Author: user user

If only Nigerians knew how Tinubu rescued us from the monumental fraud called oil subsidy

If only Nigeria knew how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rescued Nigerians from the oil subsidy regime, every Nigerian would stand and thank him every morning.

The oil subsidy was not a policy. It was a monumental fraud. A national organised crime.

I write not as a politician, but as an insider. I served this country as a staff member of NNPC for 20 solid years. I was an accountant responsible for recording petroleum product sales from my desk at Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Ibadan Depot. For 20 years, I saw the books. I saw the lies.

I also write as a former member of the House of Representatives. I served on the Downstream Petroleum Committee, the Finance Committee, the Subsidy Probe Committee of 2012, and, above all, the Petroleum Industry Bill Committee of the 7th Assembly.

These exposures and responsibilities gave me the opportunity to arrive at one painful truth: this country’s oil and gas industry operated in a deeply corrupt environment, shrouded in secrecy that injured the nation deeply.

The subsidy regime lied about everything. They lied about production costs. They lied about imports. They lied about landing costs and their poor cost template. They also lied about storage and consumption figures. Nigeria was consuming 30 million litres on paper, but on the ground, half of it was going across our borders to Benin, Niger, Togo, Cameroon and Ghana. We were subsidising the consumption of petroleum products for mostly our neighbouring countries while Nigerians suffered scarcity.

We were borrowing to import what we had. We were paying debts for products we did not consume. The huge debt incurred during the subsidy regime almost collapsed our economy. Banks were making trillions from subsidy claims. One man would bring one ship and claim for three. Depot owners collected subsidies for products that never left their tanks.

That is why I say the best thing that ever happened to this oil and gas industry is the bold step taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023, when he said, ‘Subsidy is gone’.

Only a courageous leader with a full understanding of the cartel can do that. Others before him knew the truth but lacked the courage.

If any counter-voices are now calling for the return of subsidy, it can only mean one thing: the cartels are fighting back. It will not augur well for us as a nation if we listen to them. Those championing the return of subsidy either lack the knowledge or exposure to how this country was subsidising other countries, or they are direct beneficiaries of the fraud.

Let me be clear: Nigerians were never the beneficiaries of subsidy. The cartels were. Nigerians were only benefiting from cheap smuggled products, scarcity, long queues, and national debt.

Of course, the need to overhaul the administration of the post-subsidy regime cannot be overemphasised. The government must ensure that the savings from the subsidy are well managed, that refineries work, that CNG and other palliatives reach the real poor, and that the downstream is well regulated.

But to return to subsidy? Never. That will be returning to Egypt after God has already taken us through the Red Sea.

President Tinubu has taken the hard road, the right road. History will vindicate him.

Hon. Rotimi Makinde, former PPMC Staff (20 years, Ibadan Depot) and former Member, House of Representatives, writes from the Source.

Ekiti community unveils devt plans

Osi-Ekiti community in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State has unveiled a series of development initiatives aimed at strengthening its economy, reviving academic excellence, promoting tourism and culture and creating opportunities for youths.

The initiatives were unveiled as part of activities marking the 2026 Uponna Olosi celebration themed ‘Our heritage: Building strength for development.’

The traditional ruler of the community, the Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Oba (Dr.) Stephen Adegboyega Alabi said the annual event was being repositioned as a platform for unity, global participation, tourism and community development.

He said Osi Day, which was rechristened Uponna Olosi last year, was expected to grow into a major tourism and development platform for the community, while acknowledging the contributions of indigenes at home and abroad to the growth of Osi-Ekiti.

According to him, the community has established think tanks focusing on five key areas – industrial development, academic revival, promotion of arts, culture and tourism, sports revolution and legal advancement – as part of efforts to accelerate development.

He said the initiatives were designed to revive Osi-Ekiti’s leadership in academics, mentor young scholars, promote its cultural and tourism potential, develop sports as an alternative source of livelihood for youths and encourage indigenes to attain excellence in the legal profession.

The monarch disclosed that the event, which is to start with Prayer sessions from September 28, 2026, at the palace of Osi Ekiti by 8:00a.m will be coordinated by the chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Oba Alabi said the community had opened a new market for farm produce on June 28, 2026, describing the initiative as a means of strengthening local commerce.

He further highlighted global honours to recognise outstanding sons and daughters of Osi-Ekiti, noting that the first edition honoured professors, a registrar of a federal higher institution, a trade union leader and first-class graduates.

Alabi said work on the new royal palace was also progressing steadily through contributions from the Osi Progressive Union and other partners.

He listed some of the improvements as the opening of a new entrance and exit for the royal grounds, landscaping of the palace forecourt, refurbishment of the customary court building into a Palace Hall, construction of a public toilet, refurbishment of the Olumayese Royal Platform and provision of royal furniture and other utilities.

Similarly, the community is pursuing the development of the proposed Sports Arena, with land donated for the project having been surveyed.

Global President of Osi Progressive Union, ACM Oludare Fadogba (rtd.), said the proposed sports complex would provide opportunities for talent discovery, healthy living and recreation, while also promoting discipline, teamwork, leadership, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition among youths.

Fadogba said the 2026 celebration, themed ‘Our Heritage: Building Strength for Development,’ would therefore go beyond cultural festivities to mobilise support for the completion of the Olosi’s Palace and development of the sports complex.

The community is seeking to raise N500 million through an appeal fund for the development projects during the grand finale of Uponna Olosi Day on October 1, 2026.

The week-long celebration, scheduled for September 28 to October 4, will feature a prayer session, community clean-up, football competition, marathon race, youth carnival and cultural panorama, awards, royal procession, honorary chieftaincy installations and other cultural activities.

The grand finale will take place on October 1 at the Health Centre Complex, Iropora Road, Osi-Ekiti, with Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, expected as Special Guest of Honour.

The celebration will also feature the commissioning/opening of Mercy International Hospital on October 3, before the thanksgiving service on October 4.

Kogi commission slams N20m fine on KEDL over lineman’s death, safety violations

The Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has imposed a N20 million regulatory fine on Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited (KEDL) over safety and operational breaches linked to the death of one of its linemen, Mr Dirisu Yusuf.

The sanction was contained in Regulatory Order No. KERC/ORDER/2026/09/05, signed by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of KERC, Engr Ibrahim S. Abdwaaris, and the Commissioner for Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Prof Ibrahim Abdulkarim.

According to KERC’s Head of Public Affairs, Alhaji Ali Atabor, the penalty followed a fatal occupational accident involving Yusuf while working on the 33kV Feeder 2 network at Zango, Lokoja.

The commission said its investigation established that KEDL deployed a reused and relocated concrete pole that had previously suffered mechanical shock during conductor vandalism and Hiab transportation.

The pole was subsequently certified fit for climbing based solely on visual inspection.

KERC rejected the company’s defence, explaining that micro-fractures and fatigue in concrete poles may not be detectable through visual examination.

The commission described the reliance on visual inspection for a recycled 33kV asset as a serious failure of technical asset-integrity procedures.

It also faulted KEDL for classifying work at height on a high-voltage network as a routine task, thereby bypassing the formal Permit to Work (PTW) system.

In addition, the regulator identified inadequate supervisory control as another factor in the incident.

KERC said the N20 million fine was imposed based on failures in asset integrity, pre-work verification and supervision.

The distribution company was directed to pay the fine within 21 days, failing which it would incur an additional penalty of N500,000 for every day of default.

The commission also ordered KEDL to provide evidence within 30 days showing payment of Group Life Assurance, Workmen’s Compensation and pension benefits to the family of the deceased.

KEDL was further directed to conduct an engineering audit of all reused poles within 60 days, introduce mandatory pre-climb verification logs and take disciplinary action against the supervisor involved in the fatal accident.

KERC warned that continued failure to comply with the directives could attract suspension of operational privileges and further sanctions under the Kogi State Electricity Law, 2024.

We are building a stable, secured nation, says Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has identified poverty, unemployment, poor education and social disintegration as notable drivers of conflicts, saying his administration is committed to building a secure, stable and prosperous Nigeria.

Tinubu spoke on Saturday at the passing-out ceremony for cadets of the 73rd Regular Course (Army, Navy and Air Force), Short Service Course 49 (Army), Direct Short Service Course 34 (Air Force) and Branch Commission Course 3 (Air Force) at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

The President, who was represented by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said addressing the underlying causes of insecurity remained an important component of the government’s non-kinetic strategy.

He identified job creation, macroeconomic stability, human capital development and social protection as measures being pursued alongside security operations.

‘Despite the diverse challenges our dear country has been confronted with, my administration has remained steadfast, focused and committed to building a secure, stable and prosperous Nigeria,’ he said.

Tinubu said the government would continue to strengthen measures aimed at addressing socioeconomic conditions that could contribute to conflict and insecurity.

He urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, discipline and loyalty in the discharge of their responsibilities.

‘Through the continuous and surgical application of all elements of national power, including, and most importantly, the military, we have continued to stabilise the situation, improving our responses and expanding as well as modifying our interventions, which thankfully are yielding desired outcomes.

‘We aptly recognise that kinetic military operations alone cannot defeat insecurity since poverty, unemployment, poor education, and social disintegration are notable drivers of conflicts. That is why under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are pursuing job creation, macroeconomic stability, human capital development, and social protection in tandem with our security efforts.’

The President said his administration is also enhancing Nigeria’s regional and global collaborations and cooperations, due to the transnational nature of the threats. He also said Nigeria will continue to provide leadership and assistance to fellow countries in West Africa.

According to him, ‘Nigeria will continue to enhance our commitments to democracy and stability in our region and indeed globally. Despite the setbacks in the cooperation within the subregion, especially in the Sahel, Nigeria under my leadership, through the auspices of ECOWAS and other regional bodies, will continue to pursue inclusive diplomacy, security cooperation, and economic integration.

‘Consequently, with the military’s unalloyed support for democratic governance, Nigeria’s continental and regional leadership role will continue to be upheld and intensified.

‘We remain opposed to unconstitutional changes of government, however we will not abandon our brothers and sisters in Mali, Niger, or Burkina Faso. Preserving five decades of ECOWAS achievements, covering free movement, trade, and regional coordination, is essential to our collective security and prosperity.’

The President since the establishment of the NDA in 1964, the institution has lived up to the expectations of its founding fathers and the nation and has evolved in line with nascent security challenges by developing a training curriculum which blends military training and academics with a focus on character development.

President Tinubu also said that a critical aspect of this is a realistic and enhanced Counter-Terrorism and Counterinsurgency training designed to suit contemporary security challenges. This, he noted, is in addition to the rapid integration of technology into training and research.

The President Tinubu who acknowledged that some NDA cadets are undergoing military training in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Brazil, and France said, ‘I am particularly encouraged that the Nigerian Defence Academy is increasingly receiving international recognition through invitations extended to its cadets to participate in highly competitive military cadet competitions in the United States, Brazil, and most recently, the People’s Republic of China.

‘Such invitations are earned through demonstrated excellence. They attest to the remarkable improvements in the Academy’s training standards, professionalism, and global standing, while affirming that Nigeria is producing officers capable of competing and excelling alongside the very best military institutions in the world.’

The President added that the Academy equally continues to serve as a regional hub for military education by training cadets from several African countries, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.

‘These engagements strengthen military diplomacy, deepen professional cooperation, and reaffirm Nigeria’s leadership in defence education and capacity development across the African continent,’ he said.

Gari and my eyes?

Cassava roots and tubers from which gari is made, has been confirmed to contain what some amount of cyanide which helps defend them against herbivorous animals. Although the cyanide produced in cassava plant is poisonous, and can be harmful to humans, properly processing the gari would reduce the concentration of this acid to a harmless level.

However, impatience on the part of some gari producers may lead to the production of gari with some amount of harmful cyanide which may be harmful to the eyes. Luckily, the process of fermentation and frying has led to the production of gari that are safe for consumption.

Fake agency: I was tested but never betrayed Tinubu’s trust – Gbajabiamila

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said the controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) tested him personally but did not affect his loyalty to the President.

Gbajabiamila spoke on Saturday at the 2026 Gbaja Mega Empowerment Programme in Lagos, where he also commended President Tinubu for allowing the investigation into the purported agency to run its course.

Gbajabiamila appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in July 2026 as part of its investigation into the purported organisation. The ICPC confirmed at the time that he voluntarily honoured its invitation and responded to questions from investigators.

The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the matter subsequently said in its preliminary findings that it found no evidence that Gbajabiamila authorised, approved, established or participated in the activities of the purported organisation.

Speaking about the experience, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives said: ‘The past few months have tested me in ways I never expected. Stories were written, strange accusations were made, lies were told, and my integrity was questioned.’

‘At the end of all the investigations, the Nigerian Police, the DSS, the ICPC cleared me of any wrongdoing, and the investigative reports are in the public domain,’ he added.

Gbajabiamila commended President Tinubu for resisting pressure to reach a conclusion before the investigation was completed.

‘I must thank my principal, President Bola Tinubu. Many people wanted him to rush to judgment and give a verdict before the investigation. He refused and insisted on due process.’

He urged young Nigerians aspiring to public office not to be discouraged by the challenges that could accompany political leadership.

‘For those who seek high office, especially our young ones, sometimes this is the high price you have to pay and sacrifice you have to make. Do not be discouraged,’ he said.

Gbajabiamila also said the allegations would not distract him from carrying out his official responsibilities.

‘No amount of money, no amount of blackmail or lies, whether sponsored from within or outside, will detract me from my work and the work Mr. President has given me to do,’ he said.

He warned individuals allegedly using his name to deceive members of the public that they would face legal consequences.

‘And to anyone using my name to defraud people or misrepresent me, know that the law will always catch up with you,’ he said.

The Chief of Staff also reaffirmed his loyalty to Tinubu, recalling their longstanding political relationship.

‘In politics, loyalty is the currency we spend the most. I have been with Mr. President for many years and there have been times when his political decisions did not favour my wishes. I did not question his leadership and never betrayed his trust in me. I stayed loyal then and I remain loyal now. My commitment to his Renewed Hope agenda is unshaken,’ he said.

The remarks came as Gbajabiamila presided over an empowerment initiative valued at approximately ?1.15 billion and targeted at about 5,000 beneficiaries in Surulere.

5 reasons why brushing your teeth twice daily is important

You wake up, brush your teeth and get on with your day. Hours later, you eat, drink, snack and go about your usual activities. Then, before going to bed, you brush again.

It may seem like a routine you follow simply because you have been told to do so. But brushing your teeth twice a day serves important purposes, and skipping one of those sessions can give bacteria and plaque more time to affect your teeth and gums.

The morning and night routines also have different benefits. While morning brushing helps clear the buildup that develops while you sleep, brushing before bed removes what has accumulated during the day. So, why exactly is brushing twice a day recommended?

In this article, Tribune Online highlights five reasons why the habit matters for your oral health.

It helps to prevent tooth decay

Every day, bacteria in your mouth interact with food and drinks to form plaque, a sticky layer that builds up on your teeth. When plaque remains on the teeth, the bacteria can produce acids that gradually weaken the enamel and increase the risk of cavities.

Brushing twice a day helps to remove plaque before it can cause significant damage. When you use fluoride toothpaste, you also give your teeth the benefit of fluoride, which strengthens enamel and protects against decay. This makes regular brushing one of the simplest ways to protect your teeth from cavities.

It helps to keep your gums healthy

Your oral health is not only about your teeth. Your gums also need regular care.Plaque can collect around the gumline and irritate the surrounding tissue. If this continues, it can contribute to gingivitis , which may cause red, swollen or bleeding gums.

Brushing gently along the gumline helps to remove plaque from this important area. Cleaning between your teeth with dental floss or another interdental cleaner can provide additional protection because a toothbrush cannot effectively reach every space.

It gives your mouth a clean start in the morning

Have you ever wondered why your breath may smell worse when you wake up? During sleep, saliva production decreases.

Since saliva helps to naturally clean the mouth, the reduction in saliva allows bacteria and other substances to accumulate more easily overnight. This can contribute to morning breath.

Brushing after waking up helps to remove this overnight buildup and leaves your mouth feeling cleaner. Cleaning your tongue can also help to remove bacteria and debris that have collected on its surface.

It protects your teeth during the night

The evening brushing session is particularly important because it comes after a full day of eating and drinking. Food particles and plaque may have accumulated on your teeth throughout the day. Going to bed without brushing leaves this buildup in your mouth for several hours.

At night, saliva production is lower, meaning the mouth has less of its natural cleansing action. Brushing before bed therefore helps to clean your teeth before this period begins. For the same reason, eating or drinking sugary foods after brushing at night can undermine the purpose of the routine.

It helps you to maintain consistent oral hygiene routine

Good oral health is built on habits that are repeated consistently. Brushing once in a while, or only when your teeth feel dirty, is not enough. Making it part of your morning and bedtime routine reduces the chances of forgetting and helps you to maintain good oral hygiene over time.

A good routine should also include cleaning between the teeth and visiting a dentist when necessary. Small habits may appear insignificant on a single day, but maintaining them consistently can make a difference to your oral health over the years.

Yayi to Ogun journalists: Hold me responsible to my manifesto

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), has urged journalists in the state to hold him accountable to his campaign promises if elected governor in the 2027 election.

Adeola made the call on Friday when he interacted with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, at the Union’s secretariat in Abeokuta.

The APC candidate said the progress of Ogun State should be regarded as a collective responsibility, stressing that his manifesto should serve as a benchmark for assessing his administration if elected.

He said: ‘I do not come to you asking you to believe me. I come asking you to hold me to this manifesto, line by line, project by project, from the commuter waiting for a bus in Sango-Ota, to the young coder we train in Abeokuta, to the fisherman on Tongeji Island watching his community finally get its road and its clinic.

‘A manifesto that stays on paper is a betrayal of the people who trusted it. This covenant will be built into a clear implementation plan with measurable targets, every agency held to performance agreements tied to these commitments, and honest, public reporting on what is working and what is not. This is how a manifesto stops being a document and becomes a government.’

Adeola said his administration, if given the mandate, would focus on initiatives capable of improving the lives of residents across different parts of the state.

He urged journalists to play their watchdog role by monitoring government programmes and reporting objectively on their implementation.

‘Itesiwaju Ipinle Ogun Lo Je Wa Logun. The progress of Ogun State is our duty and our calling. Let us build, together, the Ogun of our dreams: a state where governance truly works for everyone,’ he added.

Senator Adeola assured the members of the pen profession that his administration, if elected into office, would fully comply with the Freedom of Information Act, and promised to treat the Ogun NUJ as a partner in governance in moving the state forward.

He further told the journalists that his administration, when elected, would look into their welfare and safety, saying, ‘Government that fears scrutiny has already told you what it intends to hide, and that will not be this administration.’

While commending the present administration for growing internally generated revenue at a compound annual rate of 33 per cent between 2021 and 2024, Adeola said the task before his administration, if elected, was to push the momentum further.

‘We will deploy a Single Window Revenue Collection System integrating PAYE and every other tax stream, fee and levy across government, targeting a 40 per cent uplift in IGR and a three-to-fivefold increase in land revenue by 2031. This is not a new tax on our people. It is collecting, transparently and efficiently, what our state is already owed,’ he added.

On local government autonomy, Senator Adeola maintained that local government allocations would be paid directly into the accounts of the LGs without state-level intervention or diversion.

Adeola further added: ‘Government that cannot be felt where people live is not government at all. Ogun State’s 7.4 million people are spread across 16,432 square kilometres, and for too many, the distance to their local government is a half-day journey, not a short commute.

‘Following the 2024 Supreme Court ruling, allocations will flow directly to our twenty Local Government Areas, without state-level interception or diversion, because roads, health centres and markets are all delivered more effectively when the government closest to the people controls its own resources. Itesiwaju Ipinle Ogun must be felt at the local government level, and it begins on day one.’

Highlights of the interaction with the journalists were the commitment of N50 million to the building of a new secretariat for the NUJ and also the donation of a brand new bus to the union.

Carlos Yulo has quick turnaround time to next big tournament-the Worlds

More than winning a second gold after another spectacular triumph, Carlos Yulo is leaving the 20th Asian Games with momentum and a renewed fire for the next two major battlegrounds he wants to conquer again.

Three weeks from now, the two-time Paris Olympics gold medalist will travel to Rotterdam in the Netherlands for the 2026 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, where the best of his kind are likewise coming in sharp as they all prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

‘This Asian Games will remind me of what I can do when I’m in good shape,’ Yulo said after a golden effort in the vault on Friday that made him account for both Philippine golds thus far. ‘The world championship is where I test if this level [of performance on the Asian level] can hold [up] against the world again.’

Simply dominant

By becoming a double gold medalist here, Yulo’s campaign has transformed into a statement of dominance.

After conquering the floor exercise two days ago, the Filipino gymnastics marvel doubled down with a masterful performance in the men’s vault final on Friday, securing the title with a sharp, controlled average of 14.599 built on power and precision.

Yulo launched into his spectacular first vault, a 14.733 built on a 5.6 difficulty and a crisp 9.133 execution. With the tension broken, Yulo sealed the gold with a clean, confident second vault at 14.466, outlasting Iran’s Mahdi Olfati and Hong Kong’s Ng Ka Ki.

Two golds down and finally completing his collection of regional championships, Asia’s finest is now turning his gaze towards Rotterdam.

The World Championships on Oct. 17 to 25 will be Yulo’s next proving ground. It’s a stage where he has claimed glory three times, and a stage that now serves as a crucial prelude to his long-term Olympic mission.

‘This tournament will show me where I stand heading into LA 2028,’ he said. ‘I’m coming in fully prepared, determined to deliver my best performance.’

His training team, led by coach Aldrin Castañeda with physiotherapist Bethel Solano and assistant Josh Garcia, has been tightening every detail of his routines.

The vault and floor exercise, where he also struck gold in Paris 2024, remain his strongest weapons. But Rotterdam will demand more consistency across apparatuses and the ability to regain peak form in a short turnaround time.

For Yulo, the Asian Games and the World Championships are not isolated tournaments. They are stepping stones toward the next Olympic gold-or more-he wants to claim in Los Angeles.

Actress Jumoke Odetola announces new chapter as gospel minister

Actress Jumoke Odetola has announced that she has answered God’s call to become a minister.

Odetola, known for her roles in Yoruba films, disclosed this in a post on her Instagram page on Saturday.

The actress said she made the announcement after concerns from fans, colleagues and family members about her recent social media posts.

According to her, she has been inundated with calls and messages asking about her well-being.

She wrote, ‘Jumoke, your recent posts… Are you okay? Is everything alright? I truly appreciate the numerous calls, messages and concerns of my friends, family, colleagues. Thank you so much. I feel seen, cared for and loved. Yes, something is going on in my life… but nothing is wrong with me.’

Odetola explained that she is entering a new season focused on her faith and ministry.

‘I am entering a new season with God. I am now a minister of God. I am now a preacher of the gospel. Yes! You heard right! A minister,’ she stated.

The award-winning actress said she had considered keeping the journey private but chose to speak up to avoid speculation.

‘I have been contemplating whether I should be private about it, but how can I be private about preaching the gospel when you could just see me on your street with my bell preaching the gospel? Let me bring myself out before anyone records me and brings me out,’ she said.

She added, ‘I need all the prayers in this new season. I need all the prayers in this season. When God compels you, you may delay, but you cannot escape the call.’