Category: Business Day

ýThe Oyo State Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, hasý called on the people of Oyo State to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election, citing what he described as the administration’s achievements since assuming office.

ýAlli stated this while speaking with members of the JDS/PBAT Support Group on efforts to unite various support groups in Oyo State in support of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

ýHe urged members of the JDS/PBAT Support Group and other political support groups to work together towards mobilising support for the President ahead of the 2027 general election.

ýWhile expressing confidence that the roads leading to Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort will receive Federal government attention, the APC governorship candidate said the Federal Government would construct and rehabilitate the roads leading to the world-class Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort.

He expressed the optimism that the intervention could be carried out before the end of the Tinubu administration.

ýý’All roads leading to Ilaji will receive Federal Government attention. Before the end of this administration, we expect the Federal Government to construct and fix the roads leading to Ilaji,’ Alli said.

ýýHe added that once the APC emerges victorious in the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, the construction and rehabilitation of roads leading to Ilaji would be among the projects that would receive priority attention.

ýý’Once we emerge victorious in 2027, this will be one of the first projects we will give attention to because we cannot continue to neglect an investment of this magnitude,’ he added.

ýýAlli also commended Jubril Dotun Sanusi for his contributions to the socio-economic and political development of Oyo State and Nigeria, particularly his investment in Ilaji and his continued support for President Tinubu’s political project.

ýThe governorship hopeful specifically acknowledged what he described as the huge moral and financial support Sanusi has given to President Tinubu’s project since 2023.

ýHe questioned the neglect of the roads leading to an investment of such magnitude, noting that Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort had the potential to contribute significantly to the state’s economy, tourism development and employment generation.

ýAlli said improved road infrastructure around the resort would enhance accessibility, attract more visitors and investors, and create opportunities for businesses operating within its surrounding communities.ý

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 14 suspected members of different kidnapping syndicates allegedly linked to several abduction cases and a murder in the state.

Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists at the State Police Headquarters, GRA, Enugu.

Giwa said the arrests followed a series of intelligence-led operations conducted by operatives of the Command in collaboration with other security agencies.

According to him, the suspects were members of organised criminal networks operating across state lines, with some of them allegedly converging in Enugu to plan and execute kidnapping operations before returning to their respective locations.

He said the operations also led to the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other incriminating exhibits.

The Commissioner recalled that security operatives recently rescued kidnapped victims at Ogbozara Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State and Owukpa Community in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Giwa also said that following the August 2 rescue of one of the victims abducted from a church at Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area, subsequent joint operations resulted in the rescue of the remaining two victims, the arrest of three suspects and the neutralisation of another suspect.

He added that ransom money, firearms and ammunition were also recovered during the operation.

The Commissioner said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects later regrouped with their cohorts in Port Harcourt and abducted another victim, who was subsequently released after a ransom of N5 million was paid.

He disclosed that 12 other suspects had earlier been arrested through human and technical intelligence-led operations carried out in Abuja, Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Rivers, Kwara and Taraba states.

According to Giwa, investigations showed that the suspects belonged to an organised criminal network in which members played different roles.

He said an Enugu-based tricycle operator allegedly provided transportation for gang members, firearms and other criminal implements, while another suspect allegedly supplied intelligence that enabled the gang to evade security surveillance and identify potential targets.

The Commissioner said the suspects had confessed to involvement in several recent and past kidnapping incidents along the Enugu-Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka Road; Obioma-9th Mile-Umulumgbe-Okpatu Road; Eke-Affa-Egede-Ezinze axis; and various locations in Ezeagu Local Government Area.

Among the incidents allegedly linked to the suspects was the May 25, 2026 abduction of a male victim at Mgbabuowa/Aguobuowa in Ezeagu LGA, during which N5.5 million was reportedly obtained as ransom.

Giwa also said the suspects were linked to the May 9 abduction of two male victims and the shooting and killing of a female victim at Obioma, Udi LGA. He said $28,700 was allegedly obtained as ransom in that incident.

Other cases, according to him, included the April 10 abduction of two male victims along the Eke-Ezinze Road in Udi LGA, for which $70,000 was reportedly paid as ransom, as well as the April 12 kidnapping of seven victims at Obinaofia, Ezeagu LGA, during which N25 million was allegedly obtained.

The Commissioner further disclosed that investigations showed that the suspects allegedly concealed and laundered proceeds of their criminal activities through investments in livestock and properties, lavish spending, conspicuous consumption and overseas trips, including visits to Cameroon.

Items recovered from the suspects include five AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated firearm, 310 rounds of live 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, eight live cartridges and seven empty AK-47 magazines.

Giwa said investigations were ongoing to establish the suspects’ involvement in other kidnapping and violent-crime cases within and outside Enugu State, identify and arrest other members of the syndicate, and recover additional firearms, ammunition and criminal proceeds.

He said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner attributed the arrests and recoveries to sustained intelligence gathering, ICT-enabled investigations, inter-agency collaboration, inter-state cooperation and coordinated operational policing.

He assured residents that the Command remained committed to combating kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape, cultism and other violent crimes.

Giwa urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the police.

The victory of Ademola Adeleke in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election has sent a fresh political signal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly as the party had openly described the poll as a test of its electoral strength.

Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the early hours of Sunday.

The governor polled 511,067 votes across the state to defeat Bola Oyebamiji, candidate of the APC, who scored 444,815 votes.

Professor Joshua Ogunwole, INEC’s State Returning Officer, declared Adeleke winner after he secured victory in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11. Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came third with 17,180 votes.

Analysts say the result is significant not only because Adeleke successfully defended his mandate, but also because he did so outside the PDP, the platform on which he won the 2022 election.

His victory came after a prolonged crisis within the PDP culminated in the party conducting its governorship primary without him, forcing the incumbent to seek the Accord ticket.

The outcome has consequently raised fresh questions about the strength of party structures, the influence of incumbency and the ability of opposition politicians to retain electoral support outside the platforms on which they initially won office.

For the APC, however, the result could prove more consequential.

Nentawe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman, had described the Osun election as a litmus test for the party ahead of 2027, while insisting that the APC would reclaim the state.

Hope Uzodimma, Imo State governor and Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for the election, also expressed confidence that the party would win. Ajibola Bashiru, APC National Secretary and an indigene of Osun State, similarly maintained that the party would reclaim the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party therefore entered the race with expectations that victory would strengthen its position ahead of the next general elections. However, Adeleke’s victory has provided opposition politicians and analysts with fresh ammunition to argue that the APC remains vulnerable despite its control of the federal government.

The 2027 debate

Beyond the immediate political implications in Osun, the election has already become part of the wider 2027 debate.

Jackson Lekan Ojo, a political analyst, told BusinessDay that the outcome was a warning to the APC, particularly if opposition parties succeed in putting aside their differences and presenting a united front in 2027.

‘Are the signs not clear to you? This is a clear picture and a signal that the ruling APC will be shown the exit route in 2027. They will be sent packing,’ Ojo said.

He attributed the outcome largely to economic hardship and the rising cost of living under the APC led federal government, arguing that growing public frustration could translate into electoral consequences for the ruling party.

‘Nigerians are angry because a hungry man is an angry man. Look at the high cost of living, inflation and economic hardship. Some households can’t afford three square meals a day in this country,’ he said.

Ojo said the APC’s own description of Osun as a litmus test had made the defeat more significant. According to him, the lesson for the opposition ahead of 2027 is that electoral victory could become possible if opposition parties overcome their differences and consolidate their support.

‘What sort of government is this that doesn’t listen to its citizens? Let me tell you, if the opposition unites, the APC government will be ousted in 2027,’ he said.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, has congratulated Adeleke, saying the result demonstrated the power of citizens to determine who leads them, stressing that it’s a lesson ahead of the 2027 poll.

Obi said the people of Osun had ‘spoken with courage and clarity’, while commending youths in the state for what he described as the peaceful defence of their democratic mandate.

‘The lesson from Osun is clear. Democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, conscious of their civic responsibility, and determined to ensure that their votes count,’ he said.

He urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the election as political parties and their candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections. Obi urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 elections and called on political actors to prioritise the interests of the people and embrace peace and the rule of law.

‘Elections should never be battles of violence, but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service,’ he said.

Intrigues before the poll

The campaign for the Osun governorship election was also marked by an unusual political twist, with Governor Adeleke dismissing the significance of APC governors who campaigned for his opponent, Bola Oyebamiji.

Adeleke had said some of the governors campaigning against him were his friends, insisting their presence would not determine the outcome of the election because they were not registered voters in Osun.

‘Those governors are my friends. I am a civilised administrator. They won’t vote; they can only come and dance, and after the election, we will meet,’ Adeleke had said during the campaign.

His comment highlighted the complex political relationships surrounding the election, as several APC governors, including Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, joined the party’s campaign for Oyebamiji.

The campaign also exposed the limits of personality-based attacks in an election. Governor Okpebholo, had mocked Adeleke’s dancing during the campaign, portraying the incumbent as a governor whose penchant for dancing had overshadowed governance.

‘Before somebody signs paper, he will dance. Are you not tired? For four years, this man has been dancing. Before he takes breakfast, before he drinks tea, he will dance,’ Okpebholo told APC supporters at a campaign rally.

He also likened Adeleke to Godwin Obaseki, former Edo governor, urging Osun voters to reject the incumbent just as, according to him, Edo voters rejected Obaseki.

‘That man is Obaseki’s friend. You know we kicked Obaseki out of Edo. So, we have to kick his friend out of this place too,’ he said.

Adeleke, however, dismissed the criticism, insisting that dancing was merely his hobby and had no bearing on his performance in office. He also expressed confidence that he would secure a second term.

Despite the high-profile backing for the APC candidate, Adeleke went on to defeat Oyebamiji, adding another layer to the political intrigues surrounding the outcome and its implications for the 2027 elections.

More reactions trail APC’s Osun defeat

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 poll said Adeleke’s victory reflected the clear choice of Osun residents at the poll.

‘I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Governor of Osun State. His victory demonstrates the choice of the people of Osun as expressed at the ballot box,’ Atiku said in a post on his X handle on Sunday.

‘I commend the people for their passion and peaceful participation. I wish Governor Adeleke continued success as he continues to serve them,’ he added.

Similarly, Bukola Saraki, former Senate President, congratulated Adeleke, describing the result as a clear endorsement by Osun voters.

Saraki, in a post on his official X page on Sunday, said, ‘The people of Osun have spoken, and they have spoken clearly. They have had four years to judge the record of his stewardship, to weigh the promises against the performance, and they have asked him to continue.’

Saraki, former Kwara State governor, said the election also reinforced the importance of credible polls to Nigeria’s democracy.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor and NDC vice presidential candidate for the 2027 election, also congratulated Adeleke, whom he described as his friend.

In a statement posted on his verified X account on Sunday, Kwankwaso commended Osun voters for exercising their democratic rights and reaffirming the power of the electorate.

‘As a leader of the opposition and a committed democrat, I commend the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights and reaffirming the power of the people’s mandate,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Adeleke has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had called to congratulate him.

‘I want to seize this opportunity to thank Mr. President. Mr. President has called me and he has congratulated me. And I thank you, Mr. President, for making sure democracy lives on, because you fought for it, Mr. President,’ he said.

Pundits say the coming weeks will show whether the APC treats the defeat as an isolated setback or as an early warning requiring a major political and electoral recalibration ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

As cynicism mounts in Rivers State, Governor Sim Fubara has come out to take his place in the public space.

The governor who has been under pressure from segments of the Rivers State public for announcing return to the Rainbow Coalition and the silence that has followed, has come out strongly to show numerous projects under construction.

The governor is said to be set to begin commissioning a fresh tranche of ‘people-oriented’ projects that are meant to transform the living standards of citizens and position the oil-rich state for economic growth.

Despite a six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and an intractable political crisis between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the governor has been able to rack up people-impacting projects in the state.

Dagogo Wokoma, Secretary to the State Government, said on Friday at the Government House that Fubara will be commissioning projects across the state throughout the remaining days of August.

Wokoma said the commissioning, which would see the governor traverse senatorial districts in the state, will run from Monday, August 17, 2026, to Monday, August 31, 2026.

He said: ‘These projects scheduled for commissioning are tangible evidence of His Excellency’s unwavering dedication to transform our communities and address the developmental needs of our people. They underscore the administration’s determination to ensure that governance translates into meaningful and measurable benefits for every citizen across the 23 local government areas of the state.’

The listed projects include: Neuro-psychiatric Hospital and New General Hospital, Rumuigbo in Obio/Akpor LGA, which are to be commissioned on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Others are: Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road, Asari/Toru/ Akuku-Toru LGAs (Monday, August 17); Egwi-Afara-Mba Road, Etche LGA (Tuesday, August 18); Omademe internal roads, Omademe, Ikwerre LGA (Thursday, August 20); and new Air Force Base runway, Port Harcourt LGA (Friday, August 21).

Projects scheduled for the following week include: Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dual carriageway, Ikwerre/Emohua/Onelga LGAs (Monday, August 24); Capt. Elechi Polytechnic Entrepreneurship Centre/Engineering Faculty Building, Rumuola, Obio/Akpor LGA (Tuesday, August 25); Agba Ndele Road and bridge, Ndele, Emohua LGA (Wednesday, August 26); New Zonal Hospital, Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (Thursday, August 27); Neuro-psychiatric Hospital and New General Hospital, Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor LGA (Friday, August 28); and Bonny National Grammar School, Bonny LGA (Monday, August 31).

Wokoma added, ‘As we prepare for these historic events, we acknowledge the dedication and contributions of government officials, contractors, host communities, and other stakeholders whose collective efforts have made these achievements possible.

‘We invite all Rivers people to join in celebrating these milestones and to continue supporting the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as it advances peace, development, progress, and prosperity. Together, we will continue to build a Rivers State where development reaches every community and every citizen has the opportunity to thrive,’ he said.

Gov Fubara seemed to fight back during the political crisis with avalanche of projects. He seemed to reply attacks with more projects, and the people seemed to love it.

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mohammed Bello Shehu, has disclosed that the Commission has completed a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s Revenue Allocation Formula and concluded work on the review of remuneration for political, public and judicial office holders, with both processes now at advanced stages of consideration by the appropriate authorities.

Shehu made the disclosure during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Lagos, where he presented an overview of the Commission’s achievements and institutional progress from 2023 to date.

He said the period under review had been marked by significant fiscal reforms, with the Commission strengthening its constitutional mandate of revenue monitoring, derivation verification, fiscal coordination, and advisory functions on remuneration and revenue allocation.

According to him, RMAFC has focused on improving data integrity, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring equitable distribution of national revenue across the three tiers of government.

Shehu explained that the Commission had intensified monitoring of oil and gas production data to ensure accurate application of the 13 percent derivation principle. He noted that through verification exercises, geospatial mapping and inter-agency collaboration, the Commission resolved several long-standing oil well attribution issues, including the reallocation of 17 oil wells from Imo State to Rivers State in line with a Supreme Court judgment.

He added that similar interventions had been undertaken in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Imo and Anambra States, while improved gas production reporting had enabled Enugu and Kogi States to benefit from derivation revenues.

The Chairman further said that RMAFC had strengthened collaboration with key institutions including NUPRC, NNPCL, NMDPRA, the National Boundary Commission, and the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation to improve revenue monitoring and compliance.

He also disclosed ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Defence to address crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and production losses, describing them as major threats to national revenue.

Beyond the petroleum sector, Shehu said the Commission was exploring new revenue opportunities through partnerships with FAAN and NASRDA, including the use of satellite and geospatial technologies to identify additional revenue sources.

Hed confirmed that the Commission had completed the review of remuneration for judicial office holders, culminating in the enactment of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances) Act, 2025.

He added that the review of remuneration for executive and legislative office holders was also at an advanced stage, with an executive bill on the Political and Public Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances) Act, 2026 expected to be transmitted to the National Assembly.

He stressed that remuneration reforms must be matched with accountability and performance, noting that improved pay should translate into improved service delivery.

On the subject of the review of the Revenue Allocation Formula, Shehu described it as one of the Commission’s most significant assignments, noting that it was undertaken through extensive consultations with all tiers of government, technical stakeholders, and nationwide engagements.

He said the exercise involved analysis of fiscal responsibilities, revenue trends, and comparative federal systems, resulting in a harmonised report and legislative proposals now ready for transmission to the appropriate authorities.

According to him, the objective is to establish a more equitable and sustainable revenue-sharing framework that reflects current economic and governance realities.

He also highlighted improvements in the Commission’s infrastructure, including rehabilitation of critical facilities, enhanced security systems, and ongoing renovation of its headquarters.

He said staff welfare had been prioritised through improved healthcare services, training programmes, and capacity development initiatives aimed at strengthening technical expertise within the Commission.

The Chairman said the engagement with the Nigerian Guild of Editors was part of efforts to deepen transparency and improve public understanding of RMAFC’s mandate.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to proactive communication, data-driven reforms, and stronger collaboration with the media in promoting accountability in public finance.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Public Affairs and Communication Committee (PACC) and Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State in the Commission, Ismail Muhammed Agaka commended the media for its role in strengthening democratic accountability and reaffirmed RMAFC’s commitment to sustained engagement with stakeholders.

Other members of the PACC present at the occasion were: Peter Opara, Federal Commissioner representing Imo State, Ekene Enefe, Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State, Hon. Hadizatu Uwani Mustapha, Federal Commissioner representing Borno State; Ahmed Waziri Hassan, Federal Commissioner representing Adamawa State, Bob-Helen Inafa, Federal Commissioner representing Bayelsa State, Oti Nkechi Linda Federal Commissioner representing Abia State. Professor Olusegun Adekunle Wright, Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State and Victor Eboigbe Federal Commissioner representing Edo State.

Barcelona have reportedly reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Spain captain Rodri for a fee worth £65 million, with the midfielder set to move to Camp Nou on a four-year contract.

The 30-year-old, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, is expected to complete his transfer to the Spanish champions in the coming days after Barcelona beat off competition from Real Madrid for his signature.

Rodri emerged as a key target for Barcelona following Frenkie de Jong’s injury, with the Dutch midfielder expected to spend several months on the sidelines.

The Spanish international has been one of Manchester City’s most influential players since joining the club from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then club-record £62.8 million.

Rodri leaves City after trophy-laden spell

Rodri made 298 appearances for City during seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium, helping Pep Guardiola’s side win 12 major trophies.

His honours include four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League, which City won in the 2022/23 season.

The midfielder’s time in Manchester was disrupted by injuries during the past two seasons. He missed much of the 2024/25 campaign after suffering a serious knee injury before later dealing with a hamstring problem.

However, Rodri returned to his best form at the World Cup, where he captained Spain to their second title and was named the tournament’s best player.

Barcelona strengthen midfield

Barcelona had reportedly seen two bids for Rodri rejected before reaching an agreement with City on Sunday.

The midfielder is expected to become one of several major additions at Camp Nou this summer as Barcelona look to strengthen their squad for the new campaign.

The Catalan club are also expected to complete a deal for Joao Cancelo after his loan spell at Barcelona last season from Al Hilal.

Rodri’s arrival would mark the latest chapter in a decorated career that has seen him establish himself as one of the world’s leading defensive midfielders and a central figure in Spain’s success.

Babafemi Ojudu, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain has outlined 15 critical factors and individuals responsible for the party’s defeat in the Osun State governorship election.

In a detailed analysis following the poll, Babafemi Ojudu identified economic hardship, strategic errors, internal discord, and the widespread popularity of Governor Ademola Adeleke as key elements that undermined APC’s performance.

Ojudu specifically highlighted prevailing economic pressures, noting that those responsible for the widespread hunger in the land directly hurt the party’s chances at the polls.

He also pointed to external political interference, citing controversial outbursts by the Edo State Governor against Adeleke. According to Ojudu, these statements alienated local voters and strengthened support for the incumbent.

Internal management and controversial administrative decisions further eroded voter trust. Ojudu criticized the decision to freeze the Osun State Government’s accounts, stating that the move severely damaged the APC’s standing among the electorate.

He also listed controversial public statements made by party figures, including Senator Fadahunsi regarding Accord Party members, and repeated political boasting by Wole Oke. Additionally, Ojudu targeted Ero Arike for engaging in persistent public rants that harmed the party’s image.

Gboyega Oyetola, Former Osun State Governor drew significant criticism in Ojudu’s assessment. Ojudu accused Oyetola of imposing an unpopular candidate and denying APC members the opportunity to freely choose their preferred flag-bearer.

Furthermore, Ojudu argued that visiting APC governors and national leaders adopted an overbearing approach that made them appear as though they had come to conquer the state.

Beyond internal party failures, Ojudu acknowledged the opposition’s campaign strengths. He noted that Governor Adeleke’s personal charm and irrepressible dancing ability resonated strongly with the electorate.

The campaign was further bolstered by Nigerian music star Davido, whose widespread influence provided a crowd-pulling magic that mobilized massive voter support.

The Nigerian tourism industry has once again proved its resilience at this year’s edition of the annual Osun Osogbo Festival, where a mammoth crowd stormed the ancient city for 11-day cultural fiesta and religious pilgrimage.

This year’s festival, according to observers, surpassed other editions across board, especially in participation as over 500,000 people, including pilgrims, tourists, scholars, diplomats, and cultural enthusiasts from within and across the world, thronged Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on August 7, 2026, for the grand finale.

With over 50,000 foreign guests, many tourism and security experts were excited that the festival drew more foreigners this year than in the previous editions, especially South Americans, Europeans and Nigerian Diasporas, who came to celebrate a 600-year-old tradition at the Osun Sacred Grove, the second World Heritage Site in Nigeria, after Sukur in Adamawa State.

According to the observers, the mammoth crowd, especially the impressive number of foreign guests at the festival, spoke volumes on the resilience of the tourism industry, despite the many reports on the country’s insecurity challenge, which are often over exaggerated.

They also noted that the foreign guests braved the many insecurity reports, post elections violence and probably, ignored their various country’s travel advisory to attend the festival this year.

‘We keep talking down on our country, while others see potential here. I lost count of many foreigners at the festival this year, who braved security reports and their country’s travel advisory to attend. That is resilience,’ Jimoh Adigun, a tourism expert, said.

He explained further that at every election in Nigeria, there is usually uncertainty, with businesses and corporate organisations being cautious. ‘So, the festival faced that challenge too because it held a week to the Osun State gubernatorial election, with many calling to confirm if the festival will still hold,’ he said.

Bamidele Tiri-Oye, an Osogbo-based hotel manager, noted that bookings for the festival were initially very low, but picked when the government started assuring and reassuring visitors of safety during the festival.

‘We learnt that some foreigners who booked accommodation at Ibadan, canceled and moved to Osogbo a day before the grand finale of the festival. The government and the media helped in convincing them because the election is not a general one and Osun people are peaceful,’ he said.

According to Tiri-Oye, the huge turnout of attendees at the festival was so impressive that many thought it was a miracle, considering the campaigns that went violent, and actions and inactions of politicians and their supporters few days to the festival.

But Ganiyat Lukmon, a senior government official, noted that the government reached out to embassies, foreign delegations and Nigerian Diasporas to assure them of safety and peace during the festival.

‘We also reached out to royal fathers, community, women and youth leaders to ensure peaceful outing at Osun festival because the government believed that a peaceful festival on August 7th, would calm nerves in the state during the election on August15th,’ Lukmon said.

As well, Ehis Iyase, a tour operator, commended the impressive turnout at the festival, attributing it to the safety, innovations and new offerings at this year’s festival.

‘In the past five years, I have led some foreign clients from a few embassies to the festival. But, this year, the embassies were reluctant at releasing their people due to the reports on our escalating insecurity. But I went there earlier to see things myself and reported back to them. I think, that situation report convinced them, and Osun State is not an insecurity hotbed,’ he explained.

He also thinks that the organisers and their partners did well in repacking the festival this year with specific highlights for potential visitors.

‘I think Princess Alimot Moredeke Ajoke Osunbunmi was the highlight for many. The 10-year-old girl is the new Arugba. She succeeded Osuntomi Ewatomi, who served as Arugba for about 12 years before getting married,’ he said.

‘Many were eager to see her for the first time, carrying the sacred calabash of offerings and leading other devotees along the traditional mile-long procession from the Ataoja’s Palace to the sacred Osun Shrine.

‘So, the young ritual bearer, who was selected through the traditional Ifa divination process in March 2025, was top among the reason many came, especially foreigners’.

Many also think that the many corporate and cultural events pulled the local crowd, especially vibrant community villages, musical performances, and contemporary cultural exchanges.

But the visit to Nike Art Gallery at Osogbo for artifacts was a good reason to visit this year, according to Antonio Luiz, a Brazilian doctor, who has visited thrice since 2021.

For Luiz, the Osun festival reiterates Nigeria’s position as the hub of culture and entertainment in Africa.

‘We hear stories about Nigeria, but when you visit, you see a different thing. Nigeria is a great country and root of many of us in the Americas. We will keep coming to identify with our roots,’ he assured.

Lukmon urged the like of Luiz and more African Diasporas to visit even after the festival as safety is assured, while politics has never disrupted the Osun festival in its 600 years history.

I have followed with concern the national conversation generated by the reported comments of Sheikh Yahaya Jingir regarding Christians, the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, and the religious composition of Nigeria.

As a Christian leader, public intellectual, Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management, and a patriotic Nigerian, I consider it necessary to contribute to this discussion in a manner that promotes truth, peace, constitutional order, and national unity.

First, let me state unequivocally that Nigeria belongs neither to Christians nor Muslims exclusively. Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians. Every citizen, irrespective of faith, ethnicity, region, or political affiliation, possesses equal rights and equal ownership in the Nigerian project.

Any statement that seeks to portray one religious community as superior to another, or suggests that members of another faith should ‘know their limit’ or ‘leave Nigeria,’ is contrary to the spirit of nationhood, peaceful coexistence, and constitutional democracy.

What makes this matter even more important is the fact that Nigeria remains one of the world’s most religiously diverse nations. Such diversity is not a weakness. It is a strength that must be nurtured and protected.

My position has been consistent.

It is important to remind Nigerians that I was among the earliest Christian leaders and public commentators to publicly support the Tinubu-Shettima Muslim-Muslim ticket before the 2023 general election.

On July 24, 2022, in my article titled ‘2023: My Views on Tinubu-Shettima Ticket’, I argued that religion should not be the primary criterion for selecting political leaders and that Nigerians should place greater emphasis on competence, character, capacity, leadership experience, and commitment to national development.

In that article, I wrote: ‘Religion is a spiritual affair that should not become a political tool.’

I further stated that: ‘The time has come for all Nigerians to rise to the urgent imperative to detoxify the religious content wrongly built into our politics and governance.’

I also argued that: ‘During elections, we are not required to elect leaders that will lead us to heaven but leaders that will employ all indices to chart our progress as citizens and the growth of Nigeria.’

Furthermore, I maintained that: ‘Christian, Muslim, Traditionalist or any other belief should not matter in leadership selection.’

And I concluded by urging Nigerians to vote based on competence rather than religious affiliations.

My position then was based on principle, and my position today remains based on the same principle.

The Nigerian people spoke in 2023

The outcome of the 2023 presidential election demonstrated that millions of Nigerians were willing to look beyond religious sentiments and support candidates based on broader political considerations.

The Tinubu-Shettima ticket secured victory in a highly competitive election and attracted votes from Christians, Muslims, northerners, southerners, youths, professionals, traders, and diverse segments of society. The electoral outcome showed that many Nigerians were prepared to place national leadership considerations above narrow sectarian calculations.

However, it is important to emphasize that the public support received by a Muslim-Muslim ticket must never be interpreted as public endorsement of religious superiority, religious domination, or exclusionary rhetoric.

The Nigerian electorate voted for candidates. They did not vote for religious supremacy.

Support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket is not support for religious domination

This distinction is critical.

A person may support a Muslim-Muslim ticket because of perceived competence. A person may support a Christian-Christian ticket because of perceived competence. A person may support a Muslim-Christian ticket because of perceived competence.

What must never happen is for any political arrangement to become a platform for declaring ownership of Nigeria by one faith over another.

The moment politics becomes a contest of religious domination, democracy loses its soul.

Encouraging reactions from responsible leaders

I am encouraged that numerous voices across religious and political divides have spoken against divisive rhetoric. Recent reports indicate that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso publicly condemned the comments attributed to Sheikh Jingir, describing them as divisive and stressing that statements capable of promoting disunity must be discouraged. He further emphasised that the people of Kano do not support rhetoric that threatens national cohesion.

Reports also indicate that the comments generated criticism from Christian leaders, civil society groups, political commentators, and many Muslims who expressed concern that such statements could deepen religious tensions and undermine national unity.

Significantly, Sheikh Jingir himself has reportedly clarified that his views represented his personal opinion and not an official position of JIBWIS, one of Nigeria’s largest Islamic organisations.

These reactions demonstrate that extremist views do not represent the majority of either Christians or Muslims in Nigeria.

What Nigeria needs now

Nigeria needs bridge-builders, not wall-builders.

Nigeria needs statesmen, not provocateurs.

Nigeria needs responsible religious leaders who understand the enormous weight of their words.

Both Christianity and Islam teach accountability before God, love for neighbour, compassion, justice, and peaceful coexistence.

Neither Christianity nor Islam teaches hatred, contempt, intimidation, or the dehumanisation of others. Any interpretation of religion that promotes hatred, contempt, exclusion, or superiority over fellow human beings should find no place in any civilised society.

Neither faith teaches religious arrogance, and no faith gains honour by insulting, denigrating, or provoking another faith. At the same time, we cannot ignore the painful reality that many communities in Nigeria have suffered religiously motivated violence over the years, with substantial evidence and widespread concerns about the killing, displacement, and persecution of Christians in several parts of the country.

These painful realities should compel us to speak with greater responsibility, promote justice for all victims, and strengthen interfaith harmony rather than inflame existing tensions. The appropriate response to historical grievances is not religious triumphalism or retaliatory rhetoric, but a renewed commitment to justice, security, mutual respect, and the sanctity of every human life.

Religious leaders must therefore use their influence to heal wounds, foster reconciliation, and build bridges of understanding, not deepen divisions.

No faith gains honour by insulting another faith, and no nation prospers when its citizens are divided along religious lines.

My appeal

I respectfully call on all religious leaders, political actors, and public commentators to exercise wisdom, restraint, and responsibility in their public engagements.

I urge Nigerians to reject narratives of religious conquest, religious superiority, and religious intimidation.

Our challenge is not whether Nigeria is a Muslim country or a Christian country.

Our challenge is whether Nigeria can become a more secure, prosperous, just, technologically advanced, and united nation.

As someone who publicly supported the Tinubu-Shettima ticket before the election, despite being a Christian leader, I cannot be accused of religious prejudice. My record is clear. My convictions are well documented.

I supported the ticket because I believed leadership should be judged by competence, capacity, and vision.

I reject, however, any suggestion that support for a political ticket should be used to justify claims of religious dominance or ownership of Nigeria by any group.

Nigeria belongs equally to Christians. Nigeria belongs equally to Muslims. Nigeria belongs equally to every law-abiding citizen. We must therefore, choose unity over division, dialogue over hostility, constitutional equality over religious triumphalism, and nation-building over sectarian politics.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and grant us the wisdom to preserve our unity in diversity.

The Edo State Government has said that it was currently handling more than 72 child abuse cases, with many of the reported sexual abuse cases allegedly involving fathers and their minor daughters.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, disclosed this in Benin while reviewing the ministry’s activities between October 2025 and August 2026.

Abdallah said the government was focused on protecting and rehabilitating victims while ensuring that alleged offenders were investigated and prosecuted.

She said the ministry had responded to serious cases, including allegations involving two sisters and an 11-year-old girl, providing medical and psychosocial support before referring the cases for investigation and prosecution.

The commissioner said a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) had been inaugurated in Uromi, Edo Central, in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration, while another was being established in Auchi to ensure coverage across the state’s three senatorial districts.

She said the ministry had also intensified efforts against technology-facilitated abuse through campaigns on cyberbullying, online harassment and digital exploitation, leading to the validation of the Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Policy Framework in June 2026.

Abdallah said a digital child welfare case management system had been introduced to improve documentation, tracking and monitoring of vulnerable children, including those in orphanages.

She added that the 2026 Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy was reviewed to address online exploitation, artificial intelligence risks and institutional abuse, while a school monitoring subcommittee was established following the incident at Igbenedion Primary and Secondary School.

The commissioner further disclosed that the ministry shut down an allegedly illegal children’s home in Owan East Local Government Area in April and handed its operator over to law enforcement.

She said the ministry also rescued a newborn in Ubiaja and reunited three children with their families, as part of its broader efforts to strengthen child protection and welfare in Edo State.