Category: Nigerian Tribune

Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election for another term.

Oyinlola, in a congratulatory letter dated August 16, 2026, wished Adeleke success as he continues to provide leadership for the state.

‘I write on behalf of myself and my family to congratulate you on your re-election for another term as Governor of Osun State.

‘Your victory at the polls is an affirmation of the confidence the people of Osun State repose in your leadership. I am happy for you and wish you all the best as you continue to serve our state and its people,’ Oyinlola said.

The former governor also prayed for divine guidance, wisdom and strength for Adeleke as he begins another term in office.

‘My prayer is that Almighty God will continue to guide your steps and grant you the wisdom and strength to continue to provide purposeful leadership for all our people.

‘Please accept, once again, my heartfelt congratulations,’ he added.

Tributes have continued to pour in from various quarters of Nigeria’s social landscape as Alhaja Wosilat Okoya-Seriki marks her 65th birthday today, Monday, August 17. Celebrated for her grace, poise, and quiet influence, she remains a revered figure among the nation’s elite.

Born on August 17, 1961, into the esteemed Okoya lineage, Mrs. Okoya-Seriki is the younger sister of the legendary industrialist and philanthropist, Aare Rasak Akanni Okoya, CON. Yet, those close to her emphasize that her prominence is anchored firmly in her own character, warmth, and a remarkable generosity that stands out in contemporary society.

Despite her high-profile background, including her marriage to the late Chief Ademola Rasaq Seriki, CON, the Otun Aare of Lagos and former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain and Permanent Representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation who passed away in December 2022, Mrs. Okoya-Seriki has consistently maintained a low profile. Rather than seeking the public stage, she has chosen a life centered on family, home, and quiet dignity.

During her late husband’s diplomatic service, she stood steadfastly by his side, establishing a welcoming home in Madrid for the duration of his posting and remaining with him until his final moments. True to her enduring devotion, she has continued to honor his memory each year through memorial prayers.

As a mother to three accomplished daughters and a doting grandmother, she is widely praised for instilling strong values of hard work and integrity in her family. In social circles, she is equally admired for her timeless elegance, glowing skin, and signature classic style, remaining a head-turner whenever she makes an appearance without ever being loud or overtly visible as a socialite.

As family, friends, and admirers commemorate this major milestone, the consensus across the board is clear: Wosilat Okoya-Seriki’s life at 65 is a testament to purposeful living, unwavering loyalty, and quiet, enduring strength.

The Federal Government Loan is currently available to eligible contributors at an interest rate of up to six per cent per annum, with a repayment period of up to 30 years.

According to information published by FMBN, eligible contributors can access up to ?50 million, subject to affordability, the value of the property and other lending conditions.

Here are the key things applicants need to know about the scheme and how to apply for the federal government loan.

What is the FMBN mortgage loan?

The NHF Mortgage Loan is a housing finance facility administered by FMBN through accredited and licensed Primary Mortgage Banks and other approved mortgage loan originators.

The facility can be used to purchase, construct, improve or renovate an owner-occupied residential property, with the property serving as security for the loan.

Unlike conventional commercial mortgages, the NHF facility offers contributors a longer repayment period and a concessionary interest rate.

Who is eligible?

Applicants generally have to meet the following conditions:

Be a Nigerian citizen aged 18 or above.

Be a contributor to the National Housing Fund.

Have made continuous NHF contributions for at least six months.

Have a stable source of income or, for self-employed applicants, provide evidence of regular income.

Apply through an FMBN-accredited and licensed mortgage loan originator or Primary Mortgage Bank.

Have a property that meets relevant legal and planning requirements.

FMBN also assesses an applicant’s repayment capacity, with loan repayment generally subject to an affordability threshold based on income.

How much can you borrow?

FMBN’s current NHF Mortgage Loan information states that contributors can access up to ?50 million, subject to affordability and other lending conditions.

The value of the property is also taken into consideration. FMBN’s published conditions state that an individual should not receive more than 90 per cent of the cost or value of the property being mortgaged.

The older ?15 million limit still appears in some FMBN documents and online materials. Applicants should therefore rely on the latest terms provided by FMBN and their accredited mortgage institution when applying.

What is the interest rate?

The interest rate for NHF contributors is not more than six per cent per annum.

FMBN currently states that the facility is provided to accredited Primary Mortgage Banks at four per cent for onward lending to NHF contributors at six per cent.

How long do you have to repay?

The maximum repayment period is 30 years, subject to factors such as the applicant’s age, income and years in service.

Repayments are made through the mortgage loan originator or Primary Mortgage Bank through which the applicant obtained the facility.

How to apply

1. Confirm your NHF contribution

Applicants must first be registered as NHF contributors and meet the required contribution conditions.

FMBN provides an online personal or individual NHF registration platform for new contributors.

2. Choose an accredited mortgage institution

Applicants do not simply walk into FMBN to collect the mortgage loan directly.

The application is made through a licensed and FMBN-accredited Primary Mortgage Bank or mortgage loan originator, which processes the application and submits it to FMBN where applicable.

3. Obtain the mortgage application form

The accredited mortgage institution will provide the relevant application form and guide the applicant on the documents required for the particular application.

4. Prepare your documents

Depending on the nature of the application, applicants may be required to provide:

Completed mortgage loan application form;

Evidence of NHF contributions;

Proof of income;

Recent payslips or other evidence of income;

Property title documents;

Valuation report;

Bill of quantities where the loan is for construction;

Relevant tax and employment documents; and

Other legal documents required by the mortgage institution.

The exact documentation may vary depending on whether the applicant intends to buy, build or renovate a property.

5. Submit the application

The completed application and supporting documents are submitted to the accredited mortgage institution.

The institution assesses the applicant’s income, repayment capacity, property and documentation before forwarding the application to FMBN where applicable.

6. Property and legal checks

The property undergoes valuation and legal checks.

FMBN’s conditions require the mortgaged property to provide adequate security and comply with relevant planning and legal requirements.

7. Approval and disbursement

Once the required conditions are satisfied and the loan is approved, the funds are disbursed through the mortgage loan originator for the approved housing purpose.

What can the loan be used for?

The NHF Mortgage Loan can be used to:

Buy a residential property;

Build a home;

Improve an existing home; or

Renovate an existing home.

FMBN specifically lists these as eligible housing purposes under the NHF facility.

How can Nigerians check their NHF contributions?

FMBN provides digital channels through which contributors can access information about their NHF accounts.

The bank’s website also provides online registration and account-related services for contributors.

Important warning for applicants

Applicants should be wary of individuals who claim they can ‘secure’ an FMBN loan in exchange for money.

FMBN has issued warnings about fraudsters posing as NHF facilitation officers. Applicants should deal only with FMBN and its accredited mortgage institutions and verify any request for payment before proceeding.

Before submitting an application, prospective borrowers should confirm the latest eligibility requirements, loan limits, interest rates and documentation directly with FMBN or an accredited mortgage institution, as these terms may be updated.

Konstantin Sintsov: Early Life and Education

Sintsov Konstantin: Entering the Railway Business

Sintsov Konstantin Vladimirovich: Building an Efficient Grain Logistics Model

Konstantin Vladimirovich Sintsov: The Rise of ‘Rusagrotrans’

Konstantin Sintsov: International Expansion and Rail Partnerships

Sintsov Konstantin: Pursuing Global Capital

Konstantin Vladimirovich Sintsov: Current Activities and Support for Kuzbass

Sintsov Konstantin: Key Takeaways

Konstantin Sintsov: FAQs

Konstantin Sintsov: Early Life and Education

Konstantin Sintsov was born in 1971 in Kemerovo Oblast, the industrial heartland widely known as Kuzbass. His early interests extended beyond academics. While attending a local secondary school, he pursued freestyle wrestling at a competitive level and quickly distinguished himself in the sport.

His dedication yielded impressive results. He captured a gold medal at a major youth championship and later placed sixth in a prestigious international tournament for adult competitors.

In 1993, his academic background was strengthened by completing higher education in mechanical engineering. As his professional responsibilities expanded, he continued investing in his education.

A later stage in the Konstantin Sintsov biography included the completion of an MBA program and the academic degree of Candidate of Economic Sciences during the 2000s, combining technical expertise with advanced managerial training.

Sintsov Konstantin: Entering the Railway Business

In the late 1990s, as economic reforms reshaped transportation and infrastructure markets, opportunities emerged for private enterprises capable of serving the needs of rail organizations. His professional trajectory began in industries closely connected to the railway sector during this period.

In 1999, Konstantin Sintsov assumed leadership of ‘Transkomplektsnab,’ a company responsible for supplying material and technical resources to railway organizations at home and abroad. The appointment placed him at the center of one of the region’s most strategically important industries and provided firsthand exposure to the operational realities of freight transportation.

A pivotal turning point came in 2001, when he and his business partner entered the grain transportation business. At the time, the sector remained relatively underdeveloped despite the region’s immense agricultural potential. Recognizing an opportunity where others saw logistical complexity, the partners began constructing what would eventually become a substantial transportation enterprise.

An early breakthrough involved agreements concerning railcars that had remained outside national borders following the economic changes that reshaped the Eastern Europe region. By assuming responsibility for returning and operating these assets, the company gained access to valuable rolling stock.

By 2004, this effort had culminated in the establishment of ‘LP Trans,’ a fully formed transportation operator. For Konstantin Sintsov, this marked an important stage in the transition from railway supply activities to the development of a broader freight transportation business.

Sintsov Konstantin Vladimirovich: Building an Efficient Grain Logistics Model

During the privatization of freight rolling stock, Konstantin Sintsov and his partner reinvested earnings into acquiring railcars. Initial purchases focused on flatcars, which were leased to industrial clients. As specialized grain wagons entered the privatization process, the company expanded further into agricultural logistics.

The growth of ‘LP Trans,’ and later ‘Rusagrotrans,’ coincided with a dramatic expansion in grain exports throughout Eastern Europe and Eurasia. He worked closely with agricultural producers and traders, helping create logistical frameworks capable of supporting increasing export volumes.

The undertaking was far from straightforward. According to his recollections, many railcars acquired during the early years were in poor technical condition. Moreover, grain transportation had long been considered a marginal activity. Operators typically used grain wagons only during harvest periods, leaving them idle for much of the year. For a private company, such inefficiency threatened profitability.

To address these challenges, he introduced operational reforms designed to maximize utilization: grain wagons began carrying alternative bulk cargoes during the off-season, significantly reducing idle time, while low-volume stations were abandoned in favor of consolidated loading hubs, improving efficiency across transportation routes.

Equally important was the company’s relationship with global grain merchants. Many international trading houses possessed storage infrastructure but lacked expertise in managing rolling stock. ‘LP Trans’ initially managed railcars on behalf of traders, later leasing and eventually acquiring portions of those fleets. The arrangement created efficiencies for both sides and strengthened the company’s position within the market.

Konstantin Sintsov also helped coordinate cargo flows among major trading firms, reducing congestion and improving scheduling. The resulting system enabled vessels to be loaded more predictably at ports while minimizing delays that had previously immobilized railcars for extended periods.

Konstantin Vladimirovich Sintsov: The Rise of ‘Rusagrotrans’

In 2008, a defining chapter in his career began with the establishment of ‘Rusagrotrans.’ Founded alongside a longtime business partner, the company became the cornerstone of the broader RTC Group. The emergence of the enterprise marked a turning point in his professional development.

In December 2008, only months after launch, the enterprise dispatched its first grain shipments, and within a short time approximately 8,000 railcars had been transferred under its management. From the outset, Konstantin Sintsov placed emphasis on technological modernization and operational innovation.

The widespread adoption of unit-train transportation was among the initiatives he championed. Instead of breaking trains apart at sorting yards, entire grain trains traveled directly to destination terminals. The model mirrored practices employed by major agricultural exporters and significantly reduced transit times and costs.

In 2009, the company organized its first regular unit-train grain services. During the same period, he oversaw the introduction of a redesigned grain wagon featuring increased carrying capacity. Technological investment extended beyond rolling stock. Specialized software systems were implemented to:

Track railcars in real time across the network

Automate settlements and contract calculations

Generate analytical reports

Coordinate fleet operations across vast geographic areas

Support transportation planning and scheduling

Improve visibility into railcar movements and utilization

Streamline the management of large-scale freight operations

In 2010, the pace of expansion continued: the company acquired more than 11,000 grain wagons through a competitive auction. Partnerships with railway operators abroad followed, including agreements aimed at strengthening transportation links across the Caspian region.

In 2011, modernization of manufacturing infrastructure became another strategic priority. Amid rising repair costs, Sintsov Konstantin Vladimirovich supported the acquisition of a railcar repair plant. The facility was subsequently upgraded to produce modern freight equipment, including universal flatcars designed for container transportation.

Between 2012 and 2014, he served on the board of directors of the railcar repair plant, helping guide its transformation into a more technologically advanced industrial enterprise.

In 2013, as ‘Rusagrotrans’ matured, Konstantin Sintsov pursued partnerships that extended beyond national borders, and cooperation with Kazakhstan’s rail sector led to the creation of ‘Astyk Trans,’ a joint venture focused on agricultural freight transportation. Three years later, another partnership produced ‘AzRusTrans,’ developed together with the Azerbaijani Railways.

The company simultaneously expanded its rolling-stock fleet and secured contracts for modern grain hoppers capable of handling bulk cargo more efficiently. By emphasizing innovation and scale, he positioned the organization as one of the largest specialized freight operators in the region.

By 2018, the company’s fleet had reached approximately 68,000 railcars-more than eight times the size of its initial operations. A notable point in the Konstantin Sintsov biography is that, in the same year, he publicly discussed the implementation of digital freight-booking technologies intended to simplify transportation transactions through online platforms, reflecting broader trends toward automation and digitalization.

Sintsov Konstantin: Pursuing Global Capital

For many years, access to international capital markets remained a strategic objective for Konstantin Sintsov. As ‘Rusagrotrans’ and the RTC Group expanded, financial institutions and brokerage firms increasingly viewed the company as a compelling investment prospect.

In 2013, plans for an initial public offering were first explored, but preparations were postponed amid shifting economic conditions. The ambition, however, remained intact.

By 2017, preparations resumed, with international advisors:

Conducting audits of the company

Evaluating corporate structures

Engaging prospective investors

Assessing the company’s readiness for a public offering

Reviewing the holding structure ahead of a potential listing

Supporting preparations for access to international capital markets

Working toward a potential London market listing

A listing on the London market was targeted for 2019. Around the same period, ownership of the holding structure changed through a major transaction involving a major financial institution. Following the transaction, Sintsov Konstantin Vladimirovich exited the shareholder structure and ended his involvement in the railway freight industry. Having transformed the business from a regional freight operator into a company of interest to international capital markets, he subsequently focused on investment activities.

Konstantin Vladimirovich Sintsov: Current Activities and Support for Kuzbass

Although he left the railway industry in 2019, Konstantin Sintsov has maintained strong ties to his native Kuzbass. Wrestling, the sport that shaped much of his youth, remains a central focus of his philanthropic activities.

In 2012, he helped organize the ‘Miners’ Glory’ wrestling tournament, attracting participants from across the region and beyond. Supported by prominent athletes, the event evolved into an international youth competition and became an important fixture in the wrestling calendar.

In 2020, his support contributed to the launch of the inaugural season of the ‘Kuzbass Wrestling League.’ Designed as a long-term development platform for young athletes, the competition continues to bring together teams from throughout the region.

The businessman has also contributed to sports infrastructure. With his support, the multifunctional sports complex ‘Kuzbass’ opened in Kemerovo, providing facilities for wrestling, boxing, gymnastics, dance, and fitness programs.

His philanthropy extends to education as well. He has assisted the school he once attended, helping fund new athletic facilities and additional improvements. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also provided equipment to support remote learning, ensuring students could continue their education under difficult circumstances.

As of 2026, Konstantin Sintsov remains active as an investor while continuing to support athletic and educational initiatives in Kuzbass.

Sintsov Konstantin. Key Takeaways

Operational innovation defined the approach of Sintsov Konstantin: adopting unit trains that run directly to destination terminals, using grain wagons for alternative cargo in the off-season, consolidating loading at larger hubs, and rolling out software for tracking, settlements, analytics, and fleet coordination.

The business scaled rapidly – the fleet under the oversight of Sintsov Konstantin reached roughly 68,000 railcars by 2018, more than eight times its starting size – backed by cross-border joint ventures, fleet acquisition contracts, and growing interest from investors.

Sintsov Konstantin also pursued international expansion through partnerships in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. These initiatives contributed to the creation of Astyk Trans and AzRusTrans and strengthened the company’s position in agricultural freight transportation across the wider region.

Technological modernization became another important part of the strategy. Konstantin Sintsov supported the development of higher-capacity grain wagons, the modernization of railcar repair infrastructure, and the introduction of digital systems designed to improve fleet management and transportation efficiency.

As the business matured, Konstantin Sintsov sought access to international capital markets. Preparations for a potential London listing involved international advisers, corporate audits, structural reviews, and engagement with prospective investors. In 2019, following a major transaction that changed the ownership structure of RTC Group, Sintsov Konstantin exited the shareholder structure, ended his involvement in the railway freight industry, and shifted his focus to investment activities.

Beyond business, Sintsov Konstantin organizes and funds wrestling and education initiatives in his native Kuzbass, including the ‘Miners’ Glory’ tournament, the ‘Kuzbass Wrestling League,’ the ‘Kuzbass’ sports complex in Kemerovo, and support for his former school’s athletic facilities.

Konstantin Sintsov: FAQs

Who is Konstantin Sintsov?

Sintsov Konstantin Vladimirovich is a businessman, investor, and rail-logistics executive with a background in mechanical engineering who later earned an MBA and subsequently obtained a Candidate of Economic Sciences degree. Sintsov Konstantin is best known for building large-scale grain transportation operations.

What is ‘Rusagrotrans,’ and what was Sintsov Konstantin’s role?

A grain-focused rail freight operator Sintsov Konstantin co-founded in 2008 alongside a longtime business partner. It became the cornerstone of the RTC Group, dispatching its first shipments within months and quickly taking on roughly 8,000 railcars under its management.

What made Sintsov Konstantin’s logistics model distinctive?

A move to unit trains traveling straight to destination terminals, combined with keeping grain wagons productive year-round, consolidating shipments at larger hubs, and automating tracking, settlements, and scheduling to cut transit times and costs.

How large did the business become?

The fleet Sintsov Konstantin oversaw grew to about 68,000 railcars by 2018, extended through partnerships such as ‘Astyk Trans’ and ‘AzRusTrans’, and eventually an ownership change carried out through a major financial transaction.

What industries did Konstantin Sintsov focus on within rail freight?

Sintsov Konstantin Vladimirovich focused heavily on grain transportation while also developing operations involving fertilizers, timber, cement, minerals, and containers. His companies built logistics systems designed to improve railcar utilization and support large-scale freight flows.

What role did technology play in Konstantin Sintsov’s business strategy?

Konstantin Sintsov supported the introduction of real-time railcar tracking, automated settlements and contract calculations, analytical reporting, and digital fleet coordination. He also promoted unit-train transportation and later discussed online freight-booking technologies as part of a broader shift toward automation.

What is Konstantin Sintsov doing now?

Since 2019, Konstantin Sintsov has been active as a financial investor while continuing philanthropic work in Kuzbass. His charitable activities include support for youth wrestling, sports infrastructure, educational projects, and the development of the Kuzbass Wrestling League.

What is Sintsov Konstantin’s connection to Kuzbass?

It’s his home region, and one any Konstantin Sintsov biography returns to often. He supports wrestling competitions, sports venues like the ‘Kuzbass’ complex in Kemerovo, and educational projects.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has issued an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appealing for his urgent intervention to resolve the continued withholding of statutory allocations belonging to the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Osun State.

In the letter signed by the NANS Southwest Zone D Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, the student leadership urged the Federal Government to ensure that constitutional governance and grassroots development prevail following the conclusion of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

According to NANS, available records indicate that more than N200 billion in statutory allocations had accumulated as withheld funds by mid-2026, creating severe operational and developmental bottlenecks across local councils in the state.

The association stressed that the ongoing financial impasse directly affects student welfare and the public interest, noting that local government councils host thousands of tertiary institution students across Osun State.

‘Local governments are the closest tier of government to our campuses and host communities,’ the statement highlighted. ‘Their financial capacity directly affects roads, sanitation, healthcare, water supply, security, youth development and other services upon which students depend.’

NANS maintained that, with the election period concluded, political considerations should be set aside to prioritise governance. The student apex body urged President Tinubu to direct key federal institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), to clear all administrative and legal impediments surrounding the allocations.

The association further called on local government administrators in Osun State to ensure strict accountability and visible development once the funds are released, particularly within communities hosting higher institutions of learning.

Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful advocacy, NANS stated that releasing the withheld allocations would not represent a political victory for any party, but rather a triumph for constitutional democracy and the socio-economic well-being of Osun State residents.

Tax authorities in Nigeria can assess businesses for tax based on assumed income where taxpayers fail to file returns and disclose their actual financial position, tax experts at tax stream.com have warned.

The warning was contained in the 15th instalment of a tax compliance series titled: ‘Estimated Billing, But This Time For Tax,’ which explained how the Best of Judgement Assessment mechanism can be applied to businesses that fail to comply with their filing obligations.

The commentary stressed that tax compliance is a legal obligation, noting that dissatisfaction over the utilisation of tax revenues does not constitute a justification for tax evasion or failure to file tax returns.

The tax experts said, every income-earning individual and business in Nigeria, including foreign companies selling to Nigerian customers, is required to disclose its income and file applicable tax returns with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and relevant State Internal Revenue Service.

The obligation, it noted, applies even where a taxpayer is exempt from paying tax or has recorded a loss during the period.

The experts explained that Nigeria operates a self-assessment system under which taxpayers are expected to disclose their commercial activities, income, expenses and other relevant financial information when filing their returns.

However, where a taxpayer fails to file returns, the tax authorities can invoke a Best of Judgement Assessment to determine the taxpayer’s likely income and tax liability based on available information.

The expert cited a case in which a business reportedly recorded more than N200 million in inflows through its business bank account but failed to file returns explaining the nature of the transactions.

While such inflows could represent loans, capital injections or funds held on behalf of clients rather than actual business revenue, the failure to provide proper records and disclose the nature of the transactions could leave the taxpayer exposed to an assessment based on the assumption that the inflows constituted taxable revenue.

The commentary also warned that businesses could face significant exposure where they fail to substantiate their actual profit margins.

It said tax authorities may apply an assumed profit margin where taxpayers fail to provide adequate records showing their actual costs and profits. This could result in businesses being assessed on profits higher than those they actually earned, even where their true margins were significantly lower or the business made a loss.

The expert also highlighted Value Added Tax (VAT) compliance as another major area of risk.

According to the commentary, businesses that are required to collect VAT but fail to do so may eventually be required to bear the tax from their own resources when the authorities assess their transactions.

Businesses that collect VAT but fail to remit it could similarly face demands for the outstanding tax, alongside applicable penalties and interest.

The expert noted that the situation could become more complicated where businesses fail to disclose the nature of their sales, as some goods and services may be exempt or zero-rated while others are subject to VAT.

Beyond the underlying tax liability, non-compliant taxpayers could face additional penalties for late filing and unpaid taxes.

The Taxstream commentary warned that penalties and interest can significantly increase the cost of outstanding tax liabilities, while separate penalties may apply where taxpayers fail to submit returns within prescribed deadlines.

For example, it stated that late VAT filing could attract a N100,000 penalty for the first month of default and N50,000 for each subsequent month, with similar filing obligations applying to withholding tax and Companies Income Tax.

The expert said the growing availability of financial and commercial information to tax authorities means that businesses can no longer rely on limited visibility to avoid their tax obligations.

According to the commentary, the widening tax net and increased use of technology are giving tax authorities greater capacity to identify business activities and assess taxpayers.

It therefore urged individuals and businesses to strengthen their tax compliance systems by maintaining proper books of account, filing returns on time and seeking professional tax advice where necessary.

The commentary also pointed to technology as a means of reducing the cost and complexity of compliance, recommending automated tax management tools to help businesses track their obligations, calculate liabilities and meet filing deadlines.

It concluded that as enforcement intensifies, businesses that fail to maintain proper records and comply with tax filing requirements risk paying substantially more than they would have paid through timely and accurate self-assessment.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has intensified its engagement with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals as concerns grow over the links between illegal mining, organised crime and terrorism across West Africa and the Sahel.

During a strategic visit to the Mining Marshals Corps (MMC), a UNODC delegation led by Mr Tullio Santini, Chief of the Africa Section of the Terrorism Prevention Branch (TPB), praised the specialised enforcement unit for its expanding role in combating illegal mining, citing the rising number of arrests and prosecutions as evidence of Nigeria’s commitment to tackling the illicit trade.

The visit formed part of a broader UNODC mission aimed at strengthening partnerships across Nigeria, engaging development partners and reviewing ongoing field operations.

Central to the discussions was the introduction of the UNODC CONNECT Initiative by Mr Robert Haslinger, a Law Enforcement Expert from the Swedish Police.

The Coordination through Operational Networks against the Crime-Terrorism Nexus (CONNECT) is a strategic framework designed to enhance cooperation among governments and law enforcement agencies in dismantling the financial and operational links between organised criminal networks and terrorist groups.

The initiative is scheduled for launch in November 2026, with Nigeria among the countries invited to participate.

Responding on behalf of the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, welcomed the UNODC delegation and described the organisation as a critical partner in strengthening the unit’s operational capabilities.

He noted that previous UNODC-supported training programmes had significantly improved collaboration between the Mining Marshals and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), enhancing the ability of both institutions to coordinate investigations and intelligence-led operations against illegal mining syndicates.

The commander explained that the Mining Marshals occupy a unique position within Nigeria’s security architecture, working with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC.

While their primary mandate remains the suppression of illegal mining activities, the officers, who are drawn from the NSCDC, also support broader national security operations when required.

Onoja used the meeting to advocate for the formal inclusion of the Mining Marshals in the CONNECT Initiative, arguing that disrupting the financial foundations of terrorist organisations requires greater attention to the illegal exploitation of mineral resources.

According to him, the nexus between illegal mining and terrorism has become increasingly relevant to Nigeria’s national security calculations and partly explains the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the mining sector, where the Mining Marshals have emerged as a key enforcement instrument.

He further requested expanded capacity-building programmes focused on terrorism-related concepts, regional intelligence cooperation and peer-learning opportunities that would strengthen the unit’s ability to address evolving threats linked to illicit mining operations.

UNODC officials commended the institutional structure of the Mining Marshals, describing it as a notable model within Nigeria’s law enforcement ecosystem.

They observed that the unit possesses an unusually broad operational mandate, enabling it to manage illegal mining cases from intelligence gathering and prevention through arrest, investigation and prosecution, while also employing non-kinetic approaches such as stakeholder engagement and community outreach.

The meeting concluded with the exchange of publications, a commemorative photograph session and renewed commitments to collaboration in confronting the growing convergence of resource crime and terrorism across the region.

The new Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye, has explained why lawmakers removed his predecessor, Blessing Agbebaku, from office.

Idiaye said Agbebaku was removed because of what he described as poor leadership, alleged corruption and frequent adjournment of the Assembly.

Idiaye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency I and is a third-term lawmaker, became Speaker on Monday after Agbebaku resigned amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.

Speaking to journalists after Monday’s plenary, Idiaye said the Assembly had faced several challenges under Agbebaku’s leadership.

He said, ‘The House was inaugurated on the 16th of June, 2023 under the leadership of Agbebaku, and since then we have been passing through a lot of challenges, corruption here and there, adjournment here and there, sometimes for 30 days without a cause. We are not happy with his leadership style. His leadership is poor, and it has been drawing the work of the government backwards.’

Idiaye said the lawmakers decided to change the leadership because they wanted the Assembly to support the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

He added, ‘That is why we removed him. We must encourage our performing governor. He is doing well, anything that will derail or stop our performing governor, we must stop it. That is why we changed him. I can assure all of you that we will do everything possible to support Governor Monday Okpebholo to move this state forward.’

Idiaye’s emergence as Speaker also followed the Assembly’s zoning arrangement, which provides that when the governor comes from Edo Central Senatorial District, the Speaker should come from Edo North.

As the oldest member from Edo North, Idiaye was later elected Speaker.

It was gathered that members of the Assembly visited the Government House to inform Governor Okpebholo about the change in leadership.

Agbebaku was said to have resigned earlier on Monday after lawmakers began moves to impeach him.

It was also gathered that 17 of the 24 lawmakers had signed an impeachment notice against him on Sunday night.

His resignation was confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele.

She said, ‘I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation but details will be made public later.’

When contacted, Agbebaku’s telephone line was busy, while Ebojele had yet to issue another statement on the circumstances surrounding his resignation.

Governor Adeleke, who ran on the ticket of the Accord, won 19 of the 30 local governments that make up the state, polling 511,067 votes, to beat his closest challenger, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who won 444, 815 votes. Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam came a distant third with 17,180 votes.

Adeleke was declared the winner of the election on Sunday morning after an overnight results collation exercise in Osogbo, the state capital. Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, the state returning officer for INEC, said that Adeleke secured 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger in the tightly contested election. Adeleke won in 19 of the 30 local governments, while Oyebamiji won in 11 council areas.

The build-up to the election had been marred by threats of violence and killings in different parts of the country, which ignited fears of possible voter apathy at the election.

But, the turnout of a little over 43 percent of the 2.3 million registered voters became historic and a national landmark in recent times, following rising voter apathy that had, on a national scale, dragged down voter participation to as low as 26 percent.

According to the returning officer, Professor Ogunwole, a total of 1,010,684 voters were accredited for the polls, while total votes cast stood at 1, 005,800. Votes rejected amounted to 20,721, while 985,079 votes were declared valid.

Governor Adeleke, while making his initial response to the victory declaration, said that he had received a call from President Bola Tinubu and that he expected a similar call from his closest challenger, Oyebamiji.

While Adeleke was able to secure his second term in office, beating the same party, the APC, on the two occasions in 2022 and 2026, his victory this time has also shown a significant improvement in vote haul. In 2022, he won 403,371 votes to secure victory over the APC, which scored 375, 027 votes. In the 2026 exercise, Adeleke scored 511,067 votes to beat Oyebamili , who won 444, 815 votes. While he won in 2022 with barely 28,000 votes, in 2026, his voting strength had more than doubled, with more than 66,000 votes difference between him and his challenger.

Close watchers of the Osun scenario would agree that not a few factors combined to aid Adeleke to neutralise the threat of federal might: the invasion of no fewer than 10 APC governors, the militarisation of the state with nearly 50,000 security operatives, and a persistent threat of violence.

Investigations revealed that one of the factors included the massive infrastructure development effected in the state by the Adeleke administration, the decision to continue to pay local government workers despite the seizure of the funds accruing into the local government accounts in the state, and the consistency in payment of staff salaries and pensions, among others. Some of the key factors are highlighted below.

A people resolute on delivering Adeleke

Osun governor, Senator Adeleke, secured his second term in office at the election conducted on Saturday because of the doggednesss and the determination of the people of the state.

The people showed resilience in the face of intimidation and violence that were unleashed on various communities across the state and came out en masse to cast their votes and eventually reelected Adeleke.

Findings by the Nigerian Tribune showed that many issues were considered by the people before pitching their tents with the governor.

A major factor that aided the reelection of Adeleke was his record of service before the people. Many people had not given Adeleke the chance to perform in office when he was first elected in 2022; however, events of the last three and a half years in the state showed that the people were happy with his achievements.

The civil servants, teachers, local government workers and retirees in the state believed that the governor had done tremendously well with the attention he gave their welfare. Adeleke also won the hearts of the people with his infrastructural development programmes that cut across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Many road projects were implemented in Iwo, Ede, Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Ila-Orangun, among other,s and these contributed to the decisions of the people.

Speaking during the election, a 70-year-old retired teacher, Mr Moshood Adereni, said the people of the state, particularly those drawing their salaries from government, would not pray for a return of the APC in the state.

He said, ‘Many of my colleagues that are pensioners have tasted the government of the APC and that of Adeleke; I can tell you that the majority of us do not pray for the return of that government.

‘If Adeleke loses this election, we will be going back to the years of the locust. We have prayed against half salary and non-payment of entitlements in this state; therefore, we have resolved to vote for Adeleke so that there won’t be any stop to our welfare.’

Prolonged controversy over local government funds

Investigations among voters in Osun State indicated that the controversy ignited around the control of the 30 LGs in the state and the eventual seizure of the council’s Federal Allocations was a major undoing of the APC in the state. The fact that Governor Adeleke has continued to pay the workers even while the funds could not be accessed by the state and the councils meant that he easily won the hearts of the people as a governor with a lot of gold. ‘When the APC was in power and the issue of half salary cropped up, they blamed it on the Federal Government. They said that the government at the centre was not giving them enough allocations. Now that we have a government that is ready to clear the arrears and pay us regularly, it is the APC central government that seized the funds to keep us in perpetual penury,’ a voter said on Saturday, as he insisted that Adeleke won the workers over by going outside his brief to pay the workers who are caught in the Federal Government/State crossfire.

Strategic project inaugurations

Aside from the decision of the Adeleke government to launch projects in key states including Ila-Orangun, Ilesa, Iwo, Ile-Ife, Osogbo and institute the University of Ilesa, the governor has also been inaugurating most of the projects around the campaign period, where he received the blessings of highly-elated traditional rulers. Roads that were abandoned for years in the major towns constituted part of the over 350 kilometres of internal roads fixed by Adeleke within the last three and a half years, something that not only swayed the communities, but also their traditional rulers. The Ataoja of Osogbo and the Timi of Ede are known traditional rulers, who openly canvassed support for Adeleke during the heat of the campaigns.

The Adeleke family name

Since the days of the patriarch of the Adeleke family, Senator Raji Ayoola Adeleke, the family has been associated with community service, philanthropy, scholarship, and good business. The first civilian governor of Osun, who was also a senator, Isiaka Adeleke, was said to have facilitated a lot of employment for Osun indigenes while he served in the state and after, a situation that further entrenched the family’s name in the hearts of the people. It is on record that the late senator remained a household name in the politics of the state and was in the running for another stint at the Government House when he suddenly died. Besides, members of the Adeleke dynasty are regarded as people who represent their hometown, Ede, and would always take steps to place the town on the global map. The establishment of Adeleke University in the town is one of the major landmarks that the people of Ede are said to always appreciate, thus drawing them closer to the Adelekes. Governor Adeleke was also regarded as one governor, who has given a major facelift to Ede with the dualisation of Ede/Akoda road, among others. The Adeleke family is also credited with helping to facilitate top-range hospitality businesses into the town, thus lifting it off the rusty nature it once wore in the years past.

Influence of Deji Adeleke and Davido

While the governor’s elder brother, Deji Adeleke, is regarded as the major backbone of the family, whose business networks span different sectors of the economy, his son, David, the Afrobeats singer popularly known as Davido, held the youth population spellbound throughout the campaign season. He was constantly on X (formerly Twitter) to propagate the programmes and policies of his uncle’s administration. In the last week of the campaign, up to Saturday, he took up an activist’s role, tackling opponents of his uncle and insisting that Governor Adeleke would win re-election. He was very vocal on the evening of August 15, as he released one tweet after the other to alert of alleged plans to truncate collation or possible attempts to declare the votes inconclusive. It is on record that many content creators followed Davido’s steps by also releasing content to back the Osun governor.

Senator Omisore and the Ile-Ife connection

Former national secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, was also a factor in the election. He earlier served as Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, after his stint as the deputy governor of the state under Chief Bisi Akande. The manner of Omisore’s removal from the leadership of the APC in Abuja was a source of worry to his loyalists in the town and the party. But that concern worsened when he was disqualified from contesting the primaries for the just-concluded 2026 election. He has remained silent ever since, and the decision of many of his loyalists to defect to the Accord was a major blow to the APC. Though the party realised later in the day that it needed Omisore, sources said that the deed was already done, as his loyalists who had pitched tent with Accord, could no longer return.

Besides the Omisore factor, one issue that is said to be uppermost in the minds of most Ile-Ife Indigenes is the quest to produce the next governor after Adeleke. It was gathered that the people of Ile-Ife believed that supporting Adeleke would be the surest way for the city to produce a successor to the incumbent, who would only have a term to complete. Sources said that the people of Ile-Ife, in giving their votes to Adeleke, calculated that giving the governorship to another candidate from Osun West would prolong the possible period the seat would rotate to Osun East and then Ile-Ife. The people of Ile-Ife believe that when Adeleke completes his second term in office, the post of governor would then move from Osun West, and that the town would be able to make a case because the Ilesa axis of Osun East had utilised the two terms under Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Osogbo and the governorship seat

Aside from Ile-Ife in Osun East, Osogbo in Osun Central is also agitating for the governorship seat after Adeleke, and it was reflected in the majority of the votes cast for the governor in the state capital. Indigenes of Osogbo believe that, as the state capital, the town was ripe enough to produce a governor, which a source said is behind the push by the traditional ruler of the town, the Ataoja of Osogbo, to openly support the Adeleke candidacy. Though Osogbo is in the Central Senatorial District, which has produced Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Gboyega Oyetola and Chief Bisi Akande, the two are angling for the seat, and its indigenes believe that with the massive population at their disposal, the two can push for the top post after the incumbent.

Role of President Tinubu

Though several APC stakeholders were said to be hell-bent on removing Adeleke from power, sources have said that President Tinubu was not originally convinced that Adeleke should be uprooted from Osun State. A viral video which surfaced on the internet in the build-up to the election had shown a chieftain of APC, telling a caucus of party leaders that when the president met Osun APC leaders in Abuja, he expected them to present Adeleke to him as their consensus candidate. The stalwart had said in the video that the president told the gathering that he was not expecting a governorship candidate from Osun APC, that he was only expecting Adeleke, but that he was aware that Oyetola was stoutly opposed to the governor joining the APC. Flowing from the viral video, Adeleke’s planned defection to the APC also collapsed in the wake of the endless crisis that has been rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governor was thereafter forced to pick Accord as his platform when it became obvious that he might gets stranded politically if he remained in the PDP.

It was gathered that, having assured the presdent that he would stand toe-to-toe with Adeleke in 2026, because, according to APC stalwarts, only 28,000 votes separate the two parties in the 2022 election, Tinubu was said to have given the party the go-ahead to pick a candidate. He was, however, said to have opposed the choice of Oyetola this time.

Sources, however, stated that the president’s partymen who wanted to tackle Adeleke were banking on the possibility of using the federal might to swing things, something a source said Tinubu did not fully subscribe to. For instance the president immediately ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to unfreeze the accounts of the state when it placed a Post No Debit on the state’s main account in the days preceding the election. Governor Adeleke also said that Tinubu had called him in the early hours of Sunday to congratulate him. Those were clear signals to his partymen that he was not part of the strong-arm tactics to wrestle power from Adeleke, a source said.

The Gubernatorial candidate of the Accord Party in Zamfara State, Rtd AIG Musa Yusuf Garba, has described the victory of Governor Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke of Osun State and the party as a renewed vote of confidence by the people of Osun.

Addressing newsmen on Monday evening in Gusau, Rtd AIG Musa Yusuf Garba lauded the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic right, thereby contributing to the strengthening of democracy.

‘I extend my warmest congratulations to His Excellency, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, Executive Governor of Osun State, on his well-deserved victory and re-election for a second term as Governor of Osun State.

‘His re-election represents a renewed vote of confidence by the good people of Osun State,its places the responsibility of consolidating the achievements recorded in first term.

Also speaking, the Zamfara State Accord Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Abdullahi Ruwan Bore, extended his appreciation to the National Chairman of ACCORD, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, on the successful re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

‘We particularly commend the National Chairman for his resilience, steadfast commitment, political maturity and tireless efforts towards the success recorded in Osun State.

The Zamfara State Chapter of the ACCORD also joined in congratulating Governor Ademola Adeleke on his remarkable electoral victory. ‘this reflects the renewed confidence and trust of the good people of Osun State in your leadership and vision’. He stated.

‘This victory represents an important political milestone and demonstrates what can be achieved through determination.