Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Kogi State Executive Council has approved several projects and policy initiatives covering agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public communication, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his developmental strides.

The decisions were made at the Council meeting presided over by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in Lokoja on Monday.

The Council praised the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin Highway, describing it as a major infrastructure intervention that would improve connectivity, facilitate trade, and create economic opportunities across the North Central and South-South regions.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojoma, said the Council approved and ratified the procurement of fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, and other essential farm inputs for farmers.

He said the intervention would support food production during both the wet and dry seasons, adding that agriculture remained a priority of the Ododo administration.

Ojoma also disclosed that Kogi State had made progress towards the take-off of the African Development Bank-supported Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), with necessary studies, qualification processes, and approvals completed.

According to him, land preparation and site allocation had also progressed.

He said the program would strengthen agricultural value chains, attract investment, create markets for farmers, and reduce post-harvest losses.

The Commissioner added that road projects in parts of the Ibaji, Bassa, and Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas had received attention, noting that improved access roads would ease the movement of agricultural produce to markets and processing centers.

He further disclosed that the state was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and the Bank of Agriculture on initiatives to boost food production, including plans for poultry and egg production centres across the 21 local government areas.

In the information sector, the Council approved the renovation of the headquarters of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation (KSBC), Lokoja, and the installation of solar power systems at its radio stations in Ocheja and Okene.

It also approved the introduction of a quarterly media briefing by the Ministry of Information and Communications to provide regular updates on government policies, programs, projects, and achievements.

The State Executive Council further moved to reposition lottery, signage, and food administration through new legislation.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Taiye Abanika, said the Council approved the construction of Phase Two of students’ hostel accommodation at the Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital in Okene.

He said the approval also covered furniture for the students’ accommodation and doctors’ quarters, adding that the intervention would support students progressing into clinical training.

Abanika disclosed that construction of the Kogi International Airport had commenced, with site clearing, equipment mobilization, and perimeter fencing already underway.

He said the airport would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and create opportunities for investment and economic development.

The Commissioner also announced the approval of the End Care Programme, which he said would provide support and welfare benefits to more than 5,000 indigent residents across the state.

He added that implementation of the program would commence soon.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to projects and policies aimed at improving living conditions, strengthening infrastructure, promoting food security, and expanding economic opportunities across Kogi State.

Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 11 housemate, Whitney Nneoma Chukwu, popularly known as Nomy, has been disqualified from the reality TV show for repeatedly flouting Big Brother’s instructions and house rules.

Big Brother announced Nomy’s disqualification, citing her continued defiance of his directives, rules, and punishments despite previous warnings.

Nomy had earlier received a final strike during the season after repeatedly disregarding Big Brother’s instructions, alongside complaints about tardiness and selective participation in house activities.

However, the final warning did not appear to change her conduct as she continued to violate Big Brother’s directives.

Consequently, Big Brother revoked her right to remain in the competition, bringing her time on the Season 11 reality show to an abrupt end.

Following the announcement, Nomy was given 30 minutes to pack her belongings and leave the Big Brother house.

Her disqualification means she can no longer compete for the grand prize or take part in the remaining activities of the Season 11 edition, tagged ‘Show Ya Sef.’

Nomy’s exit comes as Big Brother maintains strict disciplinary measures to ensure housemates comply with the rules guiding the competition.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced preparations for the 2027 general elections, urging its officials to prioritise institutional integrity, administrative discipline and effective coordination in the conduct of electoral activities.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, gave the charge in Lagos while speaking at a two-day strategic operational workshop organised for the commission’s Administrative Secretaries.

Amupitan said the credibility and success of elections depended not only on electoral laws and guidelines but also on the commitment, competence and integrity of the officials responsible for implementing them.

He urged the participants to draw lessons from previous electoral exercises, particularly recent off-cycle governorship elections, to strengthen the commission’s operations ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to him, the objective is to establish a consistent operational standard across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The INEC chairman described Administrative Secretaries as critical technical, operational and administrative anchors at the state level, charging them to maintain continuity, enforce administrative discipline and promptly escalate challenges capable of affecting electoral operations.

He also stressed the need for strict adherence to the Constitution, the Electoral Act and established guidelines of the commission.

Amupitan clarified that the position of Chief Accounting Officer of INEC remains vested in the chairman of the commission, rather than being fragmented among state-level structures.

He further called for continuous capacity building and training of administrative personnel, noting that regular training would enhance technical proficiency and minimise operational challenges during elections.

The workshop, held in collaboration with development partners, including DAI and the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), is aimed at strengthening coordination between state-level administrative leadership and the commission’s broader electoral objectives.

The engagement forms part of INEC’s broader efforts to improve operational preparedness and institutional effectiveness ahead of the 2027 general elections

The United Kingdom has appointed Alastair Long as its new His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, with a mandate to deepen trade and investment ties between Britain and African countries.

Long has formally assumed the position under the UK Department for Business and Trade and is expected to work with African governments, investors, businesses, and institutions to expand commercial partnerships, attract investment, and promote sustainable economic growth across the continent.

The appointment comes as the UK seeks to strengthen its economic engagement with Africa by supporting British and African businesses, improving market access and creating opportunities for increased trade and investment.

Long brings extensive experience of the continent, having served as Deputy Trade Commissioner and later His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022.

He previously served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain from August 2023 before returning to the Africa trade portfolio.

Speaking on his new appointment, Long said he was ‘thrilled’ to return to Africa, describing the continent as ‘the future’ and recalling the ‘boundless energy and ambition’ he witnessed during his previous assignments in the region.

‘The UK is committed to being a partner that supports African and British growth by listening to African priorities and bringing the very best the UK has to offer,’ he said.

He added that he looked forward to engaging with stakeholders across the continent, the UK business community, and government teams to identify and realise opportunities that would benefit both African and British economies.

Long joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in 2002 and has held several diplomatic and trade positions across the Middle East and North Africa.

His previous assignments include Deputy Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Director of Trade and Investment for Saudi Arabia in Riyadh; Regional Director for Trade for the Middle East, Pakistan, and Afghanistan; Deputy Consul General in Dubai; and Deputy Ambassador and His Majesty’s Consul General in Muscat.

He was educated at Clare College, Cambridge University, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

Long succeeds John Humphrey, who served as the UK Trade Commissioner for Africa from June 2022.

Reflecting on his tenure, Humphrey described his service as a privilege and said he had worked with partners across Africa to strengthen a relationship based on delivery, trust, and shared economic ambition.

‘Africa is central to the UK’s global outlook, with significant opportunities for commercially grounded collaboration and sustainable growth,’ Humphrey said.

He expressed confidence that Long would build on the existing momentum of UK engagement in Africa, citing his trade expertise, focus, and experience in the region.

As HMTC for Africa, Long will be responsible for the UK’s trade and investment engagement across the continent, including growing the overall trade and investment relationship, improving market access for British companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and developing trade policy.

He will also work with UK-based government officials, British ambassadors, and the wider diplomatic network to coordinate the UK’s efforts to promote trade, investment, and economic prosperity across Africa.

Nigeria’s real estate and construction sectors are navigating severe cost pressures and shifting demand dynamics, as building material prices surged by as much as 440 per cent between 2019 and 2026.

According to a report by Panterra Real Estate Group, led by Ayo Ibaru, the prices of key structural and finishing materials skyrocketed during the period, with some components rising by as much as 440 per cent relative to their 2019 baseline levels.

The report noted that between 60 per cent and 80 per cent of finishing materials, including tiles, sanitary ware and window fittings, are imported, resulting in widespread reliance on grey-market channels.

The data index by Panterra Real Estate Group attributed the continuous and steep price increases across both locally produced and imported construction materials to rising import exposure, currency depreciation and increasing production costs.

It noted that Nigeria’s acute housing deficit was putting additional pressure on property development across the country.

According to the report, the prices of key building materials increased significantly between 2019 and 2026. Roofing sheets, for instance, surged by 440 per cent per square metre, driven largely by rising logistics costs and foreign exchange exposure, with aluminium roofing recording some of the largest price swings.

During the period, the price of iron rods increased by 410 per cent per tonne. The report said steel prices remained highly volatile due to the continuous depreciation of the naira and the high cost of imported scrap metal.

Similarly, the price of a 50-kilogramme bag of cement increased by 367 per cent, with retail prices rising from about N2,500 in 2019 to N14,000 in 2026.

The price of a standard six-inch block also increased by 275 per cent, closely tracking the rise in cement prices and further amplified by higher labour and sand costs.

‘PVC pipes (per roll) grew by 240 per cent (Index: 340). This category recorded a relatively moderate increase as domestic manufacturing partially cushioned direct import exposure,’ Ibaru noted in the report.

The report highlighted underlying structural constraints within Nigeria’s building supply chain as a major reason material prices continue to rise faster than broader inflation.

According to the report, three major players, Dangote, BUA and Lafarge now HMB, control approximately 70 per cent of Nigeria’s domestic cement market, while power costs account for roughly 30 per cent of total manufacturing expenditure.

The report also cited underutilised steel production capacity, noting that local steel mills, including Delta Steel, have historically operated at less than 30 per cent capacity, leaving the market heavily reliant on imported steel products.

‘Steel costs remain volatile due to ongoing naira depreciation and the high cost of imported scrap,’ the report stated.

The Panterra report also identified unregulated timber supply as one of the major challenges facing Nigeria’s real estate and construction sectors.

According to the report, wood remains locally available but is largely unregulated, while accelerating deforestation is compounding long-term supply risks.

Meanwhile, homebuilders, property developers and built-environment professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), among others, have warned that uncontrolled increases in building material prices threaten the provision of affordable housing across major urban areas.

A former President of the NIOB, Mr Kunle Awobodu, said developers were being forced to renegotiate project contracts midway through construction because of unpredictable increases in material costs.

‘We are having to renegotiate project contracts midway through execution,’ Awobodu said.

‘When a single bag of cement moves from N2,500 to over N14,000 in a few years, standard project contingency budgets simply can’t absorb the shock,’ he added.

A member of the House of Representatives and Oyo South Senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide Odidiomo, has called on indigenes of Oyo state to rally behind the presidential ambition of the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, describing his emergence as an opportunity for the state to project one of its own into the national political stage.

Olajide, in a statement on Monday made available to journalists by his Special Adviser Media and Public Affairs, Tolu Mustapha on the 2027 presidential election, said Makinde’s emergence as the APM presidential candidate had created a major political development for Oyo state, urging indigenes across political divides to recognize the importance of having an Oyo son in the presidential race and give him the necessary support.

According to him, Makinde’s presidential bid should be seen beyond partisan politics, as it represents an opportunity for the people of Oyo state to demonstrate solidarity with one of their own seeking the highest elective office in the country. He urged Oyo state indigenes at home and in the diaspora to rally around the aspiration.

‘Charity begins from home. When one of our own has stepped forward to seek the presidency, Oyo state should be the first to support him. This is a moment for us to stand together and show the nation that we can support one of our own when the opportunity comes,’ Olajide said.

The lawmaker said Makinde had, through his years in public service and tenure as governor, established himself as a prominent political figure from the state, adding that his presidential ambition had further elevated Oyo state’s profile in national politics. He called on political leaders, traditional institutions, religious bodies, professionals, youths and other stakeholders in the state to support and promote the aspiration.

Olajide, however, stressed that supporting Makinde did not mean abandoning individual political convictions, but recognizing the significance of an Oyo state indigene seeking the presidency. ‘This is our own. Let us give him our support, allow Nigerians to hear his message and let the people ultimately decide,’ he said.

Many of these actors helped shape Nigerian theatre and Yoruba cinema to contemporary Nollywood stars who made their mark on television, film and digital platforms. The industry has lost several notable personalities this year.

In this article Tribune online recalls some popular Nollywood actors whose deaths have been reported in 2026, arranged from the most recent.

Taiwo Hassan – ‘Ogogo’

Veteran Yoruba actor, filmmaker and screenwriter Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66.

His death was confirmed by his daughter, Kira Hassan, while fellow veteran actor Jide Kosoko also confirmed the development. Hassan reportedly died after battling stage-four cancer.

The actor was buried according to Islamic rites in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, on August 24.

Temitope Osoba

Yoruba actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba died on August 4, 2026, at the age of 40.

Her death was announced by colleagues on August 5, with reports noting that she had previously battled breast cancer and undergone treatment.

Osoba began her acting career in 2005 after reportedly being discovered during a movie rehearsal. She went on to feature in several Yoruba-language productions and also worked as a dancer and film producer.

Taiwo Adeshina – ‘Elegbeje Ado’

Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29, 2026, at the age of 66.

His death was announced by fellow actor Kunle Afod, while reports said he died after a brief illness.

Adeshina built a career spanning more than two decades in the Yoruba film industry and was recognised for his appearances in indigenous productions.

Kola Oyewo

Veteran actor, theatre scholar and academic Kola Oyewo died on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.

His death was announced by actor Kunle Afod and later confirmed by members of his family.

Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and went on to become an influential figure in Nigerian theatre and film.

He was particularly remembered for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame, a performance that earned him recognition beyond Nigeria.

Okiki Adeshina – ‘Janmole’

Yoruba actor and comedian Okiki Adeshina, popularly known as Janmole, died in June 2026 following injuries sustained in a road accident.

His death was announced by TAMPAN President Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin.

Alexx Ekubo

Nollywood actor and model Alexx Ekubo died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40.

His family later confirmed that he died at Evercare Hospital in Lagos following complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

Ekubo became one of the recognisable faces of contemporary Nollywood after emerging as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition.

Oby Kechere – ‘Madam Koi Koi’

Actress, filmmaker and producer Cecilia Oby Kechere, popularly known as Madam Koi Koi, died on April 27, 2026, after a prolonged illness.

Her death was announced by the Directors Guild of Nigeria, of which she was a member.Kechere was widely remembered for playing Ms Koi Koi in the popular comedy film Aki na Ukwa.

She joined the Nigerian film industry in the early 2000s and also worked behind the camera as a filmmaker and producer.

Solomon Akiyesi

Veteran actor Solomon Akiyesi died in April 2026. His death was reported on April 27, with the Actors Guild of Nigeria confirming the development.

Akiyesi featured in several Nollywood productions during his career and became a familiar face to Nigerian movie audiences.

Davis Offor – ‘Clarus’

Veteran actor Davis Offor, popularly known as Clarus, died on April 6, 2026, at the age of 85.

Offor became famous for playing Clarus Mgbeojikwe, the mischievous houseboy, in the classic Nigerian television comedy series The New Masquerade.

Bamidele Oluwatope – ‘Okemesi’

Yoruba actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi, died in February 2026. The comic actor was known for his energetic performances in Yoruba films and his work as a content creator.

Okemesi was also recognised for combining English, Yoruba and his Ekiti dialect in his performances and online content.His death was announced by fellow actor Jeff Owolewa, popularly known as Tony Montana.

The Edo State House of Assembly has begun a legislative overhaul of the state’s secondary education system, moving to scrap a 38-year-old Bendel State law and establish a dedicated board for the administration of senior secondary schools.

The move, which signals an attempt to bring Edo’s education laws in line with contemporary realities, followed the passage for second reading of a bill seeking to repeal the 1988 Bendel State Education Edict on Monday

The development is coming amid growing calls across the country for states to review outdated education laws and strengthen institutional frameworks for the effective management of schools.

Leading debate on the bill, the House Majority Leader, Hon. Ojezelle Osezua, said the continued operation of the old edict was no longer consistent with the realities of a rapidly changing society.

He argued that legislation must evolve with societal needs, stressing that laws should not be allowed to remain static when the circumstances they were designed to regulate had changed.

Osezua said the proposed legislation would provide the legal framework for the establishment of an Edo State Secondary School Board, which would be responsible for the administration of senior secondary schools in the state.

He explained that the proposed board would complement the functions of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), which oversees basic education, including primary and junior secondary schools.

According to him, separating the administration of senior secondary education from the existing basic education structure would provide greater focus and improve coordination, supervision and management of senior schools across the state.

Seconding the motion, the Minority Leader, Hon. Natasha Osawaru Idibia, said the proposed law would strengthen the administration of senior secondary schools and create a more effective institutional framework for the sector.

Hon. Maria Edekor and other lawmakers who contributed to the debate also backed the proposed repeal, stressing the need for the state to modernise its education laws.

Following the debate, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Education, chaired by Hon. Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko-Edo II Constituency, for further legislative consideration.

The proposed reform places Edo among states seeking to reshape their education governance structures in response to changing demands in the sector, with lawmakers expected to subject the bill to further scrutiny before its passage.

Meanwhile, the House received a letter from Governor Monday Okpebholo requesting the timely amendment of the Edo State Child Rights Law.

The governor’s request was referred for legislative consideration as part of efforts to update the state’s legal framework on child protection and welfare.

The Assembly also observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late Chief Dan Orbih, a prominent Edo politician and former National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The lawmakers paid tribute to Orbih and acknowledged his contributions to political development and public life in the state.

The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has rejected the suggestion that former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, cannot rescue Nigeria, arguing that his record in public office provides evidence of his capacity to address the country’s challenges.

POMR made its position known in a statement signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, on Monday, in response to recent comments by former Labour Party presidential running mate, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who reportedly expressed doubts about the ability of any individual, including Obi, to rescue Nigeria from its systemic challenges.

Zekeri said Datti-Baba Ahmed’s position was understandable, given the severity of Nigeria’s problems, but argued that it should not be interpreted as evidence that Obi lacks the capacity to lead reforms.

According to him, Nigeria’s challenges are the result of years of mismanagement, corruption, waste and poor leadership, making it necessary for voters to distinguish between political promises and demonstrated capacity.

He said Obi’s administration in Anambra State offered evidence of his approach to governance, particularly in the areas of fiscal discipline, education, healthcare, infrastructure and human development.

‘Peter Obi does not approach Nigeria’s challenges as an experiment. His record in Anambra provides evidence of what he can do with limited resources when public office is treated as a responsibility rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment,’ he said.

POMR maintained that rescuing Nigeria would not be the work of one individual acting alone, but argued that the country needed a leader capable of assembling competent Nigerians and building institutions capable of delivering sustainable development.

Zekeri said an Obi-led administration would focus on strengthening institutions, tackling corruption, reducing waste, investing in production and restoring public confidence in government.

‘The question is whether Nigeria can elect a leader with the character, competence, prudence and courage to begin the rescue. We believe Peter Obi can, and will,’ he said.

He added that Obi should not be presented as a messiah but as a leader whose previous record demonstrated an understanding that public resources constitute a public trust.

SIX Nigerian banks have made the list of Africa’s 20 largest lenders by total assets, highlighting the growing scale of the country’s banking industry following a major recapitalisation drive.

Access Bank leads the Nigerian lenders with assets of $36 billion, ranking 12th on the continent. United Bank for Africa (UBA) follows with$33.27 billion, Zenith Bank with $32.01 billion, Stanbic IBTC Bank with $24 billion and First Bank of Nigeria with $17.2billion.

South Africa’s Standard Bank Group tops the continental ranking with $218 billion, followed by Egypt’s National Bank of Egypt at $186 billion and South Africa’s FirstRand at $162 billion. Absa Group, Nedbank Group and Egypt’s Banque Misr complete the next three positions with $135 billion, $99 billion and $94 billion, respectively.

Morocco’s Attijariwafa Bank, with $87 billion, South Africa’sInvestec Group, $81 billion, andMorocco’s Banque Centrale Populaire, $60 billion, round out the top 10.

The ranking was compiled from data attributed to SandPGlobal Market Intelligence, company reports, African Business, The Banker and African Research. Figures are stated in US dollars.

The emergence of Nigerian banks among the continent’s biggest lenders comes as the industry completes a two-year capital-raising exercise to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new minimum capital requirements.

Analysts said the more immediate catalyst for Nigerian bank stocks could be the country’s return to the FTSE Russell Frontier Market Index on September 21.

Nigeria was removed from FTSE Russell’s equity benchmarks in 2024 after foreign investors faced difficulties repatriating funds. Its reinstatement is expected to trigger portfolio adjustments by index-tracking funds and increase demand for large-cap Nigerian stocks.