Category: Nigerian Tribune

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has detailed the extensive financial and strategic roles played by President Bola Tinubu in securing the victory of former President Muhammadu Buhari during the 2015 presidential election.

Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV released on Saturday, Lawal revealed that Tinubu not only bankrolled key aspects of the historic campaign from his personal wealth but also independently funded the nationwide campaign activities of the then-vice presidential candidate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

Recounting the inner workings of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign machinery, the former SGF disclosed that Tinubu single-handedly financed Osinbajo’s outreach to specific demographics, hiring private jets to ease his mobility.

‘Through him, we were able to raise sufficient funds to do the campaign,’ Lawal stated. ‘Not only did he do that, Osinbajo’s portion of the campaign; he funded it, hired a chartered plane to fund the trip because Osinbajo’s campaign was a little bit broken away from the main campaign.’

Lawal explained that Osinbajo’s semi-independent campaign was a deliberate strategy to court Christian voters and other ethnic nationalities who harboured reservations about Buhari’s candidacy.

‘Osinbajo on his own was a pastor. His ethnic nationalities and Christians had some doubts about Buhari. He was on that side. He wasn’t in our own area and he was just operating semi-independently of the main campaign. Tinubu was funding it,’ he noted.

The former SGF further alleged that Tinubu brought in high-profile American political consultants to overhaul the party’s election strategy, spending billions of naira to secure their services. ‘I don’t know their names. I just know that they were Obama people, and they came and they transformed our campaign, and I knew that the money he paid them was in excess of two billion naira, equivalent in dollars,’ Lawal revealed.

Highlighting Tinubu’s deep pockets and commitment to the alliance that birthed the ruling party, Lawal noted that the current president routinely bypassed the party’s central treasury to settle massive electoral bills. ‘If there’s a need for an expenditure, no matter how massive, he doesn’t come to the campaign purse; he spends from his own purse,’ he added.

Lawal, who served in Buhari’s administration, also recounted how the former president specifically entrusted him with facilitating the initial merger talks between the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) due to his close personal relationship with Tinubu.

FOR decades, commercial buses in Nigeria have served as more than just a means of transportation. They have acted as marketplaces, debating arenas, campaign platforms, and, for countless Christian evangelists, moving pulpits.

From Lagos’ yellow buses to the minibuses crisscrossing Ibadan, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, passengers have grown accustomed to hearing spontaneous sermons, calls to repentance, prayers, words of encouragement, and hymns before they reach their destinations.

However, this long-standing tradition now faces its biggest legal challenge. The controversy began after the Senate passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes a fine of ?50,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for anyone found guilty of hawking, trading, or preaching in commercial buses.

Lawmakers argue that this measure aims to reduce distractions that could endanger motorists and passengers. The bill is currently awaiting presidential assent.

Instead of resolving the issue, the proposal has sparked one of the most spirited national conversations in recent years, pitting road safety concerns against constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and expression.

A growing wave of Christian opposition

Within days of the Senate’s decision, Christian organisations and church leaders across denominational lines began issuing statements rejecting the proposal. They described it as unnecessary, unconstitutional, and a distraction from more pressing national issues.

The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) stated that the provision contradicts constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and expression, arguing that placing peaceful preaching in the same category as hawking and trading diminishes an activity protected by Nigeria’s Constitution. The council questioned whether criminalising evangelism truly addresses the country’s more urgent socio-economic and security challenges.

The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Nigeria Region, also criticised the bill. Its president, Dr. Israel Akinadewo, argued that equating Gospel preaching with commercial hawking sends a troubling message and undermines constitutionally protected religious expression. The organisation appealed to President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the legislation.

The Anglican Communion added its voice to the growing opposition. The Anglican Bishop of Lagos South West, the Right Reverend Ebenezer Adewole, described the proposed legislation as an undue distraction from the core responsibilities of governance and a waste of legislative time.

During a media briefing at the Cathedral Church of Pentecost in Festac, Lagos, ahead of the inaugural Synod of the Diocese of Lagos South West, Bishop Adewole urged lawmakers to focus their efforts on addressing issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and other matters directly affecting Nigerians, rather than pursuing legislation aimed at criminalising public preaching in commercial vehicles.

His intervention further reinforced the belief among Christian leaders that the proposed amendment represents a misplaced priority in legislative focus.

Women Christian leaders join the opposition

Resistance to the proposed legislation has expanded beyond church councils and bishops. The Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) has directly appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reject the legislation, emphasising that road safety goals should not infringe on fundamental human rights.

Dr Ayobami Akinadewo, the National Chairperson of WOWICAN, has called for broader consultations that include religious organisations, legal experts, and civil society before implementing any restrictions. The group argues that peaceful religious expression should never be criminalised simply because it occurs in a commercial vehicle.

Northern Christian leaders reject road safety argument

The strongest responses have come from Northern Nigeria. The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has warned that criminalising peaceful preaching would be a dangerous infringement on the constitutional freedoms of religion and expression. They cautioned that such legislation could create unnecessary religious tension in an already sensitive environment and urged President Bola Tinubu not to approve the bill.

Similarly, Reverend Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), dismissed the claim that preaching or playing religious messages in commercial buses poses a threat to road safety. He argued that activities such as preaching, playing music, offering prayers, and sharing words of encouragement inside vehicles do not interfere with road safety or vehicle movement.

Hayab noted that if the proposal indeed originated from road safety authorities, it suggests a misunderstanding of road regulations. He pointed out that modern vehicles are equipped with radios and audio systems meant for providing information, education, encouragement, and entertainment as long as they don’t distract drivers.

While he acknowledged that some individuals may behave inappropriately while preaching in buses, Hayab maintained that many ministers use these opportunities to pray for travellers, encourage passengers, and remind drivers about safe journeys.

Describing the bill as a misplaced legislative priority, he warned that criminalising bus evangelism would infringe on Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression. Instead of debating restrictions on public preaching, he urged lawmakers to focus on addressing the pressing issues of insecurity, poverty, hunger, and other urgent national challenges.

‘I ask myself whether our National Assembly truly understands what it means to be lawmakers,’ he expressed. ‘At a time like this in Nigeria, they are concerned about creating a law to prevent people from preaching in vehicles.’

Hayab urged lawmakers to distinguish between isolated misconduct and legitimate religious expression, rather than impose blanket restrictions on all forms of preaching in commercial vehicles. He also called on Christian leaders nationwide to engage with members of the National Assembly and advocate for the withdrawal of the bill.

Directly appealing to President Bola Tinubu, he urged the President not to support any legislation that would limit citizens’ constitutional rights. He insisted that Nigerians have the right to freely practice, express, and propagate their faith, provided it is done peacefully and responsibly.

CAN calls for dialogue

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also rejected the proposal, maintaining that while passenger comfort and public order are legitimate concerns, restrictions affecting religious activities must be carefully balanced against constitutional rights.

Rather than criminalising preaching, CAN advocated dialogue involving lawmakers, religious leaders, transport unions and civil society organisations to arrive at a solution that protects both road safety and constitutional freedoms.

A lone Christian voice supports the bill

Interestingly, not every cleric opposed the proposal. Pastor Remmy Hazzan, a Provincial Assistant Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), publicly supported the legislation. He argued that preaching inside moving vehicles can distract drivers and endanger passengers.

Pastor Hazzan emphasised that Christians are biblically instructed to obey lawful authorities and suggested that churches should educate their members on how to comply with any new laws if they are enacted.

He noted that the exact scope of the legislation would become clearer after its implementation. His stance is one of the few publicly supportive Christian voices amid widespread opposition.

More than a road safety debate

Legal and religious observers believe the controversy ultimately revolves around balancing two legitimate public interests. On one hand, the government has a responsibility to protect lives by minimising distractions on Nigerian roads. On the other, there is a constitutional guarantee that every Nigerian has the right to freely practice, profess, and propagate their religion.

Most Christian leaders argue that if distraction is genuinely the concern, enforcement should focus on behaviours that demonstrably compromise driver concentration, rather than singling out peaceful religious expression.

However, supporters of the amendment contend that any activity capable of diverting a driver’s attention-whether hawking, trading, or preaching-should be regulated equally in the interest of public safety.

As President Bola Tinubu deliberates whether to sign or withhold assent to the amendment, the debate has evolved beyond commercial buses. It has sparked a significant national conversation about where public safety ends and religious liberty begins.

The Nigerian Association of Paediatric Dentistry (NAPD) has urged pregnant women to avoid self-medication and maintain good oral hygiene during pregnancy, warning that their oral health and lifestyle choices could have lasting effects on their children’s dental health.

The association gave the advice during an oral health outreach for expectant mothers at the Gynaecology Clinic of Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Yemetu, Ibadan. The outreach formed part of activities marking the association’s 8th Biennial Conference, themed ‘Smiles for the Future: Advancing Paediatric Dental Care in an Advancing World.’

NAPD President, Prof. Odegwa Joy Eminue, said the association chose to engage pregnant women because healthy teeth begin with proper nutrition, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. She added that expectant mothers are often more receptive to health information that could benefit their unborn children.

‘We are holding our 8th Biennial Conference here in Ibadan, and we want our children to wear healthy smiles at all times. The key message is that healthy teeth begin with proper nutrition, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits,’ she said.

According to her, increasing consumption of sugary snacks and changing lifestyles have exposed children to greater risks of tooth decay, making preventive oral healthcare more important than ever.

‘When you educate children in schools, they may get home and forget the message. Mothers, especially during pregnancy, are eager to learn how to care for their babies, including their oral health. That is why we brought this message to them,’ she said.

Eminue urged expectant mothers to maintain good oral hygiene, noting that poor maternal oral health could affect both mother and child.

‘If mothers have gum disease, it can affect their general health and even contribute to premature delivery. There is a clear relationship between oral health and overall health, so caring for the mouth is part of caring for the body,’ she said.

Speaking on the prevalence of dental caries among Nigerian children, Eminue said studies had reported varying rates depending on the environment.

‘Research has shown that dental caries prevalence ranges from about 12 to 25 per cent, depending on the environment. Some studies have reported figures as low as 6.6 per cent, while one study among children under six recorded 2.3 per cent.

‘Even if only one per cent of children are affected, it is significant because we do not want any child to suffer from dental caries. It is painful and remains the most common chronic health condition affecting children worldwide,’ she said.

She called on parents to adopt preventive oral healthcare by ensuring healthy diets, proper tooth brushing and regular dental check-ups for their children, stressing that prevention remains the most effective way to reduce childhood dental diseases.

A Consultant Paediatric Dentist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Dr Bamidele Popoola, warned expectant mothers against the indiscriminate use of drugs, particularly tetracycline, during a health talk, saying it could permanently stain a child’s developing teeth.

She also advised pregnant women to pay close attention to their oral health, noting that hormonal changes during pregnancy could increase the risk of dental problems.

According to her, women who experience excessive salivation should avoid sucking sweets throughout the day and instead chew sugar-free gum containing xylitol.

She added that pregnant women who vomit should rinse their mouths with water rather than brush immediately afterwards to prevent stomach acid from eroding the tooth enamel.

The paediatric dentist stressed that oral hygiene for children should begin as soon as the first tooth erupts.

‘The first tooth is the signal to start cleaning a child’s mouth. Introducing oral hygiene early makes it easier for children to develop healthy brushing habits,’ she said.

She also encouraged parents to establish what dentists describe as a ‘dental home’ by taking their children for regular dental check-ups rather than waiting until dental problems develop.

Popoola identified frequent snacking on sugary foods as a major cause of tooth decay among children, advising parents to ensure sugary snacks are eaten at one time rather than continuously throughout the day.

She also advised parents to supervise their children’s brushing, recommending brushing twice daily with only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

On teething, Popoola dismissed the widespread belief that it causes fever, diarrhoea or vomiting.

She explained that babies often develop itchy gums while teething, prompting them to put contaminated objects such as slippers, shoes and fingers into their mouths, thereby exposing themselves to germs that can cause infections.

She noted that the association would continue its oral health education campaigns in schools while extending similar initiatives to antenatal clinics and immunisation centres to reach more mothers.

‘We believe that by educating mothers early, we can prevent many oral diseases and give children a healthier start in life,’ she said.

The Right Reverend Joseph Olusola, Bishop of the Ijesa North-East Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has called on the federal government to ensure that the 2027 elections are credible. He made this statement during his address at the second session of the sixth synod, held at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State.

The theme of the synod was ‘Living a Life of Total Victory in Christ Jesus in the 21st Century’ (Romans 8:37).

In his remarks, the bishop noted that the Federal Government has a responsibility to ensure that justice prevails before, during, and after the elections.

‘As the synod gathered in prayerful reflection on the state of our nation, we address the Federal Government of Nigeria with a deep sense of responsibility, patriotism, and hope as the 2027 general elections approach. The times demand not only administrative preparation but also moral courage and a sincere commitment to justice, equity, and national unity,’ he stated.

He reminded the government that elections are not merely political events but sacred civic duties that shape the destiny of millions. He referenced Scripture, stating, ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach for any people’ (Proverbs 14:34).

Bishop Olusola urged that all structures and institutions involved in the electoral process be strengthened to ensure transparency, credibility, and fairness.

He stressed the importance of preserving the independence of electoral bodies and called for security agencies to act with neutrality and professionalism, ensuring a safe environment for all citizens to exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.

He voiced strong concern against the weaponisation of poverty, ethnicity, and religion for political gain, stating that such practices undermine national integrity and deepen divisions.

He also condemned the use of material incentives to induce voters, calling it a distortion of democracy that must be decisively addressed. Leadership must transcend short-term political advantages and focus on the long-term welfare of the nation. He cited 2 Samuel 23:3, ‘He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.’

Furthermore, he called on the government to create an environment that promotes issue-based campaigns rather than those driven by personal attacks or divisiveness.

‘Citizens deserve to make informed choices based on policies that address critical national issues, including security, economic stability, education, and youth empowerment. The voices of marginalised groups, especially the poor and the youth, must be heard and respected,’ he added.

Bishop Olusola reiterated the need for the federal government to ensure that justice prevails throughout the electoral process, advocating for the prompt investigation and prosecution of electoral offences without bias.

He warned against allowing impunity to erode public trust and weaken democratic institutions, stressing that the credibility of the 2027 elections will significantly impact national stability and Nigeria’s standing in the global community.

As a church, he reaffirmed their commitment to praying for the nation, educating members about their civic responsibilities, and promoting peace at all levels.

He encouraged all stakeholders, including the government, political parties, civil society, and citizens, to act with integrity and a shared sense of purpose. The future of Nigeria must not be compromised by selfish ambition or systemic failures.

In conclusion, Bishop Olusola urged the federal government to lead with integrity, fairness, and accountability. He expressed hope that the 2027 general elections would serve as a testament to national maturity, democratic strength, and collective responsibility.

‘May God grant our leaders wisdom, and may peace, justice, and righteousness reign,’ he concluded.

IT is the task of the institutional reformer not only to push for concrete reform steps and policies, or take stock of the steady achievements of reform articulation and implementation. It is also very cogent for the institutional reformer to always stay ahead of political and electoral dynamics. The civil service was founded on its capacity for administrative stability and continuity that defies political and regime changes. In other words, despite the regular changes in government, it is the task of the civil service system to keep up the administrative frameworks that undergird the business of government. If, as it has become axiomatic, the public service is a complement to democracy and democratic governance, then it becomes important for any government hoping to achieve legitimacy in governance to keep reforming its civil service system or to keep consolidating its reform achievements.

This is the fundamental basis for this piece. It is founded on a serious question: How must we start thinking about next-level civil service reforms in Nigeria-all consolidated together in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration and in the institutional reform programmes of some state governments, LGAs inclusive-after the 2027 elections and the constitution of new governments across the Nigerian federation? For the institutional reformer, this question implies that it does not matter which government is in place as long as such a government is either dedicated to consolidating its own reform agenda or continuing to deepen the frameworks of institutional reform left by the previous government. Administrative reform is a continuous business, given that its objective is to keep the civil service system sufficiently adaptive and creative to pre-empt challenges and generate resolutions of administrative problems.

The challenge before the communities of service and practice in Nigeria therefore derives from their responsibility to keep holding up Nigeria’s governance, administrative and institutional reforms to the mirror of global best practices and national imperatives. In other words, it is our responsibility to spotlight where we are coming from, where we are at the moment, and what possibilities for more inclusive reform the future holds if we articulate specific change management frameworks and scenario reflection. All across the world, proactive governments are recognised by their attention and dedication to continuously reassessing their policy implementation, performance effectiveness and service delivery efficiency. In the United Kingdom, for example, the government is focusing on, among many other reforms, a very strict emphasis among senior civil servants on performance management, which necessitates tying performance to pay and incentives. This also involves some kind of negotiated exit for those who are not able to meet the performance contract and its requirements.

In the United States, there is an ongoing tension in the relationship between merit and patronage, and between job security and administrative performance. In other words, the struggle lies in the need to balance political correctness with the need for professional civil servants to exercise policy discretion. In Latin America and Africa, reform efforts are directed towards transitioning the civil service away from (neo)patrimonial frameworks founded on clientelist and political patronage to meritocratic and performance-based bureaucracies that have the capacities to backstop developmental states.

The charge for the communities of service and practice is then to determine how we can align ongoing civil service reform agendas across the world with the realities of the unfinished business of administrative and institutional reforms in Nigeria. We need to determine how we can keep renewing the transformative edge of institutional reform to backstop democratic governance, especially in the next four years that the 2027 general election is set to herald. To be able to do this, we must be able to give cogent attention to a series of diagnostic questions which first emerged in my attempt to grapple with the task of researching the civil service and its reform challenges.

i. What, in the light of lessons from high-performing administrative systems across the world, can the inherited Weberian civil service achieve that will be suitable for the purpose of Nigeria’s current governance and development objectives?

ii. If delivery of democratic dividends and restoration of public trust in public institutions is a clear objective for any reform thinking, how can we reengineer the MDAs’ management system into a performance-oriented, technology-enabled, socially compliant and accountable institution in a stewardship relationship with the public under a social compact?

iii. What fundamental changes can be made to the MDAs’ personnel policies, structure and operational cost ratios that are most effective and consistent with the optimal productivity level of the national economy while restoring the status of government as an employer of choice in the labour market?

iv. How can the MDAs’ skills deficit be corrected in a manner that would achieve a mix of reskilling, regulated injection of fresh skills and some measure of rightsizing and the reduction of redundancies, if unavoidable, within a framework that labour unions will like to sign on to and partner with to spiritedly implement?

v. How would policy work and the civil service be more sensitive to the political objectives of the government and at once be accountable to the public in the context of democratic consolidation without its capacity for relative independence as an apolitical and professional entity being undermined?

vi. How can the political leadership be encouraged to commit the much-needed political will that is a defining factor in investing in the transformation of the public service?

In applying these questions to the MDAs as the operational engine room of the public service system, the fundamental issue is not just to transform their business model but also to determine the scope of reforms to prioritise in each MDA. Focusing on the federal service, therefore, this will eventually raise the crucial matter of which MDAs are the most critical in delivering on the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda specifically, and the national development agenda generally. And finally, how might such prioritised MDAs be re-engineered to better be able to efficiently and effectively manage the business of government for enhanced performance and productivity?

Given the depth of my interaction with the system and my research connection with its inner dynamics, I will hazard a recommendation that the government needs to prioritise three sets of MDAs: one, those at the forefront of delivering on national priority programmes and projects like wealth and job creation; two, those tasked with the implementation of infrastructural and project-rooted master plans involving investment possibilities, SMEs, rule-based market players, etc.; and three, those MDAs delivering human capital development, and welfare-oriented and social impact services. To jump-start their institutional reform, these MDAs will have to first be taken through basic reform housekeeping that helps them to get the basics right in terms of the fundamental elements of any effective management system that can make the public service functional. And second, there is the need to beef up the organisational IQ of the MDAs through the mobilization of technical support that will facilitate a service-wide capability review that will attempt to fill the capability gaps while reinforcing the framework of performance improvement plans that must necessarily be implemented

In the rest of this piece, I will highlight some critical reform points to signpost the next level of performance of the public service as we look to 2027 and beyond in terms of the institutional transformation of the public service. One, given the deep erosion of the status of the public service as a vocation that is a complement to a democratic government, the government must constantly work on (re)launching a cultural adjustment programme that enables it to regain public trust in the public service. This can be done through the mainstreaming of codes of ethics and codes of practice that reinvent the public service as a value-based institution. This serves as the first level in consolidating the building of a new generation of public managers that can keep driving the transformation of the system. In this regard, the establishment of a multidisciplinary talent-reinforced senior executive service (SES) feeds into this need to reinvent and rebrand the public service, and beef up its organisational IQ. In pushing for the SES model for beefing up the brain and capability readiness of the civil service, we defer to Bob Garratt’s idea that in administration, the fish always rots from the head first.

Two, rebranding the public service and establishing a senior executive service must be reinforced by the deepening of the ongoing professionalisation of some core cadres in the service. This allows the service to restore the government and the public service as an employer of choice by connecting meritocracy to diversity and talent management in recruitment. In constantly revising the intellectual contents of skills for running the business of government through benchmarking globally available competency frameworks, the public service is then able to regrade skills and competences that are accompanied by the installation of new and competitive wage structures and incentive packages, the rightsizing and downsizing alongside considerable social assistance programmes and severance packages, which deserve to be funded with a major credit facility given the incredible value that their return on investment (ROI) promises.

Three, it is inevitable and urgent that the government must keep reengineering the operating and management system of the MDAs as a safeguard to make them structurally capable of backstopping results-based performance management systems which connect talent management with knowledge, performance and productivity. We must do all it takes to create performance-managed backends in MDA operations, ones that not only displace the discredited APER scores, but also deploy new performance appraisal metrics and instruments that will henceforth account for what officers have contributed or accomplished or have the capabilities and competences to achieve. The performance management system is, of course, meant to instigate the consolidation of competency-based human resource practices, career management protocols and leadership pipelining in the service.

Four, the emergence of the new normal consequent on the COVID-19 pandemic demands that the public service, post-2027, will not be able again to ignore the critical utility of digital technologies, including the pre-eminence of artificial intelligence in the public service workplace. This demands, therefore, that if the Nigerian state is to successfully navigate a place in the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions, the public service needs to deploy new technologies in strengthening its policy management function. This can be done through reprofiling and professionalising its planning, research and statistics function, concretising the policy-research-consulting synergies as a means of deepening policy intelligence, strategic thinking, evidence-based analytics and problem-solving. The system also must consider upgrading its MandE systems, as well as consolidating and significantly upgrading its programme, project and change management capabilities.

After the general election is conducted, won and lost in 2027, what will continue to matter is the state of the public service and its capability readiness to deliver the dividends of democratic governance to Nigerians. We cannot afford to lose sight of that significant issue.

Olaopa is the Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, Abuja, and Professor of Public Administration.

It is a singular honour to have been invited to serve as the Mother of the Day at this eighth annual lecture, organised by Penpushing Media.

I warmly commend the organisers for sustaining a platform that enriches public discourse and deepens our collective reflection on the issues that define the future of our democracy.

The theme of today’s lecture, ‘Restoring Electoral Integrity: The Path to Good Governance and Public Accountability’, speaks directly to one of the defining challenges of our time.

Elections are not merely periodic political contests; they are the constitutional expression of the sovereignty of the people. Their integrity is therefore indispensable to the legitimacy of government and the stability of the state.

History teaches us that enduring nations are built not simply on the strength of their constitutions but on the fidelity with which their institutions and citizens uphold them.

Good governance and public accountability do not begin after elections; they begin with elections whose outcomes command public confidence.

I therefore congratulate the organisers for convening this important conversation.

At a time when democracies across the world are confronting new tests, thoughtful engagement such as this strengthens our institutions and renews our shared commitment to democratic ideals.

It is my hope that today’s deliberations will move us beyond diagnosis to renewed resolve so that future generations may inherit a democracy that is not only constitutionally sound but also worthy of the trust and aspirations of our people.

It is, therefore, my pleasure to welcome you all to what I am confident will be an enlightening and consequential lecture.

Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Being remarks of Ambassador Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu (as Mother of the Day) at the 8th Annual Lecture of Penpushing Media, held on Thursday, 23rd July, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Delta State Police Command has arrested 81 suspects during a Police raid on identified black spots across Asaba metropolis as part of efforts to tackle crime and dismantle criminal networks in the state.

The suspects, comprising 50 males and 31 females, were arrested for offences including the possession and sale of suspected illicit drugs and operating an illegal checkpoint at the Asaba-Onitsha Head Bridge.

The operation, led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police alongside tactical teams of the command, also led to the impoundment of five vehicles for various offences, including operating an unauthorised taxi park at Pinnacle Junction along Okpanam Road and facilitating the sale and distribution of suspected illicit drugs in the area.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued at the weekend, describing the operation as part of the command’s proactive strategy to dismantle criminal networks and deny offenders safe havens across the state.

According to him, exhibits recovered during the raid included large quantities of tramadol and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

In a related development, the command said it had arrested nine additional suspects as it commenced a statewide crackdown on illegal roadblocks and unauthorised revenue collection along highways in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive to eliminate extortion and criminal activities on Nigerian roads.

The suspects were apprehended at strategic locations, including the River Niger Head Bridge linking Delta and Anambra states and the Benin-Asaba Expressway near Agbor.

The enforcement exercise targeted notorious locations where illegal toll collection and unauthorised roadblocks had hindered the free movement of motorists and posed security risks.

The command reiterated its commitment to restoring safety and order on highways across the state, assuring residents that the ongoing operations would be sustained to curb criminal activities.

The Oyo State Ministry of Health and the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, in collaboration with the Society for Family Health (SFH), have intensified efforts to promote self-care as a critical strategy for improving individual and family health, reducing the burden of preventable diseases, and achieving universal health coverage (UHC).

The 2026 Self-Care Month commemoration began with a radio phone-in programme to let listeners know that self-care isn’t a luxury anymore but an all-round approach to daily survival.

Speaking during the medical outreach session, the Reproductive Health Coordinator of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Mrs Folasade Olatunde, who represented both the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board and the Oyo State Ministry of Health, described self-care as a comprehensive approach to maintaining physical, mental and social well-being.

‘Self-care is about how an individual takes care of himself or herself. It starts with personal hygiene, a clean environment, healthy food preparation, adequate nutrition, regular exercise, and ensuring good mental, physical and social well-being. It is a holistic approach to health,’ she said.

Olatunde encouraged people living with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes to regularly monitor their blood pressure and blood glucose levels where possible, noting that early detection enables prompt medical intervention and better health outcomes.

On mental health, Olatunde called for an end to the stigma associated with mental illness, stressing that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.

She also urged women, in particular, to prioritise self-care despite their multiple responsibilities, warning that prolonged stress and inadequate rest could lead to serious health complications.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs. Anifat Romoke Adedeji, urged residents to take greater responsibility for their health through regular self-care practices, noting that self-care empowers individuals to identify health challenges early and seek timely medical attention.

Adedeji underscored the importance of self-care in family planning, explaining that women can safely use certain contraceptive methods independently after receiving proper guidance from trained healthcare providers. According to her, daily oral contraceptive pills and self-injectable contraceptives enable women to effectively space pregnancies and plan their families without unnecessary visits to health facilities.

She stressed that family planning does not prevent couples from having children but rather helps them decide when to have them and the number they can adequately cater for, thereby promoting healthier families and reducing economic pressures.

The Adolescent Desk Officer of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Mr Adeniyi Ademola, said self-care is equally important for adolescents, describing it as encompassing physical, emotional, social and mental well-being.

He encouraged young people to seek accurate information about their health, particularly sexual and reproductive health, instead of relying on misinformation from peers.

According to Ademola, simple practices such as getting adequate sleep, drinking enough water, recognising inappropriate behaviour and seeking help when necessary can significantly improve adolescents’ health outcomes.

He stressed that informed young people are better equipped to protect themselves, make healthy decisions and access appropriate care when needed.

The State Programme Officer for the Society for Family Health DISC 2.0 Project in Oyo State, Mrs Oluwabunmi Olajide, said the 2026 Self-Care Month celebration was designed to encourage individuals to take ownership of their health by knowing their health status, adopting preventive healthcare practices and making informed decisions about their well-being.

Olajide explained that the outreach focused on reintroducing the concept of self-care through self-care walks/exercise, community health education and free health services, including blood pressure checks, weight and height measurements, body mass index (BMI) assessments, malaria RDT screening, random blood sugar tests, HIV screening and family planning services.

She said the initiative places individuals at the centre of their healthcare, empowering them to take proactive steps to stay healthy rather than waiting until they become ill.

She added that the SFH programmes also cater to women of reproductive age, adolescents, and men by providing access to youth-friendly reproductive health information, family planning counselling and methods, and community and male engagement sessions, stressing that equipping individuals with accurate health information is essential to building healthier families and communities across Oyo State.

The medical outreach recorded an average attendance of close to 200 women and over 100 men, highlighting a rising intentionality among men regarding their health. Sustaining this momentum through occasional self-care campaigns will further encourage this positive shift, promoting proactive mental and physical healthcare habits.

CHRIST Apostolic Church (CAC) Nigeria and Overseas has reaffirmed its commitment to global evangelism with the successful completion of a six-day apostolic missionary journey to Sierra Leone, aimed at strengthening existing mission fields, encouraging missionaries, and expanding the reach of the Gospel.

The delegation, led by the Director of Missions, Pastor C. S. Fasuyi, visited mission stations in Freetown and Kenema, where they assessed the progress of the church’s evangelistic work, worship, discipleship, and community impact. The team expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of the congregations and identified the establishment of a school in Kenema as a strategic step toward enhancing the church’s social and educational ministry.

At the Kissy Mission Field in Freetown, the delegation encouraged members despite the recent theft of the church’s sound system, assuring the congregation that a replacement would be provided to sustain worship and evangelistic activities. The mission field also reflects CAC’s growing international reach, with worshippers from both Sierra Leone and neighbouring Guinea.

Although flooding prevented a visit to the Duawaz Uphill Mission Field, reports received from the area highlighted encouraging progress, with new fellowship centres flourishing in Lungi, Kariee Village, Kington, and Aberdeen through regular prayer meetings, Bible studies, youth ministry, discipleship, and community outreach.

The missionary journey underscores CAC’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission by strengthening believers, planting new fellowships, and advancing the Gospel across Africa.

Bauchi State Government has declared that there was no time it approved a certain amount of money as dowry for women who are intending to get married anywhere in the State.

It, therefore, dismissed as false and misleading a viral video circulating on social media platforms, particularly Facebook and TikTok, claiming that the State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, approved a fixed dowry of ?1,500 for divorced women.

The viral video, allegedly circulated by individuals described as mischief-makers, also claimed that the traditional ruler of Zar (Gum Zar) directed residents to comply with the purported government policy.

In a related claim, a social media user identified as Boroh James Hussaini alleged that the dowry for a single woman who had given birth outside marriage would be ?3,000, while unmarried women who had remained at home for a long time without giving birth would be married off to drivers free of charge.

Reacting to the allegations while addressing journalists in Bauchi, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, Engineer Muhammad Binni Abdulkadir, described the claims as entirely false, baseless, and fabricated.

He stated that the Bauchi State Government had never issued any directive or policy concerning the dowry of divorced or single women, emphasising that the information circulating on social media was fake and intended to mislead the public.

The Commissioner urged residents to disregard the viral video and refrain from sharing unverified information capable of causing unnecessary tension and confusion.

According to him, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has consistently respected the religious beliefs, cultural values, and traditions of the people of Bauchi State since assuming office.

Engineer Binni Abdulkadir further called on the public to act responsibly by verifying information before sharing it and to avoid spreading falsehoods capable of undermining the peace, unity, and reputation of Bauchi State and its diverse religious and cultural heritage.