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The Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (T.A.T), has assured all stakeholders of an inclusive governance process in the preparation of the 2026 budget, describing the engagement as a defining moment in deepening participatory governance and ensuring community ownership in budget formulation.

He further assured participants that all inputs deliberated and tabled during the forum would be fully considered in the drafting of the 2026 fiscal document.

Taiwo affirmed that the 2026 budget has been strategically designed to capture the priorities of residents while aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the THEMES Plus developmental focus of Lagos State.

According to the council boss, the 2026 Appropriation Bill, titled ‘Budget of Renewed Hope and Inclusive Growth,’ is a practical and people-centered roadmap aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, expanding access to healthcare, empowering the youth, stimulating local economic growth, promoting environmental sustainability, and advancing digital innovation and civic participation in governance.

He explained that the budget is anchored on the S.H.I.E.L.D Agenda, a localised development framework designed by his administration to address key areas including security and safety of residents, improved healthcare delivery, renewal of public infrastructure, advancement of education and youth development, environmental preservation, economic empowerment of local entrepreneurs, and the integration of digital solutions to enhance service delivery and strengthen civic engagement. ‘The proposed budget will prioritise road rehabilitation, drainage construction, primary healthcare enhancement, the establishment of entrepreneurship hubs, provision of educational resources and ICT centres in public schools, and the creation of platforms that enable citizens to participate actively in governance,’ he said.

The council boss noted that the forum represented a collaborative exercise aimed at co-creating a budget that speaks directly to the needs of the people. He encouraged residents, associations, and stakeholder groups to submit their proposed projects for consideration, reaffirming that the administration is committed to initiatives that improve quality of life and promote sustainable development.

He also appealed to residents to support government initiatives through the prompt payment of rates and levies, emphasising that adequate revenue generation is essential to delivering the projects and programmes outlined in the proposed budget.

Taiwo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and policy direction, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda continues to inspire progress across all tiers of government and drive development at the grassroots.

The Council Manager, Mr. Olusegun Ajagunna, stated that the stakeholders’ forum was convened to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and adequately reflected in the forthcoming 2026 budget.

Ajagunna emphasised that the council places a high premium on participatory governance, adding that the forum serves as a vital platform to identify the pressing needs, priorities, and aspirations of every community within the council.

Head of the Budget, Planning and Statistics Department, Mrs. Lambo Oluwabunmi, said the forum reflected Aare Taiwo’s commitment to inclusive governance and equal representation in addressing the needs of residents at the local level.

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the standard and quality of completed and ongoing projects executed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in all Tertiary Institutions across Nigeria to ensure value for money.

In its resolution following a motion sponsored by Aderemi Oseni (APC, Oyo), the House asked the Federal Ministries of Education and Finance, the National Universities Commission, TETFund, and Development Partners to work out modalities to refurbish the First-Generation Universities to restore the glory and quality of the Universities.

Leading the debate on the motion, Oseni recalled that First-Generation Federal Universities in Nigeria in the early 60s exuded glory, glamour, quality and class from inception, and were also the pride of the nation in those days, adding that the standard and quality of these first-generation universities, in terms of quality of teachers,

students and infrastructure attract them to foreign students and international recognitions across the world.

He expressed concerns that these first-generation universities which include the University of Ibadan, the University of

Nigeria, Nsuka, and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, amongst others, seem to have lost the glory they exuded in the 60s due to years of neglect and unintended abandonment of infrastructure and facilities in the Universities.

He alleged that these years of neglect have resulted in decay and dilapidated infrastructure of the institutions’ lecture halls, hostels, auditoriums, etc. The beautiful zoos in the Universities that attracted tourists from far and near are either empty or non-existent.

He said Tertiary Education Trust (TETFund) intervention projects initiated to ameliorate the infrastructure gap in the universities, have executed a number of projects in selected Universities, which are of poor quality, with newly completed works deteriorating faster

than projects built over 60 years ago.

He said there was the need for the Federal Government to refurbish the First-Generation Universities in Nigeria to return to their former the glory and investigate the quality of works executed by TETFund to justify value for monies spent on the projects.

The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, has said Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries are leading Africa’s entertainment growth, with the sector projected to reach $100 billion by 2030.

He said the latest PwC report placing Nigeria ahead of other African nations with an 11.2% growth rate last year reaffirmed the strength and potential of the country’s entertainment and media ecosystem.

Asika, who spoke on Arise News at the weekend, said: ‘I think the PwC numbers are saying $25 billion by 2025, but for us in the sector, we’re trying to get to $100 billion by 2030.

‘We just completed a significant mapping of the sector for the very first time, supported by Big Win Philanthropy, covering ten sectors. Our target is to add two million jobs by 2030, but the data shows we can actually add up to three million.’

He noted that the report underscored how the creative industry continues to lead Nigeria’s economy even in difficult times, noting that technology remains the key driver of scale.

‘Technology enables scale, but can you imagine a digital platform without our content? It’s dead. This sector animates everything – news, music, entertainment, podcasts, art – all come from it. That’s why these PwC numbers and even Spotify’s figures show how powerful the sector has become,’ he said.

Asika disclosed that Spotify paid Nigerian artists N58 billion in 2024, with over 1.2 million Afrobeats playlists hosted on the platform – a sign, he said, that Nigerian content has fully validated itself on the global stage.

‘Our music is no longer in the phase of validation – it’s already validated,’ he added.

He however warned that to sustain the boom, Nigeria must invest in infrastructure, regulation, and local platforms to ensure artists and creators benefit directly.

‘We want to see more domestic digital platforms built. There’s nothing wrong with YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, but we must develop our own ecosystem and capture our own value.

‘The key question is retaining that value domestically. A mix of policy, digital and physical infrastructure investment will take us there,’ he added.

Highlighting Nigeria’s immense creative talent, Asika said soft power through the arts had already proven its worth globally.

‘Nigerians need to be celebrated. Our creativity has penetrated everywhere with very little investment. Government can’t claim to have done much yet – maybe we’re just coming to the party.

‘There’s talent everywhere – in Kafanchan, Onitsha, Enugu, Kaduna, Ibadan – not just in Lagos or Port Harcourt. The question is how to create platforms and give opportunities for exposure and growth,’ he said.

On the forthcoming National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), holding between November 22nd and 29th in Enugu State, he said:

‘Come to Enugu, he said, ‘Governor Peter Mbah has promised it will be the biggest and best ever. We’re expecting all 36 states and the FCT, and Katsina is even bringing 100 horses for the first-ever Durba in the Southeast.

‘People don’t even realise that the Durba is the same as the Ofala or Ojude Oba – moments when the king comes out to greet his people. That’s why our theme this year is Connected Culture.’

Asika expressed excitement about the recently reopened National Arts Theatre in Lagos, describing it as a game-changer for the sector.

‘It’s a world-class venue, and once programmed properly, it’ll transform the landscape. My colleague Tola Akerele already has nine months of programming lined up, and from November 1st, you’ll start seeing what’s coming,’ Asika said.

The Final Award in the arbitration initiated by General Hydrocarbons Limited against First Bank of Nigeria Limited, issued by Sole Arbitrator Hon. Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, was published today the 28th, October 2025,

General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) was represented by Messrs. Paul Usoro SAN and and Abiodun Layonu SAN. First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FBN) was also represented by Messrs Gbolahan. Elias, SAN; Babajide Koku, SAN and Victor Ogude, SAN.

The Tribunal dismissed GHL’s case in its entirety, affirming FBN’s financing obligations as conditional, finding no breach or entitlement to damages by GHL, and ordering GHL to bear the costs of arbitration.

The dispute arose from the Subrogation Agreement dated May 29, 2021, under which GHL undertook the repayment of an outstanding debt of $718 million and FBN undertook to provide additional loans to finance the development and production of OML 120 in line with the provisions of the Subrogation Agreement.

GHL alleged that FBN breached the agreement by failing to provide absolute and timely financing, sabotaging alternative funding efforts, and causing losses including liabilities to third party and leading to loss of productive time in the development of OML 120.

FBN argued its financing obligation was conditional and not absolute but subject to review and professional discretion in line with banking policies and regulatory guidelines.

The key Findings of the Tribunal are as follows:

1. FBN has a conditional, not absolute, obligation to finance OML 120 development. It must review and evaluate financing requests and may attach competitive terms as deemed suitable.

2. GHL failed to prove any breach by FBN. FBN made several financing offers totaling $185 million, and delays alleged by GHL were not found unreasonable or in breach.

3. Introduction of an Independent Asset Manager as a financing condition by FBN was consistent with the agreement and not a breach.

4. Allegations of FBN sabotaging alternative financing arrangements were unsubstantiated and dismissed for being devoid of any merit.

5. All reliefs sought by GHL, including declarations, damages for unpaid contractor fees, losses, and termination of the Subrogation Agreement, were refused.

6. FBN was adjudged entitled to recover reasonable legal and arbitration costs from GHL, amounting to $112,100 and N111,250,000, payable within 30 days with interest on late payment.

The Chairman National Population Commission (NPC) Nasir Isa-Kwarra has ended his five-year tenure.

He handed over leadership of the NPC to the Federal Commissioner Muhammad Dattijo, who represents Niger State.

Dattijo will serve as acting Chairman until Aminu Yusuf is sworn in as Chairman by President Bola Tinubu.

The brief handover ceremony at the NPC Headquarters in Abuja, was attended by Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, Directors, and Commission staff.

In a statement by the Commission on Wednesday, Kwarra thanked his colleagues and subordinates for their cooperation during his tenure.

The statement reads: ‘Hon. Kwarra expressed appreciation to the Federal Commissioners, Management and Staff of the NPC for their unwavering support and dedication throughout his five-year tenure, highlighting the commission’s strides in strengthening data collection systems, digitizing Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system and advancing preparations for the forthcoming national Population and Housing Census’.

He added the achievements recorded under his leadership were made possible through collective commitment and professionalism, the statement noted.

The occasion was marked by emotional farewells and tributes, including the signing of the official handover notes, the presentation of a gift to Kwarra, and a group photograph to commemorate the day.

Kwarra, appointed in 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, led the commission during one of its most critical periods, the build-up to Nigeria’s first population and housing census in nearly two decades.

The last national census was conducted in 2006, making the forthcoming exercise a key national priority.

Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) has inaugurated its women’s wing in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, with a call for unity, mobilisation and grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The state Women Coordinator of AMG and former commissioner, Yetunde Adeyanju, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the group and hailed the women for their steadfastness and courage despite intimidation and harassment.

She said the purpose of the gathering was to sensitise women across the state on the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, emphasising that Ondo State women must take the lead in mobilising massive support for his victory.

Adeyanju lauded President Tinubu for his developmental projects in Ondo State and across the country, as well as his empowerment initiatives that had positively impacted women through federal schemes.

She also commended the Minister of Interior and convener of AMG, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his people-oriented leadership and continuous support for women in Ondo State.

She described him as ‘a minister with a human face, ever willing to listen and always ready to help.’

She said his stabilising role in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State could not be overemphasised.

The women offered prayers for the minister’s continued success in office and in all his endeavours.

Adeyanju reaffirms that as the AMG state women coordinator, her mandate is to ensure every woman in Ondo State votes for the APC and President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

She said AMG women’s wing would intensify its campaigns across the nooks and crannies of the state, with ward-level meetings and grassroots engagements to guarantee overwhelming victory for the President.

The women’s gathering unanimously endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election bid, pledging total commitment to the cause.

In their remarks, several speakers praised the Minister of Interior for his steadfastness in strengthening APC in Ondo State, noting that through his influence and grassroots connections, many individuals from opposition parties had joined APC.

The Director General of AMG, Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, hailed the state women coordinator and the entire women’s structure for their passion and loyalty to the AMG movement. He conveyed greetings from the convener, Dr. Tunji-Ojo, reiterating that AMG was birthed to propagate the achievements of President Tinubu and ensure his overwhelming re-election victory in 2027.

The event was attended by prominent members of the AMG, including the Chairman, Leaders Council, Senator Yele Omogunwa; Ondo State Commissioner at Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Otito Atikase; Deputy DG, Ondo South, Afolabi Iwalewa and AMG Secretary, Corporal Nanaopri, among others.

Nigeria may be on the verge of losing another promising talent to Europe as the Greece Football Federation (EPO) reportedly closes in on completing the paperwork that will allow West Ham United U21 defender Rayan Oyebade to represent Greece internationally.

Oyebade, born to a Greek mother and Nigerian father, is eligible to play for both countries. According to reports, the 17-year-old has already expressed his desire to switch allegiance to Greece, with the EPO expected to finalize the process in the coming days.

Once approved, Oyebade will become available for selection to the Greece U19 team under coach Vangelis Moras.

The highly-rated youngster joined West Ham United in 2021 and has steadily risen through the youth system. A composed, left-footed centre-back, Oyebade is admired for his calmness in possession and sharp reading of the game.

He made his youth international debut for England U15, showcasing his versatility and technical ability at an early stage. During the 2023/24 campaign, he featured 13 times in the U18 Premier League South, registering a goal and an assist despite battling injuries for much of the season.

Now in his second year as a scholar, Oyebade has captained Lauris Coggin’s U18 side several times and played a pivotal role in West Ham’s Premier League Cup final victory at Reading. His progress earned him a first professional contract with the club on April 3, 2025-a clear sign of his growing stature.

With Greece acting swiftly to secure his international future, Nigeria appears set to miss out on another defensive gem with dual eligibility.

Tension has reportedly heightened in Zamfara State following a new wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), raising concerns within Governor Dauda Lawal’s political camp ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It was learnt that Governor Dauda Lawal is expected to visit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House on Wednesday to discuss ongoing political developments in the state.

On Tuesday, Hon. Maharazu Salisu, representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, formally announced his defection from the PDP to the APC at the party’s state secretariat in Gusau.

His move, along with that of several ward leaders, reflects the increasing realignments among political actors in the state as different parties prepare for upcoming elections.

The APC currently holds a majority in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, while some PDP lawmakers are said to be reviewing their political options.

Governor Lawal has continued to engage stakeholders and political leaders across the state in efforts to strengthen democratic participation and promote unity among political groups.

Meanwhile, the Northern APC Stakeholders Forum has rejected any attempt to allow Lawal to defect to the APC.

In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Alhaji Mubarak Liman, the forum said, ‘Any attempt to welcome him into the APC will spell doom for the party in Zamfara and the North-West at large.’

The forum further noted that the steady stream of defections by lawmakers and grassroots leaders was proof of the governor’s growing unpopularity.

Observers believe the governor’s scheduled visit to President Tinubu may focus on consultations regarding political stability and ongoing development projects in the state.

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.

As part of efforts to expand access to university education across the nooks and crannies of the country, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) at the weekend inaugurated a special centre in Ilupeju-Ekiti, in the Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of administration, Professor Shehu Usman Adamu, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, said the establishment of the study centre symbolises the institution’s unwavering commitment to bringing education to the doorsteps of every Nigerian, regardless of location, background, or circumstance.

The vice chancellor said the Ilupeju-Ekiti centre became a reality courtesy of the donation of a building by a son of the community and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Ilupeju Development Association (IDA), Architect Sir Dipo Ajayi.

While commending the donor for the gesture, describing it ‘as a monument of hope and a shining example of how individuals can contribute meaningfully to national development,’ the vice chancellor further stated that; ‘Today is not merely about cutting a ribbon; it is about expanding the frontiers of access to quality education, rekindling hope, and celebrating one man’s generosity that will become a legacy for generations to come’.

He noted that the new centre would serve civil servants, artisans, teachers, entrepreneurs, retirees, and others seeking knowledge and empowerment in the true spirit of lifelong learning that NOUN represents worldwide.

The vice-chancellor also appreciated the Ekiti State Government, traditional rulers, and the Ilupeju community for their support and collaboration, urging them to take ownership of the centre and ensure its sustainability.

‘The success of this centre will depend on continued partnership. Together, we can make it a model of academic excellence and community development,’ he said.

In her remarks, the NOUN Consultant in charge of the centre, Professor Olubukola Oyawoye, gave an insightful background on how the centre came into existence, noting that it was born out of a shared vision to bring quality education closer to the people.

Professor Oyawoye, who doubles as the Director of Advancement at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), appreciated the initiative and commitment of the donor, saying his passion and determination made the centre a reality.

She described the project as a testament to what visionary leadership and community partnership can achieve.

She said; ‘Education remains the strongest tool for community transformation and national progress. With this centre, we are giving every willing learner a chance to rewrite their story through knowledge,’

Professor Oyawoye, a former Commissioner for Environment in Osun State, congratulated the people of Ilupeju-Ekiti for hosting a federal university centre that provides opportunities for working-class individuals, entrepreneurs, and youths to further their education without barriers of time or location.

She said all courses are available as the centre has commenced various programmes in the centre

Also speaking at the event, the donor, Sir Ajayi, expressed deep gratitude to God and all who made the project possible. He described the centre as a testimony of divine grace and collective effort.

He said: ‘With a heart overflowing with gratitude, I return all glory to the Almighty God, the giver of vision, wisdom, and strength, who alone makes all things beautiful in His time. Today is not merely a day for commissioning a building; it is a day of thanksgiving, fulfilment, and divine grace. Only God could have made this journey possible, from conception to realisation’.

He said the dream was driven by a passion to expand access to education and ensure that no community is left behind in the quest for knowledge.

He thanked NOUN management, describing the VC, the governing council Chairman, Mallam Isa Yuguda, among others, as outstanding leaders, who, he noted, have demonstrated that education is a right, not a privilege.

He also thanked Professor Oyawoye for what he described as her ‘intellectual dexterity and tireless coordination.’ He also acknowledged his wife, Mrs Alaba Ajayi, for her encouragement throughout the project’s execution.

He dedicated the project to his late mother, noting that ‘the house she left behind has now become the foundation of this centre.’

Sir Ajayi lauded Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for providing an enabling environment, describing the centre as a modest contribution to the governor’s strides in education and community development.

Meanwhile, the NOUN Registrar, Mr. Oladipupo Ajayi, appreciated the people of Ilupeju-Ekiti, noting that they are fully prepared for the take-off of the centre.

‘We have inspected the facilities and are very pleased with what we have seen,’ he said, even as he urges members of the community to spread the gospel and encourage people to enrol.

The Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oba David Sunday Awe, (the Akingbade II) expressed delight over the siting of the institution in his community, saying it would enhance the town’s educational and economic development. He appreciated NOUN management and all stakeholders who made the project a reality.

The monarch prayed for the donor for his contribution to the community and Nigeria at large.

In appreciation of their contributions, various dignitaries, including Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Habibat Adubiaro, NOUN vice-chancellor, and his deputy, Professor Peters and Shehu respectively, as well as the monarch, and Professor Oyawoye, among others, were presented with awards of recognition.