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Former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan has recounted how some hoteliers in Bayelsa State failed to return public funds given to them as loans to upgrade their hotels, after he left office as governor in 2007.

He said when they were confronted, the hoteliers claimed the money was their ‘dividend of democracy.’

Jonathan explained that such attitudes contributed to the abandonment of several projects he initiated as governor, blaming successive administrations for failing to sustain development programmes.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Best Western Plus Hotel in Yenagoa, the former president said he had started a number of hotel projects to boost tourism and attract investment before becoming Vice President in 2007.

He expressed regret that the projects were abandoned after his exit, calling the trend a major waste in governance.

‘When a governor leaves office, the next governor doesn’t want to follow up, and most of the money spent goes to waste,’ Jonathan said.

He recalled that his administration had invested in the hospitality sector to make Yenagoa more attractive to visitors, especially during the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), which Bayelsa hosted at the time.

‘During the first AMAA event, most of the international guests stayed in Port Harcourt because Bayelsa had no suitable hotels,’ he said.

‘So we supported local hoteliers with loans of N10m to N15m to upgrade their facilities, but after I left office, nobody refunded the money, and the initiative died. When confronted, they said the money is their dividend of democracy.’

Jonathan added that his administration had also awarded contracts for three major hotels, including the Tower Hotel and two three-star facilities, which were never completed.

‘If they had done these three hotels, by now visitors coming to Bayelsa State would have had comfortable places to stay, but somehow when I left, even people I mobilised, we didn’t see what they have done.

‘That is the problem of government; when a governor leaves, the next governor doesn’t want to follow up, most of those money spent will go.’

He commended the management of Best Western Plus for bringing a reputable hospitality brand to the state, saying it reflected the vision he once had for Bayelsa’s tourism sector.

In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri praised the hotel’s founder, Dr Harcourt Adukeh, for his investment and commitment to Bayelsa’s economic growth.

Diri described the hotel as a milestone that would create jobs, boost the local economy, and attract more private investors. He also urged Bayelsans to invest in their home state to support sustainable development.

Mrs Initeme Adukeh-Eromhonsele, Executive Director of the hotel, said the facility was designed to combine elegance, comfort, and modern standards, overlooking the Oxbow Lake.

‘Today marks a proud moment for Bayelsa and for us at Best Western Plus at The Oxbow Lake, Yenagoa. This opening is a reflection of our vision to bring world-class hospitality to this city while celebrating the warmth and vibrancy that make Yenagoa special.’

The launch of Best Western Plus Hotel, affiliated with the global Best Western brand, marks a new phase in Yenagoa’s drive to become a hub for tourism and business in the Niger Delta.

Dr Harcourt Adukeh, Chairman of the hotel, expressed appreciation for government support, saying: ‘Having Governor Diri and former President Jonathan with us at this historic opening is truly an honour.

The Best Western International brand and a network of dedicated architects, engineers, and financiers who believed in the promise of Bayelsa State – together we have transformed our idea into a living symbol of progress and a place that will welcome visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.’

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost access to long-term financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the Nigerian capital market.

The partnership aims to provide alternative financing channels for more than 40 million registered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country, enhancing their growth potential, job creation capacity, and contribution to the Federal Government’s $1 trillion economy target.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, described the agreement as a major step toward integrating SMEs into the capital market ecosystem and promoting inclusive economic growth.

‘Capital is the bedrock of any business. It is important that as a capital market, we create routes for small and medium-scale enterprises to raise funds for sustainability. We also want to bring them into the pipeline of listed companies, democratizing wealth and accelerating development in line with the administration’s trillion-dollar economy vision,’ Agama said.

He added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda focused on job creation, productivity, and sustainable growth.

On his part, SMEDAN Director-General, Mr. Charles Odii, said the MoU would help small businesses overcome the challenges of expensive and limited access to credit by tapping into the capital market for funding.

‘Capital in this part of the world is both expensive and scarce. Through this collaboration, we’re creating another source of financing for medium-scale businesses. Our target is to have at least 1,000 SMEs listed on the market. This will drive growth, generate wealth, and reduce unemployment,’ Odii noted.

Under the agreement, both agencies will work together to integrate MSMEs into the formal financial system, strengthen their governance and compliance frameworks, and enhance their eligibility to raise funds through equity and debt securities.

The collaboration also includes capacity-building initiatives such as financial literacy workshops, investor education programmes, and corporate governance training to prepare SMEs for capital market participation.

Additionally, SEC will contribute to SMEDAN’s five-year strategic policy framework to foster inclusive financing and SME-friendly regulations, while SMEDAN will identify and guide qualifying businesses toward market listing.

A Joint Working Group (JWG) will be established to monitor implementation, facilitate data sharing in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and coordinate the upcoming three-day national SME conference to promote stakeholder engagement and policy dialogue.

Through this strategic partnership, the SEC and SMEDAN aim to expand funding options for Nigerian SMEs, deepen the capital market, and strengthen the foundation for sustainable economic transformation.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police, Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), have arrested two men, identified as Daniel Bawa and Adamu Ciroma, for allegedly stealing a Toyota Avensis along the Mushin-Oshodi Road in Lagos State.

The RRS disclosed this in a post shared on its official X handle, @rrslagos767, on Thursday.

According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended around 11:35 p.m. on September 29, 2025, during a routine patrol by the RRS team.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Adamu Ciroma, who works as a security guard in the area, had earlier assisted the vehicle’s owner in pushing the car to a nearby spot close to his duty post after it broke down. The owner, whose residence was two blocks away, decided to leave the vehicle there overnight.

However, not long after the owner left, Bawa, accompanied by another suspect who is now at large, reportedly returned to the scene to steal the car. Ciroma, who had previously helped the owner, allegedly joined them in the theft.

‘The suspects reportedly conspired to sell the faulty car to a group of butchers,’ the RRS stated. ‘Acting on credible intelligence, our operatives swiftly arrested Bawa and Ciroma, while the third suspect fled under the pretext of searching for a buyer before the team’s arrival.’

The stolen vehicle has since been recovered and returned to its owner, while the arrested suspects are currently facing prosecution, the RRS confirmed.

An Abuja High Court has set November 26, 2025, as the date to hear an assault and battery case involving Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck.

The case was filed by Levi Ogbogiri, a photographer and entertainer who goes by the stage name Kraziecent.

He accused the rapper of attacking him during a public event held on December 16, 2024.

According to court documents, Kraziecent alleged that the incident happened while he was taking photos and videos at the event.

He claimed that Odumodublvck physically assaulted him without provocation, leaving him with injuries, emotional trauma, and a damaged iPhone 15 Pro Max.

During the court session, Kraziecent’s lawyer told the judge that all legal documents had been served to the rapper but that there had been no formal response from his side.

Odumodublvck’s lawyer, however, asked the court for more time to prepare, leading to the adjournment of the case.

Kraziecent is demanding financial compensation for his damaged phone, the humiliation he suffered, and the harm to his reputation.

He also wants the court to order Odumodublvck to make a public apology on social media and in two national newspapers.

In addition, he’s asking for a restraining order to stop the rapper from harassing him further.

The second term of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has received a major boost with the declaration of support by the Arewa Professional Think Tank (APTT).

The group, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Mohammed Saidu and made available to the Nigerian Tribune submitted that the declaration is predicated on the exemplary leadership provided by the governor.

It stated that the administration of the governor has become a model of inclusive governance, purposeful leadership, and peaceful coexistence.

‘We, as a body of northern intellectuals and development advocates, observe with deep admiration the atmosphere of stability, unity, and progress that has flourished in Ekiti under his watch,’ it added.

APTT further stated in the release, issued on Thursday, that unwavering commitment of Governor Oyebanji to justice, equity, and inter-communal harmony has earned him uncommon respect across ethnic and religious divides.

It particularly noted that the peaceful coexistence of the Fulani pastoral communities with their Ekiti hosts was a remarkable achievement that demonstrated the fairness, proactive conflict resolution mechanisms and respect for the dignity of every resident by the governor.

According to Mallam Saidu, under the leadership of the Ekiti State governor, security agencies and traditional institutions have worked in concert to prevent ethnic tension, proving that responsible governance can indeed guarantee social cohesion.

Saidu, who was a former Special Adviser to the Director-General of NIPSS, Kuru, added: ‘Beyond peacebuilding, Governor Oyebanji has distinguished himself through transformative achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery, and youth empowerment.

‘His administration’s rural road rehabilitation, digital skills initiatives, improved teachers’ welfare, and investments in agriculture have elevated the socio-economic standing of Ekiti State and strengthened public confidence in democratic governance.

‘His style of leadership – consultative, transparent, and people-centred – embodies the ideal of modern public service.’

The APTT chairman, therefore, stated that the group has unequivocally declared that Oyebanji deserved a second term as the governor of Ekiti State.

‘Continuity of his developmental vision will consolidate the remarkable gains already achieved and propel Ekiti State further towards sustainable prosperity,’

The APTT chairman also warned disgruntled political elements who he said are unable to match his performance, but now resort to blackmail and sponsorship of malicious campaigns through some civil society fronts, to desist from such acts.

‘Such unpatriotic behaviour is reckless, divisive, and detrimental to the collective progress of Ekiti State. We urge them to desist immediately from these desperate antics, for no amount of falsehood can obscure the truth of Governor Oyebanji’s good works.

‘We in the The Arewa Professionals Think Tank (APTT) hereby reaffirm our solidarity with Governor Oyebanji and also call on all patriotic good people of Ekiti State to support him,’ he further stated.

In a fresh move to strengthen national unity and rebuild trust in governance, Minister of Youth Development Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission Prof. Tunji Olaopa, and CEO of Future Africa Iyinoluwa Aboyeji will on Monday engage Nigerian youths at a high-level conference in Abuja.

The event, organised by the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) in collaboration with the United Nations Inter-Agency Group on Youth (UNIAGY) and the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), forms part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Tagged, ‘Nigeria @ 65: Reviving Values and Volunteerism among the Youth,’ the scheduled discourse underscores a national call to rebuild civic values and promote volunteerism among young people.

According to the Head of CLTC’s Information Unit, Chinwe Nduka, the gathering is ‘a call for young Nigerians to embrace service, volunteerism, and civic responsibility as tools to rebuild trust, foster unity, and strengthen the nation’s social fabric.’

She said the initiative aims to promote active citizenship and inspire young Nigerians to see themselves as key drivers in restoring confidence between citizens and government.

The one-day event will also feature an impressive line up of speakers, including Samson Itodo, Executive Director of YIAGA Africa; Rotimi Olawale, Executive Director of Youth Hub Africa; Elisabeth Agbiti-Douglas, Director of NYFF; Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central); Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities; Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives; Surayyah Ahmad, Founding Partner of Sabou Capital; Aishat Dahiru, Youth Focal Point of IOM Nigeria; Rafiat Atanda, Communications Specialist at UNODC; and Rex Stephen Ojochegbe, a student of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University.

Supported by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the conference reaffirms the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and national cohesion. Aspitah Global Resources serves as the implementation partner.

The highlight of the event will be the grand finale of the Youth Leadership Debate, an NYFF initiative that provides a platform for young Nigerians to articulate their vision for a united, accountable, and progressive nation.

Participants are expected from universities, youth organisations, and community-based groups nationwide, with virtual participation options provided to ensure broad inclusivity.

Managing Director of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe on Thursday warned the 10th House of Representatives to jettison the bill seeking to establish national commission for decommissioning of oil and gas installations under the Presidency.

Komolafe gave the charge in Abuja during the public hearing on the bill which empowers the proposed Commission to coordinate decommissioning efforts as part of Nigeria’s environmental diplomacy strategy, ensure autonomy in decision making management and protect national interests through sustainable resource management, environmental restoration and international collaboration’, organised by House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), chaired by Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa.

While noting that the initiative was Komolafe who was represented by Emmanuel Macjaja argued that the approach adopted in the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 was to ‘ensure technical coherence, economic efficiency, and alignment with both the PlA 2021 and global standards, thereby safeguarding Nigeria’s interests in the oil and gas sector and promoting the Federal Government’s ease of doing business initiatives.’

He, however, warned that creating a standalone agency will lead to duplication of existing functions, increase regulatory fragmentation, and impose unnecessary financial and institutional burdens on the Federal Government.

‘In Nigeria, where coordination challenges already exist across MDAs, the introduction of another commission would only further complicate effective governance,’ he warned.

Speaking further, Komolafe informed the Committee that Section 233 of the PIA which provides that fund should be set aside for decommissioning and abandonment of oil facilities, ‘neither belong to the operating companies nor to the government.

‘There is dire need for public sensitisation and enlightenment in this regard. With regards to the proposed bill the following are relevant and help to highlight why this provision needs to be properly understood.

‘Government’s silent majority share: Because NNPC Ltd participates in virtually every joint-venture (JV) and all production sharing contracts (PSCs), the Federal Government ultimately shoulders at least 60% of the national DandA bill, and 100% in pure PSCs. Thus, every amount an operator lodges in the Fund implies a larger contingent liability for government, via NNPC Ltd.

‘Escrow-style domiciliation: Section 233 of the PIA 2021 requires every licensee/lessee to place its annual DandA contribution in an escrow account with a financial institution. The money is ring-fenced: it is not company revenue, but it is also not government revenue as it is dedicated for only the execution of approved decommissioning

programmes.

‘Public-finance implications: Up-front cash-flow strain: Government must match or exceed industry contributions by meeting its own pro-rata share through equity contributions via NNPC Ltd to keep the fund solvent.

‘No revenue offset: Unlike royalties or taxes, DandA contributions do not generate fiscal inflows: they die on earmarked cost centre, both for the operator and for the government, with the government (via NNPC Ltd taking the larger burden.

‘Why another commission would worsen the problem: Establishing NC-DOGI would oblige the Federal Government Treasury to finance a new bureaucracy and still meet its 60-100% share of DandA Fund contributions. That dual hit, in both administrative overhead plus escrow matching, creates avoidable fiscal stress at a time of constrained public revenues.

‘The DandA Fund is already a significant contingent liability for the Federal Government. Creating a standalone Decommissioning Commission would compound, not solve, that liability by adding recurring administrative costs and diffusing accountability.’

While delivering the keynote address, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere expressed optimism that the proposed bill seeks to: ‘protect our vulnerable communities that have been devastated in several ways, not just in the Niger Delta in the Middle Belt in the Northeast, where environmental degradation and abandonment of waste products and other outdated technologies to litter the entire environment.

‘Is there any organization or agency in Nigeria, as we speak today that holistically and comprehensively addresses the functions that this agency will provide. I would want to begin by appealing that we’re at a level in this country now where we must abandon self interest, where we must abandon narrow and selfish interests.’

In his address, Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa described the bill as a ‘significant legislative proposal because it addresses matters that directly affect the welfare of our people, the protection of our environment, and the livelihood of host communities within oil-producing regions.

‘It reflects Parliament’s commitment to ensuring that the growth of the oil and gas sector aligns with environmental responsibility and sustainable community development.’

While noting that Nigeria’s petroleum industry has continued to face challenges in the decommissioning and abandonment of oil and gas facilities, over the years, he lamented that ‘these challenges have had environmental, economic, and social impacts, particularly on host communities.

‘This therefore calls for a closer look at whether the existing regulatory frameworks are sufficient or need to be strengthened, and whether establishing a dedicated body, such as the proposed Commission, would better serve national interests.

‘It is, however, important to note that the Petroleum Industry Act already provides for decommissioning and abandonment under Sections 232 and 233, assigning specific responsibilities to the NUPRC and MDPRA, and also establishing a fund to ensure these activities are properly planned and financed in line with regulations.

‘It is for this reason that we have invited key stakeholders – including the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), as well as industry operators, civil society groups, and academia, to share their informed perspectives.

‘We encourage all participants to engage constructively and present evidence-based submissions that can help us shape a balanced, effective, and sustainable framework for managing decommissioning activities in the oil and gas sector.’

The Federal Government is soliciting for more information exchange amongst judicial officers in a bid to improve the interpretation of treaties and international civil aviation conventions in ways that reflect Nigeria’s interest and its international obligations.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at Judges conference organized by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo stated that aviation, ‘by its nature, is an international enterprise.

‘Aircraft cross borders daily; obligations and liabilities often follow them as provided for in several civil aviation treaties that Nigeria is signatory to. This means that our judges, more than most professionals, bear the task of interpreting treaties and conventions in ways that reflect both our national interest and our international obligations’.

The Minister explained that the conference with the theme: ‘The role of judges in sustaining Nigeria’s adherence to applicable international conventions in relation to carriage by air’ is timely.

‘Today’s gathering is a meeting of minds at the crossroads of law, policy, and international civil aviation; an intersection that defines how we protect lives, resolve disputes, and maintain confidence in our nation’s skies.

‘My lords, you are therefore partners in shaping Nigeria’s reputation in the global civil aviation community. When a court interprets a provision of international conventions it is not merely resolving a dispute, it is sending a signal to the world about how Nigeria honours its commitments under international law.

‘That is why this engagement is so important. It brings together those who make the laws, those who interpret them, and those who must live under its guidance’.

Keyamo further explained that as ‘we continue to implement reforms in the aviation sector, our efforts are strengthened when the judiciary and the regulators collaborate effectively to uphold shared goals.

‘Aviation disputes are often technical and demand not only knowledge of the law but also an appreciation of international standards, insurance mechanisms, and operational realities. That is why the NCAA’s initiative to convene this roundtable is so commendable.

‘It bridges the communication gap between the regulators and those who are tasked with interpreting those regulations. When regulators and judges sing from the same sheet, it ensures consistency in the sector’ he stated.

In his welcome address, the Director General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo noted that Nigeria’s obligations ‘under key instruments such as the Convention on International Civil Aviation of 1944 and the Montreal Convention of 1999 reflect our nation’s dedication to international best practices.

‘Yet, conventions achieve their true force only when upheld in our courts, and this is where the critical role of the judiciary comes in. Through their judgments, our judges interpret not just the letter of the law, but its spirit and intent, thereby balancing the interests of passengers, operators, regulators and the State’.

Najomo stated at NCAA, ‘we remain committed to continuous alignment with international standards, robust oversight, and transparent governance. We are however mindful that regulation alone is not enough. The judiciary’s wisdom gives permanence and legitimacy to every effort we make to uphold the rule of law in aviation’ he reaffirmed.

Also speaking, the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN said performs the unique role of acting as guardians of compliance to the conventions’.

Represented by by Gladys Odegbaro, a Director in Solicitor’s Department, the Minister urged the Judges to continue applying the conventions with precision and empathy, ensuring that Nigeria remains a victim of legal excellence in aviation law.

The conference was attended by Judges, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, regulators in the aviation sector, operators and other stakeholders.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it actually requested for the sum of 1,505,901,750 from a firm, Messrs V.C. Ottaokpukpu and Associates.

A statement titled Clarification on Cost of National Register of Voters and Polling Units Request,’ issued in Abuja and signed by Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, Director, Voter Education and Publicity, declared that the sum was the cost for processing and issuance, of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the National Register of Voters for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as the existing polling units in the electoral wards across the country.

The electoral body maintained that its request was ‘in line with the provisions of Section 8(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, which states that: ‘Where access to information is to be given under this Act, the public institution may charge an amount representing the actual cost of document duplication and transcription.’

The statement read: ‘The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to clarify matters concerning the recent request by Messrs V.C. Ottaokpukpu and Associates for Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the National Register of Voters for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as the existing polling units in the electoral wards across the country.

‘The Commission received the request on 8th October 2025 and responded on 13th October 2025, approving the application while outlining the cost for processing and issuance. The sum quoted – 1,505,901,750 Naira – has become a subject of media attention and public inquiry.

‘INEC emphasizes that the cost is determined strictly in line with the provisions of Section 8(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, which states that: ‘Where access to information is to be given under this Act, the public institution may charge an amount representing the actual cost of document duplication and transcription.’

‘In accordance with INEC Guidelines for the Processing and Issuance of Certified True Copies (CTC) of Documents, which draws authority from Section 15 of the Electoral Act 2022, the applicable charge is 250 Naira per page.

‘For clarity, the National Register of Voters for all 36 states and the FCT contains 93,469,008 registered voters, with 16 voters per page, requiring 6,018661 pages. Additionally, printing the existing polling units in the electoral wards across the country, covering 176,848 polling units, will require 4,946 pages. The total number of pages to be printed for both requests is therefore 6,023607, at a unit cost of 250 Naira per page, resulting in the total sum of 1,505,901,750 Naira.

‘The Commission wishes to assure the public that this figure reflects only the actual costs of document duplication and transcription and does not include any other charges. INEC remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of public resources.’

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unlocking prosperity, creating jobs, and boosting trade through the successful launch of the Oyo State African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Sub-National Implementation Strategy.

Governor Makinde stated that the initiative aligns with his government’s broader vision for sustainable development and economic expansion, noting that Oyo State’s participation in the AfCFTA would generate massive employment opportunities, empower entrepreneurs, and significantly increase trade volumes.

Speaking during a post-engagement meeting on AfCFTA implementation held at the Local Government Service Commission Training School, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor said his administration was determined to build institutions and structures that would guarantee Oyo State’s long-term prosperity.

‘We want to be remembered not just for roads, infrastructure, or airport upgrades, but for building strong institutions that will ensure good governance and sustainable development long after our tenure,’ Makinde declared.

The governor explained that Oyo State’s strong infrastructure base and growing population gave the government the confidence to pursue the AfCFTA opportunity, adding that knowledge and productivity, when combined with natural resources, were essential ingredients for prosperity.

Makinde further disclosed that his administration had saved about six million US dollars in a Sovereign Wealth Fund created to secure the state’s economic future.

Highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects such as the upgrading of the Ibadan Airport to international standards and the implementation of key economic policies, the governor noted that Oyo State’s vision for sustainable growth was steadily being realised.

He commended the AfCFTA Technical Working Group, led by his Special Adviser on AfCFTA and International Trade, Ms. Neo Theodore Tlhaselo, for its dedication and professionalism, assuring them that their efforts would not go unrewarded.

‘We’ve rebuilt roads across the state, employed thousands of teachers and health workers, and improved facilities in schools and hospitals. But our greatest legacy will be the institutions we’re establishing to sustain progress beyond this administration,’ Makinde added.

The governor also underscored Oyo State’s determination to take full advantage of its inclusion in the AfCFTA, noting that the state would not wait for the Federal Government to drive implementation.

‘We’ve seen how Nigeria missed out on opportunities like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). With AfCFTA, sub-nationals can chart their own course. Oyo State has seized that opportunity to take its destiny into its own hands,’ he said.

Makinde identified several sectors where Oyo State holds competitive advantages, explaining that the AfCFTA framework would help the state expand trade relations, particularly with neighbouring West and Central African countries.

‘If our youths can find gainful employment and we can earn foreign exchange from our productivity, we will move our people from poverty to prosperity,’ he affirmed.

The governor also highlighted recent achievements at the Ibadan Airport, noting that a wide-bodied A330 aircraft – the same model used by Virgin Atlantic on its Lagos-London route, recently landed there, proving the facility’s readiness for international operations.

In her remarks, Tlhaselo lauded Governor Makinde’s visionary leadership, describing Oyo State as the first sub-national entity in Africa to sign on to the AfCFTA. She explained that the post-launch engagement was part of the statutory administrative process that officially enables Oyo State to trade and collaborate under the AfCFTA framework.

‘This implementation strategy provides Oyo State with the legal foundation to engage in international trade and bilateral agreements, positioning the state as a credible partner for global investment and African economic cooperation,’ she said.