Category: Nigerian Tribune

Former Governor of Ondo, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, on Monday, dismissed a media report claiming he was appointed to lead former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2027 presidential consultation team in the Southwest.

The report, published by a national daily (not Nigerian Tribune) alleged that Mimiko was chosen to head the consultations ahead of Jonathan’s possible political comeback.

The report also claimed that former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, recommended Mimiko for the role.

Although former President Jonathan has yet to declare interest in the 2027 presidential race, speculation has intensified that he may seek a return to Aso Rock.

The former president, who lost his re-election bid to the late Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, is reportedly engaged in quiet consultations over the possibility.

However, in a statement issued on Monday through his spokesperson, Mr. Eniola Akinsola, Mimiko described the report as ‘falsehood’ and ‘a concocted rumour dressed in news.’

‘The falsehood in the report is obvious from the get-go. It is just the work of a journalist flying with concocted rumour dressed as news,’ the statement read.

‘The Mimiko that I know respects former President Jonathan but has neither been reached nor appointed for a campaign that is still the subject – and may well end as a subject – of fanciful speculation. I am sure he is also not job-hunting,’ it added.

Akinsola further noted that as politics heats up, more ‘cooked stories’ would likely emerge, especially about prominent figures like Mimiko, who has chosen to stay out of the spotlight for now.

Last week, former Minister of Information and stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Jerry Gana, claimed that Jonathan would contest the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking with journalists after a PDP congress in Minna, Niger State, Gana said Nigerians had experienced two other leaders since Jonathan and were now yearning for his return.

‘I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as PDP candidate, and we should be prepared to vote for him to return as president again,’ Gana declared.

But in a swift reaction, Presidential aide Mr. Bayo Onanuga dismissed Gana’s claim as ‘an absurdity.’

‘However, we should caution former president Jonathan to be wary of the PDP sugar-coated cheerleaders.

‘Politicians of Jerry Gana’s ilk merely want to lure him into the race to satisfy their personal, political, religious, and ethnic interests. They will abandon him midstream, as they did in 2015, and leave Gentleman Jonathan in the lurch,’ Onanuga warned.

Legend Internet PLC Nigeria’s pioneering indigenous broadband service provider, has been assigned a long-term corporate rating of ‘Bbb-‘ and a short-term rating of ‘A3’ with a Stable Outlook by Agusto and Co., West Africa’s foremost credit rating agency.

This marks Legend’s inaugural rating since its incorporation in 2021 and represents a strong validation of the Company’s business fundamentals and growth strategy. The rating also reflects Legend’s satisfactory financial condition, supported by its cash-driven operations and low leverage. It also reflects robust infrastructure investments across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), passing 250,000 homes with 22,000 connected and 10,000 currently active, improving profitability margins, with gross profit rising to 63.9 percent in for year end 2024/25.

In a statement signed by Legend Internet’s Chief Marketing Officer, Shakirah Alaga, the Chief Executive Officer of Legend Internet Plc, Aisha Abdulaziz, said: ‘This is first-time rating from Agusto and Co. is a milestone achievement for Legend Internet Plc. It validates our resilience, prudent financial management, and commitment to building Nigeria’s most reliable broadband network. As we expand into Lagos and other key markets, this rating reinforces the confidence of our investors, partners, and customers in Legend’s ability to grow sustainably while powering digital lifestyles across Nigeria.’

Legend Internet, which transitioned to a Public Limited Company in April 2024, is advancing plans for a dual listing on the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. The Company continues to diversify its ecosystem with complementary solutions such as LegendMail, Nigeria’s first commercial email platform; MailPay, its proprietary fintech application; and Legend Omni, Fibre-to-the-Room (FTTR) services introduced in partnership with Huawei.

With this rating, Legend Internet PLC strengthens its position as one of Nigeria’s leading broadband providers, building a stable foundation to accelerate growth, attract investment, and deepen digital inclusion nationwide.

This exemplary rating is the outcome of cost optimisation measures and strong expansion prospects, including its planned entry into Lagos via merger and acquisition, alongside organic growth in Abuja and future rollouts in Kano and Port Harcourt.

Agusto and Co. noted that Legend’s strategic pause in customer activations during Abuja’s city-wide construction works has positioned the Company to scale more efficiently as disruptions subside. The recently approved 50% tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is also expected to boost earnings and cash flow in the near term.

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address several unresolved issues affecting its members in the nation’s universities, warning that failure to do so will compel the union to embark on an industrial action.

In a statement signed by the President of the Association, Comrade (Hon.) Ibeji Nwokoma, following the outcome of its 60th regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Federal University, Lafia, on Saturday, 4th October 2025, NAAT said the ultimatum became necessary after reviewing the Government’s handling of critical agreements and commitments made to the union.

According to Nwokoma, ‘Sequel to the outcome of the 60th regular meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), presided over by the President, Comrade (Hon.) Ibeji Nwokoma, held at Federal University, Lafia, on Saturday, 4th October 2025. NEC reviewed the progress made following the conciliation meeting convened by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment on 30th July, 2025, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed, and the meeting convened by the Honourable Minister of Education on Thursday, 11th September 2025, and the unfolding events in the education sector.’

He explained that the core of the union’s grievances revolves around ‘the non-completion of the FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement renegotiation, which seeks to review the existing salaries, allowances and other conditions of service in the Nigerian University system.’

‘It is worrisome to hear,’ he continued, ‘that a report has been submitted by the committee to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) when in fact, only the inaugural meeting was held between the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation committee and NAAT on December 10, 2024.’

The NAAT President also lamented the failure to mainstream Earned Allowances into the salaries of Academic Technologists ‘to curb further accumulation of arrears and their attendant consequences,’ as well as the ‘non-release of the enabling circular for CONTISS 14 and 15 to enable NAAT members to get to the peak of their careers.’

He further decried the recent delays in salary payments, noting that they ’cause untold hardship on NAAT members, considering the current economic realities.’

‘NAAT wishes to categorically state that it rejects and cannot accept the idea of disparity and distortions in salary tables of university staff and appeals to the Government to avoid any action that could precipitate a crisis in the system,’ Nwokoma declared.

According to him, ‘NAAT is of the view that addressing the salary increment should be comprehensive and all-encompassing by maintaining the existing relationships between various salary tables being operated in the Nigerian University system.’

Consequently, the Association has drawn a line, stating: ‘Consequent upon the above, the Union hereby issue a 14-day ultimatum to the Government to address the demands listed above.

‘While the Union remain open to dialogue, failure to address these demands by FGN at the expiration of the ultimatum, the Union will be left with no other option than to declare an industrial action to press home her demands without recourse to the Government.’

The statement further underscores NAAT’s readiness to pursue its demands through every lawful means should the government fail to act within the stipulated period.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a scathing condemnation of the recent demolitions of shops and structures at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, accusing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of orchestrating a deliberate attack on Igbo investments.

In a statement released Sunday, signed by Deputy President General and National Spokesman Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chief Chinemeze Ohia, the group demanded an immediate halt to the demolitions, describing them as a ‘calculated political vendetta’ aimed at dismantling Igbo economic contributions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The demolitions, which targeted structures largely owned by Igbo traders, have sparked outrage, with Ohanaeze labeling them a ‘profound injustice’ and an ‘economic affront.’

The group argues that the actions violate the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, specifically Section 40 on freedom of association and movement, as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the UN Convention on Human Rights, and the 1978 Land Use Act, which mandates lawful revocation of occupancy rights, advance notice, and compensation. According to Ohanaeze, no such due process was followed.

‘The apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds it imperative to address, with unwavering candor, the insidious actions perpetrated by the Lagos State Government under the stewardship of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. We hereby demand an immediate cessation of all demolition activities that specifically target Igbo investments within Lagos State. Such measures are not merely administrative actions; they are perceived as a calculated political vendetta designed to systematically dismantle the economic contributions of the Igbo residents in Lagos State, compelling them to vacate the state in advance of the 2027 elections.

‘With the utmost gravity, Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemns the recent demolitions of shops and structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos. These acts represent a profound injustice, an economic affront, and a blatant violation of the rights of traders, the majority of whom are of Igbo ancestry. The recent demolitions blatantly contravene the protections afforded to individuals by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, particularly Section 40, alongside the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the UN Convention on Human Rights, and the foundational provisions of the 1978 Land Use Act, which unequivocally requires lawful revocation of Rights of Occupancy, advance notice, and just compensation for affected property owners.

‘Independent investigations commissioned by Ohanaeze Ndigbo have revealed alarming violations of the Urban and Regional Development Law of Lagos State. Notably, there was a conspicuous absence of environmental impact assessments or consultations with stakeholders prior to these demolitions. Insights obtained from interviews with Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, underscore that the Trade Fair Complex is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, thus inherently questioning the legality of state-led demolition actions.

‘Ohanaeze Ndigbo resolutely calls on Governor Sanwo-Olu to halt these assaults on Igbo properties and investments in Lagos State. We remind the Governor that he was overwhelmingly supported by the Igbo community during his 2019 electoral campaign. Since his administration’s commencement, our records reveal that over 2,753 properties-houses, shops, and their valuable contents-have been callously demolished without due recourse to the owners, representing colossal losses amounting to approximately 23 trillion Naira in investments. It is incumbent upon us to confront these issues forthrightly, irrespective of any political sensitivities.

‘Our assessments evince a concerning pattern; it appears that the Lagos State Government may be engaging in acts of political retribution against Ndigbo in Lagos, particularly in the wake of the electoral dynamics observed in the aftermath of the 2023 elections. The prevailing inflation rate of 23.9% only exacerbates the economic harm inflicted upon Igbo traders, and indications suggest that further demolitions will occur as a means to diminish the Igbo presence prior to the 2027 elections.

‘ln a passionate plea, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene directly in this matter. The President must order an immediate cessation of further demolitions and compel the Lagos State Government to deliver adequate compensation to those affected. Additionally, we advocate for the reopening of the Calabar Seaport, which has languished in disuse for 59 years, and call for the establishment of a new Southeast Seaport at the Azumiri Blue River, in Ukwa East LGA Of Abia State,located a mere 34 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

‘Furthermore, it is imperative that we alert the Igbo community residing in Lagos State to the troubling prospects ahead. Information at our disposal indicates that additional demolitions targeting Igbo properties may occur as early as 2026. It is high time for Igbo business owners to evaluate the sustainability of their investments in Lagos and consider reestablishing their enterprises in the Old Eastern Region, particularly the Southeast. The ‘Think Home’ philosophy (Ak? Ruo Ulo) is increasingly seen as the most viable strategy in response to the ongoing demolitions. Standing united, we shall confront these injustices and ardently defend the rights and livelihoods of the Igbo people’.

Drop shipping is an e-commerce business model where you’re not compelled to keep inventory; rather, you serve as an intermediary between your customers and suppliers. As a profit-making retail business, you don’t need much capital to start, and it is flexible to operate.

The benefits of drop shipping are discussed below:

1. Flexible to operate

One of the interesting features of drop shipping is that you can operate it anywhere. As long as you have access to the internet, you will be able to manage it while travelling, on vacation, or at home. This is a flexible job that gives you the freedom to pivot into something else as well.

2. Less capital to start

You do not need much capital to start your online store compared to a traditional retail business. You don’t actually own or buy any goods you display on your virtual store. After you make your sale, the next thing is to ensure the goods get to your customer through your supplier. This does not cost you anything; no worries about storing and shipping the products.

3. Unlimited product selection

You’re not limited to selling anything. You can expand or sell as many products as you want. You’re able to offer your customers a variety of options to select from. Even if a product is not making many sales, you can easily stop or pull back.

4. Automated workflows

Your daily activities can be automated once you’ve set up your online store. You can track your inventory and orders, but you still need to monitor your marketing promotions and customer service. For shipments and delivery, you can just follow up.

5. Change of inventory

You can change your inventory as much as you want. In drop shipping, you can try different business methods and suppliers to know what works best for you. Doing this, you’re ensuring you offer quality products and services to your customers. In addition, you should prioritise products that are high in demand.

6. No experience needed

You don’t need to have experience in e-commerce or in sales before venturing into drop shipping. The business is easy and straightforward; you don’t need any specific skills to get started.

No fewer than 2,217 medical cases and 35 surgical operations were conducted during the second phase of the medical outreach organised by the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Lami Danladi-Ogenyi.

The medical outreach, held under the Lami Medical Outreach Foundation, took place during the week at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Ukwonyo-Utonkon, in Ado Local Government Area.

According to a statement by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Agbaji Samuel Atsonwu, the medical outreach formed part of her constituency project.

He said the Deputy Speaker assembled a team of highly skilled surgeons and medical professionals who provided free healthcare services to residents of the community.

The Deputy Speaker’s media aide noted that the surgical operations were carried out on patients with hernia, hydrocelectomies, appendectomy, lipoma excisions, and the removal of abnormal growths and lumps – all aimed at alleviating pain and improving patients’ quality of life.

Aside from the surgeries, the media aide further stated that over two thousand residents of the local government benefited from medical consultations, treatment of common ailments, health screenings, and medications, which included malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, VDRL, HVS, and H. pylori (ulcer), as well as blood pressure monitoring and blood glucose testing. All diagnosed cases were managed and treated effectively.

According to the statement, ‘At the ophthalmology unit, hundreds of residents with varying degrees of eye problems were examined using modern diagnostic machines. Many received drugs and medicated lenses, while others were given professional advice and referrals for further optical surgeries where necessary.

‘The beneficiaries and the entire Ufia community expressed profound gratitude, describing the outreach as historic and a beacon of hope for the people of Ado. They offered heartfelt prayers for the Deputy Speaker, commending her compassion and commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs in the local government and beyond.

‘It is important to note that the successful conclusion of the Ukwonyo-Utonkon phase marks only the beginning, as the medical team will continue the outreach in other parts of Ado to ensure every resident has access to these life-saving services.’

The new Osorun of Isaga-Orile in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Chief Kayode Odunaro, has promised to use his title to contribute to the growth of the community.

Odunaro, who is the Chief of Staff and Media Adviser to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, said this shortly after his installation by the Onisaga of Isaga-Orile, Oba Joseph Tella, on Saturday.

He hinted that the chieftaincy title belongs to his lineage, and that the position was last held by his uncle who died in 1988, having been installed in 1958.

Odunaro, who is also the Baa’royin of Imala,added that Osorun titleholder is one of the kingmakers in the ancient kingdom.

He stated further that the title would bring him closer to his roots and participate more in activities of Isaga traditional council, particularly in the selection of a new traditional ruler in the town.

While submitting that his new title is unique and will demand high responsibility from him, he expressed appreciation to Oba Tella, Isaga-Orile Traditional Council and the Osorun Family, the erstwhile Chief Press Secretary to former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, declaring that he would bring the experience he had garnered as the spokesperson to three past administrations in Ogun, to bear on the new title.

‘I am delighted that I have just been installed as the Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom. This is a very important traditional title in the kingdom as Osorun is one of the kingmakers.

‘The title belongs to our family; my late uncle was installed in 1958 and held the title till he passed in 1988. So, for decades, there was a vacancy in the position of Osorun. Therefore, I am highly elated that I am feeling the vacant position today after so many years of interregnum.

‘For me, it is a higher call to traditional responsibility, and I will ensure that I bring experiences I garnered over the years as spokesperson of three administrations, both military and civilian in Ogun, to bear in this new title. Like I have done in public service, I will use this Osorun title to contribute to the growth and development of the Isaga-Orile Kingdom’, Odunaro submitted.adding that the position was last held by his uncle who died in 1988, having been installed in 1958.

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on credible information, on 4th October 2025, stormed Aguleri and arrested the prime suspect, Obadigbo Emmanuel Anumudu, for beheading the late Mrs Obianuju Akubi, a 69-year-old woman from Umuleri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Sunday, the suspect had allegedly been on the run since 22nd July 2024 after he gruesomely murdered and beheaded Mrs Akubi.

He said during interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and further mentioned members of his gang who participated in the murder and beheading.

He also disclosed the whereabouts of the victim’s head, which was taken away after the heinous act.

Meanwhile, intensive efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining gang members to ensure that justice is served.

Further developments will be communicated in due course.

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) on Sunday lamented that investors in Nigeria remain exposed to harassment and service disruptions due to a lack of comprehensive legislation guaranteeing their rights or shielding them from arbitrary regulatory decisions and unlawful shutdowns.

In a statement released by the CPPE Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muda Yusuf, the organisation warned that persistent harassment and shutdowns of investment structures could lead to loss of investor confidence, increased capital flight, a decline in foreign direct investment, and contraction of domestic enterprises.

According to the CPPE statement, ‘Investors in Nigeria operate in an environment marked by uncertainty and institutional weakness. Key sources of vulnerability include: Weak legal protection; a growing culture of coercion, intimidation, and impunity among labour unions, resulting in industrial actions that are often out of proportion; Frequent policy reversals, inconsistent enforcement, and opaque regulatory processes raise business risks and discourage long-term investments; and cumbersome procedures, unauthorized enforcement actions, and protracted legal disputes create delays and uncertainty, undermining investor confidence and productivity.

‘Together, these factors erode Nigeria’s competitiveness, deter both local and foreign investment, and slow economic growth and job creation.’

On the economic implications, the CPPE stated that, ‘Investor vulnerability carries serious macroeconomic and social consequences.

‘When investors lose confidence, capital flight intensifies, foreign direct investment declines, and domestic enterprises contract their operations. The resulting chain reaction includes job losses, declining tax revenues, and reduced economic growth.

‘Unrestrained strikes in strategic sectors such as energy, transport, and health disrupt production, threaten national security, and endanger public welfare.

‘Policy inconsistency and regulatory arbitrariness make long-term planning difficult, deepening Nigeria’s dependence on imports and weakening its industrial base.

‘Without corrective reforms, these trends will continue to erode national competitiveness, discourage innovation, and diminish Nigeria’s economic resilience.’

On recommendations, the CPPE stated that, ‘Nigeria should enact a dedicated Investor and Employer Protection Act to provide a strong legal foundation for safeguarding investors’ rights.

‘The Act should: Codify the rights and obligations of investors, employers, regulators, and unions; Prohibit unlawful actions such as intimidation, coercion, unauthorized shutdowns, and harassment; Establish penalties, damages, and restitution mechanisms for violations.

‘The Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) should be strengthened for faster, impartial resolution of industrial disputes.

‘An Independent Investment Ombudsman Office should also be created to handle investor complaints and mediate disputes involving government agencies.’

On incessant strike actions by labour unions, the CPPE explained that, ‘Labour unions play a legitimate role in protecting workers, but their activities must align with the law and national interest.

‘Reforms should include: Proportionality of industrial actions; Designation of strategic sectors – including energy, health, transport, and ICT – as essential services, where strikes are restricted or prohibited; Introduction of compulsory arbitration in essential sectors to prevent economic paralysis. Clear sanctions and restitution requirements for unlawful strikes that inflict damage on businesses and the economy. Labour rights should end where those of employers begin. Investors should have as much rights to protect their investment as labour unions have the rights to protect the workers. There is a need for a fair and equitable balance.

‘Mandatory publication of audited union accounts and governance records to enhance transparency.’

Concluding, the CPPE added that, ‘Protecting investors and employers is not a privilege – it is a national economic imperative.

‘Investors mobilize capital, create jobs, and generate the tax revenues that sustain government and society. Without them, there can be no sustained growth, no employment, and no national prosperity.

‘Nigeria must, therefore, urgently institutionalize a fair, secure, and predictable business environment that protects those who take risks to create wealth. This is not about weakening labour unions, but about balancing rights and responsibilities – to foster sustainable economic growth, social stability, and national security.’

Big Brother Naija Season 10 has officially crowned Imisioluwa Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, as its winner. The 23-year-old housemate captured the hearts of millions with her emotional openness, fiery personality, and resilience throughout the ‘Ten over Ten’ edition.

Here are five key things to know about Imisi:

1. Her real name is Opeyemi Ayanwale

The 23-year-old Imisi hails from Ibadan, Oyo State, and works as a fashion designer and aspiring actress. She is known for her vibrant personality and expressive nature, and she brought both emotion and entertainment to the house from day one.

2. Imisi won several tasks during the season

Throughout the season, Imisi proved her versatility by winning six major tasks, including the Guinness, Indomie, Munchit, Gordon, Terra, TravelBeta, and Lush hair, among others.

3. One of the most talked-about housemates

From emotional diary sessions to fiery confrontations, Imisi remained a central figure in the house. She openly discussed surviving rape at age 12 and a miscarriage during a past relationship, earning viewers’ empathy for her courage to be vulnerable on national television.

4. Mix of friendship, rivalry, and romance

Imisi’s journey wasn’t without drama; she clashed with Koyin and Rooboy during a heated kitchen fight but also shared close bonds with Kola and Isabella, creating moments that trended online. Her openness about liking multiple male housemates made her one of the season’s most unpredictable contestants.

5. She won N150 million worth of prizes

At the grand finale hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Imisi was announced as the winner, with Dede as the first runner-up. She takes home N80 million in cash and, overall, N150 million worth of grand prizes.