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’Adeleke’s performance made me dump APC’

A former Osun West senatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Peter Ogundeji, has defected to the Accord Party to support Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid, citing the governor’s strong leadership and welfare initiatives.

Ogundeji, who spoke at the Government House open field yesterday while leading thousands of supporters into the Accord Party, said he was previously ‘blind’ to good governance while in the APC.

‘Some time ago, when I was in APC, I was blind and not well enlightened on good governance. But today, I have seen light in the Accord Party of Governor Adeleke,’ he said.

The Ejigbo-born politician praised Adeleke’s welfare programmes for civil servants, retirees and workers across the state, and withdrew earlier criticisms he made against the governor while in the APC.

‘Any statement made against your government was political and just mere fallacy. You have done well, Mr Governor,’ he said.

Ogundeji also alleged that the APC senatorial primary in his zone was not properly conducted, claiming that party elders ‘hand-picked’ the candidate. He said one of the aspirants later told him that even the President had endorsed Adeleke for a second term because of his performance.

‘I am sure the President has seen the good works of Adeleke’s government. I urge all other members in that party to join Adeleke to win his re-election,’ he concluded.

Transcorp Hotels records N13.7b profit in first half

Transcorp Hotels Plc recorded considerable improvement in profitability in the first half, with pre-tax profit rising to N13.7 billion within the six-month period.

Key extracts of the interim report and accounts of Transcorp Hotels for the first half ended June 30, 2026 released at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) showed that profit before tax rose from N12.2 billion to N13.7 billion. Net profit after taxes grew by 21 per cent from N8.7 billion to N10.5 billion. Total revenue stood at N44.4 billion in first half 2026 compared with N46.9 billion in comparable period of 2025.

The company’s operating expense margin improved by three percentage points, demonstrating continued operational efficiency and prudent cost management.

Managing Director, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Uzoamaka Oshogwe said the first half 2026 results validated Transcorp Hotels’ resilience and focus on operational excellence, cost efficiency, and customer-centric innovation, reinforcing its leadership in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.

She said: ‘Our second quarter 2026 performance reflects the resilience of our business and the disciplined execution of our strategy in a dynamic operating environment. While market conditions remained challenging, we continued to deliver strong profitability by staying focused on operational excellence, commercial agility, and creating exceptional experiences for our guests.

‘We remain committed to strengthening our market leadership, investing strategically in our business, and delivering sustainable long-term value for our shareholders’.

Chief Finance Officer, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Oluwatobiloba Ojediran, said the company’s disciplined approach to cost management, revenue optimisation, and operational execution was responsible for the double digit growth in pre and post tax profits.

‘These strong financial results reinforce the resilience of our business, provide a solid platform for sustainable growth, and position us to continue investing strategically while delivering long-term value for our shareholders,’ Ojediran said.

He noted that beyond the numbers, Transcorp Hotels continues to strengthen its portfolio of iconic assets with Transcorp Hilton Abuja remaining one of the company’s flagship properties, while Transcorp Centre, one of West Africa’s largest purpose-built event and conference venues, is fast becoming a landmark for business, tourism, and world-class events in Nigeria.Since its launch, Transcorp Centre has hosted several landmark gatherings, further cementing its position as a premier venue for high-profile corporate and social gatherings.

Transcorp Hotels Plc is the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc, one of Africa’s leading listed companies with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors.

U.S.-based cleric urges youths to utilise talents

A United States-based cleric, Pastor Tola Odutola of Jesus House, Baltimore, has advised Nigerian youths to stop relying on the government for employment.

He said they should instead focus on discovering and developing their talents to create sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking on the sidelines of an empowerment seminar with the theme: ‘Maximising Your Potential’, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Odutola said individuals must identify their natural gifts and nurture them into impactful solutions for the society.

He added: ‘Where we start first is to ask yourself: what gift do I have? What is that thing that inspires me? Every greatness in life starts with a seed.’ The cleric urged youths to cultivate their abilities so they could transition from job seekers to self-reliant problem solvers.

He enjoined them to maintain self-belief, noting personal determination outweighed any environmental limitation.

Recalling his upbringing in Oke-Bola area of Ibadan, Odutola challenged youths not to let lack of parental or societal support hinder their progress.

‘I grew up in this same environment and went to school here. I wasn’t waiting for a father figure to pave the way. You have to struggle and push because you owe yourself the responsibility to succeed,’ he said.

The clergyman cautioned Nigerians against over-dependence on state support, noting that the world’s most vibrant economies were driven by individual entrepreneurs, rather than government interventions. Acknowledging that the state holds the responsibility of creating an enabling environment, he stressed that the primary drive must come from the citizens.

Highlighting the need for career flexibility, the cleric says many university graduates eventually find fulfilment and financial stability outside their formal fields of study.

He said the empowerment initiative was designed to hand-hold aspiring entrepreneurs and provide support to help them launch their visions.

Fubara gives nod to Chinda, other Rainbow Coalition candidates

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the state Rainbow Coalition and all its candidates including All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Ovunda Kingsley Chinda.

The governor called on his supporters to join him in embracing the existing peace and political unity in the state ahead of next year’s general election.

Fubara made the declaration on Tuesday.

It was at the laying of foundation of the RIVEN Medical Industries Project at Rumuosi on the East/West Road in Port Harcourt.

He said the period of political conflict in Rivers State was over and urged residents to rally behind the Rainbow Coalition.

The governor said: ‘We have made peace in the state and I am supporting our Rainbow Coalition. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is our President, and the one we are supporting, O.K Chinda is the governorship candidate that I am supporting and anybody who believes in me will support every candidate in this the Rainbow Coalition’.

He dismissed suggestions that he was maintaining a separate political agenda, insisting that he had fully reunited with his political family.

‘For those of you who are saying, ‘Fubara, let’s stay, we want to collect something before we run,’ there is nothing to collect. I am already in the family. I have gone back to our family. Please, wherever you are, give your total support to that coalition. We need to move forward. The time of war is over; we are in the time of peace, and this peace is taking us to another level,’ he said.

Fubara stressed that he would not be associated with any action capable of causing division in Rivers State.

‘I am not party to anything that will bring any form of disunity in this state. I have done what I need to do. From now, we are moving forward,’ he added.

Fubara also expressed confidence that the RIVEN Medical Industries Project in Rumuosi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, would be completed within a short period, saying the investment would transform the state’s economy through manufacturing, job creation and industrial growth.

The governor said he agreed to participate only after receiving assurances from the promoters that the project would not suffer the fate of similar failed investments.

Fubara explained that he was persuaded by the Managing Director of ENPIC and the former Commissioner for Health that the investors had the financial and technical capacity to deliver the project.

He said: ‘Honestly, it is not my style to be involved in this type of event. Before I accepted attending this event, I took time to analyse what I was entering into.

‘I don’t consider this a groundbreaking because we already had something here before, but somehow it was short-lived. I am here because I was convinced that this investor has the capacity, the willingness and what it takes to see the end of this project’.

Fubara said that the government was already battling several lawsuits arising from failed investment agreements, with claims exceeding N200 billion, stressing that his administration would avoid repeating past mistakes.

Alleged N319m fraud: Appeal Court refuses bail to ex-FCTA director

The Court of Appeal, Abuja, has refused the application for bail pending appeal filed by Garba Mohammed Dukku, a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), who was convicted and sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment for the diversion of public funds amounting to approximately N319 million.

Garba Mohammed Dukku had approached the Court of Appeal seeking to be admitted to bail pending the determination of his appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which sentenced him to a total of 24 years’ imprisonment for corruption and money laundering offences.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal held that the Appellant/Applicant failed to show any exceptional circumstance to warrant the exercise of the Court’s discretion in granting bail pending appeal; it consequently refused the application.

The Court, however, granted an accelerated hearing of the substantive appeal to ensure the expeditious determination of the matter.

Garba Mohammed Dukku was convicted by the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Honourable Justice James Omotosho, on six counts bordering on corruption and money laundering in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022.

The ICPC had established during trial that between 2012 and 2013, Mr. Dukku fraudulently diverted a total sum of N318,250,000 belonging to the AMMC into his personal Fidelity Bank account in various tranches, including N56.25 million, N71 million, N53 million, N54 million, N46 million, and N36.3 million.

The Commission further proved that the diverted funds were subsequently transferred to Bureau de Change operators for unauthorized purposes.

Although Garba Dukku claimed during trial that the funds were handed over to his superiors, the Federal High Court dismissed the defence for lack of credible evidence and held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Omotosho consequently sentenced the convict to four years’ imprisonment on each of the six counts, amounting to a total jail term of 24 years.

The Court also imposed an option of fine equivalent to five times the amount involved in each count, totaling approximately N1.6 billion.

The ICPC welcomes the decision of the Court of Appeal refusing bail pending appeal and views it as a reaffirmation of the principle that applications for such relief must be supported by exceptional and compelling circumstances.

The Commission stated that it remains resolute in its commitment to the diligent prosecution of corruption cases and the protection of public resources from abuse and misappropriation, as contained in a statement signed by J. Okor Odey, Head, Media and Public Communications, ICPC, made available to Journalists on Thursday.

PM to press Myanmar on river pollution

Thailand will hold talks with Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing next month on cross-border environmental and security issues, including toxic contamination in the Kok River, agricultural burning and narcotics production, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Wednesday.

Speaking in Chon Buri after returning from an official visit to China, Mr Anutin said environmental protection featured prominently in his discussions with Chinese leaders, including green economic development, clean energy and environmentally friendly manufacturing aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

He said the government remained committed to tackling environmental issues, including contamination in the Kok River, which authorities have been monitoring closely.

Mr Anutin said Myanmar’s president, Min Aung Hlaing, is scheduled to make an official visit to Thailand on Aug 3-4. During the visit, Thailand will raise concerns over toxic pollutants in the Kok River and seek Myanmar’s cooperation in addressing the problem.

The Kok River originates in Myanmar before flowing into Thailand, making cooperation between the two countries essential. He said measures to combat transboundary haze caused by agricultural burning, drug production and trafficking are also expected to be discussed.

LandBank H1 profit falls despite strong loans

State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) saw net income slip 4 percent to P24.2 billion in the first half of the year as higher operating expenses offset stronger earnings from its core lending and investment businesses.

In its latest financial statement, the lender said net income as of end-June fell from P25.2 billion a year earlier.

Despite the lower profit, LandBank’s net interest income rose 8.6 percent to P57.9 billion as interest income grew 4.7 percent to P79.1 billion. A nearly 20-percent increase in investment income to P34.6 billion offset a 1.5-percent decline in loan income to P43.5 billion, while interest expenses fell 4.5 percent to P21.2 billion.

Higher operating expenses, however, dragged on earnings, rising 8.3 percent to P33.6 billion from P31.1 billion a year earlier. Compensation and fringe benefits increased to P13.2 billion from P11.3 billion, while LandBank booked P2.69 billion in trading losses. Other operating income rose 38 percent to P9.87 billion on higher fee and commission income and foreign exchange revaluation gains.

As of end-June, LandBank’s assets grew 2.8 percent to P3.54 trillion, while liabilities rose 3.9 percent to P3.29 trillion. Total borrowings surged nearly 660 percent to P128.2 billion from P16.9 billion a year earlier, driven by a more than 2,000-percent jump in domestic borrowings after LandBank raised P49.66 billion through its Asenso Bonds and tapped P50 billion from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ discount window facility.

Earlier, LandBank said it had no plans to issue another bond this year and would return to the debt market in 2027, subject to market conditions.

Foreign borrowings rose 61 percent to P18.9 billion, driven by higher bills payable, including P8.03 billion in deposit substitute repurchase agreements and P30 million in interbank term loans.

Eradiri replies Abati, defends Wike’s performance

A former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri, has dismissed criticism of his positive assessment of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

He insisted that the minister’s performance speaks for itself and has exposed the shortcomings of many governors.

Eradiri was responding to comments by veteran journalist and television presenter, Dr. Reuben Abati, who questioned the favourable rating that Eradiri gave Wike.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the new IYC executive council, Eradiri argued that his position was based on measurable development and not personal sentiment.

He said: ‘I think Reuben Abati was more emotional, probably because of his relationship with Wike. The truth is that I am a man who stands for development. I stand for action. I like people who do their job.’

The former IYC president applauded Wike’s ongoing inauguration and commissioning of projects in the FCT, describing it as evidence that effective leadership could deliver tangible results within a short period.

He said: ‘Wike has made the Niger Delta people proud because the position he has been given, he has used it to show the world that leaders can truly get the job done. What Wike is doing in one day is what some governors do in eight years.’

According to him, the scale of projects being delivered in the FCT should compel governors across the country to account for how they utilised public funds.

‘I said that with what Wike is doing, 30 days of inauguration and commissioning projects, governors need to explain to the people what they are doing with the resources in their states,’ he added.

Eradiri also dismissed suggestions that Wike’s achievements were made easier by the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), stressing that governors received their allocations directly.

‘I saw somebody talk about the Treasury Single Account. Governors are not under TSA. Their money comes straight to them. Any serious governor will turn the tide in his state,’ he said.

Hailing governors of Lagos, Enugu, and Abia states for what he described as commendable performances, Eradiri criticised some governors for failing to translate available resources into meaningful development.

‘There are some who are a disgrace to leadership. The President is doing his best by generating money for them, but they are not injecting that money into their states for meaningful projects,’ he said.

Responding to insinuations that his support for Wike was politically motivated, Eradiri maintained that he was an accomplished professional who could not be influenced by any politician.

‘I think Reuben Abati doesn’t know me. I am a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. I am a practising engineer. I run my own company. I pay staff. I contribute to Nigeria’s GDP. I pay taxes. I am too expensive an individual to be a praise singer to any politician,’ he stated.

Eradiri acknowledged that Wike had supported the IYC during his tenure as its president but insisted that such support had never prevented him from speaking out whenever necessary.

The former IYC president also argued that Wike’s performance had become one of the strongest selling points of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has many things to offer in the next election, because Wike is making his government visible. That is the truth, and we must commend him,’ Eradiri said.

He stressed that Wike’s achievements were more remarkable because he serves in an APC-led administration despite being a member of the opposition.

Reaffirming his admiration for the FCT minister, Eradiri said: ‘This is not the time to throw stones at someone who is working. I am not unemployed. But Wike is my man because he is a performer and an achiever and I like him.’

5 reasons your solar underperforms during rainy season

Many homeowners invest in solar energy expecting reliable electricity throughout the year. While solar systems continue to generate power during wet weather, it is common to notice a significant drop in performance when the rainy season arrives.

Meanwhile, if your batteries seem to charge more slowly or your inverter reports lower energy production, the weather is usually the biggest factor. Understanding why solar underperforms during the rainy season can help you manage expectations and improve the efficiency of your system.

Therefore, in this article, Tribune Online examined how a temporary decline in output does not necessarily indicate a fault with your solar installation.

Reduced sunlight reaching the panels

The most obvious reason for lower solar production during the rainy season is the reduction in solar irradiance.

Solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into energy. When thick clouds cover the sky, less sunlight reaches the photovoltaic cells.

According to solar energy research and performance data, heavily overcast conditions can reduce solar output significantly compared to clear-sky conditions because the amount of available sunlight drops sharply.

Even though solar panels can still use diffused sunlight, production levels are often much lower than on bright sunny days.

This is why many households notice reduced battery charging during prolonged periods of rainfall.

Longer periods of cloud cover

Rain itself is not the biggest problem. The real challenge is the persistent cloud cover that often accompanies rainy weather.

Solar panels continue producing electricity during light rain and cloudy conditions, but performance declines as cloud density increases. Studies and industry observations show that heavily overcast skies can reduce output to a fraction of normal production levels.

In regions that experience several consecutive rainy days, energy generation may remain below average for extended periods.

Dirt, pollen, and surface build-up

Many people assume rain completely cleans solar panels. While rainfall can wash away some dust and debris, it does not always remove stubborn dirt, pollen, or residue.

Research from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that rainfall alone may not fully clean solar panels, especially when pollen accumulation is involved. Residue left behind can continue affecting performance even after the rain has stopped.

Regular inspections and periodic cleaning remain important, particularly in areas with high dust levels or heavy vegetation.

Poor panel positioning and shading

Rainy seasons often make existing shading problems more noticeable.

Trees, buildings, utility poles, and nearby structures can block already-limited sunlight from reaching solar panels. According to energy performance data, panel orientation and tilt play a major role in determining how much solar energy a system can capture.

A system that performs reasonably well during the dry season may struggle during cloudy months if the panels are not positioned optimally.

Battery and system capacity limitations

In many cases, solar panels are not the only issue.

If your battery bank is undersized, it may struggle to store enough energy during periods of reduced generation. Similarly, older batteries often lose storage capacity over time, making rainy-season performance appear worse than it actually is.

A properly designed solar system should account for seasonal weather variations. Homes with higher electricity demand may require additional battery storage or larger solar arrays to maintain consistent performance throughout the year.

How to improve solar performance during the rainy season

Although the weather cannot be controlled, system efficiency can be improved.

Regular panel maintenance, proper battery management, routine inspections, and professional system sizing can all help maximise energy production. Some homeowners also benefit from adding extra panels or increasing battery capacity to compensate for seasonal reductions in sunlight.

It is normal for solar to underperform during the rainy season because solar panels depend on sunlight to generate electricity. Reduced irradiance, persistent cloud cover, dirt accumulation, shading issues, and battery limitations all contribute to lower output.

However, a drop in performance does not automatically indicate a faulty system. With proper maintenance and realistic expectations, solar energy remains a reliable and cost-effective power solution throughout the year, even during extended periods of rain.

Oseni launches AI learning hubs for students in Oyo South

The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency, at the House of Representatives, Aderemi Oseni, on Thursday unveiled the Remi Oseni Smart Learning Intervention (ROSMA) Legacy Programme, introducing a network of Artificial Intelligence-powered learning hubs designed to prepare secondary school students for the demands of a fast-changing digital world.

ýThe initiative, is aimed at exposing students to Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, coding, digital literacy and mentorship, while supporting their preparation for public examinations, including WAEC, NECO and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Speaking in Ibadan at the commissioning of the first batch of ROSMA Smart Learning Hubs, Oseni who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in 2027 general elections said future belong to nations that invest in knowledge and technology.

He stated that education must move beyond conventional classroom learning to innovation.

ýHe described the project as a deliberate investment in the next generation, saying every child, regardless of background, deserves the opportunity to compete with peers anywhere in the world.

‘This programme is not just about giving support; it is about opening doors. We want our students to understand Artificial Intelligence, embrace technology and develop the confidence to compete with their peers anywhere in the world. Every investment we make in a child today is an investment in a stronger society tomorrow.’

ýThe federal lawmaker recalled that his intervention in education did not begin with politics, noting that over the years he had funded scholarships, bursaries, free WAEC and JAMB registrations, digital skills training and entrepreneurship programmes for thousands of young people, many of whom are now pursuing higher education across the country.

He also announced the proposed ROCOF Royal Ambassadors Initiative, which, according to him, will recognise exceptional students, innovators, entrepreneurs and youth leaders who distinguish themselves through academic excellence, creativity and integrity. Such recognition, he said, would inspire more young people to strive for excellence.

ýThe Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) added that his ambition to represent Oyo South in the Senate was driven by a desire to expand educational opportunities across the districtdistrict.

He promised that if elected in 2027, programmes such as free WAEC and NECO registrations, JAMB sponsorships, scholarships, bursaries, AI education and digital empowerment would be extended to all nine local government areas.

Oseni, however urged the students to remain disciplined, dream beyond their circumstances and embrace technology as a tool for solving real-life problems.

He said the ROSMA Legacy Programme was conceived not merely to improve academic performance but to nurture a generation of innovative, confident and globally competitive young people capable of shaping the future of Oyo South and Nigeria.

ýEarlier in his remarks, the Project Director of the ROSMA Legacy Programme, Dr. Demilade AkinAlabi, described the initiative as a bold response to the growing digital divide, saying children in Oyo South must not be left behind at a time when technology increasingly determines educational and economic success.

ýAkinAlabi disclosed that five of the proposed nine Smart Learning Hubs had been completed in Eruwa, Agbadagbudu, Ido, Oke-Ado and Oja’ba, while construction was ongoing at the remaining centres.

He explained that the hubs would go beyond providing computers and internet access by offering practical training in coding, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, data analysis and other employable skills for students, artisans, farmers and small business owners.

ý

ý’Our dream is simple. A child’s future should never be determined by where he or she was born. These hubs are more than classrooms with computers; they are places where ideas will grow, talents will be discovered and futures will be built. We want every child who walks through these doors to believe that anything is possible.’