Category: Nigerian Tribune

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

The governor made the statement after a security council meeting on Tuesday night, according to a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Wednesday.

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

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

‘On Monday night, combined forces of the Army, DSS and Police launched an offensive around Baba Sango, along the Kwara-Kogi border, neutralising about 15 armed bandits. The same operation continued on Tuesday. And yesterday night, I presided over the State Security Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, to integrate state and federal assets into a single strategy for both Kwara North and South.’

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

‘I have assurances of the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts. We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals. To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice. Kwara belongs to its people, and their peace will be defended,’ the governor added.

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Former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose has showered encomiums on his longtime associate and political ally, Lere Olayinka, describing him as a ‘man of wisdom, loyalty and relevance’ in a heartfelt birthday tribute.

In a voice note made public in a WhatsApp group on Wednesday, Fayose praised Olayinka’s journey from modest beginnings in Okemesi to becoming a respected public figure and household name in Nigerian politics and media.

‘To a great man; young, diligent, submissive and determined whom God has raised from Okemesi. A man of stature and relevance. A man of wisdom who knows his onions,’ Fayose said.

The former governor, known for his outspoken political style, described Olayinka as a loyal aide and dependable defender who has consistently stood tall in the face of challenges.

‘From humble beginnings, you have expanded your coast, protected your name and risen to become a respected figure, all to the glory of God,’ he added. ‘There is no regret in working with you.’

Fayose also highlighted Olayinka’s role as a shining representative of the Osoko Political Family, acknowledging his service, resilience and faithfulness.

‘Your name has become a household name in Nigeria and there is no going back,’ he said. ‘This is only the beginning. The future is indeed bright.’

He concluded the message with a personal and symbolic endorsement, referring to Olayinka as ‘my boy, my son, my follower, my brother, my defender,’ and extended warm birthday wishes on behalf of the entire Osoko Political Family Worldwide.

‘Happy birthday and many happy returns,’ Fayose said.

Lere Olayinka currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He has long been a prominent media figure and political strategist, both in Ekiti State and across Nigeria’s political landscape.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has described the nation’s capital, Abuja, as one of the most peaceful places to reside in Nigeria, citing both security measures and residents’ intolerance for insecurity.

This was contained in his Independence Day anniversary message to residents on Wednesday. Wike used the occasion to reflect on the nation’s journey, celebrate its unity, and catalogue his administration’s achievements in line with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.

The Minister, who emphasised the FCT’s symbolic role, describing it as Nigeria’s symbol of unity and nationhood, urged residents to continue to embody the faith that they are greater together and to ensure that the labour of the nation’s founding fathers is not in vain.

Wike noted that the anniversary was a time for sober reflection and stock-taking, necessary to look ahead with renewed hope towards a better future.

The Minister expressed gratitude for residents’ support for the President’s agenda, which centres on economic growth, national security, food security, sustainable development and infrastructure development.

He used the opportunity to lay bare his vision and the progress the FCT Administration had been able to make on several fronts under his watch.

‘The FCT Administration, with your unflinching support, will continue to work to provide first-class infrastructure and public utilities as demonstrated in the completion and commissioning of strategic roads.

‘It is our firm belief that no city can be said to be a city without a good network of roads, hence our focus on road construction.

‘We have reconstructed most of our schools and hospitals and provided much-needed equipment and personnel,’ he said.

He also pointed to support for farmers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as part of efforts to empower the nation’s youths and women and reinvigorate the economy.

The Minister further addressed the upcoming Area Council elections in February 2026, marking the formal start of the country’s electioneering process.

‘I implore residents to go about campaigning for candidates of their choice in a peaceful and orderly manner and to vote for leaders who evidently have their interest at heart; leaders who have vision and capacity to attract development and prosperity to the people,’ he stated.

He assured residents of the Administration’s partnership with law enforcement to ensure security, law and order in the FCT at all times, while appealing to citizens to be watchful over their neighbourhoods and to report all suspicious movements to security agents.

The Minister praised President Tinubu as a leader who is intentional about prioritising the well-being of the citizens and called for continued collective effort to ensure that the ‘FCT’s potentials and our collective aspirations are realised to the fullest.’

‘Amidst the various challenges we face as a nation, we are very optimistic that the future is brighter,’ he said.

The people of Anni, Egbetua, Ikpena and Udurebho communities in Ososo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene in the leadership crisis rocking the clan.

They specifically asked the governor to set up an administrative panel to look into the headship crisis, with specific reference to the leadership of the Olososo over the other communities in the clan.

The leaders of the communities made the call after an emergency meeting where they accused the Olososo, Chief Bamidele Obaitan, of not being the recognised ruler, as they said the five communities, with Okhe being the fifth one, that make up Ososo have their various chiefs.

They accused him of highhandedness and that he was interested in businesses and harassment of the people in the face of insecurity and kidnappings in the area.

After the meeting, one of the elders, Chief Aiyero Omokhojie, stated that Ososo customs and traditions ‘are older than anyone alive, and they are handed to successive generations in their pristine forms.’

He said the issue of chieftaincy conferment remained strictly a matter for the kindred, as no central authority had power to confer such titles.

Chief Peter Iduoremeh, on his part, asserted that each community in Ososo reserved the right to their lands ‘because right from time immemorial, each community is vested with the right to administer its land. This position was further confirmed by a federal high court judgment in May 2004.’

A youth who spoke on the condition of anonymity said insecurity had become pervasive in Ososo as different cult gangs continued to unleash terror on hapless residents.

When contacted, Obaitan dismissed the claim that the clan has no central authority headed by the Olososo.

‘Those people are not telling the truth. Ososo is made up of quarters that have chiefs and that form the Ososo Council of Traditional Rulers. I am the gazette paramount ruler of Ososo.

‘These are trouble makers, as every quarter has their chiefs, but I am the paramount ruler. It has always been like that from. There is no autonomous community; these people have been causing problems, and some of them are having issues with the EFCC,’ Obaitan reiterated.

An Ebute-Metta Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate (Mrs) Akinde, on Tuesday ordered that the case file of Shamusideen Oladiti, a National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) member, be forwarded to the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

This action followed widespread public outrage sparked by a viral video of Oladiti’s alleged assault.

Oladiti, 55, was arraigned on a three-count charge including unlawful homicide, conspiracy, and grievous assault.

The core charge relates to a violent August 27 attack at Lewis Street, Lagos Island, where he allegedly beat Imam Ramon with repeated fist blows.

Ramon later died from the sustained injuries at Lagos Island General Hospital, Marina.

The defendant has also been accused of conspiring with others still at large on September 17 and of separately assaulting another victim, Omale Samuel.

While the charge marked BG/B53/25 and signed by Anthony Iyeye of the Legal and Prosecution section of the Nigeria Police, Panti, Yaba, were read in court, Oladiti’s plea was not taken.

The Magistrate directed that the case file be duplicated and sent to the DPP within 30 days for advice on the appropriate prosecution.

The court adjourned the case until October 28, 2025.

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, has described the legislature as the heartbeat of any democratic system and governance in the world.

The speaker explained that among other arms of government, the legislature served as an institution through which the will of the people are expressed, laws are made and government at all levels are held accountable.

Aribasoye, who was represented by the leader of the House, Tolulope Ige, spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capitalwhile declaring open a three-day workshop on Legislative Practice and Procedures.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs in collaboration with the Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Development for the legislative arms (members of legislative officers and the clerk of the house) across the local government areas in the state.

He added that local governments legislative councils are critical and are the closest to the people and, ‘their effectiveness directly impacts grassroots development which are indispensable for ensuring transparency, accountability and people oriented governance.’

He commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for placing a premium on development of sustainable loyal legislation in the state, noting that the success of governance depends on the functionality of grassroot institutions.

Aribasoye stressed that the purpose of the workshop is to shape the destiny of Ekiti, lay the foundation for stronger democratic governance and sustainable development to empower with tools needed to discharge their duties responsibly.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Babatunde Olaoye explained that it was part of the Ministry’s continuous efforts to strengthen governance at the grassroots and as it would continue to create platforms for learning, collaboration and Innovation in the state.

In his opening remarks, the Lead Consultant of the Centre of Constitutionalism and Human Development, Tope Agunbiade said that the workshop was organized to engage in the discourse on the practice, procedure and roles of legislature in the third tier of government.

He said this is aimed at delivering expected dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Olusegun Ojo encouraged the participants to fully cooperate and participate in the seminar to learn a lot as governance is one of the pillars of this administration.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone B, Kaduna, has formally handed over a massive seizure of donkey bones and skins to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

The Public Relations Officer of the Unit, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Saidu Nuruddeen, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna.

He noted that operatives intercepted 700 bags of donkey bones and 2,500 pieces of donkey skins in separate anti-smuggling operations. The items were handed over to Mr. Hene Emmanuel, NESREA’s Kaduna State Coordinator, during a brief ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Comptroller Aminu Sule, described the seizure as a major step in safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity. He stressed that the illegal slaughter and trade of donkey parts pose grave ecological and socioeconomic threats to rural communities where donkeys serve as a key source of livelihood and transportation.

‘The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to enforcing environmental laws, protecting endangered species, and preventing Nigeria from being used as a transit point for illegal wildlife trade,’ he said.

Comptroller Sule said the handover ‘sends a clear warning to traffickers and their collaborators: Nigeria will not tolerate environmental crime.’

According to him, the operation demonstrates the NCS’ resolve under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to deepen collaboration with partner agencies in line with his Three-Point Agenda of Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation.

He expressed appreciation to officers of the Unit and partner agencies for their dedication to protecting the nation’s natural resources. The Comptroller also called on communities, transporters, warehouse owners, and traders to support the Service by reporting suspicious activities linked to wildlife trafficking.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Omotosho Kolapo, popularly known as Kola has been given a stiff penalty for breaching one of the show’s most important rules on confidentiality.

On Monday, Head of House Jason Jae delivered Big Brother’s judgment, announcing that Kola would not be allowed to speak until further notice. Instead, he is only permitted to communicate using a writing pad provided by Big Brother.

The sanction followed Kola’s decision to disclose details of a private red telephone conversation, despite earlier warnings not to share its content with fellow housemates.

During the call, Agent X had offered Kola a luxury manicure and pedicure session worth ?1 million, which would have been deducted from the eventual grand prize. Kola, however, declined the offer.

Big Brother declared: ‘Kola, you discussed part of your conversation on the red telephone despite being warned that you weren’t to discuss it with any of your fellow housemates during the course of your stay in Big Brother’s house.

‘As punishment, you’re forbidden from speaking till further notice. For the duration of this punishment, you’re only to communicate by writing on the writing pad that Big Brother has provided, except when speaking to Big Brother.

‘Each time you’re involved in a conversation, you have to write on the writing pad, and the housemate you’re addressing must read your words aloud before responding, and that has to continue for the duration of the conversation.’

The Malala Fund has commended the collective education activism in Nigeria, particularly noting the crucial role of local education activists and young women and girls in driving change.

During her visit to Nigeria, Malala Fund Co-founder Malala Yousafzai expressed her admiration for the tireless efforts of these individuals.

Malala said, ‘I’m so honoured to be in Nigeria once again. Nigeria is a very important part of the Malala Fund’s projects.’

‘We know that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children, and girls here have the same dream and determination as girls everywhere else to be able to learn and have a future for themselves.’

‘The Malala Fund works closely with local partners to understand the complex challenges facing girls’ education in Nigeria. We believe that education is the best solution, education is the best investment in their future,’ Malala stated.

Malala also outlined the organisation’s focus on education as a solution against child marriage and forced marriage, re-enrolment of girls in schools, and policy change to guarantee 12 years of education for every girl.

‘Our activists have made many achievements in many states of the country in securing better policies, gender-responsive policies for girls,’ she added.

The Malala Fund team are committed to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that policies are implemented and financed to bring real change to girls’ education in Nigeria.

‘I met the girls, I met the education activists here in Nigeria, and I am more determined than ever that change is possible, and we will see it happen in our lifetime when every girl in Nigeria will be able to have her right to a complete and quality education.’ She said.

Also speaking, the Malala Fund’s Chief Executive in Nigeria, Nabila Aguele, explained the organisation’s impact in the country, citing a decade of investment and activism that has yielded significant results.

‘We have had a presence on the ground for 10 years, and have invested about eight million dollars over that time. But impact cannot only be measured in dollars and time.’

‘Just last year, one of our partners working with the government of Adamawa state supported that state in launching their first-ever education policy, which was gender-responsive and spoke to the needs of girls and broader communities.’

Aguele underscored the importance of local activism and expertise in driving change for adolescent girls’ education. ‘Our problems are not being solved by outsiders.

‘That’s why I’m proud to lead an organisation that invests exclusively in local activists, local experts who work to inform policy as well as community, and who do so with the voice and the power of the girl in mind.’

‘The Malala Fund has focused its efforts in specific states, including Kaduna, Kano, Adamawa, Borno, and Oyo.

‘We have selected these states because they have a high need for girls’ education, as well as a robust civil society ecosystem and political will,’ Nabila explained.

Aguele pointed out the work of local partners, including Bridge Connect Africa in Kano, which is working on gender-responsive budgeting with the state government, and the Centre for Girls Education in Kaduna, which is pioneering safe spaces for adolescent girls.

‘The Malala Fund engages with a range of stakeholders, including policymakers, traditional rulers, and community leaders, to ensure that girls have access to 12 years of quality education.

‘This work cannot be done by any one actor. It needs to be owned and driven by government, but also by community.’

Aguele noted that systems change, capacity building, and partnership are crucial in ensuring that policies are informed by the realities and needs of girls.

‘We need to ensure that whatever is being done by policymakers is informed by the realities and the needs and the wants of the girls.’

‘That’s where we find the disconnect. It’s not always about whether there’s intent or interest. It’s about policies being developed and implemented without the right people at the table.’ She said.

The Board Member, Pearl Uzokwe, disclosed that the Malala Fund recognises the crucial role men and boys can play in promoting girls’ education and the organisation is working to engage men and boys in this effort.

‘We have to carry them a lot, so they have to have a community entr,y and then you’re buying it,’ Pearl said. ‘How are you doing it? What have been the efforts in terms of engagement as mobilisers for your children in education?’

‘Malala Fund is collaborating with men in different spaces to promote girls’ education. ‘Just as you’ve said, we’ve come to realise that if we are going to achieve the goals and the aspirations that we have for girls, then we are going to have to think about boys and men as allies,’ she said.

She noted that fathers often love their children but may not understand the value of girls’ education due to societal norms.

‘If we don’t tackle the issues of the social norms that prevent them from understanding the true value, economic and otherwise, of girls being in school, then we are going to have a challenge in our hands,’ she said.