Category: Nigerian Tribune

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.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has described his appointment as ‘a call to service’, saying the responsibility of managing Nigeria’s electoral process requires commitment, integrity and impartiality.

He spoke when the President-General of the Okun Development Association (ODA), Amb. Akenson Rotimi, led a delegation of the association on a courtesy visit to him at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

He thanked the Okun community for its prayers and encouragement, saying they had remained a source of strength throughout his national assignment.

Prof. Amupitan also acknowledged the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation in the digital age, stressing that INEC remains committed to discharging its constitutional mandate professionally and in accordance with the law.

Prof. Amupitan expressed appreciation to the association for the visit and their unwavering support since his appointment.

He explained that the demands of his office had prevented him from receiving the delegation earlier, noting that he had not visited his hometown since assuming office because of the enormous responsibilities of leading the nation’s electoral body.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Amb. Rotimi congratulated Prof. Amupitan on his appointment as INEC Chairman, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of his integrity, competence and distinguished record of service.

He said the appointment had brought pride to the Okun people, whom he described as a community renowned for producing men and women of exceptional character and excellence.

He commended the Chairman on his appointment to the nation’s top electoral office and assured him of the continued prayers and support of the Okun people as he leads the Commission in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

Facts have emerged on the attack on the Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the Governor of Delta State, Mr Simon Temple Mudi, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, where the Delta Central stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress took place on Sunday.

Nigerian Tribune reports that the attack on the governor’s aide and the violence that followed did not take place at the conference hall of the institute, venue of the meeting, but at another location within the expansive PTI complex.

The attack, it was gathered, may not be unconnected with unresolved issues, as aggrieved persons hurled stones, chairs and available objects at him, but he managed to escape with injuries.

Meanwhile, the state government has strongly condemned the violent attack.

According to the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, in a statement on Tuesday, ‘the state government was deeply disturbed by videos of the incident circulating on social media and other online platforms.’

Aniagwu, however, noted that the reported acts of violence that occurred, particularly the gruesome attack on Simon Mudi, were unacceptable.

While maintaining that such unruly behaviour would not be tolerated in the state, he said the government has directed security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the violence.

Aniagwu reaffirmed the Governor Oborevwori administration’s commitment to maintaining peace, law and order, adding that the government would not condone acts of violence regardless of the status or identity of those involved.

On its part, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has debunked media reports that the stakeholders’ meeting was characterised by violence.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, the party rejected a newspaper’s (not Nigerian Tribune) report titled ‘Violence Rocks Delta APC Leaders’ Meeting,’ insisting that the stakeholders’ meeting was peaceful and concluded without any disruption.

The APC maintained that the meeting was well attended by party leaders and stakeholders and was broadcast live by television stations, arguing that the proceedings were open to public scrutiny and could easily be verified.

The party further contended that the video reportedly relied upon by the newspaper did not originate from the conference hall where the meeting took place but from another location within the expansive PTI complex.

‘It is misleading and irresponsible to associate those unrelated scenes with the APC stakeholders’ meeting,’ the statement said, adding that such reporting fell short of the ethical standards expected of a reputable media organisation.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has declared that Nigeria’s education reforms can only succeed through stronger collaboration between the Federal and State Governments and a deliberate shift to data-driven decision-making, insisting that education remains the country’s most strategic investment for economic growth, national security and sustainable development.

Alausa made the declaration while opening the five-day Executive Retreat for the Commissioners of Education, organised by the Committee of States’ Commissioners of Education (COSCEN), where he also urged states to meet the requirements needed to access the World Bank-supported US$552 million HOPE Education Programme.

The Minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed education at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda by providing the political leadership and support required to implement bold reforms capable of transforming the nation’s education sector.

According to him, while the Federal Government provides policy direction and strategic interventions, the responsibility for delivering quality education rests largely with state governments, making closer collaboration essential for achieving lasting reforms.

He commended COSCEN, under the leadership of its Chairman, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, for convening the retreat, describing it as a timely platform for strengthening strategic leadership, encouraging peer learning and deepening cooperation among education stakeholders across the federation.

The Minister, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Communications, Mr Ikharo Attah, identified the transition from assumption-based planning to evidence-based governance as one of the most significant reforms currently underway in the education sector.

He announced the deployment of the National Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI) and the Digitalised Nigeria Education Management Information System (DNEMIS), explaining that the integrated digital platforms would provide real-time information on learner enrolment, teacher deployment, school infrastructure, learning outcomes and other key indicators required for effective planning, budgeting, monitoring and resource allocation.

The Minister explained that the new digital ecosystem would integrate education data from schools, local governments, states and federal institutions into a single interoperable platform, thereby improving accountability, transparency and service delivery across the sector.

He urged all states to complete their Annual School Census using the digitised platform, while commending Kaduna and Borno States for their progress and encouraging other states to accelerate implementation.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education has already deployed digital dashboards and smart boards to support evidence-based planning, with the National Bureau of Statistics providing analytical support to strengthen education planning nationwide.

Alausa also called on Commissioners of Education to take full advantage of the World Bank-supported HOPE Education Programme, which provides US$552 million in performance-based financing to eligible states.

He noted that although all 36 states qualify to benefit from the programme, several have yet to complete critical requirements, including signing Subsidiary Loan Agreements (SLAs), opening designated programme accounts and fulfilling mandatory data reporting obligations.

The Minister urged states to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank to meet the Programme-for-Results conditions and unlock additional resources to improve access to education, learning outcomes and education governance.

To sustain the ongoing reforms, Alausa proposed that the Council of State Commissioners of Education institutionalise quarterly review meetings to promote peer learning, monitor implementation progress, share best practices and strengthen collective accountability.

Highlighting priorities under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), he disclosed that the Federal Government is expanding access to affordable digital learning technologies, including offline instructional platforms, comprehensive digital learning resources from Primary One to Senior Secondary School and teacher support tools aimed at improving classroom instruction.

The Minister, however, cautioned against investing exclusively in expensive smart school infrastructure without adequate provisions for maintenance and sustainability, stressing that quality instructional materials, effective teacher support and conducive learning environments remain the most important drivers of improved learning outcomes.

He reaffirmed that education is a shared national responsibility that transcends political affiliations and urged stakeholders to institutionalise reliable education data, strengthen accountability, invest in human capital and sustain collaborative reforms capable of delivering measurable improvements in learning outcomes.

Declaring the retreat open, Alausa challenged Commissioners to embrace evidence over assumptions, collaboration over isolation and continuity over fragmented reforms, maintaining that Nigeria’s future prosperity and global competitiveness would depend largely on the quality of education provided to today’s learners.

Delivering the keynote address titled ‘Beyond the Tenure of Commissioners: Sustaining Education Reforms in the Era of Digital Disruption,’ former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Mr Osita Chidoka, urged Commissioners to build reforms that outlive political administrations.

He argued that sustainable improvements in education require policy continuity, reliable data, stronger teacher development, accountability and consistent investment in learning outcomes rather than short-term interventions.

Also speaking, the World Bank’s Senior Economist and Task Team Leader for the HOPE Education Programme, Mr Shin Nomura, who represented the Country Director, Mr Matthew Verghis, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s education reform agenda.

Nomura disclosed that the HOPE Education Programme became effective in March 2026 and is designed to strengthen education governance, financing, teacher development, learning outcomes and data systems through a performance-based financing model.

He encouraged all states to complete the necessary preparatory requirements to enable timely access to the programme’s funding.

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), on Monday recounted how he facilitated the increase in the salaries of Nigerian soldiers from N49,000 to N100,000 during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, revealing that fresh efforts are underway to secure another pay raise for troops.

Speaking on Monday at a one-day training and financial empowerment programme for widows and wives of military personnel at Lungi Barracks in Abuja, Musa said the salary adjustment was part of efforts to improve the welfare of troops who continue to risk their lives in service to the nation.

Reflecting on the review, the minister said he initiated the process about two years ago while serving as Chief of Defence Staff.

‘When I was Chief of Defence, the soldiers were collecting N49,000. I made an effort two years ago for it to be increased to N100,000, and that was achieved,’ Musa said.

Musa disclosed that the government is not stopping there, revealing that discussions are ongoing with President Bola Tinubu on the possibility of another salary increase for military personnel.

According to him, the President understands the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces and is committed to ensuring they receive better financial rewards for their service.

‘We are, however, still making more efforts for it to be increased further. And we know our President is a father, a listening father, who will make sure that our troops are collecting good money because they are sacrificing so much.

‘So, for all of us here, I’m sure very soon, Mr. President is going to announce an increase in salaries for our men,’ he added.

Beyond salary improvements, the Defence Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the families of military personnel.

He explained that the empowerment programme was designed to help widows and wives of service members acquire practical skills and build sustainable businesses, thereby improving their financial stability.

Musa noted that strengthening the economic well-being of military families would allow serving personnel to concentrate on their operational responsibilities without unnecessary distractions while also contributing to broader economic growth.