Category: Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIAN banks have placed about N4.4 trillion of surplus funds with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through its Standing Deposit Facility (SDF), as lenders seek safe returns on excess cash amid high money-market rates and the apex bank’s continued efforts to manage liquidity.

The large placement at the SDF came as total liquidity in the banking system remained firmly positive during the week, rising to N4.66 trillion from N3.61 trillion in the previous week.

The SDF is a facility through which banks can deposit excess cash with the CBN and earn interest. It provides lenders with a low-risk alternative to leaving funds idle or placing them in other short-term markets.

Market analysts said the N4.4 trillion placement shows that banks still have substantial cash available, despite the CBN’s efforts to withdraw excess liquidity through Open Market Operations (OMO).

The development also reflects the cautious approach of banks to lending, particularly as demand for loans remains relatively subdued compared with the amount of liquidity available in the system.

Apart from the SDF placement, about N2.3 trillion in repayments from the primary market also provided additional support to system liquidity during the week.

However, the liquidity position is expected to come under pressure following the CBN’s OMO settlement of about N2.9 trillion. OMO refers to the CBN’s sale of government securities to financial institutions to absorb excess money from the banking system.

The combination of strong liquidity inflows and aggressive sterilisation by the CBN has created a market in which banks are able to move between depositing funds with the apex bank and investing in short-term government securities, depending on the returns available.

Despite the large liquidity surplus, money-market rates remained relatively high during the week.

Dealers from Cowry Assets Management Limited said the overnight rate, which reflects the cost of borrowing funds between banks for one day, fell marginally by 13 basis points to 22.13 percent, while the funding rate remained unchanged at 22 percent.

The relatively high rates indicate that the cost of short-term funds remains elevated, even though the banking system is carrying substantial liquidity.

NIBOR rates, which indicate the rates at which banks lend to one another in the Nigerian interbank market, increased across most maturities.

The one-month, three-month and six-month NIBOR rates rose by 26 basis points, 56 basis points and 76 basis points, respectively.

The overnight NIBOR rate increased by only two basis points.

The rise in longer-tenor NIBOR rates suggests that market participants are preparing for tighter liquidity conditions in the weeks ahead, particularly as the CBN continues to withdraw funds through its monetary-policy operations.

Treasury bills attract strong demand.

Activity in the secondary Treasury bills market remained relatively subdued during the week, with yields broadly stable across maturities.

The average Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTB) yield declined slightly to 18.86 percent from 18.95 percent in the previous week, reflecting buying interest across the curve.

At its NTB auction during the week, the CBN offered N750 billion across the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day maturities.

Investors submitted bids totalling N3.4 trillion, more than four times the amount offered, indicating strong appetite for short-term government securities.

The CBN eventually allotted N865.7 billion, exceeding the initial offer by N115.7 billion.

The 91-day and 182-day stop rates were unchanged at 16.30 percent and 16.50 percent, respectively.

However, the stop rate for the 364-day bill declined by 31 basis points to 16.84 percent.

The lower rate on the longest-dated bill suggests that investors were still willing to commit funds for longer periods, but at a slightly lower yield than in the previous auction.

Demand was even stronger at the CBN’s OMO auction, highlighting the amount of liquidity available in the financial system and investors’ appetite for relatively attractive short-term instruments.

The apex bank offered N1 trillion in OMO bills with maturities of 91 days, 147 days and 154 days.

Investors submitted bids totalling N5.5 trillion, representing a bid-to-offer ratio of 5.5 times.

The CBN allotted N2.9 trillion, almost three times the amount initially offered.

The large allotment indicates that the apex bank was willing to absorb a substantial amount of surplus cash from the financial system as part of its liquidity-management strategy.

The stop rate for the 91-day OMO bill settled at 19.59 percent, while the 147-day and 154-day instruments cleared at 18.99 percent.

The relatively high yields helped attract investors looking for secure short-term investments.

CBN balances liquidity management with rate stability

The latest money-market developments highlight the delicate balance facing the CBN.

On one hand, the apex bank needs to prevent excessive liquidity from building up in the banking system because too much money chasing limited financial assets can put pressure on interest rates, the foreign exchange market and inflation.

On the other hand, removing too much liquidity too quickly could raise the cost of funds for banks and businesses and potentially weaken credit growth.

The N4.4 trillion placed in the SDF therefore provides an important indication of how banks are managing their cash positions.

Rather than deploying all their excess funds into loans or the interbank market, banks are choosing to keep a significant portion with the CBN, where the funds are considered highly secure and earn a return.

This does not necessarily mean banks are unwilling to lend. Rather, it suggests that lenders are weighing the risk and return on loans against the relatively attractive and more predictable returns available from central-bank and government securities.

For borrowers, however, persistently high money-market rates can translate into higher borrowing costs, especially for businesses that depend heavily on bank credit.

N3.14trn liquidity injection expected

Looking ahead, about N3.07 trillion in OMO maturities is scheduled to be released into the financial system next week.

An additional N71 billion in NTB maturities is also expected, bringing the projected liquidity injection to about N3.14 trillion.

When government securities mature, the CBN effectively returns funds to investors. Unless the funds are immediately reinvested in new securities, they become available to banks and other financial institutions, increasing liquidity in the system.

However, the expected liquidity injection could be partly offset by new government securities sales.

The CBN is expected to conduct an NTB auction of about N700 billion, which would withdraw part of the liquidity returning to the market.

More than N700 billion in expected OMO maturities could, however, provide some additional support to liquidity.

The conflicting flows mean that the banking system could continue to experience substantial liquidity movements from one week to another.

The current situation also highlights the importance of banks’ liquidity-management decisions.

With about N4.4 trillion parked at the SDF, banks are clearly making use of the CBN facility as a temporary home for excess funds.

For banks, the attraction is straightforward: the SDF offers security and a predictable return without the credit risk associated with lending to customers.

The decision also allows banks to remain liquid and ready to respond when attractive lending or investment opportunities emerge.

For the CBN, however, the heavy use of the SDF does not mean its liquidity-management task is over.

The apex bank must continue to monitor how much money is circulating in the financial system and how quickly liquidity moves between the banking sector, government securities market, foreign exchange market and other asset classes.

Analysts expect money-market conditions to remain relatively stable in the near term, although liquidity could tighten modestly as the CBN continues its sterilisation programme.

Sterilisation, in this context, simply means the CBN withdrawing excess cash from the financial system, mainly through instruments such as OMO securities.

Strong demand at both the OMO and NTB auctions suggests that investors remain comfortable putting money into short-term securities at prevailing yields.

Unless there is a major liquidity shock, money-market rates are expected to remain broadly within their current range.

This week will provide a clearer picture of whether the CBN’s continued OMO operations will succeed in reducing excess liquidity or whether strong maturities and other inflows will continue to replenish the banking system.

For now, the N4.4 trillion sitting at the SDF represents a significant pool of bank funds that could otherwise have been deployed into lending, investments or other financial-market activities.

Its movement will therefore remain an important indicator of liquidity conditions, banks’ risk appetite and the direction of short-term interest rates in the Nigerian financial system.

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has marked three years of institutional reforms and technology commercialisation under its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu.

The agency, which marked the milestone on Friday, 4 September 2026, said the reforms had repositioned NASENI as a key technology-transfer and commercialisation institution supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.

Since assuming office in September 2023, Halilu has focused on bridging the gap between Nigeria’s research and innovation capacity and industrial production by connecting innovation, infrastructure, skills, finance, manufacturing and market access.

Halilu said Nigeria had never lacked technical talent or innovative ideas, but had struggled to convert them into commercially viable products.

‘Nigeria has capable engineers, researchers and innovators. What has often been missing is a connected system that can identify promising ideas, develop them, finance them, manufacture them and take them to the market,’ he said.

As part of the reforms, NASENI established Project Management and Implementation Management Offices, strengthened internal audit and reporting systems, digitised key processes and introduced an Enterprise Resource Planning system.

The agency also developed an innovation-to-industry pipeline through initiatives including InnovateNaija, the NASENI Innovation Hub, Research Commercialisation Grant Programme, DELT-Her, FutureMakers, SheFly and the Reverse Japa Programme.

NASENI said it awarded N229 million to 14 researchers in 2025 under its research commercialisation programme, supporting projects in agriculture, clean energy, healthcare, mobility and digital security.

The agency has also developed more than 40 products across renewable energy, mobility, agriculture, healthcare, information technology, clean cooking and education.

Major industrial projects include the 40-hectare Solar Industrial Park in Gora, Nasarawa State; an electric vehicle assembly facility at Abuja Technology Village; CNG conversion and reverse-engineering centres in Abuja; and a rapid diagnostics factory in partnership with Troment.

In agriculture, NASENI is deploying solar-powered irrigation technologies, restoring idle tractors and developing agricultural incubation centres. It is also implementing a coal-based fertiliser manufacturing project in Kano through bilateral technology transfer.

The agency said it had established more than 50 local and international partnerships spanning renewable energy, automotive technology, agriculture, healthcare, defence, aerospace and research.

Looking ahead, NASENI said it would prioritise scaling commercial production, strengthening local content, improving standards and certification, increasing factory utilisation and expanding market adoption.

‘The real test is whether our products are adopted, our factories operate sustainably, our partnerships transfer useful capabilities, our trainees secure livelihoods and more value remain within the Nigerian economy,’ Halilu said.

He added that his goal was for NASENI to become an institution that helps Nigeria build the capacity to manufacture what it needs.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for a comprehensive investigation into the N33.75 billion cash transfer programme for 3.29 million households following audit queries raised by the Auditor-General of the Federation.

Reacting on Monday through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the audit findings raised concerns about accountability and transparency in the implementation of social intervention programmes.

‘According to the Auditor-General’s report, N33.75 billion disbursed to 3.29 million households could not be fully verified. This highlights the need for government to provide clear records showing how public funds were spent,’ Abdullahi said.

The party recalled previous issues reported in the National Social Investment Programme, including cases involving former officials Betta Edu and Halima Shehu, and said Nigerians deserve to know the status of all funds appropriated for poverty alleviation.

Abdullahi also referenced the Federal Government’s recently announced $1 billion ‘Renewed Hope Social Protection Programme’ and urged that new interventions be guided by stronger transparency mechanisms.

‘Before rolling out additional programmes, government should demonstrate that lessons have been learnt and that systems are in place to prevent recurrence of accountability gaps,’ he said.

The ADC noted that rising costs of fuel, transportation and food have increased the number of Nigerians needing social support, which makes transparency in cash transfer programmes even more critical.

To ensure accountability, the party demanded the publication of the full beneficiary register of households that received payments under the N33.75 billion intervention, the release of the REMITA payment trail and other payment records to verify disbursements, full cooperation with the Auditor-General’s office to resolve all outstanding audit queries, and the names of every official who obstructed the Auditor-General.

‘Social intervention programmes should serve their intended purpose of supporting vulnerable Nigerians. Government must show who received the funds, how much was paid, and when the payments were made,’ Abdullahi added.

The ADC said it would continue to monitor the process and expects relevant agencies to take immediate steps to address the issues raised in the audit report.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has received a major boost following the defection of a prominent African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma, popularly known as ‘Garkuwa Babba’.

Garkuwa Babba, a former ADC aspirant for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency and National Chairman of the ADC House of Representatives Aspirants Forum, formally handed over his political structure to the APC on Saturday.

He made the declaration during a meeting with the Gombe State Governor and leader of the APC in the state, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, at the Gombe Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

The governor received him in the company of the APC governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, and a chieftain of the party, Engr Aliyu Mohammed Combat.

Speaking during the meeting, Garkuwa Babba said he was joining the APC to support Dr Jamilu Gwamna’s gubernatorial ambition and pledged to mobilise his entire grassroots network for the candidate and other APC flagbearers in 2027.

‘I am handing over my structure to the APC and I pledge my total commitment to work for the victory of Dr Jamilu Gwamna and all our candidates. We will begin immediate mass mobilisation across Gombe State,’ he said.

Garkuwa Babba, described as one of the key pillars of the ADC structure in Gombe, attributed his defection to Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s ‘sterling leadership, performance and development record’.

He noted that the governor’s achievements had strengthened public confidence in the APC and made it the preferred platform for those committed to the progress of Gombe State.

According to him, joining the APC was a deliberate decision to identify with a development-oriented leadership and contribute to sustaining the gains recorded under the Inuwa Yahaya administration.

Receiving the former ADC chieftain, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed appreciation for the decision, describing it as ‘a significant boost’ to the APC ahead of 2027.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to an inclusive and united APC and assured Garkuwa Babba that his experience, network and political reach would be valuable to the party and contribute to the success of Dr Jamilu Gwamna and other candidates.

He called for continued cohesion among party members, stressing that the strength of the APC lies in accommodating diverse interests while maintaining a common commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Gombe State.

The Abeokuta Premium Lions Club has launched a N10 million empowerment scheme aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and tackling unemployment and poverty among youths in Ogun State.

Launched as part of activities marking the International Youth Month, the initiative saw the club disbursing an initial N1 million to selected beneficiaries to expand their small-scale businesses.

Speaking at the club’s second business meeting of the 2026/2027 service year in Abeokuta on Sunday, the club’s president, Lion Lukman Abiose, said the scheme comprises non-refundable grants and interest-free loans designed to cushion the economic challenges facing young business owners.

According to Abiose, beneficiaries will be allowed to repay the loan component over a 12-month period, giving them the opportunity to expand their businesses without the burden of interest.

He said, ‘In commemoration of International Youth Month, we are empowering some of our youths to grow their businesses through a mix of non-interest loans and grants.

‘Part of the money given to them is a non-refundable grant, while the other portion is a non-interest loan payable within 12 months.

‘Our goal is to make life better for the youths, improve society, and raise productive young individuals who contribute meaningfully to the economic ecosystem and the nation’s economy through our humanitarian drive.’

Abiose said the empowerment scheme represents the first phase of the club’s broader N10 million empowerment project.

He added that the club would monitor and mentor the initial beneficiaries to ensure that the funds are properly utilised and that the businesses become sustainable.

Highlighting the activities of Lions Clubs International, Abiose said youth empowerment is one of the association’s eight major areas of focus, alongside sight conservation, childhood cancer, diabetes awareness, environmental protection, hunger relief and peace initiatives.

He said Lions Clubs around the world support young people through training, funding, placements and mentorship.

‘All over the world, Lions Club engages in various youth empowerment initiatives through training, endowments, placements and mentorship. This month, we are focusing on childhood cancer, after which we will move to sight and vision projects,’ he said.

Abiose assured that subsequent phases of the N10 million empowerment fund would be rolled out progressively.

Also speaking at the event, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, commended the club for its commitment to humanitarian service and its support for vulnerable members of society.

Babaseyi said targeted community interventions such as the empowerment scheme could contribute to crime prevention by addressing some of the social and economic conditions that expose young people to criminality.

‘Where you help the downtrodden and show service to humanity as a core focus, it directly impacts our ability to fight crime,’ he said.

‘Prevention is always better than cure, and proactive humanitarian drives are helping keep youths off the streets and away from criminality.’

He added that community outreach programmes that address social challenges could help ease the burden on law enforcement by tackling some of the root causes of crime before they escalate.

In his remarks, the club’s Charter President and Chairman of the Empowerment Fund, Lion Shafi Amusa, disclosed that three successful applicants received a total of N1 million from the first phase of the scheme.

He said nine proposals were received, but only three applicants met the selection criteria.

According to Amusa, the beneficiaries received between N200,000 and N300,000 each, depending on their specific business needs.

He added that the application window remains open for other interested Leos to submit their proposals for consideration.

Amusa said the initiative was designed not only to provide financial assistance but also to help build financially independent young people who can contribute to their communities and eventually transition into full-fledged Lions.

He emphasised that beneficiaries would receive structured mentorship, guidance and professional support to help them develop sustainable businesses and create positive social impact.

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has condemned the attack on journalists shortly after covering the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, on Saturday.

Waiya also sympathised with the management and staff of Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM Kano, following an attack on the station’s vehicle during the incident.

In a statement signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment in the ministry, Sani Abba Yola, the commissioner described the incident as unfortunate and deeply concerning, stressing that journalists performing their legitimate professional duties must be protected from intimidation, harassment and violence.

He said the media remained an indispensable pillar of democracy, particularly during political activities, as journalists play a vital role in informing the public, providing platforms for diverse opinions and ensuring objective reporting of political events.

Waiya condemned the reported use of machetes and knives by the attackers, describing the act as unacceptable and a serious threat to the safety of media professionals and members of the public.

He called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable was prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The commissioner also urged political parties, groups, supporters and other stakeholders to respect the rights and safety of journalists, especially as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He assured journalists and media organisations in Kano of the state government’s commitment to press freedom, peaceful political participation and an environment where media professionals can perform their duties without fear.

Waiya wished the affected journalists and other victims of the incident well, while praying for continued peace and stability in the state.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has also condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable and a serious threat to press freedom.

The NUJ said the reported attack by suspected thugs on journalists and the damage inflicted on a Pyramid FM vehicle was particularly disturbing because it occurred during a political gathering.

The council said attacks on journalists covering political events constituted not only an attack on the media but also a setback to democracy, stressing that a free and independent press was essential to an informed citizenry and credible democratic process.

The NUJ expressed particular concern over reports that attackers used machetes and knives to repeatedly strike the Radio Nigeria vehicle despite the presence of security personnel inside.

It sympathised with the management and staff of Pyramid FM Kano and the journalists and other occupants who were subjected to fear and distress during the incident.

While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies in maintaining peace during public gatherings, the council urged them to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that those found guilty face the full weight of the law.

The NUJ warned that failure to adequately address such attacks could embolden perpetrators and expose journalists to greater danger as political activities build up toward the 2027 elections.

It urged political parties, political groups, supporters and other stakeholders to respect journalists and recognise the media as an indispensable partner in the democratic process.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and the safety of journalists in Kano.

Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited and Chief Executive of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, has described the planned initial public offering of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals as an ‘IPO for the People,’ saying the offer is designed not only to raise more than N2 trillion but also to give Nigerians and other Africans an opportunity to own a stake in the landmark refinery.

Speaking at the signing ceremony for the IPO on Monday, Dangote said the offer, priced at N525 per share with a minimum subscription of 10 shares, would support the refinery’s expansion while broadening ownership of the 700,000 barrels-per-day facility.

He said the decision to keep the minimum subscription low was deliberate, stressing that the objective was not simply to maximise proceeds but to enable ordinary Nigerians, including the company’s drivers, cooks, workers and managers, to participate in the ownership of the refinery.

‘This is why we have actually called it the IPO for the People. There is no segregation on who can own these shares. We want every human being living on the continent to be part of this action,’ Dangote said.

According to him, the planned capital raise of ‘just a bit more than N2 trillion’ was relatively small compared with the scale of the refinery and its expansion requirements.

He explained that the wider objective was to create an investment opportunity through which ordinary Nigerians could build long-term wealth from the performance of one of Africa’s largest industrial assets.

Dangote said investors could ultimately use dividends from their holdings to meet significant financial obligations, citing education expenses abroad as an example of the potential long-term benefit of ownership.

The planned offer comes as Dangote Refinery moves into a new phase of expansion after years of construction and commissioning challenges.

Dangote said the journey began more than a decade ago when the company secured financing support from its bankers despite not having finalised the refinery site or obtained all the required licences.

He recalled that the project encountered several setbacks, including difficulties in securing land, noting that the group spent years searching for a suitable location before eventually gaining access to its site in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

The industrialist paid tribute to former Lagos governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, and incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for their roles in supporting the project.

He said the refinery represented more than a commercial investment, describing it as a symbol of what Nigerians and Africans could achieve through determination, capital mobilisation and long-term industrial investment.

According to Dangote, Africa must become more confident in developing its own industrial capacity rather than remaining dependent on external economies.

‘As Nigerians and Africans, we must be bold and lead the change to develop our economies and our continent,’ he said.

He argued that industrialisation would create opportunities and prosperity while strengthening Africa’s negotiating position in the global economy.

The Dangote Group’s Vision 2030, he said, is focused on ‘Accelerating Africa’s Industrialization,’ with energy security at the centre of the strategy.

‘We have learned the hard way, and we cannot industrialise if we do not have energy security,’ Dangote said.

He disclosed that the group was consequently expanding its investment ambitions beyond Nigeria, with plans already announced in countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia.

The refinery, he added, was intended to contribute to Africa’s broader industrial transformation, linking energy security with economic activity across the continent.

Dangote described the 700,000bpd facility as the largest refinery in Africa and the world’s largest single-train refinery, while projecting that it would become the world’s largest refinery by 2028.

He said the IPO was therefore significant not just for Dangote Industries but for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

The businessman also acknowledged the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Nigerian Exchange and the financial advisers, issuing houses, brokers, solicitors, auditors, registrars and receiving banks involved in the transaction.

He specifically commended SEC Director-General Emomotimi Agama for what he described as constructive regulatory engagement that enabled the offer to progress.

Dangote also praised the refinery’s management and staff, singling out Group Chief Financial Officer Murtaza Eyidin for leading the team responsible for delivering the transaction within a record timeframe.

He said the successful progression of the IPO demonstrated the importance of determination, recalling his long-standing philosophy that ‘nothing is impossible.’

The proposed offer represents one of the most significant attempts to broaden public participation in ownership of a major Nigerian industrial asset, while simultaneously providing capital to support further expansion of the refinery.

Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said none of the major opposition candidates preparing for the 2027 presidential election have what it takes to transform Nigeria.

Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 election, made the assertion while appearing on the MicOn Podcast on Saturday.

President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress is seeking re-election in 2027, while former Anambra State governor Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress are among the leading opposition figures expected to challenge him.

Baba-Ahmed argued that many of the major opposition candidates seeking to replace Tinubu had previously been part of the political establishment he blamed for the country’s current difficulties.

He therefore advised Tinubu to prepare to leave office at the end of his tenure, but warned that handing over power to the current crop of opposition contenders would not necessarily produce the change Nigerians desire.

‘I will simply advise uncle (Tinubu) to please prepare to hand over and move away, but not to the people contesting against him,’ he said.

‘Because none of them will improve Nigeria. All those people contesting against him too were all in bed together at some point or another – including Peter Obi. At some point, he was in PDP.’

The former lawmaker said he was advocating a ‘new Nigeria’ and argued that his political history distinguished him from other politicians who had belonged to parties that controlled the Federal Government.

‘Tell me one politician who has never been in a ruling party. I’m the one. Have I ever been in a ruling party?’ he asked.

Baba-Ahmed explained that although he was once a member of the Congress for Progressive Change, he left the party before its merger with other parties that eventually produced the APC.

‘I have never been in a ruling party. When I was in CPC, it was a little opposition party,’ he said.

‘I never had an APC membership card.’

The former LP vice-presidential candidate also commented on the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s records in the United States.

He questioned Atiku’s decision to make the issue a major political point, arguing that the former vice-president had not always been vocal about the matter.

Baba-Ahmed said Tinubu had been allowed to govern but should not seek to prolong his stay in power.

He further accused the president of weakening Nigeria’s political parties during his administration.

‘All he did in three years was to destroy political parties,’ Baba-Ahmed said.

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has assured the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Governor Seyi Makinde, and other candidates of the party of bulk votes in Ibarapa zone in 2027.

He said this was in appreciation of the administration’s development strides across the zone.

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin gave the assurance in Eruwa, Oyo State, at the grand finale of activities marking the first anniversary of the coronation of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, His Royal Majesty Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, Ajobo Olurin I, where the Governor and his wife, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, were installed as the Aare Asoludero and Yeye Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland, respectively.

The Speaker congratulated the Governor and his wife on the traditional honours, describing the conferment of the titles as a well-deserved recognition of their contributions to the development of Oyo State and the progress of Ibarapaland.

He particularly commended Governor Makinde for the inner road projects in Ibarapa East Local Government, especially in Eruwa, noting that the projects were making a visible impact on communities in the area.

‘Your Excellency, permit me to particularly appreciate you for the inner road projects in Ibarapa East, especially here in Eruwa. These projects are making a visible difference in our communities and demonstrating that the development of our rural and semi-urban communities remains a priority of your administration,’ the Oyo Speaker said.

He also appreciated the Governor for his assurances that similar inner road projects would be extended to Lanlate, saying the commitment had renewed the confidence of residents that no community would be left behind in the administration’s development agenda.

The Speaker further highlighted the ongoing Ido-Eruwa road project, describing it as a major infrastructure intervention connecting Ibarapaland to the wider Oyo State economy.

According to him, the various infrastructure projects being executed by the Makinde administration across the state demonstrate its commitment to improving connectivity and extending development to communities outside the major urban centres.

Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin said the people of Ibarapaland had not only seen the projects but were also experiencing their impact, adding that the development strides would influence their political decisions in 2027.

‘Your Excellency, the people of Ibarapaland see these projects, they feel their impact, and they appreciate the fact that development is reaching their communities. As we look ahead to 2027, I have no doubt that Ibarapaland will reciprocate this commitment. The people of Ibarapaland, having witnessed the development taking place under your leadership, will massively demonstrate their appreciation and support at the polls,’ he said.

The Speaker also commended Oba Adegbola and the entire Ibarapa Traditional Council for the conferment of the titles on the Governor and his wife, as well as their continued commitment to peace, unity and development in the region.

He congratulated the Eleruwa and the people of Eruwa on the renovation and expansion of the Eleruwa Palace, describing the project as a fitting highlight of the anniversary celebration and a testament to the importance attached to the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional institutions.

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.