Category: Nigerian Tribune

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured citizens that his administration is delivering tangible results across key sectors of governance, with more progress to come in the months ahead.

Speaking at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, during the 65th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria, the governor said the state was witnessing a remarkable transformation under his ‘OUR EASE’ policy framework.

According to him, the government is executing projects simultaneously in health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and security, which include the dualisation of Akure-Idanre, Akungba-Ikare and Okitipupa-Igbokoda roads, the construction of jetties and walkways in the riverine areas, and the rehabilitation of five kilometres of roads in each of the 18 local government areas.

‘Roads are not just pathways, they are lifelines that will boost commerce, agriculture, reduce travel stress and encourage economic activities and the daily life of our people,’ he said.

On healthcare, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that his government had expanded the contributory health scheme, completed a pharma-grade warehouse to guarantee a steady supply of medicines, renovated hospitals and prioritised recruitment into the health sector.

‘Our people in rural areas will no longer need to travel far to access basic healthcare. Beyond this, we have resolved that all health facilities in the state would be upgraded to meet global medical standards,’ he added.

The governor also highlighted strides in education, including classroom rehabilitation, provision of instructional materials, bursaries and scholarships, digital learning opportunities, as well as the continued operation of free shuttle buses and boats for students.

In agriculture, he announced that the state had secured 26,000 hectares of land and earmarked ?7.5 billion for development to strengthen food security and create jobs.

On security, Aiyedatiwa said: ‘We have provided not less than 75 high-grade Hilux vehicles equipped with modern security gadgets to our security agencies to help them respond quickly and effectively to threats.

‘Our goal is that every citizen of Ondo State should feel safe in their homes, farms, markets, schools and places of work.’

Commending citizens for their trust and resilience, he pledged: ‘In the coming months, you will see more progress. Ondo State is moving forward, Nigeria is moving forward; and nothing is beyond our reach.’

Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, said the anniversary celebration was not only a reminder of Nigeria’s historical struggles for freedom, but also an occasion to highlight the achievements of the current administration.

‘In recent times, the state has witnessed unprecedented socio-economic revival and restoration. Mr. Governor has deliberately provided an ambience that opened up the industrial and economic frontiers of development in the state, thus strategically placing Ondo State on the world map,’ Fasoranti said.

He lauded Aiyedatiwa’s fiscal transparency and accountability, describing them as enablers of reforms and transformational programmes.

The colourful event featured a parade mounted by the Nigeria Police, schools, political and non-political groups, and was attended by top government officials, royal fathers, religious leaders, and other dignitaries, including Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Chief Judge, Justice A.O. Odusola, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye.

In its ongoing efforts at addressing insecurity in parts of Kwara state, especially, in border towns of Kwara and Kogi states, the Kwara state government on Wednesday urged residents of the state, especially people around Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Oke Ero, and Irepodun local government areas, to be vigilant and restrict outdoor activities as much as possible in the mean time.

Recall that on Monday night, combined forces of the Army, DSS and Police launched an offensive around Baba Sango community in the Ifelodun local government area, along the Kwara-Kogi border, neutralising about 15 armed bandits.

The same operation continued on Tuesday night, according to Governor Abduleahman Abdulrazaq.

In a statement by the state Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, she said that the advisory followed heightened operations by combined security forces in border towns in Kogi and Kwara states, where kidnappers are believed to have hibernated.

‘We urge people to be very vigilant and limit their movements to only very necessary routines. That is to avoid being caught unawares as the kidnappers are fleeing their hideouts. We do not want law-abiding citizens to be affected,’ the statement said.

She said the government regrets the temporary inconveniences the limited movement may cause in the nearby areas.

‘We commend the security forces for the renewed efforts to rout out the criminals, and charge them to continue until they are totally neutralised and flushed out of our forests’, she said.

It is recalled that some communities in the Kwara South district of Kwara state like Oke Ode, Babanla, among others had been attacked by bandits, where many people were abducted and members of police and local security operatives were killed by the kidnappers.

Speaking on efforts made to address the situation, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara state reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, declaring that nowhere in Kwara will be safe for criminal elements, including kidnappers.

The governor, in a statement by his chief press secretary (CPS), Rafiu Ajakaye on Wednesday, said that,

‘The Army Headquarters has since relocated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Division to Ilorin as part of the renewed efforts to strengthen security operations in the state’

‘Following the recent attack at Oke Ode, the governor travelled to Abuja to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during which he reiterated his request for additional federal deployment to raid the hideouts.

‘I presided over the State Security Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, on Tuesday night to integrate state and federal assets into a single strategy for both Kwara North and South’.

Governor Abdulrazaq assured Kwara residents that his administration would not relent in supporting security agencies to keep every community safe.

‘I have assurances of the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts. We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals.

‘To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice. Kwara belongs to its people, and their peace will be defended,’ the governor added.

ýTHE political sagacity and ideology of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is coming under a new kind of scrutiny with the public presentation of the book ‘Omituntun Political Ideology of Governor Seyi Makinde: A Principle and Practice for Good Governance and Socio-Economic Development’ taking place soon, in Ibadan.

ýýThe book, written by a scholar and public servant, Babatunde Osumah, is an independent assessment of the new political culture brought with the Omituntun political philosophy of Governor Makinde. It is also a manual on how the younger generation of Nigerian politicians can learn from and be prepared for the vagaries of political high office from the Omitutun Philosophy, which is anchored on moral and delivery-driven politics.

ýýSnippets show that the book is for education and for the sustenance of the highly impactful Omituntun Philosophy. In showing how, snippets from it say the book ‘shows how new orientation can be rendered from the attitude of Governor SeyiMakinde to the upcoming young politicians so that they will be well-prepared before occupying political offices.’

ýýSpeaking on why the project was undertaken, Osumah said: ‘The purpose of the book launch is to honour and celebrate the excellent performance and quintessential leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde in this 21st century political dispensation in Nigeria.

ýý’Dignitaries invited for the book launch are members of Oyo State Executive Council, Oyo State House of Assembly members; Oyo State Chief judge, Oyo State Local Government Chairmen, veteran media personalities, political pundits in Nigeria, distinguished personalities in their chosen careers and representative of the Nigeria Youth.’

ýýThe Special Guest of Honour for the occasion billed for Thursday October 23, 2025 is Governor Makinde himself.

Aspira Nigeria Limited, one of Nigeria’s foremost manufacturers and distributors of trusted household cleaning and personal care brands for over 15 years, is proud to unveil Viva Matic, its latest innovation designed to transform laundry routines nationwide for families and individuals. Building on the success of beloved brands like Viva Plus Detergent, Aspira continues to demonstrate its dedication to delivering practical solutions that meet the evolving needs of Nigerian families.

Viva Matic is a high-performance detergent, specifically formulated for use in washing machines, offering a more innovative and efficient way to handle laundry. With washing machines becoming a household essential across Nigeria, Viva Matic is positioned as an indispensable laundry companion, ensuring clothes come out cleaner, fresher, and protected wash after wash.

Unlike traditional powder detergents designed for hand washing, Viva Matic’s advanced formula is engineered to dissolve quickly and work seamlessly in both front-load and top-load washing machines. It penetrates fabrics deeply, tackles tough stains, preserves colours, and extends the life of both clothes and washing machines, giving families the confidence of a superior clean every time.

‘At Aspira, we listen to our customers and understand that efficiency and convenience are top priorities for modern households,’ said Lynda Aguocha, Head of Advertising at Aspira. ‘With Viva Matic, we’re introducing an innovative solution that makes laundry faster, easier, and more cost-effective, redefining what laundry care should look like for today’s Nigerian families.’

Speaking on the company’s vision for innovation, Santhosh Kumar Nair, Head of Marketing at Aspira, added: ‘Viva Matic embodies our commitment to practical innovation and quality. It’s more than just a washing product; it’s a solution that helps families care for their clothes and appliances better, while saving time and resources.’

Available at major supermarkets, neighbourhood retail outlets, and leading online stores nationwide, Viva Matic is set to become an indispensable part of every home that values convenience and smart laundry care. With this launch, Aspira Nigeria reaffirms its position as a brand that cares, listens, and continuously raises the bar for innovative household solutions.

About Aspira Nigeria Limited

Aspira Nigeria Limited is the leading manufacturer and distributor of household cleaning and personal care products, serving Nigerian consumers for over 15 years with a diverse range of quality yet affordable products, including Viva Plus Detergent, Viva Dishwashing Liquid, Siri Soap, Biotol, Oracare, Fizz Detergent, Sabil, Chic, Family Care, Baby and Me, Fizz Manuka, and MP3 soap

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has approved the commencement of online applications for lawyers seeking appointment as Notaries Public of Nigeria.

The online approval, described as a landmark step by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, is aimed at revolutionising the appointment process for legal practitioners.

A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Court, Dr. Festus Akande, on Wednesday said legal practitioners in the country seeking appointments as Notaries Public can now apply through digital means.

The statement partly read: ‘This pivotal decision underscores the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to embracing digital innovation, enhancing efficiency, and fostering greater accessibility within the legal community.

‘This significant development marks a new era of convenience and transparency for aspiring Notaries Public.

‘Previously a paper-intensive process, the new digital platform will streamline submissions, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure a more expeditious review of applications.

‘Interested and qualified lawyers can now submit their applications through the newly launched, secure online portal at https://notary.gov.ng.

‘This user-friendly platform has been meticulously designed to guide applicants through each step of the process, ensuring a seamless and straightforward experience,’ Akande said in the statement.

The Association of Nigerian Broadcasters (ANBROAD) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting professionalism in Nigeria’s broadcasting industry, condemning the killing of ARISE News broadcaster, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was fatally attacked by armed robbers in Abuja on Monday.

The association’s president, Abdulrasaq Abdulganeey, made this known on Tuesday in Ibadan during ANBROAD’s first national congress.

Reflecting on the association’s journey since its formal inception in 2024, Abdulganeey acknowledged the challenges encountered but expressed optimism about ANBROAD’s progress.

‘We want to sanitise our profession, to differentiate the wheat from the chaff. Our mantra is: together we can do it, move mountains and be the talk of the town,’ he said.

He also stressed the need for modernisation in the industry, stating that broadcasters must move away from outdated practices.

As part of this drive, the association has introduced a Unique Professional Number (UPN) system and launched an official website to help identify, connect, and support its members nationwide.

Abdulganeey called on key stakeholders to collaborate on improving the welfare of broadcasters and ensuring their contributions are adequately recognised and rewarded.

Encouraging more practitioners to join ANBROAD, he emphasised the association’s vision of building a stronger, more ethical broadcast industry that truly serves the public interest.

On the killing of Maduagwu, the ANBROAD president described the incident as a ‘heinous and unfortunate tragedy’ that claimed the life of a promising young broadcaster.

‘President Bola Tinubu and the police should do the needful. We do not want to keep losing broadcasters, journalists or any Nigerian. The government must protect the lives and properties of its citizens,’ Abdulganeey said, joining the growing public call for a thorough investigation and justice for the late broadcaster’s family.

Also speaking at the congress, ANBROAD’s national secretary-general, Sola Gbayisomore, highlighted the association’s achievements within just one year of operations.

He noted ANBROAD’s growing presence in states, including Lagos, Ondo, Kwara, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, and Abuja.

He said the congress served not only as a platform to celebrate progress but also to strategise for growth, strengthen member collaboration, and explore opportunities within the industry.

During the congress, ANBROAD established operational zones across its active states and formally inaugurated zonal leaders.

In addition, the association unveiled its constitution, presented by the chairman of the board of trustees, Sulaiman Adegbenro, who stressed the importance of truth and trust in the broadcast profession.

‘The constitution is a compass for our association. It’s essential for guiding our operations and ensuring we remain true to our values,’ Adegbenro said, urging members to abide by it and contribute to the development of both the association and the national broadcast sector.

Wife of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Ayaba Mutiat Ladoja, has stressed the need for the government at all levels, corporate organisations and other categories of people to be more sensitive to the plights of persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in society.

Ladoja, while presenting cash donations of N100,000 to 15 Homes and other gift items to PLWDs as part of the activities marking her 70th birthday in Ibadan, submitted that this category of people needs attention, love and care.

She submitted that rather than looking down on them, people should explore the abilities in their disabilities.

Olubadan’s wife stated that many of them have the potential to be greater in life if they are assisted either through the award of scholarships or by other means.

According to her, ‘I started associating with persons living with disabilities 30 years ago. I have been using the little resources that God blessed me with to assist.

‘They deserve our attention, love and care. Rather than looking down on them, we should identify their potential and build on it.

‘We should let them have a sense of belonging. They are part of society. The government at all levels, corporate organisations and individuals should intensify their efforts towards them.

‘Disabilities can come in any form. It comes with age. It can come through accidents and in many other ways; hence the reason we must not look down on them. We all have our disabilities.

‘When they want to cross the road, assist them instead of making a mockery of their situation. Also, assist them with the little that you have. Don’t wait until you have millions of naira in your account.

‘I started what we are witnessing today 30 years ago. It has become my way of life, and I thank the likes of Babs Oduyoye for sharing the vision.

‘Today, I will be giving N100,000 to 15 Homes, two wheelchairs, two bags of rice each, two cartons of Indomie each, and cartons of soap.

‘Also, five vulnerable persons will be assisted with deep freezers and grinding machines to start their businesses.

‘My message to us is that we should show them love, attention and care.’

South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya have emerged as the top-performing parliaments in Africa, according to the 2025 Africa Open Parliament Index (OPI) report launched by the Africa Parliamentary Monitoring Organisations Network (APMON).

The OPI provides a comprehensive assessment of 33 African national parliaments, measuring their performance across three critical dimensions: transparency, civic participation, and public accountability.

According to the Secretary General of APMON, Sammy Obeng, ‘The OPI is not just a ranking – it is a roadmap. It challenges parliaments to open up their work, engage citizens meaningfully, and demonstrate accountability.’ Obeng emphasised that the index highlights areas where urgent reforms are needed, while also showing encouraging progress in many countries.

The South African Parliament ranked first with an overall score of 79.69%, making it the most open parliament in Southern Africa. Ghana’s Parliament followed closely, ranking second with an overall score of 77.60%, and leading in West Africa. Kenya’s Parliament took third place with an overall score of 73.96%, and leading in East Africa.

In contrast, the Parliament of Comoros ranked 31st with an overall score of 29.69%, while the Parliament of South Sudan ranked 32nd with an overall score of 28.65%. The Parliament of Guinea-Bissau ranked lowest, with an overall score of 28.13%.

The launch event featured a panel discussion with civil society leaders, who shared strategies for co-creating reforms that will make African parliaments more open, responsive, and citizen-centred. APMON and its partners are calling on governments, parliaments, and development partners to work together to implement evidence-based reforms inspired by the index.

The OPI 2025 report is now available for download on (link unavailable). APMON will be engaging with individual parliaments, civil society organisations, and regional bodies to present country-specific findings and support the development of action plans that advance parliamentary openness.

As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Political and Other Matters, called on citizens to embrace unity and faith in the nation’s future.

In a statement, Masari expressed ‘unalloyed joy’ over how far Nigeria has come despite its diversity and challenges. He invoked the symbolism of the ‘broom principle’ to stress the importance of togetherness. ‘A strand of broom is easily broken but a bunch of broom is hardly broken. The important thing is that we are better and stronger together,’ he said, urging Nigerians to contribute positively towards the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers.

Masari praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing the Renewed Hope Agenda as transformative. ‘Our faith in a collective Nigeria where everyone’s future is assured should remain unshaken, moreso as the leadership of the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown strong capacity and commitment to returning the country to a path of progress with the Renewed Hope Agenda that is working beyond belief,’ he said.

He pointed to what he described as more inclusive governance, with development projects and appointments spread across political zones. ‘This is a time that all Nigerians are being carried along. so the spirit of divisiveness should die a natural death,’ Masari declared.

Highlighting improvements in education, security, infrastructure, health, finance, and the economy, Masari asserted that Tinubu’s administration had ‘brought back the coaches of our national derailment back on track.’ He encouraged citizens to rally behind government efforts to accelerate growth and catch up with developed nations.

Warning against political distractions, Masari urged Nigerians to remain steadfast. ‘Every scheme to draw us back by any political consideration should not only be thwarted but resisted,’ he said, before assuring that better days lie ahead.

‘Happy Independence Anniversary to all Nigerians,’ he concluded.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, urging leaders to ensure that progress is felt in every home and not just reflected in statistics.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said this in his independence message on Wednesday in Abuja.

He encouraged Nigerians to set aside ethnic, religious, and political divisions and work together for the common good.

According to him, government reforms have come with temporary hardship, with many households struggling under rising costs of living, food insecurity, unemployment, and inflation.

‘We must be honest about the unfinished business of nation-building, economic reforms are necessary, but they have brought temporary hardship for millions of Nigerians.

‘The rising cost of living, food insecurity, unemployment, and inflation continue to weigh heavily on households.

‘True progress must be measured not only by statistics, but by the food on every table, the security of every community, and the opportunities available to every child.

‘We pray that God will grant our leaders the wisdom, courage, and strength to drive the reforms to a point where Nigerians will rejoice, and may He protect them from sycophants who do not mean well for our nation,’ he said.

Okoh also noted that insecurity-ranging from banditry and kidnapping to communal conflicts-remains a serious challenge, calling for stronger cooperation between security agencies, communities, and faith-based organisations.

He expressed concern over the brain drain, stressing that the country continues to lose its brightest talents to opportunities abroad.

‘We also recognise that young people are Nigeria’s greatest asset. Their energy, creativity, and determination hold the key to a better tomorrow.

‘Yet, the persistent brain drain, where many of our brightest minds leave for opportunities abroad, remains a critical challenge.

‘Nigeria must create the enabling environment that encourages its citizens, especially the youth, to stay, thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

‘Investment in education, innovation and youth empowerment must remain a national priority, ensuring that no young Nigerian is left behind,’ he said.

Marking the anniversary, Okoh urged citizens to renew their commitment to justice, equity, and good governance.

‘Let us embrace hard work, pay our taxes faithfully, support local production, and show love to one another as one people under God.

‘The dawn of a new Nigeria is possible. With God’s help and our shared determination, we shall build a nation where peace, prosperity, and unity flourish for generations to come,’ he added.