Category: Auto Guid

There was a buzz of excitement in elite circles as billionaire industrialist, AbdulSamad Rabiu, made a rare public appearance at the recent Lagos Nikkai ceremony between the daughter of Razaq Okoya, Raheeda and Iman, the son of late Ambassador Abubakar Gobir.

The private but high-profile gathering drew a select mix of royalty, business heavyweights and close family associates. Yet, it was Rabiu’s presence that quietly stole attention, given his well-known preference for staying out of the social spotlight.

Chairman of BUA Group, Rabiu, was said to have attended as part of a distinguished delegation of businessmen, adding a layer of prestige to the already exclusive ceremony. Guests were seen exchanging pleasantries with the soft-spoken billionaire, whose influence in Nigeria’s economic landscape continues to command respect.

The Nikkai itself reflected elegance and tradition, uniting two prominent families in a ceremony marked by simplicity, class and cultural depth.

For many attendees, however, Rabiu’s appearance remained one of the defining moments of the event, an uncommon sight that elevated an already memorable occasion into one that will be talked about in society circles for a long time.

The Vice-Chancellor of Minaret University, Ikirun, owned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria, has charged the institution’s pioneer students to uphold strong moral character, academic discipline, and a passion for research.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdur-Rahman Abdullah, gave the charge on Thursday during the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony held at its mini campus in Ikirun.

The ceremony formally inducted 12 pioneer students into the academic community, marking a historic milestone for the institution.

Prof. Abdullah emphasised that true education requires a balance between intellectual development and sound moral character, urging the students to remain focused and disciplined throughout their academic journey.

Describing them as trailblazers, the Chancellor of the university and Amir (National Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Alatoye, encouraged the students to set high standards.

‘You will be remembered as those who set the standard, academically, socially, and morally,’ he said.

The 12 matriculating students took the academic oath and were admitted into various departments, including Computer Science (seven students), Information Technology (one), Cyber Security (two), and Accounting (two).

The university expressed optimism that the pioneer cohort would lay a strong foundation for the institution’s future growth and excellence.

The leadership of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Bauchi State Chapter, has categorically dissociate itself from the recent statement issued by a group of individuals claiming to have resigned en masse from the party.

The PRP in a statement issued on Friday, stated that, ‘We find it quite astonishing and indeed baffling, that persons who are neither members nor known by the leadership of PRP at any level, would have the audacity to claim to have resigned from our party and to have held positions within it.’

It stressed that,’This act of rascality and deliberate misrepresentation is a clear attempt to attract undue attention and create confusion where none exists.’

The PRP further stated that, ‘We wish to state unequivocally, that these individuals are not members of the PRP, neither are they recognized leaders within the party’s structure.

‘A simple due diligence check at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Bauchi will confirm the authenticity of our genuine members and leaders.’

‘Such a check will also reveal that the claims of holding positions within the party by these individuals are baseless and unfounded,’ It added.

According to the party, ‘It is important to underscore that the PRP remains steadfast in its commitment to its founding principles, and we do not need to respond to idle threats or fabricated claims by impostors and attention seekers.’

‘Our party’s records are well-maintained, and the genuine members and leadership are clearly documented, existing and remain intact without anyone resigning,’ It added.

The PRP urged the public, the media, and all stakeholders to disregard the false claims and to rely on verified information, stating, ‘The real and recognized leaders of PRP in Bauchi State are identifiable through proper channels and official records.’

In conclusion, the PRP assured that it remains united and focused on its mission to serve the interests of the masses and uphold the integrity of our party, as contained in a statement signed by Hon. Abdurrahman Yusuf Mu’azu, State Chairman.

The President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, has joined millions across the nation to celebrate the resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions of Nigerian workers.

This was contained in a statement he issued to newsmen on Friday, which he personally signed.

The statement noted that ‘this day is not merely symbolic; it is a solemn reminder of the dignity of labour and the critical role workers play in shaping the socio-economic fabric of our country.

‘Across industries and sectors, Nigerian workers continue to demonstrate courage and commitment, even in the face of persistent challenges.

‘As representatives of the student community and future drivers of the workforce, we recognise that the strength of any nation lies in how well it values and protects its labour force.

‘It is therefore imperative that policies and systems are strengthened to guarantee fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for growth and innovation.

‘In the enduring words of Chinua Achebe, a strong foundation sustains every structure. Our workers remain that foundation, and their welfare must never be compromised.

‘NAPS stands in solidarity with all Nigerian workers in the collective pursuit of justice, equity, and national development. Together, we can build a nation where labour is not only rewarded but respected.’

Coalition of political stakeholders and opinion leaders on Saturday formally presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination and expression of interest forms to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urging him to join the Abia State governorship race.

The forms were formally presented to Kalu in Abuja by the stakeholders who disclosed that the decision was driven by Hon. Kalu’s track record in public service and leadership at the national level.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the group leader, James Uko-Kalu who hails from Abia North Senatorial District, described the Deputy Speaker as a unifying figure whose performance in the National Assembly has distinguished him as a capable leader.

According to him, Hon. Kalu’s journey since his election into the House of Representatives in 2019 has been marked by notable legislative contributions and effective representation, particularly in his role as spokesperson of the House and now as deputy speaker.

‘We are here because we recognise the invaluable contributions the Deputy Speaker has made to Nigeria’s legislative process, resulting in tangible developments. From 2019 till date, we have followed his work closely and can attest to his outstanding performance,’ he said.

He added that Hon. Kalu’s leadership style, which emphasises consensus-building, peace, and inclusiveness, is what Abia State currently needs.

‘I personally toured several communities across our constituency and witnessed first-hand the projects executed under his leadership. Professionals and stakeholders alike are convinced that this is the right time for him to replicate that same spirit of statesmanship at the state level,’ Igwe noted.

Also speaking, retired Major General Jack Nwaogbu from Abia Central Senatorial District commended Hon. Kalu for fostering unity within the APC in the state and across the South-East region.

He observed that the party, which previously suffered internal divisions that weakened its performance in the 2023 general elections, has witnessed significant revitalisation in recent months.

‘In the past seven months, there has been a remarkable rejuvenation of the party, largely due to the efforts of the Deputy Speaker and other well-meaning leaders who returned the party to its grassroots base,’ Okechukwu said.

He expressed confidence that Hon. Kalu’s ability to bring together diverse political interests positions him as the right candidate to lead Abia State and deliver good governance.

Similarly, Barrister Uzo Azubuike, representing Abia South Senatorial District, described the delegation as ‘messengers of the people,’ conveying a collective appeal for Hon. Kalu to contest the governorship.

Barrister Azubike urged the Deputy Speaker to prioritise the governorship ambition, stressing that his leadership offers the best opportunity for progress in the state.

Responding, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, expressed deep appreciation to the stakeholders for what he described as a demonstration of confidence in his leadership and service.

He assured that he would carefully consult with relevant political actors and well-wishers before making a definitive pronouncement on the request in the coming days.

Hon. Kalu commended the delegation for adopting dialogue and constructive engagement rather than resorting to protests or violence, noting that such an approach reflects a firm commitment to democratic ideals and responsible political participation.

He emphasised that, beyond individual ambitions, his immediate priority remains the strengthening of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, particularly in galvanising broad-based support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, building unity within the party and aligning the region more closely with the government at the centre are critical to unlocking greater development opportunities.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, Hon. Kalu who pledged to support all aspirants within the party, stressing that collective success would depend on cohesion, discipline, and a shared vision, expressed optimism that the party is well-positioned to secure victory across Abia State in the next election cycle.

‘You believe that if I come on board, it is because I share in the vision of the Eight-Point Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and his commitment to true federalism, which empowers sub-national entities to drive meaningful development.

‘The purchase of this form is clearly a call for me to step forward. I have received it with gratitude, and within the next one or two days, after due consultations, I will make my position known.

‘I sincerely thank you for this gesture. Ultimately, the narrative of Abia must change, and we will continue to work collectively within the party to achieve that. The prospects of the APC in Abia will depend largely on the determination, unity, and commitment of its members,’ he said.

There is a story, the driving force behind this intended narrative about the audacious lawlessness of the Osun State APC that must be told in order to put into perspective the underlying factors, events, deceptions, truths, among others, that preceded certain illegalities and the attendant consequences of a desperate plot to return to power at any cost and by implication, take Osun back to Egypt.

The story behind the story is indeed a short trip down memory lane filled with bittersweet emotions…

The greatest misuse of power is to leave people the same or worse than you met them, is a famous leadership failure aphorism that aptly describes the 12 years of APC government of movement without motion maladministration in Osun State between 2010 and 2022.

For twelve dark years, Osun was in a state of sustained underdevelopment typified by a season of intense hardship, a season when people felt caged in a dark tunnel where the light at the end of it seemed unreachable or even non-existent; when a reliable three square meals felt distant and unattainable; when derelict and abandoned infrastructure which significantly stalled growth and economic development adorned everywhere across the state; when modular and half salary schemes subjected public servants to untold hardship; when pensioners were dying of hunger in droves for lack of subsistent upkeep allowances; when women, traders, the youth, artisans, and the man on the street lacked necessary resources to maintain a minimum standard of living; all thanks to the successive APC misgovernment superintended by Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola.

Their lack of empathy, unclear vision, unmet promises and non-inclusive system of administration left a great deal to be desired. And because there was a profound disconnect between government and the people, governance was largely characterised by misplaced priorities to the detriment of the people’s welfare and general well-being. Government policies were mostly incongruous with reason, never in tandem with daily realities and general public needs. Annoying memories of impracticable, unsustainable and wasteful beautification and Opon Imo projects that ate deep into the state’s scarce resources remain rent-free in our heads.

All these APC government shenanigans undoubtedly heightened systemic oppression of citizens and residents, and which expectedly fuelled people’s desire for change and the determination to embrace light, the only solution to the darkness that had engulfed Osun State for so long.

Then light finally came [Imole de]. By way of divine compensation for the locust years, Osun people overwhelmingly voted Ademola Adeleke, an intentional leader with a deep sense of purpose as the fifth democratically elected governor of Osun State.

His emergence no doubt opened the pathway for the redemption of Osun people. It was a new dawn that focused on people-centred policies and projects aimed at reversing the years of neglect, enhancing wellbeing, fostering personal growth and ultimately setting the people free from the poverty trap of the defunct APC government in the state.

For Adeleke, the needs, values and wellbeing of communities and individuals were top priority and marked by bold decisions, resilience and commitment to excellence, he has remained faithful to his promises of rapid infrastructural development, improved workers’ welfare and robust grassroots development despite significant headwinds like the huge financial burden of a 30-month salary and pension backlog, immense infrastructure deficit and lately the local council imbroglio and withheld council funds.

Yes, true to form, the governor is obsessed with singing and dancing animatedly at social, political and even formal gatherings, yet his performance in office in the last three years has been outstanding, achieving much more than what the APC governors could achieve in 12 years. In fact, going by verifiable and incontrovertible reports, Adeleke has been quite exceptional in the high-quality delivery of impactful services to the delight of the vast majority in Osun state, especially the grassroots people. For them, the name Ademola Adeleke is good music to the ears; it hits the right chords in them and they are without reservation entirely in one ACCORD with the governor for continuity of his unprecedentedly outstanding performance in the state.

So, when I read a recent remark credited to former governor Oyetola, saying that they will reclaim Osun and return it to serious, people-focused governance; I had a good laugh at the entitlement mentality of a deposed monarch and his descendants who were given a chance of a lifetime to provide purposeful leadership but failed woefully.

Adeleke’s soaring popularity is no doubt of extreme worry for the Osun APC, a throbbing headache that left them with no option but to desperately seek to ‘seize’ power by all means, leveraging the lingering tempestuous local council crisis initiated by them as a veritable backdoor avenue to power by way of ramping up all forms of illegality to achieve their aim of causing havoc that would lead to a general breakdown of law and order and an eventual state of emergency declaration.

On the dictates of this absurd game plan and emboldened by the Nigeria Police and other powers that be, these APC local government officials whose elections were nullified by the Osogbo High Court in November 2022, affirmed by the Appeal Court in February 2025 and again in June 2025, still went ahead to illegally occupy local council secretariats across the state on the strength of a deliberately deceptive interpretation of court pronouncements. Even when their so-called tenure ended in October last year, this willful bunch of pretenders to the throne refused to vacate office but stayed put seeking tenure elongation, an illegal act alien to constitutional provisions and indeed a huge mockery of our fledgling democracy. It is in fact a settled matter going by Supreme Court pronouncements on such matters.

Further to this, over N230bn Osun local government statutory allocations have been withheld since February 2025, again an illegal act which the Supreme Court itself acknowledged recently as a wrong move by the federal government.

All these lingering acts of illegality are nothing short of an inversion of justice where criminals are treated like victims or better still, where misconduct is justified and integrity punished. In their reckless scramble for power and not minding the consequences, they have paralysed grassroots governance and stalled service delivery across Osun communities. According to a media report, the lingering crisis is taking its toll on workers and pensioners; many businesses are reportedly gasping for breath; markets are shrinking because of low purchasing power while most of the communities are sinking deeper into poverty and neglect.

This was why Governor Adeleke in a recent statewide broadcast, lampooned the nefarious anti-people activities of the APC and at the same time passionately appealed to his predecessor Oyetola and his cohorts to let Osun breath, to prioritise the welfare of citizens over partisan interests. This is no more politics but man’s inhumanity to man, the governor concluded.

Ogunremi is a former Press Secretary to Osun State government.

The Federal Capital Territory is scaling up its health insurance scheme to reduce out-of-pocket spending and expand access to care for vulnerable populations, a move health officials say is critical to easing the burden of diseases such as sickle cell.

This formed part of discussions at a dissemination event under the PACTS project held at the University of Abuja, where health experts, policymakers, researchers and patient advocates gathered to review progress and propose strategies for improving care for people living with sickle cell disease across sub-Saharan Africa.

The Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Aderonke Akande, said the scheme is designed to make healthcare more affordable, particularly for low-income and informal sector workers who are often excluded from structured coverage.

According to her, ‘As a resident of FCT, you can actually approach health insurance enrolment with less than 20,000 per annum. This covers you and four other members of your family,’ she said, noting that services such as testing, screening and consultations are provided at no additional cost once enrolled.

She stressed that reducing out-of-pocket expenditure is essential to preventing financial hardship among households, describing it as a major driver of poverty and catastrophic health spending in Nigeria.

Akande added that the informal sector is actively integrated into the programme, with multiple benefit packages that eliminate user fees for basic health services.

‘We have a lot of packages that actually cover testing free of charge, you don’t need to pay for anything,’ she said.

She further highlighted the role of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in expanding access, noting that more than 60 primary health care centres across the FCT are providing essential services funded by the federal government.

‘Through our basic health care provision fund facilities, you can approach this primary health care facility without paying anything, so far you are enrolled,’ she said, urging residents to confirm participating centres in their communities.

She also noted that emergency ambulance services are available across the territory.

The PACTS programme, funded by the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Research, focuses on strengthening health systems, improving access to comprehensive care and generating evidence to guide policy on sickle cell disease.

Co-Principal Investigator and Nigeria Country Lead of the project, Obiageli Nnodu, said the initiative has made significant progress in screening and research.

‘We have screened over 35,000 newborns for sickle cell disease and established the largest cohort in the country,’ she said.

She explained that the programme aims to close critical knowledge gaps while ensuring that patients receive standardised care across primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities.

‘We have focused on the patients in the registry to make sure that the quality of care that they are being given within the hospitals, whether primary, secondary, or tertiary are according to standard,’ she said.

Nnodu added that efforts are ongoing to expand access to effective treatment, particularly hydroxyurea, through training of healthcare providers and patients.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, said Nigeria continues to bear one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease globally, with an estimated 150,000 children born annually with the condition.

‘The question before us goes beyond what research we have uncovered… equally important is what we do with these findings and who is responsible for ensuring that these gains are implemented and sustained,’ he said, calling for concrete policy action and implementation.

Also speaking, Professor Imelda Bates of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine emphasised the need for patient-centred and sustainable solutions, noting that many families face stigma, financial strain and social challenges alongside medical complications.

‘We’re trying to understand what their main problems are and talking to them about solutions they can put in locally that will be sustainable,’ she said, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and improved access to care.

A member of the PACT programme, Nimatu Mustapha, shared how the initiative changed her experience after her child was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, describing how support from the programme helped her manage the condition effectively.

‘My child has never gotten any crisis for the past three years now… very healthy, very smart, strong and active,’ she said.

Participants at the event agreed that while initiatives like PACTS are yielding results, stronger coordination, sustained funding and effective policy implementation are needed to significantly reduce the burden of sickle cell disease in Nigeria and across the region.

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba Ahmed, has warned that a second term for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could push Nigeria towards collapse if current conditions persist.

In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Baba Ahmed said the country is facing one of its most difficult periods, marked by widespread insecurity, deepening poverty and growing division among citizens.

He described the government as disconnected from the realities of ordinary Nigerians, arguing that many people now live without hope, particularly young people who lack opportunities and motivation for a better future.

According to him, the situation has created a fragile environment where distrust and tension continue to rise, with communities increasingly divided along different lines.

He stressed the need for a decisive political shift in 2027 to halt what he characterised as a dangerous downward trend.

He said, ‘We’ve never been in a war situation more than we are now. We have a government that is too removed from the people. They don’t really understand the state in which Nigerians live. We are living with the highest level of insecurity that we have ever lived with. Poverty levels are unprecedented, young people have no hope. There is nothing to inspire them to be good citizens and to grow up in a country that does not care for them to be productive adults. We are fighting each other, we are hating each other.

‘The country is more divided now than it has ever been. And it’s very important that we put an end to this drift in 2027. As I said before, another term for the same administration may just put an end to this country.’

On claims that opposition to the president is driven by a coordinated political agenda, the PRP chairman rejected the suggestion, insisting that the real threat comes from rising criminality across the country. He argued that insecurity has worsened due to the government’s inability to effectively tackle banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Baba Ahmed maintained that dissatisfaction among Nigerians is rooted in lived experiences of hardship rather than any organised political conspiracy.

He added that attention should be focused on addressing the root causes of insecurity and improving citizens’ welfare rather than attributing criticism to political gang-ups.

‘If there is a gang up, it will be a gang up of criminals and bandits and killers and kidnappers that the same president has not been able to contain. Those are the only people who will gang up so that Nigerians will be killed and maimed and be made poorer. It’s no gang up. The President is incapable of securing Nigerians and is blaming criminals. He’s blaming politicians rather than dealing with the sources, the manifestation of insecurity.

‘If he said there is a gang up against him, it’s not coming from law-abiding citizens, it is coming from those who think President Tinubu should mobilise to protect them. There must be a gang up involving criminals and bandits and kidnappers. We don’t know about that.’

The Kano State Government has honoured 10 civil servants for outstanding performance as part of efforts to promote accountability and reward excellence in the public service.

The award ceremony, held at the Government House in Kano, recognised workers drawn from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). They were presented with meritorious awards and cash prizes.

The event was organised through a collaboration between the Office of the Head of Service and labour unions in the state, providing a platform to acknowledge commitment, diligence, and exceptional service delivery among civil servants.

Representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruk Ibrahim, commended the awardees for their contributions to improving the efficiency of the civil service.

He said the administration remains committed to motivating workers and fostering a culture of excellence, professionalism, and accountability.

The ceremony attracted senior government officials, political appointees, labour leaders, and other stakeholders, who described the initiative as a positive step towards strengthening public service performance in the state.

Among the recipients was Salisu Mustapha, Permanent Secretary in the Establishment Office under the Office of the Head of Service, who was recognised for his dedication and professionalism.

In her remarks, the Head of Service emphasised the importance of integrity and commitment, noting that the awards were designed to encourage civil servants to enhance their performance.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining initiatives that reward excellence, with a view to improving productivity and service delivery across the state.

THE Plateau State Police Command has arrested nine persons over an alleged plot to launch another attack on residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

The arrests came in the wake of a recent attack in the area that reportedly left over 30 people dead and several others injured.

The Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, disclosed this on Friday while parading suspects arrested for various crimes in Jos.

According to him, the nine suspects, identified as members of the notorious ‘Sara Suka’ gang, were apprehended while allegedly planning a reprisal attack on the community.

‘Among those paraded were nine members of the Sara Suka sect who were planning to attack Angwan Rukuba. They said they were planning to avenge the killing of their relations during the last attack in the area. We also recovered arms and other weapons from them,’ he said.

In a related development, the police also arrested a student of the University of Jos found in possession of a pistol and a human skull.

Ewah said the suspect, whose identity was withheld, was arrested following credible intelligence linking him to suspicious activities, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices still at large.

The commissioner disclosed that the command arrested additional suspects in connection with the murder of one Ebubechukwu Kelvin Ihionu.

He explained that the victim was lynched shortly after the Angwan Rukuba attack, with his body later discovered near the University of Jos permanent site.

According to Ewah, the breakthrough in the case came after police tracked the victim’s phone, which was recovered from one Usman Idris.

Further interrogation led to the arrest of other suspects.

The police boss assured residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining security and preventing further violence in the state.