Category: Nigerian Tribune

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.’

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects millions of women worldwide, often leading to irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and fertility challenges.

Detecting PCOS early makes it easier to manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications such as diabetes, heart disease, and infertility. While there is no cure, lifestyle changes, especially diet, can play a huge role in managing symptoms and balancing hormones.

In this article, Tribune online examines eight foods that can help regulate hormones if you’re living with PCOS:

1. Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that help reduce inflammation. They are also low in calories, making them excellent for weight management in women with PCOS.

2. Fatty Fish

Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce insulin resistance and lower testosterone levels, two key concerns for women with PCOS.

3. Avocados

Full of healthy fats, avocados support hormone production and improve satiety. They also provide potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, a common issue for some PCOS patients.

4. Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are loaded with antioxidants that fight oxidative stress. They also have a low glycemic index, meaning they won’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar.

5. Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are rich in fiber and healthy fats. They can help balance estrogen and progesterone while also reducing cravings.

6. Eggs

Eggs are a nutrient powerhouse, offering protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. They help regulate blood sugar and support overall hormonal balance.

7. Legumes

Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are high in plant-based protein and fiber, which aid digestion and help manage insulin resistance.

8. Green Tea

More than just a refreshing drink, green tea can lower testosterone levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it a great choice for women managing PCOS.

A PCOS-friendly diet doesn’t have to be restrictive. By incorporating these foods into your daily meals, you can support hormone balance and improve overall health. Along with medical advice and regular exercise, the right diet can help you take control of PCOS naturally.

One has over the decades discovered that any set of people, community or country who hates the bitter truth live to suffer for it. That perhaps, explains why yours truly has kept emphasising the critical, yet deliberately foisted fratricidal factors that have cumulatively acted as the enemies to the variant of democracy that we currently practise here in Nigeria. One of the most painful of that is the conduct of fraudulent elections through which humongous state funds are wantonly wasted at the end of which those who are not the choices of the electorate are foisted on the people, to who they have no iota of allegiance. Ordinarily, free, fair and credible elections are supposed to be the strong and solid foundation on which to erect the house of democracy. But when the wrong politicians mount the pedestal of power, the consequences are dire on the pauperized populace.

Such a sad situation of having politicians who are not the true representatives of the people leads to personalization of political power. That is more so by some egocentric and self-righteous political helmsmen, who erroneously believe that the instrument of power they wield is meant to satisfy the self, rather than the state. They brazenly step over the constitution which should be the ground norm through acts of infamy that satisfy their choice or that of so called friends, not minding the consequences on the people they were elected or selected to serve.

Added to this is the siphoning of state funds through several odious antics for self aggrandizement, or to satiate the gargantuan greed of members of their family, with scarce regards to the rule of law. With such an oddity in place the led majority are left to groan and grind in preventable poverty, yet some policy makers keep chasing the shadows of self righteousness at the expense of the people’s pains. And it hurts those with conscience because Nigeria is so naturally endowed with oil and gas, solid minerals, fertile fields for agricultural development, places od scenic splendor as tourist attractions and of course, the best of brains that we have no reason whatsoever to languish in the pit of poverty, if not for the recurring ugly decimal of successive poor leadership.

One other querulous issue is that of ethno-religious sentiment. Going by the choice of people of one ethnic group holding plum political positions, against the federal character principle as we have witnessed over the past decade degrades us as a people -like it or not. In fact, that brings up an all-important question.

Have you ever wondered, like my humble self, just how our crop of patriotic founding fathers would feel, should they be brought back to life to see the Nigeria of today?

Imagine if the likes of Herbert Macaulay, Sir Adeyemo Alakija, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Prof. EyoIta, Margaret Ekpo (all of the blessed memory) returning to witness the Nigeria of the 21st Century still bitterly enmeshed in ethno-centric and religious divides. Try and also imagine Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Adeleke Adedoyin, Adeniyi Jones, Eric Moore, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Abubakar Dipcharima, Aminu Kano (of the blessed memory) returning to a Nigeria steeped in preventable poverty, mass youth unemployment, insecurity, kidnapping and sundry crimes!

Certainly, these heroes of the struggle for Nigeria’s political independence would ask what has made the difference between countries such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Nigeria, whose independence came within the same decade or two, if not quality leadership, or the absence of it. They would cringe at the crying shame of a people still struggling for economic survival in the midst of the vast natural resources, 65 years after political independence.

They would wonder just how, like the prodigal son, our successive political leaders have squandered huge revenues from our God-given oil and gas, solid minerals, agricultural and tourism potentials and ask our leaders to explain why we are currently trapped in state and federal government debts running into trillion of Naira. The likes of Michael Imoudu, T.A Bankole, A. A. Adio-Moses,M.A. Tokunbo and T.A. Songonuga, who once ran the affairs of the Nigerian Trade Union Congress would even ask our state governors to explain just how it has become difficult to pay a minimum wage of N70,000 at a time our lawmakers cruise around in luxury automobiles, with some state governors boasting of private jets; flying over children studying under trees in their long-forgotten states! So, what is the best way forward? That is the million-naira question.

The answer, my dear reader, is to read the HANDWRITING ON THE WALL, as it was back in the Biblical times. But some of our political helmsmen, with self-serving and greed-driven agendas, rather than nationalistic principles have blatantly refused to read it.The call for the holistic restructuring of Nigeria has reached a nerve-shredding crescendo, reverberating across the national space. But some have obstinately turned deaf ears to it, or heed its clarion toll.

So, we caution, as we have to do under trying times such as this, out of sheer patriotic fervor, that Nigeria can no longer be run the way it is being run against the ethos of equity and justice. Nigeria can no longer be ruled by the tools of treachery, the weapons of witch-hunt and the cudgels of coercion, worse still under a democratic dispensation. Recent signs in the political horizon are scary enough. This was my position some six years ago, under the then President Muhammadu Buhari. But are we any better today?

To begin with, not a few observers of the polity would agree that Nigerians have not been as divided along ethnic and religious cleavages as we found ourselves eight years ago. For instance, while some concerned Nigerians had expected President Buhari to be guided by the noble mantra of nationalism and give out political appointments to guarantee ethnic equity, that of his first term were obviously skewed in favour of the North and his political acolytes. The question again is that is much different as at 2025?

Lest we forget, barely five months of Buhari’s second term, the issue of which of the geo-political zones to produce the 2023 presidency took precedence over how to pull Nigeria out of the ignoble status of the world’s poverty capital. Or, how to get the army of our job-seeking youth running into millions out of the violent streets. There were then posters of the then Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai adorning, the walls of some cities as he reportedly geared up for the plum political post. Both Babachir Lawal and Ahmed Yerima of the Arewa Youth group were making it loud and clear that the North was not about to hand over the presidential baton to any other section of the country in the next dispensation. That was back in 2015, some ten odd years ago. But is the situation any different as at this day?

The current wave of mass distraction is fixated on the obvious determination of the Bola Tinubu-led government to keep holding on to power against the political angling of the ADC party. Meanwhile, hunger, high inflation, youth unemployment, insecurity remain the daily travails rather than the exception. So, the call for an holistic restructuring of the country resonates.

Let us therefore, listen to the voices of reason. According to the then President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, restructuring Nigeria is the answer to the waves of agitations currently hitting across Nigeria. At a lecture titled: ‘Restructuring Nigeria: Decentralisation for National Cohesion’ delivered in 2017 at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House in London, Nwodo said, ‘Our present constitution is not autochthonous. It was not written by the people of Nigeria. It was not approved in a national referendum. In jurisprudence, its effectiveness will score a very low grade on account of its unacceptability’.

Interestingly, back then and in a similar tone, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the then National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, stated thus in 2017: ‘We all lined up to call ourselves Nigerians without gathering to discuss what it meant, so Nigerians should not condemn but listen and understand the agitations by the Indigenous People of Biafra.’ He however, warned against any attempt to split the country. Now, that he is the president of the country, we humbly remind him to do the needful. Restructuring remains the best way forward.

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.