Author: user user

If diplomacy had a red carpet, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar would undoubtedly be the star of the show. In just two short years as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, he has transformed the landscape of global representation, infusing it with an impressive blend of confidence, vision, and sophistication. Under his stewardship, Nigeria has evolved from merely participating in international dialogue to actively shaping it, establishing itself as a pivotal player on the world stage. Tuggar’s unique approach to diplomacy combines sharp intellect with a captivating flair, turning high-stakes boardrooms and international summits into arenas where Nigeria shines with both purpose and precision.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled his innovative 4D Foreign Policy Doctrine-comprising Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography-Tuggar did more than implement the policy; he breathed life into it. These four pillars have become the bedrock of a dynamic and assertive Nigerian presence that the global community cannot overlook. His diplomatic efforts have resulted in securing billion-dollar investments from powerhouse nations like India, the Netherlands, and Brazil, and have successfully positioned Nigeria as a significant participant in esteemed international forums such as BRICS and the G20. For instance, his recent engagement with French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot not only solidified Nigeria’s partnerships across critical sectors like technology, agriculture, culture, and innovation but also reaffirmed Nigeria’s role as the cornerstone of stability in West Africa.

Tuggar’s commitment to the Nigerian diaspora is evident through initiatives aimed at ensuring the safe return of stranded citizens, opening up scholarship opportunities in various countries, and establishing the Nigerians in Diaspora Database. This database has become a vital link, reconnecting thousands of global citizens to their Nigerian roots. His drive for cultural heritage is showcased in his advocacy for the return of the iconic Benin Bronzes, which has not only sparked international conversations but also turned the Ministry’s Exhibition Atrium in Abuja into a celebrated cultural jewel.

This venue has hosted a plethora of dignitaries, including presidents, CEOs, and artists, for two days filled with networking, deal-making, and cultural celebration. The ministry’s efforts culminated in multi-billion-dollar agreements as well as a landmark trade pact with Benin Republic, further solidifying Nigeria’s central role in regional commerce and innovation.

In addition to these accomplishments, Tuggar is spearheading the digitization of consular services, modernizing Nigeria’s foreign missions, and establishing one of the most transparent and efficient ministries within the government. Under his leadership, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emerged as a beacon of innovation and accountability, positioning Nigeria’s global image as vibrant and connected. Today, the nation stands proud, with its international image shining brightly-confident, cultured, and interlinked with partners worldwide. At the forefront of this transformation is Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, a diplomat who has redefined the narrative of Nigerian diplomacy, transforming it into a resounding national success story that gives Nigeria a compelling new voice on the global stage.

An Osun East Senatorial District aspirant, Francis Olaniyi, has lauded the conferment of award of honorary Fellow of the Centre for Leadership and Management on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, by the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), in recognition of what it called his exceptional contributions to national development, public service and visionary leadership.

The conferment took place at the university auditorium during the institution’s first Distinguished Lecture and Conferment of Award Ceremony, organised by the UNILORIN Centre for Advancement.

Olaniyi, who was at the event to felicitate the former Osun State governor, congratulated him on the honour bestowed on him by the institution.

Olaniyi, the Majobaote of Ipetu Ijesa, said: ‘The award is a well-deserved one. It’s a recognition of our leader’s selfless service to the people of Nigeria. It’s a recognition of his sterling performances in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.”

Olaniyi, whose political structure is popularly known as Ijoba Federal, told the audience that naming the centre after the minister was a good step in the right direction,

‘The minister is working effectively to transform the country’s blue economy into sustainable national development,’ he said.

The ceremony featured unveiling of Adegboyega Oyetola Centre for Blue and Regenerative Economy, established by the university to promote research, innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The centre was named in honour of the minister for his role in advancing the nation’s blue economy agenda.

Delivering the maiden Distinguished Lecture titled: ‘The Nexus between Blue Economy and Higher Education for Sustainable Development in Nigeria’, Oyetola described the blue economy as a transformative pathway for sustainable national growth, driven by the responsible use of ocean, sea and inland water resources..

The 12th edition of the Nigeria Energy Exhibition and Conference, a foremost West African influential energy event, begins in Lagos on Monday. The three day energy conference will hold at the Landmark Centre.

Organised by and held with the endorsement of the Federal Ministry of Power, the event-themed ‘Powering Nigeria through investment, innovation and partnership’-will bring together thousands of energy professionals, decision-makers, and innovators to tackle Nigeria’s most pressing energy challenges and explore investment-driven solutions across the value chain.

According to Informa Markets- the event organisers, this year’s edition, now in its 12th year, will focus on unlocking the capital, policy reforms and technologies needed to build a more reliable and sustainable power sector.

Speaking at the pre event briefing, the Exhibition Manager, Energy Portfolio – MEA, Informa Markets, Ade Yesufu, emphasised the strategic focus of this year’s theme and its timeliness considering current reforms.

‘The theme reflects the urgent need to address infrastructure gaps, mobilise investment, and accelerate reforms. Nigeria Energy 2025 will provide a platform where stakeholders can align on policies, forge new partnerships, and showcase innovations that can drive the sector forward,’ Yesufu said.

He noted that the Nigeria Energy conference and exhibition continues to serve as a catalyst for collaboration and deal-making across generation, transmission, distribution, renewables, off-grid systems, and energy efficiency. ‘With Nigeria facing a critical infrastructure gap, slow-moving reforms, and investment bottlenecks, the 2025 edition seeks to spark actionable conversations around public-private partnerships, regulatory harmonisation, and emerging opportunities in areas like hydrogen, decentralised solar, and grid digitization,’ Yesufu explained.

This year’s conference will feature insight-driven sessions led by industry thought leaders including the Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure, Sadiq Wanka; the Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye; the CEO, Azura Power, Edu Okeke; Vice Chair, Board of Directors, African Energy Council, Dr. Chinnan Dikwal and CEO, Egbin Power Plc, Mokhtar Bounour.

Yesufu added that the sessions will span five core focus areas: Power Deals and PPPs: Structuring bankable energy infrastructure projects; State Reform Strategies: Unlocking decentralised electricity markets; the Hydrogen Shift: Positioning Nigeria in the future energy economy; Grid Efficiency and Innovation: Advancing reliability through technology and Electricity Act in Action: Milestones, market liberalization.

With over 8,500 energy professionals, including energy commissioners, developers, regulators, financiers, and technology providers, expected to participate across three days of high-level summits, technical sessions, and interactive exhibitions, stakeholders insist that the Nigeria Energy programme continues to serve as the ‘go-to’ platform for meaningful dialogue, partnerships, and investment opportunities across the energy value chain.

In the dynamic world of haute perfumery, one Nigerian entrepreneur is setting the stage for a remarkable transformation with a bold vision for modern fragrance. Omotayo Jamilah Awa-Ibraheem, affectionately known as OJ, is the driving force behind Perfectscent Niche Emporium. With her innovative approach, she has been pioneering the introduction of meticulously curated collections of rare and captivating fragrances. Recently, OJ elevated her offerings by unveiling a new line of haute fragrances called Ideo Parfumeurs.

On Sunday, October 5, an elegant launch event in Lagos brought together fragrance connoisseurs and enthusiasts, creating an atmosphere brimming with excitement and appreciation for fine perfumery. The event showcased OJ’s latest creations, which are not merely scents but experiences crafted to evoke emotions and memories.

Ideo Parfumeurs is a brand steeped in rich heritage and the artistry of contemporary perfumery. Founded in Beirut in 2016 by the visionary Ludmila Bitar, the brand aimed to redefine refined perfumery by making it both exquisite and accessible to a wider audience. Each perfume is designed to whisper intimate stories, capture cherished moments, and leave an impression of bold sophistication.

However, the brand’s journey faced significant challenges following the devastating Beirut port explosion, which forced the establishment into a prolonged silence of nearly three years. Today, a vibrant new chapter emerges as Ideo Parfumeurs begins anew under fresh guardianship in France, harmoniously merging its Lebanese origins with the expertise of acclaimed French perfumers. The result is a collection that not only honors its roots but also aspires to new levels of refinement and global recognition.

OJ describes the Ideo Parfumeurs line as more than just fragrances; they are timeless narratives encapsulated in luxurious bottles. ‘It’s a testament to resilience, artistry, and the eternal allure of scent,’ she remarked, emphasizing the emotional depth and creative energy infused into each fragrance. With this collection, OJ invites fragrance lovers to embark on a sensory journey that transcends the ordinary, celebrating the intricate tapestry of life through the power of scent.

There has been wild jubilations in Benue state after Governor Hyacinth Alia dissolved the Board and Management of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi .

In a statement signed by the chief Press Secretary(CPS), to the Governor, Sir Kulas Tersoo, on Thursday the Governor has approved the dissolution of the Board and Management of the Benue state-owned football club.

The statement said the dissolution was with immediate effect.

‘ The decision is aimed at repositioning the club for greater efficiency, accountability, and better performance in both the Nigeria Premier Football League and other competitions.

‘The Governor further directed that all members of the dissolved management should hand over all official documents, assets, and responsibilities to the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity with immediate effect.’

The Governor expressed appreciation to the outgoing board and management for their services to the club and the state, and assured that a new management structure will soon be announced to drive the next phase of Lobi Stars’ growth and competitiveness.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development as a vital tool for youth engagement, talent discovery, and social cohesion in Benue State.

Recalled, the dissolved Philip Nongu led-Board and Management took over the club in September last year .

The club was 15th position on the Nigeria Premier League (NPFL),but went down on relegation thereafter, bringing pains and anguished to the football loving people of Benue state.

Nigerian students, particularly from Yaba College of Technology, are poised for an uplift in global academic career prospects following a high-level pact with French institutions.

The collaboration, driven by a historical relationship, promises to make world-class French higher education more accessible and affordable for Nigerian graduates.

The ‘Study in France Conference’, hosted by the school and featuring a delegation of French universities and specialised institutions, signals a robust expansion of academic and cultural ties.

Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, noted that the conference is a step in strengthening the educational and cultural bridge with France.

He highlighted the institution’s relationship with France, which began over three decades ago with donation of advanced equipment that birthed the Department of Industrial Maintenance Engineering.

‘The conference aligns with our commitment to international collaboration and vision to position the poly as a global competitive, innovation-driven institution,’ Dr. Abdul said.

He outlined the college’s ‘ERECT Agenda’, a framework focusing on empowering staff, repackaging academic programmes, exploring collaborations, consolidating revenue and tapping into grants.

‘This strategy, implemented through key centres like centre for Linkages, Partnerships and International Relations (CLPIR), is to ensure graduates are not only employable but industry-ready.’

The rector underscored areas where the synergy with France is expected to yield benefits.

‘A major focus is leveraging the strength of School of Art, Design and Printinga foremost art school in West Africa.’

Abdul hoped HND graduates in Fine Art, Graphic Design, and Industrial Design can transition into Master’s degree programmes in France.

‘The collaboration is set to establish dual certification programmes and capacity building in technical and vocational education, essential for Nigeria’s industrial growth.

‘Joint research partnerships in sustainability, renewable energy and digital innovation are on the table, offering students and faculty exposure to cutting-edge research.

‘Student and staff exchange programmes and French language training will foster cross-cultural understanding and prepare students for a globalised marketplace.’

The French delegation, comprising representatives from Université de Lille, Kedge Business School and engineering and art schools, explained why Nigerian students should choose France.

Ms. Oumou Diakité, deputy head of Africa Unit on Campus France, said France is seeking to increase its international student numbers, aiming for 500,000 by 2027. She noted that student mobility from Nigeria has seen a 76 per cent increase in the last five years, a trend the France is keen to accelerate.

Diakité detailed the significant financial and academic advantages of the French system, mentioning affordable tuition, English taught programmes and generous government aid.

As the 2027 elections draw near, Otunba Nick Ovuakporie, the Immediate Past State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta State and currently serving as Executive Assistant (Political) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has described the Governor as a symbol of unity, who deserves the support of all Deltans.

Ovuakporie, while commending the Delta APC stakeholders for unwavering backing, also condemned critics, urging the public to stand with the Governor in his quest to consolidate the M.O.R.E. Blueprint for Delta State’s future.

In a statement, Ovuakporie called on all discerning citizens to unite in condemning the harmful actions of naysayers and to celebrate the achievements of Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. agenda.

He said: ‘Politics has reached a critical juncture, marked by the unrelenting condemnation of the visible achievements of a government that has been tirelessly working to advance the development of a state. Since assuming office, Governor Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori has been at the forefront of a transformative journey, championing the state’s progress through deliberate actions that have earned accolades for a job well done.’

‘Today, Delta State stands among the rapidly developing states of Sub-Saharan Africa, a testament to the Governor’s unwavering commitment to progress.’

‘Development is a comprehensive endeavor that encompasses physical infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and human capital development. The Governor Sheriff’s More Agenda Administration has been built on this holistic approach, prioritizing need-based development and relentlessly working to eradicate the scourge of poverty.’

‘It is indeed appropriate to acknowledge the Governor’s remarkable achievements. His efforts have given every Deltan a clear sense of pride in their identity, as the state’s landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation through major projects spread across the entire state.’

Ovuakporie listed a series of completed and ongoing projects across the state, which he believes serve as a testament to the Governor’s commitment and effectiveness.

‘These projects have been implemented in various towns and communities, including Asaba, Warri, Kwale, Ughelli, Sapele, Abraka, Oghara, Akumazi, Ovrode, Orerokpe, Onicha-Ukwuani, Okpanam, Ugbolu, Ibusa, Agbarho, Agbor, Sapele, Ode-Itsekiri, Gbaramatu, Ekpan, and Udu, among many others.’

‘The achievements of the Governor’s administration, rooted in the More Agenda blueprint, are driven by the core values of servant leadership, integrity, transparency, accountability, foresight, and selfless dedication.’

‘These values are evident in the flagship projects of His Excellency’s More Administration, including the Asaba Waterfront City, the work on the stormwater drainage across critical areas in the State, particularly the one linking Nnebisi Road, Anwai Road, DBS Road, Shoprite axis, and Summit Road, which is steadily on course, bringing Asaba closer to lasting relief from perennial flooding.’

‘Simultaneously, construction is advancing at Southern University, Orerokpe campus, School of Health Technology Ovrode, and the Government Technical College, Kiagbodo amongst others, with significant milestones already recorded, which is a testament to a Governor passionate about revolutionizing the length and breadth of the State through enduring development footprints.’

‘From flood control, road infrastructure, healthcare to education, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is delivering projects designed to stand the test of time and transform communities across Delta State. The completion of the Asaba-Ogwah-Uku-Kwale-Isoko-Ughelli super highway, ongoing five flyovers, and three slipways in Warri, Effurun, Owian, Ughelli, and Agbor-three of which are at advanced stages of completion.’

‘Countless intercity road projects, massive school infrastructure upgrades, and the construction and equipping of healthcare facilities are just a few of the many accomplishments that deserve recognition.’

He noted: ‘We must therefore unequivocally condemn those who have persistently launched media attacks on the More Administration from the shadows, seeking to mislead the public. Their actions are not only iniquitous but also detrimental to the progress of the state.’

‘All discerning minds must unite in condemning such behavior, as we must promote the achievements of the More Agenda Administration and support Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for re-election in 2027 as the sole candidate to continue his infrastructure revolution.’

He urged Deltans to stand against the detractors who, according to Ovuakporie, are undermining the progress of a state that has already made significant strides under the Governor’s leadership.

I was the pioneer State Youth Leader of the PDP from 1998 to 2008, and later served as the party’s Vice Chairman from 2016 to 2024. What happened was a huge disappointment to us. The PDP gave Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah the ticket, campaigned for him, defended his mandate, and stood by him through thick and thin – even under the rain and sun, we stayed at INEC to ensure our victory was protected.

But the appreciation he showed to the PDP – the party that made him governor – was to defect to the APC. And mind you, that defection was not an impromptu decision. It had been in the works for a considerable amount of time.

From the beginning, Governor Mbah was never really a party man. He wasn’t part of the PDP’s formation. He joined in 2003 when Governor Chimaroke Nnamani appointed him Chief of Staff, and later Commissioner for Finance. After 2007, following his encounter with the EFCC, he relocated to Lagos and focused on his oil business.

From that time until 2022, he remained inactive in Enugu politics – neither in his ward, local government, nor at the state level. He used the PDP as a vehicle for power, not as a home. But we built this party from the ground up – since August 30, 1998 – and no one can destroy what they didn’t build.

The PDP in Enugu remains intact, strong, and formidable.

Do you agree with the reasons the governor gave for leaving the PDP?

Not at all. His plan didn’t start today. After winning the election, he never visited the wards, local governments, or even the party secretariat to thank members. He never held a single meeting with the party’s leadership at any level.

His appointments also exposed his mindset – he sidelined party loyalists who toiled for him and filled key positions with technocrats. Governance needs professionals, yes, but politics also rewards loyalty. Party work is serious business – if you invest, you should reap.

Instead, he treated the PDP as disposable. But we are not shaken. The so-called crowd at Okpara Square during the defection rally was largely hired. Many people told me they were brought in early in the morning and left hungry till evening. After the rally, there was no traffic jam – a clear sign it wasn’t a genuine grassroots event.

So, there are still prominent PDP members who didn’t defect and are ready to rebuild the party?

Absolutely. I chair the Enugu State PDP Stakeholders Forum, and from day one, we appealed to him not to leave. We told him that if his problem was with anyone – be it Nyesom Wike or Sam Anyanwu – we could mediate. Wike is not a spirit; he’s human. If it’s a misunderstanding, we could resolve it.

But the truth is, Governor Mbah’s decision wasn’t about party issues. It was personal.

The governor said his defection was to ‘connect Enugu to the centre’ for the state’s benefit. Do you buy that argument?

That’s just political rhetoric. Anyone looking for an excuse to make a controversial move will always find one.

What ‘connection to the centre’ are we talking about? Elections are barely a year away if the proposed electoral reforms take effect. What can he possibly achieve within that time? Ebonyi is already connected to the centre – do they have two ministers? The answer is no.

Connecting to the centre has become a deceptive slogan. Governor Mbah’s defection is personal. Don’t forget he once joined other governors to sue the EFCC. When that failed, he recalibrated. Initially, the APC wasn’t even his first choice – he considered the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and later the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before settling for the APC, mainly to protect personal interests.

But Enugu people are not deceived. They are feeling the pinch of his policies – rising taxes, higher rents, incomplete infrastructure. Where is the water project he promised in 180 days? Now it’s two years later, and we’re still waiting. Even the Austrian contractor fled.

Most of his so-called technocrats are disconnected from reality. His government is isolated – even his few political appointees have been sidelined. Imagine the Secretary to the State Government saying he doesn’t know his ward!

So, you’re saying the PDP is already rebuilding?

Yes, we have started rebuilding. The grassroots remain solidly PDP. Those who left are mostly appointees – House of Assembly members, commissioners, aides – people dependent on government patronage. But the real party structure is intact.

Let him go with his followers; we are reorganising from the wards upward. The local government and general elections will prove a point. We’ll field credible, grassroots candidates who can look voters in the eye and say, ‘Here’s what I’ve done.’

You mentioned there will be a crisis. What kind of crisis?

Not in the PDP – our house is in order. The crisis will be in the APC. Why? Because the governor is entering a party where structures already exist. APC members who contested elections and lost are patiently waiting for 2027. Now, he’s bringing in an entire team of defectors – House of Assembly members, Reps, senators – all eyeing tickets. Who will the party favour?

He’s already fighting APC leaders like Ugochukwu Agballah. His allies even stormed their meeting venue and destroyed canopies. How do you enter a party by breaking its structure? That’s a recipe for chaos.

The APC’s crisis has already started in Enugu. Ben Nwoye doesn’t know where he stands; Agballah is in court, and those who attended the defection rally say they haven’t been called for any meeting since. The calm you see in Enugu today is deceptive – it’s the calm before the storm.

Governor Mbah claimed 80 per cent of PDP executives defected with him. How do you respond?

That’s insignificant. Even if 80 per cent of executives left, they don’t represent the grassroots. Most of them were handpicked during congresses that were conducted in Government House. Many went with him simply because he appointed them.

The real PDP – the members who built this party from 1998 – are still here. We are reorganising and holding our meetings as usual. We are waiting for guidance from the national leadership, but we are not folding our hands.

Let me tell you: it will not be Uhuru for the APC in Enugu. Governor Mbah may have called the whole Southeast to Okpara Square, but none of them mentioned Nnamdi Kanu or the plight of Igbo traders whose shops were demolished in Lagos. And he says he’s connecting to the centre?

That’s not a connection – that’s a journey to nowhere.

The recent attempt to romanticize the so-called ‘re-enactment of Obaseki’s education reforms’ is not only misleading but also a desperate attempt to whitewash the failures of an administration that left behind a trail of disillusionment, deceit, and betrayal among Edo teachers. The ongoing narrative, deliberately sponsored and amplified by a few individuals nostalgic about the past government, seeks to misinform the public and distort the truth about the state of education in Edo. But facts, as always, are sacred and cannot be buried under political propaganda.

It is important to set the records straight: the Obaseki-led government did not reform education – it weaponized it for political survival. What was branded as ‘innovation’ was, in fact, a carefully packaged illusion that crushed the hopes of hundreds of young Edo teachers who were lured into the system without proper employment letters, pension benefits, or confirmation of their civil service status for more than three years.

These teachers were not treated as professionals shaping the minds of future leaders but as expendable pawns used to score political points and project a false image of progress.

Many of these teachers have since narrated their ordeals – how they were made to attend endless training sessions, often at their own expense, without any formal recognition of their employment status. They were paraded before cameras for political optics, yet denied the dignity and benefits of legitimate work. Their story is one of emotional trauma and betrayal – people who believed they were serving their state, only to realize they had been used as instruments of propaganda.

During the build-up to the last governorship election, these same teachers were promised permanent employment and improved welfare packages if they mobilized support for the governor’s preferred candidate. But when the political tide turned, they were abandoned. The promises evaporated. The administration turned its back on them, leaving behind a demoralized and frustrated workforce struggling to survive without certainty or hope.

The much-hyped EdoBEST initiative – which Obaseki’s media machinery continues to tout as a revolutionary success – was, in truth, a hollow project. It was a case of form without substance, of digital gloss masking institutional decay. Beneath the glossy tablets, colourful banners, and choreographed PR campaigns, lay a project riddled with inconsistencies and waste. Independent reviews and insider testimonies have revealed how EdoBEST became a convenient channel for financial mismanagement under the guise of ‘digital learning transformation.’

The programme created an illusion of progress, while the core challenges in the education sector – decaying infrastructure, poor teacher motivation, and lack of instructional materials – persisted.

In several rural communities, pupils continued to sit on bare floors. Classrooms lacked roofs, and teachers struggled to cope with overcrowded classes. The so-called ‘digital tablets’ distributed to a few schools became mere symbols for photo opportunities, rather than tools for real learning. Teachers were left frustrated as internet connectivity and maintenance support were non-existent. The entire project was built on presentation rather than performance, and on deception rather than development.

In truth, EdoBEST was not an innovation – it was a refurbishing of tombs whose contents were academic carcasses. No credible data ever proved that learning outcomes improved significantly under the programme. Instead, available records showed declining literacy levels and poor comprehension among pupils. The gap between rural and urban education widened, and teacher attrition increased due to poor working conditions.

Contrary to the false claim that the present administration is simply ‘re-enacting’ Obaseki’s model, what is happening today is the exact opposite – a restoration of sanity, transparency, and meritocracy in Edo’s education system. The ongoing recruitment of teachers is anchored on merit and competence, not political patronage or godfatherism. For the first time in many years, candidates were screened through a transparent and standardized process. It was an open exercise where applicants were assessed based on qualification, teaching aptitude, and subject mastery – not on who they knew or which political camp they belonged to. All these were carefully and thoughtfully carried out before absorbing over 5000 Edostar teachers into the state civil service.

This deliberate reform is part of a broader agenda to rebuild public confidence in government employment processes and ensure that every classroom in Edo State is manned by a qualified, motivated teacher. Those who were smuggled into the system under the previous government – some without the minimum teaching qualifications – have been carefully filtered out. It is not vindictiveness; it is restoration of standards. The era of mediocrity and political favouritism in the education sector is over.

The new administration recognizes that education is the backbone of sustainable development. No serious government toys with the future of its children by reducing education to a publicity tool. Unlike the previous administration, this government is not interested in photo opportunities or social media applause. Its focus is on tangible outcomes – classrooms that are functional, teachers who are professionally trained, and pupils whose learning progress can be scientifically measured.

Today, efforts are being made to rehabilitate schools, update curricula, and retrain teachers using globally tested pedagogical methods. The emphasis is on content, not camera; on impact, not image. It is about restoring dignity to the teaching profession and returning education to its rightful place as the foundation of societal progress.

Unlike the previous administration, the current government will not sustain fraudulent legacies or reward criminality disguised as policy. The days of using development as a cover for deception are gone. The new administration’s education policy is driven by accountability, transparency, and evidence-based planning. Funds meant for schools will reach schools. Teachers will be trained, paid, and respected. Pupils will be taught, not used as backdrops for political theatre.

The truth remains that Obaseki’s so-called education reforms were built on falsehood, manipulation, and exploitation. The Edo people are no longer deceived. They saw the teachers who worked with meagre pay. They saw the schools that never received the promised upgrades. They heard the testimonies of those who were betrayed after years of service. And they now see a government genuinely working to repair the ruins left behind, a government that values integrity over image, performance over propaganda, and merit over manipulation.

Where there was deceit, this government is bringing transparency.

Where there was propaganda, it is instituting progress. Where there was exploitation, it is restoring dignity to Edo’s teaching workforce.

The era of empty reforms and borrowed slogans has ended. A new dawn has begun, a new Edo has risen, one defined by truth, service, and accountability. Edo’s education sector is being rebuilt, not rebranded. And that, indeed, is the difference between the past of deception and the present of genuine reform.

President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that Russia would never bow to pressure from the United States or any other country, and cautioned that the response to any strikes deep into Russia would be very serious and overwhelming.

U.S. sanctions are ‘unfriendly’ act and ‘will have certain consequences, but they will not significantly affect our economic well-being,’ Putin said. Russia’s energy sector feels confident, he said.

‘This is, of course, an attempt to put pressure on Russia,’ Putin said. ‘But no self-respecting country and no self-respecting people ever decides anything under pressure.’

Putin said breaking the balance in the global energy markets could lead to a hike in prices that would be uncomfortable for countries such as the United States, especially given the internal political calendar in the United States.

Asked about a Wall Street Journal report that the Trump administration has lifted a key restriction on Ukraine’s use of some long-range missiles provided by Western allies, and remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy about domestic missiles with a range of 3,000 km (1,900 miles), Putin said: ‘This is an attempt at escalation.’

‘But if such weapons are used to attack Russian territory, the response will be very serious, if not overwhelming. Let them think about it,’ Putin said.