Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Pro-chancellor and chairman Governing Council of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba has lauded teachers in commemoration of this year’s Teacher Day.

Ndoma-Egba, in a press release on Sunday specifically expressed appreciation to lecturers of FUOYE and teachers elsewhere for the lofty roles that they play in nation-building.

According to the statement, the theme of this year’s National Teachers Day, Recasting Teachjng as a Collaborative Profession, ‘calls us to recognize the education thrives in a community because knowledge expands when shared and innovation advances through cooperation.’

He said further that teachers should be encouraged to do much because, ‘the progress of a society is only secured when educators work in concert across disciplines, institutions and borders.’

The statement reads further: ‘Collaboration is the force multiples impact, ensuring that education remains resilient, equitable, and inclusive.

‘Together, we must shape FUOYE into a university of global standing: an institution where knowledge produces wisdom, where a commitment to advancing society drives our research and innovation, and where leadership is defined by integrity and character.’

2Face Idibia’s plan to rekindle his connection with UK fans ended on a sour note as his highly anticipated London show failed to take place.

The abrupt cancellation immediately set off a storm of reactions, with speculation and rumors overshadowing the official explanation.

The celebrated singer, who has been in the spotlight for both his personal and professional life, was at the center of fresh controversy when reports circulated that he had been arrested in the UK.

Social media platforms were awash with claims that the cancellation was linked to an altercation involving his new wife, Natasha.

The organizers of the concert remained silent in the immediate aftermath, fuelling frustration among ticket holders who had traveled and paid to see the star perform.

Many turned to social media to vent, demanding refunds and accusing both 2Face and the promoters of poor communication.

Amid the confusion, 2Face broke his silence to directly address the swirling rumour.

In a video message, he firmly denied being arrested and dismissed the reports as false.

According to him, the show could not hold because of a sudden health challenge.

‘I was not arrested. That’s a lie. I had a medical emergency, and that was why the show had to be postponed,’ he explained, while expressing regret to fans who had been left disappointed by the turn of events.

His reaction, however, has not entirely calmed the debate.

While fans expressed relief that he was not in legal trouble and wished him a quick recovery, others insisted that the lack of clear communication from the event organizers had created room for damaging speculation.

There was thunderous jubilation in Ekiti on Sunday following the approval of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to the immediate extension of the retirement age of teachers in the state from 60 years to 65 years and service years raised from 35 to 40 years.

The Governor also rewarded outstanding teachers in the state with cash gifts totalling N46 million, approved upward review of Science Teachers and Head of Department allowances, as well as immediate payment of 2019 leave bonus areas to further motivate the teachers.

The governor made these declarations on Sunday during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavalion, Ado Ekiti.

No fewer than 5,000 teachers attended the colourful event which was turned into a carnival as teachers across different cadres adorned in Ankara uniform sang and danced in appreciation of the Governor’s teacher-friendly policies.

Oyebanji, who thanked the teachers for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the state, described them as the foundation upon which the future of the state is built.

He affirmed that the gesture was part of his administration’s efforts to motivate teachers, recognize their immense contribution to the development of education, and enhance their welfare in line with the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

While explaining that the extension of the retirement age was in fulfilment of his promise to reposition the education sector and retain competent and experienced hands in the teaching profession, the Governor said a committee would be set up to oversee the elongation of the service year and ensure that only the agile individuals enjoy the privilege.

Governor Oyebanji further assured the Teachers that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare and continue to create an enabling environment for effective teaching and learning.

The Governor also informed the gathering that he will be seeking a re-election for a second term and solicited their continued support.

Oyebanji said, ‘ Let me respond to the request by the TUC Chairman, I have been told now that 2019 leave bonus was paid yesterday and you will start receiving the alert by tomorrow.

‘I have heard your yearnings with respect to the mandatory age for retirement and this has been approved as recommended but only for able and willing teachers.

‘ On the issue of science and head of departments’ allowances, I know that the Head of Service is doing the review of the allowances and I have instructed her to bring it by next week for approval.

‘My dear friends, this will be the only opportunity to meet in a group like this before the next governorship election. I therefore want to officially inform you that I will be seeking a re-election into the office of the Governor for a second term.

‘ I have been greatly encouraged by the overwhelming goodwill, enthusiasm and support that you have shown me. I want to assure you that, for you, it will always get better. I am resolutely committed to my pact with you and all Ekiti workers. I therefore solicit for your sustained support and prayers going forward.’

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye expressed her gratitude to the Governor for his efforts at repositioning the education sector and ensuring that the teachers’ welfare is taken care of.

The Commissioner highlighted various efforts of the Governor at improving the general well-being of teachers in the state to include, ‘ release of over N1.6 billion as running grant to schools in the last three years, payment of over N6.2 billion as UBEC counterpart fund to ensure renovations of schools in the state, payment of over N1.5 billion for WAEC in the last years of the Governors administration as well as prompt payment exam fees for students, placement, BECE and SS2 exams among others.’

In their separate goodwill messages, the National President of ASUSS, Comrade Sola Adigun, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), represented by Mr Lateef Adesiyan, and Ekiti State NUT Chairman, Comrade Adedeji Egbeyemi, all commended Governor Oyebanji for his continue demonstration of love and passion for teachers and the teaching profession in the state.

High Chief Stanley Obodoagwu, the visionary CEO of Akwaamaka Music, officially unveiled his new, expansive music, photography, and content creation studio on Tuesday, September 30.

Situated in the bustling heart of Festac Town, Lagos, the grand opening drew a distinguished crowd of Nollywood celebrities, industry professionals, and media.

The launch event was a vibrant affair, attended by notable figures, including veteran actors Chinedu Ikedieze, Uche Elendu, and Grace Ama. Guests enjoyed a festive atmosphere complete with exquisite refreshments as they celebrated the landmark occasion.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the new venture, High Chief Obodoagwu highlighted a gap in the local industry. ‘I have visited various studios across Lagos and observed a noticeable lack of internationally competitive standards,’ he stated. ‘My decision to launch Akwaamaka Studio stems from a commitment to elevate the industry. We are creating a multipurpose hub designed to meet the holistic needs of the entertainment sector-serving filmmakers, music producers, recording artists, content creators, and individuals seeking world-class facilities. This is the best studio in Nigeria. I can bet that.’

The studio is poised to become a central creative engine for the entertainment community. The event also featured a captivating performance by one of Akwaamaka Music’s rising stars, Spenta (real name Kingsley Ifeanyi Adaoje), who entertained the audience with tracks from his latest EP, Roll My Dice.

Veteran actor Chinedu Ikedieze praised the initiative, stating, ‘What High Chief Obodoagwu has done with Akwaamaka Studio is commendable. It’s a huge step toward professionalizing our industry’s infrastructure and providing a standard that our talent truly deserves. They have virtually everything here, you can shoot an entire movie in one location. The quality, the design, the nature-themed sets. it’s out of this world. Akwaamaka brought nature to life, and for filmmakers, this is going to cut costs significantly.’

Supporting this sentiment, actress Uche Elendu added, ‘This new studio is exactly what Festac and the wider Lagos creative community needed. It is a one-stop-shop for high-quality production, and I believe it will be instrumental in fostering the next wave of creative talent.’

About Akwaamaka Music

Akwaamaka Music is a record label and entertainment company founded by High Chief Stanley Obodoagwu, dedicated to discovering, developing, and promoting exceptional talent across Africa. With the launch of Akwaamaka Studio, the company expands its commitment to providing world-class infrastructure for the entire creative community.

TWO of my ardent readers and friends prevailed on me to comment on the ongoing scuffle between Dangote refinery on the one hand and the two Labour unions in the oil and gas sector, NUPENG (Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers) and PENGASSAN (Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria) on the other. While junior workers in the oil and gas sector belong to NUPENG, PENGASSAN houses senior staff in the same commanding height of the nation’s economy, the cash-cow that we have milked relentlessly since crude oil was first discovered by Shell-BP in commercial quantity at Oloibiri in present-day Bayelsa state in 1956, to the unfortunate abandonment of agriculture, the initial mainstay of the country’s economy. Overriding public interest also commands that I do.

Consequences of oil workers’ strike

With the two workers’ unions in the critical oil sector spoiling for a fight with the management of Dangote refinery, the consequences and reverberations of any industrial action will be felt by all and sundry. Anticipation of fuel scarcity that will undoubtedly ensue will lead to panic-buying by motorists and other users of petroleum products. Queues will form at fuel stations with the attendant consequences of disruption of seamless movement of persons, goods and services. Characteristically, petrol station managers will cash-in on the situation to further milk an already traumatised citizenry. Expect hoarding of the commodity. Expect, also, accidents arising therefrom and the attendant loss of life and property. Touts hiking fuel in bottles and jerry-cans will line our major roads, accentuating the scarcity and exacerbating the suffering of the people. Transportation fare from one location to another will balloon and food costs, unbearable at the moment, will shoot through the roof. Every imaginable item and services, including medicine and medicaments, school fees, rents, name it, will climb up, thus piling more misery on hapless Nigerians. The marginalization of Nigerian workers in favour of foreign nationals will further deepen unemployment, heighten youth restiveness, shoot up crime rate, and the JAPA syndrome will become accentuated. No one prays for another #ENDSARSNOW! Neither does anyone want the Arab Spring or Nepal to happen here! But we must watch it!

War by proxies?

Says Dante Alighieri, in his famous work titled ‘Inferno’: ‘The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who in times of great moral crisis maintain their neutrally’ May we never experience an inferno here in NIgeria! Echoes our own Wole Soyinka in ‘The Man Died’: ‘The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny!’ Some said NUPENG and PENGASSAN are resisting the tyranny of one man and his audacious ambition to capture, confiscate and appropriate unto himself the entire downstream sector of the oil and gas section of the commanding height of the nation’s economy. Dangote refinery counters that they are victims of a relentless and sustained sabotage by workers whose corruption threatens to up-end their multi-billion dollar investment.

What we are witnessing on the surface is a labour dispute between the Management of a refinery and its workers, but beneath, the struggle is more vicious and deadly. It is a fight for control of the goose that lays the golden egg for Nigeria, touted as Africa’s giant and its leading oil-producing nation. As a monopolist moves stealthily in well-measured steps but scantily-concealed manner to extend his tentacles like an octopus into the country’s life-wire, competitors are stopping at nothing to checkmate him and reverse the advantages he has chalked up against them over time. When he had the opportunity, the monopolist seized it with both hands. While others were buying private jets, stashing off-shore accounts and embarking on spending binge in Dubai and other exotic locations, someone chose to invest his own loot, as some of his competitors have described it, in an investment that has become a game-changer in a country where governments are steep in inefficiency and corruption. The other side of the story, however – and this is frightening – is what happened the moment the monopolist took total control of cement, sugar, etc. The people’s misery tripled, in place of the succor they were promised.

Between investment and profligacy

But who is to blame? If you chance, on a platter, on the footprints of a mad man and fail to cash-in on it to enter into stupendous riches, is it a sane man that will be careless with his own footprints? The story is told of a Lagos-based Afro-juju musician from Ogun state who, in 1990, invested N20 million, which is the value of billions of Naira by today’s exchange rate, to construct a mansion in the Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos. When completed, the mansion was said to be the talk-of-town. People trooped there to behold its splendour. It was the type the Yoruba people call ‘a-wo-si-fila’ – a wonderment, to put it mildly. Be-that-as-it-may, call the mansion a cost centre – a liability. Today, they say the mansion has fallen into bad times, like similar mansions that once belonged to the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin Dada and his Zairean counterpart Mobutu SeseSeko. The story is also told of another Nigerian, this time from Delta state, who invested a similar amount of 20 million Naira at about the same time as the musician to start a small bank. Call that an investment. Today, that small bank has become one of the country’s leading commercial banks, worth billions, if not trillions of Naira. So, who is to blame? If someone invested his own loot while others fritter theirs, who is to blame? But once bitten, twice shy!

We were told the Dangote refinery cost between 18 and 20 billion dollars to build; his critics say it costs far less. Admirers of the man say the refinery was a testament to his business acumen; but his critics say it was evidence of the unfair trade favours he curried from successive governments since the return to civilian rule in 1999, especially so from the Muhammadu Buhari administration (2015 – 2023). While some say Dangote succeeded where successive Nigerian governments failed, others counter that his so-called success story was at our collective expense and that the refinery was built on our back. To such critics, it will not even be out of place if the refinery is nationalised! But if they do – granted but not conceding – who runs it? Will the government not run it aground like it has done the government-owned refineries?

What’s at stake?

PENGASSAN and NUPENG may be right when they said they were fighting for workers rights at the Dangote refinery. Unionization is an internationally-recognised right of workers. Freedom of association is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Suspect every employer of labour that seeks, be it flagrantly or surreptitiously, to abridge the rights of workers to organize. Such employers have skeletons in their cupboards. They have something to hide. And such hidden motives are usually sinister. The unions also alleged that there was no due consultation before 800 workers were sacked; there was no fair hearing; and the process was, through and through, shadowy and opaque, without transparency and justification.

But we cannot pretend not to know that there are many of Dangote’s competitors who are happy each time his ship runs into bad weather. Unfortunately, some of the time, Dangote’s misfortunes are self-inflicted. Like capitalism, which Marxism says have embedded in it the seeds of its own destruction, the monopolistic tendencies of the practised monopolist also drives him to self-destruct, thus leading him to overplay his hand as he stretches his advantage beyond elasticity and carries his luck too far. A man who knows too well how he got into his riches is edgy when confronted by forces he knows are privy to his underbelly and what to do to unsettle, if not completely unhinge, him. The last, therefore, may not have been heard about the tango between Dangote refinery and the forces arrayed against it.

Back-and forth!

The labour unions alleged that 800 Nigerian workers were sacked because they dared to unionize. Two: That 2000 Indian workers were recruited in the face of millions of Nigerian unemployed youths pounding the streets in search of jobs. Three: That qualified Nigerians were replaced by Indians. Four: That many of the Indians so recruited lacked the appropriate Immigration documents. Five: That sacking Nigerian workers while retaining the services of Indian workers violates the spirit and letters of Section 7 of the Labour Act which prohibits discrimination in the workplace and enshrines fair and equal treatment. Six: That despite Dangote refinery’s pretentious attempts to mask its real intentions, the sacked Nigerian workers were targeted because they voluntarily elected to exercise their right to unionize. ‘When the witch cries in the night and the child dies in the morning, what do you expect’, asked PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa.

The right of workers to unite was the first declaration made by Karl Marx in the ‘Communist Manifesto’. Thus, the rallying cry of revolutionary workers all over the world became ‘Workers of all countries, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains’ Those very chains are what capitalists do not want workers to lose!

The Dangote refinery counters that over 3000 Nigerian workers are still in its employment and none of its workers was victimised on account of unionization; but that some workers were sacked as a result of repeated acts of sabotage, culminating in the need to take firm and appropriate action to protect life and property, address safety concerns; and, of course, protect the good health of the company. They described the refinery as a ‘strategic national asset’, which should be protected for the benefit of Nigerians and the refinery’s partners across Africa, and in the overall economic interest of thousands of people whose livelihood depends on it.

Nigerian workers: Enemies of their own selves?

We must listen to the Dangote refinery on this! There is a worrisome trend whereby Nigerian workers themselves are the ones eating up and running down both public and private businesses set up here in this country, only for them to turn round and complain of unemployment! I listened to a post on social media where some Ghanaian businessmen equally complained of the same scourge in Ghana. Is this, then, an African malaise? I suffered that scourge as a small employer of labour in my own little corner. Rather than set up factories and businesses here, anyone who has been so dealt with by their Nigerian employees will prefer to put their funds in Treasury bills and save themselves the stress, and the stark reality of losing all their investments while the scoundrels pound the street in search of their next victims. What is Labour doing about this? Or are they only interested in the check-off dues they collect from workers?

Most times when we advocate for fiscal federalism or true federalism, it is mere sloganeering and hot air. Over-centralization, which decades of the military’s command-and-control structure, has imposed on us, has permeated every sector of our national life, including, tragically, the so-called democratic or revolutionary movements. Democratic organisations like the trade unions, rather than organize from top to bottom, ought to organize from bottom upward. So we should have, using my own Ondo state as an example, Ondo State Labour Congress, and not Nigeria Labour Congress (Ondo State chapter); ditto for NBA, NMA, NUT, NUJ, etc. Checkoff dues, to be made voluntary, should be paid at the state level by willing members. States should be free to affiliate at the centre, if it serves their interest.

The Nigerian delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, recently concluded its mission at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2025), successfully pitching the nation as Africa’s next major investment hub while aggressively pursuing a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The gathering saw key diplomatic wins, including new commitments towards the country’s $200 billion energy transition plan and major ‘Skills-to-Jobs’ initiatives designed to tackle youth unemployment.

However, analysts warn that the true success of the trip-and its massive potential socio-economic gains-now depends entirely on the Federal Government’s ability to convert this diplomatic awareness and goodwill into tangible, locally impactful benefits for Nigerians grappling with high inflation and power instability.

History and Nigeria’s Role

Established in 1945 under the UN Charter, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the UN’s main debating body. All 193 member states-including Nigeria-have an equal say. UNGA meets every September in New York for its General Debate, where leaders set out their national priorities and discuss global issues: peace, development, and human rights.

Nigeria joined the UN after its independence in 1960. Since then, it has always used UNGA to push African interests, particularly for decolonisation in the 1960s-70s and against apartheid in South Africa. Nigeria has contributed heavily to peacekeeping (Liberia, Sierra Leone) and most recently, campaigns for an African permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Notable past moments include President Obasanjo’s 2000 speech on debt relief and President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2017 call for nuclear disarmament.

The UNGA 2025 session marks the UN’s 80th anniversary. Nigeria’s delegation, led by Vice President Shettima, continues this work, focusing on economic reform, climate action, and global equity. The goal is to align global support with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda to drive development for the over 220 million Nigerian population.

Nigeria’s Key Objectives

Tribune Online learnt that the Nigerian delegation had several clear aims at UNGA 2025. They include:

*UN Security Council Reform: Pushing to secure a permanent African seat. The UNSC currently consists of five permanent members which China, Russia, UK, US and France; and 10 non-permanent members who are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. However, Nigeria believes Africa as a continent often affected by security decisions by this Council deserves a permanent seat and this was emphasised in the speech delivered by VP Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

*Global Financial Reform: Advocating for a UN Global Convention on Taxation to stop illicit financial flows.

*Climate Action: Strengthening Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.

*Security and Peacekeeping: Highlighting Nigeria’s anti-terrorism work and peacekeeping contributions.

*Economic Growth: Promoting reforms in energy, agriculture, tech, and housing to draw in foreign investment.

*Global Influence: Championing an Africa-led democracy model, offering support for Palestine, and engaging the Nigerian diaspora.

These priorities all serve the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda for long-term development and security.

Possible Impact on Nigerians

The results of UNGA can filter into daily life, especially given Nigeria’s existing challenges, such as 40% inflation, 20 million out-of-school children, and ongoing insecurity.

1. Women’s Economic Empowerment

At a side event, Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim launched a programme to empower 10 million women through the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP). This initiative supports the national goal of a $1tn economy by providing skills, loans, and digital access. A new Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) partnership links Nigeria’s Digital Harmony Project with DCO’s Spark Initiative, connecting women entrepreneurs to tech and investors. For Nigerian women (50% of the population, many in informal work), this means improved market access, which helps reduce poverty and increase household incomes.

2. Jobs and Skill

A September 25 event at Nigeria House focused on ‘Skills-to-Jobs’ efforts. Organised by the Labour Ministry, Tech4Dev, and SemiColon Africa, and backed by the World Bank and Mastercard Foundation, the goal is to close the skills gap for Nigeria’s youth (60% of the population). If explored, this could generate an estimated 1-2 million tech jobs by 2026, helping tackle youth unemployment (currently over 40%).

3. Investment and Infrastructure

VP Shettima’s meetings, including with US business leaders via BCIU, promoted Nigeria as Africa’s ‘production floor’. A major point was the $200bn energy transition plan (gas and renewables). Blended public-private funding is sought for infrastructure projects like metro lines and ports. If successful, this could cut energy costs for the 80 million people currently lacking reliable power and create construction works. The agreement between Nigeria and Namibia to strengthen ties also opened up trade possibilities in minerals and technology.

4. Health and Food Security

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, attended ‘Ghana Reset’ – an initiative seeking to chart new course for African health financing forum, signalling regional health cooperation. Nigeria is using $1.75bn World Bank loans for health, agriculture, and MSMEs to boost farm output and combat malnutrition. There are plans to expand the school feeding programme to 50 million pupils by 2026.

Expert Reactions

With the 80th UNGA now a part of history, analysts commended Nigeria’s efforts to pursue self-reliant development and boost Africa’s global presence through side events on health and innovation.

Mohammed Shaibu Onakpa, an Associate Professor at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), highlighted the Vice President’s success in clarifying the Federal Government’s stance on global issues and, critically, advancing Nigeria’s goal for a permanent UN Security Council seat.

‘I think it goes beyond political rhetorics. While the duration was short, the socio-economic impact can be massive. Politically, the VP clearly stated the Federal Government’s position on issues-from the Palestinian vs Israeli debacle to regional security and climate. The push for permanent membership of the UN Security Council is key. State Governors on the team successfully promoted Nigeria’s huge potential to investors. The overall gains can be large,’ he said.

Onakpa concludes that the overall gains rest solely on the Tinubu administration’s ability to follow up on the awareness achieved and convert this international sensitisation into tangible, local impact.

‘It’s now up to the Tinubu-led Federal Government to build on the awareness created by the Nigerian delegation. That is the only way the impact will be felt over time,’ he added.

Atef Fawaz, Executive Director of eHealth Africa, stressed that Africa must keep showing resilience, sovereignty, and creativity across all sectors to ensure a sustainable future.

He called the mission ‘an urgent call to action-a challenge to stakeholders to take bold steps to deepen collaboration, pool resources, and adopt adaptive strategies to sustain impact.’

The Ondo State Government has announced a 100 per cent increase in bursary allocations for indigenes of the state studying in recognised public and private institutions across Nigeria.

The State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Laolu Akindolire, disclosed this in Akure during consultative meetings with stakeholders on the preparation of the 2026 budget.

Akindolire described the decision as the outcome of deliberate fiscal planning and resource prioritisation by the state government, noting that it reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development and human capital investment.

He stated that ‘This bold and strategic decision is coming at a time when many states are grappling with economic strain. It is not just a policy shift; it is a reaffirmation of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of supporting young indigenes as pillars of tomorrow’s economy.’

He explained that the Aiyedatiwa-led administration has continued to place citizens’ welfare at the core of its development agenda, saying, ‘the increase in bursary allocation is another clear signal that the government listens, empathises, and acts.

‘For some students, this bursary is the difference between staying in school or dropping out.’

The Commissioner noted that despite lean resources, the state government remains resolute in investing in areas that directly impact the people, especially youth empowerment and education.

He said the increment forms part of a broader strategic plan to build an empowered, educated, and resilient youth population across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

He further called on private sector players, development partners, and philanthropic individuals to complement government efforts in advancing education and youth development in the state.

Reacting to the development, Comrade Ganiyu Yusuf, a student leader, commended the state government’s initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.

Yusuf said, ‘This shows that the government is thinking about us. It’s not just about roads and buildings; this bursary means food, books, rent, and peace of mind.’

An indigene of Osun State and Nigerian social agitator, Olaniyi Simeon Akinloye, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release the Osun State local government allocations to the state government.

In a statement signed by the Osun-born social agitator and made available to journalists, he explained that the plea was in reaction to the protracted local government crisis in the state.

According to him, the non-release of local government funds to the current administration has resulted in a dearth of development and progress at the grassroots level.

Akinloye further stated that his appeal to the President was a clarion call from the citizens of Osun State, who yearn for peace, stability, and development in their state.

He appealed to the President to allow the democratically elected chairmen to assume office and make judicious use of allocations for the benefit of the people, while urging him not to allow partisan politics to dictate the fate of Osun citizens but rather to prioritise their welfare and well-being.

He said, ‘I appeal to President Bola Tinubu to allow people of Osun State reap the benefits of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration. This fervent plea is set against the backdrop of the protracted local government crisis in Osun State, which has severely impeded grassroots development and progress.

‘The crisis afflicting Osun State’s local governments has been ongoing, precipitated in part by the recent approval of the release of local government funds to chairmen of APC by President Tinubu. However, the Osun State government has successfully obtained a court order restraining the United Bank of Africa (UBA) from disbursing any funds to the local council areas. This impasse has resulted in a dearth of development and progress at the grassroots level, exacerbating the suffering of the people.

‘This is a clarion call from the citizens of Osun who are yearning for peace, stability and development in their state. I implore the President not to allow partisan politics dictate the fate of the people of Osun State but rather to prioritise their welfare and well-being.

‘The previous administration’s local government chairmen were removed from office due to electoral irregularities, and a new set of leaders were elected to manage the affairs of the local government.

‘This crisis had a debilitating effect on the development and benefits that the people of Osun State should have enjoyed.

‘People are suffering, crying and unhappy and their hearts bleeding. The crisis had also led to a lack of significant performances by the local governments, therefore affecting the expected development in the state.

‘I urge President Tinubu to allow the democratically elected chairmen to assume office and make judicious use of allocations for the benefit of the people.

‘The President should as well support Governor Ademola Adeleke, who has received overwhelming support from Osun State citizens and has demonstrated a deep sense of purpose to build a good legacy for the state. By doing so, the President would be unlocking the potential of Osun State and empowering its people to achieve their full potential.

‘I appreciate President Tinubu’s tangible initiatives which have brought relief to the people and assure the president of an unshakable support of the people of Osun in 2027, if he gives the people of Osun State the opportunity to enjoy dividends of democracy through the local government fund.’

Big Brother has officially unveiled N80 million as the grand prize for the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10.

Ahead of Sunday night’s live finale, the remaining housemates were shown how portions of the prize money were spent throughout the season.

During the season brother introduced a red telephone twist and every request made via the red telephone was deducted from the prize pool, a revelation that left the finalists stunned.

It was also revealed that Kaybobo’s immunity, which secured him a spot in the finale, was purchased using funds from the collective prize money.

Throughout the season, the prize fund fluctuated several times due to these deductions. However, the housemates managed to restore it to N80 million before the show’s conclusion.

Taraba State has emerged as Nigeria’s top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, following a $268.63 million financing deal recently approved by the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

Special Adviser to the Governor Agbu Kefas on Policy and Strategic Communications, Hon. Nelson Chris-Dimas, who stated this in a release issued in Jalingo on Sunday, explained that the development is a direct outcome of the Taraba Investment Summit, TARAVEST, held in May 2025.

The investment, described as the largest single FDI secured by any Nigerian state this year, is tied to major agro-industrial and renewable energy projects aimed at repositioning the state’s economy.

Dimas also noted that the funding was not just a headline figure but a practical step towards transforming Taraba’s economy and meeting the daily needs of the people.

‘The $268.6 million ECOWAS Bank deal is the clearest validation yet of what TARAVEST was designed to achieve. Those who dismissed the summit as an expensive showpiece can now see the credibility it has unlocked for our state,’ he stated.

He explained that the investment will finance several strategic projects, including a 10,000-hectare rice farm, a state-branded rice mill, an industrial park focused on agro-processing and logistics, and a 50-megawatt solar power plant.

‘These projects will not only reduce the import burden on food but also create jobs, boost local production, and make Taraba a hub for agribusiness and renewable energy,’ Dimas said.

He noted that the deal could inject over ?400 billion into the state’s economy through expanded business activities, tax revenues, and infrastructure growth.

‘Governor Agbu Kefas has shown that development is not built by rhetoric but by creating conditions for capital to find confidence in our soil. TARAVEST was the platform; this investment is the proof,’ the aide added.

He further stressed that the initiative signals a shift from reliance on federal allocations towards a self-sustaining, investment-driven economy.

‘For those still asking what benefit TARAVEST has brought, here is your answer: it has brought the largest foreign direct investment any Nigerian state has secured in 2025,’ the statement added.