Category: Nigerian Tribune

Niger State government has domesticated and passed a law at the State House of Assembly setting the retirement age of teachers in the state at 65 years, effective from January 1, 2026.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago disclosed this during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Minna, organized by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Niger State Chapter, in collaboration with the Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

The governor also revealed that the retirement age for professors is now 70 years, explaining that the decision aims to ensure that teachers’ values continue to be passed on to future generations.

Governor Bago approved the return of PTA levies in schools, stipulating that all payments must be supervised by the Ministry of Education to ensure effective utilization.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to teachers’ welfare, announcing a wage award of N20,000 for all teachers in the state by next month and the donation of an 18-seater bus to NUT Niger State.

The governor added that henceforth, primary school teachers’ employment and promotion will be handled by the Local Government Service Commission, while the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) will only have the mandate to screen and provide relevant information.

Governor Bago also approved a retreat for teachers entering level 17 and acknowledged their immense role in nation-building. He promised to protect teachers’ interests, removing them from civil service bureaucracy to provide them with a standard service structure.

The Chairman of NUT, Niger State Chapter, Comrade Adamu Mohammed Akayago, said the theme of this year’s event underscores that teachers are not merely transmitters of knowledge but architects of a collective future. He emphasized that their welfare, dignity, and professional status must remain a priority for all stakeholders.

Akayago commended Governor Bago for his dedicated service and revolutionary approach in transforming Niger State, expressing gratitude for the unprecedented approval of an N80,000 minimum wage for workers. He also highlighted some challenges requiring government intervention.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Aishatu Nuhu Yalwa, said the occasion serves as a reminder that the future of children depends on teachers, who are promoters of values. She reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing access to quality and inclusive education.

In a keynote address titled ‘Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow: The Imperative for a Unified National Education Strategy,’ the Registrar and CEO of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, described Nigeria as having one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations globally.

He stressed that the nation’s future depends on collective action to elevate and empower the teaching force. He described teachers as strategic national security assets and key drivers of civic responsibility, adding that NECO will continue using data to improve teaching and learning outcomes nationwide.

In separate remarks, the Executive Chairman of Niger State Universal Basic Education (NSUBEB), Mohammed Baba Ibrahim; Director General of School Reforms, Maimuna Mohammed; State Coordinator of the Teachers Registration Council, Usman Muhammad Sani; and State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Idris Lafene, all acknowledged teachers’ critical role in nation-building.

Governor Bago was presented with an award of excellence for service delivery and commitment to the teaching profession. Other honorees included Senator Muhammad Sani Musa (representing Niger East Senatorial District), immediate past Commissioner for Basic Education Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, NLC Chairman Niger State Council Comrade Idris Lafene, TUC Chairman Niger State, and Thinklab company.

The 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration had the theme: ‘Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return to Abuja today following conclusion of a ten-day working visit to Lagos.

Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Onanuga noted that the President arrived in Lagos on Friday, September 26, after attending the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, in Ibadan.

While in the nation’s commercial capital, President Tinubu engaged with key investors, including Bayo Ogunlesi, Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners, and Keem Belo-Osagie, former Chairman of United Bank for Africa and Etisalat, and now Chairman of Metis Capital Partners.

President Tinubu also received the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr Arsenio Dominguez, in the company of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and other heads of agencies in the sector.

During their meeting, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s maritime industry as a viable alternative to fossil energy.

On the eve of Nigeria’s 65th anniversary of independence, President Tinubu visited Imo State to commission projects undertaken by Governor Hope Uzodimma. The President also unveiled a book authored by the governor, chronicling 10 years of the APC governance in Nigeria.

He delivered the national broadcast from the State House, Dodan Barracks, on Independence Day. He later commissioned the renovated National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, where he called on Nigerians to speak positively about their country.

On Saturday, October 4, President Tinubu visited Jos, Plateau State, to attend the burial of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, the mother of Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, the chairman of the APC.

At the funeral, the President paid tribute to Mama Yilwatda and assured Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of his administration’s unwavering commitment to fairness and equity among all religious groups in the country.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, has explained the reason for the recent increase in cooking gas price across the country.

According to him, the cooking gas price hike was caused by the temporary disruption of operations during the strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Speaking with State House correspondents on Sunday after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Ojulari said the industrial action halted loading and distribution for several days, leading to an artificial rise in the price.

‘The increase you saw was relatively artificial because for the period of the strike, movements and loading were delayed by about two, three days,’ he said. ‘And because of that, you see that impact. As things return back to normal, it takes some time for distribution to be fully restored.’

Ojulari also accused some retailers of taking advantage of the temporary supply disruption to inflate the cooking gas price.

‘As you know, in Nigeria, people take opportunity. With that delay, some of the people that had existing resources and reserves had to put up the price,’ he said.

Ojulari assured Nigerians that as supply chains stabilise, the cooking gas price is expected to ease in the coming weeks.

‘My expectation is that now that things are back to normal, prices should return to what they were before the strike,’ he said.

The rise in cooking gas price followed the industrial action by PENGASSAN over the dismissal of Nigerian workers at the Dangote Refinery.

The strike, which disrupted fuel and gas operations nationwide, was suspended on October 1 after federal government intervention.

Following negotiations, the Dangote Group agreed to redeploy the affected workers, paving the way for normal operations to resume and for the cooking gas price to stabilise.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, on Friday formally inaugurated its leadership council, with a vow to deliver President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwwori in the 2027 general elections.

The council has the party’s founding leader in the state, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, as its Chairman; Chief Fred Majemite, first vice chairman; Chief Terry Noah, second vice chairman; Chief Festus Agas, Secretary; Chief Raphael Emecho, Assistant Secretary; Mr. George Oyefia, Organising Secretary; Chief Roland Odeni, Assistant Organizing Secretary; Sir Festus Ahon, Publicity Secretary; David Edjukonemu and Chief Adjode Prosper, Ex-Officios.

Also inaugurated were the Finance and Fundraising Committee with Stella Okotete as Chairperson and Mr. Kelly Oghenekevwe as Secretary, as well as the Elders Committee chaired by Prof. Samuel Ibodje.

Speaking at Evwreni, venue of the inauguration, Emerhor urged members to regard the council as a focal point for mobilisation.

He said: ‘See, if you are not here, you are not a politician, you really are not. I have not seen, for a very long time in this dispensation, a gathering of this caliber of persons. I have been involved in political battles and elections since 1999, and looking around this place today, I know we are prepared and ready to go to battle. I don’t see any reason to be worried.

‘We are ready and prepared physically. We are ready and prepared financially. We are also ready and prepared spiritually. I didn’t do anything extraordinary to stand up for the APC; it is neutral for a more progressive agenda. I think His Excellency the President and our government can go to rest; there is no fear in Ughelli North. We are prepared and ready.’

Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, warned against indiscipline within the party.

He cautioned: ‘If some people are here and think they are bigger than the party, let me be clear: the party is too big to wait for anybody. The president was very empathetic, he said, ‘Go and work with these people.’ We are ready to work together.’

Also speaking, Professor Samuel Ibodje and Morrison Olori advised party leaders to focus on inclusion, stressing that no member should be disregarded or undermined.

The council was inaugurated by Honourable Matthew Omonade, the lawmaker representing Ughelli North Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding financial inclusion while strengthening the banking system through its ongoing recapitalisation programme.

Speaking at the Lagos Business School’s inaugural lecture on Friday, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso said the reforms are necessary to build resilience, deepen access, and ensure banks are capable of supporting sustainable economic growth.

‘Access to financial services has risen from 56 percent in 2020 to over 64 percent in 2025, largely due to mobile and agency banking. But inclusion must go hand in hand with resilience. That is why we have commenced the recapitalisation of banks,’ Cardoso said.

He explained that a stronger banking system would be better positioned to withstand shocks, finance large-scale investments, and support Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. The recapitalisation drive, he noted, is not just about meeting prudential ratios but about preparing the sector for future challenges.

Cardoso also highlighted efforts to connect the Nigerian diaspora to the domestic financial system, citing the introduction of the Non-Resident BVN platform which allows Nigerians abroad to open accounts seamlessly. ‘This will unlock more remittance inflows and investment channels,’ he said.

He added that the CBN was prioritising the digital economy by developing regulatory frameworks for payments, credit, and savings platforms. ‘The leaders who will thrive are those who embrace innovation while ensuring stability, inclusion, and trust,’ he told the audience.

According to Cardoso, inclusive growth remains at the centre of monetary policy. ‘Price stability is essential, but in a young country like Nigeria, it must also foster opportunity and expand access to finance for all,’ he said.

FROM the N3.5 trillion recorded in 2019, the Ogun State economy has continued to witness tremendous growth estimated at N16 trillion within six years of the administration of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun. The geometric leap in the economic fortunes of the Gateway State is, no doubt, attributable to the holistic economic masterplan anchored on massive investments in human capital development and infrastructural revolution. Investment in infrastructure across the major towns and rural communities is rapidly turning the state around. Under the leadership of Governor Abiodun, Ogun State is leveraging on its ‘Gateway’ status to unleash new frontiers of development across sectors. There is no contending that Ogun State has evolved as the prime choice of investment hub in Nigeria, manifesting in the expansion of the industrial and manufacturing sector. Within the last four years, Ogun State has attracted significant foreign investments among which is the $400 million project with Arise Integrated Industrial platform for the development of Olokola Free Trade Zone and Remo Agro Processing zone. It should, however, be instructive that a major component of the economic rebirth currently unfolding in Ogun State is the transformational agenda of the state’s housing sector being overseen by the commissioner.

The housing sector is enhancing the much-needed environment conducive for economic growth, thereby making the state attractive to investors. It is heartwarming that the Ministry of Housing under the leadership of the Commissioner, Jagunmolu Jamiu Akande Omoniyi, is complimenting the momentum of expansion in commercial and industrial outlooks of Ogun State with housing projects that are changing the landscape of urban and rural settings for goods. The appointment of the Commissioner for Housing who is a seasoned mortgage banker, an astute administrator and versatile real estate developer, has turned out to be a huge blessing to the incumbent administration in Ogun. The ennobling pedigree of Omoniyi has reflected in the style of leadership and the new direction being witnessed in the housing sector in Ogun State.

Having worked with Partnership Savings and Loans, Wema Homes and Abbey Mortgage Bank, the Commissioner rose to become the Regional Executive Manager before starting his own firm, C2Q Property and Investment Co Ltd. His firm was at the forefront of the initiative that delivered over 10,000 affordable houses to civil servants in the FCT in partnership with the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board.

It is therefore not surprising that housing schemes such as the Prince Court Estates at Kemta Idi Aba as well others in Kobape, Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro and Iperu are a sight with their architecture layouts and aesthetic components. Apart from the main stream Housing Ministry, the Commissioner has supervised activities of other housing agencies under his purview, to deliver on their mandates. Other notable housing estates that are redefining the narratives of rural-urban settings in Ogun State through enhanced access to ownership and affordability include Kings Court Estate at Oke Mosan and in Warewa; Renewed Hope Housing Scheme (Abeokuta 1 and 2), PMB Estate, Kobape Road, Abeokuta, where construction of detached and semi-detached duplexes is ongoing; Ibara GRA Regeneration Scheme and Ijebu Ode GRA Regeneration Scheme. In all, Ogun State’s housing agencies under the watch of Jagunmolu Omoniyi has delivered no fewer than 4,230 housing units ( low, medium and high income class) across the state.

In tandem with the I.S.E.Y.A mantra of Governor Abiodun-led administration, the Ogun State Ministry of Housing initiated a number of incentives to deliver affordable housing to beneficiaries across the civil service and to the general public. Hence, the ministry under Omoniyi has demonstrated commitment to enhancing access to affordable housing by curbing administrative bottlenecks. Under the initiative aimed at enhancing access to affordable housing in the state, Governor Abiodun-led government subsidizes the cost of lands and also provides access to mortgages through Gateway Mortgage Bank with 0% profit! The ministry, however, monitors procurement of materials so as to curb waste and ensure standards; leading to significant reduction in the costs of building. It equally ensures that qualified engineers and architects are on ground to make sure the best jobs are done.

While the competent leadership evinced by the man supervising the housing sector in Ogun State is attributable to his experience and exposure, Omoniyi’s background and informal training in bricklaying as ‘Omo Baba Birikila’ of Joga-Orile, (A son of a bricklayer) reflect in the direction he has steered the Ogun State Ministry of Housing and ancillary agencies. His tutelage under his late father, Alhaji Mudashiru Omoniyi who was a seasoned bricklayer appeared to have shaped his commitment to the mass oriented policy of house ownership . On the socioeconomic front, the housing sector in Ogun State under the Commissioner has, through massive construction and innovative home ownership schemes, contributed immensely to expanding the economic fortunes through employment, finance and industrial growth. Various housing schemes have been tailored to create jobs for artisans, suppliers, skilled and unskilled labourers; thereby making life more abundant to families through livelihoods support and direct income earnings.

And due to increased activities in the housing sector, high demand for building materials such as cement, woods, roofing materials, blocks and so on, has positively impacted the economy with more jobs being created. Conclusively, the successes recorded, so far, by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun in the housing sector, have continued to serve as the driver of investments into the state. Many private estates are now springing up across the state on account of the housing environment that makes investments and business to thrive in Ogun.

A section of the eight-storey Podium Block of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex was on Monday engulfed in flames.

The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the incident occurred at the close of work.

Some civil servants who work in the block, when contacted for comments, said they had already left the office and were unaware of the incident.

Details of the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage remain sketchy as of the time of filing this report.

However, officials of the recently rehabilitated State Fire Service were on the ground battling the fire at the time of this report.

Information gathered indicated that the fire started on the fourth floor of the building, which houses the Ministries of Information and Communications, Environment, and others.

The Podium Block is one of the five high-rise buildings that make up the complex.

The structures were constructed during the military administration of Alfred Diete-Spiff.

The senator representing Edo North in the Nigerian Senate, Adams Oshiomhole, has cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan against heeding calls to contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Oshiomhole said Jonathan stood no chance against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if he decided to re-enter the race.

According to him, such a move would not only be futile but also damaging to Jonathan’s legacy.

‘We will defeat him flatly if he comes out because now, the South-South is no longer PDP, so where is he going to start from?’

The former Edo State governor said only those who do not wish Jonathan well would encourage him to contest, insisting that any attempt to return to power could undermine the goodwill the former president enjoys at home and abroad.

‘How can Jonathan be a threat? We defeated him before, when PDP was truly PDP. If a man had a PDP at its best, at its peak, and he was defeated, I think only his enemy will push him to go into election,’ he stated.

Oshiomhole urged Jonathan to preserve his image as a respected statesman, noting that his influence has continued to grow since leaving office in 2015.

‘If I were able to advise him, I will say, Sir, maintain this status. You governed for eight years; you don’t have to govern for nine years,’ Oshiomhole added. ‘He has managed to demonstrate that out of power, you can be relevant and be at peace.’

He further praised Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat in the 2015 presidential election, describing it as an act that elevated his global reputation.

A deputy director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Dr Oluwagbeminga Aina, has revealed that many herbal-related medicinal products and plants in Nigerian markets are only safe for use but not actually effective to treat the medical conditions their producers claimed they are for.

He stated that from the evidence-based research work he carried out spanning over six years on no fewer than 46 herbal medicinal products, plants and supplements in the country, the results showed that most of them failed efficacy tests.

Aina, a biochemist-nutritionist and an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the Eko University of Medicine and Health Science, Lagos, gave this revelation at a recent monthly dialogue organised by the institute with the media.

‘We carried out research on 46 herbal -related medicines and drugs as well as supplements in the markets, and found out that none of them passed the eficacy test.

‘Those are some of the herbal drugs and supplements in the market that their producers claimed to be effective to cure all manner of medical conditions including the chronic types whereas they are only safe but not efficacious’ he stated, noting that the tests were conducted on animals.

While identifying numerous challenges faced by researchers which include lack of funds, inadequate laboratory equipment and high cost of test, shortage of qualified manpower and standard animal housing facilities among others, the researcher underscored the importance of herbal medicine producers doing more work on preparation of their products before taking them to market.

He said they could do this by subjecting their products for safety and potent tests at any of the standard laboratories in the country to protect consumers.

According to him, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that traditional and herbal related medicines should be tested before being made available to the public.

But many of them in the market currently did not undergo toxicity assessments to ensure their safety, which is the primary concern for patients, health authorities, and the public.

‘So, it now becomes important for those whose products are already in the market to do more work by finding out the active ingredient in their products preparation and how it can be harnessed to effectively treat the condition they are targeting,’ Aina emphasised.

Aina, whose current research areas include malaria chemotherapy in humans and the screening of medicinal plants suspected to possess antimalarial properties, also advised people on their part to always be cautious of the herbal drugs and supplements they take, especially when their efficacy is not guaranteed.

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has explained why it dissolved the board and management of African Alliance Insurance Plc in October 2024 and appointed an Interim Management Board (IMB) to oversee the company.

Speaking at the 2025 NAICOM seminar for insurance journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, said the drastic step was taken following mounting complaints from annuitants over unpaid entitlements.

According to him, the regulator’s intervention was aimed at protecting policyholders and restoring confidence in the firm.

‘The entity used to be solvent, and some people ran it down. Every individual who had been on that board and was responsible for the insolvency will never be appointed again. The owners of the business remain the owners, but we will not allow the public to suffer for the greed of a few individuals,’ Omosehin stated.

The IMB is chaired by Dr. Haruna Mustapha, with Mr. Jacob Erhabor as Managing Director/CEO. Other members include Mr. Wasiu Amao (Executive Director, Technical), Ms. Oremeyi Longe (Executive Director, Finance), Mr. Anthony Achebe (Non-Executive Director), and Ms. Halimatu Khabeeb (Non-Executive Director).

Omosehin disclosed that since taking over, the interim management has settled all outstanding annuitants’ entitlements and is working to dispose of some company assets to generate funds for outstanding obligations.

He added that African Alliance’s annuity portfolio would be transferred to another insurer with the capacity to manage it sustainably.

The Commissioner stressed that NAICOM would not hesitate to revoke the company’s licence if it failed to meet regulatory capital requirements.

‘The Nigerian people will no longer be exposed to the greed of entrepreneurs where policyholders’ money is diverted. That money is not theirs; the bulk of it belongs to policyholders. The government will not close its eyes and allow that to continue,’ he warned.

In his remarks, the Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (Technical), Dr. Usman Jankara, explained that NAICOM had restricted African Alliance from taking on unlimited new business while it remained under intervention.

‘Ordinarily, we shouldn’t allow them to take fresh business when they haven’t settled existing obligations. What we have done is adopt a hybrid model, intervening while setting strict boundaries, so they don’t accumulate more liabilities that they cannot meet,’ he said.

The Commission maintained that its overriding goal is to protect policyholders and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s insurance industry.