Category: Nigerian Tribune

As Nigeria celebrated its 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, state governors across the federation called for national renewal anchored on unity, patriotism, and respect for democratic values.

In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasised the need for synergy between government and citizens, saying both must support each other wholeheartedly to achieve collective progress.

Speaking after inspecting a ceremonial parade at Lagos House, Marina, the governor charged Nigerians to hold fast to the ideals of resilience and patriotism, while reeling out achievements under his THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritises social inclusion, gender equality, youth empowerment, healthcare, and education.

‘The government and people must have faith in each other so that the effort of one is supported wholeheartedly by the other.

‘As a state, we are deliberate about protecting the weak and uplifting the vulnerable. No citizen should be left behind on the path to progress,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

In Osun, Governor Ademola Adeleke stressed the need to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic foundation through full compliance with the constitution and the rule of law.

In his Independence Day statement, Adeleke urged the political class to embrace true federalism, strengthen federating units, and respect judicial processes.

‘We must in totality ensure compliance with the rule of law, not rule of the thumb. Nigeria must run truly as a federation where tiers of government operate with clear regulations as provided by the constitution,’ he said.

He congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians at large, pledging Osun’s ‘unalloyed submission to the constitution and the rule of law’ while urging citizens to remain law-abiding.

In Gombe, which also marked its 29th anniversary as a state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya reflected on the state’s journey since creation in 1996, attributing its transformation to the 10-Year Development Plan (DEVAGOM).

He highlighted achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, industrialisation, and social welfare, noting that his administration has constructed over 900 kilometers of roads, expanded healthcare access, and disbursed over ?25 billion in gratuities to retirees.

‘In less than three decades of existence, Gombe has ushered in a new dawn defined by vision, discipline, and results,’ Yahaya said.

He urged citizens to remain patient amid economic reforms, assuring that these measures would build a stronger and more prosperous future.

The Gombe governor, who also chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum, prayed for peace, stability, and continued growth in Nigeria, calling on citizens to celebrate with gratitude while recommitting themselves to unity and national progress.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Akin Ricketts, has called for unity and collective action to restore Nigeria’s glory, declaring that despite the country’s current challenges, there remains hope for greatness.

In his Independence Day message issued on Wednesday and signed by his media aide, Essien Emmanuel, Ricketts reflected on Nigeria’s 65th anniversary with a mix of sorrow, criticism and cautious optimism.

‘We have come to a point in our dear nation where the mere remembrance of our past heroes brings tears to our eyes. Why? Because many of our present-day leaders have betrayed the sacrifices of those who fought so selflessly for the freedom, dignity and progress of Nigeria,’ he said.

The ADC stalwart lamented that the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers, courage, patriotism and visionary leadership, are being eroded by what he described as selfishness, corruption and poor governance.

Citing the legacy of late President Muhammadu Buhari, Ricketts praised the former leader’s National Social Investment Programmes, particularly N-Power, as initiatives that once empowered ordinary citizens without favoritism or political influence.

‘Those were programmes where the common man did not need to lobby, bribe or bow to anyone to benefit. But today, that hope has faded. Ministries, departments and agencies that once offered lifelines to the less privileged have abandoned those responsibilities,’ he said.

He criticised current economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and reduced social spending, calling them ‘heartless,’ ‘archaic’ and ‘anti-people.’

‘What do we hear today? That Nigeria must not owe, that petroleum subsidy must be removed and that spending on the people is ‘a waste.’ What a heartless idea. A pain inflicted on millions by so-called leaders who refuse to listen to the cries of their people,’ Ricketts said.

The opposition figure painted a grim picture of the present state of the nation which he said is marked by hunger, insecurity, unemployment and despair and questioned the basis for celebration on Independence Day.

‘Our nation is in pain, and our heroes of the past, wherever they are, would weep bitterly at the state of their beloved country,’ he stated.

Despite this, Ricketts called on Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and political divisions to reclaim the vision of a united, prosperous nation.

‘The time has come for us to arise and shine again. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must take it back, not for ourselves alone, but for the sake of our children and generations yet unborn,’ Ricketts said.

He urged citizens to rally behind the African Democratic Congress, describing it as a credible alternative capable of delivering on the hopes of the people.

‘Together, with courage, wisdom and sacrifice, we can build the Nigeria of our dreams, a nation of justice, equity and prosperity for all. Arise, compatriots. The future of Nigeria is in our hands. ADC can refresh Nigeria again,’ he said.

The Federal Government has successfully brokered an agreement between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following two days of intense conciliation meetings in Abuja.

The talks, which were convened by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, held on Monday, 29th and Tuesday, 30th September 2025, came on the heels of PENGASSAN’s directive to halt gas supply to the Dangote Refinery and withdraw the services of its members.

The union had justified its action as a direct response to what it described as the unlawful termination of over 800 of its members by the refinery’s management. But the Dangote Group, in its defense, told the meeting that the disengagement was purely a product of an ongoing reorganization exercise within the company.

The conciliation was attended by high-ranking officials of government, security chiefs, labour leaders and industry regulators.

Among them were the National Security Adviser; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Minister of State for Labour and Employment; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS); Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); as well as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Also present were the Chief Executives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), alongside representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the President and Secretary-General of PENGASSAN.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, at the meeting reaffirmed that ‘unionisation is a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and this right should be respected.’ He stressed that no employer has the authority to deny or undermine this constitutional guarantee.

After hours of back-and-forth negotiations, a breakthrough was reached. It was agreed that the Dangote Group would immediately commence the process of redeploying the disengaged workers to other companies within the conglomerate without any loss of pay.

The government further assured that no worker would suffer victimisation for their role in the dispute, while PENGASSAN committed to initiating the process of calling off the strike.

The communique in full reads; ‘Sequel to the Notice to stop gas supply to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and withdrawal of services by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria [PENGASSAN], The National Security Adviser, Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, DG DSS, DG NIA, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources [Gas] represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Chief Executives of NMDPRA and NUPRC, representatives of NNPCL held conciliation meetings with management of Dangote Group and the President and Secretary General TUC and leadership of PENGASSAN on Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th September, 202

‘Whereas the leadership of PENGASSAN said that the directives given to stop the supply of gas to Dangote Petroleum and withdrawal of services was in response to the termination of appointment of over Eight Hundred members of PENGASSAN by the management of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical on the other hand, explained the reason for disengagement of the workers was as a result of the ongoing reorganization in the company.

‘After a lengthy discussion, the matter was resolved as follows: The Honourable Minister of Labour informed the meeting that unionisation is a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and that this right should be respected.

‘After examining the procedure used in the disengagement of workers, the meeting agreed that the management of Dangote Group shall immediately start the process of taking the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay.

‘No worker will be victimised arising from their role in the impasse between Dangote and PENGASSAN.

‘PENGASSAN agreed to start the process of calling off the strike. Both parties agreed to this understanding in good faith.’

Diaspora investors in WINHOMES Estate have accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of inappropriately dragging President Bola Tinubu’s name into the controversy surrounding the demolition of properties to pave way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

The investors, in a press statement on Wednesday, faulted Umahi’s repeated references to the President in what they described as a ‘purely legal conflict’ that should be determined by the courts.

‘Repeatedly invoking the President’s name in this dispute is both inappropriate and damaging. Presenting a legal conflict as though it bears presidential endorsement erodes investor confidence, paints Nigeria as a country where executive interference trumps judicial independence, and sends the wrong signal to the international community,’ the group said.

The statement, signed by Engr. Stella Okengwu, CEO of WINHOMES Global Services, accused the Minister of misleading Nigerians and the global community on the scale of demolition, the status of court proceedings, and the level of diaspora engagement.

Umahi had claimed that only four hectares of WINHOMES land were affected, but the investors insist the estate represents over $250 million in diaspora investment covering a much larger area.

‘Families, professionals, and businesses who invested in good faith have lost properties and assets valued at far more than what the Ministry admits,’ the group stated.

They also debunked Umahi’s claim that the Federal Government had secured judgment in its favour, stressing that Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1063/25, filed before Justice Akintayo Aluko at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, remains pending.

‘No trial has commenced, no judgment has been delivered, and any suggestion otherwise is a reckless distortion,’ the statement read.

The investors further alleged that the Minister personally invited diaspora representatives to discuss the issue and promised to escalate it to the President, contrary to his public denials.

They said video evidence of the invitation exists and could be made public if necessary.

Beyond the demolition dispute, the group raised concerns over reports of a ?200 million cash payment linked to the Ministry, calling on the EFCC and DSS to launch a probe in the interest of transparency.

They also cited MTN Africa’s televised warning against diverting the coastal highway through the estate, accusing the Ministry of ignoring expert advice and due process.

WINHOMES investors announced plans to convene a world press conference to present video evidence, financial records, and expert testimony.

‘Our goal is not only to defend our investments but also to expose the wider risks of arbitrary governance to any investor considering Nigeria as a viable destination,’ Okengwu said, vowing to pursue the matter until justice is served.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Independence Day speech, said profound social, economic, and political challenges have tested Nigeria’s independence for decades, but the country has survived with tremendous progress across sectors, especially the country’s economy, which he said ‘has experienced significant growth since 1960.’

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five facts that reveal where the giant of Africa stands at 65.

1. Resilient economy

Despite storms of inflation and subsidy cuts, Nigeria’s GDP grew by 3.13% year-on-year in Q1 2025, proving its ability to bounce back.

2. Lagos shines as Africa’s second-largest city economy

With a GDP of US$259.75 billion in 2023, Lagos is only behind Cairo, cementing its role as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.

3. Nigeria remains Africa’s most populous nation

With over 226 million people, Nigeria holds immense human capital – a young, energetic population that is both its strength and its future.

4. Poverty in rural Nigeria: 75.5%

According to the World Bank’s April 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief, 75.5% of rural Nigerians now live below the poverty line, compared to 41.3 % in urban areas

5. Security threats affect everyday life

Over 150 million Nigerians live under the shadow of insecurity – from farmers who cannot till their land to families displaced by violence.

Oyo State government on Tuesday joined the rest of the country in commemorating Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, with a call for national unity and renewed hope.

Speaking at the event held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, described the theme of the celebration, ‘Unity and Rebuilding’, as timely and necessary.

Lawal emphasised the need for Nigerians to remain united despite current economic and social challenges, stating that national cohesion is critical to progress.

‘We rarely come together these days to celebrate Independence. We must emphasise unity among ourselves across ethnic nationalities. United we stand, divided we fall. We must remain united to move forward,’ he said.

He also urged citizens not to lose hope in the country’s future.

‘We must keep hope alive. We must not be despondent,’ he added.

The event featured a quiz and debate competition among pupils and students from different educational zones across the state.

In the primary school category, Lawal Anjola (Ibadan Zone 2) came first, followed by Oladokun Christianah (Kajola Zone), and Joseph Tijesunimi (Ibarapa Zone) in second and third place, respectively.

At the secondary school level, Morenikeji Oluwadarasimi (Zone 3) emerged the winner, with Akinsola Teniola (Zone 1) and Raheem Mercy (Oyo Zone) taking second and third positions.

The celebration also featured a march past competition. In the primary school individual performance, Ayodele Samuel secured first place with 98 per cent. Saint James, Iyana Church, came second with 64 per cent, while Saint Anthony, Ejioku, took third place with 62 per cent.

Among secondary schools, Ibadan Boys’ High School came first with 86 per cent, Government College Ibadan placed second with 84 per cent, while Saint Anne’s School, Molete, and Queen’s School followed with 80 and 70 per cent, respectively.

Dignitaries at the event included top government officials, traditional rulers, education stakeholders, and members of the public.

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, is having an inaugural meeting with the members of Olubadan-in-Council at the Olubadan palac,e Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

The meeting is the first official outing of the Kabiyesi since his enthronement as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland last Friday

At the time of filing the report, the meeting is ongoing.

Edo State Executive Council has approved a revised supplementary budget of N799.820 billion from the initial N675,200 billion, representing an increase of N125 billion, or 18 percent for the 2025 fiscal year.

It was learnt that the approval followed an emergency executive meeting presided over by the Chairman-in-Council and Governor of the State, Monday Okpebholo on Monday.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, explained the rationale behind the adjustment and emphasised the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.

He explained: ‘Previously, we have a budget of N675 billion with recurrent expenditure having about 33 percent and capital 67 percent.

‘The new revised budget now has about 70 percent for capital expenditure as against 30 percent for recurrent expenditure.

‘It shows the commitment of governor Monday Okpebholo in infrastructural development in Edo state.’

Okoebor further explained the size and nature of the increment, saying that: ‘The increment in the budget is about N125 billion, which signifies about 18 percent of the previous budget.

‘Recurrent increased with about N12 billion, while capital is about N113 billion from the previous one. Given about 25 percent increment in Capital expenditure and just 5 percent increment in recurrent expenditure.

‘It clearly shows that the government is concerned about infrastructural development making Edo people happy. We have done about 254KM of roads across the state, and many more construction works are ongoing.

‘Recurrent expenditure has about 5 percent increment as the increase in minimum wage necessitated that increment including a lot of employment the present administration did in hospital management board for over 1000 and it needs to be captured.

‘The budget has been increased by N125 billion, which is about 18 percent, and capita expenditure about 25 percent increment, from N450 billion to N563 billion.’

According to the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohombamu, the revised budget is expected to be forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for legislative consideration and passage.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new heads for three key Federal Government agencies.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government.

Tinubu appointed Bello Bawa Bwari as Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency for an initial four-year term, effective from 18 September 2025.

The President also appointed Mr Aminu Junaidu as Chairman of the Investment and Security Tribunal for a five-year term, beginning on 18 September 2025.

Similarly, Mr Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan was appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation for an initial four-year term, effective from 2 September 2025.

Imohiosen stated that the appointments underscored Tinubu’s resolve to strengthen key sectors and institutions in the country.

He added that the President urged the appointees to apply their expertise towards advancing the growth and development of their agencies for national progress.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, urged Nigerians to rekindle their hope and renew their commitment towards building a nation that benefits everyone.

In his message on Tuesday, Kalu congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence anniversary.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey, Kalu acknowledged the nation’s challenges but expressed optimism about its progress toward greatness.

He emphasised the significance of the Renewed Hope Agenda, initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and encouraged Nigerians to remain patient and work together in harnessing their diversity, resilience, and determination for the development of the country.

The Deputy Speaker noted that the agenda embodied collective aspirations for a Nigeria where citizens thrive and opportunities abound, stressing that working together will help build a nation that reflects the dreams of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to serving Nigerians and contributing to the nation’s growth as a federal lawmaker, assuring that the Parliament will continue to prioritise people-oriented legislation.

The Deputy Speaker wished all Nigerians a fruitful Independence Day anniversary, praying for God’s guidance toward a prosperous future for Nigeria.

He said: ‘As we celebrate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, we reflect on our nation’s journey, achievements, and challenges. This milestone reminds us of the sacrifices made by our forebears and the collective efforts towards nation-building.

‘As a representative of the people, I’m honoured to reaffirm my commitment to serving Nigerians and contributing to our nation’s growth.

‘I have faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR which embodies our collective aspirations for a Nigeria where citizens thrive, opportunities abound, and our nation takes its rightful place globally. It’s a call to action for us to work together, harnessing our diversity, resilience, and determination.

‘As we mark this significant day, let’s rekindle our hope, renew our commitment, and work tirelessly towards building a Nigeria that reflects the dreams of our founding fathers. Together, we can achieve greatness.

‘Happy 65th Independence Anniversary! May God bless Nigeria and guide us towards a prosperous tomorrow, anchored on the principles of the Renewed Hope Agenda’.

On her part, Musawa felicitated with Nigerians on the 65th Independence Day celebration.

She said: ‘This an ode of our independence that came with a fee; The tale of a nation that begged to be free. My heavy heart; Oh Verily! Nigeria, thy never on bended knee! Awo, Zik and Sardauna made a fortress for thee. Balewa he stood, as did Macauley. To make Ye as brave as Ye can be. But thy Babylon-Beasts laid snares for thee, And spread their nets with cords of glee.

‘There´s a storm in the affairs of man, If taken at its stride, it can, And leads thee into deepest sea! For those of We who toiled for thee, We pray to see thee always free. Freedom from corruption is thy only key. Even rebellion is an effort to set thee free. We, protégé, must continue to give to thee, In the path of those who doth walk for Ye. Some have followed and some doth lead for we to unite this great nation inclusivly and happily.

‘For our common good we traverse with glee, To turn our vast diversity into unity.

‘Continue lifting our nation for all to see, but the task ahead will be very heavy. Now forge forth, struggle and win for thee, Your unending great quest for liberty. Nigeria, ye off thy bended knee.’