Author: user user

When did you join the Nigeria Police Force?

My name is Oluwafunke Adu. I joined the Nigeria Police Force in 2005 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). I had my first degree in Law from the University of Ilorin, after which I proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Bar.

I started my legal practice here in Ibadan, Oyo State. I initially worked with Chief Bamidele and Co and subsequently joined Agbajeand Co both in Ibadan.

It was during my service year that I had an encounter with the Nigeria Police Force. I served at the Police Staff College, Ibadan, and that experience changed my perception of policing completely.

When I got there, I met a lot of senior police officers and that was where I developed an interest in the profession. That one year changed my thoughts, my dreams and my ambition. I became interested in serving my country as a police officer.

I subsequently joined the police as a Cadet ASP. I was trained at the Police Academy, Wudil, and commissioned in 2006. After my commissioning, I was deployed to the Osun State Police Command where I became the officer in charge of the Legal Department.

At that time, the Legal Department had not yet become a directorate, although there was already a structure for legal services at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. That was how my journey in the legal service of the Nigeria Police Force began.

You were already practising law before joining the police. What was it about your experience at the Police Staff College that made you change your career path?

The Police Staff College was different from every other place I had ever been. I met a lot of officers there who changed my perception about the Nigerian Police Force.

Before then, I had my own ideas about policing, but my experience at the Staff College opened my eyes to another side of the profession. I saw the level of discipline, professionalism and responsibility involved in serving the country as a police officer.

That one year was enough to change my thoughts, my dreams and my ambition. I became convinced that I wanted to serve my country through policing.

How did your parents react when you told them you wanted to leave legal practice and become a police officer?

They were not happy about it. Being the last child in the family, they were somehow used to me doing things differently from others, because I have always had my own ideas.

When I told them I wanted to become a police officer, they wanted something different for me. They had their own expectations concerning the profession I should pursue.

In fact, it was retired AIG David Igbodo, who was then the OC SARS, who helped me obtain the Police Academy form. He went to my house, quietly collected my credentials and filled out the form.

At that time, I was working in Ibadan with Mr.Agbaje, I had to leave Ibadan for Akure, Ondo State and it was when I got to Akure that I completed and submitted the form.

My parents were still not happy with my decision. When I eventually went for training, there was even a period when they hardly communicated with me.

It was about two weeks before my commissioning that my father finally wrote a letter to me and gave me his blessings. That meant a lot to me.

Looking back, what gave you the courage to go against your parents’ wishes and pursue policing?

I think it was conviction. I had already developed an interest in policing, and my experience at the Staff College had changed the way I saw the profession.

I was ready to serve my country as a police officer and I believed strongly in the decision I had made. Even though my parents initially disagreed with me, I knew this was the path I wanted to take.

You joined the police as a lawyer. How did your legal background influence your career in the NPF?

My legal background has been very important to my career in the Nigeria Police Force. Being a lawyer and subsequently a barrister made me understand that there should be no limitation based on gender when it comes to one’s career.

As a lawyer, you are trained to understand the law, advocate for people and handle difficult situations. That experience became very useful when I joined the police.

When I became the officer in charge of the Legal Department in Osun State, I was relatively young in service, and my length of service was not much compared to some of the officers around me. However, the experience I brought from legal practice made the work easier for me.

It was challenging, but I made up my mind that whatever the situation was, I would carry on. I had to put aside my gender and wear the responsibility that came with the office I occupied.

As a woman working in what many people traditionally see as a male-dominated profession, what has your experience been like?

I have never, at any point in my journey, felt that my gender could be an obstacle to my career.

Of course, being the officer in charge of Legal in a command was challenging, particularly because I was among the younger officers at the time. But I always had the mindset that I could do it, and I could make it.

The people around me also contributed positively. They gave me nicknames, encouraged me and, whenever there were challenges, they were willing to put me through and support me.

So, for me, I have always believed that I can do whatever responsibility I am given. I put my gender aside and concentrate on the job.

What would you say has been the biggest challenge of working in the police as a woman, and how have you handled it?

The biggest thing is understanding the responsibility attached to the position you occupy and being ready to carry it out.

I have always approached my duties professionally. Rather than focusing on the fact that I am a woman working in a male-dominated environment, I focus on what the office requires of me.

Once you understand your responsibility and are prepared to learn, work with others and remain committed, you can overcome many of the challenges that come with the profession.

Tell us more about your responsibilities as a legal officer in the Nigeria Police Force. What exactly does the Directorate of Legal Services do?

The Legal Department has a very wide range of responsibilities. My schedule of duties cuts across virtually all departments of the police.

Whenever there is a need for legal advice or anything involving the law, there is a need for the Legal Department or Directorate of Legal Services to be involved.

At the command level, I work closely with the Commissioner of Police whenever there are legal matters to attend to or issues that require us to meet and deliberate. Our responsibility is to ensure that whatever action is taken falls within the purview of the law and does not result in a breach of fundamental human rights.

We also work with police officers and men, both at the divisional level and at the command level. Because of the nature of police operations, there are many situations where officers need legal guidance.

I often say that the Legal Office is the heartbeat of the command because we are connected to virtually every unit.

What role does the Legal Department play during elections and other major public events?

Elections are one of the periods when the work of the Legal Department becomes particularly important.

During elections and pre-election activities, student activities and other major operations, police officers need legal guidance to ensure that their actions remain within the law.

We provide advice on the appropriate steps to take and help officers understand what they can or cannot do under the law.

How involved is the Legal Department in police investigations?

We are also involved in investigations. Sometimes, investigators may need guidance on the appropriate step to take in order to unravel a particular matter without compromising the investigation.

At the same time, the rights of both the complainant and the defendant must be protected.

So, when investigators are unsure about a particular legal step, they reach out to the Directorate of Legal Services. We guide them on what to do in a manner that protects the integrity of the investigation while ensuring that fundamental human rights are not breached.

How do you deal with tough or difficult people in the course of your profession?

You have to be firm when it comes to doing the right thing. People will undermine the office of the Legal Department if you are not tough and firm in upholding what is right. In this profession, you cannot afford to compromise the integrity and authority of the office.

The Peace Arena for Youth Foundation (PAY-F), in partnership with PeaceJam Nigeria, the Rotary Club of Akoka, District 9112, and the Rotary Club of Ikeja GRA, District 9111, has urged students and members of different ethnic groups to embrace peaceful coexistence and shun violence.

The call was made at an event themed ‘Choosing Peace Over Violence,’ held on Saturday at the Tolu Odugbemi Hall, University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Speaking on the theme, a Rotary Peace Fellow alumna, Rotarian Grace Anuforo, identified six forms of violence, including physical abuse, sexual violence, social and emotional abuse, cybercrime, verbal abuse, and cruelty.

Anuforo advised participants to set boundaries and walk away from bullying, physical attacks, and verbal abuse rather than retaliate.

She said, ‘This isn’t weakness. It means that you have power over the other person. You shouldn’t allow the actions of a bully to control you. You must think about the consequences of your actions before you act.

‘Being a peace ambassador in your various schools means engaging in peaceful dialogue and teaching other students the rudiments of peaceful coexistence. You must let them understand the dangers of hurting fellow students or engaging in actions that could make them feel violated.’

Also speaking, an official of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Awojumobi Oluwaseun, described initiatives of this nature as important in promoting peaceful coexistence, conflict resolution and positive behavioural changes among students, particularly amid growing social challenges in schools.

He expressed satisfaction with the large turnout of students, their enthusiasm and the quality of presentations, noting that the programme had fostered an effective partnership among the organisers, teachers and students.

According to him, the initiative provides students with opportunities to acquire practical knowledge beyond the conventional classroom environment.

He urged teachers to reinforce the lessons by creating opportunities for participating students to educate their peers through classroom engagements, school assemblies and other collective activities.

‘The students are agents of change, and they can influence others in their classes. They should be encouraged to continue talking to themselves, encouraging one another and spreading the message of peace beyond the programme,’ he said.

Oluwaseun also advised the organisers to develop information materials, including magazines and flyers, to sustain awareness and encourage positive behavioural changes among students.

He urged the participants to sustain their enthusiasm and commitment, stressing that peace education should extend beyond the programme and become part of their daily conduct within and outside the school environment.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Executive Director of PAY-F and Coordinator of PeaceJam Nigeria, Dr Doyin Ogunyemi, described the theme as timely, noting that shaping young people’s lives positively from an early age could have lasting effects on their behaviour and choices in adulthood.

Ogunyemi, a former president of the Rotary Club of Akoka, urged young people to maintain harmonious relationships with those around them and promote peace in their communities and beyond.

She said the foundation believed that peace education should begin early, adding that students needed to understand that they could navigate life’s challenges by choosing peaceful responses over violence.

According to her, young people often encounter situations that provoke frustration and could lead to physical violence or emotional abuse, but they must understand that responding violently or peacefully is a choice.

She also stressed the need for peaceful conduct ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to embrace dialogue, tolerate opposing views and remain united despite their differences.

Ogunyemi identified poverty, inadequate resources and economic difficulties, including the rising cost of transportation, as some of the factors that could trigger frustration and violence among students and members of society.

She called for equitable access to available resources and urged students to serve as role models by demonstrating peaceful ways of resolving disagreements.

The PAY-F executive director also advocated the integration of more peace clubs into school curricula to equip students with the skills to manage difficult situations and maintain peaceful relationships.

‘We want to build a country where, even when we disagree on an issue, we can engage in dialogue rather than fight, pick up weapons or resort to other negative actions,’ she said.

Ogunyemi added that individuals must take responsibility for promoting peace, beginning with themselves, their immediate surroundings, schools and communities before extending the message to the wider world.

The event attracted 340 students drawn from 21 schools across Lagos State and neighbouring Southwest states, teachers, development practitioners, Rotarians and peace advocates.

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has been included as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Gombe State in the updated list of candidates for the 2027 general elections released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

His running mate, Haruna Ahmadu Hasan, was also listed.

However, the names of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, Abdulsalam Gwarzo, and the PDP candidate in Ogun State, Adebutu, were missing from the updated list.

The NDC column for Kano State was left blank, with INEC indicating ‘court Order’ in the comments section. The commission said Gwarzo’s final clearance would depend on the outcome of the pending court case.

INEC also listed former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, as the NDC senatorial candidate for Delta Central and Iyabo Obasanjo as the PDP candidate for Ogun Central.

The electoral commission published the updated list of candidates for the national elections, covering the presidential and National Assembly seats, as well as state elections for governorship and Houses of Assembly, on Saturday.

The inclusion of Omo-Agege and Obasanjo had attracted attention because both were aspirants in their respective parties before joining the NDC and PDP. Their eligibility had been questioned in connection with the Supreme Court judgment on the validity of Section 77 of the Electoral Act.

INEC also left the Accord Party’s presidential candidate column blank, despite a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja directing the commission to recognise Olawepo Hashim as the party’s candidate.

The party has appealed the judgment, arguing that Hashim failed to meet the deadline for the expression of interest and purchase of nomination forms.

In Kaduna State, where the NDC candidate was omitted from the final list published on October 10, INEC listed Mohammed Sani Abbas instead of Danjuma La’ah, whose name appeared during the claims and objections period.

The updated list contains 20 new governorship candidates. One additional candidate was listed in each of Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, Oyo, Taraba and Zamfara states.

Two new candidates were added in each of Kaduna, Cross River and Nasarawa states, while Gombe and Kano had three additional entries each, including the blank NDC slot in Kano.

The number of parties contesting the governorship election in Abia State was also reduced from 15 to 14.

According to the list, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have candidates in 28 of the 28 states where governorship elections will hold, while the PDP and NDC have candidates in 26 states each.

The PDP has no governorship candidates in Kebbi and Ogun states, while the NDC has none in Abia and Ogun. The NDC candidate in Abia, Ndubuisi Ogah, whose name appeared on the earlier final list, was omitted from the updated version.

New NDC governorship candidates included John Odey Upan in Cross River, Shammah Danladi Dodo in Nasarawa and Muktar Farouk Alhaji in Kebbi.

INEC also listed former Minority Whip, Ali Isa JC, as the APC candidate for Balanga/Biliri Federal Constituency in Gombe State, despite a Federal High Court judgment in the state nullifying his nomination and barring him from participating in another primary election.

The commission stated that none of the candidates published before the Supreme Court judgment had been affected by the latest changes.

Confirming the update, the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said some petitions submitted by political parties had succeeded while others were rejected.

He disclosed that INEC received 69 petitions from 12 political parties across 26 states concerning governorship elections. Of the petitions, 41 were successful, while 28 failed.

For State Houses of Assembly elections, Haruna said the commission received 61 petitions from 11 parties across 11 states, with 25 succeeding and 36 failing.

The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria (AMSN) has installed the former Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, as its new president.

Prof. Ahaneku, a renowned consultant chemical pathologist and current Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology, Abuja, was installed on Saturday in Lagos alongside 11 other executive officers of the Academy. He will serve a two-year term, succeeding Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa-Osagie.

The Academy also presented its highest honour, the Nobel (Golden) Prize, to Professor Okechukwu Ogah, a distinguished consultant cardiologist and Professor of Medicine at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Professor Ogah received a N10 million cash prize alongside a medal.

Additionally, the Academy conferred its fellowship on 12 professors and one PhD holder who have distinguished themselves in various fields of medical sciences across Nigeria. Their inductions follow the admission of 15 fellows in 2025 and 13 in 2024, further expanding the numerical and professional strength of the body.

Swearing them in at an event held in their honour in Ikeja, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Academy, Olorogun Dr Sonny Folorunso Kuku, stated that the new president, the gold medallist and all 13 inducted fellows were experts in their respective fields.

He noted that they had all undergone a rigorous selection process and fulfilled the stringent conditions set by the Academy. He congratulated the inductees and wished them success in their roles.

The newly inducted fellows include: Professor Sunday Akintoye (Oral Medicine); Professor Emmanuel Balogun (Enzymology and Molecular Biology); Professor Rasheed Balogun (Nephrology); Professor Ene Ette (Clinical Pharmacology/Pharmacometrics); Professor Okechukwu Ogah (Cardiology); Professor Omonike Ogbole (Pharmacognosy/Phytomedicine); Professor Anthony Okorodudu (Pathology/Clinical Chemistry); Professor Olusola Olawoye (Ophthalmology); Professor Adebola Orimadegun (Paediatrics and Child Health/Clinical Epidemiology); Professor Bamidele Owoyele (Physiology/Neuroscience); Professor Wellington Oyibo (Medical Parasitology); Professor Musa Yakubu (Biochemical Toxicology/Reproductive Biochemistry and Ethnopharmacology); and Dr Abiola Adeniyi (Dental Public Health).

In his valedictory address, the immediate past president, Emeritus Prof. Frank Osato Giwa-Osagie, expressed delight at the achievements recorded during his administration, attributing the success to the unwavering support of the Academy’s leadership, fellows and staff.

He emphasised that the selection processes remained transparent and merit-based.

While thanking the members, particularly the foundation president and President of the African Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, and the BoT Chairman, Dr Sonny Kuku, Prof. Giwa-Osagie urged them to extend the same cooperation to his successor and the new executive team.

He pointed out that the success and development of the Academy were shared responsibilities.

Underscoring the role of the seven-year-old Academy, he noted:

‘The body is dedicated to promoting excellence in medical research, education and mentorship.

‘It also ensures that research is actively applied to medicine to enhance human health and welfare, while performing advisory roles to the government on national medical issues.’

Another major highlight of the event was the investiture of Deacon Olatunji Kolade Bello, a distinguished businessman and philanthropist, as a patron of the Academy.

In his inaugural speech, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku outlined a vision driven by strategic partnerships and internal mobilisation to steer the next phase of the Academy’s growth. He committed his two-year tenure to consolidating the achievements of his predecessors through a unique ‘horizontal and vertical relationship matrix’.

Under his horizontal strategy, Ahaneku called on existing and newly inducted fellows to volunteer their time and expertise across various committees and sections to maintain a vibrant institution. He also announced plans to boost the Academy’s visibility across Nigerian universities, tertiary health facilities and research institutes.

To combat institutional fatigue, the new president emphasised the need to actively mobilise younger medical researchers.

‘The average age of the Academy is about 65 years,’ Ahaneku noted, stressing that advocacy efforts would focus on encouraging younger colleagues to join and share in the Academy’s benefits.

Vertically, the president pledged to drive deeper engagement and partnerships with government ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, and private corporate leaders to improve infrastructure.

Ahaneku, who humorously referred to his new role as the Academy’s ‘chief beggar’ – a title traditionally passed down by his predecessors – emphasised that resource mobilisation would remain central to expanding the institution’s reach and impact.

He thanked the leadership and fellows for the confidence reposed in him and his team, and extended special appreciation to his family members, particularly his wife, for their unwavering support throughout his life’s journey.

Many eminent Nigerians attended the event, including Elder Felix Ohiwerei and former Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji.

Oando Plc has increased its average daily oil and gas production by 14 per cent to 42,985 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in the first nine months of 2026, as revenue rose by nine per cent to N2.78 trillion on the back of higher crude oil liftings, increased gas and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) sales, and improved realised prices.

According to the company’s unaudited financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, operational performance improved across its upstream portfolio, with growth in crude oil, natural gas, and NGL production.

Average daily production rose from 37,614 boepd in the corresponding period of 2025 to 42,985 boepd in 2026, reflecting increased investment, improved operational efficiency, and better facility reliability.

Crude oil production also increased by 12 per cent to 12,193 barrels per day, while gas production rose by 13 per cent to 28,689 boepd.

Its NGL production recorded the highest growth, increasing by 53 per cent to 2,103 barrels per day.

The improved output also translated into higher sales volumes. Crude oil liftings increased by 43 per cent to 3.97 million barrels, while natural gas sales rose by five per cent to 34.01 billion standard cubic feet (Bscf).

NGL sales surged by 90 per cent to 0.57 million barrels, pushing total exploration and production sales volumes up by 21 per cent to 10.21 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Commenting on the performance, Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu, said the results reflected the impact of disciplined execution under the company’s operatorship and renewed investment drive.

He said production growth was supported by improved efficiency, higher facility uptime and lower operating costs across the company’s expanded upstream portfolio.

According to him, facility uptime improved to 96.1 per cent from 85 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025, while production operating costs declined by 22 per cent to $15.39 per barrel of oil equivalent.

The company, according to him, also recorded a significant improvement in profitability, moving from an operating loss of N109.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025 to an operating profit of N159.7 billion in the review period.

Gross profit increased by 483 per cent to N174.5 billion from N29.8 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Tinubu attributed the improvement to higher production, better operational reliability, lower unit costs and increased efficiency across the company’s assets.

On its investment programme, he said the company had committed N110.7 billion to capital expenditure during the period, largely directed towards drilling activities across Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 60-63.

‘The company’s seven-well drilling programme for 2026 is progressing across its operated assets. Two wells, Idu 6ST and Idu 15, have been completed and brought on stream, while workovers at Samabri 4T and Samabri 7T have also been completed.

‘ Drilling is ongoing at Idu T and Samabri A50, with the final well, Ogbainbiri, scheduled to commence in December,’ the company said.

On completion, the company said the drilling campaign is expected to add between 16,000 and 20,000 boepd gross production, helping to offset natural field decline and sustain output growth.

The programme is also expected to support Oando’s medium-term ambition of increasing production to approximately 100,000 boepd within the next four to five years.

Meanwhile, the company reported that total borrowings declined to N2.16 trillion, representing a 22 per cent reduction from the peak recorded at the end of 2024.

Cash generated from operations stood at N285 billion during the review period.

In the clean energy segment, Oando’s electric mobility partnership with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) recorded more than 212,000 passenger journeys in the first nine months of 2026, with average capacity utilisation of 73 per cent.

‘An additional 11 electric buses, the first batch of a planned 50, have arrived in Lagos, bringing the fleet to 13. The expanded fleet is expected to commence operations in the fourth quarter, with LAMATA operating the buses on behalf of Lagos State,’ the statement read.

Looking ahead, Oando said it has narrowed its full-year production guidance to between 40,000 and 45,000 boepd, while projecting capital expenditure of $90 million to $100 million for 2026, primarily targeting high-impact, short-cycle upstream activities.

Tinubu said the company’s priorities for the remaining months of the year included completing its drilling programme, sustaining operational reliability and strengthening shareholders’ funds through an impending equity raise.

He added that the initiatives would help reduce leverage, improve the company’s capacity to finance future growth and support potential shareholder distributions.

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to fulfil its promise of providing Nigerians with steady electricity supply.

Atiku said the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council was attempting to divert attention from the administration’s unfulfilled electricity pledge by highlighting legislation, committees, bonds and power projects.

He stated this on Sunday through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, in a response to comments by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on the government’s electricity sector reforms.

Atiku said Nigerians continued to grapple with unreliable electricity, forcing households and businesses to spend scarce resources on alternative sources of power while still paying electricity bills.

‘APC should spare Nigerians spectacle of celebrating paperwork while homes and businesses remain in darkness. After three and a half years, families still struggle to keep their homes lit. Traders and small business owners spend scarce resources on alternative power, yet struggle to keep their businesses alive. Nigerians are billed for electricity they cannot rely on. President Tinubu promised steady power and an end to estimated billing. That promise has not been kept,’ he said.

The former vice-president also faulted the existing electricity band system, arguing that consumers across the different categories continued to experience power failures despite paying varying tariffs.

‘Across Nigeria, consumers are placed in Bands A, B, C, D and E and charged different rates. In many areas, Band A customers pay about N209.50 per unit before VAT. Rates for other bands vary by state and electricity provider. Yet across every band, same hardship endures: power fails, but bill arrives,’ he said.

He argued that households should not have to choose between paying electricity bills and meeting their basic needs, while businesses should not be charged more for electricity they do not receive.

On the planned removal of electricity subsidies from 2027, Atiku demanded clarification from the Federal Government on the implications for consumers, despite assurances that there would be no immediate increase in electricity tariffs.

‘Nigerians are entitled to clear answer: what will happen to their bills when subsidy ends?’ he asked.

Atiku said he would work with state governments and regulators, within the provisions of the law, to replace the existing band system with what he described as a fair, transparent and affordable electricity pricing framework that would hold distribution companies accountable for the power supplied.

He also recalled Tinubu’s campaign promise during the 2022 presidential election, when the President reportedly pledged to provide constant electricity within four years.

‘When President Tinubu campaigned in 2022, he made unmistakable commitment. He said: ‘If I don’t give you constant electricity for four years, when I come back for second term, don’t vote for me.’ Nigerians have lived through those four years. They do not need his campaign council to interpret his words for them. They need him to answer for them,’ he said.

The ADC chieftain further questioned the administration’s investment in new electricity generation infrastructure, alleging that it had failed to build a new generation facility to increase the country’s power capacity despite introducing a multitrillion-naira bond programme to settle outstanding debts owed to generation companies.

‘Paying old debts is not same as building new power infrastructure. Bonds cannot be presented as substitute for power in people’s homes,’ he added.

Atiku also expressed concerns over the application of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity and a provision in the Nigeria Tax Act for a five per cent surcharge on certain fossil fuels, including petrol and diesel.

He noted that although the government had said the surcharge had not been activated and would require a ministerial order, Nigerians deserved clarity on the possibility of additional energy-related charges.

‘Dele Alake’s statement cannot light a home. Signing a law is not electricity. Raising a bond is not electricity. Approving a project is not power delivered. Nigerians cannot cook, study, work or sustain a business on announcements,’ Atiku said.

He maintained that Nigerians expected reliable and affordable electricity, urging the Tinubu administration to account for its campaign promises and the performance of the power sector.

The City Boy Movement has intensified its nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with its Patron, Seyi Tinubu, declaring that the organisation is consolidating its existing structures, expanding its national footprint and strengthening grassroots engagement across the country.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the movement, Arabinrin Aderonke, Tinubu said the mobilisation was already underway, describing the movement’s expanding activities as a deliberate effort to build a formidable national network ahead of the next electoral cycle.

‘The City Boy Movement is already on the ground, mobilising, organising and expanding its national reach ahead of the 2027 general elections. What we are witnessing is a deliberate effort to build on the structures already established, deepen grassroots engagement and strengthen our presence across the country,’ he said.

The movement’s activities have taken it to the South-East, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba states, among other parts of the federation, with engagements extending to grassroots communities. The spread of its activities reflects its stated commitment to building a national platform that reaches beyond conventional political centres and engages communities at the local level.

Tinubu, who expressed confidence in the commitment and determination of members, said the task ahead required focus, purpose and collective responsibility. He noted that the movement’s progress would depend not merely on its visibility but on the strength of its organisation and the dedication of its members.

‘As Patron, I am confident in the commitment, energy and determination of our members. We understand the task ahead, and we are approaching it with focus, purpose and a clear sense of responsibility,’ he said.

A lawyer and entrepreneur, Seyi Tinubu is the founder of Loatsad Promomedia, an outdoor advertising company, and has been associated with youth-focused initiatives and philanthropy. His role as Patron places him at the forefront of the movement’s leadership and organisational direction.

Reaffirming the movement’s resolve, he said: ‘City Boy is not a movement of empty declarations. We are building, we are mobilising, and we are taking the work seriously. Let there be no doubt: City Boy means business.’

The City Boy Movement, which emerged as a youth-oriented political mobilisation platform during the 2023 election cycle, has continued to develop its organisational presence across the country. It says its current mobilisation is directed at supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 and delivering the mandate.

A Lagos-based human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, on Sunday charged the Ekiti State Police Command to immediately arrest and prosecute the suspected thugs who attacked the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in Ado-Ekiti.

The SAN equally urged the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice to take over the prosecution of two suspects, Joseph Rotimi Olabiowonu, popularly known as Metilo, and Opeyemi Adedoyin, who are accused of abducting and assaulting Sunday Ogunsakin, leading to his death.

Falana made the request in a statement on Sunday while expressing sadness over what he described as the growing incidence of political violence, thuggery and unlawful killings in Ekiti State.

While recalling past incidents of political violence in the state, the human rights crusader referenced the alleged killings of Dr Ayo Daramola, Tunde Omojola and Engr Kehinde Fasuba by a notorious killer squad allegedly operating because of political differences.

Falana maintained that the criminal gang also threatened the lives of other prominent indigenes of the state, just as he noted that although suspects were arrested and charged with the murders before the Ekiti State High Court, the cases were allegedly compromised by powerful political interests.

The senior lawyer stated that the failure to ensure justice in those cases had contributed to the persistence of political thuggery and unlawful killings in the state.

Falana equally recounted the circumstances surrounding the death of Sunday Ogunsakin following an alleged attack on 14 September 2026.

The SAN alleged that Olabiowonu, a former chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and Adedoyin invaded Ogunsakin’s residence in Afao-Ekiti over a land dispute.

According to the human rights lawyer, the victim was abducted and severely assaulted before the suspects allegedly pushed him out of a moving vehicle, causing serious head injuries.

‘Ogunsakin was subsequently rushed to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), where he was pronounced dead.

‘The two suspects were arrested and investigated by the Ekiti State Police Command under Commissioner of Police Michael Falade before being arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti,’ he said.

Falana commended the magistrate for ordering their remand in a correctional facility pending legal advice from the state Attorney-General, despite alleged pressure from powerful interests.

Falana further urged the state Ministry of Justice to take over the case involving Olabiowonu and Adedoyin and ensure that they are charged before the High Court for alleged abduction, torture and murder.

The Founder and Presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, has stressed the need for people to persevere, be unrelenting and remain hopeful while striving to achieve their set goals.

Adelakun made this known in his sermon, titled ‘The Story and the Goal’, at the thanksgiving service heralding the commencement of the Diamond Jubilee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, at Victory International Church, Wonder City, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, on Sunday.

The service, held at Wonder City, attracted journalists from across Oyo State, led by the State Council Chairman, Mr Akeem Abas, alongside members of the State Executive Council, chapel leaders and executives of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

He reflected on his personal and ministerial journey, highlighting the challenges, struggles and experiences that preceded the achievements and the glory of God in his life.

The cleric, who spoke on the different phases of life he and his wife had experienced, emphasised the importance of gratitude to God, regardless of prevailing circumstances.

He urged the congregation to remain unrelenting, steadfast and focused, and to avoid discouragement, stressing that stagnation could hinder progress and that every stage of life had its appointed time for fulfilment.

According to him, people should not give up on themselves or become overwhelmed by life’s challenges, noting that God makes everything beautiful in its time, even though many people may fail to understand or recognise the appropriate timing of their blessings.

Bishop Adelakun further encouraged the congregation to maintain faith in God, exercise patience and appreciate His goodness throughout their individual journeys.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, Mr Akeem Abas, described the 60th anniversary as a significant milestone in the history of the union, recalling that the Oyo State Council was the first NUJ state council to be established in Nigeria.

Abas said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the council’s historical contributions to journalism and its commitment to upholding professionalism, ethical conduct and legal standards in the practice of journalism.

He expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His protection over journalists in the state, while praying for continued divine guidance, protection and wisdom for members of the union.

The thanksgiving service formally ushered in activities lined up to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, as journalists celebrate six decades of professional practice, institutional growth and service to society.