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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and the Christian community in Nigeria over the passing of Most Reverend Michael Olatunji Fagun, Bishop Emeritus of Ekiti Diocese.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late cleric as a devoted servant of God who dedicated his life to the propagation of the gospel and the upliftment of humanity.

Reverend Fagun, who was ordained a priest in July 1965 and consecrated a bishop in October 1971, served as Auxiliary Bishop of the old Ondo Diocese from 1971 to 1972 before Pope Paul VI established the Diocese of Ado-Ekiti.

President Tinubu lauded the late prelate for his lifelong commitment to evangelism, education, and community development, noting that he embodied ‘the sacrifices, simplicity, and humility of Christ’ throughout his ministry.

‘Most Reverend Fagun lived for the expansion of the gospel in Nigeria and other parts of the world, taking his evangelism to the grassroots and ensuring that the teaching of God’s word was backed with charity,’ the President stated.

He also highlighted the Bishop’s reputation as a polyglot and educator who contributed significantly to the growth of the Catholic faith and the moral foundation of society.

The President commiserated with the Fagun family, the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, and all those mourning the revered clergyman, praying that God Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest and comfort those he left behind.

‘His good works and legacy will always be remembered,’ President Tinubu affirmed.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday achieved a two-thirds majority in the Senate following the defection of Senator Samaila Kila, who represents Bauchi North Senatorial District, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Kila’s defection letter during plenary, officially confirming the switch. The move reduces the PDP’s strength in the 10th Senate to 27 members while increasing the APC’s tally to 74, including Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada from Nasarawa, who has joined the APC but is yet to formally announce it on the Senate floor.

Kila’s defection comes just days after Senator Kelvin Chukwu of the Labour Party (LP), representing Enugu East, also joined the APC, pushing the ruling party past the critical two-thirds benchmark required to pass major policies and bills independently.

With its new numerical advantage, the APC now wields significant legislative power in line with Sections 143 and 188 of the 1999 Constitution, which outline similar thresholds for presidential and gubernatorial impeachments.

This development marks the first time since the APC assumed power in 2015 that it has secured a two-thirds majority in the upper chamber. Over the years, frequent defections between ruling and opposition parties have repeatedly altered the Senate’s composition.

Currently, the PDP holds 27 seats, LP has four, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Social Democratic Party (SDP, including Wadada) have two seats each. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) retains one.

In his letter, Senator Kila said his decision followed wide consultations with stakeholders and constituents in Bauchi North. He attributed his defection to deep-seated internal crises and the lack of strategic direction within the PDP, noting that he joined the APC to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘It has become evident that the prolonged internal divisions, recurring factionalization, and crisis, loss of strategic direction within the Peoples Democratic Party, have gravely constrained my ability to discharge my constitutional responsibilities effectively and in good conscience.

‘As one deeply committed to the service of our nation and the welfare of my people, I have found it necessary to realign my political engagements with a more progressive platform that embodies good governance, unity, progress, growth, and discipline in the governance of our country.

‘Consequently, I have chosen to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to lend my full commitment to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Metunibu, GCFR,’ he said.

The senator commended President Tinubu for initiating bold and transformative economic reforms.

‘I hold in high regard the bold and transformative reforms initiated by the President, aimed at restoring economic stability, strengthening governance, and repositioning our nation for sustainable growth.

‘These efforts reflect the decisive leadership of our country, and that’s what Nigeria needs. I’m confident that these reform efforts align with my legislative ideals and my enduring conviction to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development and democratic advancement.

He also expressed appreciation to the Senate President for his leadership since assuming office.

‘Permit me, Your Excellency, the Senate President, to express my deep appreciation to you for your exemplary leadership of the 10th Senate that has attracted all and sundry from the opposition side.

‘Your commitment to unity and legislative excellence continues to inspire confidence across party lines, and I remain committed to working under your guidance in advancing the Senate’s constitutional mandate and to ensuring the well-being of all Nigerian people.

‘Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest regards and unwavering commitment to the unity, peace, and progress of our party, the All Progressives Congress, and our nation in general.’

Nigeria’s First Lady and national coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed agricultural support materials to 800 farmers in Rivers State.

Senator Tinubu called on the farmers to take full advantage of the agricultural empowerment to grow their seedlings, nurture livestock, and produce high yields to help build a food-secure country.

The first Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, distributed the materials during a brief ceremony that was held in Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday

The event was organised by the Renewed Hope Initiative in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Rivers State Government, and the Young Farmers’ Club of Nigeria.

Delivering the First Lady’s message, Lady Fubara urged beneficiaries to take responsibility for their farms and contribute to national food production.

‘Grow these seedlings, nurture these livestock, and turn them into good yields. As you do that, you will also reawaken the entrepreneurial spirit that we are known for’, she said.

Lady Fubara described the initiative as a practical effort to revive Nigeria’s agricultural potential, drawing lessons from past government programmes such as Operation Feed the Nation and the Green Revolution.

She noted that with the commitment to empowering Nigerians, the initiative reflected genuine love and dedication to the nation’s progress.

‘This support programme is not just assistance, it is an investment that will lead to food surplus and help combat scarcity,’ she said.

She also emphasized that the Rivers State Government, under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was complementing the initiative with additional support for 400 farmers, including 100 young and 300 older farmers, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 800.

She said, ‘The First Lady of Nigeria is trusting you to make the best use of this opportunity. The Rivers State Government believes in your ability; do not let us down,’ she added.

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, praised the programme as a platform designed to promote inclusivity and bridge socioeconomic gaps.

‘This initiative embodies the Federal Government’s commitment to improving lives through sustainable and inclusive development,’ she said.

She also commended Lady VFubara for her leadership and passion in localising the Renewed Hope Initiative in the state.

‘Beyond the immediate benefits. This programme lays the foundation for a more prosperous and self-reliant Rivers State’, she said.

The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, described the programme as timely and impactful.

She urged the beneficiaries to become catalysts for sustaining the initiative, and appealed for future inclusion of civil servants.

‘You are the first set of beneficiaries, please, show an example so that the program will be replicated. Let it not die in your hands,’ she said.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said that Nigeria is aligning with global trends by strengthening its indigenous capacity to tackle emerging security challenges.

Akume made this known on Tuesday at the Second Annual Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) Seminar and Exhibition 2025, held at the National Defence College, Abuja.

Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the SGF stressed that research and development in the defence sector have become essential for Nigeria’s survival, stability, and leadership role in Africa.

He explained that in a world marked by rapidly evolving warfare and shifting security dynamics, a nation’s power and influence are driven by its military strength, backed by innovation, technological advancement, and the sophistication of its defence systems.

Akume noted that global examples have shown that the most secure nations are those that invest heavily in advanced defence technologies such as cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems, urging Nigeria to continue on that path to safeguard its sovereignty and national interests.

He said, ‘For Nigeria, research and development in the defence sector is no longer an option but an imperative for our survival, stability, and leadership on the African continent. We are compelled to keep pace with global trends by developing indigenous capabilities that can neutralize contemporary threats.

‘Through the work of the Defence Research and Development Bureau, Nigeria should demonstrate the capacity to harness local talent, indigenous knowledge, abundant natural resources, and technological innovation to provide solutions that reduce reliance on external sources.

He cited the Ezugwu Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, designed by DICON in collaboration with the Nigerian Army’s Command Engineering Depot, as a prime example of Nigeria’s investment in research and innovation paying off.

The Nigerian-made armoured vehicle has been battle-tested in the North East, proving that Nigerian ingenuity can produce world-class military hardware.

According to Akume, similar feats were the development of the indigenous Tsaigumi unmanned aerial vehicle (2018), recognized as Nigeria’s first indigenous operational drone for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.

‘These achievements strengthen our sovereignty by lessening our dependence on foreign arms and technology. When we build what we need, we control our destiny,’ he said.

Akume emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognizes security, a robust economy, and national unity as core elements for achieving development aspirations.

He noted that in line with this vision, the administration has already taken bold steps to enhance the capabilities and capacity of military institutions and personnel.

‘This is reflected in the huge investments in military technology, fighting platforms, training of personnel, establishment of specialized military institutions, and establishment of new brigades and units.

‘He has similarly enhanced the daily allowances for military rations as well as post-retirement benefits for members of the armed forces,’ Akume said.

The SGF stated that the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB), established in 2022, is a forward-thinking initiative aimed at providing strategic direction for self-reliance in defence and security, and has become a catalyst for our military-industrial complex, poised to transform Nigeria from a consumer of foreign military technology to a self-sufficient producer, potentially earning much-needed foreign exchange through international sales.

‘This second annual seminar affords us the opportunity to assess, showcase, and project the critical role of research and innovation in advancing our national defence and security policy and It similarly underscores the fact that knowledge and innovation remain the bedrock of a robust home grown national defence strategy, projection of our national power and the demonstration of our commitment to a safer and more secure Nigeria. We shall also acquire the power of deterrence,’ Akume said.

The SGF highlighted areas where the current administration would support DRDB in achieving this vision, including: adequate investment in security and defence infrastructure; building high-quality human capital through public-private partnerships; promoting research and collaboration across tertiary institutions; promoting indigenous technology; and establishing governance systems and structures that reward ingenuity and encourage calculated risk-taking on new ideas.

Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Otte/Budo-Egba Waterworks in Asa local government to deepen access to clean and safe water in the areas.

The Governor said the completion of the 500,000 litre tank reflects the vision of his administration to modernise water infrastructure across the state.

‘This is not just about giving clean water to our people. The project brings comfort and renewed confidence in the power of our government to deliver,’ the Governor said at the commissioning ceremony in Otte town.

‘As an administration, we recognised that access to safe and reliable water supply must be a priority. That is why we launched a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate and modernise water infrastructure across the state. The story of Otte and its environs today is a reflection of that vision.

‘Access to clean water improves public health by reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases. It supports education, as children no longer have to spend hours fetching water instead of being in school.’

The Governor was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah.

AbdulRazaq commended the contractors who handled the project for their professionalism, and the people of Otte and its environs for their patience, cooperation, and belief in the vision of this government.

He also lauded the development partners and agencies for their support that culminated in this success.

The Governor listed other waterworks that are currently being rehabilitated in the state to include Omu-Aran Waterworks, Oyun Waterworks, and Sobi Waterworks.

He said access to clean water is a fundamental right of every Kwaran, and pledged to continue to invest in the sector.

Among the dignitaries at the event were the Chairman Kwara House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Yunus Oniboki; Commissioner for Water Resources Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade; Chairman, Asa LG, Alhaji Shehu Yayaha Amasa; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion (Islam), Alhaji Ibrahim Danmeigoro; Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB, Prof Shehu Raheem Adaramaja; Chairman Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; APC Chieftain Abdulrahman Giwa; former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Salman Jawondo (SAN); and Daudu Afon, Alhaji Anafi Balogun.

Oniboki said the project will go a long way in addressing water scarcity in the benefitting communities, thanking the Governor for what he described as a great gesture.

Lade urged the people of Otte and its adjoining communities to take ownership of the facility by guiding against vandalisation of any kind.

He said the government has invested millions of naira to enhance water accessibility and improve sanitation across the state.

Chairman of Asa LGA, Alhaji Amasa, thanked the Governor for providing the communities with what he called a beneficial and gigantic project.

‘I know the hardship my people faced in search of water during the dry season. Honestly, their apprehension has been addressed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. We are very happy and grateful,’ he said.

Adaramaja and Alakawa, said no part of the state has not been impacted by the administration through its various developmental projects, declaring the unalloyed support of people of Asa LG to the state government.

Adaramaja recalled the communities’ ordeal of lacking water supply during the previous governments and thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for coming to their rescue, noting that the water plant will impact many lives.

He requested the government to help resuscitate the Otte market, among other infrastructure.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has officially emerged as the consensus candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the June 20, 2026, governorship election in the state.

This development followed the voluntary withdrawal of the only other aspirant, Hon. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, from the party’s primary election earlier scheduled for October 27, 2025.

In a letter jointly signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, the party formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its decision to adopt Oyebanji as the consensus candidate.

Dated October 13, 2025, and received the same day by INEC, the letter titled ‘Re: 2025 Ekiti State Governorship Election: Notification of Change of Mode for Primary Election and Details of Nomination of Consensus Candidate’ confirmed the party’s switch from the direct primary mode to the consensus arrangement.

The two-page correspondence, sighted by our reporter, referenced earlier communications with INEC dated July 30, August 6, and October 9, 2025, indicating the party’s compliance with all relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and APC Constitution regarding the consensus process.

‘Sequel to the above-quoted correspondence, we wish to formally inform the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of recent developments relating to the conduct of the Party’s Governorship Primary Election in Exit State.

‘Two aspirants were cleared to contest the primary election scheduled to be held on 27th October 2025 through the Direct Primary mode. The cleared aspirants are Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and (2) Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo.

‘The party has, however, received a letter from Mrs Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, one of the two cleared aspirants, conveying her voluntary decision to withdraw from the contest.

‘In her letter, Mrs. Omolayo expressed her endorsement of Governor Biodun Abeyomi Oyebanji as the consensus Candidate and affirmed her support for any consensus arrangement adopted by the party in nominating as flag bearer, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 and the constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC). A copy of the letter is attached herewith.

The party further stated that the development leaves Governor Oyebanji as the sole aspirant and consensus candidate for the Governorship Primary Election.

‘Consequently, in view of Mrs. Omolayo’s voluntary withdrawal and the endorsement of a consensus arrangement, the party is compelled by law, with Section 84 (11) of the Electoral Act, to change the mode of the Primary Election from Direct Primary to Consensus.

‘By virtue of Section 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act 2022, where a political party adopts a consensus candidate, it is required to:

(I) Obtain the written consent of a cleared aspirant for the position, signifying their voluntary withdrawal and endorsement of the consensus candidate, and

(ii) Conduct a nomination congress at the designated venue to ratify the choice of the consensus candidate.

‘In compliance with the above provisions, find attached the written consent of the only other cleared aspirant, signifying her voluntary withdrawal and endorsement of Governor Oyebanyi as the consensus candidate.’

The party then said that in pursuant to Section 84(11) of the Electoral Act, the nomination congress has been scheduled to hold by 10 am on Monday, 27th October 2026, at Ekiti State Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, to ratify the only remaining cleared aspirant.

The party in the letter also announced an amended schedule of activities and a timetable for ratification of the consensus candidate and invited the electoral body to monitor the relevant activities as required by law.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary, describing him as a courageous and reform-minded public servant committed to cleansing Nigeria of corruption and economic crimes.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President extolled Olukoyede’s professionalism and dedication to strengthening the EFCC’s institutional mission of combating economic and financial crimes.

President Tinubu noted that since his appointment, Olukoyede has demonstrated uncommon zeal and integrity in implementing key reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.

He particularly commended the EFCC boss for establishing the special task force on currency offences, which targets the abuse of the naira and the dollarisation of the economy, as well as for introducing a strategic framework to curb cybercrimes and economic sabotage.

According to the President, these initiatives have reinforced public confidence in the EFCC and advanced the administration’s broader commitment to economic stability and institutional renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

While celebrating the anti-graft chief’s achievements, President Tinubu prayed for continued divine guidance, strength, and wisdom for Mr. Olukoyede as he leads the nation’s foremost anti-corruption agency.

‘President Tinubu prays that almighty God will guard and guide the EFCC chairman and bless his determination to free Nigeria from the economic ills that have tied us down for ages’, the statement said.

The House of Representatives has resolved to intervene in the ongoing labour dispute between the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to facilitate a mutually acceptable and lasting resolution.

This followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, which urged both parties to exercise restraint, embrace dialogue, and prioritise the interests of students and national development above all other considerations.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen is to lead an ad-hoc committee to interface between the Federal Government and ASUU. The House also called for the establishment of a permanent joint consultative platform between the government and recognized university unions to ensure continuous engagement and prevent future strikes.

In his motion, Whingan expressed concern over ASUU’s declaration of a two-week warning strike over unresolved issues, including revitalization funding, earned academic allowances, salary structure, and university autonomy.

He warned that though the strike was described as a warning, such industrial actions have historically escalated into prolonged shutdowns that disrupt academic calendars, derail research, and heighten frustration among students, parents, and lecturers.

Whingan emphasised that the university system is vital to national development, innovation, and human-capital growth, adding that disruptions weaken Nigeria’s economic competitiveness, scientific advancement, and youth productivity.

Citing Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he said education remains a fundamental driver of social and technological progress, stressing that both the federal government and university unions share a responsibility to safeguard its continuity and quality.

He noted that repeated strikes have led to student dropouts, brain drain, and loss of public confidence in the tertiary education system, thereby threatening national stability and long-term development goals.

Whingan urged both sides to return to the dialogue table anchored on mutual respect, transparency, and good faith, with the National Assembly serving as a neutral facilitator in the interest of students and the nation.

Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 17 for judgment the sexual harassment case against the suspended Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Professor Cyril Ndifon.

Justice James Omotosho fixed the date at Tuesday’s proceedings after lawyers to parties made their final submissions and adopted their final written addresses.

Ndifon is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) along with his former lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu on a four-count amended charge.

The two are accused of alleged sexual harassment, cybercrime and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

The prosecution alleged that Ndifon, while serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNICAL, asked the female Diploma student (whose identity was shield) to send him ‘pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs of herself’ through WhatsApp chats.

It later amended the charge and added Anyanwu as the second defendant upon an allegation that he called the prosecution’s star witness on her mobile phone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threaten her.

The prosecution, represented by Osuobeni Akponimisingha, closed its case on February 14, 2024 after calling four witnesses, following which the defence Fanta made a no-case submission, which the court overruled in a ruling delivered on March 6, 2024.

Justice Omotosho, in the ruling, held that the prosecution was able to establish a prima facie case against the two defendants to require them to enter a defence.

The judge then, ordered Ndifon and Anyanwu to enter their defence, which they later did by calling some witnesses.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has said Shell Nigeria has announced a Final Investment Decision (FID) worth $2 billion for a new offshore project in Nigeria’s HI Field, located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 144, approximately 50 kilometres offshore.

This was contained in a press statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, which described the FID as a welcome development.

According to the statement, ‘The federal government welcomes the $2 billion final investment decision by Shell for a new offshore project.

‘The Federal Government is pleased with the announcement by Shell Nigeria of a Final Investment Decision (FID) worth $2 billion for a new offshore project in Nigeria’s HI Field, located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 144, approximately 50 kilometers offshore.’

The significant investment, communicated to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, by the Country Chair of Shell Nigeria, Mr. Marno de Jong, represents another major milestone in the nation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its energy sector and boost production.

The FID was taken out between Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and Sunlink Energies Resources Limited, marking a strong demonstration of confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas investment climate and the government’s commitment to driving sustainable energy growth.

Lokpobiri stated that this development is a direct outcome of the bold reforms and transformative policies implemented by the Federal Government, which continue to enhance investor confidence and attract substantial capital inflows into Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

‘This $2 billion investment reaffirms Nigeria’s position as a preferred destination for energy investment and highlights the value of collaboration between government and industry,’ the Minister noted. ‘We anticipate that more Final Investment Decisions from other investors will follow in the coming months as confidence in our sector continues to grow.’

The federal government remains committed to fostering an enabling environment for investment and ensuring that the benefits of such strategic partnerships translate into increased national prosperity, job creation, and sustainable energy development.