Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, Muhammad Gadaka, has urged women whose husbands prevent them from voting for the party to divorce them, saying he would pay their dowries.

Gadaka made the controversial statement on Thursday at an APC campaign rally in Nangere, Yobe State.

In a video shared by News Central, the Yobe APC chairman called on women to oppose their husbands if they were prevented from supporting the party at the polls.

‘If your husband won’t allow you to vote for APC, stand up to him and seek a divorce. If you leave the marriage, I will pay your dowry and marry you,’ he said.

The comment has drawn criticism from residents and Islamic scholars, who described it as reckless and provocative and warned that such remarks could have implications for family values.

Amid the backlash, Gadaka apologised for the statement and withdrew it.

In a video posted on the Facebook page of Yobe State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, on Friday, the APC chairman said his words had been misunderstood.

He said the statement was made as a joke and was not intended to encourage married women to end their marriages.

‘My statement was just a joke and does not in any way represent the ideals I stand for or intended to encourage divorce among married people.

‘I offer apologies for my statement, and I hereby withdraw it,’ he added.

The controversy comes days after the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, also came under criticism over a threat to flog people who refused to support the APC in the 2027 election.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman-Lagos, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will retain the state in the 2027 general elections, saying there is no strong opposition capable of dislodging the ruling party.

Mamman-Lagos, who spoke in an interview with journalists on Friday, attributed the expected victory to what he described as visible developments across the state under Governor Uba Sani, as well as the growing political acceptance of the administration among residents.

He cautioned politicians against relying on social media activities, saying social media trends, online followers and crowds at political rallies do not necessarily translate into votes during elections.

According to him, the majority of Nigerian voters, particularly women in rural communities, are not active on social media and remain the critical factor in determining the outcome of elections.

He said: ‘Politics, you don’t do politics on social media, and you don’t do elections on social media. Ninety-five per cent of the electorate don’t even have phones like this. They are the ordinary people who go and queue and vote, especially women.’

Mamman-Lagos said women play a decisive role in Nigerian elections, stressing that their turnout, particularly in rural areas and local government communities, could determine whether a candidate wins or loses.

He also dismissed large crowds at political rallies as insufficient evidence of electoral strength, citing the experience of the Osun State election, where, according to him, a large rally did not translate into the expected votes for the political platform involved.

On Kaduna, Mamman-Lagos said the state had witnessed significant changes under Governor Uba Sani, particularly in the areas of unity, infrastructure, education, healthcare and inclusiveness.

The commissioner identified Southern Kaduna as an important political bloc whose support could be decisive in the 2027 elections, noting that developments in the area had helped improve the relationship between the people and the state government.

Mamman-Lagos said the appointment of a prominent Southern Kaduna indigene as Minister of Defence was among developments that had strengthened the sense of inclusion in the area, alongside road construction, renovation of hospitals and other projects.

He particularly cited Chikun and Kajuru local government areas as critical components of Southern Kaduna’s political equation, saying developments in the two areas could influence the wider political direction of the region.

Mamman-Lagos said the APC had also made significant political inroads into areas previously regarded as strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that several political office holders had moved into the APC.

He attributed the administration’s ability to promote unity to Governor Uba Sani’s background and exposure, describing him as a Kaduna-born politician who had interacted with people across ethnic and religious divides.

According to him, the governor’s approach had helped create a more inclusive political environment in which people from different parts of the country could live, work and contribute to the development of Kaduna State.

Mamman-Lagos also highlighted infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration, including road construction, renovation of primary schools and rehabilitation of hospitals, saying the projects were evidence of what he described as the government’s commitment to development.

He said the administration had also invested in waste management and employment-generating initiatives, including the engagement of thousands of people in sanitation operations, which he said had helped improve the environment and reduce idleness among youths.

Mamman-Lagos further disclosed that the state government had strengthened support for traditional institutions by reviewing the salaries and allowances of traditional rulers and village heads, following what he described as years of neglect.

He said the review covered traditional rulers across the state, from village heads to emirs, adding that the government was also working towards providing vehicles for traditional rulers who require them for official duties.

The commissioner said the traditional institution remained important to governance, peace and security because traditional rulers had close knowledge of their communities and could assist government in identifying strangers, resolving disputes and providing early warning on security threats.

Mamman-Lagos urged Kaduna residents to continue supporting the administration, saying citizens should encourage leaders when they see evidence of good governance while also remaining peaceful and law-abiding.

He said the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians were not created by the present administration alone, stressing that governments at all levels were working to address the challenges and improve the living conditions of the people.

The Ohimegye Igu of Koton Karfe, Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu, has called for federal intervention on the Lokoja-Abuja highway to avert worsening traffic congestion, accidents and possible fatalities during the Ember months.

The traditional ruler made the call when he visited the Federal Ministry of Works office in Lokoja to draw attention to the deteriorating condition of critical sections of the highway.

He noted that the visit followed a resolution of the Koton Karfe traditional council mandating him to personally engage relevant authorities over the challenges confronting motorists and communities on the corridor.

Salihu appealed to the ministry to urgently address several critical sections between Lokoja and Abaji, particularly around Chikara, Aseni-Omoko, Idu Bridge, Gegu Egba-Ahoko, Koton Karfe and Iziho.

He called for repairs on the first and second bridges, as the affected sections had become major sources of concern for motorists and residents.

While acknowledging that the completion of the Lokoja-Abuja highway remains the ultimate expectation of road users, the monarch said immediate repairs on the worst-affected sections will help reduce gridlock, prevent accidents and ease the hardship faced by motorists.

‘Every day, we live in fear of mishaps that lead to calamity. Which is why the traditional council asked me to personally visit and express our concern over the state of the Lokoja-Abuja highway,’ he said.

Responding, the acting Federal Controller of Works in the state, Owoniya Bankole, acknowledged the concerns raised by the traditional ruler and described the Koton Karfe-Abaji axis as a major hotspot.

He said measures had been activated to reduce the hardship being experienced by communities and road users on the corridor.

Bankole explained that some of the delays were linked to the Federal Government’s decision to convert the highway from asphalt to concrete pavement.

Although, according to him, concrete construction takes longer to execute, it offers greater durability, a longer service life and reduces maintenance requirements.

He assured the monarch that the problematic sections will receive priority attention, apologising to residents and motorists for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing works.

The controller disclosed that the ministry will strengthen collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies to tackle factors contributing to traffic congestion and improve safety on the Lokoja-Abuja highway.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it will remove double registrations, dead persons and other ineligible names from the voters register ahead of the 2027 General Election, and will ask Nigerians to help identify underage registrants during the claims and objections period.

This was disclosed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, in an exclusive interview with Nigerian Tribune.

Haruna said the commission stopped the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) to enable it to carry out backend processes, including the cleanup of the register through the Automatic Biometric Identification System (ABIS).

‘We have to confirm first if there are underage. That is why we have to stop the CVR. You know some people were saying we must extend it. But there are backend need that we need to do, including this cleanup,’ he said. When asked to provide an update on voters register cleanup and speak about what the Commission was doing about questions around the underage in the register,’ he said.

‘You know we have ABIS where we clean up if somebody has registered more than once. Of course, we will publish the list. When we publish the list, we expect members of the public to make claims and raise objections.’

He explained that the public will have about one to two weeks to scrutinise the register after publication.

‘For instance, if you are aware that someone is underage and is on our voters register, you draw our attention to it so that we clean it or a situation where someone is dead. This takes a week or two so that people can respond, raise objections and make claims,’ Haruna stated.

‘Underage are not the only category of people that should not be on the voters register. Foreigners too should not be on the voters register and somebody who has registered more than once. In the process of that cleanup, that is where we raised those questions,’ he added.

Voters register cleanup ongoing

The INEC Commissioner said the commission is still running the ABIS to detect multiple registrations before publishing the register.

‘We are still doing ABIS, that is Automatic Biometric Identification System. When we complete that, then we will publish the list of voters register. That is, after we have removed those who have registered more than once – double registration or multiple registration – we now publish it. We are still in the process of that,’ he said when asked to speak about the period when the commission would publish the list of voters register,’ he said.

INEC to set up voting camps for IDPs

On eligible voters displaced by insecurity in parts of the North, Haruna said INEC has a policy to ensure Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are not disenfranchised.

‘As for the IDPs, we have an IDP policy. We have a whole policy on internally displaced persons. We go to their camp. For instance, if the whole community has moved to the camp, we go there,’ he said.

‘If they are not close to the election, we can create one so that those who are living in houses of other families can go to that camp and vote,’ he added.

The INEC official said the commission remains committed to delivering a credible register for the 2027 polls by cleaning it of multiple registrations and other ineligible entries before it is made public on Tuesday, 18 August, 2026.

Haruna projected that Nigeria’s voter register will cross the 100 million mark ahead of the 2027 general elections during a joint implementation meeting of the Departments of Voter Education and Publicity and Gender and Inclusivity.

He said the last register stood at over 93 million voters, and the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration exercise is expected to push the total above 100 million.

The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) has commissioned its permanent headquarters in Lagos, 44 years after the institution began its journey as the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board (NASB), describing the development as a major milestone in strengthening financial reporting and corporate governance in the country.

The commissioning ceremony brought together Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser, Dr Tope Fasua; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; representatives of the Minister of Finance, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, regulators, professional bodies and business leaders.

Speaking at the event, FRC Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Olowo, said the commissioning was not merely about opening a new building but marked the beginning of a new chapter for the council.

He said the FRC had evolved significantly since the establishment of the NASB in 1982, which later received statutory backing under the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board Act of 2003 before becoming the Financial Reporting Council under the FRC Act of 2011.

According to him, the council’s mandate has expanded from accounting standards to financial reporting, accounting, auditing, actuarial and valuation standards, corporate governance and sustainability reporting.

Olowo noted that despite its more than four decades of institutional development, the FRC had operated without a permanent headquarters of its own.

‘Today, the Council has a home. And this home belongs not to one Executive Secretary or CEO, not to one board, not even to the minister or the president. It belongs to Nigeria,’ he said.

He described the new facility as a symbol of institutional stability, independence, credibility and dignity, adding that its infrastructure would now better reflect the importance of the council’s statutory responsibilities.

The FRC also used the occasion to honour former leaders for their contributions to the development of the institution.

Olowo commended former Executive Secretary and CEO Jim Obazee, who served from 2011 to 2017, for strengthening regulatory enforcement and compliance. In recognition of his contribution, the FRC named an important facility the Jim Obazee Inspections and Investigations Room.

The council also honoured the late Daniel Asapokhai, who served as Executive Secretary and CEO between 2017 and 2021. A facility was named the Late Daniel Asapokhai Accounting Development Centre and Library in recognition of his contribution to accounting development, standardisation and financial reporting.

Ambassador Shuaibu Ahmed, who led the council from 2021 to 2023, was also recognised for his role in strengthening Nigeria’s financial reporting and regulatory framework.

Olowo particularly cited the FRC Amendment Act 2023, signed into law on May 3, 2023, which strengthened the council’s enforcement powers, clarified the definition of public interest entities and provided for a national repository for financial statements. A meeting room at the headquarters will be named after Ahmed.

The FRC also honoured Oduwole for her support for the council and her contribution to corporate governance and institutional reforms. Its principal corporate governance facility will be known as the Dr Jumoke Oduwole Centre for Corporate Governance.

Olowo said the centre would serve as a platform for board education, policy engagement, governance innovation and the promotion of stronger corporate governance practices.

Representing the Vice President, Fasua said the commissioning was significant because the FRC’s work touched the foundation of every modern economy – trust.

He said reliable financial reporting was essential to investors, banks, government and businesses, stressing that investors would be more willing to commit capital when they had confidence in the reliability of financial information and regulatory institutions.

‘Capital does not merely follow opportunities. It follows confidence, and confidence follows institutions,’ Fasua said.

Sanwo-Olu, meanwhile, described the FRC as a critical component of Nigeria’s economic architecture, particularly given Lagos’ position as the country’s commercial and financial centre.

He said stronger financial reporting and corporate governance would support investment decisions, access to capital, business growth, job creation and broader economic development.

Olowo said the new headquarters would provide a permanent base for the FRC to engage investors, regulators, professional bodies, auditors, directors, academics, government institutions and development partners.

He added that the facility represented an investment in the future of Nigeria’s regulatory system and would support the council’s efforts to promote credible financial reporting, sound corporate governance and regulatory assurance.

The member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Folajimi Oyekunle (DoN), has flagged off the reconstruction of the 1.17-kilometre Atenda-Alawada Road in Ward 4 of the constituency.

The road serves as a link to five major roads within the area.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Oyekunle said the reconstruction was necessitated by the deterioration of the road and its importance to residents and motorists.

He said, ‘For some time, residents and other road users have had to contend with the poor condition of this road. We considered it necessary to intervene because of its importance to movement and connectivity within this community.’

According to him, the strategic location of the road also informed the decision to commence its reconstruction.

Oyekunle said, ‘This is not just a road within Ward 4; it connects to five major roads. When completed, it will provide an alternative route for motorists and help reduce the pressure on some of the adjoining roads.’

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Akinwale Bodija, the lawmaker said the project was part of his efforts to respond to identified infrastructure needs across Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

He said, ‘Our constituency interventions are based on the needs we identify among our people. Where there are infrastructure gaps, we will continue to look for ways to address them within the limits of our mandate.’

Oyekunle listed other interventions undertaken in the constituency, including the provision of powered streetlights and motorised boreholes, distribution of food palliatives, youth and women empowerment programmes, educational support and facilitation of federal institutions.

He said the interventions were aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of constituents.

‘Our responsibility is not limited to one area. We have interventions covering infrastructure, education, empowerment, water supply and other areas that directly affect the daily lives of our people,’ he said.

The lawmaker expressed optimism that the completion of the Atenda-Alawada Road would improve connectivity among communities in the area and make movement easier for residents and motorists.

He added, ‘We expect that by the time this road is completed, residents will have better access, motorists will have another route to use, and some of the traffic pressure on nearby roads will be reduced.’

The recruitment is for the Basic Military Training Course 47/2026, with online registration opening on Thursday, September 3, 2026, and closing on October 14, 2026.

The application is free of charge.

The NAF advised prospective applicants to carefully study the eligibility requirements and application guidelines before submitting their forms.

How to apply

Interested applicants are required to apply online through the official NAF recruitment portal.

Applicants should:

Visit the NAF recruitment portal and select the BMTC 47/2026 recruitment exercise.

Read the recruitment guidelines carefully and confirm that they meet the eligibility requirements.

Complete the online application form with the required personal, educational and other relevant information.

Review the information provided to ensure that all details are accurate before submitting the application.

After successfully completing the application, print the Acknowledgement Form, Parent/Guardian Consent Form and Local Government Area Attestation Form.

Ensure that the LGA Attestation Form is signed by an authorised official. This may include a military officer from the applicant’s state, a police officer of the rank of Chief Superintendent or above, a substantive LGA chairman/secretary, or a magistrate, subject to the conditions specified by the NAF.

Applicants should note that those who fail to successfully complete their online applications will not be able to generate the required forms.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth and must be medically, physically and psychologically fit. They must also meet the NAF’s medical and employment standards.

Applicants must meet the minimum height requirement of 1.66 metres for males and 1.63 metres for females.

Tradesmen/women

Applicants seeking enlistment as tradesmen/women must be between 18 and 27 years old by March 1, 2027.

Those with ND or NCE qualifications must have obtained their certificates from accredited institutions and possess at least five credits, including Mathematics and English Language, in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB or NBAIS.

Applicants seeking positions in driving and other trades requiring a Trade Test must possess the relevant Trade Test certificate and meet the required SSCE conditions.

Drivers are also required to have a valid driving licence.

Applicants seeking recruitment as sportsmen/women are expected to provide evidence of professional sporting experience, including relevant certificates and medals.

Non-tradesmen/women

Applicants for non-tradesmen/women positions must be between 18 and 22 years old by March 1, 2027.

They must possess at least five credits, including Mathematics and English Language, in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB or NBAIS.

They are also required to possess Primary School Certificates and Secondary School Testimonials.

What happens after application?

The NAF said a Zonal General Aptitude Test would be conducted for successful applicants, with the date to be communicated through the recruitment portal.

Only applicants who are successful at this stage will subsequently be invited for the selection interview.

The Force warned prospective applicants that the recruitment exercise is completely free of charge and advised them to beware of individuals demanding payment in connection with the process.

The recruitment portal will remain open until October 14, 2026, after which applications will close.

The Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, on Friday announced a two-week closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha.

The development is to effect the commencement of repair works, including the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to help monitor activities within and along the bridge effectively at all times.

Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, during his visit to the bridge last week, inspected the vandalized section of the bridge, with several bolts and iron rods stolen.

However, a statement by the Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, which was signed by the State Controller, Mr Timothy Emenike, and made available to newsmen in Awka on Friday, said the bridge would be closed for two weeks.

It disclosed that movement by motorists and pedestrians along the bridge would be stopped from Monday, 7 September 2026.

According to the statement, ‘The attention of the general public, motorists and other road users is hereby drawn to the deteriorated condition of the First Niger Bridge, Onitsha, particularly the carriageway surface and certain bridge components affected by vandalization, including portions of the expansion joint steelworks and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.’

The Works Ministry stated that, ‘During his (Minister’s) recent working visit to Anambra State. the Honourable Minister of Works. Sen Engr David Nweze Umahi, expressed serious concern over the condition of the bridge and directed the immediate commencement of emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works to restore the facility to a safe and properly motorable condition.’

‘Accordingly, Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000 Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carageway has been directed to immediately commence emergency maintenance works on the First Niger Bridge.’

‘The First Niger Bridge will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, 7′ September 2026, and the emergency maintenance works are expected to be completed by Monday, 21st September 2026.’

‘In view of the nature and urgency of the intervention, motorists and other road users are hereby advised and directed to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State and other destinations beyond, throughout the closure period.’

‘Appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barners, traffic-control personnel and other necessary safety measures will be deployed to guide motorists and ensure the safety of road users, construction personnel and other members of the public,’ it said.

‘Motorists are strongly advised to obey all temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, approach the construction and diversion zones with caution, reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking.’

The ministry said part of the work to be done on the bridge include; Milling/removal of the existing deteriorated asphalt surfacing, laying of approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course, and necessary associated maintenance and safety works on the bridge.

Also, the maintenance will include the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor activities of vandals on the bridge, installation and deployment of appropriate traffic-control and diversion measures to ensure safety, smooth driving, and significantly reduce the traffic difficulties currently experienced around the First Niger Bridge axis.

The ministry said the work would be done day and night to ensure speed, and apologised for the inconveniences this may cause businesses and road users, promising to strengthen the integrity of the bridge for the safety of all.

ON August 25, 2026, the world lost the Queen of Country, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. She was 80 years old. An American singer-songwriter, actress, and businesswoman, she was undoubtedly one of the most successful and globally recognised emblems of country music in history. With a career that witnessed more than 100 million records sold, Parton is rated as one of the best-selling music artistes of all time.

Apart from her enrapturing music, Parton’s life outside the microphone was also emblematic of the purity of mind she preached. This was exemplified by her philanthropy, cultural influence, and her representation of her birthplace, Tennessee, which she put on the world map. By the time of her passing, Dollywood and the Dollywood Foundation had stamped her philanthropy onto the global stage. They succeeded in rivaling even her renown in music.

Parton was born and raised in poverty in rural Tennessee, in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Pittman Centre, Tennessee. Music was central to Parton’s early life. The fourth of 12 children, she grew up steeped in Christian scriptures and hymns. She was brought up in the Church of God, an international Holiness-Pentecostal Christian denomination headquartered in Cleveland, and later became an emblem of a grassroots-to-grace rise. Following the path of music she chose for herself, by the time she was 16, she had become a professional songwriter. Beginning with her debut album of 1967, Hello, I’m Dolly, she set the stage for the world to encounter an unusual star, a renown she held onto throughout her 60-year musical career. Within that period, Dolly released 49 studio albums and wrote more than 3,000 songs. The most evocative among them was I Will Always Love You, which Whitney Houston helped amplify into the best-selling single by a woman. Parton also had other timeless hits like Jolene and Coat of Many Colors, in which she celebrated her challenging but honourable upbringing and family.

Naturally, Parton’s body of work provoked a harvest of awards. They ranged from gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications. She received eleven Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards, and nominations for two Academy Awards, six Golden Globes, and a Tony Award, among many others. One remarkable part of Parton’s life was her devotion to songwriting. She became a prolific writer of country songs with strong elements of folk music. Garnished with her humble upbringing in the mountains and a strong dose of her family’s Christian background, she stood out among her peers. With world music classics like Coat of Many Colors, I Will Always Love You and Jolene, she secured her place as a writer of musical standards. For these efforts, on November 4, 2003, Parton was honoured as a BMI Icon at the BMI Country Awards. She later earned over 35 BMI Pop and Country Awards.

Parton’s eclectic songwriting acumen also brought her prominence in film and television. Beyond songwriting, she made notable performing appearances. One such appearance was on The Porter Wagoner Show in the 1960s and 1970s. This led to a 1979 Emmy Award nomination for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Variety Program’ for her guest appearance in a Cher special. In her first feature film, she played a leading role as a secretary in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5. The film highlighted discrimination against women in the workplace and drew the attention of the National Association of Working Women, among others.

Remarkably, in spite of her phenomenal rise, Parton still credited her musicality to the influence of big-name stars, as well as to her family and community – a testament to her humility and greatness. In Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, her 2020 book, she wrote of her mother: ‘So it was just natural for my mom to always be singing. My mother had that old-timey voice and she used to sing all these songs that were brought over from the Old World. They were English, Irish, Welsh folk songs where people tell stories.’ Parton called her mother’s voice ‘haunting’ and said, ‘Lord, you would feel it.’ Parton also credited her aunt, Dorothy Jo, with shaping her musical influence. She wrote: ‘People often ask me who my influences were. They think I’m going to say some big names, and there were a few ‘stars’ I was impressed with. But my hero was my aunt Dorothy Jo, Mama’s baby sister. She was not only an evangelist, she also played banjo, she played guitar, and she wrote some great songs.’

Through her foundation, the Dollywood Foundation, which she funded from her musical profits, Parton created jobs for hundreds of people and ensured tax revenues went to a previously financially struggling community. She also helped raise funds for many causes, including the American Red Cross and HIV/AIDS-related charities. She pledged $500,000 toward a proposed $90 million hospital and cancer centre in Sevierville named after Robert F. Thomas, the physician who delivered her. She later announced a benefit concert for the same project, which drew about 8,000 people. Parton also made an undisclosed donation to a ‘generational and transformational’ East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, as disclosed by the hospital’s president and CEO. That hospital was later renamed the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.

At her death, global accolades poured in. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton said she ‘was one of a kind- a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart.’ He added: ‘She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from. And she always believed in giving back.’ The Academy of Country Music said she had ‘a legacy that reaches far beyond the stage.’ U.S. President Donald Trump described her as ‘one of the greatest country singers’ and ordered flags flown at half-staff for one week in her honor. At the announcement of her death, United States radio stations paused normal programming in her honor.

The world will never forget the musical and humanitarian footprints of Dolly Parton, the global Queen of Country Music. Good night, Queen.

The former Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Kogi State chapter, Comrade Onu Edoka, has disclosed that the Kogi State Government releases N150 million monthly to the Pension Commission, amounting to about N1.8 billion yearly, to cater for retirees.

Speaking in Ogori Mangogo Local Government Council in Kogi Central, Edoka, who is currently Special Adviser on Labour Matters to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, led a Workplace Security and Workers’ Welfare Campaign in support of the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo for a second term, and hailed the administrations of Mr President and Ododo for redefining labour relations in the state.

Addressing a large gathering of union leaders, civil servants and community stakeholders in Ogori Magongo, Comrade Edoka described the Ododo administration as a government that has placed workers and pensioners at the centre of governance.

He noted that the era of salary and pension delays is over, with workers now receiving their pay promptly and pensioners getting their monthly entitlements without excuses.

The Special Adviser said the government now releases N150 million every month to the Pension Commission, amounting to about N1.8 billion yearly, to cater for retirees.

He further disclosed that talks are at an advanced stage for the state to access a loan or bond facility aimed at clearing all outstanding gratuities, a move he said will bring total relief to pensioners who served the state meritoriously.

Comr. Edoka said Kogi is among the first states in the country to implement the new national minimum wage, and went further to grant a two-year tax waiver on the increment.

He added that local government workers are also enjoying full salary payments, while other welfare packages such as promotion and promotion arrears, leave bonuses, hazard allowances for health workers, and health insurance coverage for both workers and pensioners have been fully activated.

The Ododo government’s commitment to labour, he continued, is also evident in the donation of three brand new buses to the NLC, TUC and JNC to ease union operations in the state.

Speaking to leaders of NULGE, NUT, Medical and Health Workers Union, ASUSS and NUP present at the Ogori Magongo LGA engagement, Comrade Edoka urged workers to stay vigilant and security-conscious in their respective workplaces.

He emphasised that Governor Ododo values the grassroots workforce and prefers to work with them rather than impose additional burdens, noting that the administration understands the sacrifices of workers at the local level.

He explained that the Workplace Security Campaign is not just about safety, but also about protecting the progress recorded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

With retirements increasing and the pension bill rising, he said the state government is already planning massive recruitment to reinvigorate the civil service and sustain service delivery.

Comrade Edoka charged workers to make wise political decisions ahead of 2027, stressing that continuity is key to safeguarding the gains in wages, pensions, health insurance and industrial peace that the state is currently enjoying.

The Ogori Magongo LGA meeting marks another significant step in the statewide mobilisation, as the campaign continues to take the message of security, welfare and continuity to workers across all local government areas of Kogi State.