Category: Nigerian Tribune

President Bola Tinubu has advised that Nigeria should be a nation of producers rather than just being consumers.

He stated this in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Wednesday, saying that it was time for the country to shift from being a consuming nation to a producing one.

‘Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. I say Nigeria first,’ Tinubu declared.

The president explained that reforms like removing fuel subsidies and unifying foreign exchange rates were tough but necessary to reset the economy.

‘We chose the path of reform. We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today,’ he said.

Tinubu added that the results are beginning to show, noting that Nigeria recorded a 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025 while inflation dropped to its lowest in three years.

‘The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,’ he assured citizens.

He also urged Nigerians to join hands in building a self-reliant nation.

Tinubu added, ‘The accurate measure of our success will not be in economic statistics alone, but in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities.’

The Akwa Ibom State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal private schools, sealing several unlicensed institutions across the state and ordering the arrest of defaulting proprietors who attempted to defy the directive.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien, who led the enforcement taskforce, disclosed that while many operators complied with the state’s directive to shut down, some proprietors illegally unsealed their premises and resumed academic activities.

Angered by the development, Prof. Essien ordered the arrest and detention of the offenders, who are now awaiting prosecution.

‘During the ministry’s regular monitoring exercise, it was observed that while several operators of unauthorized private schools had obeyed the directive, a few chose to defy the order and continued with academic activities,’ he said.

He warned parents and guardians across urban and rural communities against enrolling their children in unregistered institutions, insisting that the state-wide exercise would continue throughout the school year.

‘The Ministry of Education reiterates its stance on the closure of unauthorized and rogue schools. This exercise is aimed at standardising educational delivery across the state, ensuring compliance with approved standards, and ridding our educational system of substandard institutions that compromise the future of children in Akwa Ibom State,’ Prof. Essien stressed.

In commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Osun State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has granted Independence Day amnesty to 36 convicts currently serving sentences at the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife.

The Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, who made this known in a statement in Osogbo, stated that, ‘Governor Adeleke’s decision reflects the spirit of compassion, justice, and renewal which Nigeria’s Independence Day represents.

‘As a government of the people, we remain committed to upholding justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens. This amnesty is not only a gesture of freedom but also a call for true rehabilitation, reintegration, and a fresh start for these individuals.’

He stressed that the gesture, made in line with the powers conferred on the Governor under Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended), follows the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

In a proclamation issued under his hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, dated 24 September 2025, Governor Adeleke declared:

‘WHEREAS, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria has granted amnesty to the convicted persons listed and attached hereto, who are subject to the jurisdiction of Osun State.

‘NOW KNOW YE THAT I, Senator (Dr) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Paragraph (a) Subsection (1) of Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and acting in accordance with the Advisory Council of State designated under Subsection (2) of the said Section, am graciously pleased to extend my mercy to the said thirty-six (36) convicts.

‘By this act, I remit and release unto them all pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever that may have accrued from their convictions, and I hereby require all to whom it may concern to take due notice thereof.

‘AND FOR SO DOING, this shall be a sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Nigeria, this 24th day of September, 2025.’

The beneficiaries of this Independence Day amnesty include men and women convicted mostly of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy, many of whom had served substantial portions of their sentences.

List of convicts granted Independence Day Amnesty from Ilesa Correctional Centre are: Kehinde Ganiyu, Isiaka Mohammed, Oluwatosin Femi, Adebisi Adeniyi, Rotimi Paul, Oyewole Sunday, Ojo Adewale, Tajudeen Ridwan, Jokotola Quadri, Akinola Taofeek, Onibukun Adebisi, Azeez Afeez, Abdulgafar Quadri, Udoh Monday O., Babawale Saheed, Olasunkanmi Wasiu, Adetoro Toheeb, Mudashiru Lawal, Ismaila Wahab, Yinka Oyeniyi, Olaniyan Taofeek, Sheu Mumini, Ololade Bashit, Musibau Abdulkareem, Jamiu Sulaeeb, Jeremiah Ayuba, Abimbola Samad, Oladeji Tosin and Mathew Samuel.

Also, those granted amnesty from Ile-Ife Correctional Centre are: Yusuf Ola, Oyedeji Sunday, Ojo Olaoluwa, Ogunola Rafiu, Ayomide Amos, Usman Adefisan and Adedigba Abiodun,’ he concluded.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has begun nationwide enforcement against foreigners who overstayed their visas or violated immigration rules after the Federal Government’s visa amnesty closed at midnight on September 30, 2025.

The amnesty, introduced on July 5, 2025, gave non-citizens with expired documents an opportunity to regularise their status without facing penalties.

In a statement released late Tuesday, minutes before the deadline, NIS spokesperson ACI Akinsola Akinlabi confirmed that officers would commence operations on October 1.

The enforcement will target holders of expired Visa on Arrival, expired single or multiple-entry short-visit and business visas, and those with expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permits and Automated Cards (CERPAC).

Offenders now face removal from Nigeria, daily fines, and bans on future entry.

According to the Service’s penalty framework: ‘Three months to one year: removal, payment of $15 per day, or a five-year entry ban. One year and above: removal and a 10-year or permanent entry ban.’

The NIS explained that the measure is part of efforts to ensure compliance with migration laws.

NIS added that the crackdown on Visa overstayers is expected to promote lawful residence, safeguard national security, and support transparency in Nigeria’s immigration processes.

Ondo State Mandate Elders Forum, on Wednesday, expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not only secure re-election as Nigeria’s President but also remain unmatched by any opposition candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential poll.

Speaking on behalf of the group after its monthly meeting in Akure, Ondo state capital, the forum facilitator, Chief Ademola Ijabiyi, dismissed speculations that President Tinubu could be defeated, arguing that no serious alternative has emerged within the opposition ranks.

While dismissing speculation that President Tinubu could be defeated in the 2027 presidential election, Ijabiyi argued that no serious alternative has emerged within the opposition ranks.

Ijabiyi said, ‘First of all, Tinubu will win. That’s my answer. Which party is preparing for the presidency now? In Ondo State alone, we have more than 10 support groups already. Which other aspirant has anything anywhere? We don’t even know them yet. Somebody who is going to defeat Tinubu next year has not even emerged, when it’s not a councillorship election.

According to him, Tinubu’s key economic policies, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, and tax reforms, were decisive steps that no rival could credibly challenge without taking the country backwards.

‘You can’t say we should go back to a subsidy regime. You can’t say that we should go back to double foreign exchange. So, what are you going to do? We are not comparing personalities; we are comparing programmes.

‘Tinubu said he would remove subsidy, unify the foreign exchange, and do tax reforms. And he is doing it. What are the others proposing? We don’t even know them.’

The All Progressives Congress (APC) elder also cast doubt on the readiness of opposition leaders such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, saying they were still quarreling without clear programmes or directions.

He further dismissed speculations about former President Goodluck Jonathan returning, insisting the Constitution does not allow anyone to serve beyond eight years or two terms of four years.

Speaking on Tinubu’s Independence Day speech, he acknowledged that Nigerians are going through hardship but urged citizens to endure the ‘temporary pains’ of reform.

‘There are always pains accompanying surgery. What Tinubu has done to our economy is medical and surgical. Without the removal of fuel subsidy, without the revival of foreign exchange, we would have been in a very great mess. It is not easy at all, but they are temporary pains.

Admitted that recovery had taken longer than expected, but expressed optimism that inflation and other economic pressures were gradually easing.

‘I wasn’t expecting that it would take so long to recover. It just shows that the problem is deep, but certainly, it is now coming down. Inflation has reduced from over 40% to about 20%, and Tinubu has promised us that it is coming back to 15%.’

The APC leader called on Nigerians to be patient with the administration, stressing that ‘nobody is challenging Tinubu’ as the country continues its path of economic reforms.

Ijabiyi, however, declared the readiness of the APC elders forum to join hands with other support groups to deliver overwhelming support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, pledging to mobilise more than one million votes from the state.

He emphasized that Ondo remains a stronghold of the APC and will play a decisive role in securing victory for the President, saying ‘We need to demonstrate that we too can participate actively in the process that will lead to the delivery of Ondo State for Tinubu in 2027.

‘Ondo State is Tinubu any day. Ondo State is APC any day. We are going to win, but it is not just a matter of winning. We want to deliver figures far above the 300,000 votes delivered in the last election.

‘Even though it represented about 69% of the votes, this time we want to go far. We will call people out. Call people to register. Call them to come and vote for Tinubu. The elders have a role to play in it. They cannot just sit on the fence and then watch as things go on. That’s the purpose of this lecture.’

Also speaking, the Secretary of the forum, Hon. Ebenezer Alabi, explained that the body was established to coordinate elder statesmen and influential leaders across Ondo in delivering a stronger mandate for the President.

Alabi said, ‘It’s an elders’ committee set up to work hard in Ondo State to see to the re-election of our President. In the last election, Ondo State came first in terms of percentage of votes. This time around, we are moving around to galvanize all the elders in Ondo State and make sure that we return a very tangible and reasonable vote for Mr. President in the 2027 election.’

On the unity of purpose among the different pro-Tinubu groups, Alabi stressed that there was no division, as all efforts were directed towards the same objective.

‘This is a support group and every other group is welcome, and that has been the spirit of our meetings. We can have as many as possible, as far as the objective is to work for the re-election of Mr. President. Lots of people gave excuses for their absence today, but many more are still coming. If there are others, they are all welcome. As long as we are working for the same goal, there is no crisis at all.’

The committee said it would intensify grassroots mobilization, voter registration campaigns, and community engagement to ensure Ondo State delivers not only the highest percentage but also record-breaking numbers for the APC in 2027.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Erastus Akeju, brought together respected political, traditional, and community leaders committed to mobilising grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ensuring his administration’s reforms succeed in the state.

The members include Pastor Olufemi Bakare, Chief Femi Osedimbola, Chief Nimbe Tawose,

Ebenezer Alabi, Senator Yele Omogunwa, Solomon Oladunni, Chief Nathaniel Fapohunda, Pastor Femi Agagu, Dr. Kola Ademujimi, Chief Mrs. Grace Animola, Princess Dr. Adebunmi Osadahunsi, and Chief Lawrence Ibukun Ropitan

Others include Captain Vincent Oyepata (rtd), Chief Bailey Arohunmolase, Chief Femi Omosanya, Rt. Hon. Samuel Aderoboye, Dr. Mrs. Morenike Alaka, Chief Senator Orofin, Hon. Wale Akintimehin, Chief Dapo Filani, Otunba Omoniyi Omodara, Chief Isaac Ayeyemi, Elder Michael Adeyeye, and Chief Korede Duyile, amongst others.

Rite Foods Limited, Nigeria’s leading food and beverage company, has restated its commitment to environmental stewardship by driving innovations that continue to minimize greenhouse gas emissions in its manufacturing operations.

The company made the commitment while conducting news men round its energy Centre at its factory at Ososa, Ogun State as part of activities to commemorate the World Ozone Day.

General Manager, Operations Olufemi Ajileye, said the company would continue to raise the bar in sustainable manufacturing with world-class processes that conserve energy, protect the environment, and reduce carbon emissions.

At its state-of-the-art factory, the company has deployed fully automated systems, energy-efficient technology, renewable energy and advanced carbon-free infrastructure designed to safeguard the ozone layer. This reflects Rite Foods’ unwavering commitment to eco-friendly operations.

Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Ekuma Eze, said the company built sustainability into the design of its world class production facility, starting from an energy strategy with a unique energy mix: 92 per cent gas, 6.5 per cent diesel, and 1.5 per cent solar.

According to him, the company’s use of low emission technologies and infrastructure has ensured that its carbon intensity is way below 800gCO2/lpb, well below the industry average of 1300-2500 gCO2/lpb, giving Rite Foods one of the lowest emission levels in the sector.

‘This demonstrates our commitment to cleaner energy sources, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting the ozone layer,’ said EZE.

Ajileye further noted that the company’s cooling plant is equipped with advanced safety systems that ensures zero ammonia leaks, thus zero harmful emissions.

According to him, this would protect the environment and guarantee the highest standards of product quality and safety for people and the planet.

The company’s environmental stewardship goes beyond factory operations.

Through its Community Social Responsibility (CSR) pillars-Education, Youth Empowerment, Environmental Stewardship, and Community Development (EYEC), the company has continued to invest in sustainable programmes that touch lives.

‘Its flagship initiative, RiteOnTheBeach, has made significant strides in ecological conservation, especially along Lagos’ coastline communities. The programme promotes plastic waste recovery, recycling, and community-led clean-ups that create jobs and fund school supplies for children in underserved coastal communities.

‘These efforts underscore Rite Foods’ commitment to circular economy practices that reduce waste, empower communities, and protect future generations,’ Eze said.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu on Tuesday congratulated the Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on the occasion of his 60th birthday anniversary.

Hon. Kalu in a congratulatory message, described Speaker Tajudeen as a true democrat, leader par excellence, with a track record of selfless and dedicated service to the nation.

He noted that the Speaker has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a nation-builder, and commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy and promoting good governance through effective representation.

The Deputy Speaker also noted that Speaker Tajudeen has exhibited pragmatic leadership which has led to remarkable accomplishments.

Hon. Kalu commended the Speaker for choosing to focus on empathy, introspection, and humanitarian causes to celebrate his milestone birthday. He wished him many more fruitful years and sound health in service to humanity.

The Deputy Speaker said, ‘On behalf of my family and the good people of Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, I wish to congratulate my boss, big brother and friend, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON on the occasion of his 60th birthday anniversary.

‘I wish to commend your exemplary, selfless and all-inclusive leadership and commitment towards uniting the nation. Since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023, you’ve shown commitment to developing, sustaining Nigeria’s democracy and promoting good governance through effective representation.

‘The House under your able leadership has witnessed a peaceful atmosphere and tremendous progress. I am grateful for the confidence you reposed in me to serve and the overwhelming support we enjoy from our colleagues. I wish you many happy returns and more prosperous years ahead. Congratulations Sir,’ said the Deputy Speaker.

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Kaduna Nasir El-Rufai and former Senate President, Iyorcha Ayu paid a courtesy visit to Oba Rashidi Ladoja at his Bodija residence on Tuesday.

They were received by Oba Ladoja and his Oloris.

Atiku in his speech apologised for his inability to attend the coronation ceremony.

‘Kindly forgive our inability to attend your coronation ceremony as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday,’ he pleaded.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday explained that his absence from the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was due to protocol arrangements.

Atiku, accompanied by former Senate President Iyorcha Ayu, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and other chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), gave the explanation while speaking with journalists after leading a delegation to pay homage to the new monarch at his private residence in Ibadan.

Ladoja ascended the throne as the 44th Olubadan following the death of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.

Atiku said his absence at the coronation was not deliberate, noting that Oba Ladoja had played a vital role in Nigeria’s political history.

He said, ‘We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we don’t want to come.

‘We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you. Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme.’

In his response, Oba Ladoja declared that he had left politics behind with his new position as the Olubadan, pledging to focus his reign on fairness and justice.

‘I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no more one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

‘Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.

‘We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

‘All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people. Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,’ the monarch stressed.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has apologised to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, for his absence at his coronation ceremony in Ibadan on Friday.

Atiku apologised to Oba Ladoja during a visit to Olubadan at his Bodija, Ibadan, residence on Tuesday.

The former Vice-President, who was accompanied on the visit by the former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorcha Ayu, former governors of Cross Rivers and Kaduna states, Senator Lyel Imoke and Malam El-Rufai, said he had planned to attend the event but was unable due to logistical reasons.

Atiku said, ‘The Chiefs of Ibadan, distinguished ladies and gentlemen. First of all, Kabiyesi, I want to start with an apology. And I hope you will accept my apology on behalf of the rest for our inability to personally witness your coronation as Olubadan, which we know is your lifetime ambition. And by the grace of God, you have attained it.

‘Virtually all members of my delegation today have one form of relationship or another with you personally. Our inability to attend the inauguration was due to the protocol logistics arrangement, which could not allow us from attending. Not that we did not want to attend.

‘I know your relationship with most of us; we have always looked forward to this day and to this position for you. That is why, therefore, I spoke with you a couple of days ago, to seek your permission to lead this very high-level and distinguished delegation to come and personally congratulate you and wish you a very long, happy reign as Olubadan.

‘Please, therefore, accept our apology for our inability to attend the actual event on that day, certainly not due to our own making, but I think God has willed it that way.

‘The protocol logistics were such that we could not meet up with those logistics and therefore had to abort that visit.

‘We very much regret our inability to personally participate in the ceremonies and we sincerely hope you will overlook and forgive our absence during that historic event.

‘It is historic to both you, your family, and us, your friends and associates all over the country and we want to thank God for sparing our lives to witness this moment of your ascension to the position of Olubadan.

‘We pray you will have a long reign. And under your reign, Ibadan will continue to grow more prosperous, more peaceful and may God grant you your heart’s desires here, in the world, and thereafter. We thank you very much indeed for allowing us to pay you this congratulatory visit.

‘I would, therefore, like to hand over to you our letter of congratulations. And hope that you will forgive us and overlook our personal absence during those celebrations. Kabiyesi, God bless you.’

In his response, Oba Ladoja recounted the good relationship he has enjoyed with Abubakar and other members of his entourage.

Oba Ladoja disclosed that as a traditional ruler, he is no longer in politics but would always remember the ideas and experiences shared with his friends.

He recounted that he has enjoyed many years of personal and working relationships with virtually all the members of the entourage.

He, therefore, assured the visitors that he would make all his friends proud, reiterating that his only task on the throne is to serve humanity.

‘Former Vice-President, Senator Iyorcha Ayu, whom I fondly call My President. My Dear friends, welcome to this place. My dear friend, for a long time, we kept close to one another. So God has brought us together again today.

‘Welcome. Even though I’m no longer one of you anymore, I’m not a politician again.

‘I was really shocked when I didn’t see some of my friends, and the same night I sent a message to Waziri that I hope nothing had happened, because the advance team was here, I was following the lists of guests and I was looking forward to seeing you, but unfortunately, you could not make it.

‘When they say logistic problems, I can understand. Protocol logistics. I can understand what it means. So that is something we can say is beyond your control. So there is nothing to forgive here because it was not deliberate. It was even difficult for all of us.

‘I said this because the first person who announced the passing away of the last Olubadan was Waziri. I woke up in the morning about 5 o’clock and I saw his message if it was a rumour that Olubadan is dead, is it true? I called him and said yes, it is true. He now said, is it now our turn? I said yes, it is our turn.

‘So that is why I said, somebody who said it is our turn and all the processes of his coming have been perfected, his advance team was here, the list of members of his entourage is here, so for him not to be able to be present, but I know that Waziri is used to such last-minute problems. So it is I who should apologise to you. Not you apologising to me because I can understand what you mean.

‘It is nice to have friends with you because I can remember that my friend, Senator Ayu said, we will carry the title of senator for life. He said there is nothing like a former senator. In fact, I was expecting your wife also. She didn’t come because she is one of my daughters.

‘Mallam has been my friend since the day of BPE. I remember there was a program of Standard Trust. Where he came and said, Maybe I will also join Standard Trust because I see potential governance here.

‘So it was his prediction that I became a governor, so thank you for that prediction. So now that I am in Olubadan, I am no more entitled to be any other thing than Olubadan.

‘We had a very nice relationship at the Senate with my friend Lyle Imoke, at that time he was the youngest senator and later on in Cross River State, when he was governor. Anytime I went visiting, he treated me with utmost respect. And it is always a joy to meet somebody you have known before.

‘Thank you very much for coming. So we meet again. And I hope that this is not going to be the last meeting because I will come to Abuja to thank each of you one by one. I am very, very grateful.’

‘I can assure you that I will make you proud as your Olubadan. I will make all my friends proud because all the religious leaders, both Christian, Muslim and the traditional ones, say that the only thing that is expected of a leader is fairness and justice. So I intend to do justice among my people and serve them with all the strength that is left in me.

‘I just passed 81 and in fact the Waziri asked me whether I was going to celebrate, and I said I was in confinement where they normally confine us before the day of coronation. So I was not opportuned to be there. They said, That’s why they are not coming to my birthday.

‘So the remainder of my life will be spent serving my people. Ibadan people, Oyo state people, Nigerian people, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support, on your advice and I hope that when we knock on your door, you will open it for us. So I am very grateful for this visit.’