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Osun Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has defended the extension of the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Clement Odunayo Adebooye, saying the decision was based on merit, legality and the need to sustain the university’s development trajectory.

Adeleke, who spoke on Thursday through the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, at the university’s convocation ceremony, said his administration had witnessed significant academic and infrastructural transformation at the institution in the last four years.

The governor said no fewer than 40 major building projects had been completed and commissioned across the university within the period, adding that more than 30 complementary projects, including renovations, procurement, supplies and solar installations, had also been undertaken to improve teaching, learning and administrative activities.

According to him, some of the major projects commissioned in August alone included an ultra-modern FIFA-standard Sports Complex, a three-in-one Science Laboratory Complex and two lecture theatres. He added that the university had also sustained industrial harmony, with no academic session lost in the last five years.

Adeleke further said UNIOSUN had become the second state-owned university in Nigeria to fully implement the 2025 Federal Government-Staff Union agreement, describing the development as evidence of his administration’s commitment to staff welfare and a conducive academic environment.

On the tenure extension, the governor said he approved a two-year extension for the Vice-Chancellor effective from January 4, 2027, following consultations and compliance with relevant state laws.

He added that the decision had subsequently been backed by an amendment to the Osun State University Law, 2006, passed by the State House of Assembly earlier in September.

Defending the performance of the Vice-Chancellor, Adeleke said UNIOSUN had attracted five major Federal Government projects in September alone, while the university had also completed accreditation requirements for its medical programme and presented its 90 pioneer MBBS students for induction by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and award of university degrees.

The governor also cited the expansion of the university’s student population from 14,260 in 2022 to 42,791 in 2026, the completion and commissioning of the 250-bed Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital, and improved rankings, saying UNIOSUN had emerged as the third-best state university in Nigeria, 19th among 312 Nigerian universities and 137th among 2,390 universities in Africa.

He urged staff and management to support the Governing Council and university administration in sustaining peace and academic progress, assuring workers that his administration would continue to support the institution.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said significant progress has been recorded in the ongoing rehabilitation of the 330kV Kainji-Birnin Kebbi transmission line following the collapse of Tower T367 in Yauri, Kebbi State.

TCN, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the collapsed tower had been completely dismantled and decommissioned as part of efforts to restore electricity transmission along the affected corridor.

The company said the conductors and skywire at the affected location had also been properly aligned and prepared for the next phase of the restoration work.

According to the statement, an Emergency Restoration System tower had been moved to the site and was ready for installation.

‘This will be followed by cable stringing and associated works towards the restoration of the affected transmission line,’ TCN said.

The company added that its engineers and technical personnel remained at the site, working to complete the restoration as quickly as possible.

‘Significant progress has been recorded at the affected location in Yauri, where restoration activities are being carried out,’ the statement said.

TCN explained that the restoration efforts were aimed at returning the affected transmission line to service and restoring normal bulk electricity transmission.

‘Our engineers and technical personnel remain actively engaged at the site and are working hard to ensure a quick completion and restoration of the line,’ it added.

The transmission company apologised for the inconvenience caused by the incident and appealed to electricity consumers and other stakeholders affected by the disruption to remain patient.

‘TCN appreciates the patience and understanding of electricity consumers and other stakeholders affected by the incident and assures the public that every effort is being made to restore the line and, consequently, normal bulk transmission as soon as possible,’ it said.

The statement was signed by the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria on September 23, 2026.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate in Katsina State, Sen. Ahmad Babba Kaita, has congratulated the citizens of the state as it marks the 39th anniversary of its creation.

‘With nostalgia, I wish to congratulate us all as the people of Katsina State as we, by the special grace of Allah, witness and mark yet another year after creation.

In a statement to newsmen signed by Abubakar Ahmed, the ADC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Babba Kaita, lamented the insecurity situation in the state, especially in areas bordering the state’s forests.

‘This, indeed is ordinarily worth celebrating but for the fact that our people are faced with serious multiple challenges especially those of insecurity, poverty and economic backwardness caused by bad governance.

‘Instead of dining and dancing therefore, I strongly recommend we have a sober reflection and pray for divine intervention so that God can in his infinite wisdom and mercy, remove us from the current terrible situation’, the gubernatorial candidate said.

He observed that a child born 39 years ago must have become an adult by now and be standing firm on his feet, but that while some past leaders did their best to bring progress and development, the state and its people had lately been left under pressure and in constant fear of attacks by bandits while battling poverty and hunger.

Kaita advised citizens of the state to have a rethink ahead of the 2027 general elections by voting out all bad leaders with a view to bringing in focused leadership that would bring positive changes.

He maintained that the ADC was a complete departure from bad governance and wished to bring the desired positive changes, where citizens would be fully carried along in taking the state to greater heights.

The Osun State Police Command has reportedly arrested Waliyi Adejare, popularly known as Jay Jay, at Oke Baale area of Osogbo, Osun State, as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Lekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade.

Adejare was reportedly taken into police custody on Thursday. Sources familiar with the development described him as one of the suspects being investigated in connection with the killing, which occurred amid the crisis that has continued to trail activities around motor parks in Osun State.

However, the police have cautioned against conclusively linking the suspect to the murder at this stage, stressing that investigations into both his arrest and the killing are still ongoing.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State, Abiodun Ojelabi, who confirmed the arrest, said it was too early to establish whether Adejare was arrested specifically in connection with the murder of Emir.

Ojelabi said the command was still conducting a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest and determine whether or not he had any connection with the killing.

According to him, the police would make their findings public after the completion of the investigation, urging members of the public to await the outcome of the ongoing process rather than relying on unverified claims concerning the suspect.

Reliable information obtained on the development indicated that Adejare, also known as Jay Jay, was apprehended in the Oke Baale area of Osogbo during an operation by the police on Thursday.

Sources also alleged that Adejare had previously served in the Nigerian Navy before reportedly leaving the service and subsequently becoming associated with individuals suspected of criminal activities in Osogbo and its environs.

The latest arrest comes against the backdrop of heightened security attention following the killing of Emir, which triggered renewed concerns over violence and rival interests surrounding motor park operations in the state.

Following the incident, the state government announced measures affecting the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, while the police commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing and other developments arising from the crisis.

The Action Peoples Party (APP), Imo State Chapter, on Thursday condemned in strong terms the reported attempt to relocate electoral collation centres in some parts of Imo State, particularly the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency, and expressed serious concern over any similar development affecting the Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele (NINN) Federal Constituency and other electoral units in Imo State.

The APP State Chairman, Hon. Ernest Njesi, expressed the concern in a statement made available to journalists, maintaining that ‘any unilateral or poorly explained alteration to established electoral arrangements is a matter requiring urgent public clarification, transparency and strict adherence to due process.

‘Decisions affecting the electoral process of an entire constituency cannot and must not become the private affair of a few individuals. Such decisions have consequences for political parties, candidates, voters, traditional institutions, forum of Presidents-General, community leaders and ordinary citizens. They must therefore be handled openly, lawfully and with adequate consultation.

‘Of particular concern is the reported justification of insecurity for the proposed movement of the Ideato collation centre. The people of Ideato North have lived and conducted their social, economic and civic activities in their communities for generations. If insecurity is being relied upon as the basis for such a significant administrative decision, then the relevant authorities owe the public a clear explanation and verifiable evidence supporting that position.

‘We cannot allow vague claims or unexplained administrative decisions to become instruments for creating unnecessary tension among our people. Ideato North and Ideato South are communities whose people have shared relationships, traditions, markets, families and institutions long before the emergence of the present political administration. Likewise, the people of NINN have their own longstanding bonds that must not be subjected to unnecessary political tension,’ he noted.

Hon. Njesi particularly expressed the party’s concern that an ill-considered approach to electoral administration could create suspicion, mistrust and divisions among people who have historically lived as brothers and sisters.

He maintained that: ‘Imo State does not need electoral arrangements that divide its people. Imo State needs electoral institutions that unite confidence around a transparent process.’

The party therefore called on INEC and security authorities to publicly clarify the circumstances surrounding any proposed relocation of collation centres; make clear the legal and administrative basis for such decisions; provide verifiable information concerning any security assessment being relied upon; and consult relevant stakeholders before implementing changes that substantially affect an electoral constituency.

He also harped on the need to ensure that ‘no political party, candidate or individual is given an undue advantage through administrative decisions; respect INEC and the integrity of the electoral process; and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary tension or division among neighbouring communities.’

While assuring that the APP would continue to stand for transparency, fairness, accountability and peaceful democratic participation, he called on the people of Ideato North, Ideato South, Nkwerre, Isu, Nwangele and Njaba to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, adding that differences concerning electoral administration should be resolved through lawful institutions and established democratic processes, not through confrontation or division.

The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has visited the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, and families affected by the deaths of 37 miners in Niger State.

Audi also visited the family of the survivor of the incident, where he expressed condolences and assured the affected families of the Corps’ commitment to justice and transparency.

The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Mr. Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

The NSCDC boss said the Corps would not shield any personnel found culpable in the incident, stressing that anyone found to have acted wrongfully would be held accountable.

He said the Federal Government, following a directive from the Presidency, had constituted a high-powered investigative committee to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Audi assured that the NSCDC would provide the committee with full cooperation to enable it conduct a transparent investigation.

He disclosed that relevant personnel had already been placed in protective custody to ensure their availability to the investigative panel and facilitate the investigation process.

The Commandant-General said his visit was also intended to identify with the community and bereaved families during the period of mourning, noting the significance of the third and seventh-day prayers for the departed in the Muslim faith.

He joined the Muslim faithful in praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength for their families.

Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the affected families, the Emir of Minna appreciated the Commandant-General for personally visiting the community and identifying with them in their moment of grief.

He also commended the NSCDC leadership for the administrative measures taken so far and its willingness to cooperate with the presidential investigative committee.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has disclosed that 36 states and the FCT generated a total of ?5.15 trillion in 2025, indicating a growth rate of 40.93 percent from ?3.65 trillion recorded in 2024.

NBS stated on Thursday citing the Nigeria Revenue Service ( NRS) as source of its information that Lagos emerged top on the list of states with the highest revenue generation in the sum of ?1.77 trillion.

‘Followed by Rivers state ?428.42 billion and Enugu with IGR record of ?406.77 billion in the period referenced.’

The. Bureau said Yobe, Ebonyi and Sokoto states reported the least revenues with ?16.01 billion, ?17.18 billion and ?20.48 billion, respectively.

According to NBS, Pay As You Earn (PAYE) was the most tax revenue recorded during the period, valued at ?2.64 trillion, representing 69.51 percent of the total tax revenue collected, while capital gains tax was the least with ?12.40 billion while the share of total tax revenue to total IGR was 73.64 percent nationally.

‘Other states and their share of IGR are FCT – N356.34 billion, Ogun – N252.36 billion, Delta – N202.49 billion, Edo – N132.21 billion, Oyo – N103.25 billion and Kano – N102.26 billion.

‘Ten other states in lowest category of IGR include Yobe – N16.01 billion, Ebonyi – N17.18 billion, Sokoto – N20.48 billion, Taraba – N28.16 billion ; Benue – N29.57 billion, Zamfara – N30.07 billion, Kebbi – N31.23 billion, Nasarawa – N32.57 billion, Adamawa – N33.76 billion andcBorno – N36.36 billion ‘.

NBS noted that the states generated their most and least revenue from taxes and other government sources. ‘PAYE was the dominant revenue source nationally, generating N2.64 trillion and accounting for 69.51% of total tax revenue for the year.

‘Other sources included direct assessment, road taxes, stamp duties, withholding taxes and capital gains tax, which was the smallest contributor at N12.40 billion,’ the Bureau stated.

The Federal Government has cut the interest charged on late payment of taxes, reducing the applicable spread on naira-denominated tax liabilities from five percentage points to one percentage point above the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR).

The new regime, which takes effect from October 1, 2026, is expected to lower the financing cost associated with delayed tax payments for businesses and individuals, while ensuring that the cost remains linked to prevailing market conditions.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, announced the change through the Nigeria Tax Administration (Interest on Late Payment of Tax) Order, 2026, issued under Section 65 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025.

Under the new order, interest on tax payable in naira will be charged at the MPR plus one percentage point, subject to a floor of the yield on 364-day Treasury Bills.

For foreign currency tax liabilities, interest will be charged at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus six percentage points. If SOFR is discontinued, its officially designated successor rate will apply.

The change gives businesses greater certainty in calculating the cost of outstanding tax liabilities, with the applicable rate to be reviewed monthly rather than being fixed indefinitely.

The rate for each calendar month will be determined on the last business day of the preceding month and published by the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) by the third business day of the month.

Interest will be calculated on a simple-interest basis and accrue daily from the tax due date until payment.

The new framework applies uniformly to self-assessment, the NRS, and State and FCT Internal Revenue Services.

For businesses, the reduction in the spread means that the additional interest burden on overdue naira tax obligations will now move more closely with monetary policy and government funding conditions.

Oyedele said the policy was designed to strike a balance between reducing uncertainty for taxpayers and discouraging the use of unpaid tax as a source of cheap financing.

‘Tax that is due belongs to the public. When it is paid late, Government may have to borrow to fill the gap, and the cost falls on everyone,’ he said.

The minister added that tying the cost of late payment to market rates would ensure that delaying tax payments does not become cheaper than borrowing from the market.

Beyond the reduction in the interest spread, the government said the monthly publication of rates would improve transparency and enable taxpayers to determine their potential liabilities in advance.

‘Every taxpayer, whether dealing with the Nigeria Revenue Service or a State revenue service, will know the rate in advance, see it published every month, and be charged in the same way,’ Oyedele said.

The order also provides transitional arrangements for outstanding tax liabilities.

The new rates will apply to interest arising from October 1, 2026, including interest on taxes that became due before that date. However, interest that arose before October 1 will remain governed by the rules applicable at the time, where specifically provided.

The order supersedes the 2017 notice on interest on unpaid taxes and other earlier notices on the subject.

The government stressed that the reduction in the interest rate does not affect the statutory 10 per cent penalty for late payment under Section 65 of the Act.

Tax authorities also retain the power under Section 66 to waive penalties or interest where good cause is established.

The Federal Government urged taxpayers with outstanding liabilities to settle them promptly or engage the relevant tax authority, while businesses and other taxpayers were advised to monitor the NRS website for the applicable monthly rates.

The Nigerian naira depreciated slightly against the United States (US) dollar, trading at N1,328.4974 at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official foreign exchange (FX) window on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

The data shared on the CBN’s official platform shows that the naira traded at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) rate of N1,328.4974 per dollar and closed at N1,328.0000 per dollar.

The currency, which traded at an NFEM rate of N1,327.7784 on September 22, 2026, depreciated slightly by at least N0.72 after trading activities on Wednesday.

At the parallel market, the buying rate remained the same while the selling rate increased by N2, when compared to the previous trading rate on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

According to Aboki FX , the Naira-to-dollar exchange rate at the black market on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, was N1,382 and N1,387 per dollar for buying and selling rates, respectively.