Category: Auto Guid

Oyo State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Babatunde Adeniyi as the chairman of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

Also confirmed are Chief Kunmi Agboola, Mr. Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Mr. Sunday Falana, Remi Ayoade, Mr. Olatunde Theophilus, Mrs. Adebayo Muriana and Mr. Babatunde Ige as members of the commission.

Their appointments were confirmed during plenary. The session was presided over by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin.

This was followed after the House adopted recommendations in the screening report presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Special Duties and Deputy Speaker, Muhammed Fadeyi.

The report indicated that the chairman and members responded to the questions put to them satisfactorily. They were found to be worthy of the appointments.

Fidson Healthcare Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical companies, has appointed two distinguished female Independent Non-Executive Directors, Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni and Mrs. Hannah Emanehi Oyebanjo, to its Board. The strategic appointments, approved at a recent Board meeting, aim to strengthen corporate governance, leverage diverse expertise, and support Fidson’s vision for growth and industry leadership. The appointments take immediate effect, pending final shareholder approval at the next Annual General Meeting.

Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni (MBBS, FWACP, MPH) brings over 25 years of experience in clinical medicine, public health policy, and health systems governance. A Fellow of the West African College of Physicians, she is celebrated for impactful initiatives in maternal, child, and community health. Dr. Mohammed-Baloni previously served as Commissioner for Health in Kaduna State, pioneering reforms such as the Zipline drone partnership for medical supply distribution, a pharmaceutical manufacturing MOU with PMG-MAN, and notable COVID-19 pandemic management. She currently chairs the Bauchi State Specialist Hospital Board and serves on the Boards of the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) and the African Resource Centre for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC-ESM).

Mrs. Hannah Emanehi Oyebanjo (MCIoD, MCIM, MNIMN, FISMN, frpa) brings over 30 years of leadership in business growth, transformation, and marketing strategy. As Managing Director of Redwood Consulting, she has driven category-defining products and award-winning campaigns. She previously served as Marketing Director at GlaxoSmithKline and Colgate-Palmolive and was recently appointed to the Faculty for Marketing and Entrepreneurship at CEIBS. A recipient of the Marketing Icon Award and WIMCA Lifetime Achievement Award (2025), Mrs. Oyebanjo is a Fellow of ARCON and the Chartered Institute of Directors, holding a BSc in Chemistry and an MBA from Lagos Business School and the University of Cape Town. With their combined expertise, Fidson’s Board is well-positioned to drive innovation, governance excellence, and sustainable growth.

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed commanders in the Niger Delta to prioritise personnel welfare while sustaining pressure on crude oil thieves and other criminal networks in the region.

Abbas gave the directive yesterday at a briefing at the headquarters of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He commended troops for their ongoing efforts, urging the OPDS Commander to maintain the tempo in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime assets. He also restated the Navy’s support for the joint task force.

The CNS later visited the Central Naval Command (CNC), which he once led as Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), describing the formation as ‘home’.

Abbas said his familiarity with its operations would guide his continued support, commending the developmental projects and the upkeep of its facilities.

Abbas thanked officers, ratings and civilian staff for their commitment and urged them to remain steadfast in their duties.

The Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) has conferred the Honorary Fellow on three veteran journalists – Dare Babarinsa, Nojeem Jimoh, and Owei Lakemfa.

They were honoured at the 34th DAME presentation in Lagos on Tuesday night.

DAME organisers said Babarinsa, co-founder of Tell Magazine, through his writings ‘continues to serve as a thought leader, guiding the public on issues of national importance’.

Regarding Lakemfa, formerly of Vanguard, the organisers said his ‘voice shaped national conversation for over four decades’, adding that his legacy continues to inspire others.

DAME Trustees said Jimoh’s legacy is mentorship and ethics. Jimoh was a former Editor of The Punch.

An Assistant Editor at The Nation, Chikodi Okereocha, won the Energy Reporter of the Year on the night.

His entry, ‘Electricity Act: Will states walk the implementation talk?’ published on June 10, 2024, was adjudged the best in the category.

The story examined the implementation challenges that faced the passing of the Electricity Act, raising questions about costs and balancing promises with risk.

Other nominees in the category were Olawin Oladare of The Punch and Moyosore Salami of The Guardian.

The Nation was a runner-up in many categories.

This newspaper was the first runner-up in Editorial Writing, won by The Punch. Vanguard was the other nominee.

The Nation was the first runner-up in the Newspaper of the Year category, which was won by The Punch.

ThisDay, The Sun and Premium Times were joint second runners-up in the Newspaper of the Year category.

The Nation Editor, Adeniyi Adesina, was the first runner-up in the Editor of the Year category, won by Tunji Abioye of The Punch.

Shaka Momodu of ThisDay, Iheanacho Nwosu of Daily Sun and Idris Akinbajo of Premium Times were joint second runners-up in the Editor of the Year category.

The Nation’s Taiwo Alimi was a runner-up in the Sport Reporting category, won by Peter Akinbo of The Punch.

Serial winner and The Nation Assistant News Editor (Weekend), Innocent Duru, was a finalist in the Health Reporting category, won by Sodiq Ojuroungbe of The Punch.

A former staff member of The Nation, Ibrahim Adam, was a runner-up in the Lagos Reporting category, won by Johnson Idowu of The Punch.

Folashade Ogunrinde of Premium Times won the Solid Minerals Reporting category with a story on how illegal mining led to the Ibadan fatal explosion.

Rakiya Muhammad of RM Times won the Child-Friendly Reporting. Sahara Reporters and ICIR journalists had the other nominations.

Elliot Ovadje of The Punch won the News Photography category. He had two nominations. A Blueprint photojournalist had the other.

Temitope Aina of The Sun won the Child-Friendly Photography category, beating Dayo Oyewo of The Punch.

Godfrey George won the Judicial Reporting category, in which The Punch had the three nominations.

ýAbdulRasheed Hammad of Ripples won the Investigative Reporting category, ahead of The Punch and HumAngle reporters.

ýOmolabake Fasogbon of ThisDay won the Education Reporting category. Premium Times and Prime Progress reporters were runners-up.

ýVanguard won Child-Friendly Medium. The Sun and Independent were the other nominees.

ýDaily Trust won Best Designed Newspaper ahead of ThisDay and Leadership.

ýThe Guardian was named the Best Designed Media Website, beating BusinessDay and ThisDay.

ýAbimbola Adelakun of The Punch won the Informed Commentary category.

Lasisi Olagunju of Nigerian Tribune and Azu Ishiekwene of Leadership were the other nominees.

ýVeronica Dan-Ikpoyi won the Television Reporter of the Year. Will Ibong of Channels was the runner-up.

ýýDAME Trustee Lanre Idowu said 665 names have entered the DAME Hall of Fame since its inception.

ýHe paid tribute to DAME Lifetime Achievement awardees who passed on recently, including Doyin Abiola, Christopher Kolade, Dan Agbese; as well as a DAME judge, Joseph Agboola and a DAME Ambassador, Evelyn Osagie (who was a journalist at The Nation).

ýIdowu urged the media to continue to hold those in authority accountable, adding that a change in national orientation was needed for national rebirth.

ýRegretting that many journalists unfortunately undermine the system, he stressed that good journalism plays a significant role in repositioning the country.

ý’Our media is trying, but there is a lot more for the media to do,’ Idowu said.

Super Eagles striker and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has reportedly donated ?5 million to assist with the medical treatment of popular online food vendor and Twitter personality, Aunty Esther, who is currently battling breast cancer.

According to Soccernet , Osimhen made the donation after encountering a distressing video of the elderly woman, identified as Esther Omolola Mensah, crying in pain on a hospital bed while revealing the extent of the damage the illness had caused. The footage, widely circulated on social media, stirred widespread sympathy and urgent calls for support.

Aunty Esther, known for sourcing and delivering market items for her followers, had grown a loyal community online because of her warm personality and trustworthiness. However, her business ground to a halt in recent months as her health deteriorated. When her condition worsened, concerned social media users rallied around her, mobilising funds and ensuring she received immediate medical attention.

Doctors later confirmed that she required extensive and costly treatment, prompting her supporters to create a verified fundraising account. Thousands of Nigerians have since contributed to the fund.

The biggest support came on Wednesday when Osimhen transferred ?5 million to the account. The gesture sparked an emotional response from the beneficiary, who publicly expressed her gratitude.

‘Thank you uncle, Victor Osimhen. God bless u abundantly,’ X user , Sir Dickson@Wizarab10,posted. .

Osimhen’s act of kindness comes during a difficult period in his own season. The striker missed Galatasaray’s Champions League clash against Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday due to injury, watching from the sidelines as his team fell 1-0 at RAMS Park.

His absence was noticeable, given his impressive tally of six goals in just three Champions League appearances, helping secure victories over Liverpool, Bodo/Glimt and Ajax.

The Nigerian forward is expected to return to full fitness ahead of Galatasaray’s highly anticipated derby against Fenerbahce on December 1st . The Turkish champions currently sit atop the league table with 32 points, one ahead of their fierce rivals.

Dancer and reality TV star Liquorose has disclosed her enduring passion for music, stating that she had always aspired to be a musician.

In an interview with media personality, VJ Adams, Liquorose revealed that she was actively pursuing a music career prior to her participation in the Big Brother Naija show.

She said, ‘I love music too much. I’ve always wanted to be a musician. Yeah, I’ve been recording. There was a time when I was always in the studio before I went for BBNaija show. I was very hungry with music.’

Liquorose further stated that while she currently feels comfortable about acting, she still has a strong desire for music.

She added, ‘I know that feeling because I’m a poet and I write. If the music isn’t sounding like that, I know I could do better. And I work with writers as well now and stuff. I wanted to ignore music because I’m like I love acting.

‘Acting is like my safest place right now. I’m comfortable, I can act till like I’m 80 or 70 years old. But the urge to make music remains strong. But you see music, there’s a side of me that people have not seen. And it’s my music side.

‘And one thing I need people to know is that the sound won’t just be for you to dance. It’s going to touch you. I can do dancehall, I can rap if I want to, because I write poems. I can’t sing like Beyoncé, but I can hold my own.’

Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has supported a call by Southwest governors urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate the establishment of State Police.

Spokesman Seye Oladejo in a statement in Ogba, Lagos said: ”For years, our region has been at the forefront of advocating for a modern, community-rooted security architecture capable of responding swiftly and intelligently to evolving threats. Southwest governors have once again demonstrated leadership, unity of purpose and a clear understanding of the security realities confronting our nation. Their position aligns with the long-standing progressive philosophy of our party: security must be local to be effective.

”President Tinubu has shown the political will to reform, strengthen and modernise Nigeria’s internal security framework. The call by the governors only reinforces the President’s already established commitment to a responsive, people-centred and technologically-enhanced security ecosystem.”

Oladejo said the security challenges facing the country required multi-layered policing solutions, adding that State Police – properly designed, professionally regulated and federally coordinated- would bring security closer to communities, improve intelligence gathering and deter crime in real time.

He noted: ”From the Amotekun initiative, to consistent investment in local security infrastructure, Southwest has proved that decentralised security works. The call for state police is simply the next logical step.

”The President has repeatedly emphasised his resolve to secure every inch of Nigeria. The ongoing reforms in the military, police and intelligence community demonstrate that this administration is not shying away from bold decisions. State Police will be another milestone in this journey.”

Lagos APC spokesman said those who attempted to politicise or misrepresent ”this conversation for cheap popularity betray the seriousness of the moment. Nigerians deserve honest dialogue and practical solutions, not fear mongering or mischief.”

He added: ”We reaffirm our support for the Renewed Hope security reforms and united stance of Southwest governors. The security of our people is non-negotiable.

”The time for State Police is not just ripe- it is overdue. Lagos APC is fully aligned with this patriotic call and urges stakeholders nationwide to join hands with President Tinubu to deliver a safer, stronger and more secure Nigeria for all.”

Egypt international Ramadan Sobhi, who helped Pyramids win their first CAF Champions League title last season and previously played in the English Premier League, has been banned for four years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for an anti-doping rule violation, Egypt’s anti-doping authority has

‘We have received an official letter confirming Ramadan Sobhi’s four-year suspension in a doping case,’ Hazem Khamis, head of the Egyptian Anti-Doping Organisation, told reporters.

Sobhi’s suspension stems from allegations of doping and sample tampering, the body said.

Sobhi has not yet commented on the sanction. His lawyer was quoted by local media saying that an appeal to the Swiss Federal Court was being prepared.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the initial lifting of Sobhi’s provisional suspension, which had briefly allowed him to return to play, before the case was referred to CAS.

The 28-year-old remains in custody in a separate case. A Giza criminal court has ordered his detention pending trial over allegations of academic fraud, including forging documents and paying someone to sit exams on his behalf at a tourism and hotels institute. Sobhi has denied wrongdoing and the next hearing is scheduled for December 30.

Sobhi, who has played 37 times for Egypt, began his career at Al-Ahly before moving to England in 2016, where he played for Stoke City and Huddersfield Town.

He joined Pyramids in 2020 and played a key role in their continental triumph last term.

The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC) on the party’s cases assigned to courts presided over by three judges of the court.

The judges are: Justices James Omotosho, Peter Odo Lifu, and Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik.

The faction described the courts presided over by the judges as ‘Courts of Particular Concern’.

It listed the courts and their judges in a letter, dated November 19 and signed by the National Secretary of the faction, Teofeek Arapaja, and addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

While Justice Omotosho and Lifu issued judgments stopping the party from proceeding with its just-concluded national convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Justice Abdulmalalik is currently entertaining a suit against the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Arapaja wrote: ‘I have the instruction and authority of the National Chairman of our Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the entire members of the newly-elected National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our party to write this letter to Your Lordship concerning our fear and apprehension regarding all matters either filed by our party or against our party at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.

‘My lord, it is of great concern to our party that it would appear that all matters for the past few years filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, either for or against our party have always been assigned to the following three judges only, namely: Hon. Justice James Omotosho, Hon. Justice Peter Odo Lifu, and Hon. Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik.

‘.There are other judges, numbering up to nine in the Abuja Judicial Division who could have taken up any of these matters, as the Abuja Division has 12 judges.

‘Several of our party members have recently complained bitterly to the newly elected members of the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of the above-mentioned scenario.

‘Indeed, all these three courts are viewed by party members and indeed the public as ‘courts of particular concern’ with regard to matters pertaining to or affecting the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party.

‘My lord, it is trite that justice must not only be done in all cases and circumstances with regard to matters pending and matters filed in the court of law, but justice must be seen to be done indeed by reasonable members of the society including the members of our party.

‘Given the current challenges facing the party, there is a high likelihood of cases being filed for or against the party.

‘It is in this respect that we humbly plead and beg that in no other matters or circumstances with regard to cases that may be filed by or against our party henceforth should be assigned to any of these three judges, since justice is rooted in trust and integrity.

‘Our party wishes to reiterate the fact that we have no iota of doubt with regard to the integrity of the Judiciary, particularly the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, headed by your lordship in dispensing justice in all cases, other than the above-highlighted fears and apprehension of our party.

‘Kindly accept the assurances and warm regards of the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of our great party.’

The House of Representatives recently set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the over 11,800 abandoned federal government properties and projects across the nation. The properties are estimated to be worth nothing less than N20trn in market value today. The motion that seemingly set off the alarm was raised by the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor federal constituency of Rivers State.

Chinda recalled that in 2000, the Presidential Implementation Committee on Federal Government Properties was set up but sadly, two and a half decades later, the committee is yet to submit its final report. In his opinion, nothing speaks so eloquently about the lack of accountability and transparency when it comes to national assets than this act of non-responsiveness of such a committee.

It is sad that a report by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors had identified 11,866 abandoned federal projects across the country, representing approximately 63 per cent of all projects initiated since independence. Some of these properties are: the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos; the Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos; the Nigerian International Hotel Suleja, Niger State; Millennium Tower, Abuja; the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) building in Abia State; the National Library Headquarters, Abuja; the Nigeria Newsprint Manufacturing Company, Kaduna; the Kaduna Textile Building; the Nigerian Aluminium Smelting Company, Delta State.

We are amazed at the array of iconic and valuable projects that have suffered neglect and abandonment across the country. This says everything negative about the value successive governments in this country have placed on national assets and projects across the nation.

In many countries, the preservation of such iconic assets is taken very seriously because in most cases such historically relevant assets represent not just history. They are preserved as national treasures not just as beautiful edifices but for the value they add to the socio-economic lives of the people.

A place like the National Stadium in Lagos today stands as a national disgrace. The stadium didn’t just represent a great geographic space; it stood as a national rallying point that the citizens have a sense of attachment to. It represented a rallying point for sporting activities in the nation and had in the past been the flagship for national, sub-regional, continental and even global sports competitions. Beyond sports, it provided spaces for other socio-political activities due to its centrality and accessibility. Today, the stadium has become home to street urchins and parts of it have been occupied by some private individuals who are reaping profits from national assets.

Today, the most popular sports, football competitions, are now mainly hosted by Akwa Ibom State’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium built by the present Senate President when he was governor. This puts to shame the successive governments at the federal level that could not renovate the National Stadium for the same function, given the employment and revenue that would definitely accrue from its functionality.

Today, Morocco, a smaller African country, has seemingly overtaken Nigeria with its huge investment in sports infrastructure. They have been hosting several FIFA-organised games. They hosted the FIFA Women World Cup; they would be hosting AFCON this December. They are on their way to co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain.

The investment in sports infrastructure by Morocco has become a huge inspiration for the country’s youths and a huge source of national pride and global relevance. Their national team made history at Qatar 2022 World Cup by reaching the semi-finals, becoming the first African and Arab country to reach the 4th place in a World Cup. Their government has shown understanding of the power of infrastructural development and maintenance. There are no disadvantages to valuing national assets.

We feel that a huge part of the responsibility of governments’ taking care of the security and welfare of citizens comes from the way national assets are handled. This is because most of the abandoned projects like the Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) buildings built by the former military leader, Ibrahim Babangida’s administration across the country have all become enclaves for miscreants and robbers that are a menace to communities. Even if many analysts felt that the buildings were poorly thought out, as long as they had been built, the onus is on every government to improve on the buildings and increase their functionality for the people.

We consider the abandoned assets and keep wondering how successive governments never thought of making those buildings functional: federal secretariat, aluminium smelting plant, national library, hotels, and textile companies etc. in a country that has been in dire financial straits since the end of the oil boom in the 1970s.

It amounts to crass irresponsibility and financial recklessness to keep building new elephant projects that are often abandoned by opposition governments while ignoring solid structures that are of huge economic and social value.

However, while we commend the House of Representatives for pointing a torch at those valued national assets, they must do more than that. They have committees that can collaborate to see that the right things are done. Being in the House should not be all about raising matters of urgent national importance. The real work is in following through and for each member to focus on the assets in their own states and make sure their oversight function covers such projects. They are national legislators for a reason. While they come from specific constituencies, their larger constituency is the nation.

The relevant ministries like those of works, sports, education and housing must work together to track and account for all the thousands of assets across the nation. In cases where some unscrupulous civil servants or politicians have either appropriated or sold some or parts of those assets, the relevant government agencies must not just retrieve them but also prosecute the offenders. National assets always stand in history as generational legacies with a stamp of care for posterity. Nigeria’s case cannot be different.