Category: Nigerian Tribune

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.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recorded a remarkable milestone in institutional transparency, ranking 3rd out of over 500 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) assessed in the 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index released by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI).

According to the report released on Tuesday, ICPC achieved an impressive 78.13% score, placing it among the top three most transparent and accountable government institutions in Nigeria.

This performance represents a historic leap for ICPC, which ranked 19th in the 2024 Index with a score of just 24%.

The dramatic rise of over 50 percentage points highlights the Commission’s strengthened internal systems, proactive information disclosure, and commitment to openness in line with global standards of accountability.

The Transparency and Integrity Index measures institutional compliance across five key variables: Fiscal Transparency, Open Procurement, Human Resource and Inclusion, Control of Corruption, and Citizens’ Engagement.

ICPC’s strong showing across these areas demonstrates the Commission’s resolve to lead by example in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.

Observers note that this leap sends a powerful message about institutional reforms, accountability, and the Commission’s renewed commitment to building public trust.

With this development, ICPC has set a new benchmark for transparency among Nigeria’s public institutions, further cementing its role as the nation’s foremost anti-corruption agency.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, described the Transparency and Integrity Index (TII) as a vital instrument for entrenching accountability and good governance in Nigeria’s public institutions.

He noted that the assessment has, over the years, provided a benchmark for reforms that strengthen governance and improve service delivery.

According to him, the 2025 edition of the Index, jointly conducted with the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), is aligned with the National Strategy for Public Service Reforms (NSPSR 2021-2025), the Freedom of Information Act, and Nigeria’s commitments under the Open Government Partnership.

Dr. Arabi emphasized that the Index is more than numbers or rankings, but about building a culture of openness and responsibility that fosters public trust, as contained in a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Director, Public Enlightenment and Education/Spokesperson for the Commission.

Nigeria celebrates its Independence every 1st October, marking the nation’s declaration of freedom from British dominance as a colonial master.

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th anniversary of independence today, Tribune Online looks at some 65 quick facts you should know about the country.

Nigeria is located in West Africa.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa.

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

In the Atlantic Ocean, Nigeria is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea to the south.

The country covers an area of 923,769 square kilometres (356,669 sq mi).

The country borders Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west.

Nigeria is a federal republic comprising 36 states.

Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria.

The official language of Nigeria is English, while the national languages are Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa.

Nigeria has over 500 different regional languages.

Nigeria is known for its diverse ethnic groups, with over 250 different ethnicities.

Nigeria became a republic on October 1, 1963.

Nigeria’s three largest ethnic groups are the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo.

The Nigerian currency is called the Naira.

There are 774 local governments in Nigeria.

The Federal government of Nigeria comprises three distinct branches, namely the legislative, executive, and judicial.

Nigeria has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional dances, music, and artwork.

Nigeria is home to various national parks and wildlife reserves, which include Yankari National Park and Cross River National Park.

Nigeria’s film industry is referred to as Nollywood.

Nigeria has the largest population of people of African descent in the world.

Nigeria has a tropical climate, with distinct dry and wet seasons.

The country has seen periods of military rule as well as periods of democratic governance.

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is known for its oil reserves.

The country has a diverse range of natural resources, including crude oil, tin, limestone, and coal.

Nigeria is known for its vibrant fashion industry, with traditional textiles like Ankara fabric being widely used.

Nigeria has a rich sporting history, with successes in football, athletics, boxing, and basketball among others.

Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a renowned figure in contemporary literature.

Nigeria is often referred to as the Giant of Africa due to its large population and economy.

Nigeria is a multi-religious country, with Islam and Christianity being the major religions.

The amalgamation of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and Northern Nigeria Protectorate was done in 1914 by Lord Lugard.

Nigeria has a federal system of government, with power shared between the federal and state governments, and local governments.

Lake Chad, located in northeastern Nigeria, is a crucial water source for the country.

Nigeria is home to Wole Soyinka, the first African Nobel laureate in literature.

The country is rich in cultural festivals, including the Argungu Fishing Festival, Egungun Festival, and the Durbar Festival.

The Yoruba people of Nigeria have a strong tradition of wooden sculpture and art.

In 2015, Nigeria became the first African country to rid itself of the Ebola virus.

Nigeria has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Sukur Cultural Landscape, Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, and Aso Rock.

Nigerian writer, Chinua Achebe’s novel, ‘Things Fall Apart’ is one of the most widely read and studied African novels.

Nigerian footballer, Jay-Jay Okocha is considered one of the greatest African football players of all time.

Lagos was the former capital city of Nigeria before the federal capital was formally moved to Abuja on December 12, 1991 under the administration of General Ibrahim Babaginda.

Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa.

The Nigeria flag has two green stripes and a white stripe.

The Nigeria national motto is ‘Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.’

Nigeria’s current national anthem is ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee.’

The Nigeria coat of arms features an eagle, representing strength, and a shield, representing agriculture and the natural resources of the country.

Nigeria is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Nigeria has produced many notable writers, including Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Wole Soyinka.

A Nigerian, Aliko Dangote, is the richest man in Africa.

The first newspaper in Nigeria, ‘Iwe Irohin fun awon ara Egba ati eya Yoruba,’ was established in Abeokuta, Ogun state, in 1859.

Nigerian late legendary musician and activist Fela Kuti is well known for his Afrobeat music and his criticism of government corruption and human rights abuses.

Nigeria has a growing music industry, producing internationally recognized artistes like Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy among others.

Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of Cassava.

Nigeria has a large diaspora population, with Nigerians living in virtually all countries around the world.

Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones: North-West, North-East, North-Central, South-West, South-East, and South-South.

Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe was the first ceremonial president of Nigeria.

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the first prime minister of Nigeria.

Nigeria is a member of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The country has a diverse music scene, with popular genres including Afrobeat, Afro-pop, hip-hop, fuji, and gospel music.

The Nigerian Civil War, otherwise known as the Biafra war, lasted from 1967 to 1970 and resulted in widespread violence and a significant loss of life.

Britain annexed Lagos, Nigeria as a crown colony in August 1861 with the Lagos Treaty of Cession.

Nigeria has a diverse transportation system, including road networks, railways, and waterways.

Nigeria has a rich history of traditional kingdoms and empires, such as the Benin Empire, Bornu Empire, and the Oyo Empire.

The Zuma Rock is one of the most famous geological landmarks in Nigeria.

The current President of Nigeria is Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are the national female football team that has won an international trophy 10 times, securing their record-breaking 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in 2025.