Category: Nigerian Tribune

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and empowering young people with the passing-out parade of the second batch of 1,550 Sokoto Marshals, describing the initiative as a major step towards enhancing public safety and creating sustainable employment opportunities across the state.

The colourful ceremony, attended by the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, attracted traditional rulers, senior government officials, security chiefs and other dignitaries.

In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the recruitment of the 1,550 marshals from all the 23 local government areas of the state formed part of his administration’s youth empowerment agenda and determination to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in safeguarding lives and property.

He disclosed that the recruits underwent intensive training in security and intelligence, traffic management, environmental protection, and the protection of government infrastructure to prepare them for effective service.

The governor recalled that the Sokoto Marshals initiative was first introduced during the administration of his mentor and political leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, but had remained dormant for years without fresh recruitment.

He said his administration revived the programme to provide employment opportunities for youths while strengthening the state’s security architecture.

Governor Aliyu explained that the agency now operates under Sokoto State Law No. 5 of 2026 and assured that his administration would continue to provide operational vehicles, communication gadgets, and other logistics necessary for effective service delivery.

According to him, the marshals will be deployed to markets, motor parks, business districts, public institutions, and other strategic locations across the state to support intelligence gathering, traffic management, environmental sanitation, and the protection of government infrastructure.

He expressed satisfaction that the current recruitment included female marshals for the first time, describing the development as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to gender inclusion and equal opportunities in public service.

The governor charged the newly graduated marshals to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, integrity and professionalism, warning them against intimidation, extortion and abuse of members of the public.

He also directed the Commandant to deploy them to security flashpoints and other critical areas across the state.

Governor Aliyu further highlighted the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps as part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen grassroots security, revealing that additional recruitment was being considered to consolidate the successes already recorded.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the federal government’s continued support in addressing security challenges across the country and paid glowing tribute to Distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for conceiving the Sokoto Marshals initiative.

He also commended the Commandant, training consultant, instructors and all members of the training team for their commitment to producing disciplined and competent personnel.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, congratulated Governor Ahmed Aliyu for what he described as a bold and visionary initiative that addresses two critical national challenges-youth unemployment and insecurity.

He noted that the Sokoto Marshals programme demonstrates that meaningful investment in young people can significantly contribute to peace, stability and socio-economic development while complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies.

Governor Oyebanji described the graduation of the second batch of marshals as evidence of Governor Aliyu’s commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive and community-based security initiatives.

He said responsible community security structures have become increasingly important in supporting intelligence gathering, crime prevention and the protection of public infrastructure, adding that the Sokoto Marshals initiative stands as a model worthy of emulation by other states.

The Ekiti governor also commended the inclusion of women in the agency for the first time, describing it as a progressive step that promotes gender inclusion and broadens participation in public service.

He urged the newly graduated marshals to justify the confidence reposed in them by serving with honesty, discipline, professionalism and respect for the rule of law.

Governor Oyebanji thanked Governor Ahmed Aliyu, the Sultan of Sokoto and the people of the state for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, expressing optimism that the cordial relationship between Sokoto and Ekiti States would continue to grow.

He also prayed for sustained peace, unity and prosperity in Sokoto State.

Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, described the graduation ceremony as another historic milestone in the state’s efforts to promote youth empowerment and strengthen community security.

The Sultan said the initiative had taken more than 1,500 young people off the streets, equipped them with valuable skills and provided them with meaningful employment, describing it as an investment in the future of the state’s youth.

He commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his visionary leadership in reviving and strengthening the Sokoto Marshals, noting that the programme would significantly complement existing security efforts across the state.

The revered monarch also praised the training consultant and instructors for producing disciplined and well-trained personnel within a short period, saying the parade was a reflection of the quality of training received by the graduates.

The Sultan observed that the Sokoto Marshals share similar community policing principles with the Amotekun Corps in the South-West and expressed hope that both organisations would collaborate and exchange ideas to improve security nationwide.

He urged Governor Oyebanji to share the positive experiences he witnessed in Sokoto, stressing that the state remains peaceful, welcoming and hospitable to people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds, contrary to negative narratives often portrayed on social media.

Delivering his remarks, the training consultant, retired Colonel Shehu Ya’u, disclosed that the newly graduated marshals had been organised into three operational departments comprising Security and Intelligence, Traffic Control and Management, and Environmental Protection and Sanitation.

He explained that the Environmental Protection Department would work closely with the Ministry of Environment to enforce sanitation regulations, prevent illegal construction, protect drainage systems, and promote a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.

According to him, the personnel possess the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the development of Sokoto State and also support lawful revenue generation through the effective discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

Colonel Ya’u said Governor Ahmed Aliyu directed him to identify and train the best candidates from across the 23 local government areas, adding that the quality, discipline and competence displayed by the graduates reflected the successful implementation of that mandate.

He commended the inspectors and instructors for their commitment throughout the training programme and appreciated Dr. A. A. Ladan for his support and cooperation, which contributed immensely to the success of the exercise.

Meanwhile, as part of his visit to Sokoto State, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, also commissioned the newly completed Gidan Fulani Road project executed by the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu. He commended the quality of the project and described the governor’s ongoing investment in road infrastructure as a clear demonstration of his commitment to improving the living conditions of the people and accelerating socio-economic development across the state.

The high point of the ceremony was the inspection of the parade by the Special Guest of Honour, the presentation of awards to outstanding trainees, the decoration of exceptional graduates and the official passing out of the 1,550 Sokoto Marshals, who are expected to be deployed to various parts of the state to commence their duties in support of security, environmental protection and traffic management.

Kano Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has disbursed a total of ?55.8 million in grants to 1,116 street hawkers, roadside traders and vulcanisers under the state government’s small business support programme.

Each beneficiary received ?50,000 to strengthen existing businesses and improve their means of livelihood as part of the administration’s efforts to support micro-enterprises and reduce poverty.

The intervention is aimed at boosting small-scale businesses, increasing household incomes and enhancing economic opportunities for vulnerable entrepreneurs across the state.

The empowerment programme was announced during a ceremony at the Government House, Kano, where beneficiaries drawn from all 44 local government areas of the state received the financial support.

Gov Yusuf said the intervention is part of the administration’s commitment to supporting operators in the informal sector and promoting economic growth.

Governor Yusuf said the grants were intended to boost the working capital of petty traders, enabling them to expand their businesses and improve their income.

He acknowledged that while the ?50,000 grant might not address all the financial challenges faced by beneficiaries, it would provide meaningful relief and enhance their purchasing power.

The governor noted that the exercise represents the second phase of the empowerment programme, recalling that 465 street traders benefited from the first phase.

He assured residents that another round of the initiative would be implemented before the end of the year to accommodate more young petty traders and further improve their productivity.

Governor Yusuf also thanked the beneficiaries for their continued support and confidence in his administration, saying their encouragement inspires the government to sustain people-oriented policies and programmes.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Cottage Trade and Street Hawking Agency, Hon. Ahmed Abubakar Bichi, said the agency was established under the Office of the Governor to improve the welfare and economic prospects of street hawkers, roadside traders, vulcanisers and other operators in the informal sector across Kano State.

He said the agency remains committed to implementing programmes that will strengthen small businesses and improve the livelihoods of thousands of informal sector operators across the state.

The Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, has urged members of the Indian business community to identify opportunities to expand their businesses, establish new ventures, share expertise and develop partnerships with the Iru Kingdom, assuring them of a warm welcome at the palace.

The Oniru made the call in Lagos when he hosted a delegation of the India Business Community in Nigeria under the auspices of the NRI Social and Cultural Association Nigeria (NRCAN) Business Forum.

‘The doors of this Palace will remain open to those who come in good faith, with ideas worth sharing and a genuine desire to build something of lasting value. History teaches us that great cities are not built by government alone, nor by business alone. They are built by people who choose to trust one another. Let us build a future defined not only by commerce but by trust, collaboration and shared prosperity,’ Oba Lawal opined.

To drive the collaboration, he announced the establishment of the Iru Business Network to serve as a meeting point for ideas, enterprise and partnerships as well as provide opportunities for business leaders, professionals, innovators and public institutions to meet, exchange knowledge and explore practical collaborations.

The monarch further explained that the Network was inspired by the philosophy that the combination of networking, relationships, trust, and collaboration would ultimately drive growth in a community.

‘Lasting partnerships are rarely built in boardrooms alone. They are built through conversations such as this, through mutual respect, shared experiences and the trust that develops over time. To bring together people of goodwill. To create an atmosphere in which trust can flourish, because once trust exists, opportunity usually follows.

‘Networking creates relationships, relationships build trust, trust creates collaboration and collaboration ultimately drives growth. Those four ideas capture the spirit of why we are gathered here. It is precisely this philosophy that inspired the establishment of the Iru Business Network,’ he noted.

Oba Lawal reiterated that the role of the traditional institution was to build relationships, bring together people of goodwill, and create an atmosphere in which trust could flourish because once trust exists, opportunity would follow.

The Oniru also asserted that the Palace would gladly use its convening role to introduce the right people, encourage meaningful dialogue and support relationships that contribute to the prosperity of Iru Kingdom, Lagos State, and Nigeria.

Oba Lawal stated that the establishment of the Iru Business Network reflected the Palace’s commitment to cultural and economic diplomacy and its belief that great cities are built by people who choose to trust one another, asserting that the Network would further strengthen partnerships that advance trust, collaboration, and shared prosperity for Iru Kingdom, Lagos State and Nigeria.

The Oba emphasised that the gathering was about more than hospitality; it was about friendship, partnership, and building bridges between peoples that will outlive the present generation and benefit generations to come.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and empowering young people with the passing-out parade of the second batch of 1,550 Sokoto Marshals, describing the initiative as a major step towards enhancing public safety and creating sustainable employment opportunities across the state.

The colourful ceremony, attended by the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, attracted traditional rulers, senior government officials, security chiefs and other dignitaries.

In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the recruitment of the 1,550 marshals from all the 23 local government areas of the state formed part of his administration’s youth empowerment agenda and determination to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in safeguarding lives and property.

He disclosed that the recruits underwent intensive training in security and intelligence, traffic management, environmental protection, and the protection of government infrastructure to prepare them for effective service.

The governor recalled that the Sokoto Marshals initiative was first introduced during the administration of his mentor and political leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, but had remained dormant for years without fresh recruitment.

He said his administration revived the programme to provide employment opportunities for youths while strengthening the state’s security architecture.

Governor Aliyu explained that the agency now operates under Sokoto State Law No. 5 of 2026 and assured that his administration would continue to provide operational vehicles, communication gadgets, and other logistics necessary for effective service delivery.

According to him, the marshals will be deployed to markets, motor parks, business districts, public institutions, and other strategic locations across the state to support intelligence gathering, traffic management, environmental sanitation, and the protection of government infrastructure.

He expressed satisfaction that the current recruitment included female marshals for the first time, describing the development as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to gender inclusion and equal opportunities in public service.

The governor charged the newly graduated marshals to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, integrity and professionalism, warning them against intimidation, extortion and abuse of members of the public.

He also directed the Commandant to deploy them to security flashpoints and other critical areas across the state.

Governor Aliyu further highlighted the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps as part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen grassroots security, revealing that additional recruitment was being considered to consolidate the successes already recorded.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the federal government’s continued support in addressing security challenges across the country and paid glowing tribute to Distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for conceiving the Sokoto Marshals initiative.

He also commended the Commandant, training consultant, instructors and all members of the training team for their commitment to producing disciplined and competent personnel.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, congratulated Governor Ahmed Aliyu for what he described as a bold and visionary initiative that addresses two critical national challenges-youth unemployment and insecurity.

He noted that the Sokoto Marshals programme demonstrates that meaningful investment in young people can significantly contribute to peace, stability and socio-economic development while complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies.

Governor Oyebanji described the graduation of the second batch of marshals as evidence of Governor Aliyu’s commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive and community-based security initiatives.

He said responsible community security structures have become increasingly important in supporting intelligence gathering, crime prevention and the protection of public infrastructure, adding that the Sokoto Marshals initiative stands as a model worthy of emulation by other states.

The Ekiti governor also commended the inclusion of women in the agency for the first time, describing it as a progressive step that promotes gender inclusion and broadens participation in public service.

He urged the newly graduated marshals to justify the confidence reposed in them by serving with honesty, discipline, professionalism and respect for the rule of law.

Governor Oyebanji thanked Governor Ahmed Aliyu, the Sultan of Sokoto and the people of the state for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, expressing optimism that the cordial relationship between Sokoto and Ekiti States would continue to grow.

He also prayed for sustained peace, unity and prosperity in Sokoto State.

Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, described the graduation ceremony as another historic milestone in the state’s efforts to promote youth empowerment and strengthen community security.

The Sultan said the initiative had taken more than 1,500 young people off the streets, equipped them with valuable skills and provided them with meaningful employment, describing it as an investment in the future of the state’s youth.

He commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his visionary leadership in reviving and strengthening the Sokoto Marshals, noting that the programme would significantly complement existing security efforts across the state.

The revered monarch also praised the training consultant and instructors for producing disciplined and well-trained personnel within a short period, saying the parade was a reflection of the quality of training received by the graduates.

The Sultan observed that the Sokoto Marshals share similar community policing principles with the Amotekun Corps in the South-West and expressed hope that both organisations would collaborate and exchange ideas to improve security nationwide.

He urged Governor Oyebanji to share the positive experiences he witnessed in Sokoto, stressing that the state remains peaceful, welcoming and hospitable to people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds, contrary to negative narratives often portrayed on social media.

Delivering his remarks, the training consultant, retired Colonel Shehu Ya’u, disclosed that the newly graduated marshals had been organised into three operational departments comprising Security and Intelligence, Traffic Control and Management, and Environmental Protection and Sanitation.

He explained that the Environmental Protection Department would work closely with the Ministry of Environment to enforce sanitation regulations, prevent illegal construction, protect drainage systems, and promote a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.

According to him, the personnel possess the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the development of Sokoto State and also support lawful revenue generation through the effective discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

Colonel Ya’u said Governor Ahmed Aliyu directed him to identify and train the best candidates from across the 23 local government areas, adding that the quality, discipline and competence displayed by the graduates reflected the successful implementation of that mandate.

He commended the inspectors and instructors for their commitment throughout the training programme and appreciated Dr. A. A. Ladan for his support and cooperation, which contributed immensely to the success of the exercise.

Meanwhile, as part of his visit to Sokoto State, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, also commissioned the newly completed Gidan Fulani Road project executed by the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu. He commended the quality of the project and described the governor’s ongoing investment in road infrastructure as a clear demonstration of his commitment to improving the living conditions of the people and accelerating socio-economic development across the state.

The high point of the ceremony was the inspection of the parade by the Special Guest of Honour, the presentation of awards to outstanding trainees, the decoration of exceptional graduates and the official passing out of the 1,550 Sokoto Marshals, who are expected to be deployed to various parts of the state to commence their duties in support of security, environmental protection and traffic management.

AFRICA’S Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) PIc, has reinforced its position as one of the continent’s leading financial institutions after emerging as Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail and Sustainability Leadership (ESG) at the prestigious 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence.

The awards, presented on Thursday, July 17, 2026, at The Peninsula London in the United Kingdom, celebrates banking institutions that demonstrate outstanding financial performance, innovation, customer impact and sustainable business practices.

The double recognition underscores UBA’s leadership in driving sustainable finance while expanding access to innovative banking solutions for millions of customers across Africa.

According to Euromoney, UBA distinguished itself through significant strides in environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, including the launch of a Green Financing Facility to support households and businesses transitioning to renewable energy, a A5 billion financing programme in partnership with the Bank of Industry to empower women-owned businesses, and its long-term commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The publication also highlighted UBA’s efforts to embed sustainability within its operations through the deployment of solar-powered energy solutions across 50 branches and comprehensive ESG capacity-building initiatives that have trained more than 16,000 employees across the Group.

In the retail banking category, Euromoney recognised UBA’s continued expansion as one of Africa’s largest retail banking franchises. The Bank grew its customer base to over 37 million by the end of 2025, while retail revenue more than quadrupled to #429.5 billion.

The awards also acknowledged UBA’s continued digital innovation, particularly the enhancement of its award-winning Al-powered chatbot, LEO, which became Africa’s first artificial intelligence banking platform to facilitate cross-border money transfers in local currencies through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).

Commenting on the recognition, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, described the awards as a validation of the Bank’s unwavering commitment to creating value for customers while advancing sustainable development across Africa.

‘To be recognised as Nigeria’s Best Bank for both ESG and Retail Banking in the same year sends a powerful message that sustainable banking and commercial success are mutually reinforcing.

‘At UBA, we are committed to financing Africa’s future, supporting businesses and communities, promoting financial inclusion, and delivering innovative banking solutions that improve lives. These awards belong to our customers for their confidence in us and to every member of the UBA family whose dedication continues to make our vision a reality,’ he said.

FOR years, studies have linked coffee drinking to a longer life and a lower risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes. Now, scientists believe they may have uncovered one of the reasons why.

Researchers at Texas A and M University have found that natural compounds in coffee activate a powerful protective receptor known as NR4A1, which helps the body’s natural defences combat the effects of aging.

The findings, published in the journal Nutrients, provide one of the strongest explanations yet for coffee’s long-observed health benefits, and are among the first to reveal how the popular beverage may produce many of its protective effects.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was that caffeine wasn’t the key player. Instead, the researchers found that plant-based compounds called polyphenols, particularly caffeic acid, were far more effective than caffeine at activating the body’s natural defence system.

‘Our findings suggest that at least some of coffee’s health benefits come from activating this receptor,’ said lead researcher Dr Stephen Safe.

Laboratory experiments showed that once activated, NR4A1 helped reduce cellular damage and slowed the growth of cancer cells. When scientists removed the receptor, those protective effects disappeared, providing strong evidence that it plays a central role in coffee’s beneficial effects.

The discovery may also explain why decaffeinated coffee has repeatedly been shown to deliver many of the same health benefits as regular coffee.

The researchers cautioned that the study was conducted in laboratory models and does not prove that drinking coffee directly prevents disease in humans. Further studies are needed to determine how important this mechanism is in people.

Even so, the findings add to growing evidence that plant-based compounds found in everyday foods and drinks can influence biological processes involved in ageing and disease.

Beyond explaining coffee’s potential health benefits, the discovery could also support the development of new drugs that target NR4A1 to treat cancer and other age-related diseases.

Executive Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS), Olaniran Olatona, has disclosed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has continued to record unprecedented growth despite the suspension of tax enforcement, attributing the development to improved voluntary compliance, digital tax administration and a broader tax base.

Olatona said the state had successfully demonstrated that sustainable revenue generation could be achieved through taxpayers’ trust rather than coercion, revealing that Ekiti recorded its highest-ever monthly IGR of ?2.75 billion in June 2026.

Addressing newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the EKIRS boss said the performance had surpassed initial fears that the implementation of the new Federal Tax Administration laws and the suspension of enforcement activities would negatively impact the state’s revenue profile.

According to him, the service deliberately suspended active tax enforcement from July 8, 2025, to assess whether the reforms introduced under the new tax regime would encourage voluntary compliance.

‘The test was simple: would revenue hold under voluntary compliance? The answer is yes,’ he said.

Olatona noted that 13 months into the enforcement pause, Ekiti was collecting revenue at record levels and remained ahead of its budget projections.

He disclosed that EKIRS generated ?27.09 billion in 2025, representing an increase of 53.7 per cent over the ?17.63 billion realised in 2024.

According to him, even after enforcement activities were suspended in the second half of 2025, collections continued to rise, with the state generating ?13.65 billion, about ?205 million higher than the ?13.44 billion realised during the first half of the year when enforcement was fully operational.

Giving an update on the current year’s performance, Olatona said the first half of 2026 yielded ?15.60 billion, representing a 16 per cent increase over the corresponding period in 2025.

He added that revenue collections had consistently hovered around ?2.74 billion monthly since April 2026, a trend which, if sustained, would see the state realise approximately ?31.2 billion by the end of the year.

The EKIRS chairman attributed the steady growth to a combination of structural reforms rather than aggressive tax enforcement.

According to him, the introduction of multiple digital payment platforms has significantly reduced revenue leakages while making tax payment easier for residents.

He also identified the expansion of the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax base across both public and private sectors, improved remittances of withholding taxes by financial institutions and corporate organisations, years of taxpayer enumeration, stronger compliance culture, and improved reconciliation of revenues across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as major drivers of the improved performance.

Olatona explained that PAYE remained the state’s biggest revenue source, accounting for about 63 per cent of total collections.

However, he acknowledged that the informal sector remained significantly under-taxed despite its size and contribution to the economy.

He disclosed that taxes and levies generated from the informal sector amounted to ?1.46 billion in 2025, representing only a small fraction of the state’s ?27 billion IGR.

The breakdown, he said, included ?1.23 billion from Direct Assessment, ?59.54 million from commercial motorcycle operators, ?57.5 million from haulage operations, ?52.58 million from consumption tax, ?51.45 million from business premises registration and artisan licensing, among other smaller revenue streams.

Describing the informal economy as the next frontier for revenue growth, Olatona assured residents that the service would pursue wider tax registration and assessment through fairness rather than intimidation.

‘The informal sector remains under-taxed relative to its size. That is not a weakness in what we have built; it is the next frontier, and we intend to bring it in fairly through registration and assessment, not harassment,’ he said.

The EKIRS chairman also addressed the recent controversy surrounding notices of tax assessment served on informal sector operators, insisting that the notices related strictly to the 2025 tax year and were issued in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025.

He explained that the law empowers every taxpayer who disagrees with an assessment to file a formal notice of objection within 30 days, after which the tax authority is expected to review the assessment and respond within 90 days.

According to him, taxpayers dissatisfied with their assessments should utilise the legal dispute resolution process instead of resorting to protests and social media campaigns.

‘Our responsibility is not to punish taxpayers but to ensure fairness. Where there is verifiable evidence that an assessment is excessive, necessary adjustments will be made. We are more interested in helping businesses grow, because thriving businesses ultimately translate into sustainable revenue for government.

‘We are surprised that many of the affected taxpayers failed to take advantage of the lawful channels provided by the Act to challenge their assessments but instead chose protests and blackmail on social media,’ he said.

Olatona expressed appreciation to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, for intervening in the matter and helping to douse the tension, assuring that all genuine grievances arising from the notices of assessment would be resolved amicably without undermining the law.

He reaffirmed EKIRS’ commitment to transparent tax administration that supports business growth while ensuring that every eligible taxpayer contributes fairly to the development of the state.

The revenue chief commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for providing the agency with the tools and operational independence required to discharge its responsibilities effectively.

He also acknowledged the support of the Commissioner for Finance, Akin Oyebode, members of the State Executive Council, the House of Assembly, the EKIRS Board, management and staff for their contributions to the agency’s achievements.

Olatona expressed optimism that the ongoing tax reforms at both federal and state levels would continue to strengthen the economy, broaden the tax net and guarantee sustainable development for Ekiti.

The Nigerian Army has declared Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu wanted over allegations that he sold military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements without authorisation.

The Army announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday by the Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC), revealing that the soldier, attached to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, had been absent from his duty post since June 3, 2026.

The statement, signed by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the NAOC Headquarters, Major Oluwatope Dorcas Aluko, said initial findings linked Amutu to the alleged illegal sale and distribution of military uniforms.

It stated that the appropriate military authorities had declared the soldier wanted and were working to locate and arrest him for further investigation. The Army added that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken in line with military regulations if the allegations are proven.

‘The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps has zero tolerance for misconduct, indiscipline, or any act capable of compromising the operational effectiveness, integrity and reputation of the Nigerian Army or threatening national security,’ the statement said.

The Army warned that any personnel found aiding terrorists, criminal groups or other non-state actors through the illegal sale, diversion or distribution of military uniforms, accoutrements or other controlled items would face the full weight of military and civil laws.

It also called on members of the public to support security agencies with credible information that could help in apprehending the wanted soldier. The Army urged anyone with relevant information to report to the nearest military formation or any other security agency.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, professionalism and the protection of military assets, assuring that every allegation of misconduct involving its personnel would be fully investigated and that anyone found guilty would be sanctioned in accordance with the law.

A coalition of aspirants who contested for the All Progressives Congress (APC) tickets for the Kwara State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections has demanded a refund of expenses incurred on nomination forms, campaigns and consultations following what it described as a flawed primary election process.

The coalition made the demand in a statement issued after reviewing the conduct of the party’s House of Assembly primaries and the ongoing reconciliation efforts within the APC in the state.

The statement was jointly signed by the coalition’s Chairman, Hon. Chief Olu Adewara; Co-Chairman (Kwara South), Hon. (Engr.) Kazeem Bukoye; Co-Chairman (Kwara Central), Hon. (Engr.) Sikirullahi Abdulkareem Oladimeji; Co-Chairman (Kwara North), Hon. Muhammad Shaba; Legal Adviser, Hon. Barr. Sulyman Nasir Lekan Alaran; Public Relations Officer, Hon. Suleiman Abdullahi Belle; and Secretary, Hon. Nasiru Arisekola Suleiman.

The coalition alleged that several aspirants were denied participation in the primary election after being declared ‘uncleared’ by the state leadership of the party despite having fulfilled all constitutional and administrative requirements.

According to the group, the affected aspirants purchased nomination forms, participated in the screening exercise and were subsequently cleared by the national leadership of the APC before being excluded from the primaries.

It described the development as a political injustice that denied loyal party members the opportunity to test their popularity before delegates despite years of commitment, sacrifice and financial investment in the APC.

‘While remaining committed to the unity and stability of the party, the coalition believes that loyalty should never be rewarded with exclusion and that sacrifice should never be met with political neglect,’ the statement read.

The coalition called on the APC leadership to review the circumstances surrounding the alleged exclusion of the affected aspirants and recognise the clearance earlier granted by the party’s national leadership.

It also urged the party to consider suitably qualified members among the affected aspirants for elective opportunities where possible.

The coalition further appealed to the party to compensate those who were not selected by offering them political appointments, campaign leadership positions, membership of boards and commissions, or other responsibilities under the APC administration.

It insisted that aspirants who lost the opportunity to contest should be refunded or fairly compensated with an amount equivalent to, or exceeding, the money spent on nomination forms, campaigns, consultations and other legitimate expenses incurred during the primary process.

‘The coalition maintains that its demand is not for favours but for fairness; not for sympathy but for justice; and not for privilege but for the recognition of legitimate rights earned through years of commitment to the APC,’ the statement added.

The group, however, commended Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the APC State Working Committee, the Kwara APC Primary Elections Reconciliation Committee and other party leaders for initiating reconciliation efforts.

It expressed optimism that the party leadership would take decisions capable of restoring confidence, strengthening internal democracy and rewarding loyalty among members.

The coalition also urged its members and supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the reconciliation process continues, reaffirming its commitment to pursuing its grievances through the APC’s internal mechanisms.

The National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has faulted the suspension of the union’s activities in Osun State, insisting that Governor Ademola Adeleke lacks the constitutional authority to take such action.

Adeleke had on Thursday directed the immediate suspension of all NURTW activities at motor parks across the state.

The directive was announced in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, following a meeting of the Osun State Security Council presided over by the governor.

According to the statement, the decision was reached after the council reviewed the security situation in the state. The governor also instructed the police to halt the collection of levies by the union in all motor parks across Osun.

The state government further directed security agencies to arrest anyone claiming to be an official or executive of the NURTW at any motor park in the state.

Reacting to the development during a press conference at the union’s national headquarters in Abuja on Friday, MC Oluomo maintained that no state governor has the legal authority to suspend the operations of the NURTW.

Represented by the union’s Deputy National President, Aliyu Ore, MC Oluomo said the NURTW was established by law and had previously won several court cases involving similar actions by state governments.

‘Today, we heard that the state governor in Osun suspended the activities of our union, which they don’t have the power to do.

‘Not any single state governor has the power to suspend the activities of the union because we are not under any state. There is an Act that established the NURTW.’

He explained that the union has operated without a recognised leadership in Osun for several weeks due to an ongoing factional crisis.

He added that, following the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the national leadership of the NURTW had resolved to constitute a caretaker committee to manage the union’s affairs in Osun ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

‘We have MoU with INEC. In view of this, we have to inaugurate the caretaker members who are to mount the leadership of the NURTW pending the time we resolve all issues attached to Osun,’ he said.

He announced the caretaker committee, naming Kazeem Oyewale as chairman, Sunday Oludare as secretary, Lukman Ahmed as treasurer, while Ismaila Abdurahim, Adebayo Tajudin, Tajudin Akin and Ayinde Mutiu will serve as members.

MC Oluomo added that the caretaker committee would remain in charge of the union’s affairs in Osun until the leadership crisis is resolved.