Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Federal Government has urged Nigerian businesses to ramp up production and exports to take advantage of China’s decision to extend zero-tariff treatment to 100 per cent of tariff lines for African countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the policy could accelerate Nigeria’s industrialisation, create jobs and drive structural economic transformation if backed by increased productive capacity.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated this in a message to participants at an international seminar organised by the Centre for China Studies in Abuja at the weekend.

The seminar, themed, ‘China’s Zero-Tariff Treatment on 100% of Tariff Lines for African Countries and its Implications for Structural Economic Transformation in Africa,’ examined the opportunities and challenges arising from China’s expanded market access for African products.

The minister described the policy as a historic development capable of shifting Africa-China relations from a focus on ‘aid and loans’ to ‘trade and production.’

She said the duty-free access to China’s market of about 1.4 billion people could be a ‘game-changer’ for Nigeria’s agro-processing, textiles, solid minerals and manufacturing sectors.

According to her, the initiative provides an opportunity for African countries to move beyond the export of raw commodities and develop value-added products, including processed agricultural goods, leather, pharmaceuticals, textiles and manufactured products.

She also said the policy could attract Chinese and other foreign investments into industrial parks, agro-processing facilities and manufacturing hubs, while strengthening regional value chains through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The minister, however, cautioned that zero tariffs alone would not guarantee economic transformation, stressing that Nigeria must build the productive capacity required to take advantage of the expanded market access.

‘Zero tariff is meaningless if we have nothing to export,’ Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed.

She said the Federal Government would prioritise productive capacity in areas including cocoa processing, sesame, leather, garments, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy components.

The minister added that the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and other relevant agencies were prepared to work with Chinese investors to establish factories in Nigeria for the production of goods for export to China.

She said the policy aligned with Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the pursuit of prosperity diplomacy.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further identified reliable electricity, affordable finance, efficient logistics and adequate infrastructure as critical conditions for Nigeria to benefit from the zero-tariff arrangement.

She called for greater technical cooperation between Nigerian and Chinese regulatory authorities to enable Nigerian exporters to meet Chinese standards, including food safety and sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.

The minister said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would facilitate engagements between Nigerian regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and their Chinese counterparts.

On trade logistics and finance, she advocated streamlined shipping arrangements, trade finance and payment mechanisms in naira and renminbi to reduce transaction costs.

She said the ministry would also coordinate with relevant government agencies, the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, Nigerian diplomatic missions in China and other stakeholders to support Nigerian exporters seeking access to the Chinese market.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria would work to ensure that the zero-tariff initiative translated from policy declarations into increased production, exports and actual shipments of Nigerian manufactured and value-added goods to China.

She also stressed the need to address information gaps, improve Nigerian businesses’ access to Chinese buyers, meet international standards and maintain effective rules of origin to prevent the trans-shipment of non-African goods.

While thanking the Chinese government and people for the initiative, the minister urged Nigerian businesses to seize the opportunity.

‘To our private sector, the door to China is now fully open. The question is: what are we taking through it?’ she asked.

‘Success is not merely about the qualifications we acquire; it is about how those qualifications enable us to serve, inspire, and create lasting impact.’

Most people work for a salary. A few work for significance. The fortunate ones discover how to turn their passion into a lifelong investment. That journey is what I call ‘Let Your Passion Pay Your Pension.’

There is a popular saying that when passion meets purpose, excellence becomes inevitable. My personal and professional journey is a testament to this truth and has taught me one enduring lesson: let your passion pay your pension.

Passion influences our decisions, shapes our careers, and creates opportunities we never anticipated. For me, it has been the driving force behind every academic pursuit and professional milestone. Looking back, I realise that every qualification I have earned has not been an end in itself but a deliberate investment in becoming more effective, more relevant, and more impactful in service to humanity.

Reflecting on my past, I have come to believe that destiny often guides our paths in ways we may not immediately understand. My journey into Fisheries was one such experience. Although it was not a course I consciously set out to pursue, it became the path that shaped my academic and professional life. I studied Fisheries at Lagos State University (LASU), graduating with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Fisheries (Second-Class Upper Division). As my appreciation for the discipline grew and I recognised its immense potential for impacting livelihoods and sustainable development, I was inspired to deepen my expertise. This led me to the University of Lagos, where I earned a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Fisheries in 2002.

Interestingly, I commenced my career in the Lagos State Public Service in 2000, where I was privileged to put my academic training into practice. As the years progressed, my professional responsibilities evolved beyond the technical aspects of fisheries and agriculture. I became increasingly involved in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, media relations, advocacy, report writing, information and knowledge management, and public enlightenment.

Serving as a Communications Officer in the Public Service and on World Bank-supported projects for over 15 years further exposed me to the indispensable role of communication in achieving development objectives. I soon realised that developing sound policies and innovative programmes was only one part of the equation; communicating them effectively to the people they were designed to benefit was equally important.

Recognising this need, I enrolled at the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), where I earned a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Public Relations and Advertising in 2011. This programme sharpened my communication skills and strengthened my capacity to engage stakeholders, build public trust, and communicate development interventions more effectively.

As my career progressed, I discovered that my expertise in Fisheries and my passion for Communication were not separate paths-they complemented one another beautifully. Rather than abandoning one for the other, I intentionally blended both disciplines. I found fulfilment in using strategic communication to promote agricultural innovation, influence behavioural change, and improve the adoption of development initiatives among farmers and rural communities.

The commitment to continuous learning led me to participate in several internationally recognised training programmes designed to strengthen my professional capacity. In 2013, I completed an Intensive Communications and Public Relations programme at the International School of Communication, London, United Kingdom. The following year, I undertook specialised training in Leadership and Communications at the University of Northampton, United Kingdom. In 2022, I further expanded my expertise by participating in advanced training on Project Financial Closure, Documentation, and Reporting in the United Arab Emirates.

In addition to these international programmes, I participated in several capacity-building initiatives organised under World Bank-assisted projects and trainings organised by the Lagos State Government, which enhanced my knowledge of strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and institutional leadership. Collectively, these learning experiences broadened my global perspective, sharpened my professional competencies, and equipped me with practical skills that continue to shape my approach to public service, leadership, and institutional communication.

This realisation inspired me to pursue a second Master’s degree, this time in Mass Communication at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo. My decision was never about collecting certificates. It was about aligning my academic qualifications with my evolving professional responsibilities and equipping myself with the knowledge needed to serve more effectively.

Ogunlana-Lawal is the Director, Agricultural Training and Entrepreneurial Center, Araga, Epe.

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I commenced my postgraduate studies at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by unprecedented uncertainty and disruptions to education across the world. Rather than allowing the circumstances to deter me, I embraced the challenge with determination and resilience. Balancing the demands of postgraduate studies alongside a full-time career, leadership responsibilities, and personal commitments required discipline, focus, and unwavering commitment. Through it all, I remained steadfast in my pursuit of academic excellence, confident that every challenge was shaping me into a stronger and more capable professional.

In 2026, after years of dedication and persistence, I proudly graduated with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Mass Communication from Babcock University. The moment was deeply fulfilling-not because it added another qualification to my résumé, but because it represented the successful convergence of passion, purpose, and perseverance.

The perfect expression of this integration was my Master’s research titled ‘Perception of Storytelling Techniques in the APPEALS Project as a Predictor of Innovation Uptake among Aquaculture Farmers in Lagos State, Nigeria.’ The study examined how storytelling and strategic communication influence the adoption of agricultural innovations among aquaculture farmers. It brought together my technical background in Fisheries and my passion for Mass Communication, proving that innovation alone is insufficient if it is not communicated in ways that people understand, trust, and embrace.

This philosophy continues to define both my professional outlook and personal aspirations. I firmly believe that communication is far more than the dissemination of information-it is a catalyst for transformation. Through the transformative power of communication, I aspire to inspire change, empower youth, strengthen communities, and champion policies and initiatives that promote inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Looking back, I have come to appreciate that every stage of my academic journey has prepared me for the next stage of my career. Fisheries gave me the technical foundation to understand agricultural development. Public Relations and Advertising equipped me to engage people more effectively. Mass Communication broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to communicate knowledge, inspire behavioural change, and influence sustainable development.

My experience has reinforced one important truth: our first qualification should never define the limits of our potential. As our careers evolve, we must be willing to evolve with them. Lifelong learning is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for anyone who desires to remain relevant and impactful.

To me, ‘Let Your Passion Pay Your Pension’ is more than a catchy phrase-it is a philosophy for life. Invest in learning that aligns with your passion. Develop skills that improve your ability to serve others. Pursue knowledge that will continue to create value long after your years of active employment have ended. When passion drives your learning, it transforms education from a pursuit of certificates into a lifelong investment in purpose and impact.

As I reflect on this remarkable journey-from Fisheries to Public Relations and Advertising, and ultimately to Mass Communication-I remain grateful for every experience that has shaped me. Every qualification has been intentional, every challenge has strengthened my resolve, and every achievement has reaffirmed that passion truly has the power to shape destiny.

So, what comes next? What comes next remains unwritten. But if my journey has taught me anything, it is that every new opportunity to learn opens the door to greater purpose and impact.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed! If you have followed my journey so far, you will probably agree that your guess is as good as mine. One thing, however, is certain: as long as there is an opportunity to learn, grow, serve, and make a meaningful difference, I will continue to embrace it. Degrees may decorate the wall, but purpose transforms lives. Continue learning…. Continue growing…. Continue serving….

When passion becomes your compass, your pension will never be measured only in money but in the lives you have touched. After all, when passion fuels learning, it does more than earn a living-it builds influence, transforms lives, and creates a lasting legacy. That is the true essence of letting your passion pay your pension

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has attributed his victory in the governorship election to his administration’s performance, grassroots accessibility and the love of the people, saying the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) underestimated him because of his public image and dancing skills.

Adeleke, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, said his victory was particularly satisfying because many people initially dismissed him as unserious and incapable of effective governance.

‘At first, a lot of people underestimated me because of my dancing skills. A lot of people believed I wasn’t a serious person; that I would just go there, dance and have fun.

‘But for me, I like people to underrate me. When you underrate me, I hit you from the back,’ the governor said.

According to him, his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, workers’ welfare and road development ultimately changed the perception of voters and earned him a second term.

‘So that was what really happened. Before they knew what was going on, what the APC could not achieve in Osun in 12 years, I had already achieved in three and a half years,’ he said.

Adeleke said his administration came into office with a clear blueprint and a competent team, which enabled it to deliver projects across the state.

‘Immediately we came in, we had a blueprint and I had a very fantastic team, so we got to work. Before they could know what was going on, we had done infrastructure, connectivity of roads and health,’ he said.

The governor also cited his administration’s relationship with organised labour as one of the factors that endeared him to workers in the state.

He said Osun had not experienced a strike under his administration, stressing that he allowed labour unions to negotiate directly with the government on issues affecting workers.

‘For the first time in history, there has never been a strike for one day. Even when the minimum wage issue came, I told them: ‘Go and negotiate. Go and do what you have to do. Bring it to me and I will sign it.’

‘So they are very happy. I kept wondering whether they would say thank you by giving me another chance for the second time. And they spoke loud and clear,’ Adeleke said.

The governor said his personal relationship with the people, accessibility and grassroots connection also played a major role in his victory.

‘I think it’s my person. It’s my person. They love my personality. I give them joy. I’m very accessible. I’m grassroots, so I’m free with everybody. I love my people, and they love me back. And, of course, performance. All of these joined together to make it great,’ he said.

A visibly emotional Adeleke said the scale of public support had overwhelmed him, adding that he was determined not to disappoint the people who gave him another mandate.

‘Sometimes I shed tears. I’m overwhelmed. I’m overwhelmed, and this is so much organic.

‘And I said, ‘Wow!’ So that is why I promised myself, between man and God, that I will not disappoint them. So I worked so hard. I worked so hard,’ he said.

Adeleke also spoke warmly about his relationship with President Bola Tinubu, pledging to continue supporting the President while expressing his readiness to engage him on issues affecting Osun State.

The governor described Tinubu as a father figure and revealed that the President called him after the election to congratulate him.

‘He called me and, well, I see him as a father. So he called me and said, ‘Mr Governor, what’s going on? How is the election going?’

‘I said, ‘Your son is cruising to victory. I’ve won,’ and all that,’ Adeleke recalled.

According to him, Tinubu congratulated him and said democracy was prevailing.

Adeleke said he appreciated the President for the gesture and would continue to support him, while also seeking his intervention on issues affecting the state.

He specifically said he would raise the issue of funds he claimed had been withheld from local governments in the state for almost two years, saying the situation had constrained his administration’s ability to complete some projects.

‘When I see Mr President, I will talk to him about it. I will tell him, ‘Listen, the election is over, and I think we should do that,’ because it’s not easy,’ he said.

He explained that the financial constraints had affected the state’s ability to execute projects despite an improvement in internally generated revenue.

‘I wish I had more money to fix a lot of things. There are some projects that are almost completed, but because of funds, they seized our local government funds for almost two years. No government can survive it. No government can,’ he said.

According to Adeleke, the state’s improved internally generated revenue had also been largely committed to workers’ salaries and other obligations.

‘Our IGR has really improved greatly. But by the time we finish paying salaries and doing other things, there is no more money,’ he said.

Responding to allegations that his administration had concentrated development in his hometown, Ede, Adeleke dismissed the claim as propaganda, insisting that projects had been distributed across the state.

‘Leave that one now. Those are propaganda,’ he said.

The governor pointed to flyovers, road projects and other infrastructure in Osogbo and other parts of the state as evidence of his administration’s wider development agenda.

‘I put flyovers where I think they are necessary because of traffic congestion,’ he said, adding that his administration had also dualised numerous roads in Osogbo and undertaken projects in Ife.

‘Because I’m from Ede and I’m governor, Ede is part of Osun State, so I have to fix Ede too. But the development cuts across the state. There is no local government that I did not touch,’ he said.

Adeleke said some roads across the state had been abandoned for decades before his administration intervened.

He cited roads that had allegedly been abandoned for about 45 years, saying he personally inspected some of the projects and directed the Commissioner for Works to ensure their completion.

The governor also rejected allegations that incompetent contractors were responsible for the alleged deterioration of some roads constructed by his administration.

‘Those people are just talking. Why would I go and hire somebody who is not competent? No, no, no, no. That’s not right. God is not right,’ he said.

Adeleke, who secured a second term in office in the August 15 election, said his administration would focus on consolidating its achievements and completing projects affected by funding constraints.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to workers’ welfare, infrastructure, healthcare and other areas contained in his administration’s development agenda.

Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr Mohammed Shehu, says the commission has completed reviews of the revenue allocation formula and remuneration for political, public and judicial office holders.

Head of Information and Public Relations Unit of the commission, Maryam Yusuf, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

According to the RMAFC spokesperson, Shehu said the proposals on revenue allocation and remuneration reforms had reached advanced stages for consideration by relevant authorities.

While presenting an overview of the commission’s achievements and institutional progress from 2023 to date, he noted that the period had witnessed significant fiscal reforms, with RMAFC strengthening its constitutional mandates.

‘This mandate is on revenue monitoring, derivation verification and fiscal coordination.

‘The commission has improved data integrity, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and promoted equitable distribution of national revenue among the three tiers of government,’ he said.

Shehu said that the commission had also intensified monitoring of oil and gas production data to ensure accurate application of the 13 per cent derivation principle.

According to him, verification exercises, geospatial mapping and inter-agency collaboration had resolved several long-standing oil well attribution issues.

‘Also, 17 oil wells were reallocated from Imo State to Rivers State in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment. Similar interventions had been undertaken in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Imo and Anambra states.

‘The improved gas production reporting has enabled Enugu and Kogi states to benefit from derivation revenues,’ he added.

Shehu noted that the RMAFC had strengthened collaboration with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL).

‘The RMAFC has also strengthened collaboration with the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and the Office of the Surveyor-General.

‘The RMAFC is engaging with the Ministry of Defence to address crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and production losses,’ he said.

Beyond petroleum, Shehu said RMAFC was exploring new revenue opportunities through partnerships with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

He said the partnerships included using satellite and geospatial technologies to identify additional revenue sources.

Shehu confirmed that the commission had completed the review of remuneration for judicial office holders, culminating in the Judicial Office Holders’ Salaries and Allowances Act, 2025.

He said the review of remuneration for executive and legislative office holders was also at an advanced stage.

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Forum of Commissioners for Finance in Nigeria, Akin Oyebode, in this interview with ‘YOMI AYELESO, speaks on the impact of the Federal Government’s reforms, the role of states in driving development, why collaboration between the federal and state governments is crucial, and how Ekiti State under Governor Biodun Oyebanji is positioning itself for long-term prosperity through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, technology and human capital.

AS Chairman of the Forum of Commissioners for Finance in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu recently said more money is now going to the states and urged Nigerians to engage their governors on how the funds are being utilised. How will you interpret the President’s statement?

First, we must acknowledge the President for taking difficult but necessary decisions that have significantly improved the fiscal position of the federation. It is not only the states that are receiving more revenue; the entire federation is benefiting, with the Federal Government also receiving its constitutional share. What we are witnessing today is stronger coordination between the Federal Government and the states. That collaboration should continue to improve, particularly in project delivery and ensuring that national and sub-national development complement one another. Across the country, infrastructure projects are ongoing at both federal and state levels. In fact, World Bank reports show that more than 60 per cent of government capital expenditure is now being driven by sub-national governments. That demonstrates that states are playing a critical role in Nigeria’s development. None of this would have been possible without the bold reforms initiated by President Tinubu.

Many Nigerians, however, argue that despite these reforms, hardship has increased. What more should be done to improve the economy, especially as it relates to the average citizens on the streets?

I don’t dispute the fact that Nigerians are going through difficult times. I am a Nigerian and I live here too. But we also need to ask ourselves what would have happened if those reforms had not been implemented. In my opinion, the situation would have been much worse. At the time the reforms were introduced, foreign exchange was scarce. Manufacturers, traders and businesses struggled to access the foreign exchange needed for imports. Inflationary pressures were extremely high, with inflation hovering around 30 per cent. Today, the macroeconomic environment is considerably more stable. Inflation has moderated, price increases have slowed significantly, and businesses can now access foreign exchange for legitimate transactions. The challenge before us now is ensuring that this macroeconomic stability translates into improved living conditions for households. To achieve that, Nigeria must sustain double-digit economic growth that exceeds population growth. Growth also has to spread beyond sectors such as telecommunications, ICT and oil and gas. Agriculture, distributive trade and other sectors that directly affect ordinary Nigerians must experience strong growth. If agriculture, for instance, grows consistently at 10 to 12 per cent annually, households will begin to feel the benefits much more directly.

Given this situation you have explained, what hope can you offer Nigerians? How soon can these economic gains reach families?

A number of important steps still need to be taken. We must improve collaboration in public spending, particularly in critical sectors of the economy. The government should also continue to privatise activities that can be managed more efficiently by the private sector. For example, I see no reason why electricity transmission cannot be privatised. Likewise, NNPCL can reduce some of the federation’s equity in certain assets to attract private investment, raise additional revenue and accelerate production. Another important area is monetary policy. If inflation continues to decline, interest rates should also begin to moderate so businesses can access affordable financing to expand their operations. These are technical but important policy decisions that can stimulate investment, create jobs and accelerate economic growth.

Turning to Ekiti State, many observers believe the state has made significant economic progress under Governor Biodun Oyebanji. What would you describe as the administration’s biggest factor driving these achievements in almost four years?

The biggest factor is the Governor’s clear vision of delivering shared prosperity. It is a simple, consistent and well-articulated vision that every ministry and agency understands and works towards. Secondly, we have maintained relative peace and security, which remains the foundation of development. While no society is perfect, Ekiti remains one of the safer states in the country. Infrastructure development has also been transformative. Better roads improve economic activities across the state. We have equally invested heavily in agriculture, food security and youth empowerment. Electricity is another major area. Communities that previously had no access to power are now connected. Street lighting has also extended business hours. People often overlook the economic impact of something as simple as street lights. If commercial activities increase from 12 hours daily to 15 hours, that represents about a 25 per cent increase in trading time. The multiplier effect on the local economy is enormous.

Looking ahead to the governor’s second term starting in October, many believe industrialisation and private investment should be priorities to create more jobs. What needs to happen?

Investment takes time, but we have already laid the foundation. Take the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone; it is designed to attract agro-processing industries to Ekiti. Agbeyewa Farms is an excellent example of what we want, but we need hundreds of such investments. The Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) is another game-changer. It will attract technology companies and provide opportunities for our young people, particularly those already working remotely or freelancing. The operational airport is another strategic asset. Investors always consider connectivity before choosing where to locate. Today, Ekiti is effectively about 30 minutes by air from Lagos, making the state much more attractive for business. In the second term, our strategy will become even more proactive. Rather than waiting for investors, we will actively engage targeted companies and convince them that Ekiti offers the right business environment. We have also improved the investment climate through institutions such as the Ekiti Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), introduced business-friendly reforms and consistently ranked among Nigeria’s top-performing states in the World Bank’s State Action on Business Enabling Reforms programme.

Where do you see Ekiti’s economy over the next four years under Governor Oyebanji?

I joined the Ekiti State Government in 2019, and I can confidently say the state has changed significantly since then. The economy is on an upward trajectory. Flagship projects such as the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone will play major roles in our future growth. We are creating more employment opportunities and expanding economic activities. Agriculture will continue to be one of our strongest sectors, from crop production to poultry and food processing. I believe Ekiti will emerge as the agricultural hub of the South-West and eventually become one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states. The future is full of opportunities, and I am confident that Governor Oyebanji’s second term will deliver even greater value and development.

But some people believe second-term governors often lose momentum. Do you share that view?

I prefer evidence-based conversations. There are many governors who performed exceptionally well during their second terms. Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola delivered major projects in his second term. Former Governor Kayode Fayemi implemented significant programmes during his later years in office, many of which this administration has continued to build upon. Governor Dapo Abiodun has also delivered several flagship infrastructure projects during his second term, especially the airport. So I don’t agree that second-term governors automatically perform poorly. In reality, first-term governors often have to balance governance with electoral considerations. Some important but difficult reforms cannot be fully implemented because of political realities. A second term gives a governor greater freedom to focus entirely on development without the distraction of another election. The first term is like preparing the meal, while the second term is when people enjoy it. That is how I see Governor Oyebanji’s administration. The foundation has been laid, and the second term presents the opportunity to maximise the benefits for the people of Ekiti.

The dust raised by Archbishop John Onaiyekan over the closed-door meeting the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) had with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is yet to settle; thanks be to opposition politicians and other sundry Tinubu opponents who never miss any opportunity – real or imagined – to drag the president! Responses to last week’s ‘Onaiyekan: Is Tinubu insensitive to Nigerians’ plight?’ have also come in torrents. As would be expected, opinion is divided – for and against. So also is the disagreement over the nature of the president’s meeting with the bishops: Was it closed door or not? Presidency officials insisted it was a closed-door meeting while some responders said it was not. Also, Presidency officials said, contrary to the impression created by Bishop Onaiyekan, the president did not huff and scoff at the bishops’ graphic presentation of the hardship in the land but only explained that, while he is doing his best to tackle the menace, the impression should not be created that it is a new or novel phenomenon unknown before his coming into office. The admission that they knew we were suffering gave me some respite because the streets are not smiling at all. I will keep encouraging them to try harder. ‘We, the people…’ need more from them. May we soon smile! But that is a topic for another day!

Today, let’s focus attention on another controversial statement credited to Tinubu – that all is fair in politics! His words (as they were reported): ‘I asked for this job. I’m in it. Those who will take it from me will try. They will try. All is fair in politics, and it is equal opportunity… If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty in the companies they keep – not me.’

‘I am ready, but I won’t give them a red carpet. I won’t offer them the leash to tie me and rope me. No, we wrestle each other to the finishing point.’

Power is not served à la carte

At first, I did not attach much meaning to the statement. I saw it as being factual and the president speaking without diluting his words. But a closer look revealed the contentious sentence: All is fair in politics. It was then that Niccolo Machiavelli popped up – if I may call it that.

It is true that Tinubu asked for the job; in fact, not only did he ask, he fought tooth and nail for it. He moved mountains and overcame volcanoes. Few men would have survived as he did to land the job. True, then, are the words of those who say power is not served à la carte. Google even credits Tinubu as the author of this statement! And once power is grabbed – again, Tinubu’s own aphorism – the grabber does not relinquish it except by force, to quote the great American leader for freedom, Frederick Douglass. ‘Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will’, says Douglass. And the ‘demand’ we talk about here is superior power, superior wisdom, superior strategy, and superior guts. No, not social media ranting!

When Tinubu said those who will take power from him will try, he means they will have to overwhelm him on all fronts before they can do so. He means he will not surrender power; he can only be forced to relinquish it by a superior power or force. He means he will not act like ex-President Goodluck Jonathan; that he will not run away from a fight. He has been a fighter all his political life – and even before that – and he has no intention of being someone else now. And that is his prerogative. It is logical. Now, do his opponents expect to just walk leisurely into office? Did Tinubu walk leisurely into it?

Contests are brutal. Ask wrestlers. Ask boxers. Ask even footballers. A Yoruba proverb says: Anyone who runs away from a fight (‘I-cannot-come-and-die person’) cannot wear his royal family’s crown. Fela taught us to fight if we seek to partake in enjoying the good of the land. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, the scripture tells us that while many run in a race, only one receives the prize – and that is the person who runs with the most panache, dedication and focus. ‘So run, that ye may obtain’, it adds.

Tinubu insists that those who will take his crown from him will try. For emphasis, he repeated the words ‘They will try!’ Now, tell me, does anyone seek to take Tinubu’s crown without trying, and without crossing the seven rivers he crossed and overcoming the seven mountains he overcame? Then, they are not serious! They are not really ready!

Why are opposition politicians disjointed?

When Tinubu talked about his opponents crying wolf, of being afraid of their own shadows as well as being uncertain of the company they keep, my mind went to the inability of the opposition politicians to forge a common front. When I asked a top opposition politician this question, he told me that the opposition figures are even more afraid of one another than they are of Tinubu! Can you beat that? He added that, in the final analysis, they trust Tinubu better than they trust one another! And these are the people who want to snatch power from the jaws of a lion? Didn’t they see what Tinubu, Buhari and the others did to snatch power: How the opposition political parties collapsed their structures into one single entity – the All Progressives Congress? Why are the opposition parties unable to do that now? Didn’t they see how Tinubu patiently waited for Buhari to exhaust his eight years before forcefully coming out to say ‘Emilokan’? Why can’t Obi wait for Atiku? Why can’t Kwankwaso join the queue? Tell me, is Tinubu to blame for that? Or has Tinubu afflicted them with ‘a-ja-n-tuka’ (gather-to-scatter)?

Tinubu reportedly told the Bishops he was ready to do battle; unfortunately, the opposition politicians are still struggling to put their feet firmly on the ground. Only last week, I read, again, that they were trying – or was it ‘would try’ – to form an alliance again! They have been at this for ages. They always scatter and go their separate ways in the end. Personal ambition will not let them do the needful. APC has shown them the road to power – why is it difficult for them to walk in it?

What politics is not

The contentious portion of Tinubu’s reported statement to the Bishops is ‘All is fair in politics…’ Is everything fair in politics? The answer, unequivocally, is, ‘No, all is not fair in politics! Violence, the kind that has whacked the Osun State governorship election, is not fair in politics. If it is, we will soon relapse into the Hobbesian state of nature of the ‘war of all against all’, thus making life ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short (Thomas Hobbes, The Leviathan, 1651). Such a chaotic condition will not even permit anyone, Tinubu himself inclusive, to rule as president.

Vote-selling – and vote-buying – is not fair in politics: It is a cankerworm that stealthily erodes the health of our democracy. Undermining rules and regulations for free and fair elections is not fair in politics: It makes a mockery of democracy as government of the people by the people and for the people. Bribery and corruption are not fair in politics: They are an aggressive cancer that eats society as a whole from within, debasing morals and leading eventually to the collapse of values and virtues that sustain and mould society as a virile entity. Leveraging Federal might or incumbency factor at any level is not fair in politics: Only cheats do that because it denies level playing ground to other competitors for power.

If all is fair in politics, why do we have a Constitution; why the ground rule for all governmental actions? Why an Electoral law detailing elaborate rules and regulations guiding the conduct of elections? When Tinubu said himself and those angling to unseat him will ‘wrestle each other to the finishing line’, it is a tacit admission that there are rules and regulations laid down by the organisers, referees and judges of the contest. There are no contests without rules. If rules are flouted or are not enforced – that is another matter entirely.

Are politics and morality antithetical?

This is not to deny, however, the position of some scholars that conventional morality has no place in the practical application of politics. Often quoted in this way is the Italian philosopher, Niccolo Machiavelli. In his work, The Prince (1532), Machiavelli argues that traditional moral virtues can lead to a ruler’s downfall. Effective rulers must be willing to use deception, cruelty, and manipulation, if necessary, to maintain state stability, security, and power. The end, he posits, justifies the means applied.

Before Machiavelli had been philosophers like Thucydides, famous for the axiom that ‘the strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept what they have to accept.’ Hans Morgenthau after him posits that power has its own distinct sphere governed by the concept of national interest which, translated, means power. State relations, therefore, are determined by power relations and national interest – and not by morality.

Is there, then, a place for morality in politics? Yes! There is no human society devoid of or decrepit in moral values, although these vary from place to place. The brick wall that some theorists erect between politics and morality is more academic than real. Morality in politics sets the standards for justice, human rights, and the common good. Our laws are shaped by moral principles. Those ethical frameworks are meant to check tyranny, abuse of power, corruption, and the descent into Hobbes’s state of nature.

I will be surprised if President Tinubu does not subscribe to these lofty ideals, which are safety nets for everyone – including himself. Otherwise, he would not have been where he is today! And he will also have no justification or backing at all – legal or moral – to arrest and try anyone attempting to overthrow him and cut short his constitutionally guaranteed term of office!

What those quoting Tinubu’s ‘All is fair in politics’ statement have neglected to do – and deliberately so, I presume – is to read it along with the other leg of the statement that follows it, in which he said, ‘and it is equal opportunity.’ If everyone is given ‘equal opportunity’, whatever anyone makes of his or her own opportunity is fair enough! It is if anyone is denied equal opportunity or level playing ground that issues may justifiably be raised. But as per individual gifts and talents or capacities for action that differ – and what individuals make of them under the ambits of the law – fair is fair!

National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, has identified three key personalities he believes shaped the outcome of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

Israel made the remarks on Sunday while reflecting on the election won by Governor Ademola Adeleke, who secured a second term after defeating APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Adeleke and musician David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, emerged as the defining figures in the contest, each playing a unique role in influencing the political atmosphere before and during the election.

While acknowledging the disappointment within the APC following the result, Israel said the outcome should encourage honest reflection within the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

He described Tinubu as a major figure in the election, arguing that the President allowed the people of Osun to freely determine the outcome without deploying federal influence in favour of the ruling party.

‘The first is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‘President Tinubu deserves commendation for allowing the people of Osun to make their choice without turning the enormous powers of the Presidency into partisan weapons. A President determined to capture Osun at all costs had many levers available to him. State institutions could have been weaponised, security forces could have overwhelmed the atmosphere, and federal might could have been deployed in a manner that distorted the contest.

‘That did not happen.’

Israel also said Adeleke’s grassroots appeal remained a significant factor in the election, noting that many political observers failed to appreciate the strength of the governor’s connection with ordinary voters.

‘The second defining figure is Governor Ademola Adeleke.

‘For years, some members of the political elite have reduced Governor Adeleke to his dancing. That assessment has always underestimated both the man and the nature of Osun politics.

‘Governor Adeleke’s dancing was never a weakness. It was a political language. It humanised him, made him accessible, and created emotional proximity with ordinary voters. His singing, dancing, accessibility and public worship built a bond that many technocratic analyses failed to capture.’

Israel further singled out Davido for his active involvement in the election campaign, saying the singer’s influence extended beyond entertainment into political mobilisation.

‘The third defining figure is David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.

‘Davido was not on the ballot, but his presence was impossible to ignore. His influence, reach and emotional connection with young people became political capital in this election. He deployed his platform, visibility and personal commitment in support of Governor Adeleke in a manner that energised supporters and kept attention on the campaign.

‘Whether one agrees with his politics or not, Davido demonstrated the growing role of cultural figures in electoral contests. In today’s political environment, influence is no longer confined to politicians alone.’

Tribune Online reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke winner of the election after polling 511,067 votes, ahead of Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.

‘That, Ademola Adeleke of Accord Party, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared winner and is returned elected, duly signed by me,’ declared Professor Ogunwole.

The Registrar of the University of Ibadan, Mr. Ganiyu Saliu, has called for a fundamental transformation of university registries in Nigeria, urging them to move beyond traditional bureaucratic functions and become strategic drivers of institutional development.

Saliu made the call on Friday while delivering a lecture, titled ‘The Future-Ready University Registry: Leading Institutional Transformation in an Era of Change’, at the 12th Annual Registry Discourse of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

He described the Registry as the ‘nerve centre’ of the university, saying it must evolve from a paper-driven, reactive structure into a proactive, data-driven and innovation-focused institution.

According to him, Nigerian public universities are operating in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) environment characterised by dwindling subventions, infrastructural deficits, industrial disruptions and rising student enrolment without corresponding administrative capacity.

Saliu said the challenges presented an opportunity for registries to redefine their value and embrace technological and institutional changes. He criticised the continued dependence on paper-based processes, warning that the practice exposed institutional records to loss, fire, water damage and deterioration, while slowing document retrieval, transcript issuance, staff promotions and other administrative processes.

‘Due to the sheer volume of daily exigencies, the Registry is often caught in a cycle of reactive firefighting rather than proactive strategic planning,’ he said.

He said the Registry remained the official custodian of university records and institutional memory, covering the lifecycle of students and staff from admission and assumption of duty to graduation, alumni relations and retirement.

Saliu advocated a digital-first Registry built around Electronic Document Management Systems, integrated data, agile policy adaptation and stakeholder-centred service delivery. He said digital transformation required scalable systems, unified dashboards and end-to-end automation from admission to alumni relations.

ALSO EAD: LAUTECH’s growing visibility as hub of innovation, technological excellence

He urged Registry officers to develop digital fluency, data-analysis skills and unimpeachable integrity, stressing that data privacy was a ‘sacred, non-negotiable trust.’

He also called for continuous professional development, paperless initiatives, digitised workflows, quarterly training and the review of outdated standard operating procedures.

Saliu said Nigerian universities faced a battle for relevance, funding and global standing, insisting that the Registry must lead rather than react to change.

‘In this battle, the Registry is not just a passive support system, we are the vanguard,’ he declared.

In her welcome address, the host of the discourse, the LAUTECH Registrar, Mrs Olayinka Balogun, said the university’s uninterrupted schedule of activities and disruption-free academic calendar demonstrated its growing institutional stability.

Balogun, the sixth substantive registrar and first woman to occupy the position, described LAUTECH as a pacesetting institution and, in her assessment, the best state university in Nigeria.

‘We can boast of our stability and say without fear of equivocation that our calendar is free of disruption,’ she said.

She said rapid technological innovation, global interconnectedness and changing stakeholder expectations required universities to become more agile and responsive, adding that the Registry must become a ‘centre of institutional intelligence’ capable of anticipating challenges and providing reliable information for decision-making.

In his remarks as the chairman of the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Razaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu, said artificial intelligence could support document classification, information retrieval, data analysis, routine correspondence, scheduling and knowledge management.

He, however, warned that technology must remain a tool and not replace professional judgement.

‘No digital platform can compensate for an unmotivated workforce. No software can replace integrity. No artificial intelligence can substitute for sound judgment, empathy and professional responsibility,’ Kalilu said.

A highlight of the programme was the celebration of Professor Kalilu’s birthday, marked by the cutting of a birthday cake moulded in the shape of LAUTECH’s A.M. Salau Senate Building.

The discourse attracted LAUTECH principal officers, provosts, deans, directors, deputy registrars and other participants from universities across the country, both physically and virtually.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has extended what he described as a ‘hand of fellowship’ to hisAll Progressives Congress (APC) opponent, Bola Oyebamiji, pledging to pursue reconciliation and unite the state after a fiercely contested governorship election.

Adeleke, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Sunday, said the election was over and that he was now governor of the entire state and not merely of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor said he would set up a reconciliation committee to bring the people together, adding that even his political opponents would be invited to contribute ideas towards the development of Osun.

‘I preach peace. Let us forget what has happened. Democracy is all about that. Once the election is over, I am now a governor for everybody, not for my party,’ he said.

Adeleke, who defeated Oyebamiji in the August 15 governorship election, said he was ready to listen to his former opponent if he had ideas that could contribute to the development of the state.

‘I am extending my hand of fellowship. Come on down, talk to me. If you have any ideas, put them on the table. If the idea is good, I am going to utilise it,’ he said.

He, however, maintained that the responsibility to initiate contact should ordinarily lie with Oyebamiji, as the governor had already been declared winner of the election.

‘I am not the one that is supposed to reach out to him now because I am the one who won the election and I have been announced. If he wants to be civilised, he is the one that is supposed to call me and say, ‘Congratulations,” Adeleke said.

In what could signal a significant shift in the political atmosphere in the state after the election, Adeleke also declared that he would be willing to work with Oyebamiji and former governor Gboyega Oyetola despite their membership of the APC.

The governor said his willingness to work with them was particularly linked to his support for President Bola Tinubu.

‘As long as I am doing it for Mr President, I won’t mind. I will work with them,’ he said.

Adeleke, however, ruled out returning to the APC, saying such a move was not currently on his agenda.

‘As I’m talking to you, I’m not even thinking about that. It’s not on my agenda. But that doesn’t mean that I cannot support Mr President,’ he said.

The governor also made a significant political declaration, saying he would support Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

Asked directly whether he would go ‘all out’ for the President in the 2027 presidential election, Adeleke replied: ‘I will.’

He, however, dismissed suggestions that his support for Tinubu was the product of an agreement connected to the Osun governorship election.

‘No, I never reached any agreement with Mr President,’ Adeleke said.

According to him, his support for Tinubu was based partly on the fact that the President is from the Southwest, while he also wants the Federal Government to continue paying attention to infrastructure development in the region.

‘My support is just based on the fact that he is a Yoruba man and he is from the Southwest. And I believe that all the federal roads that he has started, I want to encourage him not to forget the Southwest too, because all our federal roads link us to other regions,’ he said.

Adeleke also said Tinubu should be given another opportunity to consolidate his reforms.

The governor further disclosed that he had instructed the Attorney-General of the state to withdraw a legal matter involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), presenting the decision as part of his broader effort to move beyond the political battles surrounding the election.

‘I’ve instructed my Attorney-General to drop it. Mr President has done well. He called me. What more do I want?’ Adeleke said.

He also said the President’s personal engagement with him had helped to ease tensions.

Asked about allegations that some of his supporters were being held in custody, Adeleke said his lawyers had been directed to intervene.

He said the EFCC had previously invited some of his associates for questioning and maintained that his supporters had nothing to hide.

‘I told my people, ‘We have got nothing to hide. We don’t have anything to hide. Go over there,” he said, describing the continued questioning as ‘a distraction and intimidation.’

The governor, however, suggested that President Tinubu might not be aware of some of the actions being taken by federal agencies, stressing that the President had ‘a lot of work’ to do.

Looking beyond the immediate political aftermath of the election, Adeleke said his major ambition for his second term was to transform Osun from what he described as a predominantly civil service state into an industrialised economy capable of attracting major investments.

He said the development of a free trade zone and the state’s industrialisation programme would be central to that ambition.

‘I am tired of hearing Osun State as a civil service state. I want to make sure I move it to an industrial state where investors will come in,’ he said.

Adeleke also listed the completion of the state’s airport and expansion of infrastructure among his priorities, expressing confidence that the projects would be completed within his second term.

He claimed that an increasing number of people were already returning to the state and expressing interest in investing there.

He said his ultimate ambition was to make Osun a reference point for other states.

‘I would like to be remembered that when Governor Ademola Adeleke came as a governor, he left a legacy of making Osun State a reference point that other states can look up to and say, ‘Look, go to Osun State, go and see how they do it,” he said.

Responding to criticism that his public image as a dancing governor could overshadow his performance in office, Adeleke said dancing was simply his hobby and had no bearing on his ability to govern.

‘My hobby is dancing. I have loved dancing right from when I was little, so that doesn’t stop me from doing my job. And my job speaks for itself,’ he said.

He attributed his re-election to the confidence voters had developed in his administration after what he described as the fulfilment of his campaign promises.

‘Of all the things that I promised them I would do, I kept my promises. I have been tested and trusted,’ he said.

The governor also expressed concern over the violence and heightened political tension that preceded the election, saying Osun had traditionally been a peaceful state.

He said political disagreements should not be allowed to destroy the state’s social fabric and disclosed that he had instructed his supporters not to retaliate when campaign materials were destroyed.

‘I’m a very peaceful person. I told my people that they should not retaliate. They destroyed my posters all over. I told my people not to touch their people. Just leave them alone,’ he said.

According to him, political power ultimately comes from the people and not intimidation or violence.

‘It is not people that will bring the vote. It is the people,’ he said, pledging to continue preaching peace.

‘I will keep on preaching peace so that everything can come back the way it used to be, so that Osun State can be peaceful. I’m sure they will listen. I lead by example.’

Asked about his description of himself as a ‘bulldozer’ following his victory, Adeleke embraced the nickname, explaining it as a reference to his political strength.

‘Call me Bulldozer. Don’t call me Demola. The Bulldozer. Imole the Bulldozer,’ he said.

Explaining the expression, he said it reflected his ability to overcome political obstacles despite lacking the support structures enjoyed by some other governors.

‘They were asking me a question that, ‘All these 20 governors are here, and you are the only governor. You don’t have anybody.’ I said, ‘You don’t know me. I’m a bulldozer,” he said.

For Adeleke, however, the ultimate credit for his victory belongs not to his political strength but to God.

Asked whom he would thank for the election victory, the governor responded: ‘Almighty God.’

‘I have a God that never fails. I praise Him all the time,’ he said, attributing his victory to divine intervention despite what he described as opposition threats to deploy ‘federal might’.

‘He is the God that did it for me in 2022. It is the same God, and He is still the same God today and forever. And He did it. So, I praise Him,’ Adeleke said.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the 2026 governorship election, according to Accord Party chieftain, Pelumi Olajengbesi.

Olajengbesi disclosed this while speaking with journalists at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre in Osogbo after Adeleke was declared winner of the election.

He said Tinubu personally called Adeleke to congratulate him, adding that the President deserved commendation for allowing the election to take place without interference.

Olajengbesi said Tinubu had kept his promise to allow the people of Osun to freely choose their governor.

‘The President congratulated Governor Adeleke last night,’ he said.

Tribune Online recalls that Adeleke secured 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.

The result gave Adeleke a winning margin of 66,252 votes.

His victory secures another term for the incumbent governor after a closely watched contest in which the APC sought to reclaim the state.

Despite praising Tinubu for what he described as non-interference, Olajengbesi criticised aspects of the electoral process.

He said the election could be described as credible but not entirely free and fair, citing violent incidents recorded in some parts of the state before and during the exercise.

Olajengbesi nevertheless commended the President for, according to him, allowing the election to proceed without political interference.

Adeleke’s victory comes four years after he first won the Osun governorship election and further strengthens his political hold on the state.