka Mgbemere, Secretary of the Council and Executive Director of CSOs and CBOs at CSCHEI, the Council praised the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for their sustained commitment to transparency, innovation, and operational excellence-factors that continue to enhance Nigeria’s revenue profile.

The Council particularly lauded the NUPRC for its impressive revenue-generation performance, describing it as a model of administrative transparency and strategic operational efficiency.

‘We commend the management of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission for the staffing and strategic operational mechanisms put in place to generate a total revenue of ?6.215 trillion between January and September 2025, with a total performance of ?7.554 trillion, including receivables and pending royalty settlements,’ the statement read.

According to the Council, the figure includes ?758.99 billion from NNPC Ltd Joint Venture and Production Sharing Contract royalty receivables between January and August 2025; ?730.25 billion from Project Gazelle receipts as of November 2024; and a cumulative ?6.322 trillion in NNPC JV royalty receivables between October 2022 and August 2025. The NUPRC’s contribution, it said, accounts for about 11.4% of Nigeria’s ?55 trillion national budget for 2025-an achievement considered remarkable for a commission established just four years ago.

While urging all revenue-generating agencies to sustain and expand their performance levels, the Council emphasized that these institutions remain pivotal to Nigeria’s fiscal stability and overall economic resilience. It also commended the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for their complementary roles in supporting national financial growth through efficient revenue management and institutional reforms.

On governance matters, CSCHEI issued a stern warning to all unaccredited Civil Society Organisations, Community-Based Organisations, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the country to desist from submitting petitions lacking substantiated facts or credible evidence.

‘Such actions not only undermine the credibility of your organisations but also contravene established laws and regulations,’ the statement warned, noting that petitions not grounded in verifiable facts could be deemed criminal under procurement and civil laws.

The Council reminded CSOs and CBOs that the SERVICOM (Service Compact with All Nigerians) principles demand transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in public service delivery-and that compliance with these standards is non-negotiable.

‘Writing or submitting petitions without facts is considered a serious offence, tantamount to committing a crime. It is essential that your organisations exercise due diligence and conduct thorough fact-finding before submitting petitions,’ the Council stated.

As an accredited platform recognised by the United Nations, CSCHEI reaffirmed its mandate to coordinate and promote the activities of CSOs, CBOs, and NGOs within the framework of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

‘We serve as a credible bridge between the Government and the masses, with a presence in 440 Local Government Areas across 26 states of the country,’ Mgbemere said.

He further explained that the organisation’s oversight role involves monitoring the implementation of development goals through advocacy, transparency, accountability, equity, and fairness.

The Council urged the heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt homegrown strategies that deliver tangible results for citizens while reiterating the importance of collaboration between government institutions and civil society in promoting good governance.

Drawing from global context, CSCHEI aligned its message with the resolutions of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships with CSOs to achieve peace, development, and human rights.

‘The Secretary-General’s message underscores the critical role CSOs play in promoting peace, development, and human rights. Strengthening partnerships with CSOs is crucial for achieving UN goals. Collaboration, transparency, accountability, and partnership are essential for success,’ the statement added.

Reaffirming its alignment with international best practices, the National Council of CSCHEI declared its readiness to support both government and development partners through credible information sharing, accountability, and transparent engagement.

‘In the spirit of the 80th UNGA 2025, the National Council of CSCHEI aligns with global partners to support governments through accountability, transparency, and credible information,’ Mgbemere affirmed.

Cameroon opposition rejects Biya’s win amid violent protests

Cameroon’s opposition leaders rejected presidential election results that extended President Paul Biya’s rule for another seven years, saying the outcome did not reflect the will of the people in a country already battling a separatist conflict.

The central African nation’s constitutional council on Monday declared Biya, 92, as the winner of the disputed vote with over 53% of the ballots, triggering violent protests in several cities in the oil- and cocoa-producing nation.

The court’s ruling, which is final and cannot be appealed, signals a potentially prolonged post-election standoff.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary , Biya’s main challenger, had earlier declared victory and warned he would not accept any other outcome. His supporters have angrily taken to the streets, clashing with riot police and blocking roads in the commercial capital Douala with burning tires and debris.

The protests killed at least four people over the weekend and two others on Monday, according to the opposition.

There were scattered celebrations in Biya’s strongholds and government ministers held a party. The usually bustling streets of Douala remained quiet yesterday as rain and riot police kept protesters away.

The European Union expressed ‘deep concern’ about the recent violent repression of protests and called on authorities to tackle the excessive use of force. It also urged leaders to engage in dialogue to preserve national stability.

Breast cancer: Awareness, early detection saves lives – Expert

Founder of Silver Cross Healthcare and Diagnostics, Ese Onemiye, has called for consistent awareness campaign of breast cancer, noting that early detection could save lives.

Onemiye said; ‘For women, breast cancer is one of the most common diseases affecting women worldwide, adding that despite major advances in medical science, many women and even some men continue to face this diagnosis each year.

According to Onemiye, Breast cancer happens when some cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably. These cells can form a lump or tumor and may spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. Most breast cancers start in the milk ducts or glands (lobules) of the breast.

Onemiye’s words ‘Types of breast cancer are Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, DCIS, a non-invasive form of cancer where cells are limited to the ducts.

‘Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, IDC, the most common type, where cancer spreads beyond the ducts.

‘Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, ILC, starts in the glands and spreads to nearby tissues.

‘Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, a more aggressive type that doesn’t respond to hormonal treatment.

‘HER2-Positive Breast Cancer grows quickly but can be treated with special targeted drugs.

‘Certain things increase the chances of getting breast cancer, such as being female and older in age.

‘Family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2. Early menstruation or late menopause. Using hormonal therapy for a long time. Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol use, lack of exercise, and poor diet.

‘You should see a doctor if you notice a lump in the breast or underarm. Changes in breast size or shape. Dimpling or redness of the breast skin. Nipple discharge, especially if it’s bloody. Breast pain or swelling.

‘Breast cancer can be detected through self-examination: checking your breasts regularly.

‘Clinical examination done by a healthcare provider. Mammogram: A breast X-ray that detects early changes. Ultrasound or MRI: for more detailed images.

‘Biopsy is a test to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. They include surgery: removing the tumor or entire breast if necessary. Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

‘Drugs that stop or slow cancer growth. For cancers affected by hormones like estrogen. Drugs that attack only cancer cells. Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.

‘When breast cancer is found early, it can often be treated successfully. Regular screening and awareness are key to early detection. Early diagnosis can save up to 90% of lives for localised cancers.

‘A diagnosis of breast cancer can bring emotional stress. Support from family, friends, and counselors is important during recovery. Healing the mind is just as important as healing the body.’

Celtic appoint O’Neill after Rogers’ departure

Brendan Rodgers has resigned as Celtic manager with the Scottish giants’ major shareholder accusing him of ‘divisive, misleading and self-serving’ behaviour.

Former boss Martin O’Neill, 73, and ex-player Shaun Maloney will take charge until a permanent successor is appointed, the club said Monday.

Rodgers’ second spell at Celtic ended after Sunday’s 3-1 Scottish Premiership defeat at Hearts left them eight points adrift of the Edinburgh side in second.

‘Brendan leaves with our thanks for the role he has played during a period of continued success for the club and we wish him further success in the future,’ a statement said.

‘We are pleased that during this interim period former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and former Celtic player Shaun Maloney have agreed to take charge of Celtic first-team matters,’ it said.

The club added that the search for a replacement was already under way, with former manager Ange Postecoglou among the bookmakers’ favourites following his recent sacking by Nottingham Forest.

Rodgers, 52, returned for a second spell at Celtic Park in 2023, winning successive titles, to add to his league triumphs from 2017 and 2018.

But clouds have gathered over the club this season with Celtic knocked out of the Champions League by Kazakhstan minnows Kairat Almaty.

Rodgers had appeared at odds with his employers over their summer transfer policy.

After Celtic’s first defeat at Dundee in 37 years this month, he said the team had ‘lost a lot of firepower, a lot of goals’.

‘And there’s no way you’ll go into a race and be given the keys to a Honda Civic and say, ‘I want you to drive it like a Ferrari’. It’s not going to happen.’

In a separate statement on Monday, Celtic’s main shareholder Dermot Desmond hit back, saying Rodgers’ criticism had come ‘entirely out of the blue’.

‘Despite ample opportunity he was unable to identify a single instance where the club had obstructed or failed to support him. The facts did not match his public narrative,’ he said.

‘Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading, and self-serving.

‘They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club and fuelled hostility towards members of the executive team and the board.’

Rodgers previously managed Swansea, Liverpool and Leicester, and arrived at Celtic for the second time in June 2023 to succeed Postecoglou.

The Northern Irishman had been at Celtic between May 2016 and February 2019, completing successive league and cup trebles.

His first season in charge saw Celtic finish with a record 106 points and become the first Scottish side to complete a top-flight season undefeated since 1899.

Rodgers continued Celtic’s domestic supremacy by winning league titles in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, and also lifted the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup.

Nigeria’s first political reality TV show concludes first season

The first season of Nigeria’s first political reality TV show, the Nigeria House of Commons, has officially come to an end, marking a significant milestone in youth-led civic education and political engagement across the country.

Created by Africana League, a civic platform committed to expanding visibility and capacity of youths to engage in politics and governance, Nigeria House of Commons brought together young Nigerians representing various states and the FCT to simulate the House of Representatives through 13 thought-provoking episodes.

The show’s mission was to educate, empower, and inspire a generation of Nigerians to take ownership of governance and leadership through knowledge, dialogue, and participation.

Throughout the season, participants debated some of the nation’s most pressing issues, including fuel subsidy removal, regulation of food commodity prices in Nigeria, regulation of social media in Nigeria, Implementation of the Disability Act 2018, health workforce migration, reviewing the regulatory power of national Institutions on the educational curricula, and state policing for domestic security.

Each episode blended civic education with entertainment, using open conversations and debates to make governance relatable to everyday Nigerians.

Through its creative approach, Nigeria House of Commons became more than a show. It grew into a movement that encouraged Nigerian youth to see leadership as service and responsibility.

The show attracted strong online engagement and sparked meaningful conversations about accountability, representation, and the power of young voices in shaping Nigeria’s future. Since its debut, Nigeria House of Commons has grown a community of over 6,000 YouTube subscribers and recorded more than 20,000 total views on its YouTube channel, further proving the growing interest in youth-led civic conversations across the country.

Speaking on the success of the first season, Glory Nneka Ukwenga, Executive Director of Africana League, said, ‘Nigeria House of Commons was created to close the gap between young Nigerians and governance. What we saw this season confirmed that young people rise to the challenge when given a platform to express themselves and engage meaningfully. This first season has set a foundation for a more politically aware and active generation.’

As the curtain falls on season one, the Africana League team has confirmed that preparations are already underway for season two, which will deepen the conversation on civic leadership and expand the show’s reach to more communities across Nigeria. Young Nigerians interested in participating can register their interest and learn more about the process.

Becoming a member provides access to civic education opportunities, mentorship, leadership training, and national recognition through the show’s platform.

Africana League is also calling on partners, sponsors, and civic-focused organisations to collaborate on Season Two as the Nigeria House of Commons continues its mission of nurturing active citizenship and leadership development.

Firm raises oil and gas surveillance

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria says it has expanded its operations to include oil and gas in close proximity to Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), free of charge.

The company, primarily in the Eastern Corridor of Trans Niger Pipeline said it is doing this in the interest of national development.

Head of Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr Akpos Mezeh, addressed stakeholders from host communities of TNP in Bayelsa, urging them to scale up real time information around critical assets for optimum protection.

‘We wish to restate that PINL has taken on the responsibility of providing security for all oil and gas assets in close proximity to the TNP ‘Pro Bono’ even though they are not under its current mandate. To this extent, we urge stakeholders to scale up vigilance and real time community intelligence around these assets in the interest of national security, ‘ Mezeh said.

He also disclosed that following from previous meetings, Biseni community has been included in its operations while plans are on to include other communities from Sagbama LGA.

‘Acting on recommendations from our last meeting, PINL has granted the inclusion of Biseni and other deserving communities in its surveillance engagements.

‘Furthermore, recommendations have been submitted to the appropriate authorities for inclusion of more communities that host critical oil and gas assets in the eastern corridor, ‘ Mezeh stated.

Giving a rundown of its successes for the month under review, the PINL official stated that there was no case of pipeline vandalism in the state and on the entire TNP, attributing the feat to the collaboration between the company, security agents and community stakeholders.

He emphasized that there has been sustained oil and gas production in the eastern corridor, increased host community development trust funding and peace in the communities.

Mezeh informed the stakeholders that the company’empowerment for 2000 women and girls from the host communities under the PINL Women Entrepreneurs and Empowerment Initiative has completed data capturing for host communities in Abia, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa communities.

He explained that the program focuses on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for women and girls, adding ‘Verification of data is ongoing, and beneficiaries will be contacted shortly’.

On scholarship and youth development, he said it is currently being processed for payment, with beneficiaries expected to receive disbursements by November while new entries from underrepresented communities have also been added.

Some stakeholders at the meeting noted that PINL’s impact was being felt in the host communities.

President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba in his speech thanked PINL for recognising the roles of the host communities and the traditional institution in its operations.

The INC leader appreciated the company for its corporate social responsibility packages for the communities and for the regular stakeholders engagement towards finding solutions to pipeline vandalism in the the area.

‘I thank PINL for bringing us here and we urge all of us to support them because as INC and IYC, we have agreed amongst ourselves that we won’t go on violent struggles anymore, we’ll go on civil engagements, ‘ he said.

On his part, President of Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, Jonathan Lokpobiri, commended PINL for nipping in the bud most of the problems that have bedeviled communities in the region.

He praised the collaboration between the company and security agencies in addressing issues of environmental devastation.

‘ I’m happy to acknowledge that PINL has been able to help our communities nip the issues of environmental devastation in the bud through, collaboration and the effort they are putting in by working with security agencies; and other people of goodwill that genuinely care for the Niger Delta environment, ‘ Lokpobiri said.

The IYC leader lauded stakeholders who have been supportive of the company’s activities in ensuring a vandalism-free region.

Also speaking, Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr Bulodisiye Ndiwari acknowledged that in the last two months, the area has not recorded any case of oil theft or pipeline vandalism.

He also appreciated the company for building the capacity of the region through its skills and empowerment programme for youths and women.

‘We want to appreciate you for this women empowerment and for the scholarship scheme that will take off very soon. You are building the capacity of Bayelsans, Niger Delta and Ijaw nation’ Odiwari said.

Meanwhile, the Project Monitoring Office (PMO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in a goodwill message assured the company that it is in support of their stakeholders’ collaboration in combating pipeline vandalism.

Another Bayelsa Senator dumps PDP, defects to APC

The Senator representing Bayelsa-East, Benson Agadagba, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday.

It came just days after Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa-Central), also defected to the APC from the main opposition party.

The new development added to the APC’s comfortable majority as it now controls 76 out of 109 senators.

The PDP in Bayelsa is now left with former governor Henry Seriake Dickson as its only senator.

It was Dickson who handed over power to the current governor of the state, Senator Diri Douye.

Douye himself has since resigned his membership of the PDP, but has yet to announce his next political party.

However, his close associates point to the APC as the likely destination, considering that two senators have already joined the ruling party.

In his defection letter read on the floor by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the lawmaker said the PDP of today was in shreds, compared to when he joined the party many years ago.

He claimed that the situation in the party had deteriorated to a point where it could no longer be redeemed.

Sanwo-Olu empowers 1,000 Lagos residents with N460m lifeline

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday disbursed ?460 million cheques to 1,000 vulnerable Lagosians under the Financial Assistance Programme Initiative, tagged: Eko Cares.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the official presentation of cheques to beneficiaries of the programme, at an event which took place at the Blue Roof, Agidingbi Road, Ikeja, and organized by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPLandCE), noting that the Eko Cares initiative reaffirmed the true essence of governance, which was to provide comfort, hope, and opportunities for those who needed them the most.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said that the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries was not just a ceremony, but a celebration of compassion and the state’s shared humanity.

According to him, it serves as a reminder that progress is not solely about infrastructure or numbers, but about how deeply people care for one another, saying that through initiatives like this, the social contract as well a relationship built on trust, empathy, and inclusion between the government and its citizens is strengthened.

‘This presentation of cheques to over 1,000 vulnerable Lagosians is not just a ceremony; it is a celebration of compassion and our shared humanity. It serves as a reminder that progress is not solely about infrastructure or numbers, but about how deeply we care for one another.

‘Through initiatives like this, we strengthen the social contract between the government and its citizens, a relationship built on trust, empathy, and inclusion,’ the governor said.

The governor reiterated that his administration ‘will keep working towards a Lagos where compassion shapes policies, where hard work meets opportunity, and where no citizen is left behind,’ adding that the disbursement was not the first time exercise by his administration and won’t be the last.

He further assured that more beneficiaries would receive their cheques before the end of the year, saying that his administration would continue to support those who needed it the most.

Speaking further, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the initiative was making a real difference in the lives of thousands across the state, noting that the initiative was to help residents tackle economic hurdles, foster inclusion and stability, and bring back hope and dignity.

According to him, the initiative, as the state government continues its fight against poverty, exemplifies what it means to have responsive and compassionate leadership, along with inclusive governance, further assuring that his administration was deeply in tune with the needs of its residents and, therefore, the reason it had been rolling out a variety of social intervention programmes that truly bring relief to families and communities across Lagos.

‘In 2024 alone, we distributed ?1.1 billion to 2,477 residents throughout the state. For this year, we have set aside ?1.6 billion to assist an additional 2,850 beneficiaries, and these programs are still running, with even more residents ready to receive support. This is our ongoing commitment to making social intervention inclusive and impactful,’ the governor said.

He, however, admonished the beneficiaries to see the government support beyond just financial aid, saying that it was a seed of hope, and should be used wisely for their betterment.

‘Let it ignite your next breakthrough, bolster your business, or bring peace to your home. The government can open doors, but it is your determination that keeps them wide open,’ he said.

In his welcome address, the Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, noted that the initiative embodies a deeper commitment of the Lagos State government to compassion, equity, and empowerment, ensuring that every resident had a fair chance to thrive.

Afolabi said that the Eko Listens Financial Assistance Programme had, since its inception in 2020, served as a beacon of hope for thousands of vulnerable Lagosians, reaffirming that the state government was committed to the enduring social contract that no resident would be left behind in the journey of Lagos State’s development.

The governor’s aide, while highlighting different citizen-centric initiatives embarked on by the Office, which include Civic Education and Sensitization Programme in schools, the CitizensGate Mobile App, among others, noted that the initiatives stood as a testament to the present administration’s commitment to listen with intent, respond with compassion, and act with purpose, adding that such approach exemplified a government that meets its people at the point of their needs.