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A former member of the House of Representatives and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Abiodun Awoleye, has declared that Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde, has the political strength and leadership qualities to lead the PDP in reclaiming the presidency from President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Speaking with journalists at his Bashorun residence in Ibadan during Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, Awoleye described Makinde as a ‘humble politician, dependable grassroots mobiliser, and administrator with uncommon capacity.’

‘Governor Makinde has shown rare political will and administrative strength. I strongly believe he has what it takes to reposition our great party and ensure we take back power at the national level,’ Awoleye said.

The PDP chieftain added that Makinde’s success in uniting the Oyo State chapter of the party and running an inclusive government was proof of his ability to restructure the PDP at the national level.

His remarks echoed Makinde’s own declaration at the recent PDP State Congress in Ibadan, where the governor assured party members that the ‘era of violent, parallel congresses was over,’ stressing that the model of peace and internal democracy established in Oyo would be replicated nationally.

Awoleye further praised Makinde’s governance record, particularly his consistency in paying salaries, pensions, and gratuities, describing it as a stabilising force amid Nigeria’s economic hardship.

‘Even the late Alaafin of Oyo once remarked that he was amazed at how Governor Makinde has managed governance seamlessly without owing workers a single month,’ he recalled.

He attributed prompt and uninterrupted payments of workers’ salaries, gratuity, and pensions by Makinde as a catalyst for the socio-economic stability and steady economic growth in the state, calling the governor a genius whose approach to governance amid nationwide economic challenges should be understudied for national rebirth.

He described Makinde as a man with a deep sense of creative mind for problem-solving and expressed his admiration for his crisis management skills, calling on party faithful to continue to remember the governor in their personal day-to-day prayers.

In another development, the various speakers at Awoleye’s birthday celebration noted that the former lawmaker’s confidence in Makinde’s ability to restructure the party aligns with the governor’s promise of a more cohesive, disciplined, and forward-looking PDP capable of leading Nigeria back to economic recovery and national stability.

The Ibadan North PDP Chairman, Ademiyiwa Mustapha, who led both the local government and ward executives to the celebration, described Awoleye as a peaceful person with an impressive political pedigree.

He urged members of the party to remain steadfast, maintain genuine intentions towards one another, and work together in unity for the overall progress of the PDP.

In his final remarks, Hon. Awoleye revealed that he shares the same birthday with Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, former First Lady of the state, while his own wife shares the same birthday with the new Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa I.

He described this coincidence as a source of personal joy and connection to Ibadan’s royal and political heritage.

Also speaking, a party elder, Pastor Gbenro, described the occasion as a ‘tripartite celebration’ since it coincided with Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

He recalled Awoleye’s role as the caretaker chairman who helped install the PDP in Ogun State, describing it as ‘a pride for Ibadan North.’

Hon. Awoleye remains one of the most grounded politicians with vast experience in politics and governance.

‘He is humble, accessible, and a blessing to this generation,’ Gbenro said, offering prayers for the celebrant and his family.

Other speakers at the event praised Awoleye’s political journey and character. A fellow party chieftain described him as ‘a straightforward person and dependable grassroots mobilizer that many young politicians look up to as a role model.’

The PDP Youth Leader in Ibadan North noted that he had never regretted looking up to Awoleye, calling him ‘a foremost politician with exceptional humility.’

Party members, however, expressed optimism about the PDP’s future both in Ibadan North, Oyo State, and Nigeria come 2027.

The Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency, Pharm. Ibrahim Salamat Onize, has disclosed that the agency is engaging at least 15 pharmaceutical manufacturers to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for pooled procurement through the Africa Research Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC-ESM).

Speaking during the inauguration of the Drugs Sustainable Supply System Steering Committee, the Executive Secretary stressed that the MoU will ensure the sustainable availability of drugs and medical consumables with a 25% price reduction and assured quality for distribution to all state health facilities.

‘Plans are underway to register pharmaceutical distributors with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to partner with the state government. This initiative has the potential to increase local economic participation and generate revenue through pre-qualification registrations, tender payments, and BPP registration fees via KGIRS.

‘The agency also plans to equip and operationalise a functional quality control laboratory with government support. Drug testing will attract charges from manufacturers and distributors, boosting state revenue. The quality control unit will focus on ensuring the availability of high-quality drugs and consumables, thereby building trust and potentially increasing demand from government hospitals, pharmacy outlets, and private hospitals, which in turn will drive revenue generation.

‘The agency has conducted capacity assessments and sensitisation workshops with various partners, including the National Product Supply Chain Management Programme (NPSCMP), the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Health System Chain Limited (HSCL), Engender Health, and others, to address healthcare needs. The availability of logistics and inventory tools will further enhance service delivery.’

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, speaking on behalf of the Executive Governor of the state, urged committee members to uphold integrity and diligence in their roles, emphasising that their appointments represent a significant commitment to serving the people of Kogi State.

Dr. Adeiza noted that the formation of the Sustainable Supply System Steering Committee reflects Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration’s dedication to advancing and developing the state’s health sector. He added that the administration has made substantial investments to prioritise health in its governance agenda.

The Commissioner further explained that the Integrated Sustainable Health Supply System (ISHSS) Steering Committee is essential for strengthening the governance structure of the agency.

The committee will be chaired by the Commissioner for Health, with the Director of Pharmaceutical Services from the State Ministry of Health serving as Secretary. It will also include representatives from relevant agencies, boards, ministries, and key stakeholders.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has said that the energy and creativity of Nigerian youths are critical in driving the potential of the country’s tourism sector.

The Minister spoke in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, during the unveiling of a platform, ‘ Visit Ekiti, an initiative of a personal photographer to the former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, aimed at showcasing the rich cultural and tourism potential of the state.

At the event, which was attended by stakeholders within and outside the state, including entrepreneurs, the platform of Visit Ekiti was unveiled, where tourists, foreigners and individuals can see tourist sites to visit in Ekiti State.

Olawande, who was represented by Adedamola Ogunmola, commended the brain behind the concept, noting that it aligned perfectly with the mandate of the ministry for the youths of the country.

He added that the tourism sector has the potential to enhance the socio-economic development of the country, appealing to stakeholders to invest in the sector, which would also provide job opportunities for the youth in the country.

The minister who described Ekiti as one of the states with huge tourism and cultural heritage and sites, said, ‘This vision is in perfect harmony with the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to create a Nigeria where every citizen-especially the youth-has access to opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity.

‘In this light, Visit Ekiti stands as a timely and strategic partner. Tourism thrives on the enthusiasm and ingenuity of young people-whether as tour operators, digital marketers, cultural curators, or eco-guides. This venture will create employment, inspire entrepreneurship, and strengthen community pride across Ekiti.

‘Ekiti’s hills, waterfalls, festivals, and traditions are treasures waiting to be unlocked. With Visit Ekiti, these treasures will be polished, packaged, and presented to the world.

‘Visit Ekiti embodies these priorities by showing how cultural heritage and enterprise can be woven into the national fabric of hope, resilience, and renewal.

‘The launch of Visit Ekiti is not just the unveiling of a company-it is the unveiling of a dream: a dream to showcase the rich cultural heritage, the breathtaking landscapes, and the profound history of Ekiti to Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

‘Tourism is more than leisure; it is a vehicle for economic growth, job creation, and cultural preservation. By investing in tourism, we invest in our people, our youth, and our future.’

Speaking, the Lead and Creative Director of Visit Ekiti Limited, Ayodeji Ogunro, said the initiative was conceived to drive and develop arts, culture and tourism in Ekiti State.

He explained that the project would, in no small measure, open up the state to the rest of the world and, in turn, bolster the state’s economic development and create employment opportunities in line with the shared prosperity agenda of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

Ogunro said, ‘ Visit Ekiti is more than a tourism campaign; it is our strategic blueprint for economic transformation. It is the engine that will create jobs, empower our communities, and draw investment into world-class resorts and eco-tourism ventures.

‘To our investors and partners, we offer a secure, investment-ready state and a government deeply committed to your success.

‘To our people, be the welcoming face of our state. This dream belongs to every single one of us. The journey starts now. Let us all work together to ensure that Ekiti becomes the premier tourist destination in Nigeria.’

In their separate remarks, the representative of the speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, the lawmaker representing Ikole constituency 1, Femi Fatunla, and the representative of House of Representatives spokesman, Akin Rotimi, Olusegun Adeyemi, among other speakers, commended Ogunro for the project, describing it as laudable, which would help transform the state.

Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Osasele, the General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, located on Okun Ajah, Ogombo Road, Lekki, Lagos, has been ordered to be remanded in custody by a Federal High Court in Lagos following his arraignment on charges of unlawful dealing in illicit drugs.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa gave the remand order on Thursday after the cleric, also popularly known as Abbas Ajakaiye, pleaded not guilty to a single-count charge of allegedly trafficking a colossal amount of 900 kilogrammes of ‘Ghana Loud,’ a potent strain of Cannabis Sativa.

In addressing the court, the counsel for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), M. I. Erondu, revealed that Prophet Osasele was apprehended on August 3, 2024, at Ajah, Lagos, in connection with the prohibited substance.

The agency asserted that the General Overseer’s alleged actions contravene Section 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and are punishable under the same Act.

The charge, marked FHC/L/682c/2025, specifically accused Osasele, ‘alias Abbas Ajakaiye,’ of dealing in 900 Kilograms of Ghana Loud, a Strain of Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic drug similar to cocaine, heroin and LSD, without lawful authority.

Following the cleric’s denial of the allegation and his not guilty plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and urged the court to remand him in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) pending the commencement of the trial.

However, the defendant’s lawyer, Mimido Nyiew, countered by informing the court that a bail application had been filed and served on the prosecution.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa, after hearing submissions on the bail request, granted the General Overseer bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in the like sum.

The court further stipulated stringent conditions for the surety, requiring them to swear to an affidavit of means and provide verifiable evidence of ownership of landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.

Despite the bail being granted, the judge ordered that Prophet Osasele be remanded at the NCoS facility until he is able to fulfil the stipulated bail cconditions.

The matter has been adjourned to November 18, 2025, for trial.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku and the Majority Leader in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olatunji Oshati, have appealed to the protesting youths of Ireakari Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to remain calm and hopeful, assuring them that the government has not neglected their plight.

The Commissioner explained that the Ireakari axis was mentioned at the last State Executive Council meeting under the Operation Emergency Road Construction programme, and expressed confidence that the roads in Idoani, Idogun, Imeri and Afo communities would soon be attended to as a matter of urgency.

Ajanaku noted that both the state and federal roads serving the communities, including the Ipele-Idoani-Isua road and the Oba-Ikun-Afo road, have already been brought to the state government’s attention. He said remedial works and major interventions would commence as soon as the rainy season subsides.

He stressed that the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa will never abandon any part of the state in its developmental agenda, adding that the OUR EASE Agenda remains a guiding principle to ensure that every citizen enjoys the dividends of democracy.

‘The government of Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is responsive and people-oriented. I want to assure our people in Ireakari that they have not been forgotten. Their concerns are already on the table, and as soon as weather permits, the road rehabilitation programme will extend to their axis,’ Ajanaku said.

On behalf of the state government, he further urged the youths to remain peaceful and continue to engage constructively with the government, stressing that their sacrifices and patience would soon yield positive results.

The Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board has declared that tourism will be a major driver of development, infrastructure, and community progress in the state.

Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Ime Udoh, stated this yesterday, while unveiling activities for the 2025 World Tourism Day celebration, saying that the theme for this year’s event, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,’ aligns with the state government’s vision of harnessing tourism as a catalyst for economic growth.

She commended Governor Umo Eno for creating an enabling environment for tourism to thrive, noting that the sector is attracting new investments and improving infrastructure across communities.

According to her, the 2025 celebration, though globally observed on September 27, has been shifted to October 4 in the state due to other government activities.

She added that the events will feature an eco-friendly road walk, a clean-up exercise, and the popular ‘I Love Akwa Ibom’ social media challenge, all converging at the Water Fountain on Nwaniba Road before proceeding through the Ibom Icon and Golf Resort route.

Mrs. Udoh explained that the exercise will not only showcase the state’s scenic routes but also emphasize the need for cleanliness and community participation. ‘As we walk through these routes, we aim to engage with the community and highlight that they are integral to our tourism attractions. Their unique culture and heritage are what draw visitors,’ she said.

She noted that improved roads and clean environments will increase tourist inflow, create employment opportunities, and drive infrastructural development within host communities, even as the sensitization exercise will cover areas such as Ekpri Nsukara, Uran Market, Ifiayong, Atiku, and Itam, before culminating at the UCCDA flyover.

The celebration will also feature a contest encouraging participants to showcase Akwa Ibom’s culture through food, dance, stories, and visual content, with prizes for winners. Participants are to tag the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Hotels and Tourism Board, and private tourism partners on social media.

Mrs. Udoh used the occasion to commend private organizations collaborating with the state government in promoting culture and tourism, assuring them of continued government partnership.

The Director-General of the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency, Mr. Michael Eja, has projected that the newly introduced reciprocity licensing framework of the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) will significantly expand revenue streams for state governments while boosting investor confidence in Nigeria’s gaming sector.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Eja explained that the federation, which currently has 25 member states, designed the reciprocity system to remove duplication of licensing requirements, improve regulatory efficiency, and foster a unified investment climate for operators.

According to the DG, under the new framework, any license issued must be jointly endorsed by all member states.

This allows gaming operators to run businesses seamlessly across the federation without applying for multiple licenses in different jurisdictions.

Eja said the revenue-sharing arrangement ensures that all states benefit financially while still retaining their powers of regulation, monitoring, and enforcement under state laws.

‘The real innovation here is in the revenue model,’ he stated. ‘By harmonising licensing and sharing revenues, states will see a measurable increase in internally generated revenue (IGR) while providing clarity and certainty to investors.’

The DG noted that the framework has the potential to transform the gaming sector into a multi-billion-naira revenue source for sub-national governments, given the industry’s rapid growth and strong investor appetite.

He urged state governors, attorneys-general, and lawmakers at both the state and federal levels to give their full support, stressing that the initiative could position Nigeria as one of Africa’s leading regulated gaming markets.

The Agency also reminded stakeholders that compliance with the law remains non-negotiable. Eja specifically called on banks, telecommunications companies, and food and beverage firms planning promotional campaigns during the festive period in Cross River State to obtain the necessary license from the Agency before commencing such activities.

‘This measure,’ he said, ‘is to guarantee proper regulation, safeguard consumer interests, and prevent avoidable litigation.’

Industry watchers believe the FSGRN reciprocity license could attract substantial foreign and local investment into Nigeria’s gaming sector, reduce operational bottlenecks, and provide a more sustainable model for state-level revenue mobilisation.

All does not seem well within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the lineage next in line to produce the Awujale of Ijebuland, as a new faction identifying itself as the ‘Original Fusengbuwa Ruling House’ has emerged.

The faction’s coordinator, Chief Fassy Yusuf, disclosed this on Thursday at the Oba Adesimbo Tunwase Museum and Hall, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode. He explained that the faction comprises the Jadiara Royal House, Bubiade Royal House, Tunwase Royal House, and the Fusengbuwa Royal House.

According to him, the term ‘Original’ was adopted only as a means of distinction and not to exclude other family members. He further noted that the mourning period of the late Awujale, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, GCON, who passed away on July 13, 2025, will officially end on Sunday, October 11, 2025-paving the way for the commencement of the succession process.

Yusuf, who is the Bagbimo of Ijebuland, read from the Declaration made under Section 4 (2) of the Chiefs Law 1957, which states that the four ruling houses entitled to present candidates are Gbelegbuwa, Anikinlaiya, Fusengbuwa, and Fidipote, with Fusengbuwa being the next in line.

He clarified that aspirants to the stool must belong to the ruling house and trace their descent through the male line, except in cases where succession devolves through the female line under the Abidagba principle.

Responding to claims by the Folagbade Adenuga group, Yusuf stressed that Folagbade is not listed as a ruling house in the declaration and therefore must align with one of the recognized branches.

The coordinator added that a family database and Expression of Interest forms for aspirants to the throne would be released in due course, noting that the forms would be free of charge. However, he said voluntary contributions of ?2,000 were encouraged to support the database exercise.

He also explained that, for now, the group is represented by himself as coordinator and Pastor Prince Bola Salami as secretary, while a formal family head will be announced later.

The event was attended by Otunba Odedina Emmanuel, Oloriebi of Jadiara; Prince Adewale Jadesinmi, Oloriebi of Bubiade; Prince Bolarinde Salami, Secretary; Chief G.A. Sanni, Balogun of Esugbon; and Oba Prof. Titilayo Hassan, Elesugbon of Esugbon, alongside other representatives of the four branches.

Tragedy struck in Bauchi on Friday when a middle-aged woman, believed to be mentally unstable, set herself ablaze inside the family house of Nigeria’s late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

The woman, said to be the daughter of a late Sharia court judge in Bauchi, was rescued by bystanders and rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), where she later died of severe burns.

Eyewitnesses said the woman had arrived at the residence in a commercial tricycle carrying a gallon of petrol. Upon entry, she reportedly asked to see Yelwa Abubakar Balewa, one of the late Prime Minister’s daughters and Chairperson of the Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency (BASOVCA).

When told that Yelwa was not at home, the woman allegedly poured petrol on herself at the main entrance and struck a match. Attempts by onlookers to extinguish the flames worsened the fire, leaving her with extensive burns.

The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident. Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, described it as ‘most unfortunate,’ noting that the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, had ordered a discreet investigation.

‘On the 26th of September, at about 11:05 a.m., an unidentified woman, who is now deceased, went to the family house of late Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. After being told the person she sought was not at home, she brought out a gallon of petrol and set herself ablaze,’ Wakil said.

He added that the woman was rescued alive and admitted at ATBUTH, where police recorded her statement before her death. During interrogation, she reportedly claimed she did not know the liquid she carried was petrol, insisting she thought it was water.

Investigations later revealed that she had a history of mental illness, which developed after the birth of her last child, according to neighbours and acquaintances.

Her body has since been released to her family for burial. The Police Command expressed condolences, praying for the family’s strength to bear the loss.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.

This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday in Abuja by his spokesperson, Mr Stanley Nkwocha.

According to Nkwocha, Shettima delivered President Tinubu’s national statement at the UNGA, where he called for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations, advocated for Africa’s sovereignty over its estimated 700 billion dollars’ worth of mineral resources, and advanced strategic partnerships with the United Kingdom, the Gates Foundation, and other international stakeholders.

He added that the Vice President also met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who commended Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the Security Council.

‘The Vice-President also showcased the country’s 200 billion dollars energy transition opportunity to global investors. He also assured the Nigerian diaspora community of robust engagement in the President Tinubu administration’s policies and programmes before his engagements in Germany,’ Nkwocha said.