Category: Nigerian Tribune

Economic expert Olatunji Smith Balogun has commended the Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, for triggering an infrastructure boom aimed at transforming the state into a prime destination for foreign investors.

Balogun, while speaking on the state’s economic evolution, noted that crucial projects such as the construction of the Ibadan Circular Road and the upgrading of Ibadan Airport to international standards were strategic masterstrokes.

He stressed that only a deeply visionary leader possessed the foresight to invest in capital projects that guaranteed long-term global economic benefits for Ibadan and Oyo State at large.

Drawing strength from history to validate Governor Makinde’s long-term governance approach, Balogun drew a profound historical parallel to his late father, Dr Ganiyu Kolawole Balogun (GKB), who served as the first pioneer chairman of the Ibadan Municipal Government (IMG) from 1976 to 1979.

‘When my late father started road construction across Labiran and Oke-Are, he faced heavy criticism and blame from short-sighted detractors. Decades later, those roads are still actively in use, serving the public and keeping our people happy. Today, Governor Makinde faces similar battles for thinking ahead. Ibadan residents and the people of Oyo State at large must be deeply grateful for a leader who builds for the future rather than just today.’

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has handed over modern medical equipment for the treatment and management of obstetric fistula to Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto, in a move aimed at improving access to quality maternal healthcare for women and girls.

The equipment was officially presented at a ceremony attended by officials of the Sokoto State Government, UNFPA, development partners and health professionals.

Representing the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, the Director of Nursing Services, Abubakar Shehu, described the intervention as another milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen maternal and reproductive healthcare services.

He said the donation would enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide quality, safe and dignified care to women living with obstetric fistula.

‘This equipment will strengthen maternal and reproductive healthcare and ensure that women affected by obstetric fistula have access to quality, safe and dignified care,’ Shehu said.

He expressed appreciation to UNFPA for its continued partnership with the state government in advancing healthcare delivery and urged the management of the hospital to ensure proper utilisation and maintenance of the equipment.

‘I sincerely appreciate UNFPA for its invaluable partnership and support in advancing healthcare in Sokoto State. I urge the management of the hospital to make effective use of this equipment and ensure proper maintenance for the benefit of our people,’ he added.

Speaking during the handover, the Team Lead of the UNFPA Sokoto Field Office, Dr. Rabi Sagir, said the agency’s ultimate goal is to eliminate obstetric fistula in Sokoto State through prevention while ensuring quality treatment for existing cases.

‘Our ultimate goal in UNFPA is not to keep providing surgical equipment. Our ultimate goal is to have zero obstetric fistula in Sokoto State,’ she said.

Dr. Sagir described obstetric fistula as a devastating but preventable condition that reflects deeper social inequalities affecting women and girls.

‘Obstetric fistula is devastating, but it is also preventable. It is a reminder of the inequality that exists in society. It speaks to lack of empowerment, minimal education and limited financial access for many women,’ she noted.

She stressed that UNFPA views obstetric fistula not only as a health challenge but also as a social and development issue.

‘For us in UNFPA, obstetric fistula is not only a health issue; it is also a social issue. It is about women who have been left behind, and we cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals if we leave anyone behind.’

Dr. Sagir noted that UNFPA had supported the facility for many years through funding from development partners, including the European Union under the SARA Health Project and the Government of Canada.

She urged the hospital to maintain the equipment to ensure that more women benefit from the intervention.

‘We look forward to this facility making good use of this equipment, and we encourage continued investment in its maintenance so that many more women can benefit,’ she said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Muhammad Buhari Umar, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with development partners to improve healthcare delivery.

He said the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu was focused on building synergy and aligning development interventions with the state’s priorities under its nine-point agenda.

‘The focus of this administration is to ensure that synergy and convergence are established. We appreciate UNFPA for aligning its interventions with the needs of Sokoto State, and we look forward to stronger collaboration with other development partners,’ he said.

The Permanent Secretary, who said he was impressed by the level of improvement at the hospital during a recent visit, challenged the management to translate the new equipment into better health outcomes.

‘The price of doing a good job is doing good. It is one thing to hold a ceremony; it is another thing to produce results from it. After this equipment, we want to see improved service delivery in this facility,’ he said.

He assured stakeholders that the state government would continue to support initiatives that improve healthcare services and deliver measurable results for the people of Sokoto State.

Twelve tech-enabled Nigerian startups, from the six geopolitical zones of the country, are to receive intensive growth support, investment readiness training, and access up to $350,000 in funding under the Federal Government’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme.

The organisers, while announcing the opening of applications for Growth Lab, a 12-week acceleration programme that would select 12 tech-enabled startups, described the programme as representing the next stage in the iDICE Startup Bridge’s founder support pathway.

Following the implementation of Founders Lab, which equips idea-stage innovators with the tools and guidance needed to validate and develop their ideas, Growth Lab will support startups that have achieved early traction and are seeking the expertise, networks, and investment required to scale.

The programme targets startup founders who are seeking the support, networks, expertise, and investment readiness required to accelerate growth and strengthen their position within the Nigerian innovation ecosystem.

The National Coordinator of the Programme, Ife Adebayo, explained that selected founders will gain access to structured growth support, investment-readiness preparation, access to industry experts, market expansion pathways, a $100,000 cash investment (or Naira equivalent) for 7.5% equity upon entering the programme, and up to $250,000 in potential follow-on investment, with certain growth conditions met.

According to him, the programme would run as an intensive 12-week hybrid experience, including virtual engagements and two physical weeks in Lagos focused on collaboration, learning, and business growth.

While encouraging female founders to apply, Adebayo assured that selection will be conducted through a clearly defined, merit-based evaluation process aligned with published criteria.

A chieftain of the APC and Deputy National Leader (South-East) of the Renewed Hope for Greater Nigeria (RHGN), Mazi Franklin Ngoforo, has advised students from the South-East geopolitical zone to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as real, functional, and accessible.

Ngoforo gave the advice over the weekend when he received a delegation of students’ union leaders from tertiary institutions in the South-East shortly after his engagement with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro.

He advised the student leaders to return to their campuses with the message that the Tinubu administration’s education loan scheme has removed financial barriers to higher education, especially for students from low-income households.

He said, ‘No young person should be denied tertiary education because of financial hardship. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s education loan policy aligns with the South-East’s commitment to learning and has eliminated poverty as a valid reason for any qualified student to miss out.’

He expressed concern over reports that students from the South-East were not fully utilising NELFUND and urged the union leaders to intensify awareness campaigns on their campuses.

Ngoforo also linked quality education to national development, noting that the modern economy is driven by knowledge and digital innovation.

He cited the Igbo tradition of apprenticeship and the region’s growth in digital innovation as evidence of that culture.

He encouraged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship rather than wait for paid jobs, reminding them of the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture, which he said have disbursed billions of naira to support young entrepreneurs and small businesses.

He said, ‘These initiatives complement the renowned entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo people and are designed to unlock the economic potential of the region’s youth.’

On politics, Ngoforo expressed confidence in the Tinubu administration’s economic agenda and urged students to support the President’s re-election in 2027 to allow him to complete ongoing reforms.

He also cautioned them against politicians who may exploit ethnic or religious sentiments.

Responding, the leader of the delegation, Comrade Nelson Obi-Okafor, thanked Ngoforo for enlightening Nigerians on government policies.

He described NELFUND as a significant intervention that has eased tuition and other educational costs for indigent students.

He said, ‘We will disseminate this message across tertiary institutions and communities throughout the South-East and continue to encourage eligible students to access the scheme.’

The Rivers State Judiciary has released 23 inmates in the first phase of its 2026 prison decongestion exercise as part of efforts to reduce congestion in custodial centres across the state.

The exercise, which was carried out on Wednesday, July 22, followed the directive of the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, aimed at decongesting correctional facilities and ensuring that no inmate is held beyond the period permitted by law.

A statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, said Chief Magistrates and Senior Magistrates visited the Port Harcourt, Ahoada and Degema Correctional Centres to review the cases of inmates eligible for release.

According to the statement, 23 inmates were released after the review, with 18 freed from the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre and five from the Ahoada Correctional Centre, while no inmate was released from the Degema Correctional Centre.

The exercise was conducted by Chief Magistrates Menenen F. Poromon, Ilanye D. Brown, N. N. Nnee and Obiareri N. Anugbum, alongside Senior Magistrates Wobia C. Akanie, Harold B. Nwinee and ThankGod Ndukwu.

The Judiciary stated that the exercise forms part of its commitment to promoting access to justice, safeguarding the rights of detainees and supporting ongoing efforts to reduce congestion in correctional facilities through periodic case reviews and other justice sector interventions.

THE principal of Esinle Community High School, Mrs Rachael Alamu, on Sunday recounted the harrowing experience of spending 58 days in captivity, describing the seventh week of the ordeal as the most terrifying as intensified military operations left the abductees fearing they could be killed by stray missiles.

Mrs Alamu spoke during a thanksgiving service held at the Antioch Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, weeks after she and other victims regained their freedom following their abduction by armed bandits.

The principal, who was among the teachers abducted alongside pupils from the school in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, said there were moments when the fear of military bombardment became greater than the fear of their captors.

Recounting the experience before the congregation, she said the seventh week of their captivity tested their faith the most.

‘The seventh week was the hardest for us all. That was when the troops increased their air raids. It was so intense that, at a point, the fear of the bandits became secondary.’

She said the constant sound of military bombardments left the captives uncertain of what could happen next.

‘At a point, the fear of the bandits became secondary. We were just praying that missiles would not accidentally drop on us. We were so afraid. Amidst that fear, God consoled our hearts.’

Mrs Alamu disclosed that before the intensified military operations, the abductors had informed them that the Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, had assured that they would regain their freedom before the end of the week.

According to her, the information initially gave them hope until the heavy bombardment changed the mood inside the camp.

‘They had told us the previous week that the governor said that before Friday we would be released, so we were calm. But when the air raids started on Tuesday, they became so furious.’

She said the tension heightened towards the end of that week when one of the gang leaders summoned her unexpectedly.

‘Towards the end of that week, the commander came and said, ‘Principal, come!’ I was already shaking because I knew what that could mean.’

The thanksgiving service attracted family members, church members, friends and well-wishers, who joined her in appreciating God for her safe return after nearly two months in captivity.

The Esinle school abduction, which occurred in Oriire Local Government Area, drew national attention and renewed concerns over insecurity around schools.

The victims eventually regained their freedom after spending 58 days in the custody of their abductors.

Security operatives have foiled an attempted bandit attack on Tauma Village in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, recovering five magazines loaded with 40 rounds of live ammunition after a gun battle with the attackers.

The Sokoto State Police Command said the operation followed a distress call received at about 8:30 p.m. on July 25 from a resident who reported that a large number of armed bandits had invaded the community with sophisticated weapons.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the Divisional Police Officer in Bodinga immediately mobilised tactical units, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), alongside other security personnel, to confront the attackers.

Rufa’i said the joint security team engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest with suspected gunshot wounds.

He said a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five magazines containing 40 rounds of live ammunition abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

‘The bandits were overpowered by the superior firepower of the joint security teams and fled into the nearby forest with gunshot wounds,’ the police spokesman said.

He added, ‘A thorough search of the bushes and surrounding area led to the recovery of five magazines containing 40 rounds of live ammunition.’

The command said no casualties were recorded among security personnel or residents during the operation.

Rufa’i disclosed that confidence-building patrols had been intensified in the area to reassure residents and prevent further attacks, while neighbouring police divisions had been placed on alert to track down the fleeing suspects.

‘All neighbouring police divisions have been directed to be on the lookout for any injured hoodlums who may attempt to seek medical attention or hide within their jurisdictions,’ he said.

The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, especially individuals with visible gunshot injuries, to the nearest police station or other security agencies.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against banditry and other violent crimes across Sokoto State, assuring residents that efforts to protect lives and property would continue.

Stand-up comedian, actor and filmmaker Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY Comedian, has explained why he stopped attending church, saying the decision was influenced by the public scrutiny that followed his divorce.

Speaking in a video shared on his social media page on Sunday, AY said he did not stop going to church because he had lost his faith in God. Instead, he chose to stay away to avoid becoming the subject of discussions among church members.

He added that although he no longer attends physical services regularly, he still worships online from time to time.

‘For some time now, I stopped attending church not because I stopped believing in God or lost my faith. I was actually navigating a very personal season; the negative narrative put out on the blogs against me.

‘So, I chose to step back quietly. Part of that decision was because I didn’t want to become the subject of whispered conversations,’ AY explained.

The comedian also recalled attending another church after leaving his previous place of worship.

However, he said he became discouraged after he was removed from a church programme he had been scheduled to participate in because the church said it was ‘worried about public perception.’

According to AY, the experience made him reflect on the role of the church and whether it remains a place where people can seek support during difficult times.

‘Shouldn’t the church be the safest place to find truth, grace, and restoration? If people cannot run to God’s house when life becomes heavy on them, where are they meant to run to? The clueless people who just post negative comments on social media or go ahead and judge you without even knowing the root of whatever happened? Or the few friends who would skilfully avoid you because of public perception?’ he asked.

Residents of Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi, Imosan and neighbouring communities in the Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the Inspector-General of Police to intervene over alleged land grabbing, warning that the situation could trigger a communal crisis if left unresolved.

The residents staged a peaceful protest on Monday, alleging that suspected land grabbers, accompanied by security operatives, had invaded their communities with bulldozers to demolish buildings, destroy farmlands, and intimidate property owners.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as ‘Gov Dapo Abiodun, save us from land grabbers,’ ‘President Bola Tinubu, rescue us from land grabbers,’ ‘Ogun State Assembly, please save us from land grabbers,’ and ‘We call on IGP Tunji Disu and DSS to protect residents of Ikangba, Imodi, Agoro and Imosan from land grabbers,’ the protesters called for urgent government intervention.

Speaking during the protest, Comrade John Nicholas Eko, a resident and Ogun State Coordinator of the Campaign for Workers and Democratic Rights, said the demonstration was organised to draw attention to what he described as attempts to displace more than 500,000 residents from their ancestral lands.

According to him, the alleged land grabbers had been using security operatives to intimidate residents while demolishing homes, farms and other property.

‘We are here today to protest against the activities of land grabbers attempting to take over the communities of Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi and Imosan. Together, these communities are home to more than 500,000 residents.

‘These land grabbers are attempting to drive people away from their ancestral lands. They are collaborating with certain security operatives who accompany them whenever they come with bulldozers used to destroy farms, crops, buildings, and other property.

‘Residents have also been subjected to intimidation, harassment, extortion and various forms of abuse. We are saying enough is enough,’ Eko said.

He appealed to President Tinubu and Governor Abiodun to ensure the enforcement of the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law, stressing that the government had consistently maintained a zero-tolerance stance against land grabbing.

A community leader in Ikangba, Professor Gafar Ayodeji, alleged that previous engagements with the police and other stakeholders had failed to halt the activities of the suspected land grabbers.

He lamented that despite the enactment of the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law in 2016, the alleged invaders continued to enter the communities with heavy equipment to demolish buildings, destroy crops and level building foundations.

‘We have organised this protest because we do not want anyone to take the law into their own hands. We are asking the government to act before the situation escalates,’ he said.

‘These land grabbers are not our community leaders. They are not Baales or Olori-Ituns. We do not know them. If they have any grievances, they should seek legal redress in court or engage with the recognised Baales and Olori-Ituns of the affected communities,’ he added.

The Baale of Ikangba, High Chief Joseph S. Adebanjo, a retired Nigerian Army officer, also alleged that the suspected land grabbers had deployed bulldozers and graders to destroy buildings, farms and other property while laying claim to the land.

‘We reported these incidents to the police, but no meaningful action was taken. Instead, we witnessed some security operatives accompanying those carrying out these activities. It is difficult to understand why law enforcement officers would provide protection to individuals accused of invading another community,’ Adebanjo said.

He warned that continued destruction of property could provoke unrest if urgent action was not taken.

‘We do not want to take the law into our own hands. That is why we are making this public appeal and asking the government to intervene promptly,’ he added.

The immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ibadan branch, Mr Ibraheem Folarin Bello, FNSE, has urged graduating students of Baptist High School, Ede, Osun State, to consider careers in engineering to enable them to contribute to solving societal problems.

He made the call while presenting cash awards on behalf of the school’s former students to some outstanding students in recognition of their academic excellence, discipline and commitment during a valedictory service held on the school premises recently.

Bello, who was the senior prefect during his set, encouraged students with a passion for mathematics and science to consider careers in engineering, adding that the profession transforms ideas into reality, solves societal problems, builds infrastructure, drives technological advancement and contributes significantly to national development.

He further stated: ‘We also need dedicated doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants, architects, scientists, entrepreneurs and other professionals who will serve humanity with excellence and integrity.

‘To our graduating students, today marks the beginning of another important chapter in your lives. As you prepare for higher education and future careers, I encourage you to dream big and work hard to achieve your dreams. Nigeria and the world need young professionals who are competent, innovative and committed to making a difference.

‘The awards being presented to some outstanding students today are not just a reward for hard work; they are an encouragement to keep striving for excellence. We hope they inspire every student here to believe that dedication, integrity and perseverance always produce positive results,’ he said.

He reminded the students that success is built on discipline, hard work, honesty, respect for others and faith in God.

‘Never allow your background or present circumstances to limit your future. Your determination and character will take you farther than your challenges.’

Another highlight of the event was the presentation of a cash award by Bello, on behalf of his set, to their Geography teacher, Mr Oba Adeeyo, in appreciation of his invaluable support and guidance while they were in the school.