Category: Nigerian Tribune

The House of Representatives, through its Committee on Constitution Review, is set to hold a high-level consultation with the leadership of all registered political parties in Nigeria.

Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Akin Rotimi, disclosed this in a statement made available to Parliamentary Correspondents. He explained that the consultative meeting is scheduled for Monday, 6th October 2025, in Abuja.

He noted that the proposed engagement forms part of the broad-based stakeholder consultations by the 10th Assembly in its ongoing review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

‘It is a key component of the Committee’s outreach to critical stakeholders to ensure that the amendment process reflects the voices and aspirations of Nigerians.’

According to him, leaders of registered political parties invited to participate include National Chairmen, National Secretaries, and National Women Leaders.

The session will feature deliberations on priority areas such as Special Seats for Women, Judicial and Electoral Reforms, Independent Candidacy, Local Government Reforms, State Policing, Human Rights, and Justice.

It will also provide political parties with an opportunity to make inputs, share perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to discussions on key national issues.

Speaking ahead of the engagement, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the meeting as a strategic platform for political parties to bring their experience and institutional insight to the process.

He stated that: ‘political parties remain the engine room of our democracy, and their active participation in this consultation is vital to achieving constitutional amendments that are inclusive, credible, and reflective of the collective aspirations of Nigerians.’

‘A summarised compendium of the bills currently under consideration by the Committee has been prepared to guide discussions during the engagement. The document is available for download at hccr.gov.ng.’

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called for a bold new vision to transform Africa from a mere supplier of raw minerals into a global hub for mineral processing, innovation, and green industrialisation.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori, quoted the Alake saying ‘Africa’s minerals have powered industrialisation elsewhere while our own economies remain under-industrialised. This paradox must end. Our vision must be clear: to move from extractive dependence to transformative industrialisation.

‘With these words, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) Dr Dele Alake made a case for a bold new vision to transform Africa from a raw minerals supplier to a global hub for mineral processing, innovation, and green industrialisation.

‘Delivering the keynote address at the African Mining Week in Cape Town, South Africa themed, ‘Vision and Strategy – Setting the stage for Minerals Industrialization, Dr. Alake underscored the continent’s strategic role in powering the 21st-century economy through its vast mineral wealth.’

He noted that Africa is home to some of the richest mineral deposits in the world, stressing that these resources are critical to clean energy, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and global security.

‘Our youth should no longer seek jobs abroad while opportunities lie buried beneath their feet. The time to industrialise is now. Let us set the stage for an Africa that is not just a participant in the global minerals economy, but a driver of its future,’ the Minister asserted.

Throwing light on ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector, the minister, represented by Permanent Secretary, Farouk Yabo stated that the nation is incentivising local beneficiation from gold refining to Lithium processing; Revoking dormant licenses to promote serious investment; Strengthening governance and transparency to attract credible global partners, and building a national critical minerals strategy.

In a related development, the minister addressed the ministerial roundtable of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) on the sidelines of the mining week, highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to create a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

His words, ‘We are investing in digitising mining processes from data accessibility to mineral traceability. We are also focusing on bequeathing strong institutions and the right policies to drive reforms, hence the ongoing efforts to amend the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act to provide a more robust legislative framework that will propel investments in the mining sector’.

He emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to ensure traceability from mining to monetization, affirming that the nation’s minerals are set to come from two sources: licensed holders or a seller and supplier buying from Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) who are registered and formalized.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Alake stressed that African countries must prioritize mapping their mineral resources to better understand the location and scale of deposits.

‘After national mapping, it is the duty of countries to ensure only licensed operators are mining. We must also build adequate capacity for effective supervision,’ he said.

Nigeria was also ably represented at the country spotlight session where the Permanent Secretary gave a presentation on Investment opportunities in the solid minerals sector, highlighting key reforms, incentives for investments, and a synopsis of the nation’s mineral endowments.

The African Mining Week was attended by Mining and Minerals Ministers from DRC, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone. Nigeria, Gambia, and Ghana sent representatives whilst major private sector players on the continent also graced the conference.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, CON, has approved the release of ?2.321 billion for the settlement of pension entitlements, gratuities, and death benefits to retirees and families of deceased civil servants across the state.

The disbursement covers Accrued Rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and Gratuity/Death Benefits under the old Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). With this payment, Kaduna State has now disbursed ?6.678 billion in 2025 and a total of ?13.5 billion in the last two years of the present administration.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said the welfare of pensioners remains a top priority of the government, stressing that regular and timely payments will continue to ease the hardship faced by senior citizens.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pension Bureau, Ibrahim Balarabe, the latest batch of payments will benefit 661 retirees and families across the state and local governments – with ?1.736 billion allocated for the Accrued Rights of 511 retirees under the CPS, and ?585 million for gratuities and death benefits to 315 pensioners and next-of-kin under the DBS.

The Bureau further explained that beneficiaries under the Contributory Pension Scheme will have their Accrued Rights credited directly into their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) with their respective Pension Fund Administrators, while pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme will soon be invited for screening and verification before payment.

Governor Uba Sani has consistently maintained that ensuring dignity for retirees is not merely a statutory obligation but a moral responsibility of government.

The statement concluded that the approval underscores the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of pensioners, upholding their rights, and strengthening the trust of the Kaduna State workforce.

The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading a recent online publication that claimed bandits overran troops and seized six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) along with over 30,000 rounds of ammunition in Obanla, Kwara State.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Omiye, described the claims as sensational and clarified that troops of 148 Battalion (Rear), while conducting ongoing clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara states, have continued to record significant operational successes.

He stated:

*’In a recent engagement, the troops mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara-Ekiti border axis, where they neutralised two armed bandits and recovered two brand-new AK-47 rifles.

‘At no time were Army positions overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements, as mischievously reported by the online platform.

‘The publication is a fabrication intended to mislead the public and undermine the morale of gallant troops who are diligently working to restore peace and stability in the region.

‘The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring that all forms of criminality are decisively addressed across the country. Members of the public are therefore urged to disregard the false report and continue supporting the military with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.’*

He added that the Nigerian Army also reiterates its readiness to sustain the tempo of operations until all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara, and adjoining states are dismantled.

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) bill without assenting to it due to issues concerning the mandate section of the Bill and also the 1 percent Freight Stabilization fee.

Speaking over the weekend with maritime Reporters on the sideline of the visit of the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez to Lagos, Dr. Pius Akutah however revealed that the issues surrounding the NPERA Bill have been addressed and the Bill is currently at the National Assembly for assessment before proceeding back to the Presidency for assent.

According to Dr. Pius Akutah, ‘The NPERA bill was returned by Mr. President to the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice for advisory due to issues raised over the mandate section of the Bill, 1 percent Freight Stabilisation fee and also the new role of the Shippers Council as Port Economic Regulator.

‘But those issues have been clarified by the Council. We met with the Attorney General of the Federation and we have looked at those issues one after the other.

‘Those issues created a little bit of confusion but that has been resolved because the Gazette of the Presidential Order of 2015 and the regulations of 2015 have all been handed over to the Minister of Justice.

‘So, they have now looked at it again to see that the Council mandate has changed by the order of the president appointing the Shipper’s Council as the Port Economic Regulator.

‘So, those aspects that needed to be corrected have been corrected and the bill has gone back to the National Assembly on its way back to Mr. President for assent.

‘There was a little bit hitch but we have overcome that hitch. So, it is now on track heading back to Mr. President. But the National Assembly still have to look at it because of those corrections that were made.

‘You can’t correct a bill that has been passed without the National Assembly looking at it. The corrections are not so many, just a few of them regarding the mandate and then regarding the 1 percent freight fee.

‘The Bill is still with the National Assembly. You know that they have been on recess. They were supposed to resume last week but I think they moved it forward.

‘As soon as the National Assembly resumes sitting, they will look at this quickly and then do all the corrections and send it back.’

Shedding more light on the corrections done on the NPERA Bill, the Shippers Council Chief Executive explained that, ‘On mandate, the issue was whether the Council has the mandate to become the Port Economic Regulator. That mandate was given to the Council under the Presidential Order of 2015. This fact was not very well known to the Ministry of Justice at the point when the Bill came back to them.

‘Also, the regulations of 2015, which has copiously given the nitty-gritty of what the Port Economic Regulator will do, was also not known at the time when the Bill got to the Ministry. So, the Ministry of Justice called us and we provided all those details to them.

Sophia Chisom popularly known as Soso, and Okusaga Adeoluwa, widely referred to as Saga or Sagadeolu, have set social media abuzz after sparking fresh dating rumours.

The pair were recently captured in cozy pictures that left fans speculating about the true nature of their relationship.

The viral images, which have since been making the rounds online, showed the two in an intimate embrace, further fueling the conversation that something special might be brewing between them.

Fans wasted no time in drawing their own conclusions, with many insisting the duo might be more than just friends.

However, in a swift reaction to the frenzy, Saga has attempted to douse the speculation, hinting that the steamy shots were nothing more than scenes from a yet-to-be-released movie project.

According to him, people should not be too quick to assume, as what they are seeing is only part of storytelling in the entertainment world.

Saga, a former Big Brother Naija housemate who gained massive popularity from the reality show, has since ventured deeper into the creative space.

His collaborations and artistic expressions have continued to keep him in the public eye, and this new buzz with Soso has only intensified interest in his career and personal life.

On the other hand, Soso, who started out as a skit maker, has successfully transitioned into acting. Her comic flair and striking on-screen presence have earned her a fast-growing fan base.

Her appearance alongside Saga in this yet-to-be-named project has already set expectations high among viewers.

The duo’s undeniable chemistry in the viral pictures has left fans divided. While some insist the emotions captured are too real to be just acting, others believe both stars are simply doing a good job in bringing their roles to life.

Solomon Ewanehi is the Group Chief Executive Officer, Solewant Group, In this interview, he shared his life story with SEGUN KASALI.

What were the circumstances surrounding your birth?

Oh, quite funny! I was told my father saw someone called Solomon and that person was wealthy. He loved that and decided to name me Solomon after the person. My growing up was also interesting.

Quite interesting. I give thanks to God. I also want to appreciate my late father, who was always there. He was a retired soldier, businessman and a complete disciplinarian. He always prioritised education, and ensured whatever we did then revolved around it. He ensured that we all went to school. As a matter of fact, I came from a family where everyone is a lecturer. But, in my own case, I got a lecturing job, got into the university environment, but learnt some lessons after my Youth Service.

What lessons?

I had worked for some time before I went back for a second degree. When I got in there eventually, my elder brother said ‘follow your heart.’ He schooled at the University of Manchester. He did his PhD and all of that in the United Kingdom. He was already relating with some business people in Canada. He taught me how to do business in coating, an area not for everyone. Coating is the last finishing line of any project. So, when I shared that story with him, he now told me to look at how to go back to business. That was how I started all over. Everything you see about Solewant, today, I started from the scratch, as the founder and GMD of the company.

With the success you have made out of your career, coupled with educational background, would it be apt to describe you as brilliant from childhood?

Going to school was okay and nice. I like challenges. I like to see that anything you are doing, you give it your best shot. When it has to do with the issue of academics, I take it very serious. I’ll say I was the type that took my academics very seriously when in school.

What was your ambition, growing up?

What I wanted to study is Engineering and that is actually what I am doing now. I felt I needed to do what was tasking, proffering solutions, trying to look at industries and ensuring that things are not just the way they are.

But, what fueled that decision?

What informed it was my father. He was a businessman par excellence. He was always discussing with multinational companies. He brought a lot of businesses. We followed him all through that period. Having done that, I felt that there was the need for me to say this was what I wanted, too. But, it is also interesting to note that I did not eventually study Engineering.

Really?

Yes. I studied Economics and Statistics.

Why the switch?

The switch was necessitated by the fact that it was something that I needed but Engineering was not able to cover in terms of the broader view of what business is all about. Business is not about one aspect of a discipline. When I also started, there was a time we were like: can we look at the aspect of Accounting? But, it wasn’t giving a broader perspective. But, Economics will give you a general overview of what you want to look at in terms of every bit of business you are talking about such as numbers, looking at the outcome of a business, ROI, and Savings. Savings is of two types; it is either you have the money and you have it in your bank or you have the money and you are investing it into business. So, those were the things that got me into Economics and Statistics. I am happy that I studied not just the Statistics but also the econometrics or measurement aspect of it. This was what I did in my first degree at the Old Bendel State University. The second degree was Rivers State University of Science and Technology. As I speak with you, I am still a student.

Do you have unforgettable memories?

While building our first factory, we got to a stage that I had to call the consultant to the hotels and tell him at this level I cannot continue. I asked him: ‘Is there anything we need to give up?’ He looked at me and said ‘What are the challenges?’ I told him it appeared that we were stuck and we needed to stop the investment. The back-story surrounding that investment is that we came into the coating plant project, where Nigerians have never done business like that before. We went into it because we had huge potential and we felt that Nigerians were importing that kind of solution into the country, and the multinationals rendering such service were just few. After carrying out a thorough feasibility study, and before we engaged a consultant, we also gave it to top three universities to help us look at what we wanted to do after we had discussed it with Federal Ministry of Environment. Some resource persons from the University of Port Harcourt, University of Maiduguri and University of Nsukka were nominated for us. These resource persons submitted action documents to us. We looked at them and it was very clear the direction we were going and we started the building of the factory. Halfway the line, the company and the financial partner started having the issue of exchange rate (Naira to USD) and this period was when the foreign exchange crisis was not something anyone predicted. When we started, the value to naira was N158 to a dollar and it eventually went to N520 by the time we completed the factory in 2016. You can imagine the amount of money that we incurred in terms of cost. But, to God be the Glory, we have what we have today.

How did you meet your wife?

I met her in my school while undertaking my Master’s degree. I met her when she was in her 300 level. I saw her coming from a distance and something told me this is my wife. So, I approached her and she walked to me. Eventually, we became close friends.

And what was the attraction?

Discipline and calmness. She is also intelligent.

What would you love to be remembered for ?

I want to be remembered as someone who of course loved giving back to the society and someone who, of course, loved institutions. If we run integrity-driven institutions, we will be able to do great things, and people will start doing things, looking at broader perspectives.

But, how have you been giving back?

Everyone close to me knows that I am nothing other than God has brought me to where I am today. As a matter of fact, he has shown me mercy at several levels. I cannot stop giving thanks to God for the little that I have. He is always there at every point of my life and he has shown mercy not only to me but to the entire Solewant workforce and we will continue to appreciate God for his awesomeness. As you are aware, Solewant is 25. And, a child who is 25 is already an adult. For those who have been there for us, we want to thank them.

What advice would you have for 25-year-olds?

They need to understand that there is always a reason for people to look at them and say you have contributed this and so you have a future. So, institution-driven future is important. They need to run organisations that are governance-based. They also need to be very disciplined. For you to be prepared for the future, you need to understand that you need to receive a lot of trainings. I did my first business with a multinational company, Coca-Cola and I was to supply Line Pipes and pipe fittings. And I really cannot figure out how I got that purchase order contract. But, I took the materials to the plant but they were all rejected. That was when I started facing serious challenges. So, I went down with that kind of transaction. So, I went back home thinking about what to do next and that paid off because I was able to clean up that error that I made in business. It is always what I use in teaching the younger ones at Solewant.

What is that thing you don’t like about people?

Dishonesty. A lot of people say things they cannot do and not always being fair to nature.

Teachers in public schools across Kwara State have called on the state government to prioritise their welfare, improve working conditions, and implement the promotion of teachers without bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Speaking at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Ilorin on Sunday, the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Yusuf Agboola, said the future of education in the state depends largely on how well teachers are treated, equipped, and motivated.

The teachers also urged the state government to address outstanding welfare concerns, including the non-implementation of the 27.5 per cent Teachers Specific Allowance (TSA), the harmonised retirement age, and rural allowances.

The event, themed ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession: Together for Teachers; Together for Tomorrow,’ featured a lecture delivered by Professor Lanre Olukunmi Olaitan, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin.

In his welcome address, Agboola commended the state government for the regular payment of salaries, the financial backing of the 2023 and 2024 promotions of TESCOM teachers, and the recruitment of over 3,000 teachers across basic and senior secondary schools.

He, however, noted that much still needed to be done, saying that, ‘The 27.5 per cent Teachers Specific Allowance for TRCN-certified teachers and 21 per cent for non-TRCN certified teachers have not been implemented in Kwara State.

‘The government has also not keyed into the 65/40 years national harmonised retirement age for teachers, and rural allowances for those teaching in remote areas remain unattended to.

‘The children in our classrooms today are the leaders of tomorrow,’ he said, adding that, ‘But for us to give our best, we must be equipped, respected and supported. Education is not a one-man show; it takes a system and a united teaching force.’

Agboola stressed that beyond welfare, the profession needs to be repositioned to foster unity and growth.

‘Let us recommit ourselves to unity within the teaching profession, foster mentorship between senior and junior teachers and create platforms for peer learning and innovation. We must champion collaboration not just in words but in practice,’ he said.

In his goodwill message, the NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, represented by Comrade Dayo Ajala, called on the government to adequately fund public education, invest in teachers, and support them in creating a peaceful, fair, and sustainable future for all.

‘Without deliberate investment in teachers, the future of education is at risk,’ he said.

He urged the government to increase education budgetary allocation, stressing that ‘a conducive learning atmosphere will bring about greater service delivery and quality learning outcomes.’

Amba, while commending the resilience of teachers in the state, assured them of the union’s continued advocacy. ‘Comrades, I commend your courage, resilience and patriotism in discharging your duties. Be assured that your success is our priority. We will continue to demand that teachers are accorded their rightful status and pride of place in society,’ he said.

‘The role of teachers has evolved beyond just delivering lessons. Teachers must be empowered to collaborate, innovate and influence education policies. The future of our nation is in their hands, and how we treat them today will determine our tomorrow.’

As Akwa Ibom State moves to update its energy and environmental compliance frameworks, legal reforms are taking shape at the Ministry of Justice in Uyo.

At the center of this process is Ms. Idara Andy, Lead Counsel for Energy Regulation and Policy, who has been involved in drafting new laws and regulations that cover electricity, oil, gas, and renewable energy operations.

Her work includes developing agreements and licenses designed to clarify responsibilities between companies and government agencies. Power purchase agreements and exploration licenses she has helped structure place emphasis on accountability and transparency, aiming to reduce disputes and regulatory breaches.

Ms. Andy has also represented the state in court cases against multinational oil companies, particularly in matters concerning environmental degradation. These cases have tested enforcement of existing standards and signaled the state’s willingness to pursue stronger compliance measures.

Beyond litigation and drafting, she has been involved in capacity-building efforts. In late 2023, she organized training workshops for government officials in Uyo, focusing on energy law and environmental compliance. The sessions emphasized how stronger legal understanding can support renewable energy initiatives.

State officials note that since the introduction of clearer compliance systems, investor interest in renewable energy projects has increased. According to one senior energy commission official, the reforms have created ‘a more predictable environment’ for stakeholders in the sector.

Observers see the Akwa Ibom process as part of a broader shift in Nigeria, where energy law has often been reactive. By combining policy development with legal enforcement, the state is positioning itself to better balance environmental sustainability with economic growth.

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Barrister Akeem Agbaje, says the call for power shift in 2027 can only succeed if there is an agreed rotational arrangement among all zones in the state.

Agbaje stated this while speaking on the Political Circuit programme on Fresh FM 105.9, Ibadan.

He said that while the demand for power shift to other zones was legitimate, it would require planning and broad consultations to achieve.

‘We need to be realistic about this agitation and I have always looked at it from two perspectives. The first one is that everybody, every zone, is entitled to contest to be governor. And I am not aware of any provision of the Constitution that prevents anybody from any zone of the state from aspiring or to contest.

‘The second perspective is that people think that because Ibadan has the number, that is why we take advantage to perpetuate ourselves in the governorship position and lord it over every other zone.

‘I think historically, that is not correct. Ibadan had been one of the largest populated cities since the thirties. Ibadan had been the regional capital since the thirties. And Ibadan did not get a meaning post until 1979, and that post was the Chief Judge. Every other post, despite the population of Ibadan, was occupied by people from other zones.

‘The governor was from Osun; deputy was from Osun. SSG, Head of Service were from Osun. Opposition Leader was from Ogbomoso. Ibadan only got Chief Judge, and being Chief Judge was based on seniority. So, the conception that Ibadan dominates because of its population is not historically correct. Ibadan had always had the population.

‘But in 1983, the consciousness came with ‘Omo wa ni e je o se’. But Ibadan did not just say ‘Omo wa ni e je o se’; they worked diligently, assiduously towards it until it was achieved. So, my take is that everybody; every zone is entitled to be governor of Oyo state.

‘There must be a defined approach to it. You can’t say, oh, we are entitled, we are entitled. You have to develop a process. The zone with the clearest agitation is Oke Ogun. And I tell them, though they don’t like it, that you have 10 local governments; Ogbomoso has 3 local governments. But Ogbomoso has presented senator for you consecutively. So, there has to be a conscious, deliberate effort by Oke Ogun zone to achieve this beautiful goal of presenting somebody that can win to become governor of Oyo state. They all have to work together. Ibadan alone has not presented a candidate. Ibadan works with other zones. So, we all have to work together.

‘But the easiest solution for me, is to let us have a rotational policy which will give everybody sense of belonging. But I think it is too early, not because I am an aspirant. It involves a lot of work. Ibadan worked very hard to become governor in 1983. Osun was dominating us, but we worked at it and to the glory of God, we got it,’ he said.

Agbaje also spoke on why the APC lost the 2023 governorship election and the recent House of Representatives by-election in Ibadan North, blaming the outcome on decisions made at the party’s national level.

He said, ‘Oyo APC lost the recent House of Representatives by-election to the PDP because, the leadership at Abuja imposed a candidate who was not a choice of the party in the state, on the party. For me, Abuja is our problem. Whatever data, whatever parameter they used, they feel they could impose candidate on us and win the election. I have told all that care that it can never happen in Oyo state. I can’t think of any other state that people will vote today in favour of a party, and two weeks later, violently vote against that same party. And Abuja still refuses to realize that we are different and we will always be different.

‘They came and imposed a candidate, and they thought they would win that election. Oyo state people have seen that message in 2019. They have seen the same message in 2023. So, Abuja has to learn that they should leave us alone to pick our own candidate. If we pick a candidate by ourselves, we know how we will make the candidate win the election.’