Category: Nigerian Tribune

The first thing I will attribute Mr Governor’s victory to is God; a divine mandate, a divine decision by Almighty God that the governor will not just win first term, but will also win second term. Now, the second reason is that the people of Osun State; the people love good governance. They have seen divine governance. They have seen Governor Adeleke proving to the world that good governance is possible, even no matter how the political situation may look like. The governor was able to touch all major towns in terms of opening them up, in terms of showing the towns that fast-track development is possible. The governor did so at Ile-Ife. He did the first flyover, did the dualised road up to the palace, and then reconstructed another 40 roads in the source; that is outside other deliveries. The governor came to Iwo, gave Iwo the first dualised road; he rebuilt the City Centre, and then built another eight roads in addition to reviving the water corporation so that there is water in some communities. So, the people of Iwo look at things the governor did and said, ‘Wow, so governance is this easy?’ He did the same thing at Ila. He went and built them the first dualisation road in addition to other roads. So, those ones looked too; ‘Is it just easy to just develop a zone like this?’ The same thing at Ilesa; that palace to brewery junction has been on the pipeline since UPN days. So, the governor delivered excessively, not just in the state capital, but across major towns. So the people of Osun looked at him and said this is the man that came and was paying the half salary backlog, that some people said is not payable. This is the man that came that was paying all the pensions; he paid almost N100 billion of the pension debts; paid two-thirds of the half salary debt he inherited. The man that came and bought 31 tractors. As at that time he bought 31 tractors, Osun State government had no single tractor. The man that provided seedlings-cocoa, cashew, palm oil, and all sorts. The man that gave Osun State the first ICT policy, created digital economy, governance advisory council. A man that raised Osun State in terms of climate change from nothing to number one. So, Osun people looked at him and said, ‘Oh, this man is not just a dancing governor. This is a governor that is also delivering.’ And so, second factor, the people of Osun. You know I said the first factor is God, second factor, the people of Osun, in terms of their appreciation of good governance and in terms of their defence of democracy, even in the face of violence.

Do you credit other entities for the outcome?

I just mentioned those two factors that were critical. Of course, you also want to commend INEC; INEC did a good job. The election materials got to the polling centres early. The uploading of results on BVAS was also done well.

But there was a three-hour window when we got no new results on INEC’s result viewing portal and that drew concerns from various stakeholders, including the governor’s nephew, Davido.

Yes, everybody was scared, but we will give it to them that maybe it was just some technical issues, maybe they were clearing some things internally before they went public with the results. But when you look at the process from the morning to voting time to collation time from polling unit to ward unit to local government, you want to commend INEC that they did a fantastic job. When they now moved to the state collation, they moved well until it got to 80% of the votes – I think they had a technical issue they had to sort out. I guess that was what caused the delay. And eventually, when they overcame those, they now moved on to announce the results.

We also want to thank the Nigerian Tribune management and staff for all the support, for standing by democracy, for being the voice of democracy. Thank you sincerely.

Before the election, there was a deluge of security agencies converging on Osun – more than 15,000 police officers and 10,000 civil defence personnel of the police – and some were complaining of a militarised election, speculating that voters could be afraid to come out. You already credited the people of Osun for defying all odds to turn out to vote. What do you think about the security agencies?

As to the conduct of the security agencies, we need to divide this into two phases: the pre-election security situation and the election day security situation. As to pre-election, the jury is out; people largely picked holes in the activities of the security agencies. You know, the level of pre-election violence was unprecedented; Accord lost close to 20 members, almost 30 are injured from gunshots, over 60 of our leaders were arrested, not by APC, but by security agencies for no reason, other than that they belong to PDP. Houses of PDP leaders were burst into at Ikire, Ilesa, everywhere. Even our SSG was arrested. Many of us were put on watchlist. So when you look at the pre-election period, you see the rating of the security agencies is definitely very low. But on the election day rating, what we discovered was that there was absolute security and there were very few cases of security men harassing voters. Although there were few incidents of people trying to snatch ballot boxes and all those, but you know Osun people are very vigilant; there was even a citizen arrest of people that wanted to snatch ballot boxes. There was a particular polling unit that somebody used an armoured tank to steal ballot boxes and people were using okada to chase him until they stopped him. You see, Osun people actually showed the model of how democracy works. Democracy works when the citizens are fully active and alive to their responsibility.

So, when you want to rate the security agencies, will you give them negative mark for pre-election; on the day of election, you may want to give them pass mark, because election went and there were no attacks as such; there were incidents, but when you compare what happened pre-election when it was truly scary, election day was a success. In fact, many of us, myself and many of our leaders, we could not sleep at all prior to the election. We were busy sleeping from one place to another place, because it was war! In fact, at a point, we all saw that only one thing can save us, and that one thing was God and God came to our rescue. On the day of election, it’s like there was a blanket of peace cast over Osun and suddenly, our people turned out at 6 am; you saw voters everywhere early in the morning. At Bless, which was the epicentre of violence, people came out and were still voting as at 2:00pm. So, was then that we knew that God has truly taken charge. So, for security agencies, I will say pre-election, we give them very low rating. But election day, we should give it to them. They did a fantastic job.

You have mentioned the violence aspect of the election which has been widely described as unprecedented. The Adeleke administration announced a N500 million endowment fund for victims of the election violence. Beyond that financial relief, what security and legislative measures have been prioritised to heal the partisan tensions across communities affected by the violence?

Before we go to the compensation package, the governor (on Thursday, August 27) announced another initiative: a Commission of Inquiry that will look into remote and immediate causes of the pre-election political violence. It is going to be headed by a judge and other members of security agencies, public interest lawyers. Now, the inquiry commission will take memorandum from all residents and citizens, irrespective of political affiliation; people that were affected, the memorandum will expectedly not just talk about the victims, it will also talk about what can be done to avoid similar incidents in the future. So, the governor announced that initiative (on Thursday). In a few weeks, the governor will inaugurate the Commission of Inquiry. The commission will have a public sitting, and will take evidence and memorandum from the public. Now, that is the first initiative. That initiative, we thought, will provide comprehensive report on why we had so much violence and what can be done to actually stop recurrence of similar incidents in the nearest future. The second initiative is to actually monetarily compensate people that lost loved ones, people that were injured, people that lost their property, resources, and all those. It is not that money can replace their lost loved ones, but at least it can at least take care of the basic needs of the victims.

The governor has also engaged in terms of scholarship for children of people that lost their lives. Many of our leaders are already doing that. So, those two initiatives are meant to stabilise the polity to ensure that we actually look into this: why did we have so much violence? Why did we have people shooting guns? Why did we have people killing just because of election? Public office is about service to the people. Why must we kill because we want to serve? The governor has also done something he has said before the election, and he has repeated it (on Thursday) in his state broadcast that he had; the governor told the people, ‘Don’t engage in reprisals. Don’t take laws into your hands.’ He commended the people of Osun State for following his admonition and choosing peace. And that is why the scale of violence was even minimised, because if not that the people listened to the governor not to engage in reprisals, Osun would have been turned into a battlefield. But the people listened to the governor and abided by the law; they took their cases to court and never raised a finger to fight back when they were under attack. So, that has really helped Osun. The process of healing has started; the governor has promised to ensure that he heals the wounds of the violence, and the wounds of the election so that we can proceed to governance and development.

Lastly, on the pre-election front, we saw a sitting senator, Senator Francis Fadahunsi of Osun East, tell members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to attack members of the party to apparently kill members of Accord as reprisal for alleged attacks on APC members. He has denied the kill directive and the police are probing his statement, but is there anything that the state government is doing on its own part to demand accountability for incendiary statements made pre-election?

Mr Governor is a man of rule of law. You know, when there is a violation of the law, the relevant agencies are expected to take it up and act. Now, in the case of the senator you mentioned, the security agencies have taken it up. He was summoned. I think he was on administrative bail. And our thinking is that they are still investigating the matter. Some other interest groups like Amnesty International have taken up the matter. Some people are already thinking of petitioning the International Criminal Court (ICC) and some other bodies, but within the state government circles, we are law-abiding. We know the security agencies are on top of the matter, and it is not for the state government to now interfere. Having said that, we expect the police authority to do the needful.

During the campaign, Governor Adeleke emphasised transitioning Osun from a predominantly civil-service-driven economy towards a broader industrial hub. What concrete infrastructure or policy initiatives should residents expect in the first 100 days of his second mandate to drive that economic shift?

Thank you very much. The governor said a continuous effort to industrialise the State of Osun. In the first term, he has laid some foundation. The first foundation was what we call the Ease of Doing Business. In the first term, the tax process was harmonised and digitised. In other words, there is now a single point for paying taxes. Instead of having multiple taxation, what the governor did was to ensure that all possible, likely taxes that you are supposed to pay are embedded in one-line charge, and you pay at once. That one is running. The second thing is when you want to industrialise, industrialists, investors need access to land. So, the governor reformed the land allocation system. So, we now have a 45-day window to get your C of O. In other words, once you get online, you upload necessary documents, under 45 days, you are supposed to get your C of O. And that is also producing results. We now have many investors coming in, because land has always been the issue, but the governor tackled it immediately. And I can tell you, this has really helped us. The third ground is the opening up of the free trade zone. Osun has a free trade zone that was lying fallow and the concept of free trade zone, you know, is for businesses to come in. The free trade zone is a tax-free zone; in fact, it is a foreign land within a sovereign land. So, anything you produce there, you won’t pay tax. You are supposed to just take it out for export and all those. So, the governor has actually expanded and opened up the free trade zone. Those were all in the governor’s first term. Now, we opened up the free trade zone to ensure that we have more businesses coming in; they don’t have to worry about taxes since the free trade zone is a tax-free zone. Now, the governor also moved into the agriculture sector by purchasing tractors.

Now, building on his first-term efforts for industrialisation, the governor is moving spiritedly to now drive in more investors into the free trade zones. Now, we are driving more businesses. We have almost 35 companies active that have come in this first term. We expect that now that the situation has changed, more businesses will come in. Then, the governor is encouraging agro-processing. Now, mechanisation will be expanded so that people can produce more. So, it is already in the pipeline. The governor is directing the Ministry of Agriculture to work on agro-processing. In other words, there will be many agro-processing companies all over the state, processing agricultural products before you think of exporting and reaching out to bigger markets. So, this is ongoing.

The governor is also working on setting up what we call industrial hubs in the three senatorial districts. The concept of industrial hubs is for the government to clear an area, provide infrastructure, and businesses will come in, and companies will come in to set up factories and produce. That is also in the pipeline. So, a whole lot of policies and programmes are in place. And, of course, you are aware that the ease of mobility is linked to industrial investment. So, the governor has opened up the state in terms of road connectivity. When you are producing, you also need to move whatever you are producing to the market. Most people do not know that Erunmu in Oyo State has a dry port and Erunmu to Osun is less than 20 kilometers. So, we want all our roads to be in good shape so that when we produce goods in the free trade zones and those industrial centres, it will be easy for them to be moved. So, the governor has a very strong template that, by God’s grace, when implemented, will take Osun out of our current civil service-focused position.

With landmark achievements like the Lagere Flyover in Ile-Ife defining the governor’s flagship wins of the first term, what major infrastructure projects will be prioritised for actual execution over the next four years?

Now, you know the first tenure of Mr. Governor is still running and will end by November 27. By then, the governor will now unfold or unveil the second-term agenda across the sectors like he did when he assumed office in 2022. Remember, by December 2023, the governor came up with the Osun Investment Infrastructure Development Plan, which he implemented under 100 days. Then, he announced a second one in 2024, which he has also completed. So, the governor is going to unveil the major projects, both infrastructure, sectoral-based, and all, by November 27. That is on the day of his inauguration. So, we are still running and we still have time.

In Governor Adeleke’s victory address, he reiterated his endorsement for the President and also travelled to the Presidential Villa to present his certificate of return. One of the reasons he cited is ensuring that the state keeps a good relationship with the Federal Government. As of now, the local government allocations have still not been released to Osun. Has he received any promises regarding the release of the local government allocations?

We just need to get the background right. The first one is that the case is still in court, and you know when a matter is in court, normally you allow the judicial process to run and conclude. That is one. Second thing is that you can apply political solutions around the judicial processes, and that is also a possibility. But on both counts, you know, Mr Governor visited Mr President, discussions are ongoing as to how best to conclusively resolve the local government crisis. But I can tell you steps are being taken. But we should just remember that the case is in court, and the judicial process is running, though political solutions can also come in. But there are talks that are ongoing, as far as the local government is concerned.

As to the issue of the relationship between the federal and state governments. You know, on Arise TV, when I was asked that question, I said the governor mentioned five reasons why he endorsed Mr President. Mr President is his kinsman, so he has every right to support his kinsman. Two, Mr President is what I would call, not just his kinsman, he is a Yoruba man holding the presidency, and of course, you have a duty to stand by your man every time he is on war front. Of course, you need the Federal Government so that there can be federal attention to whatever is happening in your state. There are many federal roads that need attention; of course, you have to build a good relationship with the Federal Government too, because the resources at the centre are also limited. So, allocating resources can also be political. So, the governor also has a duty to be on the same page as Mr President. And also, the adoption predates the governor’s election. Since the time he was in PDP, he had been endorsing Mr President, and when he got to Accord, he adopted Mr President. When he was campaigning, he adopted Mr President. At his final rally at Ile-Ife, he also endorsed Mr President. So, the adoption thing is not, ‘Let me just do it.’ No, the governor is genuine about it. The governor is sincere about it. He is convinced that having the President running for another term is in the best interest of the state and Osun. So, generally speaking, the local government matter is an ongoing discussion, and that will soon be resolved.

So, the governor does not blame President Tinubu for the perceived Federal Government interference in the election?

No, you see, the issue of blame game won’t come in because the people have spoken. When you go to an election, whatever advantage you have, you deploy it and eventually, there will be an outcome. In our own case, the governor had his record of service to the people. He did one term and said to the people: ‘E wo, emi ni mo ?e eleyi fun yin. I was the one who did all of these for you. When they [APC] were there, they did not do anything for you, tell the other.’ And people said, ‘Yes o, you are right.’ People now said, ‘Look, this man has a good record.’ So, the record was one of our assets that the governor deployed. Second advantage was appreciation of the people, that ‘This man has done this for us, why would we say he should not be re-elected? Why? This man should complete the good work he’s doing.’ So, you get it; those are our own arsenal, our own electoral strength, and the governor deployed that. That’s for Accord.

The other camp also thought that they had strength, and they had money, they had this, they had that, they also deployed them. But because we are running a democracy, the people triumphed. And the people did not just triumph by voting, they defended their vote. But of course, we hold on to God so much, because God is the giver and taker. He is the one that enthrones kings, and he is the one that dethrones kings. So, in our own case, we thought, apart from having the people, having our own goodwill, our own record of service to the people, we should hold tight to God. And that was why on the Friday to that election, we had what we called Night of Victory, because it was a night of praise singing to God, that let his will be done, and his will was done.

Moving forward to 2027, now that the governor is free from the headache of getting elected, what are his plans to campaign for the president? And does he have plans to campaign against the APC senators and House of Representatives members who antagonised him in the August 15 election?

Let me clarify something. Accord has senatorial candidates and House of Representatives candidates. And of course, next year, we are having House of Assembly elections too. The governor is standing by the National Assembly candidates of his party. He is campaigning fully for them. We don’t have any deal, the governor has no deal to abandon his National Assembly candidates. There is no deal like that.

Now, as to Mr President, the only endorsement Mr Governor gave was for Mr President. Accord has no presidential candidate. The only candidate the governor has endorsed is Mr President. And the governor has promised to campaign for Mr President because of those reasons I earlier cited: he is his kinsman, he is a Yoruba man, he is a Southerner, we need federal cooperation, and, of course, we hope all the reforms being embarked on by Mr President succeed so that this nation can move ahead. So, the issue of abandoning our lawmakers, there is no cooperation like that. In fact, I can tell you we are starting our campaign for our National Assembly candidates very soon. But as for Mr President, Mr Governor has said we will come out to campaign openly for Mr President.

Popular Nigerian love song and gospel singer, Tosin Martins, has revealed what he believes has kept his marriage going for two decades, attributing his union with Moik Martins to the grace of God.

The ‘Olomi’ crooner made the declaration as the couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary, reflecting on a journey marked by love, resilience, challenges and beautiful memories.

Taking to social media to commemorate the milestone, Tosin acknowledged that their being together had not been without highs and lows, but expressed gratitude to God for sustaining their marriage.

‘Today makes it 20 years together,’ he wrote, adding: ‘How we’ve come through the highs and lows, Jesus only knows. Must be the reflection of Grace, making us look great.’

For Tosin, the longevity of their marriage is not simply about the number of years they have spent together, but a testimony of divine grace and God’s faithfulness.

‘We have no motivation to offer, only gratitude to our Keeper,’ he declared.

The singer also looked ahead with optimism, expressing his desire for more beautiful years with his wife while asking friends, fans and well-wishers to remember the couple in their prayers.

‘As we journey still to better, remember us in your prayers,’ he wrote.

With his characteristic warmth and humour, Tosin dedicated the celebration to his wife, affectionately describing her as ‘my oga madam, the owner and controller,’ before reaffirming his commitment to her.

‘I remain loyal,’ he declared, signing off with the colourful expression: ‘For all time, in all colours.’

The couple’s 20th wedding anniversary comes as a refreshing celebration of commitment at a time when celebrity marriages often attract intense public scrutiny.

WE have been exploring the fascinating ways our minds can sometimes lead us to conclusions before we have all the facts. We have seen how we can assume we know what someone else is thinking, and how easily our minds can turn uncertainty into certainty. But there is another thinking trap that many of us fall into, often without realising it. Sometimes, we do not just assume we know what someone else is thinking; we convince ourselves that we already know what is going to happen next.

Have you ever had an important interview coming up and, before you even entered the room, you had already decided you would not get the job? Perhaps you were waiting for the result of an application and kept telling yourself, ‘I know they will reject me.’ Maybe you met someone you liked and immediately started thinking, ‘This relationship will not work.’ Or you made a mistake at work and concluded, ‘This is going to ruin everything.’

Nothing has happened yet. The interview has not taken place. The application has not been rejected. The relationship has not ended. The consequences of the mistake have not even unfolded. Yet somehow, your mind has already travelled into the future, written the story and decided how it ends.

Psychologists refer to this as fortune-telling, another form of cognitive distortion. It happens when we predict the future as though we already know what will happen, particularly when we expect a negative outcome. It is the mind taking an uncertain future and presenting one possible outcome as though it were a fact.

And the interesting thing is that our predictions can feel so convincing. Sometimes they are based on previous experiences. You failed an interview before, so you expect to fail again. A relationship ended badly, so you begin to believe every new relationship will end the same way. You applied for jobs several times and received no response, so you decide there is no point trying again.

The mind loves patterns. When something has happened before, it can use that experience to predict what might happen next. That ability is useful because it helps us learn from experience and prepare for what is ahead. But sometimes, the brain takes a previous experience and turns it into a rule.

Imagine someone who has been hurt in a previous relationship. They meet someone new, but instead of allowing themselves to get to know the person, they spend their time waiting for the relationship to fail. Every delayed message becomes a warning. Every disagreement becomes evidence. Every change in tone becomes confirmation that the relationship is heading towards the same ending as the last one.

The person is not responding only to what is happening now. They are responding to what they believe will happen next.

Sometimes, we do something similar with our careers, finances, health, friendships and even our dreams. We reject ourselves before anyone else has had the opportunity to do so. We decide not to apply because we are sure we will not be selected. We avoid trying something new because we are convinced it will fail. We refuse to hope because we are afraid of being disappointed. Without realising it, we begin making today’s decisions based on tomorrow’s imagined events.

There is nothing wrong with thinking ahead. In fact, thinking ahead can be incredibly helpful. If you have an examination coming up, studying is preparation. If you have a presentation, practising is preparation. If you are travelling, checking your documents and planning your journey is preparation. But there is a difference between preparing for what might happen and convincing yourself that you already know what will happen.

Preparation says, ‘This could be difficult, so what can I do to give myself the best chance?’ Fortune-telling says, ‘This will definitely go badly, so there is no point trying.’ One gives you something to work with. The other can take away your motivation before you even begin.

This is why our thoughts can influence our behaviour so powerfully. If you believe you will fail, you may stop trying. If you believe someone will reject you, you may never approach them. If you believe a conversation will end badly, you may avoid having it altogether. Eventually, the prediction begins to influence the behaviour that follows.

And sometimes, what we feared happens not because we predicted it correctly, but because our fear changed the way we behaved. This does not mean that positive thinking will guarantee a positive outcome. Life does not work that way. Some interviews will not lead to jobs. Some relationships will end. Some plans will fail. Disappointment is part of being human.

The goal is not to convince ourselves that everything will always work out exactly as we want. The goal is to leave room for reality to unfold. We can say, ‘I am worried this may not work out,’ without saying, ‘I know it will not work out.’

We can acknowledge uncertainty without turning it into disaster. We can prepare for disappointment without allowing the fear of disappointment to prevent us from living.

Here is something I would like you to carry with you this week. Whenever you catch yourself saying, ‘I know this will happen,’ pause and ask yourself: ‘Do I actually know this, or am I predicting it?’ Then ask, ‘What else could happen?’ That simple pause creates room for possibility.

Perhaps the interview will not go perfectly, but you may still get the job. Perhaps the person you are worried about will surprise you. Perhaps the opportunity you thought was out of reach will work out differently. Perhaps things will not go exactly as planned, but you will discover that you are capable of handling whatever comes next.

The future has not happened yet. Let it arrive before you decide what it will bring.

Samuel Oluolamide Adebanjo, a graduate of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Lagos State University (LASU), recently emerged as the overall best graduating student for the 2025/2026 academic session, with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.97 out of 5.00. At 22, Adebanjo’s achievement makes him the first university graduate in his family and places his CGPA among the highest recorded in LASU’s history. His 4.97 is also the highest ever recorded in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and a joint record in the Faculty of Engineering. In this interview with ADAM MOSADIOLUWA, Adebanjo speaks about his journey from Sango Ota in Ogun State to becoming LASU’s best graduating student.

Congratulations on emerging as the overall best graduating student of Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2025/2026 academic session with an outstanding CGPA of 4.97 out of 5.00. How did you receive the news, and what did the achievement mean to you personally?

I actually first got the news directly from my Head of Department, who reached out to congratulate me as the Overall Best Graduating Student of LASU. I was overjoyed, but honestly, part of me needed to wait for the official announcement just to be sure it wasn’t a dream. When the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, formally announced it during the press briefing, it made everything feel so real. Tears of joy fell, knowing that a boy like me, coming from my background, could achieve such a feat and stand in the spotlight.

Personally, this achievement is far more than a record CGPA. As the first university graduate in my family, it stands as proof that where you come from does not determine where you can go. It is a testament to God’s grace, years of silent sacrifices, and the power of believing in your dreams even when the odds seem high.

What touches me most is seeing the smiles this news has brought to so many faces. It reassures me that every sacrifice, every prayer, and every investment made into my life by my family, my teachers, secondary school proprietor, lecturers, mentors, course mates, and friends was entirely worth it

A CGPA of 4.97 is exceptionally rare. At what point during your undergraduate journey did you realise you were on course for something historic, and did that awareness bring any added pressure or motivation?

Honestly, my journey didn’t start at the very top. In my 100-level first semester, I had a 4.81 GP. While it was a First Class, it wasn’t the best in my class. Others had 5.0s and 4.9s. I was disappointed because I constantly aim for excellence in everything I do. When I told my sister, she said something that stuck with me: ‘It is not about how you start, but how you finish.’ Little did I know she was speaking into my future.

In the second semester, God gave me my first 5.0 GP, bringing my CGPA to 4.90. By 200 Level, I had become the top student in my department, but I was never competing with anyone else; my personal goal every single semester was simply to hit a 5.0 and be my best version.

The realisation that this could be historic hit me around 400 Level. By then, I had maintained consecutive perfect GPs, pushing my CGPA to 4.96. Rumors were circulating that I was the highest in the Faculty of Engineering, and when I saw that the Overall Best Graduating Student of the previous session finished with a 4.93, I realised, ‘I could actually graduate as the Faculty Best and Overall Best.’ Winning the OPay Scholarship as the only engineering student selected further signaled that something big was happening.

Heading into 500 Level, the goal was simple: finish strong with another 5.0. Balancing that drive with final-year research, community projects, tutoring, active church leadership, and even working to support myself, all while my dad was going through a health challenge, was intense. But God sustained me. God helped me pull off 5.0s in both final semesters, completing 7 out of 10 perfect semesters and landing at 4.97. The motivation was never just about a title; it was about finishing strong, trusting God through the storm, and giving my absolute best at every stage.

Can you take us through your journey from Sango Ota, Ogun State, to becoming LASU’s overall best graduating student? What were some of the defining moments that shaped your academic path?

My journey began in Sango Ota, Ogun State, where I attended Top’s Bright International School. Growing up, things were financially tough at home. There were days I had to go to school with unpaid fees, but despite those challenges, I remained consistently at the top of my class.

Seeing my dedication, the proprietor of my school did something that changed my life forever: he celebrated my academic consistency, cleared all my outstanding debts, and granted me a full scholarship through SS3. They even went as far as paying for my WAEC registration and UTME, that single act was my biggest defining moment. It proved to me early in life that academic excellence is not a scam, that hard work and diligence genuinely pay off. It sparked a fire in me.

After secondary school, I taught briefly at my alma mater. My teachers, who saw my foundation, encouraged me and said, ‘Samuel, with your intellect and discipline, you can hit a 5.0 GP in the university.’ I took that to heart. Entering LASU, my drive to achieve a First Class wasn’t just about personal pride; it was driven by a deep desire to make my parents, my teachers, my secondary school proprietor, and everyone who invested in me proud and put a smile on everyone’s face. That foundation in Sango Ota set the entire trajectory for where I am today.

You have spoken about your lifelong fascination with flight and aircraft. What first sparked that interest, and when did you realise aerospace engineering was the career path you wanted to pursue?

My passion for flight started in early childhood. Like many kids, I would look up at the sky in total awe whenever an airplane passed by. My father told me about pilots, and back then, my immediate dream was simply to say, ‘I want to be a pilot!’ I was naturally fascinated by anything that could take to the air, even watching birds fly made me ponder the science behind flight and how human innovation turned bird-inspired mechanics into real aircraft.

However, as I grew older and evolved academically, my perspective shifted. I realised that piloting was primarily an operational role, flying an aircraft from point A to point B. But my mind didn’t just want to control the machine; I wanted to know how to build it. I was deeply curious about the physics, the aerodynamics, and how human engineering could defy gravity and bend fluid dynamics principles to keep a massive machine airborne.

Combined with my strong affinity for mathematics and analytical problem-solving, I realised that Aerospace Engineering was my true path. It gave me the scope not just to study airplanes, but to master everything that flies, from autonomous UAVs and experimental rockets to space exploration hardware. Choosing Aerospace Engineering at Lagos State University was the moment I turned childhood wonder into a lifelong commitment to building the future of flight.

You are the first university graduate in your family. How significant is that achievement for you and your family, and how did their support contribute to your success?

Being the first university graduate in my immediate family, and achieving it as Overall Best Graduating Student, is of immense significance to us. It represents a true generational breakthrough. It shifts the narrative for our family line completely and shows my siblings and relatives that with hard work, faith, and dedication, background limitations can be overcome.

My family’s support was the backbone of my success. Even during periods when finances were extremely tight, my parents sacrificed quietly to make sure my education remained a priority. Their constant prayers, emotional grounding, and unshakeable belief in my potential sustained me through long nights, heavy project workloads, and exam pressures. This milestone belongs to them just as much as it belongs to me.

Many students struggle to graduate with a First Class degree, yet you finished with an almost perfect CGPA. What study habits, routines, and principles helped you maintain such an exceptional academic record?

First and foremost, I attribute everything to God’s grace and constant prayer. Achieving this level of excellence is not by human power alone, but by combining deep faith and prayer with intense hard work. My academic approach was guided by a few core routines and principles.

One of these was clear goal-setting and daily prayer. At the beginning of every semester, I would write down every course, its unit load, and my target grade, aiming for a perfect 5.0 GP. I kept this target written down, and every single day, I brought those written goals before God in prayer, asking Him for wisdom, retentive memory, and direction.

Another important approach was the Feynman Technique (Teaching to Learn). One of my biggest secrets to academic mastery was teaching my peers. From my 200 Level onwards, I regularly tutored my classmates before exams. Explaining complex engineering concepts to others forced me to master the material inside out. Putting smiles on my classmates’ faces through teaching always came back as a blessing to my own understanding.

I also made it a point to seek insights from seniors. I never relied solely on my own understanding. I reached out to senior students who had passed through the same courses to learn about lecture dynamics, common pitfalls, and effective study approaches for each specific subject.

During exams, I relied on strategic exam execution, prioritising clarity and detail. I always answered the simplest questions first to build momentum before tackling complex problems. I ensured my explanations were thorough, structured, and grammatically precise so that examiners could see I truly understood the underlying physical principles.

Above all, I maintained a relentless work ethic. When it was time to study, I gave it everything. On exam eves, I engaged in intense overnight study sessions to ensure every potential gap in my knowledge was covered.

Academic excellence often comes with challenges. Was there any particular course or semester that challenged you the most? How did you overcome it?

Every single semester had its own unique hurdles, especially when the goal was to maintain a perfect 5.0 GP. However, two specific instances stand out:

Engineering Drawing in 200 Level: Having not taken Technical Drawing in secondary school, facing Engineering Drawing in my second year was a massive shock. Early on, my initial classwork scores were low. I realised I had to adapt quickly, so I dedicated extra hours to practicing the extensive drawing coursework assigned, covering various projections, sections, and detailed technical drawings and the likes. Through fast adaptation, relentless practice, and God’s help, I aced the course.

300 Level Campus Power Crisis in Epe: Beyond academics, environmental factors were a huge challenge. During 300 Level on the Epe campus, the school generator became faulty, and NEPA wasn’t giving us power. Studying for exams and completing assignments became an uphill task as we struggled daily just to find light to read and charge our devices. It required extreme discipline and sacrifice to study under those tough conditions, but through God’s grace, I still pulled through.

Across all my semesters, my approach to every challenging course was simple: acknowledge the difficulty early, adapt fast, work harder, Do it Diligently (D.I.D) Never Give Up and trust God to crown the effort.

Behind every remarkable achievement is usually a difficult chapter. During your journey to becoming LASU’s overall best graduating student, was there ever a time when you felt like giving up or lowering your ambitions? What kept you moving forward?

Mentally, my personal mantra has always been to never give up and to remain diligent, so giving up on my academic goals was never an option I entertained. However, there was a deeply challenging period that tested me emotionally to my core.

During my university journey, my father fell critically ill. It was a very painful and frightening time for my family. I was barely sleeping, constantly worried that I might lose him, and I had to direct some of my funds I had earned toward supporting his medical treatments and care. The emotional weight was heavy, and I kept praying and thinking, ‘I want my father to be alive to see me succeed and taste the fruits of my labor.’

That season tested my strength and faith, but keeping my trust in God and focusing on my family kept me anchored. By God’s grace, my father recovered and pulled through. Seeing him healthy and present to witness my success today is one of my greatest blessings. That experience didn’t weaken my ambition; it gave me an even deeper purpose to keep striving, excel, and make him proud.

As an undergraduate researcher, you worked on projects such as SkyClerk, an autonomous delivery quadcopter, and contributed to several innovative engineering initiatives. Which project are you most proud of, and why?

The project I am most proud of is SkyClerk, an autonomous quadcopter UAV system designed for automated office asset delivery across campus.

Building SkyClerk was a massive undertaking that demanded immense sacrifice. To get the exact electronic components and hardware required, I had to travel long distances across town, navigating complex full-stack integration, frame finishing, and software calibration to ensure the drone could navigate set flight paths safely and execute deliveries.

One of the things that makes me particularly proud of the project is its technical complexity and breakthrough. Integrating flight hardware, structural design, and autonomous navigation logic forced me to push my technical limits. Successfully demonstrating autonomous flight proved that aerospace technology can directly solve everyday localised logistics problems.

I am also proud of SkyClerk because it serves as a foundation for future innovation. What makes me proudest is that we built a robust, functional prototype that lays a solid foundation for future researchers or students to build upon. It was an honour to defend this work successfully for my final project defense.

Bringing SkyClerk from raw components to successful flight gave me immense confidence as an engineer. It reinforced my passion for Aero-AstroIntelligence and proved that engineering is at its best when it solves real human problems.

Your primary research interests span Aero-Astro Intelligence, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Machine Learning (ML). For readers unfamiliar with these terms, how do they connect, and why do you believe they will shape the future?

These fields form a powerful ecosystem for the future of aerospace.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are the physical hardware, such as autonomous drones and aircraft designed to operate without human pilots. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is the virtual wind tunnel. It uses complex mathematical equations to simulate how air, wind, and fluids interact with physical structures like wings or pipelines. Machine Learning (ML) and AI serve as the cognitive brain that learns patterns from data, makes rapid predictions, and enables real-time decision-making.

These fields connect because traditional engineering relies on slow numerical simulations and expensive physical testing. By integrating Machine Learning with CFD, we create hybrid models that can predict complex aerodynamic behaviours in seconds rather than days. When you plug these fast, intelligent models directly into UAV control systems, you get Aero-AstroIntelligence: smart autonomous systems that can continuously adapt to changing environments, detect structural faults like pipeline leaks, and fly efficiently on their own.

They will shape the future because the future belongs to intelligent, autonomous systems. Combining AI with aerospace hardware and fluid dynamics allows us to solve critical global challenges, from rapid disaster response and automated agricultural monitoring to safe pipeline infrastructure inspection and deep space exploration. It shifts aerospace engineering from merely building flying machines to creating intelligent aerial systems that can think, adapt, and protect.

Nigeria’s aerospace and advanced technology sectors are still developing. What opportunities do you see for young Nigerian engineers and innovators in areas such as drones, artificial intelligence, and space technology?

Nigeria’s developing tech space is a massive advantage because it allows us to build solutions designed specifically for our local challenges rather than importing existing templates.

One major opportunity is in precision agriculture and food security. Drones equipped with AI and localised telemetry, such as our AeroAgro Pay framework, can help smallholder farmers monitor crop health, optimise yield, and deliver precision spraying affordably.

There is also an opportunity in critical infrastructure surveillance. Over 80% of our energy sector relies on extensive pipeline networks. Combining UAVs, satellite data, and machine learning for pipeline integrity monitoring provides an opportunity to prevent environmental contamination and curb economic losses.

Another area is localized logistics and emergency response. Autonomous aerial systems can bridge supply chain gaps, delivering vital medical supplies, blood plasma, or critical administrative documents across congested urban centers and remote rural areas.

Young Nigerian innovators have the unique opportunity to lead the global South by building practical, high-impact technologies that directly solve everyday challenges.

Beyond academics and research, you have remained active in church, student leadership, tutoring, and community development initiatives. How has your Christian faith influenced your approach to learning, leadership, and service?

My faith is the central anchor of my life. It completely shapes how I view academic excellence, leadership, and service to others:

I anchor my approach to excellence in Scripture and purpose, particularly Ecclesiastes 9:10 (‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might’). I strongly believe that as Christians, we are called to embody excellence in everything we do, showing that you can be deeply committed to the things of God while simultaneously excelling at the highest levels of academia, research, and technical innovation.

I also see tutorials as service to humanity. I never wanted to chase grades in isolation; my heart is to be significant in my community and be a direct solution to people’s challenges. Leading tutorials at Departmental and Faculty levels, HesolvesmathsEdhub, NUESA Tutorial, Bunday Tutorial, is my personal service to humanity. Teaching complex concepts, helping peers understand difficult material, and putting a genuine smile on someone’s face when they finally grasp a concept brings me immense joy.

For me, leadership is also about service. Leadership is crucial because it is the ultimate tool for serving others. True leadership isn’t about titles or personal accolades; it is about lifting others up, building platforms for their success, and leading with integrity and grace.

Finally, my faith has given me resilience. When code refused to compile or complex project builds didn’t go as planned, giving up was never an option. To give up is to lose faith. I firmly believe that God works all things together for good, and that conviction gave me the steady peace, patience, and resilience to keep pushing until solutions emerged.

Many students see outstanding results but rarely see the sacrifices behind them. What are some of the personal sacrifices, missed opportunities, or difficult choices you had to make in pursuit of academic excellence?

Behind every headline CGPA and high-profile milestone is an unglamorous reality of intense discipline, grit, and sacrifice that social media never sees.

One of the major challenges I faced was enduring physical and financial hardships. There were times I had to study on an empty stomach due to lack, times I had to trek long distances just to find a place to charge my devices, and nights I studied under streetlights on campus during power outages. Before I had my own laptop, I had to borrow laptops from peers to complete heavy engineering assignments and coursework. Even when my phone was not functioning well, I adapted and ran most of my tasks directly on a laptop. To support myself and meet daily needs, I provided payment processing services, helping fellow students facilitate their tuition payments on the portal in exchange for modest commissions.

I also had to maintain deliberate lifestyle discipline and focus. Achieving excellence requires eliminating distractions. I did not attend parties, and while I followed football passionately as a supporter, I never played, making a conscious effort to protect my time and energy so that no engagement undermined another.

Another sacrifice involved relentless study habits and night classes. While I maintained a steady daily study routine throughout the semester, exam periods required an entirely different level of intensity. I constantly attended overnight study sessions on campus, pushing past physical fatigue to cover vast amounts of syllabus material, perform deep revisions, and achieve complete concept mastery before stepping into the exam hall.

I also had to juggle multiple high-stakes demands. True sacrifice was learning to keep pushing when I was utterly exhausted. I taught tutorials for hours back-to-back, sometimes teaching virtually while simultaneously preparing for my own examinations. I had to juggle a demanding Aerospace Engineering degree at LASU alongside a Data Science Diploma at AltSchool Africa, student leadership, research, and work. Yet, through all the chaos, I made it a strict point never to compromise my faith, keeping my Sundays dedicated to church and trusting God when the load felt overwhelming.

Ultimately, it was a journey filled with deep struggles, sleepless nights, and constant trade-offs, but every single sacrifice laid the groundwork for major wins. It taught me a fundamental truth: there is truly no gain without pain, and true excellence is forged when you choose to keep moving forward when it is toughest.

Balancing academics, research, leadership responsibilities, tutoring, and personal life can be difficult. How did you maintain that balance throughout your undergraduate journey, and what lessons did it teach you?

Balancing all these responsibilities alongside a personal life is extremely difficult, I would never claim it was easy. In reality, when you take on so much, one commitment will inevitably spill over into another. The key is managing those trade-offs so the impact remains minimal.

One of the ways I maintained that balance was through daily prioritisation and intentional scheduling. Every single day, I took time to plan ahead, set clear priorities, and map out a realistic schedule of tasks. My focus was not on achieving unattainable perfection, but on ensuring I consistently executed the majority of my high-impact tasks each day.

I also relied on divine help. Beyond human organisation, my main anchor was continually asking God for help and wisdom to manage my daily activities. Trusting God gave me the mental clarity and grace to handle heavy workloads without losing my peace.

The greatest lesson this journey taught me is that you are capable of achieving far more than you think. You can take on multiple high-stakes endeavours, academics, research, leadership, and service, and excel across all of them. All it takes is the right mindset, ruthless prioritisation, and the discipline to show up every day.

Having achieved this remarkable milestone at just 22 years old, what excites you most about the next phase of your journey, and what advice would you give to young Nigerians who dream of achieving academic excellence despite their circumstances?

Graduating at 22 gives me time and energy to explore, build, and innovate. I am thrilled to dive deeper into artificial intelligence, data science, Aero-Astro Intelligence Engineering, combining research with hands-on projects in the Aerospace industry and teaching. My immediate focus is pursuing international scholarship opportunities to gain global exposure and world-class expertise. My ultimate goal is to bridge local problems with global solutions, taking what I learn on the world stage and applying it back home to push Nigeria forward.

My advice to young Nigerians is never give up, your story isn’t over. No matter how difficult your current situation is, do not write yourself off. Your story is still being written, and it is never too late to do great things, regardless of where you start. You can achieve extraordinary success from a small place.

Also, do your part and work hard. Do whatever your hand finds to do with absolute diligence and consistency. Preparation meets opportunity when you stay committed. Work hard, stay resilient, and keep showing up every day.

And lastly, trust the process and keep the faith. If I could navigate these hurdles to reach this point, you can too. Do your part with relentless effort, and trust God to do what only He can do. Resilience is key; keep pushing forward, and your moment will surely come.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said the adoption of the T+1 settlement cycle in Nigeria’s capital market is going smoothly, describing it as a development that has enhanced competitiveness and provided relief to market participants.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja at the weekend, the Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, represented by the Director of Registration, Exchanges and Market Infrastructure, Mrs Hafsat Rufai, said both local and international investors had expressed satisfaction with the new settlement cycle.

She said, ‘Feedback from them has been excellent. They are happy with T+1, and the local investors are also happy with T+1. The fear initially was around the availability of cash to settle, with time zones being one of the major considerations.

‘Sometimes, in some countries, when we are closing our market at 4:00 p.m., it is still early in the day. Sometimes, it’s even longer than being early in the day; it’s midnight in some countries. And so everybody is concerned about how to source cash or how to source funds for settlement.

‘But knowing that it is not at 8:00 a.m., it is 5:00 p.m., I think that gives enough time for the custodian banks, who are representatives of those investors, to source the funds required and settle the securities and cash as well, because it’s a DVP market. It’s delivery versus payment.’

According to a statement by the Commission, Agama said no default had so far been recorded due to the unavailability of funds for settlement at the new deadline.

‘It’s just a matter of letting everybody understand that the settlement time is not 8:00 a.m.; it is 5:00 p.m. And by 5:00 p.m., everybody is good. So far, it has been good. Feedback has also been very excellent.’

He explained that the Nigerian capital market had operated on a T+3 settlement cycle for several years before the market began a phased transition aimed at modernising the market, improving competitiveness and attractiveness, increasing liquidity and reducing settlement risks.

The DG said the market moved from T+3 to T+2 on 28 November 2025 before migrating to T+1 on 1 June 2026.

‘Transaction day or the trade day, when your shares are bought or sold on a particular day, that is day T, and then plus one, which is the current settlement cycle, means that when you buy your shares, say, for instance, you buy today, being a Monday, the shares will settle in your account by 5:00 p.m. tomorrow,’ he explained.

Agama said the reduction in the settlement cycle was aimed at making the Nigerian market more efficient by allowing investors to receive their securities or cash sooner.

‘The emphasis on 5:00 p.m. is that over the years, when you were on T+3 or T+2, settlement time was 8:00 a.m. Meaning that if you buy your shares today on T+2, that is the trade date, and then two days after, which would have been Wednesday when you were on T+2, you would get your shares if you bought or you get your cash if you sold at 8:00 a.m.

‘Now we decided that we need to do better for the Nigerian market by shortening that cycle. So why buy today and wait for another 48 hours or thereabout, or two days, before you get your security? So, we shortened that transaction cycle, or settlement cycle, I beg your pardon, to T+1, meaning that the trade day and a day after, that’s the first step.’

The SEC DG further disclosed that the market had also shifted the settlement deadline from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. following the extension of trading hours.

He said trading hours on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) had earlier been extended from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

‘If you recall, we extended trading hours earlier this year from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the NGX, and then we thought, if the market closes at 4:00 and we ask people to settle, that is, to provide cash and securities, at 8:00 a.m. the next day, that kind of close to being T+0 is almost as good as just telling me to pay today, and we don’t want that strain,’ the statement noted.

APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, has recorded a six percent increase in export volumes in the first half of 2026, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the country’s non-oil export growth and improving access to international markets.

Speaking in a statement released on Sunday, Terminal Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, attributed the growth to the resilience of Nigerian exporters, supported by a series of operational and service improvements designed to facilitate export trade.

‘Over the last five years, exports through our terminal have maintained a positive growth trajectory. This reflects both the resilience of Nigerian exporters and the targeted improvements we have made to facilitate export trade, simplify cargo flows and improve access to international markets,’ Alhraishat said.

He highlighted several initiatives introduced by the terminal to encourage exports, including dedicated export lanes at the terminal gate to accelerate cargo terminal access.

‘Our role goes beyond handling containers. We want to make it easier, faster and more competitive for Nigerian exporters to access global markets. Dedicated export lanes and our rail connectivity are all designed around that objective.

‘The rail connection between Lagos and Moniya (Ibadan) operates three times a week, providing exporters with an efficient alternative to road transportation. By reducing reliance on trucks and exposure to interstate and Apapa traffic, we can improve the predictability of cargo movement and help exporters reach international markets more efficiently,’ he added.

The terminal also receives export cargo through the Ebute Metta rail corridor, which facilitates cargo movement from various parts of Lagos, helping exporters avoid traffic congestion and reduce transit times to the port.

Alhraishat noted that beyond operational improvements, the terminal continues to create platforms that encourage collaboration among stakeholders across the export value chain.

‘Through our Exporters Forum, now in its third year, we are creating a platform where exporters, government agencies, shipping lines, logistics partners and other stakeholders can come together to address real challenges across the export value chain.

‘The objective is not only to discuss these challenges, but to translate the feedback into practical actions that make Nigerian exports more efficient and competitive. Our next session is scheduled to hold at the terminal on Wednesday, September 2,’ he said.

The terminal’s major export commodities include soybeans, cashew nuts, cocoa, hibiscus flowers and solid minerals.

Speaking on the significance of the Exporters Forum, Head of Commercial, Kayode Olufemi-Daniel, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to build an export-led economy.

‘Time is a critical factor in export trade, particularly for agricultural products. Delays within the supply chain can affect the quality of goods and, in some cases, render them unsuitable for export by the time they reach their destination. That is why we continuously review our operational processes and engage all stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement and reduce delays across the value chain,’ Olufemi-Daniel said.

He added that APM Terminals Apapa remains committed to working with customers, government agencies and other industry partners to strengthen Nigeria’s export ecosystem and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in global markets.

The Kano State Multi-Joint Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has warned politicians against using drug-influenced youths to cause violence, intimidation and unrest during the 2027 general election campaigns.

The chairman of the task force, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, said any political thug found engaging in criminal activities under the influence of illicit drugs would be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of the identity of their sponsors.

Rimin-Gado issued the warning during a briefing with journalists in Kano, where he outlined the state government’s new strategy to tackle drug abuse and its connection with violent crimes among youths.

He cautioned politicians against recruiting innocent young people to create tension during political activities, saying the task force would not allow the misuse of youths to cause deaths and injuries.

‘The commission is out to tame enemies of progress who will be using our youths to cause untimely deaths and injure people,’ he said.

The chairman disclosed that the state government had set a target of removing 10,000 drug users from the streets and rehabilitating them within one year as part of efforts to address substance abuse.

He explained that the programme would go beyond arrests and imprisonment by focusing on detoxification, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and economic empowerment.

‘Our goal is to take away 10,000 people from the streets within one year. This is a different approach from only taking them to prison. We are thinking about rehabilitation,’ Rimin-Gado said.

According to him, beneficiaries would first undergo detoxification before being enrolled in rehabilitation programmes and trained in various skills to enable them to become productive members of society.

He listed tailoring, shoemaking, garment production and other crafts among areas where rehabilitated persons would receive training, adding that the programme would later expand to other trades and services.

Rimin-Gado said the initiative was aimed at addressing the link between drug abuse, unemployment and violent crimes, especially gun-related offences involving youths.

‘If you look at our operations, when going after these youths, it is not because we hate them or do not want them. It is because we want them rehabilitated,’ he said.

He added that the task force had started discussions with correctional authorities and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that released inmates could access rehabilitation and skills acquisition programmes to support their reintegration into society.

The chairman further explained that drug users would be treated based on the severity of their cases, noting that those involved in multiple substance abuse could face prosecution, while others could be placed under the supervision of parents or guardians.

He said the government also planned to create economic opportunities for rehabilitated persons by connecting them with markets in Kano State.

‘We do not only eradicate the issue of drug dependence, drug abuse or gun violence; at the same time, we are building our economic potential,’ he said.

Rimin-Gado expressed confidence that collaboration among government agencies, security institutions, correctional authorities, private sector operators and other stakeholders would ensure the success of the initiative.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), through its Bauchi State office, over the weekend published the names and biodata of 19 governorship candidates and their running mates contesting the 2027 general elections in Bauchi State.

The list, displayed at the INEC office in Bauchi, contained candidates presented by various political parties seeking to participate in the governorship election.

A visit to the INEC office over the weekend showed political supporters and party officials checking the displayed list to confirm and ascertain the inclusion of their candidates in compliance with the Commission’s requirements and the electoral laws.

Some supporters who spoke with our correspondent expressed confidence in INEC’s preparations, while calling for a free, fair and credible election acceptable to all political parties and voters.

One of them, Auwal Captain, said the early publication of the candidates’ details had increased public confidence in the electoral process.

‘I am fully convinced that INEC is ready to conduct the election, judging by these early preparations. The display of candidates’ information gives us more confidence in the process,’ he said.

He urged the Commission to ensure that the eventual outcome reflects the choice of voters rather than the interests of individuals or groups.

Similarly, another supporter, Malam Adamu Anatare, called on INEC to justify the confidence Nigerians had placed in the Commission by ensuring that votes were properly counted and results reflected the wishes of the electorate.

‘My concern is the outcome of the election. People are ready to participate and vote, but they also want to protect their votes. Anything short of this could create problems,’ he said.

Meanwhile, political analysts urged INEC to ensure transparency throughout the electoral process, particularly in the deployment of sensitive materials, recruitment of ad hoc personnel and effective functioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

They also called for an uninterrupted flow of information before, during and after the election.

Among those listed as governorship candidates are Yakubu Adamu of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM); Senator Shehu Umar Buba of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Mohammad Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Senator Halliru Dauda Jika of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); Usman Ahmed Sufi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Kashim Ibrahim Muhammad of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC); and Idris Aliyu Muhammad, the Labour Party candidate, among others.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections hot up, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expressed satisfaction with the list of its governorship and State Assembly candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Reacting to the list during an interview with the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Ayenigba, said the party was satisfied with the list across the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to him, ‘Our great party, the SDP, has no issues with the list of our 2027 governorship and State Assembly candidates as released by INEC.

‘The names of all our nominated candidates in the states were correctly listed as submitted by the party.

‘There are no rumblings or crises in the state chapters of the SDP as a result of the list of candidates released by INEC.’

He urged the commission to continue to follow the rules and guidelines already released to the letter to ensure successful polls in 2027.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Sokoto State Council, has mourned the death of its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni, describing him as a courageous trade unionist whose death has left a huge void in the labour movement in Nigeria and Africa.

Ugboaja died on August 22 at about 2:00 p.m. after a prolonged illness.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the State Secretary of the NLC, Sokoto State Council, Comrade Hamisu Hussaini Yanduna, described the late union leader as a seasoned administrator, committed trade unionist, fearless advocate for workers’ rights and a pillar of organised labour.

Yanduna said Ugboaja remained committed to advancing workers’ welfare throughout his years of service, adding that he was a man of principle who consistently demonstrated courage in defending the interests of Nigerian workers.

‘Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja was a principled and hardworking unionist. He was deeply committed to the labour struggle and remained a nationalist who devoted himself to the service of Nigerian workers,’ Yanduna said.

He described the deceased’s contribution to the labour movement as significant, saying his leadership, courage and dedication had earned him the respect of workers and trade unionists within and outside Nigeria.

‘His death is an irreplaceable loss to the labour movement in Nigeria and Africa. His contributions to the struggle for workers’ rights and welfare will remain a lasting part of the history of organised labour,’ he said.

Yanduna further said Ugboaja’s humility and commitment to duty would be greatly missed by colleagues, workers and associates.

‘His dedication, humility and service to Nigerian workers will be greatly missed by all and sundry. We have lost a great comrade, administrator and advocate for workers’ rights,’ he added.

The Sokoto State Council extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, his colleagues and the entire labour movement, praying for strength and comfort for those he left behind.

Ugboaja’s death has been widely regarded within organised labour as a significant loss, particularly given his role in advancing workers’ welfare, defending labour rights and contributing to national discourse on issues affecting Nigerian workers.