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Angara issues rules for program to aid learners, coaches in contests

Education Secretary Sonny Angara has issued the guidelines for the pilot implementation of a program that will give targeted financial aid to students and teacher-coaches participating in national and international competitions endorsed or acknowledged by the Department of Education (DepEd) for the school year 2026-2027.

The program is called the Government Assistance and Subsidies-Training and Upgrading Knowledge for Learners, Teachers, and Achievers in Schools (Gas-Tuklas).

It’s backed by an allocation of P100.8 million under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, according to a DepEd statement issued on Thursday.

‘President [Ferdinand] Bongbong Marcos [Jr.] believes that we should not allow any talent to be left behind just because of a lack of support,’

‘Through Gas-Tuklas, we aim to lessen the burden for our learners and teacher-coaches so that they can focus on improving themselves and giving honor to the country,’ he added.

The program covers the following:

students in public and private elementary and secondary schools

students under DepEd-recognized Alternative Learning System modalities

officially designated teacher-coaches who provide direct coaching and training

Those from low-income households will be given priority.

The program supports participation in individual and team competitions, including academic, sports, creative and cultural, and other related and interdisciplinary competitions.

Subject to approval, availability of funds, and applicable government rules, the assistance may cover registration fees, training and preparation expenses, travel expenses, and boarding and lodging.

The actual amount of assistance to be approved will depend on the allowable expenses, competition requirements, availability of funds, and applicable government rules.

Applications, which are open throughout the school year 2026-2027, will undergo review and endorsement at the school, Schools Division Office, and Regional Office levels before final validation and approval or disapproval by the DepEd Central Office through the Government Assistance and Subsidies Service (GASS).

Applicants must submit the required documents to their respective school heads at least 45 working days before joining the competition.

The list of competitions endorsed or acknowledged by DepEd will be posted and periodically updated on the official DepEd website.

Competitions not included in the published list may be submitted to GASS for evaluation.

Through the pilot implementation, DepEd will gather implementation data, policy insights, and operational evidence to guide policy refinement and future decisions on the possible expansion of Gas-Tuklas as a national support mechanism for learners and teacher-coaches across all regions.

Elikplim Commissions Renovated Taifa KG Block

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome-Kwabenya, Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, has commissioned a newly renovated kindergarten (KG) block at the Taifa Community School on Tuesday July 21, 2026, as part of efforts to improve teaching and learning and create a conducive environment for early childhood education.

The renovation project was fully sponsored by Imperial Homes through its Imperial Charity Foundation.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Elikplim Akurugu expressed profound appreciation to Imperial Homes and its Imperial Charity Foundation for partnering with her to improve educational infrastructure in the constituency.

She described education as one of the pillars of her development agenda and reiterated her commitment to investing in initiatives that would improve the quality of education for children across Dome-Kwabenya.

‘I sincerely thank Imperial Homes and the Imperial Charity Foundation for responding positively to our call to renovate this kindergarten block. This project demonstrates what partnerships between the private sector and public institutions can achieve for our children,’ she stated.

The MP noted that beyond the renovation of the Taifa Community School KG Block, her office has undertaken several educational interventions across the constituency.

According to her, these include the distribution of desks to schools, the supply of exercise books to pupils, the presentation of mathematical sets to Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, the renovation of the Kwabenya Senior High School library, the provision of financial support to students entering Senior High School, the payment of school fees for needy students through the Elikplim Scholarship Scheme and the distribution of school uniforms to deserving pupils.

She assured residents that education would remain a top priority of her office.

The Ga East Municipal Chief Executive, Edmund Agboh, commended the initiative and urged both teachers and pupils to take good care of the renovated facility.

He emphasised that maintaining the classroom block would ensure that future generations also benefit from the investment.

‘This facility belongs to all of us. Let us protect it, maintain it properly and use it to provide quality education for our children,’ he advised.

The Municipal Director of Education for Ga East, Eric Sey, also expressed appreciation to the MP and Imperial Homes for supporting education in the municipality.

He assured the gathering that the Education Directorate would ensure the renovated facility is properly utilised and maintained to enhance teaching and learning.

‘We are grateful to the Member of Parliament and Imperial Homes for this intervention. We assure you that this facility will be put to good use to support the education and development of our children,’ he said.

In separate interviews, some heads of schools praised the MP for her continued investment in education.

Madam Dorcas, a headteacher, described the renovated block as a major boost to early childhood education, saying it would provide a safer and more comfortable learning environment for pupils.

Morris Andrew Quaye, another headteacher, commended the collaboration between the MP and Imperial Homes, noting that such partnerships were essential in addressing infrastructure challenges in public schools.

The Headmaster, Godfred Tenkorang, also expressed gratitude to Mrs. Akurugu for what he described as her numerous educational interventions within the constituency.

He said the renovated KG block would significantly improve teaching and learning while demonstrating the MP’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of school children.

The commissioning ended with a tour of the renovated kindergarten block amid excitement from pupils, teachers and community members.

Nigeria’s crude exports to US jump 149% as American oil imports rebound

Nigeria’s crude oil exports to the United States rebounded sharply in May as American refiners stepped up overseas purchases, offering fresh evidence that higher global oil prices and renewed demand for light sweet crude are reviving one of Nigeria’s traditional export markets.

Data obtained from the US Census Bureau show the US imported 2.36 million barrels of Nigerian crude in May, up 149.4 percent from 946,000 barrels in April.

The customs value of the imports climbed to $279.8 million, compared with $85.2 million a month earlier, reflecting both stronger buying and firmer crude prices.

Brent crude oil prices in May 2026 started the month around $116.10 per barrel but fell sharply to close the month at $92.05 per barrel. This monthly drop of over 19 percent was largely driven by hopes of a US-Iran agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The recovery coincided with a broader increase in US crude imports. According to the latest US International Trade in Goods and Services report, US crude oil imports rose by $1.5 billion in May, making crude one of the largest contributors to a $12.3 billion increase in overall goods imports.

Also, imports of industrial supplies and materials rose by $3.1 billion during the month, with crude oil accounting for nearly half of the increase.

The rebound marks a turnaround after Nigerian shipments to the US weakened for two consecutive months. Imports fell from 4.637 million barrels in February to 1.54 million barrels in March before sliding further to April’s low of 946,000 barrels.

Despite the volatility, the US imported 11.15 million barrels of Nigerian crude worth approximately $926.6 million between January and May, underlining Nigeria’s continued relevance as a supplier of premium light sweet crude grades to the world’s largest economy.

‘Buyers will naturally diversify away,’ said Muda Yusuf, Director/Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE).

The increase comes as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to reshape global crude trade flows. Heightened concerns over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have lifted international oil prices and prompted refiners to diversify supply sources, increasing the appeal of Atlantic Basin producers such as Nigeria.

Nigerian grades, including Bonny Light, Qua Iboe, and Escravos, remain attractive to US Gulf Coast refiners due to their low sulphur content and high yields of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

Although the US has become one of the world’s largest oil producers, many of its refineries continue to import specific crude grades that complement domestic production.

The stronger US demand also comes as Nigeria has gradually restored crude production through improved security in the Niger Delta and intensified efforts to curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

Higher production has enabled exporters to capitalise on stronger international prices and increased demand from overseas buyers.

For Nigeria, the renewed US buying provides an additional revenue boost at a time when crude oil remains the country’s largest source of foreign exchange and government income.

Sustained demand from the US, alongside robust purchases from Europe and Asia, could help support export earnings if global oil prices remain elevated.

However, analysts cautioned that Nigeria’s share of the US market remains vulnerable to changing refinery economics, domestic shale output and shifts in global trade flows.

While May’s rebound is significant, export volumes are still well below February’s peak, suggesting that US demand remains opportunistic rather than structural.

Commonwealth Games 2026 open in Glasgow today

The 2026 Commonwealth Games open today in Glasgow with the opening ceremony while Team Nigeria’s Para Powerlifting squad begin the country’s medal chase the following day, Friday, July 24, with the National Sports Commission (NSC) backing the team to set an early tone for the campaign.

Team captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo leads the charge as the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, two-time Paralympic gold medallist, four-time world champion and multiple world record holder in the women’s heavyweight division. She arrives in Glasgow fresh from defending her Paralympic title in Paris and remains the world’s No. 1, aiming to retain the Commonwealth crown she won in Birmingham.

She is joined on the platform by Rita Ferdinand, the reigning world champion, who heads into the Games in strong form after lifting 154kg at the African Open Championships in Oran, Algeria – a mark that equalled the women’s world record and set a new African record in the up to 79kg category.

NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade have overseen a new welfare and incentive package ahead of the Games, which the Commission says increases athletes’ daily allowances, camping allowances and travel support, alongside enhanced medal rewards. The NSC states gold medallists can now earn up to $8,000 in combined rewards and bonuses, with improved incentives for silver and bronze medallists. Every athlete and official received ?500,000 in travel support, the Commission added, alongside a substantial rise in local and overseas camping allowances.

In a related development, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu, has declared high confidence in the 29-member athletics squad currently training in Aberdeen ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Aghazu stated that the contingent possesses the exact unity, discipline, and competitive hunger required to challenge for podium finishes when the six-day track and field event begins on Monday, July 27.

Describing the atmosphere within the Scottish training camp as highly motivated and professional, Aghazu noted that the squad’s preparation benefits from a strong blend of established veterans and driven younger talents. She singled out 19-year-old Jessica Oji and Jami Schlueter-both of whom recently switched their sporting allegiances to represent Nigeria-praising their rapid integration, work ethic, and determination to put the country firmly on the global athletics map.

‘Jessica and Jami have settled in remarkably well,’ she said. ‘They are extremely dedicated, disciplined and eager to contribute to Nigeria’s success.

‘They are putting in the right shift every day because they want to help put Nigeria firmly on the global athletics map. Their commitment has been outstanding, and we are delighted to have them in the Nigerian family,’ she added.

She credited the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), specifically Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, for rebuilding athlete confidence and creating an enabling environment that attracts top talent back to the national fold.

Aghazu added that sustained backing from the Federal Government has granted the 16 female and 13 male athletes the platform needed for optimal pre-Games preparation.

Meanwhile, AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa has arrived in Scotland to oversee the final build-up following official continental assignments in Egypt and Tunisia.

Public service announcement

By order of the omniscient elders of the bleeding continent

Fellow Nigerians, compatriots in perpetual struggle, and citizens of a nation that runs on ‘God dey’ and generator fumes, it is that time again. Time to look away from the price of rice for a moment and gaze upon the global circus. Because if the world is a stage, the current scriptwriters are clearly on strike, and the understudies-armed with RPGs and propaganda-have taken over.

Let us begin with the distant thunder that sounds suspiciously like a Western-made bomb. The Iran war has resumed, and the word ‘ground invasion’ is being tossed around like a dish of jollof at a family wedding. On the surface, this is a Persian problem. But let’s be honest: if the Gulf boils over, your NEPA bill will not just increase; it will achieve sentience and demand a ransom. Global oil prices will spike higher than an Abuja socialite’s hemline. The subsidy that we are famously not paying will somehow find its way back into the budget as ‘under-recovery,’ and the average Nigerian will be left to explain to his fuel tank why it must accept air as a substitute.

If the war persists, expect the dollar to ascend to divine status. The Naira will devalue so fast it will start paying taxes in the past tense. We will import inflation while exporting our most talented youth through the ‘Japa’ route. Geopolitically, it is a disaster. Economically, for Nigeria, it is a Tuesday-just a more expensive one.

Meanwhile, a few thousand miles south, our brothers and sisters in South Africa are engaging in what I can only describe as ‘xenophobic aerobics.’ They have dug in, tooth and nail, unapologetic and blatant, as if fueled by a national energy drink called ‘It’s Our Turn to be Angry.’ The public analyst, David Hundeyin, has thrown a fascinating spanner in the works. He suggests this isn’t just spontaneous combustion of bigotry, but a carefully funded operation. Apparently, Zionist Israel is allegedly funding these activists to sow discord, aiming to discredit South Africa’s moral high ground at the ICC regarding Gaza.

If this hypothesis holds water-and in a continent where water is often scarce, it’s worth a look-then we are witnessing a masterclass in psychological warfare. It is mass hypnosis, funded by foreign shekels. Israel has long despised Africa’s pro-Palestine stance, and if vengeance is a dish best served cold, they are serving it with a side of ‘Braai’ and anti-African sentiment. The result? We are fighting each other while the world’s superpowers sip tea and decide our borders. Nigeria, the self-appointed ‘Giant of Africa,’ is watching this unfold while battling its own demons, effectively rendered mute by the sheer scale of our domestic insanity.

Speaking of which, let’s come home to the theater of the absurd, headlined by the ‘Fake Agency Scandal.’ President Tinubu, in a move that seemed proactive, ordered a police investigation. They delivered a report. The president, however, was not satisfied. He ordered another investigation by the ICPC. Let us pause to appreciate this magnificent self-owning.

The fact that the Commander-in-Chief essentially looked at the findings of the Nigeria Police Force and said, ‘Hmm, this seems too competent, let’s get the real experts,’ is the most damning diagnostic of our civil institutions since the last time a minister ‘misplaced’ a billion naira. It means the police are so thoroughly compromised, so institutionally decayed, that their own conclusion is viewed with suspicion by the government that employs them. This is like a doctor telling you that your blood test results are so wrong that you need to see Mallam Babalawo for a second opinion.

If the president doesn’t trust the police to investigate the circumstances surrounding a fake agency, a glorified 419 syndicate, then what happens when a real agency with real money needs investigating? In such an environment, anything goes. If you have the cash and the connections, you can build a ministry, hire staff, print letterheads, and start defrauding foreign governments in the name of Nigeria. The police will investigate, find nothing, and the president will order another investigation by the EFCC… or ICPC of it is serious enough, who will also ‘find nothing’ while the whistleblower goes into exile.

This leads us to our next PSA: the case of the female federal civil servant found dead at the residence of the current Minister of Works. Yet, the silence is deafening. In a functional society, the minister would have resigned before the body was cold. It would be front-page news in every newspaper, the lead story on every channel. The minister would be in handcuffs, giving a press conference via his lawyer.

Here, crickets are the dominant species. Most Nigerians haven’t heard about it because we are too busy mourning the price of pure water. This isn’t just a tragedy; it’s a symptom. This is why a fake agency could exist.in the first place. It is why the NPF is a glorified roadblock agency. It is why we are surprised when a minister is asked to account for his budget. We have normalised the abnormal. We have accepted that power is a shield against consequences. The minister sits, the investigation (if any) is a ghost, and the public forgets because another bandit just kidnapped a whole village in Zamfara.

So, what does all this augur for the regular Nigerian?

It augurs for a future where we are at the mercy of a global elite that orchestrates hate to distract us, while our local elite perfects the art of orchestrated incompetence. The Iranian war will make us poorer. The South African crisis will make us more isolated, proving that ‘African unity’ is a myth we sing about in primary school. The fake agency scandal proves that the government is fighting a ghost while the real criminals walk among us. The minister’s saga proves that if you are powerful enough, you can be above the law.

We are trapped in a vicious cycle of mass hypnosis. We are distracted by petrol, paralysed by poverty, and pacified by religion. We are an empire of potential ruled by a bureaucracy of mediocrity. The Iran war is an external threat; the South African crisis is an external distraction; but the rot is internal. It is in the police station, the ministry, and apparently in Aso Rock too.

This is your public service announcement: We are not merely watching a tragedy; we are living in a comedy where the punchline is always our suffering.

The message is clear: Wake up, or prepare to be the supporting cast in a global production where you are always the one who gets bombed, betrayed, or buried in silence. As for the future? It is coming, and it’s bringing a bill.

Are you ready to pay?

Why sustainable wedding setups aren’t always less expensive

Behind every elegant sustainable wedding is a team of artisans whose work often goes unnoticed.

While eco-friendly celebrations are commonly associated with inexpensive materials, industry experts say it is the craftsmanship, rather than the cost of bamboo, palm leaves, or other natural elements, that defines the beauty, value, and uniqueness of sustainable wedding decor.

‘I think that’s the stereotype. When people think of inexpensive materials, they assume they’re always cheaper. But the craftsmanship required to transform those materials into something luxurious is part of the equation,’ Teddy Manuel, one of the country’s pioneering and most sought-after event stylists, told the BusinessMirror during Wedding Conversations held on July 15 at the AC Hotel by Marriott Manila in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Manuel explained that sustainable design goes far beyond simply arranging raw materials. Bamboo, palm leaves, or cogon cannot be used as decor without careful planning, artistic vision, and countless hours of skilled work to elevate them into elegant wedding installations.

He shared that one of his recent bamboo installations had already taken a week to complete, with the extensive labor contributing significantly to its overall value.

‘It’s not about the materials you use, but how you execute them and the labor behind them, the craftsmanship and the artistry,’ he said.

Manuel added that the value of these installations often extends beyond the wedding itself. Although they are temporary by nature, many pieces can be repurposed or donated after the event.

Decorative elements may find new life in galleries, homes, or community projects, allowing the craftsmanship to continue serving a purpose while reducing waste and supporting more sustainable celebrations.

The discussion formed part of Marriott International Philippines’ launch of ‘Where Love Takes You,’ which it described as its first wedding campaign in the country. Introduced in partnership with the ‘Let’s Celebrate’ expo, the initiative aims to showcase the group’s portfolio of hotels while promoting the Philippines as a destination for weddings and celebrations.

The campaign culminated over the weekend at the Let’s Celebrate Expo held at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City, where leading event planners and designers, including Manuel, Gideon Hermosa, and Michael Ruiz, unveiled immersive installations demonstrating how sustainable materials and thoughtful design can be transformed into refined event settings.

Air transport prices in Cyprus down by 1.8%, according to Eurostat

Prices of air transport services in Cyprus fell by 1.8% in June 2026 compared with June 2025, according to data published on Thursday by Eurostat.

Based on Eurostat data, prices of air transport services in Cyprus had increased by 7.8% in May, while in April they had decreased by 0.7% and in March by 0.4%, on an annual basis.

In the EU, the average price of air transport services, including plane tickets, has fluctuated significantly since January 2025. According to Eurostat, this volatility reflects travel demand, seasonality and recent geopolitical events.

Between January 2025 and June 2026, the highest increase in prices of air transport services in the EU was recorded in April 2025, at 13.7%, compared with April 2024.

This increase was followed by fluctuations, with modest rises during the summer months.

The year 2026 began with a year-on-year decrease, followed by increases in February and March and a sharp drop of 4.7% in April.

In May, prices of air transport services in the EU rose by 8.1% compared with May 2025, while in June they recorded an increase of 3.1%.

Somalia’s instant payment system powering economy

When I assumed leadership of the Central Bank of Somalia, one question drove much of my thinking: how can we build an economy that matches the aspirations of our people?

Part of the answer lies in the financial infrastructure that allows money to move securely, businesses to trade and citizens to participate.

For years, Somalia’s payments landscape was fragmented. Banks and mobile money operators ran closed-loop, non-interoperable systems, preventing seamless transfers across providers and creating costly inefficiencies and financial exclusion.

In 2021, the Central Bank connected commercial banks through the National Payment System for large-value transfers, enabling reliable real-time gross settlement and automated clearing of interbank transactions.

However, the system did not fully address the need for a 24/7 infrastructure capable of supporting everyday retail economy. SIPS fills that gap.

Launched in January 2025 and built on ISO 20022, Somalia’s instant payment system (SIPS) enables instant, interoperable payments across participating institutions. When fully integrated, it will connect 14 commercial banks and eight mobile money and e-wallet providers through a single network.

SIPS supports person-to-person transfers, merchant payments, payments to government and government disbursements to citizens. Business-to-person, business-to-government and business-to-business services are also being developed.

Its integration with SOMQR, Somalia’s standardised QR code, will make digital payments easier for merchants, including informal businesses that drive much of daily commerce.

SIPS did not emerge from a government mandate alone. The Somalia Payment Switch, which operates SIPS, was established as a partnership between the Central Bank and 13 commercial banks. That structure was deliberate.

I believe that shared infrastructure built through collaboration is more resilient than infrastructure fully operated by the Central Bank.

The next priority is integrating mobile money operators, which serve most Somalis in their daily financial lives. Once connected, the real scale of this system will become visible, making every Somali with a mobile wallet is part of the same interoperable network, turning SIPS into a powerful engine of financial inclusion.

Somalia’s ambitions also extend beyond its borders. As the newest member of the East African Community, we intend to contribute to modern regional payment infrastructure.

We are also working to connect SIPS to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System before end of 2026. For a country where remittances are a major source of household income, payment efficiency is an economic, social and strategic priority.

SIPS demonstrates that modern financial infrastructure can be built even in fragile context when policy direction, institutional commitment and market collaboration align. We are laying the foundation for a more connected, inclusive and competitive digital economy.

Army declares soldier wanted over alleged sale of uniforms to terrorists

The Nigerian Army has declared one of its personnel, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.

In a statement on Thursday, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Maj. Oluwatope Dorcas Aluko, said Private Amutu was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory before he absconded.

She said preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier deserted his unit on June 3, 2026.

‘Preliminary investigations indicate that the soldier, who was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, absconded from his unit on 3 June 2026.

‘Consequently, he has been declared wanted by the appropriate military authorities, while intensive efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him to face a full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with extant military laws,’ Aluko said.

She stressed that the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps has zero tolerance for misconduct, indiscipline or any act capable of compromising the operational effectiveness, integrity and reputation of the Nigerian Army or threatening national security.

‘Any personnel found to have aided terrorists, criminals or other non-state actors through the unauthorised sale, diversion or distribution of military uniforms, accoutrements or other controlled items will be subjected to the full weight of military and civil laws,’ she said.

Aluko appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in the arrest of the wanted soldier, urging them to report such information to the nearest military formation or any security agency.

She also assured Nigerians of the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps to accountability, professionalism and the protection of military assets.

‘The Corps will continue to strengthen internal control measures and ensure that every allegation of misconduct is thoroughly investigated, while those found culpable are held fully accountable,’ she said.

Osun Senator Fadeyi dumps APC, returns to PDP

Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, who represents Osun Central Senatorial District, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing an alleged breach of agreements, lack of internal democracy and loss of confidence in the party’s leadership in Osun State.

Fadeyi announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, stating that the decision takes immediate effect.

He also confirmed that he has rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Nation recalls that the senator left the PDP for the APC in July 2025, attributing his defection to internal crises, prolonged litigations and what he described as a leadership vacuum in his former party.

However, he lost the APC ticket for the 2027 Osun Central Senatorial election to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barrister Kunle Adegoke, during the party’s primary in May 2026.

Explaining his latest decision, Fadeyi said he joined the APC in good faith to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his ancestral district after receiving assurances that he would secure the party’s senatorial ticket for the 2027 election.

According to him, he was made to understand that President Tinubu had approved his return ticket and communicated the decision to the party leadership in the state, believing the arrangement would be honoured in line with the principles of fairness, equity and internal democracy.

The senator, however, alleged that the Osun APC leadership failed to honour the agreement by not conducting the promised consensus process and transparent primary election, a development he said eroded trust and made his continued membership of the party untenable.

Fadeyi also expressed disappointment that while return tickets were allegedly granted to another serving senator and three members of the House of Representatives who defected alongside him, his own ticket was withheld without explanation.

He said he had expected his performance, loyalty and electoral value to be recognised, having defeated an incumbent APC senator in the 2023 general election.

Despite leaving the APC, Fadeyi declared that he remains ‘100 per cent committed’ to President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that his resignation should not be interpreted as opposition to the President or his administration.

He said his decision was informed by the need to uphold democratic principles, mutual trust and respect for agreements, as well as the wishes of his constituents.

‘I am proud to inform you that I am joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),’ the senator stated in the letter.

Fadeyi thanked the APC leadership and members for the opportunity to serve in the party and wished them well, bringing to an end his stay in the ruling party after about 15 months.