Category: Nigerian Tribune

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has tasked traditional rulers along border areas of Osun state to be vigilant and report any suspicious infiltration of their communities by alleged bandits from neighbouring states to security agencies.

Speaking after a state security council meeting held at Osogbo, the Governor enjoined traditional councils across the state to report strange settlers who may have entered their territories to security agencies.

According to the governor, this is not the time to allow mass internal migration into Osun communities in view of the ongoing banditry crisis in states bordering Osun state, charging community leaders and stakeholders to report suspicious movements.

‘Osun is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. We are keen to sustain that record. We should watch our borders. Bandits should not be allowed to infiltrate Osun state,’ the governor was quoted as saying.

The governor expressed satisfaction that the security council has mapped out effective plan of action to stop the bandits from gaining foothold in Osun State, thumping up his security team and the various service commanders.

The Governor specifically commended the Agbooro Community, Ikirun, for working with the security agencies to get the group of Bororo settlers who recently occupied parts of their community to peacefully vacate the area.

‘I commend the security agencies and the Akinrun-in-Council for acting promptly to resolve the matter. Our border towns should emulate this step and adopt open surveillance in partnership with the security agencies,’ the governor noted in the statement.

Governor Adeleke further decried the reported attacks on the Corps Commander of Amotekun Security Service, Isaac Omoyele, calling the reported assassination attempt unacceptable and a threat to the peace and security of the state.

The governor who expressed shock at the incident called on the police authorities to conduct thorough investigation into the incident, charging the police to apprehend the suspects without delay.

The Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements, (AYDM), a coalition of 130 pan- Yoruba groups, has commended the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu, for his decision to officially grant electricity distribution licenses to two new Distribution Companies, describing the as a unique initiative.

AYDM also commended the state deputy governor, Dr. Kadir Obafemi Hamzat, over the move, further describing it as the most important public interest decision in Lagos since 1999.

It would be recalled that the Lagos State Government had registered Excel Distribution Company and the IE Energy Lagos Limited, which will now take over Eko Electricity Distribution PLC and Ikeja Electric PLC.

The coalition gave this commendation in a statement jointly signed by its Secretary-General, Comrade Popoola Ajayi and the Mobilisation Director, Chief Kunle Oshodi respectively after its Executive Council meeting, saying that the decision of the Lagos State Government on the new licenses represented what it termed a ‘radical departure from gross corporate irresponsibility to a new frontier in the search for energy stability in Lagos State with far reaching implication on the South West and Nigeria.’

AYDM said Governor Sanwo-Olu and his team had through the move written their names in history, just as it quickly noted that it was not enough to register new DISCOs and, therefore, the need for both the Federal and state governments to probe the owners of DISCOs for their crime against the people.

This was just as the movement promised that it would in collaboration with other civil society organisations push for sanctions on the managers of the affected DISCOs by the international community by documenting their crimes, saying that many people had died due to their activities.

According to the coalition, people had died in Lagos either in hospitals due to abrupt disconnection by the said DISCOs or through power surges that had led ‘to the burning of many buildings where people lost their lives and property or through target attacks on property of energy users,’ declaring that the DISCOs were worse than the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), their predecessors.

‘Lagos and the people of the South West are praying for the Government of Lagos State for this bold step. The people have been subjected to the most horrendous crimes inflicted on innocent energy users by existing DISCOs who lack human conscience and driven only by primitive and ungodly accumulation of wealth,’ the AYDM said.

AYDM, however, urged the new DISCOs not to repeat the gross misconduct of their predecessors, saying that it was ready to work with them to reclaim lost public confidence, just as it expressed the belief that the new DISCOs would save business and industries from the fringe of collapse.

Besides, it also urged the Lagos State Government to explore cleaner energy possible from the tonnes of waste generated daily in the state.

‘The decision to register new DISCOs will save business and industries from the fringe of collapse. When there is no efficient electricity, businesses, health and industrial growth will suffer while social and night economy will crumble.

‘This has been the situation in Lagos. Millions of electricity users are sidelined by arrogant bullies who parade themselves as business operators but who lack any iota of human compassion but motivated by cruel zeal for profit,’ the movement said.

It was a joyous moment in Ogun State on Tuesday as the first commercial flight took off from the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Remo, to Abuja.

The passengers of the maiden flight were conveyed to the Federal Capital Territory by Value Jet Airline.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who spoke to journalists after the plane took off at 10:02 a.m., described the event as a major milestone in the actualisation of his administration’s vision to transform the state into an investment-friendly and economically viable entity.

The elated governor said the new airport was a strategic component of the state’s multi-modal transportation master plan, designed to integrate road, rail, air, and water transport systems, thereby boosting trade, tourism, and industrialisation.

‘It’s a delightful honour to witness the inaugural flight of a commercial aircraft taking off from Ogun State.

‘This is not like Artificial Intelligence (AI); this is real – commercial operations starting from Ogun State in the lifetime of an administration.

‘We came here in 2021; some people said it was just politics, some said it was just a dump site, but we are here today, and you have seen what can be achieved when there is vision, passion, and diligence.

‘Building an airport is one thing; having an airport become operational is a totally different thing. It is a highly regulated industry,’ he said.

He appreciated God for making it possible, noting that God had given the team the grace to envision, implement, and see it happen.

Abiodun commended the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the security agencies for their support and professionalism throughout the airport’s certification and approval process.

According to the governor, the Gateway International Airport is expected to serve as a key driver for investment inflow, job creation, and improved connectivity.

He appreciated the people of the state for their support, noting that his administration, since inception, had transformed the socio-economic status of the state by making it an investment destination of choice.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, expressed joy at the latest development in the state.

‘I feel elated, excited, and on top of the world that this is happening in Ogun State under a government in which I am a part.

‘The economic gains, the comfort, and the convenience are some of the advantages of this airport in Ogun State. I don’t need to go to Lagos. Within 20 to 30 minutes, I am here,’ he said.

The State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, described the event as historic and a giant step towards economic development.

The Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Salis, said there was nothing more exciting than taking a flight from one’s own state.

‘The Senate is resuming plenary today. There is nothing more exciting than to take a flight from your own state, in an airport built by the state government, in an aeroplane operated by another son of Ogun State.

‘History is being made. We are grateful to God and the governor. It is a great opportunity,’ he said.

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The Kogi State government has launched the 2025 Integrated Measles-Rubella, Polio, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign, a major public health initiative aimed at protecting children and adolescents across the state from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo performed the official flag-off of the campaign on Tuesday through the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and development partners.

According to the government, the exercise reflects the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of every child and adolescent in Kogi. It also marks a key step toward eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases and protecting young girls against cervical cancer through the HPV vaccine.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Old Market Primary Health Centre in Lokoja, Governor Ododo described the vaccination campaign as a renewed commitment to saving lives and strengthening primary healthcare across the state, adding that it represents ‘a commitment to life, health, and the future of Kogi State.’

He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to build a healthy and productive population, stressing that the vaccines are free, safe, and effective. He further urged that no child in Kogi should be left behind in the journey to a healthier life.

Governor Ododo called on parents, caregivers, and traditional and religious leaders to support the campaign, assuring that the vaccines are completely free and essential for every eligible child. He commended development partners and health workers for their continued support and dedication to improving the well-being of Kogi’s citizens.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, commended the governor’s leadership and noted the growing community support for the revitalisation of primary health centres across the state. He expressed gratitude to traditional, religious, and community leaders for their roles in advancing public health awareness.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Mu’azu Musa Omeiza, announced that the vaccination campaign targets 1.9 million children aged nine months to 14 years against measles and rubella, alongside additional coverage for polio and HPV.

He explained that the campaign, which runs from October 6 to 15, represents a coordinated and evidence-based approach to protecting the state’s next generation. Mu’azu commended all stakeholders and health workers for their dedication and urged families and the media to ensure every eligible child receives the life-saving vaccines.

In his goodwill message, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Babatunde Ishola of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) praised Kogi State for achieving 100 percent immunisation coverage and lauded Governor Ododo’s commitment to public health. He also called for the recruitment of more frontline and auxiliary health workers to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.

The event, according to the government, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to bolstering primary healthcare delivery and safeguarding the health of women and children. It further reflected the administration’s broader strategy to improve healthcare access, enhance immunisation coverage, and reduce preventable diseases in communities across Kogi State.

Kaduna State has been honoured with the Best Government Supporting Women and Their Families award at the 9th edition of the Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW 2025) held in Abuja.

The national recognition celebrates subnational governments and institutions demonstrating exceptional commitment to women’s empowerment through progressive policies and programmes.

Kaduna’s selection reflects its pioneering steps in institutionalising gender-responsive governance under the leadership of Governor Senator Uba Sani.

Among the landmark initiatives highlighted by the organisers were the approval of a Women Affirmative Procurement Policy, the implementation of Gender-Responsive Procurement, and the establishment of a Gender-Responsive Department at the Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority (KADPPA).

In addition, a Gender Desk was created within KADPPA to ensure the consistent enforcement of inclusivity standards across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Delivering her goodwill remarks at the event, Dr Nita Byack George – a renowned administrator and advocate for women’s empowerment – commended Governor Uba Sani for his visionary leadership in mainstreaming gender inclusivity into governance.

‘As someone who has dedicated years to advocating for women’s health, empowerment, and leadership inclusion at both national and international levels, I am heartened to see the real impact of deliberate, gender-responsive governance,’ she said.

Dr George lauded Kaduna’s gender-focused reforms, noting that they serve as a model for other states across Nigeria.

‘These initiatives show that Kaduna is not just talking about inclusivity – it is institutionalising it. Governor Uba Sani’s administration is setting a model for others across Nigeria to emulate,’ she remarked.

The Voice of Women (VOW) Conference and Awards, a flagship national platform for advancing gender equity and social inclusion, drew participants from government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector.

Kaduna’s recognition reinforces its reputation as a progressive, people-centred state government that prioritises women’s empowerment, inclusive economic participation, and family welfare through deliberate policy action and institutional reform while setting a national benchmark in gender-responsive governance.

A Retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshal, Professor Osita Obierika, on Monday died onboard a British Airways flight to Abuja as the crew of the airline battled fruitlessly to save the Anambra State-born military officer’s life.

The plane carrying him made an emergency landing at the El Prat Airport, Barcelona, as they struggled to resuscitate the ailing military officer.

Our correspondent learnt that the flight, which departed London’s Heathrow Airport at 11 pm on Sunday, October 5, was scheduled to land in Abuja at 5 am on Monday but made an unexpected detour to Barcelona after the incident.

It was gathered that the terminally ill retired AVM was being transported back to Abuja for further medication before his sudden demise.

British Airways has already apologised to its traumatised passengers, even as efforts were made to ensure that a new aircraft departed the Barcelona airport at 2p.m. on Monday. They were expected to land in Abuja at 7p.m. local time.

According to messages shared with the passengers, the airline apologised for the disruption and assured passengers that the Customer Care team would be available to assist with any questions or concerns.

‘Passengers are advised to expect an email with more information and can reach out to the airline’s Live Chat feature for support. British Airways acknowledges the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience and understanding,’ the airline told the affected passengers in a general message.

Further update from the airline at about noon on Monday, however, the flight is delayed by some 45 minutes, saying: ‘We’d like to advise that the replacement aircraft for your flight to Abuja is now on its way.

‘The estimated time of departure from Barcelona is 14:50 local time, with arrival into Abuja expected at approximately 17:45 local time. We understand the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you on board soon. British Airways.’

SIGNPOSTING the critical and perilous level of decadence in the society, a recent report indicated that a misguided young man, Mutawakilu Ibrahim, stabbed his grandparents to death during a heated argument over food at their residence in Kofar Dawanau Quarters, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State. The suspect was said to have used a knife to inflict multiple injuries on his grandfather and grandmother who were 75 and 65 years old, respectively. And they were both pronounced dead by the medical authorities at the hospital they were taken to after the attack. The 30-year-old man, who has been arrested by the police, is believed to have been under the influence of intoxicants at the time of the attack.

Kano State is Nigeria’s most populous state, and it has been reported to be plagued by many social vices in recent times, including increased cases of violent crimes within family settings. According to security experts and community leaders, it is the combined effects of drug abuse, mental health challenges, and rising economic hardship that have been putting pressures on family relationships. And some of these factors have causal relationship: the use of illicit drugs may have resulted in the burgeoning cases of mental issues while mental challenges, on the other hand, have a serious bearing on the increasing violent conduct, especially amongst the youths. All of these exemplify the rot in the society arising from the collapse of the moral value system.

The killing of the Kano old man and woman allegedly by their grandson is a terrible development that is very difficult to comprehend. How and why would one kill one’s grandparents under any guise? And indeed, why should one kill anyone, for that matter, in order to settle ‘scores,’ if any? It either shows defective upbringing or is down to an unteachable or incorrigible disposition on the part of the killer. Engaging in a heated argument with one’s grandparents is bad enough; going ahead to murder them is extremely strange. It is doubtful that this young man is from a cohesive, disciplined family background as his action smacks of someone raised in a dysfunctional family setting. And in all of this, there has been no mention of his parents. Why should his feeding be the responsibility of his grandparents if his parents are available?

And indeed, why should the feeding of a 30-year-old be the responsibility of anyone else other than himself? If he could raise money to procure illicit drugs, why not raise money to buy food also? It is really sad that many youths of today are increasingly unable or unwilling to appreciate what constitutes reasonable, decent and decorous conduct. The sense of entitlement they exhibit at every turn is very alarming. Or why would a 30-year-old have a heated argument with his grandparents over food and go ahead to murder both of them by dealing multiple lethal knife blows on them? This callous and bizarre act can only be perpetrated by a demented person whose stability of mind is suspect.

In the recent past, people felt a sense of gloom at the mere mention of death or serious injury to humans: hardly did anyone want to be associated with such heart-rending circumstances because of the attendant social repercussions, including the ostracisation of perpetrators. Today, however, because of the high frequency of cases of killings and the preponderance of the agents of death like killer herdsmen, bandits and Boko Haram insurgents and their heinous activities in the North and unknown gunmen in the South, gory cases of killings and maiming have become just mere statistics to many. This is a dangerous tendency that seems to be making violence the new normal in the society and, in a sense, encouraging or at least making light of the breach of the sanctity of human life.

The optics around violent conduct in the country is bad. The daily news of terror killings, homicides and parricide as in the instant case is very troubling even as it reflects horribly on the image of the country. All critical stakeholders, especially leadership at all levels, with the government leading the pack, must ensure that the society is reset on the path of moral rectitude, decency and decorum. The government should be exemplary by providing good governance that is capable of reining in citizens’ economic hardship, so that the tendency for one to slide into criminality or engage in asocial behaviour like drug abuse to just get by is reduced. Families and religious institutions should endeavour to influence young men and women to shun societal vices like illicit drug use, excessive consumption of alcohol, violent conduct and so on.

The traditional leadership, too, should avoid deliberate or inadvertent incentivisation of criminal and/or morally reprehensible acts through inapposite recognition of wealthy perpetrators in palaces. Savagery, uncivilised conduct and other criminal acts must be discouraged in all ramifications. Meanwhile, Ibrahim’s alleged dastardly act should be painstakingly investigated, diligently prosecuted, and punished to the fullest extent of the law if he is found guilty.

AS the World Habitat Day is being marked globally, the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has emphasized that need to engage registered builders to construct buildings in order to drastically reduce the cases of building collapse in Nigeria.

This step, according to the statement by NIOB, would make Nigeria’s urban cities safer, free residents from avoidable displacement, prevent needless deaths, and protect the poor who are always the victims of building collapse.

‘On this World Habitat Day, let us recommit ourselves to making safe, resilient, and affordable housing a reality. Let us embrace the vision of cities that can withstand crisis and protect every citizen,’ the statement read.

As builders, built environment professionals, policymakers, and community members, NIOB urged that they must respond by prioritizing resilient building/construction standards and climate-sensitive designs: and engaging appropriate and qualified professionals in housing developments.

It also called for the need to strengthen urban infrastructure like drainage and safe and affordable housing.

‘Ensuring inclusive policies that protect the marginalized. Working together – government, professionals, private sector, NGOs, and citizens – to build housing solutions that endure.

‘Equally important, we must emphasize that engaging Registered Builders to construct our buildings will drastically reduce the cases of building collapse in Nigeria,’ the statement read.

NIOB said that housing is not just about shelter; but about dignity, safety, and sustainable resilience.

Talking about the theme for the year, ‘Urban Crisis Response’, NIOB said it has called the attention to the urgent need to prepare ‘our cities, towns and communities to withstand shocks – from floods, chaotic planning and development; building collapses, overstretched public infrastructure and climate change to displacement and economic hardship.’

‘In many of our communities, towns and cities in Nigeria, families live in fragile and dilapidated houses, vulnerable to storm damage, flooding, and poor infrastructure. Too often, the most vulnerable in the society- women, children, the displaced, and the poor – suffer the hardest impact. We cannot remain indifferent,’ the statement rea World Habitat Day: HDAN seeks action toward climate-resilient housing, others.

The Senate is set to address growing claims of a ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria, which have been circulated both locally and internationally by some media outlets, advocacy groups, and religious organizations. Lawmakers say the narrative misrepresents the country’s complex security challenges as purely religious.

A motion titled ‘Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and the International Communities’ will be debated on Tuesday.

The motion, sponsored by former Senate Leader Ali Ndume, has Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Magatakarda Wamako (Sokoto North), and Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South) as co-sponsors.

According to a copy of the motion seen by Tribune Online, the senators said the aim is to correct what they described as a distorted narrative in some international media reports portraying Christians as the sole victims of Nigeria’s violence.

They noted that ‘serious security challenges including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts, and targeted attacks which have affected citizens across various religious, ethnic, and regional backgrounds, resulting in loss of lives and property among both Christian and Muslim communities’ are being wrongly presented in religious terms, a development they warned could further divide the country.

The move follows the Presidency’s recent response to United States Senator Ted Cruz, who alleged that Nigerian officials were ignoring or supporting mass killings of Christians by Islamist militants.

Cruz, in a post on his X handle, claimed that Christians in Nigeria were facing systematic persecution.

Responding, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dismissed the claims as false and misleading. He said Nigeria’s security problems are caused by terrorism, banditry, and criminality-not religious persecution-adding that the country enjoys religious harmony.

Ndume and his co-sponsors expressed concern that the US Senate and Congress may have been influenced by such claims and could move to label Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ a designation typically reserved for nations accused of human rights or religious freedom violations.

They urged the Senate to reject the characterization of Nigeria’s security crisis as a ‘Christian genocide’ and to reaffirm that the ongoing conflicts stem from socio-economic, ethnic, and criminal factors that cut across religious lines.

The lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to ‘encourage diplomatic missions especially US Embassy, International organisations, and foreign media to rely on verified, balanced, and credible sources-including security agencies, local communities, and independent observers-when reporting on religiously sensitive issues in Nigeria.’

They further advised the government, through the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, to ‘engage US Senate and Congress; international partners and diaspora networks through official briefings and fact-based publications to correct misconceptions.’

They also proposed that Nigeria ‘support interfaith peacebuilding programmes that emphasise shared victimhood and national unity’ and ‘ensure justice and accountability for all victims of violent attacks-whether Christian, Muslim, or otherwise-to address impunity and rebuild public confidence in state institutions.’

In a significant effort to tackle unemployment and foster self-reliance, the Professor Isa Pantami Foundation (PIP Foundation) has provided approximately 250 citizens in Gombe State with a free skills acquisition programme.

The convocation, held at the Al-Waalidayn Charitable Foundation headquarters in Pantami district, marked the successful completion of a batch of training designed to equip young Nigerians with high-demand technical skills.

The initiative aims to create a generation of job creators rather than seekers. The beneficiaries, selected on merit from the 11 LGAs in Gombe, were awarded certificates and given start-up tools to launch individual workshop.

A statement by PIP Foundation official, Prof Suleiman Mohammed, indicated that the training covered practical smartphone repair, alongside cutting-edge modules in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

The extensive curriculum also included mentorship sessions that focused on developing the youths’ entrepreneurial mindset and boosting their confidence as they prepare to establish sustainable businesses.

‘This programme is an ongoing national effort; the training will continue in batches across several Nigerian states. Bauchi State is likely to be the next focus of attention,’ Mohammed disclosed.

The graduation was graced by several dignitaries, underscoring its impact on the community. The excited participants applauded Pantami for the transformative scheme and prayed that Allah reward him abundantly.

The District Head of Pantami, Alhaji Yakubu Abdullahi, commended the former minister, whom he referred to by his traditional title of Waziri Pantami. ‘Our district is proud to have a son of his calibre,’ he said.

Other notable attendees included the Sarkin Malaman Gombe, Alhaji Ahmad Walama; Chief Medical Director of Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Prof Yusuf Abdullahi, a cross-section of academics, politicians, community and religious leaders.