Category: Nigerian Tribune

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, declaring that nowhere in Kwara will be safe for criminal elements, including kidnappers.

The governor made the statement after a security council meeting on Tuesday night, according to a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Wednesday.

Following the recent attack at Oke Ode, the governor travelled to Abuja to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during which he reiterated his request for additional federal deployment to raid the hideouts.

‘The Army Headquarters has since relocated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Division to Ilorin as part of the renewed efforts to strengthen security operations in the state,’ he said.

‘On Monday night, combined forces of the Army, DSS and Police launched an offensive around Baba Sango, along the Kwara-Kogi border, neutralising about 15 armed bandits. The same operation continued on Tuesday. And yesterday night, I presided over the State Security Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, to integrate state and federal assets into a single strategy for both Kwara North and South.’

Governor Abdulrazaq assured Kwara residents that his administration would not relent in supporting security agencies to keep every community safe.

‘I have assurances of the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts. We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals. To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice. Kwara belongs to its people, and their peace will be defended,’ the governor added.

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Former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose has showered encomiums on his longtime associate and political ally, Lere Olayinka, describing him as a ‘man of wisdom, loyalty and relevance’ in a heartfelt birthday tribute.

In a voice note made public in a WhatsApp group on Wednesday, Fayose praised Olayinka’s journey from modest beginnings in Okemesi to becoming a respected public figure and household name in Nigerian politics and media.

‘To a great man; young, diligent, submissive and determined whom God has raised from Okemesi. A man of stature and relevance. A man of wisdom who knows his onions,’ Fayose said.

The former governor, known for his outspoken political style, described Olayinka as a loyal aide and dependable defender who has consistently stood tall in the face of challenges.

‘From humble beginnings, you have expanded your coast, protected your name and risen to become a respected figure, all to the glory of God,’ he added. ‘There is no regret in working with you.’

Fayose also highlighted Olayinka’s role as a shining representative of the Osoko Political Family, acknowledging his service, resilience and faithfulness.

‘Your name has become a household name in Nigeria and there is no going back,’ he said. ‘This is only the beginning. The future is indeed bright.’

He concluded the message with a personal and symbolic endorsement, referring to Olayinka as ‘my boy, my son, my follower, my brother, my defender,’ and extended warm birthday wishes on behalf of the entire Osoko Political Family Worldwide.

‘Happy birthday and many happy returns,’ Fayose said.

Lere Olayinka currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He has long been a prominent media figure and political strategist, both in Ekiti State and across Nigeria’s political landscape.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has described the nation’s capital, Abuja, as one of the most peaceful places to reside in Nigeria, citing both security measures and residents’ intolerance for insecurity.

This was contained in his Independence Day anniversary message to residents on Wednesday. Wike used the occasion to reflect on the nation’s journey, celebrate its unity, and catalogue his administration’s achievements in line with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.

The Minister, who emphasised the FCT’s symbolic role, describing it as Nigeria’s symbol of unity and nationhood, urged residents to continue to embody the faith that they are greater together and to ensure that the labour of the nation’s founding fathers is not in vain.

Wike noted that the anniversary was a time for sober reflection and stock-taking, necessary to look ahead with renewed hope towards a better future.

The Minister expressed gratitude for residents’ support for the President’s agenda, which centres on economic growth, national security, food security, sustainable development and infrastructure development.

He used the opportunity to lay bare his vision and the progress the FCT Administration had been able to make on several fronts under his watch.

‘The FCT Administration, with your unflinching support, will continue to work to provide first-class infrastructure and public utilities as demonstrated in the completion and commissioning of strategic roads.

‘It is our firm belief that no city can be said to be a city without a good network of roads, hence our focus on road construction.

‘We have reconstructed most of our schools and hospitals and provided much-needed equipment and personnel,’ he said.

He also pointed to support for farmers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as part of efforts to empower the nation’s youths and women and reinvigorate the economy.

The Minister further addressed the upcoming Area Council elections in February 2026, marking the formal start of the country’s electioneering process.

‘I implore residents to go about campaigning for candidates of their choice in a peaceful and orderly manner and to vote for leaders who evidently have their interest at heart; leaders who have vision and capacity to attract development and prosperity to the people,’ he stated.

He assured residents of the Administration’s partnership with law enforcement to ensure security, law and order in the FCT at all times, while appealing to citizens to be watchful over their neighbourhoods and to report all suspicious movements to security agents.

The Minister praised President Tinubu as a leader who is intentional about prioritising the well-being of the citizens and called for continued collective effort to ensure that the ‘FCT’s potentials and our collective aspirations are realised to the fullest.’

‘Amidst the various challenges we face as a nation, we are very optimistic that the future is brighter,’ he said.

The people of Anni, Egbetua, Ikpena and Udurebho communities in Ososo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene in the leadership crisis rocking the clan.

They specifically asked the governor to set up an administrative panel to look into the headship crisis, with specific reference to the leadership of the Olososo over the other communities in the clan.

The leaders of the communities made the call after an emergency meeting where they accused the Olososo, Chief Bamidele Obaitan, of not being the recognised ruler, as they said the five communities, with Okhe being the fifth one, that make up Ososo have their various chiefs.

They accused him of highhandedness and that he was interested in businesses and harassment of the people in the face of insecurity and kidnappings in the area.

After the meeting, one of the elders, Chief Aiyero Omokhojie, stated that Ososo customs and traditions ‘are older than anyone alive, and they are handed to successive generations in their pristine forms.’

He said the issue of chieftaincy conferment remained strictly a matter for the kindred, as no central authority had power to confer such titles.

Chief Peter Iduoremeh, on his part, asserted that each community in Ososo reserved the right to their lands ‘because right from time immemorial, each community is vested with the right to administer its land. This position was further confirmed by a federal high court judgment in May 2004.’

A youth who spoke on the condition of anonymity said insecurity had become pervasive in Ososo as different cult gangs continued to unleash terror on hapless residents.

When contacted, Obaitan dismissed the claim that the clan has no central authority headed by the Olososo.

‘Those people are not telling the truth. Ososo is made up of quarters that have chiefs and that form the Ososo Council of Traditional Rulers. I am the gazette paramount ruler of Ososo.

‘These are trouble makers, as every quarter has their chiefs, but I am the paramount ruler. It has always been like that from. There is no autonomous community; these people have been causing problems, and some of them are having issues with the EFCC,’ Obaitan reiterated.

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has expressed dissatisfaction with the state of Nigeria’s independence, describing it as another means of bondage.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele stated that the country has not become better and that people who fought for the nation’s independence have not been fully appreciated.

He stated that there are several differences in the country on different grounds, most especially politically, which have not allowed Nigeria to experience what it means to be independent.

‘At 65, we are still not better; those who fought recklessly for our independence have not been fully appreciated. They need to be appreciated by Nigeria getting united, but as it stands, we are not yet fully independent because of our several differences as a nation, especially politically.’

‘Our independence is bondage for us; we are in a serious situation where there is no rest of mind and peace, for how long do we continue to pass through all of these?’

He frowned at people ruling the country the way they want it, which includes not appreciating those who worked tirelessly for where the country is at the moment.

‘It’s unfortunate that the country is being run just the way people want; leaders are not appreciated, and people who have worked tirelessly have not been allowed to gain ground.’

Furthermore, the cleric advised Nigerian leaders to work on five major things for the nation to experience what it means to be independent.

He noted that the nation is sitting on a time bomb due to the issues in the country involving citizens.

‘These are the five things we need to work on as we clock 65: insecurity, increase in production, utilisation of our mineral resources, agriculture, and true federalism. It would be a fantastic independence.

‘A lot of people are praying for separation; they have seen the government as without direction, there is tribal war, and I doubt if we are improving because we are not committed. Nigeria is in a very difficult independence moment, and we are sitting on a time bomb,’ he added.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to work harder and remain committed to building a greater nation.

She gave the advice in Abuja on Wednesday in her message to citizens on the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Quoting from Gebran Kalil Gebran’s 1925 essay The New Frontier, she said, ‘Are you a politician, asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one, asking what you can do for your country? If you are the first, then you are a parasite, if the second, then you are an oasis in a desert.’

The First Lady also referenced the Jan. 20, 1961 inaugural address of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, urging Nigerians to embrace virtue and service.

‘My Fellow Citizens, ask not what your country can do for you – Ask what you can do for your country.

‘My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you but what together we can do for the freedom of Man.

‘Let us all play our part to build a Nigeria we all want to see. Your sacrifice will never be in vain,’ she said.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has celebrated the graduation of 8,300 young men and women who successfully completed the One Youth Two Skills Plus Programme.

The graduation ceremony was held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, on Monday.

This initiative, launched on 22 October 2022, aims to revolutionise youth empowerment by moving beyond mere consumption to fostering productive, innovative, and exportable skills.

The One Youth Two Skills Programme stands out as the largest youth enterprise and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development initiative in Nigeria, one that aspires to make Anambra State a leading skills hub in Sub-Saharan Africa. Governor Soludo emphasised that the programme is designed to ensure that a significant percentage of the youth in Anambra acquire employable skills that can also be exported.

According to him, the initiative consists of five critical schemes, including the Apprenticeship Scheme, Entrepreneurship Scheme, Cooperatives Formation Scheme, Business Financing Scheme, and Mentorship Scheme, all of which are structured to last for one year.

He revealed that the first phase of the initiative had successfully empowered 5,000 youths from 179 communities, distributing ?2 billion for equipment financing and ?2.5 billion for working capital.

During the recent graduation ceremony, Governor Soludo highlighted the immense success of the first phase, which recorded an over 80% success rate in terms of business commencement and expansion among its beneficiaries, underscoring that products showcased at the event, including T-shirts and food, were created by graduates of the programme, reflecting the initiative’s motto of using local resources and producing what is needed.

He noted that the initiative also encourages collaboration among beneficiaries, evidenced by the formation of the Solution Youth-Preneurs Support Group (SYPSG) – a self-driven platform aimed at supporting fellow youths in acquiring skills, explaining that the group is currently training 1,000 Anambra youths at no cost, showcasing the programme’s commitment to community upliftment.

As the second phase of the One Youth Two Skills Plus begins, it aims to expand its reach and effectiveness. Governor Soludo has set ambitious targets, planning to empower 20,000 youths and increase training centres from 634 to 1,000 in the upcoming phase.

Governor Soludo encouraged the graduates to take their journey seriously, embracing the entrepreneurial mindset that prioritises success through hard work and innovation.

‘With financial support amounting to ?3.5 billion available to graduates through the Business Financing Scheme, as well as one year of mentorship from business development experts, the future looks promising for the empowered youth,’ the governor stated.

The Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Aghamba, expressed immense satisfaction with the growth of the One Youth Two Skills Programme, stating, ‘It is incredibly fulfilling to see how this initiative is evolving from strength to strength. We are witnessing a profound transformation in the lives and futures of thousands of our youth.’

Similarly, the Chairman of the One Youth Two Skills Entrepreneurship Scheme, Chinedu Onyeizugbe, acknowledged the programme’s success, noting a remarkable forty-eight per cent increase in participation. ‘This initiative stands out as a model for scholars and practitioners alike. Every graduation ceremony marks a vital step toward achieving our vision where every youth in Anambra is equipped with the essential skills for their survival,’ he remarked.

Many beneficiaries of the programme, from within and outside the state, shared their success stories, highlighting how it has empowered them to become employers rather than job seekers.

Sterling Bank has once again redefined the boundaries of customer-first banking in Nigeria by scrapping Account Maintenance Fees (AMF) across all personal accounts.

Just months after abolishing transfer fees on local online transactions in April 2025, the bank has dismantled yet another long-standing industry

practice, cementing its role as the nation’s leading force for transparent, fair, and customer-focused banking.

This decision cuts at the heart of a revenue model that has long cost Nigerian customers dearly. In 2024 alone, tier-1 banks raked in over ?650 billion from account maintenance and e-banking charges.

Sterling’s move rewrites Nigeria’s banking rulebook while amplifying its bold stance: customers deserve freedom from too many deductions and the right to keep more of their hard-earned money.

Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director of Sterling Bank, explained the principle driving this bold action: ‘Every fee we remove is one less barrier between our customers and true financial freedom. This was the rationale behind eliminating transfer fees in April, and it is the same principle we uphold as we eliminate accountmaintenance fees.’

Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling Bank, reinforced this position: ‘This initiative is about building lasting relationships that fuel sustainable growth. We put transparency and customer value first, and in doing so, we are building a foundation that serves both our customers and Sterling’s future.’

As Nigeria marks another Independence Day, Sterling Bank presents this decision as a declaration of financial independence for millions of Nigerians. By freeing customers from deductions that silently erode their balances, Sterling is empowering them to keep and grow their wealth while redefining true financial freedom.

With two unprecedented moves in quick succession, the removal of transfer fees in April and now the elimination of account maintenance charges, Sterling Bank continues to challenge the status quo and champion a new era of fairness in Nigerian banking.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country is making significant progress in the fight against insecurity.

In a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday, the president stated that the armed forces and other security agencies have intensified operations against terrorism, banditry and violent crimes, stressing that their resilience is yielding positive results.

He noted that peace has returned to many previously troubled communities in the North-West and North-East, with thousands of displaced persons now resettled in their homes.

Tinubu described the sacrifices of security personnel as central to safeguarding the nation, adding that the government remains committed to strengthening national security as a foundation for economic recovery and development.

He also linked improved security to the administration’s broader reforms, saying that a safer environment was already contributing to stability and growth in key sectors of the economy.

The president assured that his government would continue to prioritise support for the military and security agencies in order to consolidate the progress made so far.

He said, ‘We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe.

‘They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram Terror in North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in South East and banditry and kidnapping.

‘We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation. Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in North-West and North-East, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes.’