Category: Nigerian Tribune

The research, published in Acta Psychologica, found that gamers generally performed slightly better than non-gamers on tests of memory, attention, spatial reasoning and cognitive control. However, the improvements were modest, with memory showing the most consistent benefit.

Researchers from Shanghai Normal University had analysed data from 133 studies involving 14,245 participants of different ages and health backgrounds to better understand the relationship between gaming and brain function.

The team found that people who regularly played video games tended to perform better on a range of cognitive tests than those who did not.

In studies that tracked people before and after a gaming intervention, participants also showed small, but measurable improvements in overall cognitive performance.

Memory emerged as the strongest area of improvement across the different types of studies analysed.

The researchers suggested that video games may strengthen memory because they require players to navigate complex virtual environments, solve problems and remember locations, objectives and strategies. Many games also provide frequent rewards, which stimulate the release of dopamine, a brain chemical involved in motivation and memory formation.

The review also found that gamers performed better on tasks involving spatial ability, such as mentally rotating objects, as well as visual attention and cognitive control, which helps people focus, ignore distractions and switch efficiently between tasks.

Surprisingly, the type of game made little difference. Whether participants played puzzle games, strategy games, action titles, or motion-controlled games, the cognitive benefits were broadly similar. Age, gender and cultural background also did not significantly influence the results.

Despite the encouraging findings, the researchers cautioned that the benefits were relatively small and that the quality of the available evidence was generally moderate. The studies varied widely in how long participants played, the games they used, and how cognitive abilities were measured, making it difficult to determine the ideal amount or type of gaming.

The researchers also noted that most studies did not follow participants long enough to determine whether the mental benefits persist over time.

While the findings do not suggest that video games are a substitute for education, exercise, or other healthy habits, they indicate that gaming may be a useful addition to activities that help keep the brain active across the lifespan.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday underscored the need to protect domestic refineries as part of ongoing efforts aimed at the actualisation of the energy security policy and attracting foreign investments into the country.

Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, stated this in Abuja during an interactive session with the Independent Petroleum Marketing Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) on importation and domestic refining in the downstream petroleum sector.

In his remarks, Hon. Ugochinyere, who harped on the need to resolve all contentious industry-wide issues, said: ‘We’ll be meeting with the NMDPRA, NUPRC, and the refiners, both the modular refinery owners and the big-time refinery owners, and also with NPA and other regulated bodies, both CBN, on the issues that have been raised. Because this will form part of our downstream reform, both for the amendment of the PIA and for the motions that will move on some of the issues that need to be corrected. And that is why we needed to meet with the people.

‘And also, we have taken special note of the issue you raised on the issue of dollar denominated charges by the Nigerian Port Authority. It’s not good for the economy that at this point, that the FS market has that we should be charging people who are dealing with domestic downstream activities in dollar. That affects the pump price of the PMS.

‘So that we have also taken note of. We have also taken note of what you said about the lopsidedness in the issuance of the import license, where you talked about both the first quarter, second quarter, and third quarter was given to a particular set of people.

‘Those questions, we are going to raise it when NMDPRA comes here, to find out how they arrive at the parameters they use in issuing those licenses. So we looked at all those issues, and then the one that has to do with the safe transport corridor, we’ll also take up with the Ministry of Works on how to ensure that the corridors for transportation is safe and accessible for those who are dealing in transportation of those petroleum products.

‘And also, one other issue that we’ll ask you people to help us, maybe when you are submitting your additional submissions, is that, because we are looking for solutions.

‘One, this issue of domestic refining and importation are issues that we should not shy away from. First of all, how do we protect and encourage owners of domestic refineries and how do we also protect the business of importation in terms of, are we going to continue importing the way we have been importing before the coming of these refineries, knowing fully well that more refineries are coming up. So in a matter of four, five, or 10 years, we may have up to pick five or six refineries.

‘So now, and then how do we ensure national energy security? We have some backup, like you said. In case if there’s any issues with our refineries that the countries can continue to run smoothly without any problem. So we need you need to make an honest suggestion of you know, it mustn’t be an immediate solution.

But how do we find a balance between these issues? Because yes, these refineries are coming up. We must accept that. And also, these marketers and others have built infrastructures over the years, we must also accept that.

‘So how do we, as we are having these refineries, it does have a system whereby those who are into the business of refining must find a relationship with marketers in terms of how to build a chain that continues to sustain their businesses. And then the marketers must also find a way that we cannot continue to import the volume that we used to import before the coming of these refineries.

‘So we now agree, how do we now find a middle ground of this is what should be imported at any given time as a matter of national energy security to protect the country and immune it from crisis. But we can’t run away because this is the reason why there have been distinctions over and over again. So we have to look at these issues and we are banking on the deep knowledge people have in the industry to say, okay, this is the transition process. This is how it’s going to be in terms of the relationship that should exist between owners of domestic refineries and marketers and the future status of importation, how it can be regulated.

‘These issues are very important to this committee and I want to propose those motions and legislation that will help to resolve it before the end of this hour assembly. So it’s very important that you guide us in providing those information. So when we now hear from the NNPCL, both from the NMDPRA and other stakeholders, we’ll get back to the people before we now make a decision as a committee.’

On his part, DAPMAN Executive Secretary, Mr Olufemi Adewole, who spoke on behalf of 37 depot owners and petroleum products bulk marketers and retailers involved in the supply, sourced locally or via importation, storage, distribution and sale of refined petroleum products in Nigeria, solicited for the House’s intervention in the formulation of good policies for the benefit of the economy and the Nigerian public generally.

He also highlighted the general challenges currently confronting marketers in the downstream sector, namely: short profits stemming from an uneven playing field, a structured trading environment where even with a single-source supplier, as well as issues relating to importation regulations and their impact on operations, issues relating to domestic refining, including engagement with local refineries and its effect on supply and pricing, and other matters.

He said: ‘From the records of the regulator NMDPRA, a staggered number of not less than 72 out of the 154 depots nationwide had no regular or consistent trading activity in the last one year. That is to tell you that they are just paying salaries and they are not doing any trading activity. This was primarily due to the uneven playing field, incessant trading activity losses, single-source supply environment, and inability to secure an alternative source of supply rather than a lack of interest or capacity.’

He, however, noted that as domestic refining output grows and national demand increases, the trucking model cannot absorb the additional volume without significant safety costs and congestion consequences. The Nigerian downstream petroleum sector, and indeed all Nigerians, welcomed the commencement of operations by the Dangote Refinery and had looked forward to the nation finally becoming self-sufficient through the refining capacity.

Our experience, and indeed that of the nation, has been that of mixed feelings, bordering on an almost total monopoly of the supply of premium motor spirit, or PMS, by the mega-refinery. As enshrined in the PIA 2021, the sector is fully deregulated, and as such, prices of petroleum products are determined by the interplay of free market parameters. However, we dare say that this is not the case. This has not been the experience, as we noted several drops towards the end of last year, and a few within the first half of 2026. The mega-refinery had announced and enforced prices outside the influence of the interplay of market forces, and this should not be allowed to continue.

‘Issues relating to importation regulations and their impact on operations. We have noted the efforts of the regulator, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, in their quest to provide against shortfalls in local refining volumes to meet required country needs. They had issued petroleum products import allocation slots and volumes to the same set of marketers in Q1 2026, the same set of marketers in Q2 2026, and the same set of marketers in Q3 2026. As if all other players in the sector are neither capable nor qualified. This is totally unacceptable to other players in the sector, and we would implore this esteemed committee to intervene and cause the regulator, the NMDPRA, to exhibit greater transparency and fairness in future fuel import allocations.’

According to him, after the refinery had earlier suspended coastal off-takes via ships, the suspension and the stoppage would have had very dire consequences for the nation had the import option been non-existent, which allowed for import permits to stave off the probability of serious shortfalls in fuel supplies.

In essence, and to avoid the embarrassing fuel queues rearing their head again, the import option, as enshrined in the PIA 2021, must be transparently executed and adhered to by all stakeholders. All domestic refineries should be encouraged to work with private depot operators on transparent, commercially sustainable, and mutually beneficial coastal and inland supply arrangements.

DAPMAN has engaged and will continue to engage the refinery management on trading and off-take service agreements and on the import option as enshrined in the PIA 2021.

The committee should encourage structured engagement, transparent nomination and allocation processes, and adequate advance notice of product availability so that depots can plan inventory, financing, and distribution properly.

Beyond working capital constraints, depot operators face a range of specific operational and regulatory obstacles that increase costs, reduce reliability, and discourage investments. Key issues: shallow waterways and channel restrictions. No fewer than 20 of the 154 licensed depots can receive ocean-going vessels carrying in excess of 25,000 tons of petroleum products due to draft restrictions in the channels serving the major depot clusters. These include the Apapa and Ijegun channels in Lagos, Ogara, Calabar, Mbor, Port Harcourt, Warri, Escravos, and Koko axis. Operators are forced to lighter their cargoes using smaller daughter vessels rather than co-loading to accommodate larger volumes and improve efficiency.

‘Inadequate pilotage and towage services: The Nigerian Port Authority is statutorily responsible for the provision of pilotage and towage services. In practice, prepared stock boat assignments frequently fail to materialise, that is when NPA gives us a stock boat. Even though we are paid for it, these stock boats don’t show up, forcing depot operators to hire independent vessels at additional cost, costing loading delays and demoralised exposures.

‘Duplicated and foreign currency denominated port charges: DAPPMAN members and indeed all marketers continue to report duplicated charges on fuel-laden vessels engaged in purely domestic listings and discharge operations, particularly on vessels lifting products from Dangote’s Lekki refinery for delivery to other locations within Nigeria. Marketers are invoiced for loading operations at the refinery and again at the discharge port. More critically, certain charges continue to be enforced in U.S. dollars, despite the entirely domestic nature of these transactions. This practice persists, notwithstanding a presidential directive conveyed by the late Chief of Staff, Mallam Anba Kari, to the then Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, directing the suspension of foreign exchange denominated billings for local operations. The directive appears not to have been implemented. DAPPMAN respectfully urges the committee to direct the relevant authorities to enforce compliance with this directive, fuel availability without a functioning depot, storage, and distribution network to move the product from the refinery gate to the consumers across the 36 states of the country. The two must coexist and be supported together.

Compliant import options should therefore remain available as regulated, balancing, and contingency mechanisms where there is refinery maintenance, outage, product quality issue, allocation delay, logistics bottleneck, port disruption, or any period in which domestic supply is inefficient. We strongly recommend the introduction and implementation of a competitive market framework supported by relevant sections of the PIA, including Sections 32, 182, 184, 205, 211, and 212, that ensure the continuous survival of the market.

DAPPMAN implores the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream to direct the development of a national downstream logistics map identifying priority product distribution corridors, critical bottlenecks, roads, bridges, depots, access points, channel depths, and specific infrastructure investments required to move Nigeria away from its current total dependence on truck hauling. The reactivation of the NNPCL pipeline and depot network is an important structural action available to address Nigeria’s logistics vulnerability.

The Committee should prioritise a credible assessment and a phased rehabilitation plan for viable pipeline corridors with clear operating responsibilities and a commercial tariff structure. Rail freight should be piloted on corridors where sufficient recurring volumes, safe loading and start infrastructure, and viable tariffs can be demonstrated.

‘The ongoing expansion of Nigeria’s rail network presents an opportunity to significantly develop rail-based petroleum product distribution for long-distance corridors.

‘The Federal Government should direct the NNPCL’s committee to urgently commence the dredging of channel routes serving major depot clusters, and the National Hydrographic Authority should update its navigational maps to support safe vessel passage at higher draft levels.

‘We urge that the Committee may want to embark on a troubleshooting effort on some of the stalled dredging projects, as the already approved plans only require strategic impetus for implementation and execution. Dredging of waterways and channels enables larger vessels access to more depot locations, improving economies of scale and reducing per unit supply costs.

‘The Cabotage Fund administered under the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Blue Economy should be reviewed with a view to a comprehensive plan for the development of the NNPCL. It should be reviewed with a view to accelerating disbursement to qualifying indigenous ship owners who are currently excluded from meaningful participation in domestic petroleum product freight operations, a sector with an annual turnover running into hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars.

The NNPCL pipeline network, a vital part of Nigeria’s strategic energy infrastructure, must be reactivated and repositioned to function as a primary distribution channel for petroleum products.

‘The existing NNPCL depot network, if rehabilitated and strategically operated, could serve as the initial pilot location for Nigeria’s strategic reserve, given its national spread across all geographical zones,’ the DAPPMAN helmsman noted.

In his presentation, National President Alhaji Abubakar Shettima averred that the Federal Government’s efforts to rehabilitate public refineries, encourage private investors in refining, improve regulatory oversight, and promote a competitive downstream market represent significant milestones towards strengthening Nigeria’s energy security and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.

‘Nevertheless, substantial challenges remain. Rising financing costs, multiple taxation, excessive regulatory charges, logistic constraints, inadequate storage infrastructure, limited access to refinery products, pipeline vandalisation, foreign exchange volatility, and insufficient institutional consultation continue to affect efficient petroleum distribution and increase costs ultimately borne by Nigerian consumers.

‘The recommendations contained herein seek to balance the interests of government, consumers, investors, refiners, marketers, and regulators, while promoting transparency, competition, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

While applauding President Bola Tinubu for removing substantial challenges and allowing the market to take the initiative, he underscored the need to strengthen domestic refining while preserving healthy market competition, ensure direct equitable access by marketers to locally refined petroleum products, and reduce avoidable regulatory costs that inflate pump prices.

Alhaji Shettima also called for improved access to affordable financing for downstream operators, modernisation of petroleum transportation and storage infrastructure as part of overall efforts aimed at promoting national energy security through strategic reserves, and encouraging investment and innovation within the downstream sector. He also called for the institutionalisation of stakeholder consultation in petroleum policy formulation.

Alhaji Shettima also called for a policy that would encourage multinationals involved in the importation of petroleum products to invest in domestic refineries, saying: ‘Since the coming of this private refinery, we independent petroleum marketers, we have come to observe there is proper supply of petroleum products and there is no queue and we come to realize that before we pick a product, when there is no active refinery, we have a lot of debts on by other supplier to us.

‘But presently now, we buy on cash and carry basis and get the product and discharge in our filling station.

Bxut that does not mean completely we are saying there is no importation. But what we are trying to say, let’s encourage Nigerian refiners because in the other days we fully depend on importation. But now today, Nigerians have started exporting petroleum products outside. And we are not doing this, so what we are always advocating we are trying to say those multinational companies let them see how they can construct refinery in Nigeria, so that to support the refinery that has started.

‘Then about the issue of taxation, the reason why you see we cry out about taxation, we independent petroleum marketers they normally charge us on our turnover and our turnover is always constant. But we have a restricted profit, so if the charges are so high, we have no option than to add that charges to Nigerian masses which is not good. So that is the reason why we are crying about taxation and the bank too, we are proposing if you will go through the memorandum that we have sent, we are proposing we petroleum marketers let’s have a Petroleum Bank that will give us a single digit charges, instead of going to the bank and carrying 32% charges because that 32% if we carry loan through the bank we are going to have a single digit charges so that is the reason that we are crying about taxation so that is the reason we have to carry 32% charges to the masses in terms of buying products.

‘So if we are like Bank of Industry now whereby they subsidize their existing Bank of Agriculture, so we want Petroleum Bank, so that the charges will become less and the product that we are selling too will reduce the price to the masses.’

While responding to the question bothering on abundant refineries that are not functioning, he said: ‘we independent petroleum marketers we are happy to see that all Nigerian refineries are functioning. But that question will be referred back to the NNPC they are the best people to answer this question but if a single handed bank can be able to construct a new refinery that at least will carry most of the Nigerian consumption and even carry it outside, I have seen no reason why Nigerian refineries too will not function.

But through our submission if Nigerian refineries if the government will allow independent petroleum marketers to participate in getting this refinery, we can be able to do our best to see that this refinery started functioning because this independent petroleum marketer that you have seen we constructed our private refinery well, private depot during Olusegun Obasanjo who supported us we bought the refinery which is now owned by Dockyard Land Liber Brozer in Dockyard and which is the NIPCO today. And if you observe NIPCO today is one of the biggest oil marketer in Nigeria today in terms of distribution.

‘So NIPCO is owned by independent petroleum marketers so the same thing if that hand can be put to the refinery I know definitely we can do our best to see that we revive this Nigerian refinery and start functioning.’

Nigeria has one of Africa’s most vibrant sports cultures. Football dominates conversations across the country, with millions of supporters following domestic competitions alongside the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, and international tournaments. As mobile internet access has expanded, the way people interact with sports has changed significantly. Fans now receive instant match updates, watch highlights on demand, compare statistics in real time, and access a wide variety of digital services through their smartphones.

The betting industry has evolved alongside these changes. Modern platforms offer much more than simple event listings. They provide live data, mobile accessibility, secure payment systems, and responsible gaming features designed to improve the overall customer experience. As the market has become more competitive, trust and regulation have become just as important as technology itself.

Today, users are increasingly looking beyond promotional offers and focusing on whether a platform operates transparently, securely, and within recognised legal frameworks.

Regulation Creates Greater Confidence

One of the biggest developments in recent years has been the growing emphasis on regulation.

Licensed operators are expected to comply with rules covering customer protection, secure financial transactions, responsible gaming, identity verification, and operational transparency. These requirements help establish clear standards across the industry while giving users greater confidence when choosing where to create an account.

For customers, licensing provides reassurance that a company is accountable to recognised regulatory authorities rather than operating without oversight.

This shift has encouraged many users to evaluate platforms based on credibility rather than marketing alone.

Technology Has Raised User Expectations

Today’s customers expect digital platforms to perform smoothly regardless of where they are or which device they use.

Modern betting platforms are designed to deliver:

fast loading times

intuitive navigation

live score integration

secure account management

reliable payment processing

responsive mobile interfaces

These features are no longer considered optional. They have become standard expectations among users who regularly manage banking, shopping, entertainment, and communication through their smartphones.

The companies that invest in technology are generally better positioned to meet these changing expectations.

Choosing a Licensed Platform Matters

As the Nigerian market continues to expand, selecting a trustworthy betting website has become increasingly important.

Rather than focusing only on the number of available events or promotional campaigns, users should also consider licensing, responsible gaming measures, payment security, customer support, and operational transparency. Betano Nigeria is one example of a licensed operator that provides access to a broad selection of sporting events while operating within a regulated environment designed for adult users. The platform combines mobile accessibility with secure account management and responsible gaming tools that reflect current industry standards.

Understanding these factors allows customers to make more informed decisions before registering with any online service.

Mobile Access Has Changed Customer Behaviour

Several years ago, many people primarily accessed betting services through desktop computers or physical locations.

Today, smartphones have become the primary point of access.

Users often:

review fixtures during lunch breaks

follow live matches while travelling

check statistics before kick-off

manage accounts from mobile apps

monitor multiple competitions simultaneously

This convenience has significantly influenced how digital betting services are designed.

Platforms must now deliver consistent performance across different screen sizes while maintaining speed, stability, and security.

Data Has Become Part of the Football Experience

Football supporters increasingly rely on statistics to understand matches more deeply.

Expected goals, passing accuracy, defensive actions, possession trends, player availability, and recent form all contribute to more informed discussions before every fixture.

These analytical tools are no longer reserved for coaches or television broadcasters.

Supporters now have immediate access to the same types of information through dedicated football websites, official league platforms, and mobile applications.

The result is a more knowledgeable audience that values evidence alongside traditional football opinions.

Responsible Gaming Has Become an Industry Priority

Responsible gaming has become an essential component of regulated betting markets around the world.

Many licensed operators now provide practical tools that help customers manage their activity responsibly.

These may include:

deposit limits

session reminders

cooling-off periods

self-exclusion options

account history tracking

These features encourage users to remain in control while recognising that betting should always be approached as a form of entertainment rather than a source of income.

The availability of responsible gaming tools has become one of the clearest distinctions between licensed operators and unregulated alternatives.

Customer Service Reflects Long-Term Commitment

A reliable customer support team is another important indicator of platform quality.

Even well-designed digital services occasionally require assistance with account verification, payment questions, or technical issues.

Operators that invest in responsive customer support demonstrate a commitment to maintaining long-term customer relationships rather than focusing solely on attracting new users.

Accessible help centres, live chat services, and clear communication channels all contribute to greater user confidence.

Innovation Continues Across the Industry

Technology continues to reshape the betting market at a rapid pace.

Artificial intelligence is helping personalise customer experiences, detect unusual account activity, improve fraud prevention, and deliver more relevant content based on user preferences.

Cloud computing has improved platform stability during major sporting events, while advanced encryption technologies continue strengthening online security.

As these innovations mature, customers can expect increasingly efficient and secure digital experiences across licensed platforms.

Reliable Information Helps Consumers Make Better Choices

Choosing a digital service becomes much easier when users rely on trusted sources of information.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regularly publishes guidance relating to digital services, consumer protection, cybersecurity awareness, and responsible internet usage. Although the organisation does not regulate betting operators, its educational resources help Nigerians understand broader online safety practices that are valuable whenever using internet-based services.

Combining digital awareness with careful research allows consumers to make more informed decisions across many types of online platforms.

Trust Will Continue to Define the Market

Technology will undoubtedly continue transforming Nigeria’s betting industry, introducing faster services, improved mobile experiences, and increasingly sophisticated digital features.

However, innovation alone is not enough.

Long-term success depends on trust. Customers increasingly value licensed operators that demonstrate transparency, invest in security, support responsible gaming, and provide reliable customer service. These qualities create stronger relationships than promotional campaigns ever could.

As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to grow, regulation, technology, and consumer confidence will remain closely connected. Users who prioritise these factors when selecting online services are far more likely to enjoy a secure, informed, and reliable experience while following the sports they love.

THE former minister of Youth and Sport, Barrister Solomon Dalung has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the only political party capable of successfully challenging the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate in 2027, claiming that the latter has squandered its goodwill.

Dalung said the APC has shown incompetence in governing and has implemented economic policies that were out of step with the nation’s actual economic situation.

He claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu betrayed the majority of those who voted for him in 2023, particularly those from the North, and that the Muslim-Muslim ticket backfired, leading people to say they were deceived and betrayed as well.

‘As a result, ADC is still the only political party that can defeat the APC in 2027. The APC’s readiness to use the Muslim-Muslim ticket again cannot fly; people have come to realize that they were deceived.

‘Also, the chunk of the vote is going to come from the North come 2027, and the North that coronated Tinubu is not going with him. So let’s see how he is going to win 2027. And why would ADC not be the bride of 2027’?

The former minister told Nigerian Tribune that the political era of those who pay the piper and dictate the tune is over and moribund, adding an incumbent can only dictate the tune by performance and not failure.

‘Those who tried to pay the piper in the past and dictate the tune failed woefully. There was a president who brought out money more than Tinubu in the past and still failed, so the idea is moribund. You can only dictate the tune by performance and not failure.’

Dalung who said the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has do far demonstrated bias and inconsistency in managing the electoral body, said if the electoral umpire continues the way he’s going, there might not be an election in 2027.

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reshuffled his Executive Council in a move aimed at strengthening governance and improving service delivery as his administration enters a new phase.

The changes were announced during an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council in Calabar, with several commissioners redeployed to new ministries, while others retained their portfolios based on performance.

Governor Otu described the exercise as a strategic realignment designed to consolidate the gains of his administration and accelerate the implementation of his People First agenda.

He said the reshuffle was neither a reward nor a punitive measure, but a leadership strategy to align competence with the evolving priorities of government.

‘The government is a living institution that must constantly adjust to new realities. This exercise is about injecting fresh energy, maximising individual strengths and ensuring every member of this Executive Council remains focused on the larger vision of transforming Cross River State,’ the governor said.

According to him, his administration has moved beyond laying the foundations and is now focused on consolidating achievements and delivering tangible results to the people.

Otu urged members of the Executive Council not to allow politics to distract them from governance as the state gradually approaches another election cycle.

‘The people will judge us not by slogans but by roads constructed, hospitals revitalised, schools improved, jobs created and the quality of life we have enhanced. Every commissioner must see his or her ministry as a performance centre. There is no room for complacency,’ he said.

The governor also reminded commissioners that no ministry was more important than another, stressing that every portfolio plays a critical role in improving the lives of citizens.

As part of the exercise, Chief Obi Ayuk Afor was sworn in as Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, while Mr Dodeye Arikpo was inaugurated as Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Among those redeployed, Moses Osogi moved to the Ministry of Water Resources; Dr Erasmus Ekpang was transferred from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Lands; Bassey Mensa was reassigned to the Ministry of Environment; Chief Francis Ekpeyong took over the Ministry of Livestock Development; while Kingsley Egumi was redeployed to the Ministry of Transportation.

Members of the State Executive Council described the reshuffle as timely, expressing confidence that it would enhance the administration’s capacity to deliver on its development agenda.

THE spokesperson of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Oltunji Fabiyi, said on Monday that the assembly would not hold plenary until the Speaker, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji resigns.

Speaking with newsmen, Fabiyi, reiterated that the majority of the lawmakers were in support of the Speaker’s removal.

The lawmakers accused the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of frustrating the move by allegedly persuading lawmakers to abandon the impeachment.

The lawmakers pushing for the impeachment of Oladiji, over the alleged diversion of N44m meant for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), insisted there is ‘no going back’ on the process.

The lawmakers, challenged Aiyedatiwa to come out clean on the matter, maintaining that the Speaker had lost the confidence of the majority of members and that his removal had become inevitable.

But the governor has denied the allegation, maintaining that he has no hand in the events unfolding in the House of assembly.

However, Fabiyi, said all the lawmakers had signed the impeachment notice against Oladiji, stressing that the decision was the collective resolution of the House.

Fabiyi said the lawmakers had already informed governor Aiyedatiwa of their decision, stressing that the impeachment move was purely an internal affair of the assembly.

He, however, questioned the governor’s interest in retaining the Speaker, alleging that some lawmakers had been approached by government officials and pressured to withdraw their support for the impeachment process.

He said: ‘There is no going back. That is the resolution of members. We have nothing against the governor, but we don’t want our present leadership again. There is no reason why somebody should continue to impose himself on us when we don’t want him again.

‘I have the opinion that the government is calling some members to backpedal on the issue of impeachment. I don’t know the special interest the governor has. If there is no hidden agenda, I see no reason why he should be protecting the Speaker.

‘So I don’t know the special interest that the governor is having. At least 21 members have signed the impeachment against Mr. Speaker. To me, I don’t know the interest of Mr governor, unless if the government is telling us that they have anything or something in common.

‘Perhaps the governor has reasons best known to him for supporting the Speaker. Otherwise, I see no reason or justification for his intervention. Both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker committed the error that led to this situation. There is no going back on the impeachment; it is the collective resolution of the members.

‘I see no reason why anyone should still be backing the Speaker at this stage. We have met with the governor and made it clear that we have nothing against him. Our concern is simply that we no longer have confidence in the present leadership of the House.’

Meanwhile, Aiyedatiwa, through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, denied allegations that he was frustrating the impeachment move against the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

According to the governor’s spokesman: ‘Mr. Governor has nothing to do with what is happening in the House of Assembly and he has not prevented members from carrying out their legislative duties.

‘Mr. Governor’s interest is in maintaining peace, law and order. He is not stopping lawmakers from performing any of their legitimate responsibilities.’

The Speaker is facing impeachment after 21 of the 26 lawmakers signed a notice seeking his removal over allegations of financial mismanagement.

The lawmakers accused the Speaker of failing to carry members along in the disbursement of an alleged N44 million released for the reordering of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) 2026 budget.

No fewer than 99,331 smallholder farmers and agri-based enterprises have gained access to financial services under the Global Programme on Agricultural Finance (GP AgFin) Nigeria, as the Federal Government and the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) concluded the eight-year intervention aimed at strengthening agricultural financing and food security.

The milestone was announced at the national close-out event of the programme in Ibadan, organised by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

The programme, themed ‘Scaling Agriculture Finance in Nigeria: From Proven Models to Market Expansion,’ brought together government officials, development partners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, academia and young agripreneurs to review the achievements of the intervention, which ran from 2018 to 2026.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Project, GP AgFin Nigeria, Ruskiyat Badmus, said the programme had transformed access to agricultural finance by addressing the longstanding disconnect between financial institutions and smallholder farmers.

According to her, the project was designed to tackle the barriers preventing farmers and agribusinesses from accessing formal credit, including inappropriate loan products, poor financial literacy and limited understanding of agricultural production cycles by financial institutions.

Badmus, further disclosed that the programme connected 99,331 farmers and agri-based enterprises to formal financial services, surpassing its target by 173 per cent. She added that the intervention mobilised pound 52.9 million in agricultural loans, recorded 148,265 financial service utilisations representing 198 per cent of its target and trained 21,128 farmers and agribusiness managers.

She further added that 23 agricultural financial products, including 22 with digital solutions, were developed or adapted and permanently integrated into the operations of participating financial institutions.

Highlighting the programme’s impact in Southwest Nigeria, Badmus said dedicated financial products were developed for cassava processors and catfish farmers, while the Farmers’ Financial Cycle training was translated into Yoruba, including audio learning modules, to improve financial literacy among rural communities.

She urged young Nigerians to embrace agriculture as a profitable business driven by innovation, technology and entrepreneurship rather than viewing it as subsistence farming.

‘When we started this programme in 2018, we realised that the challenge was not that banks were unwilling to lend to farmers. The problem was that financial products were not designed to reflect agricultural realities. Farmers also lacked the financial literacy and record-keeping skills required by lenders. We worked to bridge these gaps from both sides.

‘The products we developed are no longer pilot initiatives. They have become permanent offerings because they are commercially viable. That is one of the strongest indicators that this programme has achieved sustainable impact,’ she stated.

Representing the Ogun State Government, the Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Agriculture, Dr Angel Kuye, described the programme as a strategic partnership that complemented the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.

She said the intervention strengthened access to finance for fish farmers, cassava processors and other agribusiness operators while helping financial institutions develop a better understanding of agricultural lending.

Kuye disclosed that Ogun State had leveraged the programme to support thousands of farmers through initiatives such as the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project and blended financing arrangements with partner financial institutions.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mrs Foluke Daramola, commended GIZ and its partners for expanding access to finance for smallholder farmers, women and youths.

She said the intervention had contributed significantly to food security, rural economic development and climate-smart agriculture, while urging development partners to consider a second phase of the programme.

Similarly, the Rector, Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan,Professor Jeremiah Atungwu who was

represented by Dr Mrs Bukola Fato said the project had strengthened agricultural finance education by integrating the Farmers’ Financial Circle into the institution’s curriculum.

According to the institution, about 1,000 students have been equipped with practical skills in financial planning, budgeting, savings, agricultural insurance and responsible access to finance, while several youth-focused initiatives have been introduced to promote entrepreneurship and agribusiness development.

The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has dismissed the boastful claim by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, that the party’s deployment of Governors, National Assembly members, Local Government Chairmen and other political heavyweights will overwhelm Governor Ademola Adeleke in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The Campaign Council described the APC National Chairman’s ‘trailer versus Keke Napep’ analogy as a clear demonstration of political arrogance and an indication that the APC leadership is yet to understand the realities of the Osun political landscape.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Imole Campaign Council, Rep. Bamidele Salam, the Council said the APC should be reminded that elections are won by the people and not by the number of governors, National Assembly members or political office holders a party can assemble.

‘The people of Osun State are not waiting for political heavyweights from outside the state to decide their future, the electorate are capable of making their own independent choice based on the performance of the government in power.

‘The APC National Chairman may have assembled what he calls a political trailer, but he should understand that the people of Osun State are not political cargo to be moved around by outsiders. They are the owners of the mandate, and they alone will determine who governs them.

‘The August 15 election will not be a contest between a trailer and a Keke Napep. It will be a contest between a performing Governor who has earned the confidence of his people and an APC candidate who is struggling to gain acceptance among the electorate.

‘The reality on the ground is that Governor Ademola Adeleke enjoys tremendous goodwill among the people of Osun State because of the visible achievements of his administration.

‘His record in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, water supply, agriculture, youth empowerment and other critical sectors speaks directly to the people.’

‘The APC governorship candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji is obviously weak and unpopular, the decision of the APC to rely heavily on political figures from outside Osun is an indication of its candidate’s inability to independently mobilise the people.’

‘Rather than boasting about the number of Governors and National Assembly members being deployed to Osun, the APC should tell the people what its candidate has to offer. The people are interested in issues, performance and credible leadership, not political metaphors.

‘We urged the APC to respect the intelligence of the Osun electorate and focus its campaign on issues and credible alternatives rather than relying on boasts about political structures and external mobilisation.’

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has appointed grassroots politician and legal practitioner, Asiwaju (Barrister) Yemi Aderibigbe, as the Director-General of his campaign council.

The appointment was announced in a statement personally signed by Senator Alli and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Tuesday.

According to Alli, Aderibigbe’s appointment was informed by his sterling reputation as a selfless political leader with a long-standing record of people-centred leadership and grassroots mobilisation.

The APC governorship candidate described Aderibigbe as a politician who has remained firmly connected to the grassroots since serving as Chairman of Akinyele Local Government Area, noting that his commitment to the welfare of ordinary people has remained unwavering.

Alli, who currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the Senate, urged the new campaign Director-General to deploy his vast experience, proven leadership credentials, and deep understanding of Oyo State politics in coordinating the party’s campaign activities.

‘Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe is one of the pillars of progressive politics in our dear state. He has made immense contributions to the political, social, and economic development of Oyo State.

‘He is a loyal party leader and bridge-builder whose unwavering commitment to party development and the mentoring of younger politicians remain exemplary.

‘We have chosen him to lead, organise, and mobilise members of our great party and the people of the state to work for the success of the APC at the polls.

‘As an experienced administrator with an impeccable record of public service and a committed progressive, I am confident Aderibigbe’s leadership qualities will strengthen our party’s campaign.

‘As a team player, I have no doubt that he will excel in this assignment by effectively coordinating the campaign council alongside other distinguished leaders and members of our great party,’ Alli said.

Aderibigbe previously served as Chairman of Akinyele Local Government Area and later as Special Adviser on Transport during the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

Nathan Thomas, an 18-year-old American academic, has made history after being recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest male professor.

Here are five quick facts about his remarkable achievement:

1. He is the world’s youngest male professor

Nathan Thomas was officially recognised by Guinness World Records on July 27, 2026, as the youngest male professor after joining the faculty of Miami Dade College at the age of 18 years and 346 days.

2. He broke a 306-year-old record

Thomas surpassed the long-standing record held by Colin Maclaurin, who became a professor at Marischal College in Aberdeen, Scotland, at the age of 19 in 1717. Maclaurin’s record had stood for more than three centuries.

3. He began college at just 10 years old

Thomas started his academic journey unusually early, enrolling at Miami Dade College as a dual-enrolled student at the age of 10. At 14, he transferred to Florida International University to continue his studies.

4. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees before turning 19

By the age of 18, Thomas had completed both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, graduating with honours in both programmes-an achievement far ahead of the typical academic timeline.

5. He also surpassed the youngest female professor’s record

Thomas’s appointment came 16 days earlier than the age at which Alia Sabur became the world’s youngest female professor in 2008. Sabur was 18 years and 362 days old when she set her record.

In addition to teaching, Thomas is already involved in academic research. He is listed as a co-author on a research project at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus, highlighting his contributions to engineering research alongside his faculty responsibilities.