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Kwara APC candidate for Ifelodun/ Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Dr Rafiu Ajakaye, on Wednesday toured Offa and Oyun Local Governments on a ‘thank you’ visit, acknowledging the support and active roles of party faithful during the last primaries.

Accompanied by the Chairman of Ifelodun LGA, Hon Femi Yusuf, a member of the Local Government Service Commission, Mrs Olabimpe Elizabeth Abiola, party Chairman in Ifelodun, Babatunde Surajudeen Bola, and many other party chieftains, Ajakaye was warmly received in the two communities by members of the state House of Assembly, council chairmen, top party chieftains, religious leaders, and various support groups. Starting in Offa, the team rounded off the tour in Ilemona, Oyun LGA.

Addressing supporters in Offa and Oyun, Dr Ajakaye said he owes the people a depth of gratitude for supporting his pick and for their belief in his capacity to represent their interests at the Green Chamber.

He promised to serve their interests well, and make himself accessible at the time of need.

‘We are here today for three to four reasons. But the most important one is to thank again and again the people of Offa and Oyun Local Governments for the support they have given to me,’ he told reporters Wednesday evening on the sideline of the visit.

‘I am here to show my gratitude and reassure them that I will be their son both in words and actions. I will do everything possible to ensure that I do not disappoint them, and to justify the confidence they reposed in me as a candidate of the APC. Like I have told them, if I am elected I will be their Aoju réré, meaning a true representative. I will be there because of them. I will be there to deliver their messages on the national stage.

‘You can hear from them the assurances that it is the APC they are supporting from the President down to House of Assembly members. So, we are grateful to them.’

Hon Femi Yusuf, who recalled their pre-primaries engagements with the people of Offa, where they sought their support in respect of the Green Chamber ticket, appreciated them for acceding to their request.

He specifically commended them for being practical about their ancestral eulogy (Oríki) – ‘Laare, buure, ikan Ogbodo jukan nile Olofa Mojo’ that literally points to their firm belief in equity, fairness and justice.

‘Our visit today is to thank you, for we know the worth of your support and the confidence you repose in our party candidate, Dr Ajakaye, who is your son and brother from Ifelodun,’ the Chairman said.

‘I recalled our earlier visit to seek your support, two months ago. It is interesting to note that you have played your own role by abiding by the party’s decision on rotation of the House of Reps ticket to Ifelodun for their turn. We cherish this, and we have come to appreciate you.’

Calling Ajakaye a man of God who is versed in the doctrine of Islam that places a high premium on good governance, Yusuf assured that the candidate possesses a can-do spirit and will make a difference when elected.

‘This is a payback period. As you all know, Ifelodun has paid its due in favour of Offa and Oyun for the past years. It will not be unfair if both local governments pay back by electing a House of Reps’ candidate from the former,’ Hon Yusuf told supporters in Oyun.

Chairman Offa LGA, Hon Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, said Offa people have made up their minds and are ready to give the APC their 100% vote come 2027.

‘Let’s have no fear about Dr Ajakaye. He is tested and trusted. None of you is oblivious of the wonderful roles he played for the government and our party. And I am sure, he will never drop the ball,’ he said ìn Offa.

‘Our vote is not going to be divided. We are determined to cast our vote massively for Dr Ajakaye and other APC candidates. Because we know this will benefit us greatly.’

For his part, Hon Hassan Oyeleke, a top APC chieftain ìn Offa, appealed to Governor AbdulRazaq and the leaders of the party to consider the people of the community for juicy posts or appointments in the coming dispensation, considering their known voting strength and patterns.

He called Ajakaye a founding member of APC that deserves every support to succeed, promising that the community has the capacity to deliver more than 150,000 votes for APC.

‘My people from Ifelodun, mark my words today, we will deliver for your son and other APC candidates in Offa,’ he declared.

‘Talking about our candidate, Dr Rafiu Ajakaye, I have known him as a well-bred pressman as far back as the early stage of our Oto’oge struggle. I even saved his phone number with a Lagos reporter. His service for the party at that time was more or less free, because we didn’t even have money to pay him. He devoted most of his write-ups to protect us from any persecution.’

Hon Seun Oguniyi, a member representing Ojomu/Balogun Constituency at the House of Assembly, said Ajakaye is renowned for good character, due diligence, and a service delivery in his previous office, requesting all constituents to entrust him with their mandate.

Hon Abdulwaheed Gbenga Yussuf (JK), from Essa/Shawo/Igboidun Constituency, said he has no doubt that Offa people will deliver for APC, and tasked Dr Ajakaye and other party candidates not to let the people down when elected.

APC Publicity Secretary in the State, Alhaji Olawale, said Offa community will not be disappointed in choosing Ajakaye, judging from his character and record of service, and pleaded with the party members to vote for him and other APC candidates.

He called for good representation and a fair share of dividends of democracy for the constituents in Offa.

Also speaking, Hon AGF Salaudeen, a House of Assembly member representing Omupo Constituency, said he was not surprised that Offa conceded the House of Reps’ ticket to Ifelodun LGA, saying the people of Offa have always believed in equity, fairness and justice.

He described Ajakaye as a highly cultured and generous public servant.

While in Oyun, Deputy Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly representing Odo-Ogun Constituency (Oyun), Hon Ojo Olayiwola Oyebode, said the emergence of Ajakaye as candidate is a reflection that good character cannot go unnoticed, alluding to how he stood for the party from inception.

‘In Oyun, PDP or other opposition parties are not existent. Our people are voting for APC,’ he said.

Chairman Oyun Local Government, Hon. Akanbi Kamar Olarewaju, said Oyun’s people are more organized, and usually speak in one voice, and will replicate that for the ruling APC come 2027.

He said they have long resolved to replace their son Hon Ismaila Tijani, the serving House of Reps’ member, who he noted has performed below their expectations.

The Council Chairman assured Dr Ajakaye and other APC candidates of the electoral support of the people of Oyun, while also charging party members to redouble their efforts on door-to-door campaigns.

Adewoye Mikael Kayode, APC Chairman in Oyun, said Dr Ajakaye is ‘a very straightforward person’, who always walks his talks.

He advised him not to abandon his constituents and indeed the party structure, right from the ward to local government level.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the Nigeria-China relationship will help deliver stable, reliable energy for the country.

Tegbe made this statement on Wednesday night in Abuja during an event celebrating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which shares its October 1st National Day with Nigeria.

Tegbe said, ‘As Minister of Power, I see particular promise in deeper cooperation on achieving reliable electricity, renewable energy, and the manufacture of power equipment in Nigeria through our cooperation with China.

‘The benefits will be the greatest when investment also develops Nigerian engineers, technicians, and strengthens local enterprises and equips us to operate and maintain what we build in Nigeria.’

The minister noted that Nigeria and China had developed their relationship from a diplomatic friendship into a broad partnership covering infrastructure, healthcare, technical exchanges, trade and investment.

He said the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the deep ties between the two nations.

Tegbe said, ‘Across successive administrations in both countries, we have sustained this friendship. Nigeria appreciates China’s contribution through investment, financing, and engineering to landmark projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, railway modernisation, and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Station, among many others. We equally value our cooperation in healthcare, people-to-people exchanges, and technical trade.’

He further commended China’s zero-tariff program for Nigerian producers and reaffirmed Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to the One-China policy, recognising the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal representative of all China.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying they have boosted Nigeria’s economic recovery and created optimal conditions for deeper cooperation.

Yu, in his welcome remarks, said, ‘We highly commend President Tinubu’s structural reforms, macroeconomic stabilisation, and business environment enhancements, which have boosted Nigeria’s economic recovery and created optimal conditions for deeper cooperation.’

On Nigeria-China bilateral relations, Ambassador Yu said recent agreements on economic partnerships and aquatic exports have provided strong institutional support for trade expansion.

He revealed, ‘In the first half of this year, our bilateral trade reached $18 billion-up by 35%-with Chinese imports from Nigeria surging by 81%.’

Highlighting future prospects, Ambassador Yu emphasised that China is ready to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda across industrialisation, digital, green, and blue economies.

‘Our future cooperation holds boundless potential,’ he added. ‘We also invite Nigeria to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation to share in global tech development. Those who walk the same path go far. Let us empower development through innovation, openness, and sincere cooperation to continuously enrich China-Nigeria friendship and write a new chapter in China-Africa relations.’

Reflecting on his two years in the country, the envoy commended the Nigerian spirit: ‘Over these two years, I have travelled across Nigeria’s bustling cities and rural heartlands, meeting many new friends. I’ve come to appreciate even more deeply the Nigerian people’s resilient, optimistic, and self-reliant ‘Naija spirit.’ Their determined drive to seize new opportunities amid change and open new horizons through hard work fills me with heartfelt admiration.’

Celebrating 55 years of diplomatic ties, Yu noted that both nations have grown closer through mutual respect and shared success. ‘Under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our relationship has entered the fast lane,’ he said.

On China’s ongoing growth, Yu stated, ‘To embrace China is to embrace the future, and to walk with China is to walk with opportunities. This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The CPC Central Committee introduced Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building, systematically answering how to build a long-term governing Marxist party. This offers invaluable insights for Global South nations exploring their own development paths.’

Despite global economic challenges, Yu said China’s GDP grew 4.7% in the first half of the year, driven by emerging tech sectors like AI, robotics, and innovative pharmaceuticals. He further highlighted global initiatives led by Beijing, such as the World Data Organisation and the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, as well as the implementation of zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, which boosted Chinese imports from Africa by 24% in May and June

BY the protocols of the United Nations (UN), the global body’s general assembly, UNGA, is its highest organ. The United Nations General Assembly meets yearly and its 81st Session is ongoing at the UN Headquarters in New York. Today, Nigeria will mount the podium to deliver its national statement. Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who is representing President Bola Tinubu, has the honour of doing the job.

Tinubu’s decision not to attend has been weaponised by the opposition. To them, it is wrong of the President not to attend. Is it mandatory for a leader to attend UNGA? No, it is not. It is a matter of choice. A leader may decide to attend or not. The President has not broken any rule by not attending the 81st UNGA. What matters is for Nigeria to be there and it is well represented at the ongoing Session.

Tinubu’s absence will not make Nigeria’s voice unheard at the Session, with Shettima standing in for him. It is not everything that should be turned into politics just because the elections are at hand. Attendance at UNGA is voluntary and presidents can send their deputies, or any other high calibre official to represent them. Come to think of it, should the opposition and their supporters determine the President’s itineray?

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has said politicians who keep shifting their positions on fuel subsidy are inconsistent.

This followed the latest declaration by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, that the party, if elected, would restore subsidy in a different form.

Kwankwaso, who is the running mate to Peter Obi, spoke on a national television programme, where he maintained that the party would bring back subsidy ‘in our own way,’ if elected in 2027.

He criticised President Bola Tinubu’s removal of petrol subsidy, describing the action as a mistake that had plunged the country into a ‘total mess’. Kwankwaso said the NDC would explore measures to reduce petrol prices, including increased government investment in domestic refining.

The former Kano State governor argued that if private individuals could establish refineries, government could also build refineries to a level capable of meeting the country’s minimum requirements and making petrol available to Nigerians at a reasonable price.

His position has, however, sparked a fresh debate over the consistency of opposition politicians on the controversial subsidy policy.

But Sowore, who is also campaigning on a platform that seeks a return to subsidy, expressed a different view on the matter.

He said politicians were evasive on the matter, failing to show a clear position on where they stand.

The AAC candidate’s intervention comes against the backdrop of a policy difference between Kwankwaso and Obi.

While Kwankwaso said the NDC would reintroduce subsidy in a different form, Obi has maintained that subsidy should be removed, arguing that the problem was the way the policy was implemented and the failure to deploy the savings transparently.

Obi restated his position in August at this year’s Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The NDC presidential candidate said he still subscribed to subsidy removal but faulted the management of the proceeds.

The conflicting positions have placed the fuel subsidy question back at the centre of the opposition’s economic debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Kwankwaso’s declaration is also significant because he had criticised President Tinubu for removing the subsidy immediately after assuming office in May 2023, arguing that the government failed to consider the consequences of the decision.

He said the NDC would not simply return to the old arrangement but would adopt a different mechanism to make petrol affordable.

‘We are bringing subsidy in our own way,’ Kwankwaso said.

He also said an NDC administration would ‘do whatever it takes’ to bring down the price of petrol.

Kwankwaso’s latest position has, therefore, opened another front in the opposition’s campaign debate, with questions likely to persist over whether or not the NDC’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates share the same position on fuel subsidy.

For Sowore, the controversy provides an opportunity to challenge what he called the changing political positions on a policy with direct consequences for all Nigerians.

The debate is expected to feature prominently as the 2027 campaign gathers momentum and political parties present competing economic prescriptions to voters.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has unveiled his nine-pillar development agenda, tagged: ‘ITESIWAJU for Ogun State,’ with a commitment to sustaining viable projects and development policies, if elected governor of the state.

Adeola presented the agenda during an engagement with members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abeokuta, where he also advocated an issue-based approach to next year’s governorship campaign.

The ITESIWAJU acronym represents: Infrastructure, Tourism and Culture, Economic Empowerment, Security and Welfare, Inclusive Growth and Well-being, Women, Youth and Poverty Eradication, Agriculture and Food Security, Job Creation and Industrialisation, and Urbanisation and Transparency.

Unveiling his proposed development framework, Adeola explained: ‘ITESIWAJU Ipinle Ogun’, which means the progress of Ogun State, was developed following extensive consultations across the state and is intended to provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the needs and aspirations of residents.”

Senator Adeola said the agenda was conceived as a comprehensive development framework rather than simply an electoral document, noting that it was developed over a period of three years and informed by consultations with thousands of people across Ogun State.

He maintained that Ogun possesses the human and economic resources required to achieve significant development, adding that his aspiration to govern the state is driven by his desire to contribute to its continued progress.

The APC candidate, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District and chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriation, said continuity in governance is critical to achieving sustained economic and infrastructural development. He referenced the development experience of Lagos State, where successive administrations have continued with policies and projects initiated by previous governments.

According to him, Ogun State could similarly benefit when successive administrations evaluate existing projects based on their value to residents and complete viable initiatives rather than abandoning them because they were started by a previous government.

He also called on political parties and governorship candidates preparing for the 2027 election to present clear programmes to the electorate, particularly on youth development, women’s empowerment, industrialisation, agriculture, infrastructure, security, job creation and economic growth.

The Southeast Development Commission (SEDC), in partnership with the Enugu State Government, has flagged off its Southeast Agro-Development Programme (SEADP) with a 200-hectare integrated agricultural development project at Nomeh Unateze in Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state.

The project is the first of the commission’s planned agro-development interventions across the 15 senatorial zones of the Southeast.

It is designed to transform agriculture and the rural economy through mechanisation, investment, processing, logistics, market access and export-oriented value chains.

The initiative is also expected to support food production, create jobs, develop agricultural skills and provide a model that can be replicated in other parts of the zone.

Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, said the project demonstrates the possibilities that could be achieved through collaboration between state governments and the SEDC.

Ossai said food security goes beyond providing food, noting that investment in agriculture can also address poverty, unemployment and insecurity while helping to expand the middle class.

‘When we attack agriculture by way of investing in it, it is because we believe it is the lowest-hanging fruit,’ he said, adding that agriculture can help move people from poverty to sufficiency and create sustainable economic opportunities.

The deputy governor said the state government was deliberately creating the infrastructure and security environment necessary to attract investments. He added that roads, healthcare, transport and security were critical components of the agricultural development ecosystem.

He urged the SEDC to develop a framework that would allow the Nomeh project to extend beyond its immediate location through partnerships with private-sector operators and farmers across the Enugu East Senatorial District.

According to him, such decentralisation would enable farmers in communities farther from Nomeh to participate in production, processing, logistics and transportation, thereby spreading the economic benefits of the investment.

Ossai also charged the commission to institutionalise the project in a manner that would ensure its sustainability beyond the tenure of its current leadership.

The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, commended the SEDC and the Northcentral Development Commission for what he described as demonstrated capacity and vision among the newly established regional development commissions.

Momoh said the Nomeh project is in conformity with the policies of the Federal Government and aligns with the priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly the emphasis on food security.

‘What you are doing here is the Federal Government’s policy. We are transforming the policy into implementation now,’ the minister said.

He commended Governor Mbah for providing the land for the project, describing the 200 hectares earmarked for the initiative as a significant contribution to the development of agriculture and the rural economy.

Momoh said the project represented more than land development, as its integration of production and processing could help revive the commodity value-chain tradition for which the former Eastern Region was known.

He also praised the cooperation between the Enugu State Government, the SEDC and communities in the state, saying such collaboration would be critical to the success of regional development initiatives.

The minister urged the people of the host community and the wider region to support the project, while expressing hope that its impact would extend beyond Nomeh to other parts of the South East and Nigeria.

Earlier, SEDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mark Okoye described the flag-off as the beginning of the commission’s transition from planning and consultations to visible implementation.

Okoye said the Nomeh facility would incorporate agricultural production, mechanisation, processing and practical training, while an out-grower programme would enable farmers in surrounding communities to participate in the value chain.