Category: Nigerian Tribune

It is a thing of joy for a parent to witness the success of the children in their academic pursuit. This is the case of the President, Fuji Musicians Association in America (FUMAA) based in Texas, Akeem Adewale Alamu, popularly called ‘Oga Alamu’ by his fans when his daughter, Mistura Ayomide Abiola Lawal graduated from Army Basic Combat Fort, Jackson, Columba, South Carolina in USA, recently.

Oga Alamu, in a chat with the Friday Treat said: ‘I’m using this medium to express my gratitude to God Almighty for this great feat. My daughter, Ayomide has made me, Nigerians in America and Nigeria as a nation proud. My joy know no bound.

‘Like Yoruba adage says that ‘ibi gbogbo lo n gba alagbara, omo ole nikan laaye o gba’, which implies that there is no place that a hard-working person cannot excel except the lazy one.

‘To crown it all, Ayomide has also been granted citizenship of America. So, it is a double celebration. She has been enlisted in US Army and she has become an American citizen as well,’ Oga Alamu said.

Following the cheering news, Oga Alamu’s contemporaries in Fuji music have felicitate him on his daughter’s landmark and unprecedented breakthrough.

Among the fuji musicians that congratulated him include; President, Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Agboola (Sensation), Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde K1 De Ultimate, Adewale Ayuba, Aaare Sir Shina Akanni Scorpido, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Saheed Osupa, Sule Alao Malaika, Adeyinka Ishola (Askari to n ko fuji).

Other fuji musicians based in USA like Dipo k3, Akeem Tutuye, Yinka Rhythm (Mr Somebody), Ayinla Segema in Canada, Bolaji Bello, Adebewaji Aboki Oganla, based in London and others.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting unity and progress in the state, declaring that his administration will sweep away division, poverty, and treachery to ensure sustained development.

Speaking on Thursday night at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, where a large crowd of supporters welcomed him on his return flight, Governor Eno urged Akwa Ibom people to embrace unity and actively participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

‘We are Akwa Ibom united – united for progress and development. And the symbolic broom of the Party is going to sweep away disunity, poverty, division, and treachery,’ he said.

The Governor also restated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, stressing that alignment with the centre was crucial to attracting more federal presence and benefits to the state.

‘You must be proud to be connected to the centre in order to continue to receive the support of the centre for the overall benefit of our people and our state,’ Governor Eno declared.

Governor Eno explained that he deliberately scheduled his return trip at night to personally inspect the restored runway lighting at the Victor Attah International Airport.

‘I chose to return at night to inspect our runway, to do project inspection. And I am satisfied with the lighting work done here,’ he said, commending the airport management for meeting the deadline.

With the completion of the project, he announced the commencement of night operations at the airport, allowing Ibom Air and other airlines to land and depart after dark.

‘Our Airport is back, so any flight can now land here at night. Ibom Air can bring in passengers and night-stop in Uyo for their first flights in the morning to Lagos and Abuja, because this is the home of Ibom Air,’ he said.

The Governor further disclosed that, following the speedy passage of the Supplementary Budget by the State House of Assembly, the government would expand its road construction projects from the current 772km to 1,000km during the next dry season.

Promising to continue delivering the dividends of democracy, Eno described the massive turnout at the airport as a major source of encouragement.

‘Your massive turnout at this reception this evening, though a surprise to me, is like putting fuel in a car. And it will certainly go far in its journey. I therefore promise you, we will continue to work for Akwa Ibom and deliver on the dividends of democracy,’ he said.

One of the leaders of the Youth Wing of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, Comrade Efemena Umukoro, has publicly challenged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several senators to seek legal redress if they believe they have been defamed by human rights activist, Oliver Ofejiro.

Umukoro issued the challenge during a peaceful protest at the Delta State Government House in Asaba, warning that if the governor and others ignore his call, his group will ‘increase the gear’ of their demonstrations.

Flanked by a small group of supporters, Umukoro condemned the continued police detention of the investigative journalist as an ‘abuse of power.’

‘We are in a democratic society where we have freedom of liberty [and] freedom of expression,’ he stated.

He highlighted police procedures, noting, ‘You have 24-48 hours to charge a suspect to court. There is even a new directive from the Inspector-General of Police to investigate a person before arresting and then arraigning them.’

Drawing a comparison, Umukoro said, ‘For instance, Mr. President [of Nigeria] has been called all sorts of names, but he has never arrested a critic because he understands the dynamics of governance. He knows that critics are there to provide checks and balances.’

‘Without critics, the government will be too relaxed. While we clamour for constructive criticism, if Governor Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, and Senator Joel Onowakpo believe Oliver Ofejiro has crossed the line, the best approach is not to keep him in a cell.

‘They should give him the privilege to have his say in court. We are not in a banana republic,’ he declared.

Umukoro explained that the protest was to register their displeasure and signal that ‘enough is enough.’ He also apologised to fellow activists in Asaba for not involving them, stating he wanted to ensure the demonstration remained a lawful, peaceful protest and not be perceived as an attack on the Government House.

He warned that if ‘government agencies’ who have reached out to him fail to act by next week, they will be forced to ‘increase the gear’ of their protests, promising to give the ‘full press’ advance notice.

Furthermore, Umukoro revealed he plans to file a case for a breach of fundamental rights, not against the entire Delta State Police Command, but specifically against the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) in charge of Ofejiro’s case.

He accused the IPO of having ‘suddenly become a co-petitioner instead of being an umpire’ by screenshotting material from Ofejiro’s Facebook page that was not part of the original petition.

‘He has made himself a party to this case. You cannot be a party to a case you are investigating,’ Umukoro argued.

He also issued a final warning to the Delta State Police Command, revealing that protest letters have been submitted to the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja.

‘They should be careful with the way they go about this issue. They should go to court and let the young man have his time in court, and not continue to use their power to support oppression and intimidation in a democratic society,’ he concluded.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned in strong terms the recent appointment by the Lagos State government of Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandy Kiss, as a brand ambassador of the State’s ‘Kick Against Drug Abuse’ (LASKADA) campaign, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the appointment.

The students’ body noted that while the LASKADA campaign is laudable, the choice of Ayomiposi as ambassador for such a role is both inappropriate and counterproductive.

Mandy Kiss, barely a few days before this appointment, publicly made statements about engaging in mass sexual activity in order to enter the Guinness Book of Records, remarks that went viral and generated national outrage.

Such a pronouncement, according to NANS, is inconsistent with the values of responsibility, dignity, and self-control that a public health campaign like LASKADA is meant to promote.

In a statement made available by the National Assistant Secretary-General of NANS, Adejuwon Olatunji Emmanuel, the association said: ‘The credibility of the messenger is as important as the message, and in this case, the messenger undermines the message.

‘So, the decision by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, to approve Ayomiposi’s appointment for the mentioned role raises serious questions about judgement and due process.’

NANS said further that: ‘Influence alone cannot be the basis for such a sensitive role. While it is true that young people listen to influencers, the right ambassadors must combine influence with credibility, education, and a track record of positive impact.

‘There are countless educated young Nigerians – students, graduates, professionals, and responsible social media influencers – who command both visibility and respect, and who would have been far more deserving choices for this role.

‘We strongly believe that this appointment sends the wrong message at a time when the government should be intentional about values, role models, and the future of Nigerian youth. By endorsing controversial figures with questionable conduct, the state risks trivialising the fight against drug abuse and eroding public trust in an otherwise noble campaign.

‘To this end, the Lagos State government must immediately withdraw Mandy Kiss’s appointment as LASKADA Ambassador, and the Commissioner should apologise to Lagos residents, including students, parents, and youth advocates, whose trust in the campaign has been shaken.

‘It is also important that a transparent selection process be instituted to ensure that future ambassadors are persons of integrity, credible, and capable of inspiring young people positively.

‘So, we recommend that the state government engage credible students, reformed substance-abuse survivors, youth leaders, respected professionals, and social media figures with clean reputations who can speak with authority and integrity.

‘As the voice of Nigerian students, NANS remains committed to supporting every effort aimed at curbing drug abuse. But we will never stand by and watch the struggle for youth development reduced to sensational headlines and misplaced priorities.

‘The unity and health of our youth are too important to be gambled with. We call on the Lagos State Government to correct this error immediately in the interest of the campaign’s success and the credibility of leadership.’

The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has extended its Order of Interim Injunction against the United Bank for Africa (UBA), maintaining a no-debit restriction on 30 bank accounts into which withheld Osun State local government allocations were paid by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Justice Ladiran Akintola, in a ruling on Friday, extended the Order after hearing submissions from counsels present in court.

He explained that the extension was necessary to allow all parties in the suit No. 1/1149/2025: the Attorney-General of Osun State, the Osun State Local Government Service Commission, and United Bank for Africa Plc to enjoy fair hearing.

Counsel to UBA Plc was absent, but counsel to the court-sacked APC council chairmen, led by Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, holding the brief of Kunle Adegoke, SAN, who had just filed an application for joinder, was present.

However, counsel to the plaintiffs, Musibau Adetunmbi, SAN, argued that he needed time to study the two applications filed by the ex-chairmen’s counsel.

He explained that the application for joinder and another one challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction were filed on Thursday and Friday respectively.

Adetunmbi, while citing points of law, insisted that the ex-APC council chairmen lacked the locus standi to challenge the court’s jurisdiction.

According to him, the ex-LG chairmen remained strangers to the case since their application for joinder had not yet been decided upon by the court.

On the need for extension of the interim order, Adetunmbi said: ‘I received the two applications yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday). I will need time to study them as well as reply on points of law.’

But counsel to the former APC local government chairmen and councillors faulted the description of his clients as strangers, arguing that they were directly affected by the court’s Interim Injunction of 26 September 2025.

He contended that, under the law, his clients had the right to be joined in the suit.

Gbadamosi, in the application filed on 2 October 2025, also challenged the territorial jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.

Citing relevant authorities, he argued: ‘The court has no power in respect of a case in which its jurisdiction is being challenged to extend the order of life span that had expired.’

At the court sitting in Ibadan on Friday, further arguments were presented in the form of a further affidavit deposed to by a senior personnel member of one of the 30 local government councils.

In her deposition, Mrs. Aluko Rachael Abidemi, Head of Local Government Administration in Boluwaduro Local Government, revealed that certain individuals were making attempts to siphon council funds in defiance of a subsisting court order.

She cited an undated letter addressed to UBA by two individuals-Mr. Adebayo Oyekanmi and Mr. Lasisi Gbadebo Oyebode-who claimed to be Chairman and Treasurer of Boluwaduro Local Government. In the letter, they instructed the bank to deduct 15% of the statutory allocation and pay it into the account of a private law firm with UBA.

Mrs. Abidemi, however, informed the court that the said individuals had no legal authority to make such instructions. She stressed that Mr. Oyebode was neither a staff of Boluwaduro Local Government nor its Treasurer, as the position of ‘Treasurer’ does not exist in Osun’s local government structure.

According to her, by the 2025 Guidelines for Local Government Administration in the state, only the Director of Finance and the Director of Administration and General Services are recognised as signatories to local government accounts. She also identified the current officers holding those positions and tendered exhibits to confirm their status.

The claimants maintained that the matter of who the legitimate chairmen of the councils are remains sub judice before the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CV/773/2025, and warned that disbursing the funds under the present circumstances would undermine justice.

Speaking with reporters after the sitting, counsel to the Attorney-General of Osun State, Adetunmbi (SAN), disclosed that a related case on the funds is already before the Supreme Court and has been fixed for hearing on 7 October.

On Friday’s ruling, he explained: ‘The crux of the matter is to safeguard the money in issue pending the Supreme Court’s determination on Tuesday, 7 October 2025.

‘Our contention is that even those who paid the money knew the matter was already before the court. They should have respected the Supreme Court by holding on to the money.

‘Let the Supreme Court speak, everybody will be happy, but for you to pay just like that is not acceptable.

‘As I earlier informed the court, there is a letter directing that 15% of the withheld funds from March to September – running into billions of naira – should be paid as legal fees to one individual.

‘In what manner? By what procedure? Without this preservation order, the rest of the money would have been gone by now.’

Commenting on the newly filed applications, he added: ‘They just served us with two applications. One was filed today, the other yesterday. I need time to react. The court has extended the Interim Injunction for the preservation of the disputed funds.’

On the joinder application, the Attorney-General maintained: ‘We are going to oppose the joinder because nothing concerns them with this case.’

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that it will take full control of the country’s fixed income market from November 2025. The move, which will be carried out in phases, is aimed at making the market more transparent, efficient, and better supervised.

In a statement signed by Okey Umeano, Acting Director of the Financial Markets Department, the CBN said the reform will cover both the settlement process and the trading platform used for fixed income transactions.

The bank explained that the plan is part of wider efforts to strengthen how the fixed income market supports monetary policy and economic growth. ‘This transition will allow the CBN to directly manage the trading platform and take charge of all settlement activities under its own system,’ the statement said.

According to the CBN, the reform will ‘strengthen trust in the market, simplify operations, and create a single regulatory framework that gives full oversight of all fixed income transactions.’

To reduce risks and avoid disruptions, the change will happen in stages with input from stakeholders, especially the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA).

The first phase will include:User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Starting in the second week of October 2025, to test the new system; Pilot Phase: Running alongside the current system after testing, to ensure smooth operations; Go-Live 1 (Settlement): Complete switch to the new settlement process on November 3, 2025.

Go-Live 2 (Trading Platform), Launch of the CBN-managed trading platform for banks, market makers, pension fund administrators, and other players on December 1, 2025.

The CBN praised FMDA for its role in growing Nigeria’s financial markets and urged for continued cooperation. ‘We look forward to working together to build a more efficient, transparent, and reliable fixed income market,’ the bank said.

The apex bank also assured stakeholders that the reform will be carefully managed to maintain stability and confidence in the financial system.

This new reform follows other regulatory steps by the CBN. Just last month, the bank ordered big banks, known as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (DSIBs), to secure regulatory approval for new Managing Directors or CEOs at least six months before the current ones leave office.

That directive was aimed at improving corporate governance and preventing leadership gaps that could weaken the banking system.

With the fixed income market reform starting in November, experts believe the changes could significantly reshape Nigeria’s financial markets by placing the CBN at the center of both regulation and daily operations.

EXACTLY a week ago, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, taking the title Arusa 1, being the first to be so crowned in the Arusa family of Isale Osi, Ibadan. Though a week has passed since Olubadan’s coronation, telltale signs of the ceremony remain conspicuous in the big city. Banners, billboards, lamppost banners, and signposts of different colours and sizes still adorn the streets, thus making the corners and the streets continue to wear the celebratory mood that preceded September 26. They are all signs that the revered monarch, Oba Ladoja’s ascension to the throne was welcomed by the young, the old, the high and the lowly, the indigenes and residents alike. The scenes around his celebration are such that have not been replicated around the coronation of any such top-class monarch in recent years.

But the widespread acceptance of Oba Ladoja’s reign also comes with huge expectations. There is no denying the fact that all of the indigenes, the residents of Ibadan and friends of Ibadan, who supported the coronation events, whether with cash or kind or with their physical presence, have one expectation or the other of the new monarch. Discussions around the streets of Ibadan and in enlightened circles indicate that many are of the view that Ladoja would deliver the goods to the ancient city. There are those who believe that with the Oba, having shown capacity and vision as governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007, the assurance is there that he would take Ibadan to greater heights.

Prof Toyin Falola, a renowned professor of African Studies, who currently chairs the Jacob and Sanger Mossiker Chair in Humanities at the University of Texas, Austin, United States, was the guest lecturer at the first coronation lecture organised in honour of Oba Ladoja as the coronation processed flagged off last week. The professor of History, who spoke on the topic: ‘Ibadan History: Issues in Tradition and Modernity,’ told his audience that the personality of Oba Ladoja who had been successful in business and politics would bring development to Ibadan. He further submitted: ‘Though he is not the governor, the expectation of the people of Ibadan and the state is high because he has the power to influence things to be achievable.’

Falola’s message was not lost on anyone in the gathering, and those who picked up copies of the lecture afterwards. The growing trust deficit on democracy and governance among the people has failed to reassure them that the governance model would solve their problems. Many top Africans, former leaders, and scholars have also continued to raise issues about service delivery under the democratic procedures adopted by Africans. Not a few Nigerians have raised issues with service delivery in the country, which turned 65 on Wednesday. The grumblings about democratic growth, service delivery under democracy, and the capacity of the system of government to ensure the growth they need apparently fired the instinct of many in the traditional system bequeathed by their forebears. The Ibadan monarchy, one of the surviving legacies of the Yoruba/African political system, appears to provide the fillip for the people to invest their hope once again, and that should largely account for the zeal, the ceremony, the widespread unity of purpose with which every strata of Ibadanland participated in the coronation process.

The chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, would also reinforce the people’s belief in Oba Ladoja when she spoke at the reception held in respect of the coronation on Sunday. Speaking at the Civic Reception put together by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene (CCII) at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Awolowo Dosumu told the monarch to ensure his reign reignites an Ibadan renaissance. Reflecting on the scenes that pervaded the coronation ceremony, she said it was ‘the renewal of the spirit of Ibadan.’

She commended Oba Ladoja for offering to restore Ibadan’s old glory, ensure a crime-free society, and foster a city where leaders act with integrity and make the indigenes and residents feel at home, adding that: ‘These are not just words. They are a manifesto of purpose, a call to action, and a covenant with the people.’

Awolowo Dosumu also directed her message to the monarch, the Mogajis, and the people, urging the chiefs and all stakeholders to work with the Kabiyesi to achieve the lofty tasks ahead. She said: ‘As we honour Kabiyesi, we also rededicate ourselves to that vision. Let this coronation not only be the celebration of a new reign but the beginning of a new renaissance for Ibadan.’

At that same event, a former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, spoke about the huge expectations on the shoulders of Arusa 1. He told the monarch to build on the administrative legacies of Late Oba Akinyele and Oba Oloyede Asanike, adding that the two monarchs made significant impacts in the growth of Ibadan. He specifically praised Oba Akinyele for bringing wisdom and scholarship to bear on the palace during his reign, while, according to him, Oba Asanike’s sense of humour and native intelligence guaranteed the stability of Ibadanland.

He submitted: ‘Oba Ladoja should learn from Olubadan Akinyele, who brought wisdom and scholarship to the palace. Also, he should learn from Olubadan Asanike, who chose humour and native intelligence to bring change and stability.’

The first words of Oba Ladoja upon receiving the staff and instruments of office on September 26 also did not let the people down. He spoke to President Bola Tinubu as a friend and repeated the key demand of the Ibadan people for Ibadan State. He even asked the people to rise and thank the president for accepting the request. Besides that, the monarch has also expressed his readiness to ensure that institutions operating within Ibadanland contribute to the city’s economy by providing jobs for the people. He also said at the Civic reception that he planned to grow the economy of not only Ibadan but Oyo State as a whole, adding that he would ensure an enabling environment for investors.

He said: ‘The major assignment before me as Olubadan of Ibadanland is the growth of Ibadanland. The status of Olubadan is not about the wearing of status but ensuring the all-round growth of the town. To achieve this feat, I will collaborate with the government at all levels to ensure that Ibadan and Oyo State at large maintain their pace-setter status.

‘We are all governing Ibadan. I am just the coordinator. You people are the small Olubadans; I am the big Olubadan. Ibadan will be greater by God’s grace and with your support. I am now the king of all religious groups in Ibadan. We have never had a record of religious crisis in Ibadan because members of the various religious groups are represented in each family in Ibadanland. Ibadan is a fertile land for investment and economic growth. It shall continue to be well with Ibadan.’

With those words coming from the new Olubadan, it is not in doubt that he is well abreast of the tasks ahead. The Olubadan must bring his weight to bear on the growing social vices, which are becoming commonplace not only in Ibadan but in our society across the land. Ibadan is also home to several moribund companies and dying industrial estates. Ogun State is already leveraging on the access provided by the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to site several multi-million industries; Ibadan and Oyo State can take a cue. Not a few residents and indigenes who celebrated the ascension of Oba Ladoja to the throne would be thrilled to see the monarch take efforts in reviving most, if not all, of the dead industries which made Ibadan thick in the days of old.

After directing over 1,000 music videos, Unlimited LA said he was ready for a new challenge, a desire that led him to create ‘Rise Again’, his debut Africa Magic Original.

He disclosed this during a panel session at the Africa Magic Showcase screening in Lagos, where he explained that after years of shaping the visual landscape of Nigerian music, he was determined to take on a bigger storytelling challenge.

‘I’ve shot over 1,000 music videos and I got tired, so I asked myself if I could just transition into filmmaking,’ he said. ‘Everybody on that set happened to be my friend. I reached out to everybody and I got a lot of ‘nos,’ but the ones that told me ‘yes’ are the people who made Rise Again possible.’

His words reflected the philosophy shared at the screening by Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, Head of Production, West Africa, MultiChoice, who said the company prioritises creators with both vision and tenacity.

‘If you are stubborn enough and you believe enough, our job at MultiChoice is to put everything behind you,’ Sanchez said. ‘But it’s to put it behind you because if I find that I have to put it in front of you there’s a problem. So, I tend to look out for people who right from the beginning are dogged. They know what they want to do. They are great at taking notes but they’re also good at giving vision.’

‘Rise Again’ follows the story of a gifted dancer’s journey of resilience and redemption as he battles betrayal, loss and injury in a bid to reclaim his dream. The limited series will premiere on October 19.

The show also boasts a star-studded cast, including reality TV favourites Liquorose, Saskay and Hermes Iyele; media personalities Do2dtun, Dadaboy Ehiz and Koko by Khloe; music star Mr P; and dance icon Kaffy, among others.

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has warned contractors handling Federal Roads across Edo State to expedite action and complete the projects by October 2025 or face contract termination, adding that the only way to get the economy of a state or a nation to move forward is to build roads.

Hon. Umahi, who gave the warning while on an inspection tour of federal roads across Edo Central and Edo South Senatorial Districts at the weekend, particularly ordered CBC, one of the contractors handling the road project, to return to the site on Monday or face the likelihood of contract termination.

The visit was aimed at assessing first-hand the deplorable state of critical road infrastructure and exploring urgent interventions to ease the burden on commuters.

The inspection tour took the delegation to Ujuelen, the Ekpoma stretch of the Benin-Auchi-Lokoja Expressway, and Egbele in Uromi, where the Minister expressed deep displeasure at the condition of the roads.

The Minister, accompanied by the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to helping the people through quality projects that would impact meaningfully on them.

He said: ‘When we came on board about the time of the election of our dear governor, the stakeholders came to see the President and say, look, we need this place (Benin-Auchi road).

‘In September last year, when a truck fell in this location, it took divers to swim to the point to rescue the driver. And it was a sight that nobody should pray to see.

‘And I think the President saw it. So, when they came and mentioned it, the immediate intervention was to use the BUA tax credit to rescue this place. Today, nobody will understand how this place was. So, I commend BUA very highly.’

Continuing, Umahi said: ‘The job quality is excellent, the speed is good, but I am tasking them in the month of October, if this first 10 by 220k is not finished, I will ground all your operations everywhere in the country until this is done.

‘I think there should be an element of madness to right the wrongs of the past, and you can now go and talk anyhow you want to.

‘So, I am directing CBC to get back to the site while commending them because my conscience is before God. I work for God, Mr President and the people.

‘I am very courageous to do the right thing, and this is very important. So, CCECC, by Monday, you are not working effectively in two sections. I know you have not been mobilised, then forget about that job. We will give it to other people.’

He explained that one of the greatest problems being faced by the Federal Government in terms of building roads is that contractors handling the projects have no more than 25 projects each, inherited from the past administration, and have inadequate personnel to execute the projects.

‘So, they don’t have the personnel or equipment to man those jobs. So, they go into economic politics and say Oh, there is rain, traffic and demand for compensation.

‘But I am poised to address such politics. People are suffering, and the President is committed to righting the wrongs of the past.

‘When we came on board, and I challenge anybody, tell me any state outside what the governors are doing that has 100km of road that you can pass without a challenge?

‘There is none. What BUA is doing is what the President is doing. He is building roads, not constructing roads.

‘Because this is part of the NNPC Tax Credit project. And the President has directed that none of these projects should stop. So, if you see any other stopping, it is our responsibility and we owe the public very serious apologies.

‘So, I have directed the Director of Works on what the contractors need to do nationwide. We need to get the right method statement for the execution of road projects.

‘I think that the contractors on this road have a responsibility to assist, because the hold-up you see, you have to hold me responsible because the President has given every assistance to ensure that this road, all the way from Warri down to Abuja, is in very good condition,’ he disclosed.

Governor Okpebholo, on his part, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritising Edo roads, noting that the administration’s renewed focus has inspired confidence among the people.

He described the APC as a progressive party delivering tangible results, adding, ‘This is a federal road, but Edo people use these roads, and we cannot abandon them.

‘President Tinubu has changed the narrative, and our people are grateful. What our administration is doing is visible to everyone. In the past, the State Government put up signs saying ‘please bear with us’.’

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Gift Johnbull, described the project as a direct product of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ adding that communities along the route are already feeling the impact of federal attention.

Speaking earlier for BUA International, Project Manager, Mohammad Rabiu, assured that the new concrete design being used on the 30km Ekpoma section of the road would ensure longevity.

‘This Ekpoma section was once a death trap. Today, people are smiling. In a few weeks, we will return to commission this project,’ he said.

Director of Federal Highways (Construction and Rehabilitation), Engr. Clement Ogbuagu also commended BUA International for the quality of work delivered on the 30km Ekpoma section.

He explained that the previous contractor’s poor performance necessitated termination before President Tinubu re-awarded the contract under a tax credit scheme.

Governor Okpebholo and Engr. Umahi also visited some parts of the ongoing reconstruction of the Benin-Asaba Expressway, recently handed over to a Concession Company.

In a significant development, Umahi formally handed over the completion of one full carriageway from Ewu to Agbor to the Edo State Government.

He explained that while the Federal Ministry of Works will handle the design, execution will be managed locally by the State Government.

The Image Merchant Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, has inaugurated a new hostel for its Young Communication Fellowship in Kano, addressing a key logistical need for participants from the state and beyond.

PRNigeria Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Yushau Shuaib, spoke at the graduation of ten fellows, who completed an intensive training that blended classroom instruction with field experience to connect academic theory and expertise in journalism, public relations, and crisis communication.

While thanking the training partners, Shuaib explained that the hostel was built to accommodate participants from distant locations as the programme forges ahead in its goal to nurture professionals and tackle misinformation.

‘Beyond equipping participants with essential communication skills, this programme prepares them to respond to the challenges of information disorder and positions them to contribute meaningfully to society,’ he noted.

Fellowship Coordinator, Dahiru Lawal, detailed the curriculum, which included digital journalism, fact-checking, social media management, and crisis communication strategies. Fellows undertook visits to media houses, academic institutions, and corporate firms for firsthand experience.

The graduation featured strong endorsements from industry leaders and public officials. IMPR Board Chairman, Associate Prof. Sule Ya’u Sule, praised the initiative’s youth development focus and donated ?250,000 to support the fellows’ corporate project.

Nigeria Customs Service spokesperson, Asst. Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, lauded PRNigeria’s mentorship model for shaping his own career. He advised the graduates to remain disciplined and pledged technical support for their projects.

A grassroots politician and former Kano commissioner, Malam Garba Yusuf, and Kano Command Police spokesperson, SP Haruna Kiyawa, encouraged the graduates to use their new digital capabilities to create positive change in their communities.

Other dignitaries in attendance were the Sarkin Kofar Dukawuya, Alhaji Bello Maitama, Senior Special Assistant to the Kano Governor, Hon. Ramadan Yusuf, and the Publisher of Solace, Abdullatif Jos.

Aliyu Shehu Ingawa, on behalf of his peers, assured that the cohort would apply their skills to solve real-world communication challenges. A fellow, Hadiza Umar, in a project pitch, proposed a platform to combat information disorder and promote media literacy among youths.

Apart from the annual fellowship, PRNigeria Centres in Abuja, Kano, and Ilorin have trained young people in a wide range of skills, including videography, photography, web management, graphic design, and public speaking, among others.

Launched in 2024, the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship is an IMPR initiative designed to promote excellence in journalism and strategic communication by equipping young Nigerians with the skills to thrive in a dynamic media landscape.