Category: Nigerian Tribune

89 members of the minority caucus in the House of Representatives under the umbrella of Active Minority have thrown their weight behind the embattled minority leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) warning that they would resist any attempt to remove him.

This is coming on the heels of a meeting of the Minority Caucus slated for Monday evening in Abuja.

Notice for the meeting was jointly signed on Sunday, October 5, by Hon. Agbedi Frederick, leader of PDP Caucus, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, leader, LP Caucus, Hon. Muktar Umar-Zakar, NNPP Caucus and Hon. Peter Uzokwe, leader, YPP.

It was titled, ‘Notice of emergency meeting of the minority caucus of the House of Representatives’, and addressed to ‘All Minority Members of the House of Representatives’

The notice read, ‘You are hereby invited to an emergency meeting to discuss recent developments in the minority leadership, particularly to review the lawsuit instituted by Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all members of minority parties in the 10th House of Representatives’.

The meeting is scheduled for The Envoy Hotel in Abuja. But as at last night, the venue of the meeting was said to have been changed to Conference Room 028 in the House of Representatives New Building at 8pm.

Recall that Chinda had last week filed a suit seeking an injunction to prevent the speaker of the House, the clerk and leadership of National Assembly and the minority parties’ caucus from removing him as minority leader.

Some minority lawmakers are planning to replace Hon. Chinda over allegations of not providing leadership and working for the ruling APC, being a close confidant of the FCT minister, Chief Nyesom Wike.

But the Active Minority group, led by a PDP member from one of the Northern states has also been meeting in Abuja ahead of the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, October 7th.

A member of the Active Minority, who is privy to the meetings spoke on condition of anonymity boasting that they are prepared to counter the moves by certain interests in the PDP and the ADC bent on replacing Chinda because of his affiliation to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike.

According to him, ‘We have stumbled on a plot by certain leaders in the PDP and ADC to replace the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda. His only sin is the allegations that he is close to the FCT minister, Chief Wike.

‘But I can assure you, we are ready for those sponsored to come to the floor and execute this insidious plan. Our group, the Active Minority is prepared to resist this because Hon. Chinda has discharged his responsibilities as an opposition leader very well.

‘As I speak with you, the Active Minority has a membership strength of 89 honourable members and more honourable members are identifying with us. Mind you, the entire opposition lawmakers are about 140 and we have an overwhelming majority to counter any undemocratic move’.

When asked about the list of the Active Minority, the lawmaker said; ‘We are keeping our identities under wraps until the House resumes. We don’t want to let the cat out of the bag now. Our strategy is also within us until we meet on the battle field’.

While giving reasons why they are supporting minority leader, the lawmaker said ‘Hon. Chinda’s unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles and advocating for the rights of the Nigerian people has set him apart as a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty.

‘Chinda has since 2023 vehemently stood against the detection of opposition lawmakers to APC. One of Chinda’s notable contributions lies in his staunch opposition to members of the opposition defecting to the ruling party, citing violations of constitutional provisions and electoral laws.

‘He has always been a strong voice drawing the attention of the leadership to at least obey the law and do what is right’.

According to him, ‘In the face of adversity and resistance, Chinda has stood firm in his convictions, fearlessly challenging the status quo and holding the government accountable for its actions.

‘His vocal stance on critical issues has resonated with many, inspiring a sense of unity and solidarity among those who seek a more just and equitable society.

‘By setting a precedent of integrity and adherence to legal frameworks, he encourages others to follow suit in promoting a fair and transparent governance system. So, why would you suddenly decide to remove such an effective leader from his position because of a flimsy excuse that he’s close to Wike. Why don’t you go and face Wike and leave Chinda alone?

‘Again, Chinda’s relentless pursuit of transparency and accountability underscores the importance of strengthening democratic institutions to foster a resilient system of governance in Nigeria.

‘His dedication to uplifting the voices of the often overlooked in decision-making processes showcases a deep-rooted commitment to inclusivity and representation.

‘Most importantly, Chinda has demonstrated exceptional leadership by spearheading the sponsorship of various bills and motions that address pressing issues facing the nation. So, we cannot allow such an excellent material to be thrown under the bus. All we are saying is Chinda must stay,’ he stated.

Recall that Chinda has named the National Assembly, speaker of the House, clerk of the National Assembly and members of the minority caucus as defendants in the suit challenging moves to remove him as minority leader.

He alleged that the plot to remove him stems from his close association with Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, who is also the only PDP member in President Tinubu’s APC-led cabinet.

Dangote Refinery has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his swift intervention in resolving the recent industrial crisis involving the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

In a statement made available to Tribune Online, the refinery commended the president for his decisive role through his ministers and senior government officials, which led to what it described as ‘the abatement of the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN against the Refinery.’

The statement acknowledged the efforts of Nigeria’s security chiefs, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Adeola Toyin Ajayi; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, for their roles in restoring ‘sanity and order to the energy subsector.’

It also recognised the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Dingyadi; the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; and the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, for their ‘patriotism and national service.’

‘To Nigerians of all walks of life, we owe you more than a debt of gratitude. Your support for our righteous cause was both humbling and overwhelming,’ the statement read, adding that the encouragement from the public ‘reinforced our belief in the Nigerian nation and people as the backbone of our enterprise.’

The refinery also extended appreciation to its employees for maintaining uninterrupted operations during the period of tension.

‘You proved your allegiance to our cause these several days even in the face of the provocative and inciting comments of and directives from detractors and naysayers,’ it stated, assuring that loyal workers ‘will continue to be handsomely rewarded and remunerated.’

While highlighting its contribution to national development, the company reaffirmed its status as ‘one of Nigeria’s model employers of labour and the largest private sector employer in the country as well as the largest contributor to Nigeria’s tax revenues.’

It emphasised that its compensation framework is aligned with international standards and designed to ‘reward performance, protect employee welfare, uphold dignity in labour and provide a safe and enabling workplace.’

Dangote Refinery also commended the Nigerian judiciary for what it described as its courageous stance in upholding the rule of law during the crisis.

‘They stood up for the truth and proved themselves as the bastion of hope for all of us,’ it said, condemning what it termed ‘the rascality and lawlessness’ of those who refused to honour court orders.

The refinery reaffirmed its dedication to the country, stating, ‘We would not relent in serving the Nigerian nation faithfully and diligently through the uninterrupted production of our petroleum products. Our commitment to the Nigerian nation and our pact with its people remain undiluted, undiminished and unalterable.’

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has officially flagged off its annual Customer Service Week for the year 2025, embracing the global theme ‘Mission: Possible’ to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to making the impossible possible for its customers across Africa and beyond.

Every year, Customer Service Week celebrates the vital role of service excellence and customer engagement, and UBA joins the rest of the world to mark this all-important event, given its Customer 1st philosophy which states that the customer at the forefront of all its activities.

This year’s theme resonates deeply with the bank’s vision of turning challenges into possibilities, consistently going beyond expectations to deliver innovative solutions for individuals, businesses, and communities.

Speaking on the launch, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, said that the bank prides itself as customer-centric, and does all it can to ensure the satisfaction of its customers across all touchpoints.

He said: ‘As Africa’s global bank, we understand the unique challenges our customers face across different markets. That is why we are constantly investing in technology, people, and processes that make banking easier, faster, and more rewarding. This week is not just about celebrating our customers, but about renewing our pledge to make the impossible possible for them, because at UBA, we remain committed to not just meeting expectations; but we are also committed to exceeding them.’

Also speaking, UBA’s Group Head, Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, noted that this year, noted that this year’s celebration marks a renewed commitment to deepening the bank’s focus on customer satisfaction and doing even more to deliver value at every touch point.

‘At UBA, our mission is clear: to make the seemingly impossible possible for our customers. Whether it is enabling cross-border transactions in real time, ensuring seamless digital access to banking, or supporting small businesses to scale against the odds, we are committed to delivering service that transforms lives. This week is a celebration of that mission, and of the customers who inspire us to raise the bar every day,’ she noted.

UBA has a proven track record of turning ‘impossible missions’ into success stories. From being the first Pan-African bank to introduce uninterrupted 24/7 multilingual contact centres, to pioneering innovative digital banking solutions like Leo, the first AI-powered virtual banker in Africa, and facilitating cross-continental remittances for millions of Africans in the diaspora, the bank continues to break barriers in customer service.

As part of this year’s celebration, the bank is rolling out a series of mission-driven initiatives that go beyond banking including business series for Small and Medium Scale business owners, opportunities for their kids and wards to participate in the ongoing National Essay Competition for Senior Secondary Schools, and other financial literacy programs to equip them to navigate today’s economic realities.

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than forty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services.

Despite significant macroeconomic headwinds, including inflationary pressures and high interest rates, a frontline pharmaceutical company, Me Cure Industries, remained resilient and recorded notable progress across key financial and operational metrics in the financial year ended December 31, 2024.

The company’s revenue rose impressively by 45 percent, increasing from N31.7 billion in 2023 to N46 billion in 2024, driven by a strong focus on cost optimisation, product innovation, and regional market expansion.

Although profit before tax declined moderately by 8.3 percent to N3.3 billion, down from N3.6 billion in 2023 due to tough operating environment, shareholders were rewarded with a dividend payout of N600 Million, translating into 15 kobo per share, Similarly, profit after tax decreased by 20 percent, from N2.9 billion to N2.3 billion, he said.

‘This performance underscores the dedication, innovation, and adaptability of our management and staff in navigating a challenging business landscape. During the year, we launched 10 new products and commenced exports to neighbouring West African markets, further deepening our regional presence. In line with our growth strategy, we continued significant investments in facility upgrades to meet global Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Our Lagos industrial complex now houses six standalone, NAFDAC-approved production plants, enhancing output capacity across tablets, capsules, and syrups.

‘On the innovation front, our in-house Research and Development team continued to develop new products, several of which are now awaiting regulatory approval from NAFDAC. We remain committed to the highest standards of corporate governance, transparency, and ethical conduct. Throughout the year, the Board worked closely with management to strengthen internal controls, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage emerging risks. In alignment with the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance and international best practices, our governance structure continues to evolve. We are prepared to take advantage of emerging opportunities,’ stated the Company’s Chairman, Samir Udani at the Company’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos at the weekend.

Shareholders commended the performance against the backdrop of the inclement operating environment. Co-ordinator, Pragmatic Shareholders Association, Bisi Bakare said: ‘ Despite the challenges in the economy, Me Cure was able to grow its revenue by 45 per cent. This shows resilience. The company also rewarded the shareholders with 15 kobo dividend per share. This is also commendable. Itsinvestment in 10 new products will boost revenue in the nearest future.’

Another shareholder also noted that the decision of the founder of Me Cure Industries to invest in Nigeria would encourage more foreign investors to do the same. He commented the initiative and advised shareholders to patronise the company’s products as a way of supporting its operations. The shareholder urged the Company to take advantage of the new government policy on tariffs to boost its operations and expand activities to more African countries.

IT is a no-brainer that Nigeria’s rather abysmal state and dismal fortune is largely rooted in a skewed, even perverse, leadership recruitment process. The terribly high statistics on poverty, out-of-school children, open defecation, poor electricity access and other features of underdevelopment can lead to no other verdict. Much of the problem is of course rooted in Nigeria’s extremely defective constitution. As we noted in a previous editorial, there is no doubting the submission that the inherent flaws in the existing constitutional framework manifest in weak delivery of governance arising from weak political structures and institutions; declining sense of citizenship and patriotism; and an increasing multi-dimensional poverty and inequality. As the report of the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy held in July by a group of eminent Nigerians called The Patriots, in collaboration with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG), captures most poignantly, the same defective constitutional framework has enabled acute corruption, insecurity across regions; sectional, ethnic, and religious conflicts; and poor infrastructure.

Against this backdrop, it should be sufficiently clear that every effort in the direction of a restructuring of Nigeria’s electoral process deserves the backing of stakeholders. In this connection, it is cheering that a non-governmental, advocacy organisation, YIAGA Africa, and the International Press Centre (IPC), in partnership with the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase Two (EU-SDGNII), have launched a set of proposals for improving Nigeria’s electoral process. The objective of the proposals captured in a document tagged Citizens Memorandum for Electoral Reforms is to address the inadequacies, complexities and ambiguities in the 2022 Electoral Act and align the electoral legal framework with landmark judicial rulings that improve the electoral process. The well-researched document is meant to serve as a resource tool for legislators and other election stakeholders to understand priority electoral amendments and their strategic objectives.

The intendments of the memorandum were well elucidated during Yiaga Africa/IPC’s recent consultative roundtable with media practitioners in Abuja, held with the support of the European Union. The forum attended by civil society groups, EU partners, journalists, and newsroom editors dwelt on citizens’ demands for priority electoral reforms. As articulated by the organisers, the proposals stem from a comprehensive analysis of current challenges and the need to rebuild public trust in the electoral process. According to the Executive Director of the IPC, Lanre Arogundade, the National Assembly’s resumption to conclude work on constitutional amendments provides ample opportunity to intensify advocacy on electoral reforms. His views were echoed by Dr. Tony Onyima, a Senior Lecturer at Paul University, Awka, who posited that democratic sustenance is impossible without electoral reform, and urged the media to report issues with greater clarity, vision, and commitment to national development.

The proposed amendments to the Electoral Act are to strenthen INEC’s independence by reviewing the process of appointments into the commission, additionally specifying professional skills and qualifications and introducing timelines for INEC appointments, among others; strengthen state electoral commissions by removing the power to appoint its chairmen from governors; improve INEC’s efficiency by unbundling it, creating separate bodies to regulate politcal parties and prosecute electoral offenders; conduct elections earlier than the current 150 days enshrined in the constitution; conclude all pre-election matters before the election; reduce the timeline for handling election petitions to 90 days from the date of filing the suit; terminate all pre-election matters at the Court of Appeal, and introduce diaspora and out-of-country voting. Other proposals are to create special seats for women in the legislature, make political parties to have functional and verifiable offices in at least 24 states, and give women 35 percent positions in all of their governing bodies.

The memorandum also canvasses mandatory voter education by INEC, the National Orientation Agency and civil society groups; the use of other means of identification such as driver’s license, international passport, etc, to vote; mandatory audit of the voter register by INEC to remove duplications and ineligible voters; early voting by workers on essential duties such as security personnel, INEC staff, election observers and journalists; accessibility of electoral results to persons living with disability, and solidification of INEC’s power to delimit constituencies. In addition, the memorandum seeks sanctions for parties that fail to submit their membership registers and delegates’ lists at least 30 days before primaries, congresses or conventions; the prohibition of parties from withdrawing candidates after a two-week period following the publication of the final list of candidates, except in cases of death; compulsory electronic transmission of results, and the introduction of timelines for the mandatory conduct of testing and mock exercises for technologies deployed by the electoral commission.

From the foregoing, it is not hard to surmise that the memorandum incorporates lessons from past reforms, the 2023 general election, and recommendations from domestic and international election observers. We believe that the recommendations are patriotic and commonsensical, and should be implemented by the National Assembly working in conjunction with the state assemblies. In addition, we want vote buying to be decisively addressed, and for political parties to be funded by the generality of their members rather than moneybags. It is clear that with the present arrangement, politicians do not fear the people, knowing that they can easily manipulate them with money. All of this has to change if Nigeria is to see better days.

We commend Yiaga Africa/IPC for a job well done. If Nigeria gets better through electoral reform, it will be for the benefit of all Nigerians, not the authors of the Citizens Memorandum on Electoral Reform alone. If Nigeria will not send mechanics to represent it at the FIFA World Cup, then it cannot scoff at Yiaga Africa/IPC’s push for professional competence and skills as part of the criteria for the appointment of the INEC chairman. We also believe that giving journalists and other essential workers the opportunity to vote, removing the power to appoint the INEC chairman and state SIEC chairmen from the president and governors, respectively; deciding pre-election cases before election and deciding all electoral disputes before the swearing in of winners are recommendations that have the potential to advance Nigeria’s development narrative if faithfully implemented. What is more, the proposals align broadly with the recommendations by The Patriots/ NPSG, proving that there is a heightened consciousness among Nigerians for a Nigeria that is truly fit for purpose.

Nigeria’s drive to transform its agriculture and food systems received a major boost on Monday as key stakeholders from government, development partners, and civil society convened at the Community of Practice Meeting and National Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration Summit held in Abuja.

Declaring the meeting open, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to aligning national agricultural priorities with the African Union’s (AU) new Kampala Declaration (2026-2036), the continent’s next 10-year framework to advance agrifood system transformation and food security.

Kyari noted that the Kampala Declaration builds upon the Malabo Declaration (2014-2025) and the Maputo Commitments (2003-2013), stressing that it provides a roadmap for African nations to achieve resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.

‘We must move beyond business-as-usual approaches and embrace bold reforms that make our food systems more productive and equitable,’ he said.

The Minister explained that Nigeria had made remarkable progress in implementing the Malabo Declaration, as shown by the African Union’s Biennial Review, which assessed the country’s performance in agricultural growth and investment.

He revealed that the Federal Government has launched several initiatives to strengthen the agricultural value chain, including the establishment of an Agricultural Sector Working Group to harmonise policies and promote accountability among stakeholders.

Highlighting specific government interventions, Kyari disclosed that 2,000 tractors and implements have been provided to enhance mechanisation, while Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) have been launched in Kaduna, Cross River, and Ogun States, with more to follow. He said the project, valued at $538.05 million, is expected to attract up to $1 billion in investments by 2027.

The Minister also revealed plans for the Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Program (NiPHaST), designed to address the country’s N3.5 trillion annual postharvest losses. The programme, he said, will boost farmers’ incomes, create jobs for women and youth, and improve national food sovereignty.

‘The synergy between the Federal and State Governments is indispensable for achieving sustainable food security. Through effective coordination and shared responsibilities, we can streamline policies, mobilise resources, and implement impactful interventions,’ Kyari emphasised.

In her goodwill message, Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo, Deputy Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, lauded the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, GIZ, and other partners in organising the summit.

She said the Kampala Declaration offers Africa a renewed opportunity to realign agricultural goals and tackle pressing challenges such as low productivity, climate shocks, and gender inequality.

Dankabo shared findings from ActionAid’s Non-State Actors Biennial Review Value Addition Toolkit (NSAs VABKIT), which revealed gaps affecting smallholder women farmers.

‘Access to government and bank credit remains below 23%, agricultural insurance at just 4.77%, and access to processing facilities at 18%,’ she noted, urging greater investment in women-led agribusinesses, extension services, and postharvest infrastructure.

She also highlighted the launch of ActionAid’s Pots and Pans Campaign on October 1, 2025, aimed at raising awareness about hunger and poverty among Nigeria’s 133 million citizens living in multidimensional poverty.

The campaign encourages citizens to protest hunger by symbolically banging empty pots and pans in public spaces using hashtags such as #MyHungerStory, #PotsAndPansAction, and #EndHungerNow.

Delivering his goodwill message, Hussein Gadain, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, commended the government for its leadership in promoting agricultural transformation through CAADP.

He said FAO remains a steadfast partner, providing technical assistance and policy support to align Nigeria’s agricultural agenda with continental goals.

‘At the regional level, FAO supported the AU in developing the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan, and continues to help member states align national priorities with the continental framework,’ Gadain said.

He disclosed that FAO has supported Nigeria in the Biennial Review processes of 2023 and 2025, the drafting of the National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (NASIP), and the 50×2030 Initiative, which aims to close agricultural data gaps through collaboration with the World Bank and the National Bureau of Statistics.

Looking ahead, Gadain reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to helping Nigeria develop a 10-year roadmap for the Kampala Declaration’s implementation, emphasising inclusivity, climate resilience, and local ownership.

‘As we move forward, let us build a future where agriculture is not only a source of food and income, but a driver of resilience, equity, and prosperity,’ he added.

Niger State government has domesticated and passed a law at the State House of Assembly setting the retirement age of teachers in the state at 65 years, effective from January 1, 2026.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago disclosed this during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Minna, organized by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Niger State Chapter, in collaboration with the Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

The governor also revealed that the retirement age for professors is now 70 years, explaining that the decision aims to ensure that teachers’ values continue to be passed on to future generations.

Governor Bago approved the return of PTA levies in schools, stipulating that all payments must be supervised by the Ministry of Education to ensure effective utilization.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to teachers’ welfare, announcing a wage award of N20,000 for all teachers in the state by next month and the donation of an 18-seater bus to NUT Niger State.

The governor added that henceforth, primary school teachers’ employment and promotion will be handled by the Local Government Service Commission, while the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) will only have the mandate to screen and provide relevant information.

Governor Bago also approved a retreat for teachers entering level 17 and acknowledged their immense role in nation-building. He promised to protect teachers’ interests, removing them from civil service bureaucracy to provide them with a standard service structure.

The Chairman of NUT, Niger State Chapter, Comrade Adamu Mohammed Akayago, said the theme of this year’s event underscores that teachers are not merely transmitters of knowledge but architects of a collective future. He emphasized that their welfare, dignity, and professional status must remain a priority for all stakeholders.

Akayago commended Governor Bago for his dedicated service and revolutionary approach in transforming Niger State, expressing gratitude for the unprecedented approval of an N80,000 minimum wage for workers. He also highlighted some challenges requiring government intervention.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Aishatu Nuhu Yalwa, said the occasion serves as a reminder that the future of children depends on teachers, who are promoters of values. She reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing access to quality and inclusive education.

In a keynote address titled ‘Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow: The Imperative for a Unified National Education Strategy,’ the Registrar and CEO of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, described Nigeria as having one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations globally.

He stressed that the nation’s future depends on collective action to elevate and empower the teaching force. He described teachers as strategic national security assets and key drivers of civic responsibility, adding that NECO will continue using data to improve teaching and learning outcomes nationwide.

In separate remarks, the Executive Chairman of Niger State Universal Basic Education (NSUBEB), Mohammed Baba Ibrahim; Director General of School Reforms, Maimuna Mohammed; State Coordinator of the Teachers Registration Council, Usman Muhammad Sani; and State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Idris Lafene, all acknowledged teachers’ critical role in nation-building.

Governor Bago was presented with an award of excellence for service delivery and commitment to the teaching profession. Other honorees included Senator Muhammad Sani Musa (representing Niger East Senatorial District), immediate past Commissioner for Basic Education Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, NLC Chairman Niger State Council Comrade Idris Lafene, TUC Chairman Niger State, and Thinklab company.

The 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration had the theme: ‘Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return to Abuja today following conclusion of a ten-day working visit to Lagos.

Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Onanuga noted that the President arrived in Lagos on Friday, September 26, after attending the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, in Ibadan.

While in the nation’s commercial capital, President Tinubu engaged with key investors, including Bayo Ogunlesi, Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners, and Keem Belo-Osagie, former Chairman of United Bank for Africa and Etisalat, and now Chairman of Metis Capital Partners.

President Tinubu also received the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr Arsenio Dominguez, in the company of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and other heads of agencies in the sector.

During their meeting, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s maritime industry as a viable alternative to fossil energy.

On the eve of Nigeria’s 65th anniversary of independence, President Tinubu visited Imo State to commission projects undertaken by Governor Hope Uzodimma. The President also unveiled a book authored by the governor, chronicling 10 years of the APC governance in Nigeria.

He delivered the national broadcast from the State House, Dodan Barracks, on Independence Day. He later commissioned the renovated National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, where he called on Nigerians to speak positively about their country.

On Saturday, October 4, President Tinubu visited Jos, Plateau State, to attend the burial of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, the mother of Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, the chairman of the APC.

At the funeral, the President paid tribute to Mama Yilwatda and assured Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of his administration’s unwavering commitment to fairness and equity among all religious groups in the country.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, has explained the reason for the recent increase in cooking gas price across the country.

According to him, the cooking gas price hike was caused by the temporary disruption of operations during the strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Speaking with State House correspondents on Sunday after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Ojulari said the industrial action halted loading and distribution for several days, leading to an artificial rise in the price.

‘The increase you saw was relatively artificial because for the period of the strike, movements and loading were delayed by about two, three days,’ he said. ‘And because of that, you see that impact. As things return back to normal, it takes some time for distribution to be fully restored.’

Ojulari also accused some retailers of taking advantage of the temporary supply disruption to inflate the cooking gas price.

‘As you know, in Nigeria, people take opportunity. With that delay, some of the people that had existing resources and reserves had to put up the price,’ he said.

Ojulari assured Nigerians that as supply chains stabilise, the cooking gas price is expected to ease in the coming weeks.

‘My expectation is that now that things are back to normal, prices should return to what they were before the strike,’ he said.

The rise in cooking gas price followed the industrial action by PENGASSAN over the dismissal of Nigerian workers at the Dangote Refinery.

The strike, which disrupted fuel and gas operations nationwide, was suspended on October 1 after federal government intervention.

Following negotiations, the Dangote Group agreed to redeploy the affected workers, paving the way for normal operations to resume and for the cooking gas price to stabilise.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, on Friday formally inaugurated its leadership council, with a vow to deliver President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwwori in the 2027 general elections.

The council has the party’s founding leader in the state, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, as its Chairman; Chief Fred Majemite, first vice chairman; Chief Terry Noah, second vice chairman; Chief Festus Agas, Secretary; Chief Raphael Emecho, Assistant Secretary; Mr. George Oyefia, Organising Secretary; Chief Roland Odeni, Assistant Organizing Secretary; Sir Festus Ahon, Publicity Secretary; David Edjukonemu and Chief Adjode Prosper, Ex-Officios.

Also inaugurated were the Finance and Fundraising Committee with Stella Okotete as Chairperson and Mr. Kelly Oghenekevwe as Secretary, as well as the Elders Committee chaired by Prof. Samuel Ibodje.

Speaking at Evwreni, venue of the inauguration, Emerhor urged members to regard the council as a focal point for mobilisation.

He said: ‘See, if you are not here, you are not a politician, you really are not. I have not seen, for a very long time in this dispensation, a gathering of this caliber of persons. I have been involved in political battles and elections since 1999, and looking around this place today, I know we are prepared and ready to go to battle. I don’t see any reason to be worried.

‘We are ready and prepared physically. We are ready and prepared financially. We are also ready and prepared spiritually. I didn’t do anything extraordinary to stand up for the APC; it is neutral for a more progressive agenda. I think His Excellency the President and our government can go to rest; there is no fear in Ughelli North. We are prepared and ready.’

Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, warned against indiscipline within the party.

He cautioned: ‘If some people are here and think they are bigger than the party, let me be clear: the party is too big to wait for anybody. The president was very empathetic, he said, ‘Go and work with these people.’ We are ready to work together.’

Also speaking, Professor Samuel Ibodje and Morrison Olori advised party leaders to focus on inclusion, stressing that no member should be disregarded or undermined.

The council was inaugurated by Honourable Matthew Omonade, the lawmaker representing Ughelli North Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly.