Category: Nigerian Tribune

Former Rivers State governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has said Atiku Abubakar will restore electricity subsidy if elected president in 2027.

Amaechi made the statement on Thursday while visiting wards across Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he delivered the campaign message of Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate.

He said the electricity tariff regime under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration had significantly increased the cost of electricity for consumers following the removal of subsidy.

Amaechi cited his own electricity bill as an example, saying what he previously paid as N500,000 per month had risen to N4 million.

‘My house electricity bill was N500,000; now I pay N4 million. Atiku said if he comes, I will go back to N500,000. No more Band A and B because government will subsidise it,’ he said.

The former governor also criticised the removal of petrol subsidy, blaming the policy for higher transportation costs and rising food prices.

‘He (Tinubu) just held microphone and didn’t care. He just said remove subsidy. Since he removed subsidy, transportation increased, food prices increased – tomatoes, corn, everything,’ Amaechi said.

Amaechi further attributed the worsening economic conditions to insecurity, particularly its impact on farmers and food production.

He said insecurity had prevented many farmers from accessing their farms, a situation he linked to reduced food production and higher food prices.

‘Insecurity also increased. You no even fit go farm, and government doesn’t care. Atiku said he will bring back subsidy. If Atiku brings back subsidy, everything will come down,’ he said.

The Exceptional Leadership and Integrity Promotion Initiative (ELIP-Initiative), a non-governmental organisation, has generated about 1,500 demands from citizens for consideration in the Jigawa State Government’s 2027 budget.

The Executive Director of ELIP-Initiative, Comrade Isah Mustapha, disclosed this during citizens’ budget town hall meetings organised across the three senatorial districts in collaboration with the Jigawa State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Mustapha said the annual consultation was designed to allow citizens and other stakeholders to contribute directly to the formulation of the state’s budget.

He said representatives from all the 287 political wards participated in the exercise, with each ward expected to identify three priority projects or interventions for consideration in the 2027 budget.

According to him, between 1,200 and 1,500 inputs were generated from the consultations, with participants sensitised on the need to distinguish between genuine community needs and wants and focus on interventions that would have direct impact on the people.

He said the consultations focused on human capital development, health, education, empowerment, environment, water and sanitation, stressing that government must prioritise projects based on available resources.

Mustapha warned that an unrealistic budget could frustrate development efforts and undermine citizens’ confidence in government, particularly where projects captured in the budget were not implemented because revenue projections were overstated.

‘When citizens see projects in the budget that are not implemented, they may assume that the money has been siphoned. This is one of the conversations we are having,’ he said.

He said projections under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) indicated about N570 billion, while expected revenue was approximately N560 billion, stressing that the figures called for caution in determining the size of the 2027 budget.

The executive director said consultations were ongoing with the Planning Board and State Executive Council to ensure that the 2027 budget reflected the state’s financial capacity.

He added that the 2027-2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Plan was already available, urging the government to concentrate scarce resources on projects with the greatest impact instead of spreading funds thinly.

‘We need strategic prioritisation of our spending,’ Mustapha said.

He explained that the inputs generated from the town hall meetings would be analysed according to ministries, departments and agencies, as well as constituencies, before being forwarded for consideration in the budget process.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Babandi Umar Gantsa, represented by the Director of Budget, Malam Auwalu Muhammad, said citizens’ participation remained an important component of the state’s budget process.

Muhammad said the engagement was anchored on the constitutional responsibility of government to promote the security and welfare of the people while harnessing available resources for their prosperity and wellbeing.

The meeting was also used to present the 2025 budget performance, which showed that Jigawa spent N491.619 billion out of the N756.3 billion approved expenditure, representing 65 per cent implementation.

The presentation showed that actual revenue stood at N550.656 billion against the projected N756.3 billion, representing 73 per cent performance.

Federal Account Allocation contributed N254.595 billion against N325.7 billion projected, while internally generated revenue stood at N89.608 billion against the N141.333 billion target.

Aids and grants recorded 100 per cent performance, with N47.977 billion realised, while no revenue was obtained from the N79.25 billion projected from loans.

Other revenue sources generated N82.691 billion against N62.039 billion projected, representing 133 per cent performance.

On expenditure, personnel costs recorded 97 per cent implementation, with N88.825 billion spent out of N91.257 billion budgeted. Overhead expenditure stood at 79 per cent, with N52.37 billion spent out of N66.137 billion, while debt servicing recorded 96 per cent implementation.

Capital expenditure recorded 58 per cent implementation, with N344.351 billion spent out of N588.84 billion budgeted.

Infrastructure received N156.049 billion, of which N119.192 billion was spent, while education recorded 59 per cent implementation, with N62.293 billion spent out of N105.412 billion budgeted.

The health sector achieved 72 per cent implementation, with N30.881 billion spent out of N43.613 billion allocated.

Agriculture received N26.346 billion out of N60.057 billion budgeted, while N7.515 billion was spent on water projects from the N13.245 billion allocation.

Stakeholders at the meetings urged Governor Umar Namadi to adopt realistic revenue projections and strategic spending in the 2027 budget to prevent project abandonment and loss of public confidence.

The participants also kicked against the proposed N1 trillion budget size for the state, arguing that the 2027 budget should be anchored on Jigawa’s actual revenue-generating capacity and prevailing financial realities.

Recently, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, requested the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to review the existing three-letter location code, ‘QRW’, assigned to Osubi Airport in Delta State, with a view to adopting a code that more accurately reflects the airport’s official name and geographical identity.

The request has opened an important conversation about how airports are named, identified and positioned within Nigeria’s evolving aviation landscape.

At first glance, the issue may appear to be simply about three letters on a ticket, boarding pass or reservation system. But airport codes and names can carry significant geographical, commercial and psychological implications.

In the case of Osubi, the debate touches on a broader question: who and what should an airport represent; the community where it is physically located or the city, region and economic centre it primarily serves?

The assumption that an airport must necessarily bear the name of the town or community where its runway and terminal are located may appear logical. However, global aviation practice shows that this is not always the case.

Airports are frequently named after major cities, metropolitan areas or economic centres even when they are physically located outside those cities. This is largely because an airport is more than the land on which its infrastructure is built. It is a transportation gateway serving a wider population, commercial centre, metropolitan area or economic corridor.

In Nigeria, there are already examples where the commonly used airport identity is not necessarily limited to the immediate locality in which the airport is situated. The Asaba airport is not precisely in Asaba, but in a neighbouring Okpanam town, in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State.

The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), for instance, is located in Ikeja, but its identity is strongly associated with Lagos, the metropolitan and commercial centre it serves.

Similarly, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) is identified with Abuja, although the airport is outside the central urban area of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Margaret Ekpo International Airport, in Calabar provides a different example, as the airport and the city with which it is identified largely correspond.

The practice is even more pronounced internationally. Newark Liberty International Airport is physically located in Newark, New Jersey, but it is an important airport serving the wider New York metropolitan area. John F. Kennedy International Airport is located in Queens, New York City, yet its identity is primarily associated with the city and metropolitan region it serves.

London Stansted Airport is another example. It is located near Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex, but is marketed and recognised as one of the airports serving London. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is located in Roissy-en-France, outside the city of Paris, while Milan Malpensa Airport is situated in Ferno, in the province of Varese, rather than within Milan itself.

These examples demonstrate that an airport identity is not always determined strictly by the municipality in which the runway is located.

However, the airport in question is physically located in Osubi, but it has historically been associated with Warri Airport. Warri is the more known commercial and economic centre within the axis served by the airport and has long been the reference point for many passengers, businesses and aviation stakeholders using the facility.

The airport serves an area whose economic importance extends well beyond its immediate host community. The Warri axis remains an important economic corridor in the Niger Delta, with significant oil and gas activities, businesses, contractors, professionals and other commercial interests.

For many travellers unfamiliar with the geography of Delta State, ‘Warri’ is likely to be a more immediately recognisable destination than ‘Osubi’. That distinction matters in modern aviation, where passenger convenience, destination recognition and commercial visibility are increasingly important.

Meanwhile, communities that provide land for airports and other major aviation infrastructure often bear environmental, social and infrastructural consequences associated with such facilities. They may contend with land-use restrictions, increased traffic, noise and other impacts while receiving relatively little recognition for their contribution. It would therefore be unfair to suggest that the geographical identity of the host community is irrelevant. The challenge is finding a model that recognises both realities.

One practical approach could be to preserve the established identity of the major city or economic centre while clearly acknowledging the physical location of the airport, for instance, through a formulation such as ‘Warri Airport, Osubi’ or ‘Osubi (Warri) Airport’.

In the end, an airport is not merely where an aircraft lands. It is a gateway to a city, a region and an economy. Its identity should reflect all three.

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has been appointed by Air France-KLM as its ticketing General Sales Agent (GSA) in Nigeria, expanding the aviation services company’s role in the commercial representation of the European airline group.

Under the five-year agreement, NAHCO, through its subsidiary NAHCO Travel and Hospitality Limited, will sell Air France-KLM tickets to travellers and travel management companies across Nigeria.

The appointment represents a new commercial arrangement between the two companies and goes beyond the services previously provided by NAHCO to the airline group.

Under their previous arrangement, NAHCO managed Air France-KLM’s Airport Ticket Offices (ATO) at the terminal as part of the Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA) between both parties.

The new GSA agreement is separate from the ground handling arrangement and gives NAHCO a wider commercial mandate covering City Ticketing Office sales and retail ticket distribution throughout Nigeria.

The development marks an expansion of NAHCO’s activities beyond its traditional aviation handling business.

NAHCO has built its aviation business around services, including ramp handling, cargo processing, passenger handling and baggage services. The Air France-KLM agreement adds a direct ticketing and sales function to that portfolio.

Through NAHCO Travel and Hospitality, the company will now be responsible for selling tickets on behalf of the carrier across the Nigerian market.

The move fits into NAHCO Group’s strategy of expanding into higher-value aviation services and strengthening its position within the wider airline commercial services market. It also gives the company a larger role in the relationship between Air France-KLM and the Nigerian travel trade.

Speaking on the appointment, NAHCO’s Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, Prince Saheed Lasisi, described the agreement as a milestone in the longstanding relationship between both organisations.

He said the move from airport terminal ticketing under the traditional SGHA to full commercial ticketing authority across Nigeria demonstrated the confidence Air France-KLM had placed in NAHCO’s corporate capabilities and market reach.

Lasisi said, ‘Moving from airport terminal ticketing under the traditional SGHA to assuming full commercial ticketing authority across Nigeria demonstrates the immense trust Air France-KLM places in our corporate capabilities and market reach.’

The five-year duration of the agreement gives NAHCO a long-term mandate to handle Air France-KLM ticket sales and distribution in Nigeria.

The appointment is also significant for NAHCO Travel and Hospitality, which now takes on a more prominent role in airline sales and distribution.

General Sales Agents typically serve as an airline’s commercial representatives in markets where they are appointed, handling activities such as ticket sales, trade relationships and distribution.

For NAHCO, the new mandate creates an opportunity to use its established presence in the Nigerian aviation and travel market to support Air France-KLM’s commercial activities.

Nigeria is one of the largest aviation and travel markets in West Africa, making effective local sales and distribution an important part of an international airline’s commercial strategy.

The agreement is expected to strengthen Air France-KLM’s commercial presence and distribution network in Nigeria.

The airline group will leverage NAHCO’s local market knowledge, corporate infrastructure and relationships with travel management companies and other industry stakeholders.

For Nigerian travellers and travel agencies, the arrangement places NAHCO Travel and Hospitality in a more direct position within the sales and distribution chain for Air France-KLM tickets.

The partnership also gives NAHCO an opportunity to deepen its relationship with the travel trade beyond its traditional airport-based operations.

The company said the agreement would support Air France-KLM’s commercial agility in West Africa’s largest market while helping the airline group improve its reach among Nigerian travellers and travel management companies.

The Air France-KLM appointment comes as NAHCO continues to broaden its business beyond conventional ground handling. For Air France-KLM, the arrangement provides a local commercial partner with established knowledge of the Nigerian aviation and travel market.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday resumed hearing on the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and officials of the party’s primary election committee presenting evidence on the emergence of Dr Olumuyiwa Daramola as the winner.

The case, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, arose from a challenge to the conduct and outcome of the APC primary election, as well as the alleged subsequent substitution of Daramola’s name as the party’s candidate for the constituency.

At the resumed hearing, INEC, through its representative, confirmed that the commission monitored the primary election conducted by the APC and received the result declaring Daramola the winner.

The electoral body also tendered a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the result before the court, providing documentary evidence of the outcome recorded at the primary.

The Chairman of the APC House of Representatives Primary Election Committee for Ondo State, Hon Harry Iboroma, was also called to testify on the conduct of the exercise and the declaration of the result.

Iboroma told the court that, as chairman of the committee responsible for conducting the primary, he announced the result after the votes cast by the aspirants had been collated.

He further swore to an affidavit in which he affirmed that the lawful votes collated at the primary produced Daramola as the winner.

The Collation Officer for the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency primary, Hon Wale Ogunmade, subsequently gave the court a breakdown of the votes recorded by the aspirants.

Ogunmade testified under oath that Daramola polled 6,547 votes to defeat his closest challenger, the incumbent, Hon Jimi Odimayo, who scored 827 votes.

The figures presented before the court showed a substantial margin between Daramola and his closest challenger, with the result forming a major part of the evidence relied upon in determining the dispute over the primary.

In addition to the oral and documentary evidence, video footage showing the announcement of the primary election result was played before the court.

The evidence presented by the electoral commission and the APC officials was consequently placed before the court for consideration alongside the arguments of the parties in the suit.

The proceedings focused on the validity of the primary election result and the events surrounding the recognition of the candidate for the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.

After the parties had presented their arguments and the court had considered the evidence before it, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter for judgment and ruling.

The court fixed October 19, 2026, for the delivery of its judgment and ruling on the case.

Daramola dragged Odimayo to court over the outcome of the primary, challenging the decision of the National Working Committee of the APC confirming Odimayo as the party’s candidate.

Addiction is called a brain disease because repeated use of drugs changes the way the brain works. It is not simply a matter of weak willpower. Research has shown that addictive substances affect the brain’s reward system, especially the dopamine reward pathway, which controls pleasure, motivation, learning, and habit formation.

When someone repeatedly uses drugs, the substances hijack the brain reward system responsible for the experience of pleasure. The patient also begins to lose interest in normal activities such as eating, spending time with family, working, or achieving personal goals. This is why many people find it extremely difficult to stop using drugs without proper treatment.

Addiction can also be genetic or secondary to psychiatric disorders or become physical illness. A person’s environment, emotional well-being, and life experiences also play important roles. Individuals who grow up in environments where drugs are easily available or who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, or low self-esteem have a higher risk of developing substance use disorders.

Because addiction involves changes in the brain, it is a medical condition that can be approached through appropriate psychiatric intervention and other psychosocial care, counseling, medication, and rehabilitation.

What changes occur in the brain that makes addiction so difficult to overcome?

Addiction affects several parts of the brain, not just one area. Repeated drug use changes important brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood, pleasure, motivation, and behavior. Over time, the brain adapts to these substances and begins to depend on them to function normally.

Genetics also contributes significantly. Some people naturally have a higher risk of becoming addicted because of inherited traits. When these genetic factors combine with repeated drug use and environmental influences, the likelihood of an individual developing addiction increases. This explains why addiction is regarded as a complex brain disorder rather than a personal weakness.

In Nigeria, substances such as tramadol, codeine, cannabis, and methamphetamine are commonly abused. Which of these causes the greatest psychiatric problems?

Every psychoactive substance has the potential to cause serious harm. Rather than focusing on one particular drug, it is important to understand that different substances affect the brain in different ways. Some stimulate the brain, others slow it down, while some distort perception and thinking.

One major concern among psychiatrists is the increasing number of patients who develop psychotic symptoms after using drugs. Sometimes these symptoms appear shortly after drug use, but in many cases, drug use reveals an underlying mental illness that had previously gone unnoticed. As a result, many patients are diagnosed with both a substance use disorder and another psychiatric condition.

Another growing concern is polydrug use. Many young people no longer use a single substance. Instead, they combine drugs such as tramadol, codeine, cannabis, alcohol, and other substances to produce stronger effects. These dangerous mixtures often referred to as ‘cocktails’, greatly increase the risk of severe mental illness, overdose, and other serious health complications.

Is drug abuse limited to certain social or economic groups?

No. Drug abuse affects people from every social class. Treatment centres receive patients from wealthy families, professional homes, religious backgrounds, and low-income communities alike. Addiction does not discriminate based on occupation, education, or financial status.

The internet has also contributed to this growing challenge. Young people now have easier access to information about different drugs, making experimentation more common. Unlike in the past, when many people started with alcohol or tobacco before progressing to stronger substances, some young people now begin directly with cannabis, methamphetamine, or other highly addictive drugs. This changing pattern has made substance abuse more widespread and difficult to control.

Many young people believe cannabis is natural and therefore harmless. What is your opinion on this?

That belief is misleading and can be dangerous. Although cannabis is a plant, being natural does not automatically make it safe. Many naturally occurring substances can be harmful to human health.

Cannabis has been linked to several mental health problems, particularly psychosis. The risk is even greater for individuals who have a family history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Research has also shown that long-term cannabis use may lead to structural changes in the brain, including reduced brain volume. These changes can affect motivation, memory, concentration, and decision-making.

In addition to its effects on mental health, cannabis can also harm physical health. Regular smoking increases the risk of chronic respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, while prolonged use has also been associated with reproductive health problems in both men and women. For these reasons, cannabis should never be regarded as harmless simply because it is natural.

What signs should parents look out for if they suspect that their children may be using drugs?

Parents should pay close attention to noticeable changes in their children’s behaviour and daily routines. One of the earliest warning signs is increased secrecy or withdrawal from family activities. A child who suddenly becomes unusually private or avoids communication may require closer attention.

Another important sign is a sudden decline in academic performance or a loss of interest in school and other responsibilities. Parents should also watch for changes in appearance and behaviour, such as wearing sunglasses indoors, using strong perfumes to hide unusual smells, or having unexplained marks on the body that could suggest drug injection.

While these signs do not automatically confirm drug use, they should encourage parents to have open conversations with their children and seek professional help if necessary.

Some young people claim that cannabis or alcohol helps them study better or improves their concentration. Is this claim true?

Some drugs may temporarily make a person feel more alert, relaxed, or focused. However, these effects are short-lived and can be misleading. With continued use, these substances gradually reduce memory, concentration, motivation, and the ability to make sound decisions.

Although users may believe they are performing better, the long-term effects are harmful and often interfere with learning, productivity, and emotional well-being. There is no scientific evidence that regular drug use improves academic performance over time.

When depression, anxiety, and addiction occur together, which usually comes first?

There is no single answer because the relationship works both ways. Some people already have mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety and begin using drugs in an attempt to cope with emotional distress. Others develop anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric problems after prolonged substance use.

Mental health challenges can begin at a very young age, even before someone starts using drugs. This is why every patient should receive a proper mental health assessment to determine the underlying cause and provide the most appropriate treatment.

If addiction is a medical condition, why are many people with substance use disorders arrested instead of receiving treatment?

This reflects a major weakness in the current system. Addiction should be treated as a health condition rather than simply a criminal offence. Unfortunately, many individuals with substance use disorders are punished instead of being offered psychiatric care and rehabilitation.

Where a person has committed a criminal offence, the legal process should continue, but this should be combined with appropriate medical treatment. Addressing both the legal and health aspects of addiction offers a better chance of recovery and reduces the risk of future drug-related problems.

Why do we condemn drug use on one hand, yet drugs are often glorified in music, movies, and social media?

This is largely due to weak enforcement of existing policies. When celebrities and social media influencers portray drug use as fashionable or desirable, they indirectly encourage young people to experiment with drugs. Although regulations exist, they are often not properly enforced. Stronger monitoring and responsible media representation are essential to reduce the normalisation of drug use.

Some people argue that individuals have the right to do whatever they want with their own bodies, including using harmful substances. What is your response?

From both medical and ethical perspectives, protecting life and health remains a priority. Substance use that threatens a person’s well-being should never be viewed simply as a personal choice without consequences. Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to provide treatment and support for individuals struggling with addiction, rather than ignoring the problem.

What is the biggest misconception Nigerians have about drug addiction?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that addiction results from poor character or lack of discipline. Many people rely on rumours, social media, or misinformation instead of seeking advice from qualified healthcare professionals.

The truth is that addiction is a complex medical condition with biological, psychological, and social causes. Effective treatment requires professional assessment, counselling, rehabilitation, family support, and, where necessary, medication.

How common are drug-related psychiatric cases in your clinical practice?

Drug-related mental health problems have become increasingly common. A large proportion of patients seen in psychiatric clinics today have substance use disorders or mental illnesses that are directly or indirectly linked to drug abuse. This highlights the growing burden of substance use on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Have you encountered any particularly memorable cases of addiction?

Yes. One of the most heartbreaking experiences involved a young person from a well-educated and financially stable family. The case demonstrated that addiction does not discriminate. Regardless of a person’s educational background, occupation, or social status, anyone can become addicted if the risk factors are present. It also showed how difficult recovery can be once addiction becomes severe, reinforcing the importance of early prevention and treatment.

Is addiction common among professionals?

Yes. Addiction affects people across every profession. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, clergy, military personnel, law enforcement officers, and many other professionals have all been treated for substance use disorders. Addiction should therefore be seen as a public health issue that affects society as a whole rather than a problem limited to a particular group.

Some people believe that drug users are arrested while those responsible for supplying drugs often escape punishment. What is your opinion?

Tackling drug abuse requires addressing both the demand for drugs and their supply. As long as illegal drugs remain easily accessible, substance abuse will continue to increase. Effective enforcement should therefore target both drug traffickers and users, while ensuring that individuals living with addiction receive appropriate medical care.

The Osun State House of Assembly has passed the Osun State University (UNIOSUN) Establishment Amendment Bill 2026 into law, with the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, saying the legislation would strengthen the institution and promote greater public interest in its development.

The bill was passed during plenary on Thursday following a motion moved by the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Adekunle Emmanuel, and seconded by Hon. Sanmi Areoye, representing the Atakumosa East and Atakumosa West State Constituencies, respectively.

Egbedun, while speaking on the passage of the bill, said the amendment would provide a stronger legal framework for the effective administration and development of the state-owned university.

He said the legislation would also create room for experienced personnel within the university system to contribute their expertise towards improving the institution.

According to the Speaker, the amendment would encourage more people to bring their experience and knowledge to bear on the growth of the university.

‘The bill will inspire others to contribute to the development of the institution,’ he said.

Egbedun added that the amendment would bring a series of benefits to UNIOSUN and further enhance its capacity to meet the educational needs of the state.

Before its final passage, the Assembly dissolved into a Committee of the Whole to undertake further consideration of the bill.

During the consideration, members made corrections and amendments, which were incorporated into the final version of the legislation.

The Speaker explained that the remaining administrative processes would be concluded before the final copy of the bill is produced.

He said the legislation would subsequently be forwarded to Governor Ademola Adeleke for his assent, in line with the legislative process.

The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Ebonyi State has stepped down for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, ahead of the 2027 general election.

The State Chairman of the NNPP, Chief Ifeanyi Ojeogu, announced the adoption in Abakaliki when he led party leaders and members to the PDP secretariat to declare their support for Odii.

Ojeogu said the party took the decision because of Odii’s pedigree and the impact he made across the state during the 2023 elections.

The NNPP chairman explained that while the party has its own structure in the state, it had resolved to queue behind Odii to rescue Ebonyi from the APC-led administration.

‘We are not collapsing into PDP. When you see something good in your neighbour’s home and you need that thing, you go close to that person either to beg him or to support him to get it,’ Ojeogu said.

‘This is exactly what we have done by endorsing Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, the PDP governorship candidate. As far as the 2027 governorship election is concerned, we the NNPP have resolved and adopted Ifeanyi Odii.’

He added that Odii demonstrated capacity in 2023 and remains the best option to ‘recover Ebonyi State’ in 2027.

Responding on behalf of Odii, Chief Mark Onu, Youth President of the Odii Support Group, assured NNPP members of equal treatment in the PDP.

He urged them not to be deterred by alleged threats against the opposition by the APC-led administration in the state.

‘There is nothing you can do on earth to silence a courageous man because for you to be courageous, you must be determined,’ Onu said.

‘We are determined to recover Ebonyi State. We are determined to work hard to make sure that Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii becomes the governor of Ebonyi State in 2027.’

He said the PDP would do everything lawful to protect its members and supporters, stressing that the party remains committed to providing credible alternatives for the people.

Political observers described the NNPP endorsement as a major boost for the PDP ahead of 2027, noting that opposition parties in the state are beginning to close ranks against the ruling APC.

A coalition of labour leaders in Ondo State has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, promising to mobilise workers and other voters across the state’s 18 local government areas for the president.

The group, under the aegis of Labour for Good Governance, said its decision was based on what it described as the Tinubu administration’s achievements in workers’ welfare, infrastructure, economic reforms and security.

The endorsement was made in Akure during a programme organised by the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), where veteran labour leaders declared that the President deserved a second term to consolidate his policies and reforms.

The President of Labour for Good Governance in Ondo State and former Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Solomon Adelegan, described the Tinubu administration as the most worker-friendly government in recent history.

Adelegan, also a former president of the Amalgamated Union, said the administration had introduced reforms that were positively affecting workers and Nigerians generally.

He singled out reforms in passport administration under the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, saying the process had become faster and more efficient.

‘Within a week or two weeks, your passport will be ready, unlike in the past, which would take months or years. The President and his cabinet have been able to bring it down to the lowest minimum,’ he said.

The labour leader also commended the Federal Government for its ongoing road and infrastructure projects, saying the scale of development under Tinubu was unprecedented.

‘When we also look at the ongoing infrastructure and road construction, no government in Nigeria has done well as President Tinubu,’ Adelegan said.

Also speaking, former NLC Chairman in Ondo State, Comrade Bosede Daramola, said the administration’s economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, had created more resources for state governments to meet their obligations.

According to her, the subsidy regime benefited only a few people, while its removal had increased the resources available to governments for payment of salaries and other commitments.

‘State governors have enough to pay salaries. Any state governor that is unable to pay salaries now should be held responsible by the labour in that state because they have enough money to pay their gratuities,’ she said.

Daramola also praised the administration’s approach to security and infrastructure development, saying the achievements recorded so far justified the labour group’s decision to support Tinubu’s re-election.

The Director-General of AMG, Olumuyiwa Asagunla, said the endorsement was not imposed on the labour leaders, insisting that they came voluntarily after assessing the performance of the Tinubu administration.

‘These people have been coming willingly. That’s just the joy of it because they have seen the good work of Asiwaju himself and then they appreciate what he’s doing at the federal level,’ Asagunla said.

He disclosed that Tunji-Ojo had been sponsoring a series of endorsement programmes involving different groups in the state, including persons living with disabilities.

Asagunla said the group was also embarking on voter education and mobilisation, noting that although Ondo had about two million registered voters, only between 400,000 and 500,000 usually turned out during elections.

He said the group would continue to sensitise residents on the importance of voting and holding elected officials accountable.

‘We’ve been going out to tell people that it’s their right to elect anybody or to get anybody that is not performing well out of office. It’s their right to re-elect or elect somebody that is doing well,’ he said.

At the event, Tinubu was presented with an award of exemplary leadership, while a similar honour was presented to Tunji-Ojo in recognition of his contributions to grassroots mobilisation in the state.

The labour leaders thereafter pledged to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.

The Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, has called for urgent, coordinated and evidence-based action to protect Nigeria’s forests, warning that the country cannot afford to lose the forest resources that sustain its future.

Professor Akindele made the call while delivering a keynote address on the state of Nigeria’s forests at the International Forestry Students’ Symposium (IFSS) 2026, a major global two-week gathering of forestry students under the aegis of the International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA). Delegates of IFSS were at Redeemer’s University from Saturday, August 22, to Tuesday, August 25.

In his address, Prof. Akindele stressed that forests should no longer be regarded merely as environmental assets but as critical infrastructure for food, water, climate security, biodiversity and livelihoods.

According to him, Nigeria still possesses a significant forest asset, with the latest Forest Resources Assessment putting the country’s forest area at 17.13 million hectares, representing 18.5 per cent of the national land area as of 2025. However, he expressed concern over the persistent decline in forest cover, describing Nigeria as a country with ‘shrinking, fragmented and unevenly governed forest assets’.

Professor Akindele, a professor of forest biometrics, noted that Nigeria’s forest area declined by 20.6 per cent between 1990 and 2025, describing the continuous downward trend as particularly dangerous. He further disclosed that Global Forest Watch estimated about 240,000 hectares of natural forest loss in Nigeria in 2025 alone, while approximately 1.1 million hectares of forest were lost between 2021 and 2025.

He identified permanent agriculture as the dominant driver of deforestation in the country, noting that forest conservation cannot succeed through forest policy alone. Rather, he said, forestry must be connected with agriculture, energy, infrastructure, mining, land tenure and local livelihoods.

‘Forest outcomes are shaped by agriculture, energy, infrastructure, mining, land tenure, and local livelihoods. So as foresters, if we are to succeed, we must be willing and ready to talk with others, other stakeholders, other land users so that we can all come to terms,’ he stated.

Addressing young forestry professionals, Professor Akindele urged them to take ownership of Nigeria’s forest future rather than inherit the country’s existing forest crisis.

‘Do not inherit the forest crisis, and this is a special appeal to you as young foresters. Rather, inherit the responsibility to solve it,’ he said.

He urged them to make three commitments: ‘Measure what is happening, defend what cannot be replaced, and restore what can be renewed. And make sure that restoration pays.’

Professor Akindele concluded by emphasising the interconnectedness of science, society, markets and environmental stewardship in securing Nigeria’s forests for generations to come.

‘Nigeria’s forest future will be built by people who can connect science, society, markets and stewardship. Let us prepare the present so that Nigeria’s forest can sustain the future. A forest future is a human choice,’ he declared.

Professor Akindele also highlighted governance as a critical dimension of Nigeria’s forest challenge. He emphasised that merely designating land as a forest reserve does not guarantee its protection, noting that effective conservation requires adequate staffing, financing, community legitimacy, ecological monitoring, enforcement and credible benefits for local communities.

He cited community participation in Cross River State as an example of how local communities could become active partners in forest protection. According to him, a model that enabled communities to benefit from government revenue generated from legally harvested timber encouraged residents to take responsibility for safeguarding the forests against illegal activities.

The Vice-Chancellor further stressed the importance of technology in improving forest management and monitoring. He noted that advances in drones, satellite imagery, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mobile applications were making forest measurement more accessible and efficient, particularly in developing countries where conventional forestry equipment can be prohibitively expensive.

However, he cautioned that data collection alone would not solve Nigeria’s forest crisis.

‘Measurement is only valuable when it leads to change in behaviour. When it leads to change in decisions. It’s not enough to just have all these statistics and display the data and say, we have this, we have this,’ he said, stressing the need for forest data to influence policy and practical decision-making.

Professor Akindele also advocated a more strategic approach to forest restoration, warning that planting trees should not be equated with restoring forests. He called for restoration programmes to consider watershed, soil, climate, biodiversity and livelihood objectives, with emphasis on planting appropriate native species and establishing effective governance structures.

He further urged stakeholders to recognise the security dimension of forest management, noting that some forest areas have increasingly become hideouts for criminal elements. He emphasised the importance of local knowledge when planning forestry interventions, particularly in areas where security conditions could compromise field operations.

Looking ahead, Professor Akindele outlined eight priority areas for Nigeria’s forest agenda, including protecting the country’s remaining intact forests, making land-use planning effective, institutionalising forest monitoring, professionalising enforcement, securing community participation, shifting restoration towards measurable outcomes, modernising the forest economy and investing in the next generation.

He equally called for a transformation in the training and career outlook of young forestry graduates, saying the sector needs professionals who can combine traditional forestry knowledge with data science, remote sensing, GIS, artificial intelligence, economics, climate science, restoration ecology, governance, community enterprise and communication.