Category: Nigerian Tribune

A chairmanship aspirant for Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area in the forthcoming local government elections in Edo State, Honourable Ikponmwosa Clement Aitusi, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the inclusion of a 100-kilometre stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Edo State as part of his administration’s infrastructure revolution plan.

Ikponmwosa also lauded the efforts of the state governor, Senator Monday Okpevbholo, for having the president’s ears saying that the 100 kilometers will go a long way to open up the coastal line in Edo State and especially his constituency Ikpoba-Okha, as beneficiary of the project.

Tribune Online reports that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had announced the approval during the Edo State Independence Gala Night held at the State Villa, Benin City, on October 1, 2025 which was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji.

Umahi explained that Edo State was not originally captured in the highway’s alignment, which was first conceived by President Tinubu decades ago, but was later reworked to accommodate the state.

The APC frontline aspirant, who addressed journalists on Sunday night in Abuja, said if given the party ticket, he would leverage on the opportunity provided to quickly open up the rural area of the local government thereby increasing the revenue based of the council.

The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has fixed primary elections for political parties between 10th and 29th of November, 2025.

A call to action has been made by Comrade George Tamaragbabrapa Mulade-Sheriff, an undergraduate student and advocate for peace, to address the escalating tensions among the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw communities in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State.

The tensions, which have been fueled by recent incidents, pose a significant threat to the region’s stability and peace.

The Warri Federal Constituency has a history of ethnic tensions, dating back to the colonial era and post-independence, when arbitrary political decisions redefined traditional boundaries and interests.

The Warri crisis of the mid-1990s, which saw clashes between the Itsekiri and Ijaw communities over land and resource control, is a notable example.

Despite efforts at peace-building, these tensions have persisted, often triggered by local elections, resource allocation, and political power struggles.

The current tensions are attributed to factors such as: Political Power Struggles – contentious distribution of political power, with each ethnic group feeling marginalised and accusing the others of electoral fraud and imbalanced representation; resource Control and Ownership – disputes over oil and natural gas resources, with each community claiming rights over revenue and land; and cultural and Identity Disputes-deep-seated cultural and historical grievances, often manipulated by politicians for electoral advantage.

If these tensions continue to escalate, the consequences could be dire, including humanitarian crises, economic disruption, and security challenges. The social fabric of Warri and its neighboring areas could unravel, leading to loss of life, displacement, and destruction of property.

I call for swift and comprehensive action from both the state and federal governments, as well as community leaders, to de-escalate the situation and establish long-term peace.

This can be achieved through:

Inclusive Dialogue Platform: Initiating a multi-stakeholder dialogue to air grievances and find common ground.

Power Sharing Agreement: Ensuring fair representation of all ethnic groups in political offices and resource distribution.

Security Measures: Deploying security forces while prioritizing community trust and confidence-building measures.

Public Awareness and Education: Promoting unity, tolerance, and understanding among ethnic groups through public sensitization campaigns.

According to the undergraduate, the stability of Warri is crucial not only for Delta State but for Nigeria as a whole, saying that it is imperative that all stakeholders act swiftly and in concert to prevent further violence and restore peace and stability to the region.

The President and Chairman of the Governing Council of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, has urged the institute’s new inductees to see themselves not just as Human Resources practitioners, but also ‘stewards of transformation.’

The CIPM boss gave the charge, while inducting six Full Members and seventy-seven Associate Members, into the institute, at its 66th Specialised Induction Ceremony, for the administrators and HR staff of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), at the Redemption Camp, in Ogun State.

Gobir urged the new inductees to see the lapel pins and certificates received, at the ceremony, as symbolising a professional and moral responsibility to remain committed to the highest standards of HR practice.

Describing the ceremony as indicating a cross from potential to professional for the inductees, Gobir insisted HR is not about pushing files, but ‘About stewarding destinies, igniting purpose, and transforming organisations. The true measure of HR is not in the policies you write, but in the lives you transform.’

He further urged the inductees, to prepare for the future of work, citing World Economic Forum projections that 92 million jobs may be displaced by automation, by 2030, while 170 million new roles will be created.

According to him, HR professionals must take the lead in preparing people and organisations for such transitions.

In his keynote address, Coordinator of Personnel Affairs at RCCG, Pastor (Dr.) Sabastine Okeke, while speaking on the topic: ‘Raising The Bar of Professional Standards: HR as a Steward of Transformation” , delved extensively on the historical evolution of professional bodies and the critical importance of professional standards.

He emphasised that HR professionals are no longer mere custodians of employment but must evolve into ‘stewards of the entire work experience.’

A member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Olusola Fatoba, has said the approval of the Nigeria Forest Security Services by President Bola Tinubu would restore confidence in the agricultural sector, enhance security and also empower farmers towards enhancing food security.

The initiative became imperative and was signed into law by the president following incessant attacks on farmers, agrarian areas and rampant kidnapping cases with criminals using the forests as hideouts from which they strike to carry out their heinous activities.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Monday, Fatoba appealed to all the 36 state governors to support the president’s initiative in their respective states for the prompt implementation of the project.

The Chairman House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values expressed optimism that the forest security services would address the disturbing challenges in the forests across the country.

He advised the state governments to complement the federal government’s efforts in stamping out illegal occupation of the country’s forests and farming areas by providing all the necessary support and encouraging the local people to embrace the development by participating and engaging in the proposed exercise.

The lawmaker representing Ekiti central constituency II said, ‘I wish to sincerely appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his visionary leadership and approval for the establishment of the Nigeria Forest Security Services.

‘This bold and timely initiative is a significant step towards addressing the pressing challenges of insecurity, especially in our rural and agrarian communities.

‘At a time when insecurity has deterred many from engaging in farming and discourages foreign investment, this move will not only boost food security but also strengthen our economy through agriculture and non-oil financial inflows.

‘It sends a strong signal to both citizens and the international community that Nigeria is committed to creating a safe and enabling environment for investment and growth.’

Former Governor of Ondo, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, on Monday, dismissed a media report claiming he was appointed to lead former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2027 presidential consultation team in the Southwest.

The report, published by a national daily (not Nigerian Tribune) alleged that Mimiko was chosen to head the consultations ahead of Jonathan’s possible political comeback.

The report also claimed that former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, recommended Mimiko for the role.

Although former President Jonathan has yet to declare interest in the 2027 presidential race, speculation has intensified that he may seek a return to Aso Rock.

The former president, who lost his re-election bid to the late Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, is reportedly engaged in quiet consultations over the possibility.

However, in a statement issued on Monday through his spokesperson, Mr. Eniola Akinsola, Mimiko described the report as ‘falsehood’ and ‘a concocted rumour dressed in news.’

‘The falsehood in the report is obvious from the get-go. It is just the work of a journalist flying with concocted rumour dressed as news,’ the statement read.

‘The Mimiko that I know respects former President Jonathan but has neither been reached nor appointed for a campaign that is still the subject – and may well end as a subject – of fanciful speculation. I am sure he is also not job-hunting,’ it added.

Akinsola further noted that as politics heats up, more ‘cooked stories’ would likely emerge, especially about prominent figures like Mimiko, who has chosen to stay out of the spotlight for now.

Last week, former Minister of Information and stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Jerry Gana, claimed that Jonathan would contest the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking with journalists after a PDP congress in Minna, Niger State, Gana said Nigerians had experienced two other leaders since Jonathan and were now yearning for his return.

‘I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as PDP candidate, and we should be prepared to vote for him to return as president again,’ Gana declared.

But in a swift reaction, Presidential aide Mr. Bayo Onanuga dismissed Gana’s claim as ‘an absurdity.’

‘However, we should caution former president Jonathan to be wary of the PDP sugar-coated cheerleaders.

‘Politicians of Jerry Gana’s ilk merely want to lure him into the race to satisfy their personal, political, religious, and ethnic interests. They will abandon him midstream, as they did in 2015, and leave Gentleman Jonathan in the lurch,’ Onanuga warned.

Legend Internet PLC Nigeria’s pioneering indigenous broadband service provider, has been assigned a long-term corporate rating of ‘Bbb-‘ and a short-term rating of ‘A3’ with a Stable Outlook by Agusto and Co., West Africa’s foremost credit rating agency.

This marks Legend’s inaugural rating since its incorporation in 2021 and represents a strong validation of the Company’s business fundamentals and growth strategy. The rating also reflects Legend’s satisfactory financial condition, supported by its cash-driven operations and low leverage. It also reflects robust infrastructure investments across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), passing 250,000 homes with 22,000 connected and 10,000 currently active, improving profitability margins, with gross profit rising to 63.9 percent in for year end 2024/25.

In a statement signed by Legend Internet’s Chief Marketing Officer, Shakirah Alaga, the Chief Executive Officer of Legend Internet Plc, Aisha Abdulaziz, said: ‘This is first-time rating from Agusto and Co. is a milestone achievement for Legend Internet Plc. It validates our resilience, prudent financial management, and commitment to building Nigeria’s most reliable broadband network. As we expand into Lagos and other key markets, this rating reinforces the confidence of our investors, partners, and customers in Legend’s ability to grow sustainably while powering digital lifestyles across Nigeria.’

Legend Internet, which transitioned to a Public Limited Company in April 2024, is advancing plans for a dual listing on the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. The Company continues to diversify its ecosystem with complementary solutions such as LegendMail, Nigeria’s first commercial email platform; MailPay, its proprietary fintech application; and Legend Omni, Fibre-to-the-Room (FTTR) services introduced in partnership with Huawei.

With this rating, Legend Internet PLC strengthens its position as one of Nigeria’s leading broadband providers, building a stable foundation to accelerate growth, attract investment, and deepen digital inclusion nationwide.

This exemplary rating is the outcome of cost optimisation measures and strong expansion prospects, including its planned entry into Lagos via merger and acquisition, alongside organic growth in Abuja and future rollouts in Kano and Port Harcourt.

Agusto and Co. noted that Legend’s strategic pause in customer activations during Abuja’s city-wide construction works has positioned the Company to scale more efficiently as disruptions subside. The recently approved 50% tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is also expected to boost earnings and cash flow in the near term.

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address several unresolved issues affecting its members in the nation’s universities, warning that failure to do so will compel the union to embark on an industrial action.

In a statement signed by the President of the Association, Comrade (Hon.) Ibeji Nwokoma, following the outcome of its 60th regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Federal University, Lafia, on Saturday, 4th October 2025, NAAT said the ultimatum became necessary after reviewing the Government’s handling of critical agreements and commitments made to the union.

According to Nwokoma, ‘Sequel to the outcome of the 60th regular meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), presided over by the President, Comrade (Hon.) Ibeji Nwokoma, held at Federal University, Lafia, on Saturday, 4th October 2025. NEC reviewed the progress made following the conciliation meeting convened by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment on 30th July, 2025, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed, and the meeting convened by the Honourable Minister of Education on Thursday, 11th September 2025, and the unfolding events in the education sector.’

He explained that the core of the union’s grievances revolves around ‘the non-completion of the FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement renegotiation, which seeks to review the existing salaries, allowances and other conditions of service in the Nigerian University system.’

‘It is worrisome to hear,’ he continued, ‘that a report has been submitted by the committee to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) when in fact, only the inaugural meeting was held between the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation committee and NAAT on December 10, 2024.’

The NAAT President also lamented the failure to mainstream Earned Allowances into the salaries of Academic Technologists ‘to curb further accumulation of arrears and their attendant consequences,’ as well as the ‘non-release of the enabling circular for CONTISS 14 and 15 to enable NAAT members to get to the peak of their careers.’

He further decried the recent delays in salary payments, noting that they ’cause untold hardship on NAAT members, considering the current economic realities.’

‘NAAT wishes to categorically state that it rejects and cannot accept the idea of disparity and distortions in salary tables of university staff and appeals to the Government to avoid any action that could precipitate a crisis in the system,’ Nwokoma declared.

According to him, ‘NAAT is of the view that addressing the salary increment should be comprehensive and all-encompassing by maintaining the existing relationships between various salary tables being operated in the Nigerian University system.’

Consequently, the Association has drawn a line, stating: ‘Consequent upon the above, the Union hereby issue a 14-day ultimatum to the Government to address the demands listed above.

‘While the Union remain open to dialogue, failure to address these demands by FGN at the expiration of the ultimatum, the Union will be left with no other option than to declare an industrial action to press home her demands without recourse to the Government.’

The statement further underscores NAAT’s readiness to pursue its demands through every lawful means should the government fail to act within the stipulated period.

Nigeria’s insurance industry is preparing to host about 250 local and international delegates at the 2025 West Africa Insurance Companies Association (WAICA) Education Conference, scheduled to hold from October 12th to 15th, 2025, in Lagos.

Organised by the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), this year’s conference will focus on the theme, ‘The West African Insurer in the Face of Climate Change.’

The event is expected to bring together insurance practitioners, regulators, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the sub-region, including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia.

The conference aims to serve as a strategic platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration on the challenges climate change poses to insurance practice in Africa.

Stakeholders will deliberate on how extreme weather events, flooding, drought, and agricultural disruptions, challenges to which Africa is uniquely vulnerable, are driving up claims and risk exposures, and how insurers can respond with innovative products, risk management solutions, and resilience strategies.

Highlighting the importance of the gathering, the Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, will deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony while the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, will serve as Chief Host of the event.

The Local Organising Committee has assembled a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Dr. Abiba Zakaria, Acting Commissioner of Insurance, Ghana; Mr. Wole Oshin, Group Managing Director, Custodian Investment Plc; Mr. Bockarie Kaloko, Deputy Minister of Finance, Sierra Leone; and Ms. Tola Adegbayi, Managing Director/CEO, Mutual Specialist.

Panel sessions will be chaired by respected industry veterans, including former Commissioners for Insurance, Mr. Sunday Thomas and Alhaji Mohammed Kari, as well as Ms. Olamipo Adeola, Head of Corporate Communication and Branding at Scib Nigeria and Co. Ltd.

Conference highlights include a Cocktail Welcome Reception at the Insurers House, Victoria Island, a Monday evening soirée sponsored by Africa Reinsurance Corporation at Eko Hotel and Suites; and a closing dinner, sponsored by WAICA Reinsurance Corporation.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to tour select cultural and tourist sites in Lagos before departure.

The choice of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub and one of Africa’s leading megacities, underscores the city’s strategic importance as a financial centre and a melting pot of culture, commerce, and hospitality.

Organisers have assured participants of seamless logistics, including transportation and security arrangements.

With its focus on climate resilience and sustainable insurance practices, the 2025 WAICA Education Conference is set to be a landmark event, reinforcing regional cooperation while showcasing Lagos as a dynamic hub for continental dialogue and collaboration.

The Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 2025, themed ‘The Ultimate Show’, now in its fourth edition, promising more entertainment and inspiration for audiences across Nigeria.

Speaking about the kickoff, Olumide Oyetan, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, said: ‘FUZE is that platform where young Nigerians can showcase their creativity and innovation, and where the public can witness first-hand the incredible potential within our nation. We are proud to continue providing this stage for talent to shine.’

Stanbic IBTC, through FUZE, continues to underline its commitment to youth empowerment, creativity, and entrepreneurship. By providing a platform where contestants can display their skills to millions of viewers, the organisation reinforces its role in shaping opportunities beyond the financial sector.

Viewers are encouraged to tune in every week to watch the contestants compete, connect with the judges, and take a step closer to the finale of Nigeria’s most inspiring talent showcase. Tune in and experience’The Ultimate Show’ and be part of the journey as Nigeria’s brightest talents compete for greatness.

The show, which celebrates creativity in music, dance, fashion, and technology, will air weekly on Africa Magic Showcase at 5 pm and AIT at 7pm, with highlights available on Stanbic IBTC’s YouTube channel.

The Ogun State Local Government Special Advisers’ Forum has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his investment in Gateway International Airport, which is set to begin operations on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Iperu.

The forum made the statement in Abeokuta, highlighting the economic, employment, and developmental benefits of the project to the state and its people.

In a statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Comrade Otubanjo Ayodele Olalekan, the group said the airport’s commencement will support the state’s economy and create job opportunities for residents.

He praised the governor’s consistent efforts in making the airport project a reality, stating that the state had been repositioned for greater development.

‘Indeed, the Forum really appreciates Governor Dapo Abiodun for transforming the state into one of Nigeria’s best state, in fact, your leadership has yielded remarkable progress, particularly with the upcoming international airport in Iperu, slated to commence operations on Tuesday, October, 7th, 2025,’ Olalekan said.

Olalekan also noted that the governor’s recent move to engage investors from China would benefit other key projects like the Olokola Seaport and further strengthen the state’s economy.

He said, ‘It is a thing of joy to see Governor Abiodun running the affairs of the state without being vindictive. All these projects will boost productivity, create over 20,000 jobs for the teeming youths and drive economic growth.

‘This is quite evident in the decision of the governor to complete many abandoned projects of the immediate-past government, despite stiff opposition to Abiodun’s emergence as the governor of the state.’

He described the Abiodun-led administration as one that has brought real progress to Ogun State, adding that members of the Forum are proud to be part of the present government’s story.

‘We are excited about the bold steps taken by Governor Abiodun to kick-start the long-abandoned multibillion naira agro-cargo airport project.

It’s a project with huge potential to redefine positively the socio-economic dynamics of the state. It will create jobs, open up the state for more investment, increase revenue generation for the state, boosts the agricultural sector and ultimately enhance the economic prosperity of the residents of the state.

‘We are grateful for your dedications and visions, you have done more than enough as the governor of the state, your name is etched in gold in the annals of the state’s history, and we are thrilled to be part of this success story. We are happy to affiliate with you and express our utmost pride in your achievements,’ Comrade Olalekan said.