Category: Nigerian Tribune

Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, has commended the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, for his intervention in the beautification of the palace and redesign of its entrance.

The monarch gave the commendation during the inauguration of the exercise, describing the project as a significant gesture towards preserving the cultural heritage of Akure Kingdom.

According to him, the intervention, undertaken by the minister with the support of the 10th anniversary coronation committee, forms part of ongoing efforts to renovate and beautify the historic palace.

Oba Aladelusi said the project will help project the palace and its heritage to residents, visitors and younger generations, urging other indigenes, public officials and corporate organisations to support similar initiatives.

He stressed that preserving the palace was a collective responsibility, particularly as urban development continues to reshape the city, and expressed hope that the project will attract further interventions.

Speaking on the initiative, Olawande said his decision was informed by the historical and cultural importance of the palace to the people of Akure.

He described the palace as more than the residence of the Deji, as it remains a living symbol of the history, traditions and identity of the Akure people.

Olawande said the renovation was intended to demonstrate respect for the traditional institution and preserve the heritage for younger generations, adding that the redesign would retain the palace’s cultural character.

He noted that the palace had served generations of traditional rulers and remained central to the cultural life of Akure, making its preservation important to the community.

The palace, which has housed generations of Dejis, is recognised for its historical, architectural and cultural significance and was declared a national historical monument in 1990.

The Managing Director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed Goni, disclosed that the Commission has crossed the N1.5 trillion mark in executed, ongoing and upcoming projects.

Goni, who disclosed this in Abuja while declaring open the 2026 ISO Executive Retreat holding from 28-30 September, 2026, explained that the training was organised for senior management staff to strengthen leadership ownership of the Commission’s Integrated Management System and its application to programme delivery.

While noting that the figure is evidence-based and not based on what he described as ‘imperial declarations’ or assumptions,

He stated: ‘The current value of delivered physical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, stands at about N800 billion, while the addition of projects to be unveiled in the coming days will push the total portfolio to about N1.5 trillion. I just noticed that we have already crossed the N1.5 trillion path. It is an ongoing and upcoming projects.

‘As of today, projects for roads, bridges and other physical infrastructure were at about N800 billion, and by the time we add what we are having now in the next few days, we will be in the range of N1.5 trillion projects. I don’t think any other state government can boast of this kind of level of activities,’ he stated.

Goni explained that the e-banking project, which is scheduled for commissioning in the next few weeks will cost about N200 billion.

He further disclosed that the second major project is the deployment of 50 megawatts mini-grid, which he described as unprecedented at sub-national level.

Goni added: ‘At the last board meeting, we made a very big pronouncement on deployment of mini-grids – 50 megawatts. It is a big one. I don’t think any state or any region has that kind of localized energy infrastructure.

‘The e-banking will consume about N200 billion, the mini-grid will also consume something very close to that,’ he said.

Asked why the commission was holding another retreat in Abuja after the Maiduguri Excellence Forum retreat, Goni explained that the two events were part of the same institutional improvement process.

According to him, Maiduguri focused on practical application among staff at Levels 6-13. Abuja brings senior management together to focus on leadership ownership, accountability, governance and sustainable programme delivery.

The NEDC helmsman stressed that the management training programme combined learning with practical problem-solving using real institutional and programme-delivery issues.

Recall that the Commission recently secured certification to five management system standards covering quality management, environmental management, occupational health and safety, anti-bribery management and sustainable development in communities.

While describing the certifications as a significant milestone, the Commission said the priority now is to ensure that the standards become firmly embedded in its leadership processes, organisational culture, risk management and implementation of development programmes.

According to him, while the Master Plan identifies key development priorities, effective management systems provide the framework for planning, coordination, accountability, risk management, performance monitoring and continuous improvement.

In her remarks, Acting Head of the Governance and Compliance Service Reforms Unit, Fatima Dalhatu, said the retreat was designed to shift the focus from merely understanding ISO standards to taking ownership of their implementation.

Dalhatu explained that ISO standards should not be viewed as a separate requirement but as a framework for strengthening service delivery and advancing the objectives contained in the North-East Master Plan.

She stressed the importance of senior management ownership, noting that although the Governance and Compliance Service is responsible for coordinating the management systems, senior managers must ensure that the standards are effectively implemented within their respective areas of responsibility.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has passed the alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeking to provide a constitutional framework for the establishment and operation of State Police Services across the country.

The Bill was passed at plenary after clause-by-clause consideration by the lawmakers, with the sitting presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, on Tuesday.

The National Assembly transmitted the Bill to the Oyo Assembly for consideration and approval.

The National Assembly stated that the Bill was passed by the Senate on 24 June 2026, and the House of Representatives on 23 July 2026, and urged state legislatures to give it expeditious consideration to facilitate the conclusion of the constitutional alteration process under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.

Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, while addressing the House, said the passage of the Bill would have significant legislative implications for the Oyo Assembly, particularly the need to develop a comprehensive State Police Law capable of translating the constitutional framework into an effective operational institution.

Explaining the Bill to members, the Speaker said the proposed amendment would fundamentally restructure Nigeria’s policing architecture by providing for a Federal Police Service alongside State Police Services.

He said the Bill would empower each state to establish its own Police Service through legislation by the State House of Assembly, while defining the respective responsibilities of federal and state police authorities.

According to him, State Police would be responsible for the enforcement of state laws, public safety and order, prevention and detection of offences, protection of life and property, and other local policing functions prescribed by state law.

Rt Hon Ogundoyin explained that the proposed framework would also establish State Police Service Commissions with responsibilities covering the appointment, promotion, transfer, discipline, oversight, complaints and accountability of state police personnel.

He noted that the Bill provides for a State Commander of Police to head each State Police Service, with the Commander to be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

The Speaker also highlighted provisions empowering the National Assembly to prescribe minimum policing standards for both federal and state police services, while allowing states to prescribe higher or additional standards.

The Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, has called on Nigerians to look beyond the forthcoming 2027 general elections and begin a deliberate process of building a new nation anchored on a clear national vision, effective leadership and functional systems.

Adeyemi made the call in his latest video message, titled ‘Seeing a New Nation,’ posted by Daystar Christian Centre following its Independence Service on September 27.

The cleric and leadership consultant, who has consistently spoken on the need for a fundamental change in Nigeria’s leadership culture, stressed that the country’s transformation could not be achieved merely by changing political office holders at election time.

According to him, elections are important to democracy, but they would not automatically produce national development without a clearly defined destination for the country.

Adeyemi had similarly warned earlier in the year that elections without a shared national vision could reproduce the same outcomes, regardless of leadership changes. He argued that Nigeria needed a collective agreement on the kind of nation citizens wanted to build and the systems required to achieve it.

He identified goals and systems as critical to sustainable change, explaining that while goals provide direction, systems are responsible for producing results.

For Nigeria, he said, the national conversation should therefore move beyond who wins elections to questions about where the country is headed, what its long-term economic and social goals should be, and what institutional structures are required to achieve them.

Adeyemi also called for a national discussion involving citizens, political leaders, the business community, professionals and Nigerians in the diaspora to establish a common direction for the country.

He maintained that Nigerians living abroad, particularly those exposed to functional systems in other countries, had an important role to play by contributing ideas and practical experiences that could help shape Nigeria’s development.

The pastor also linked some of the country’s challenges to weaknesses in its social and institutional systems, arguing that insecurity, poor governance and other national problems should not be treated merely as isolated incidents.

He called for reforms that would address the structures responsible for producing the outcomes Nigerians currently experience, including a review of the country’s constitutional framework.

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Adeyemi further urged Nigerians to take responsibility for demanding accountability from those seeking political power, saying citizens should continue to demand clarity of direction before, during and after elections.

He also challenged the political and elite class to focus on supplying national development rather than merely seeking or retaining power.

His message comes as Nigeria moves deeper into preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the electoral cycle already generating increased political activity across the country.

Rather than presenting the 2027 polls as an end in themselves, Adeyemi’s message places emphasis on what should follow the elections: the creation of institutions, policies and leadership systems capable of translating a national vision into measurable development.

He added that the emergence of a new Nigeria would require more than a change of political personalities; it would require a change in the way citizens, leaders and institutions understand and pursue national development.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to participate actively in shaping the country’s future, insisting that national development should be regarded as a shared responsibility between citizens and those entrusted with leadership.

Commercial motorcyclists and passengers narrowly escaped death on Tuesday following hours of torrential rainfall that triggered flooding across parts of Akure, the Ondo State capital, sweeping away motorcycles and leaving residents stranded.

The heavy downpour caused severe flooding and erosion and blocked drainage channels in several parts of the metropolis, with the Oke Aro axis among the worst affected.

In the Oke Aro area of the state capital, some commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, reportedly watched helplessly as floodwaters carried away their motorcycles while they scrambled to safety.

The downpour also disrupted movement across the city, leaving several workers, students and other commuters stranded for hours as floodwaters took over major roads and residential areas.

Residents around the affected areas attributed the worsening situation partly to the ongoing construction and dualisation of the Akure-Idanre Road, which has lasted for more than one and a half years.

They called on the state government and relevant authorities to urgently address the drainage challenges and expedite work on the road project to prevent further flooding and possible loss of lives.

A resident of the Iloro Market Junction, Nireti Akinbolawa, said residents had become increasingly worried about the danger posed by flooding whenever there was heavy rainfall.

‘We are tired of this suffering. Every time it rains, we fear for our lives. The government must act fast before we lose someone.

‘The construction has made things worse. They should clear and enlarge the bridges and drainages so that water can flow freely,’ she said.

Another resident, Ifeoluwa Olabode, acknowledged the efforts of the government but urged it to do more to address the condition of the roads and drainage infrastructure.

‘We appreciate the government’s efforts so far, but more needs to be done. Our roads and drainage systems need urgent attention.

‘We are begging Governor Aiyedatiwa to fulfil his promise and complete this road,’ Olabode said.

The residents also appealed to members of the public to stop dumping refuse in drainage channels, waterways and by roadsides, warning that such practices could worsen flooding.

They further urged motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians to avoid attempting to cross flooded roads or waterways whose depth and condition were unknown, noting that such actions could result in avoidable deaths.

Contacted on the incident, the Commissioner for Environment in the state, Tob Loko, said the situation was still being assessed.

He added that the state government would take the necessary action after the assessment.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has unveiled a sweeping reform agenda for the state, promising full autonomy for local governments, a 13th-month salary for civil servants, and massive overhauls of the education and health sectors.

Senator Alli, speaking on Tuesday at a high-powered dialogue on the future of Oyo State organised by the Oyo Rising Citizens Forum (ORCF) at an event centre in Ibadan, declared that under his watch, local governments would become fully independent from 29 May 2027.

‘My administration will not spend one kobo belonging to Local Governments. They will build their schools, build their health centres and employ their own workers. That era of stifling the councils is over,’ Alli vowed, to thunderous applause.

On education, the Senator promised to crash classroom population to a maximum of 30 pupils per class, a policy he said would not only improve learning but create thousands of jobs for teachers and fresh graduates.

He pledged to comply with UNESCO’s recommendation of allocating at least 18 per cent of the state budget to education, train and retrain teachers, and employ more hands to bridge the deficit.

On health, Alli promised a functional general hospital in each of the 33 local governments and at least one fully equipped primary healthcare centre in each of the 351 wards in the state.

As a sign of commitment, he announced he would personally facilitate and commission at least three fully equipped health centres across Oyo South Senatorial District and hand them over to the state government before the election.

On the controversial circular road project, Alli promised decisive action within 72 hours of assuming office.

‘I will set up a committee within 48 to 72 hours to address the grievances of all affected residents. We will not seize people’s land and we will not sell state assets,’ he assured.

To revive the economy, Alli said his government would leverage agriculture and mining, establish at least one cottage industry in each local government area, and set up parabolic dryers in all seven towns in Ibarapa and two in each senatorial district before December.

He also promised to revive the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), engage youths through vocational and political opportunities, empower women with key appointments, and ensure prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities.

At the interactive session, participants drilled the candidate on energy supply, alleged sale of state properties, welfare for doctors and revolving loans for traders – questions Alli responded to with detailed policy proposals.

2027 Oyo State governorship candidate of Accord, Oriyomi Hamzat, has unveiled the official Media Team of his campaign, bringing together media professionals, political strategists, communication experts and creative practitioners as the campaign moves into a new phase.

At the centre of the new media structure is Samuel Ibikunle (ArugboBoisi), a seasoned broadcast journalist and communicator with years of experience from management roles at different broadcast stations across southwest Nigeria, who was appointed the Official Spokesperson.

Leading the Directorates is Olabode Rufai Anisoloja, a strategic thinker and communications consultant, appointed Director of Strategic Communications and Public Engagement.

Tobiloba Ogunsina, JP (Wokilumo), a political strategist and public relations practitioner, takes charge as Director of Publicity and Campaign Promotions.

The digital communications arm will be headed by Badru Idris, a new-media professional, who takes on the role of Director of New Media.

Gbenga Olayiwola (Oyato), an accomplished journalist with decades of experience, was appointed Director of Media Logistics and Operations. At the same time, Edward Taiwo, a political affairs commentator and media professional, becomes Director of Research and Political Communications.

In the creative communications space, Okikiola Oluwadamilare, a creative professional, takes charge as Director of Content and Creative Services.

The new structure brings strategy, publicity, broadcast, digital communications, research, media intelligence, logistics, and creative content under a coordinated campaign communications architecture.

Hamzat charged the newly constituted Media Team to commence operations immediately as the Oriyomi Hamzat Campaign (OCC) intensifies its media engagement and political activities ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.

THE Department of State Services (DSS) says it has secured a death sentence against Ibrahim Usman, also known as Dan Iyali, over his involvement in the kidnapping and killing of three persons in Sokoto State in September 2023.

Usman faced a four-count charge before the High Court of Justice of Sokoto State, sitting in the Sokoto Judicial Division, alongside other suspects who are currently at large.

The charges bordered on criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, culpable homicide punishable with death, and voluntarily causing grievous hurt without provocation.

The latest development comes months after the DSS secured the death sentence of three men, including a Nigerian national, over terrorism and arms proliferation charges in Sokoto State.

The three convicts-Yusuf Muhammad, also known as Sallau, a Nigerien; Jabbi Alhaji Yalle; and Kabiru Muhammad-were sentenced to death by hanging in June 2026 by the High Court of Justice, Sokoto.

They were convicted after being apprehended by the DSS Counter Terrorism Unit in June 2025 in connection with alleged cross-border criminal activities involving arms

Not less than 10 million Nigerian children are currently not captured in early childhood care, development and education (ECCDE), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has revealed.

UBEC warned that the low participation in early childhood education was contributing to poor learning outcomes and developmental challenges among children across the country.

Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba, disclosed this in Abuja at a three-day capacity-building workshop for state actors on the utilisation of the ECCDE Minimum Standards, Implementation Guidelines and UNICEF Parental and Community Engagement documents.

Garba, who was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Rasaq Olajuwon Akinyemi, said only 35.6 per cent of Nigerian children aged 36 to 59 months currently attend any form of early childhood education.

She said analysis of the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey also showed that about 46 per cent of children aged 24 to 59 months were developmentally off track.

According to her, the consequences of inadequate early childhood education become more pronounced as children progress through the education system.

‘Only 35.6 per cent of Nigerian children aged 36 to 59 months attend any form of early childhood education. That leaves roughly 10 million of our youngest children outside ECCDE altogether,’ she said.

Garba added that about 70 per cent of Nigerian 10-year-olds could not read and understand a simple text, while only about 2.4 million of the 5.9 million children who enter primary school each year remain in the education system at the end of junior secondary school.

She therefore called for early childhood development to be treated as an integrated national priority rather than a stand-alone education programme.

‘There is no cheaper place in the education system to buy results,’ Garba said, citing Nobel Laureate James Heckman’s estimate of about 13 per cent annual return per child on high-quality birth-to-five programmes.

The UBEC boss urged states to ensure that ECCDE interventions were captured in their State Matching Grant Action Plans, warning that programmes not included in the plans would not receive funding, procurement or monitoring attention.

‘I must be blunt: what is not in the Action Plan will not be funded, will not be procured and will not be monitored,’ she said.

Garba also disclosed that the deadline for states to submit their ECCDE Action Plans for the next intervention year had been extended from September 30 to October 5, 2026.

She, however, stressed that the extension was not an opportunity for further delay, adding that plans submitted after the new deadline would not be considered for the intervention year.

‘The extension is not an invitation to be delayed.

‘I expect every State to leave Abuja with a costed, integrated and inclusive draft plan, to present it to your Executive Chairman on your return, and to submit the final plan through the digital planning template within the extended period. Plans received after that date will not be considered for this intervention year,’ she added.

She further directed states to develop ECCDE programmes around the needs of the whole child by working with the health, nutrition, water and sanitation, women affairs, social welfare and Local Government Education Authorities.

Garba said the 2023-24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey put stunting among children under five at 40 per cent nationally, with the figure ranging from 12 per cent in Rivers State to 65 per cent in Katsina State.

She also urged states to ensure that ECCDE centres complied with essential standards covering child safety, supervision, safeguarding, food and water safety, structural safety and emergency exits.

The UBEC boss called for measures to ensure that children with disabilities and those living in hard-to-reach, nomadic, riverine and conflict-affected communities were not excluded from ECCDE programmes.

She also called for stronger engagement with parents, caregivers, School-Based Management Committees, traditional institutions and religious bodies, stressing that communities could serve as important delivery platforms for children who could not easily be reached through conventional classrooms.

Earlier, the Acting Director, Department of Special Programmes and Early Childhood, UBEC, Dr Chijioke J. Onwuzurike, said Nigeria currently had more than 45 early childhood development delivery channels across the health, nutrition, education, agriculture and social protection sectors.

She, however, said the multiplicity of channels had created fragmentation, with platforms sometimes duplicating one another, failing to share data and providing inconsistent services across communities.

Onwuzurike said the Commission expected every state, over the next 18 months, to map and streamline its existing early childhood development platforms.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday tasked Federal Government and Security Agencies with the urgent need to intensify efforts to secure the safe rescue of the 116 schoolchildren and other persons abducted in Lassa, Mussa and along the Buratai-Maiduguri road in Borno State.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion under urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Midala Balami (APC-Borno)

He said: ‘The House will recall that sometime ago, I stood on the floor of this Honourable House with the sad and grave news of the abduction of 44 schoolchildren and 36 other persons in Mussa and along the Buratai-Maiduguri road, an incident that has continued to cause widespread fear, anguish and anxiety among the affected families and communities, and that this was followed by the abduction of 36 students and 4 teachers in Lassa Ward, Askira-Uba Local Government Area.

‘The House further notes that the continued captivity of the victims poses a serious threat to their lives, safety, education and fundamental rights, while placing an enormous emotional and psychological burden on their families and the affected communities.

‘The House is concerned that the affected areas and adjoining communities remain vulnerable to further attacks, abductions and other forms of insecurity if urgent, sustained and coordinated security measures are not strengthened.

According to him, 44 schoolchildren from Mussa were abducted on 15 May 2026, and that on the same day the House considered and adopted a resolution calling for urgent action towards their rescue.

‘The House notes with grave concern that, as of the date of this Motion, the 44 schoolchildren from Mussa have spent more than 138 days in captivity while 36 schoolchildren from Lassa have been in captivity for more than 70 days, and other persons abducted along the Buratai-Marduguri Road have remained in captivity for more than 160 days.’

While noting that the prolonged captivity of these innocent schoolchildren and other victims has subjected their families and constituents to unbearable emotional distress, uncertainty and fear, with communities continuously crying out for urgent and decisive action to secure their safe release, the Borno lawmaker acknowledged efforts made by security agencies, local authorities, traditional institutions and community members involved in the search-and-rescue efforts.

Balami, who lamented that despite previous resolutions and ongoing efforts by the relevant authorities, the victims remain in captivity, thereby underscoring the need for a more intensified, coordinated and appropriate approach to their rescue; however, he urged that such efforts be substantially intensified, better coordinated and sustained until all the victims are safely rescued.

He maintained that any further delay in securing the safe release of the abducted persons could expose them to further danger and compound the trauma already suffered by their families and communities.

To this end, the House urged relevant security agencies to intensify and sustain search-and-rescue operations aimed at securing the immediate and safe release of the 116 abducted schoolchildren and all other persons held in captivity.

The lawmakers also called for enhanced intelligence gathering, information sharing and interagency coordination among the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Intelligence Services and other relevant security agencies to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible for the abductions.

The House further tasked security agencies to strengthen security along the Buratai-Maiduguri road, Mussa, Lassa and other identified vulnerable communities and routes, including through increased patrols, intelligence-led operations and appropriate security checkpoints.