Category: Nigerian Tribune

ON August 25, 2026, the world lost the Queen of Country, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. She was 80 years old. An American singer-songwriter, actress, and businesswoman, she was undoubtedly one of the most successful and globally recognised emblems of country music in history. With a career that witnessed more than 100 million records sold, Parton is rated as one of the best-selling music artistes of all time.

Apart from her enrapturing music, Parton’s life outside the microphone was also emblematic of the purity of mind she preached. This was exemplified by her philanthropy, cultural influence, and her representation of her birthplace, Tennessee, which she put on the world map. By the time of her passing, Dollywood and the Dollywood Foundation had stamped her philanthropy onto the global stage. They succeeded in rivaling even her renown in music.

Parton was born and raised in poverty in rural Tennessee, in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Pittman Centre, Tennessee. Music was central to Parton’s early life. The fourth of 12 children, she grew up steeped in Christian scriptures and hymns. She was brought up in the Church of God, an international Holiness-Pentecostal Christian denomination headquartered in Cleveland, and later became an emblem of a grassroots-to-grace rise. Following the path of music she chose for herself, by the time she was 16, she had become a professional songwriter. Beginning with her debut album of 1967, Hello, I’m Dolly, she set the stage for the world to encounter an unusual star, a renown she held onto throughout her 60-year musical career. Within that period, Dolly released 49 studio albums and wrote more than 3,000 songs. The most evocative among them was I Will Always Love You, which Whitney Houston helped amplify into the best-selling single by a woman. Parton also had other timeless hits like Jolene and Coat of Many Colors, in which she celebrated her challenging but honourable upbringing and family.

Naturally, Parton’s body of work provoked a harvest of awards. They ranged from gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications. She received eleven Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards, and nominations for two Academy Awards, six Golden Globes, and a Tony Award, among many others. One remarkable part of Parton’s life was her devotion to songwriting. She became a prolific writer of country songs with strong elements of folk music. Garnished with her humble upbringing in the mountains and a strong dose of her family’s Christian background, she stood out among her peers. With world music classics like Coat of Many Colors, I Will Always Love You and Jolene, she secured her place as a writer of musical standards. For these efforts, on November 4, 2003, Parton was honoured as a BMI Icon at the BMI Country Awards. She later earned over 35 BMI Pop and Country Awards.

Parton’s eclectic songwriting acumen also brought her prominence in film and television. Beyond songwriting, she made notable performing appearances. One such appearance was on The Porter Wagoner Show in the 1960s and 1970s. This led to a 1979 Emmy Award nomination for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Variety Program’ for her guest appearance in a Cher special. In her first feature film, she played a leading role as a secretary in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5. The film highlighted discrimination against women in the workplace and drew the attention of the National Association of Working Women, among others.

Remarkably, in spite of her phenomenal rise, Parton still credited her musicality to the influence of big-name stars, as well as to her family and community – a testament to her humility and greatness. In Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, her 2020 book, she wrote of her mother: ‘So it was just natural for my mom to always be singing. My mother had that old-timey voice and she used to sing all these songs that were brought over from the Old World. They were English, Irish, Welsh folk songs where people tell stories.’ Parton called her mother’s voice ‘haunting’ and said, ‘Lord, you would feel it.’ Parton also credited her aunt, Dorothy Jo, with shaping her musical influence. She wrote: ‘People often ask me who my influences were. They think I’m going to say some big names, and there were a few ‘stars’ I was impressed with. But my hero was my aunt Dorothy Jo, Mama’s baby sister. She was not only an evangelist, she also played banjo, she played guitar, and she wrote some great songs.’

Through her foundation, the Dollywood Foundation, which she funded from her musical profits, Parton created jobs for hundreds of people and ensured tax revenues went to a previously financially struggling community. She also helped raise funds for many causes, including the American Red Cross and HIV/AIDS-related charities. She pledged $500,000 toward a proposed $90 million hospital and cancer centre in Sevierville named after Robert F. Thomas, the physician who delivered her. She later announced a benefit concert for the same project, which drew about 8,000 people. Parton also made an undisclosed donation to a ‘generational and transformational’ East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, as disclosed by the hospital’s president and CEO. That hospital was later renamed the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.

At her death, global accolades poured in. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton said she ‘was one of a kind- a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart.’ He added: ‘She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from. And she always believed in giving back.’ The Academy of Country Music said she had ‘a legacy that reaches far beyond the stage.’ U.S. President Donald Trump described her as ‘one of the greatest country singers’ and ordered flags flown at half-staff for one week in her honor. At the announcement of her death, United States radio stations paused normal programming in her honor.

The world will never forget the musical and humanitarian footprints of Dolly Parton, the global Queen of Country Music. Good night, Queen.

The former Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Kogi State chapter, Comrade Onu Edoka, has disclosed that the Kogi State Government releases N150 million monthly to the Pension Commission, amounting to about N1.8 billion yearly, to cater for retirees.

Speaking in Ogori Mangogo Local Government Council in Kogi Central, Edoka, who is currently Special Adviser on Labour Matters to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, led a Workplace Security and Workers’ Welfare Campaign in support of the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo for a second term, and hailed the administrations of Mr President and Ododo for redefining labour relations in the state.

Addressing a large gathering of union leaders, civil servants and community stakeholders in Ogori Magongo, Comrade Edoka described the Ododo administration as a government that has placed workers and pensioners at the centre of governance.

He noted that the era of salary and pension delays is over, with workers now receiving their pay promptly and pensioners getting their monthly entitlements without excuses.

The Special Adviser said the government now releases N150 million every month to the Pension Commission, amounting to about N1.8 billion yearly, to cater for retirees.

He further disclosed that talks are at an advanced stage for the state to access a loan or bond facility aimed at clearing all outstanding gratuities, a move he said will bring total relief to pensioners who served the state meritoriously.

Comr. Edoka said Kogi is among the first states in the country to implement the new national minimum wage, and went further to grant a two-year tax waiver on the increment.

He added that local government workers are also enjoying full salary payments, while other welfare packages such as promotion and promotion arrears, leave bonuses, hazard allowances for health workers, and health insurance coverage for both workers and pensioners have been fully activated.

The Ododo government’s commitment to labour, he continued, is also evident in the donation of three brand new buses to the NLC, TUC and JNC to ease union operations in the state.

Speaking to leaders of NULGE, NUT, Medical and Health Workers Union, ASUSS and NUP present at the Ogori Magongo LGA engagement, Comrade Edoka urged workers to stay vigilant and security-conscious in their respective workplaces.

He emphasised that Governor Ododo values the grassroots workforce and prefers to work with them rather than impose additional burdens, noting that the administration understands the sacrifices of workers at the local level.

He explained that the Workplace Security Campaign is not just about safety, but also about protecting the progress recorded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

With retirements increasing and the pension bill rising, he said the state government is already planning massive recruitment to reinvigorate the civil service and sustain service delivery.

Comrade Edoka charged workers to make wise political decisions ahead of 2027, stressing that continuity is key to safeguarding the gains in wages, pensions, health insurance and industrial peace that the state is currently enjoying.

The Ogori Magongo LGA meeting marks another significant step in the statewide mobilisation, as the campaign continues to take the message of security, welfare and continuity to workers across all local government areas of Kogi State.

The Ogun State chapter of the Pure Heart Islamic Foundation of Nigeria (PHF) has urged Muslim youth to embrace resilience and leadership while remaining grounded in their Islamic identity amid the competing ideas, values and narratives confronting the younger generation.

The call was made at the Pure Heart Annual Accountability Conference (PAAC), an annual gathering designed to promote accountability, transparency, reflection and strategic direction within the organisation.

The conference, with the theme: ‘Resilience in Turbulence’, brought together members, representatives, guests and stakeholders from various local branches of PHF across Ogun State and featured presentations, administrative and financial reports, discussions, fundraising activities and recognition of outstanding achievements.

In his welcome address, the outgoing coordinator of the Foundation, Mall. Ismail Olanrewaju Olabode, said the theme was particularly relevant to the challenges facing young Muslims in an age of rapid social and technological change.

Olabode said young people were increasingly exposed to competing ideas, values, cultures and narratives through social media and other platforms, making it necessary for Muslims to remain grounded in their faith.

He said resilience went beyond surviving difficult times, stressing that it involved remaining firm upon the truth while navigating them. According to him, this required knowledge, sound understanding of Islam, strong character and an unwavering connection with Allah.

Olabode said PHF had, therefore, prioritised initiatives aimed at educating, mentoring and equipping young Muslims, citing its AMPAL (Ambassadors of Muslim Prefects and Leaders) programme, Pre-BECE initiative, Teachers’ Day activities and International He said the programmes, which include leadership development, career guidance, Islamic education, academic support and mentorship, were designed to build people, strengthen communities and contribute to the development of the Ummah.

National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has commenced moves to finalise the proposed National Automotive Industry Bill, 2026, as the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) called for a performance-based policy framework capable of driving investment, local manufacturing and component development.

The Council expressed this commitment Thursday at a stakeholders’ engagement on the draft Bill in Lagos, where automotive manufacturers, assemblers, component suppliers, industry associations and other stakeholders reviewed the proposed legislation.

At the forum, Director-General/CEO of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said the Council was committed to developing a legal framework capable of transforming Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem into a self-sustaining and globally competitive industrial value chain.

Addressing stakeholders, Osanipin said, ‘When this management team assumed leadership at the NADDC, our vision was clear: to move Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem from mere assembly potential into a robust industrial value chain anchored on local content, component manufacturing, vehicle electrification, and regional market integration’.

‘However, achieving this ambition requires an unyielding foundation. Policy inconsistency, legislative gaps, and outdated legal frameworks have historically created uncertainty for investors. The National Automotive Design and Development Council Act of 2014 laid important groundwork, but the dynamics of global manufacturing, green mobility transitions, and regional trade integration particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) demand that we upgrade our legal architecture’.

‘The Draft National Automotive Industry Bill, 2026, represents a bold legislative reform. By transitioning the Council into the National Automotive Design and Development Commission, this Bill aims to: stablish a statutory institutional framework with strong regulatory and enforcement mandates; legally safeguard the incentives, protections, and implementation structures of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP); create a predictable, transparent, and investment-friendly environment that gives original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), component suppliers, and financiers the confidence to commit long-term capital to Nigeria and fast-track local value addition, supplier development, and sustainable job creation for our youth’, he said.

As a Council, the DG pointed out that they firmly believe that legislation designed for the private sector must be written with the private sector. The draft Bill before you today is not a finished product cast in stone; it is a collaborative template. We have deliberately convened this session to listen to you, the plant managers, local assemblers, component manufacturers, and key industry bodies like NAMA and MAN who navigate the daily operational realities of our market.

‘We want to know: Where do these provisions support your growth? Where do they create bottlenecks? How can we refine this framework to position Nigeria as the undisputed automotive manufacturing hub of West Africa?’, he added.

While NAMA expressed support for the enactment of a modern National Automotive Industry Act, its Chairman, Mr Bawo Omagbitse, said substantial amendments were required to ensure that the legislation functions not only as a regulatory framework but also as a catalyst for automotive industrialisation.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ engagement, Omagbitse said the fundamental issue the Bill must address was whether its provisions would make it commercially attractive for investors to manufacture vehicles and components in Nigeria rather than rely on imports.

He said the automotive sector was an anchor industry with extensive linkages to steel, aluminium, plastics, rubber, glass, batteries, electronics, chemicals, engineering, logistics, finance, ICT, technical education and research and development.

According to him, the proposed law should establish a clear and balanced industrial compact between government and investors, with government providing predictable policies, appropriate incentives, market support and investment protection, while industry commits to measurable targets in investment, production, employment, local content, supplier development, technology transfer, research and development and exports.

He said, ‘We recognise the need to replace the existing legal framework with legislation that reflects the changing realities of our industry, including new technologies, electric mobility, consumer protection, standards, vehicle safety and the growing importance of local manufacturing. However, after a careful review of the proposed Bill, the industry believes that substantial amendments are required before the Bill is passed into law. Our principal concern is that the Bill, in its present form, is stronger as a regulatory and institutional law than as an industrialization law. It provides for licensing, standards, inspection, penalties, testing, consumer protection, clean mobility and administration of industry funds. These are important provisions.

Raising a fundamental question before the industry, Omagbitse, who is also on the NADDC Board representing NAMA, said, ‘What will make it commercially rational for an investor to manufacture vehicles and components in Nigeria rather than simply import them into Nigeria? That question, he said, must be at the heart of this legislation.

‘The automotive industry is not an ordinary trading sector. It is an anchor industry with linkages to steel, aluminum, plastics, rubber, glass, batteries, electronics, chemicals, engineering, logistics, finance, ICT, technical education and research and development. A successful automotive industry, therefore, does much more than assemble vehicles. It creates an industrial ecosystem. Nigeria’s current automotive policy already sets ambitious objectives: the transition from SKD to CKD production, increased local content, increased domestic production, employment generation and the development of locally produced new-energy vehicles.

The proposed legislation should do more than restate these aspirations. The Nigeria Automotive Industry Act, 2026 should create the legally predictable mechanisms that make the aspirations commercially achievable. Our recommendation is that the Bill should establish a clear and balanced industrial compact between Government and investors. Under this compact, Government would provide predictable policies, appropriate incentives, market support and investment protection. In return, industry would undertake measurable commitments to investment, production, employment, local content, supplier development, technology transfer, research and development and, where commercially feasible, exports. This simply implies that no industrial incentive without industrial performance and no industrial performance obligation without predictable Government support. That, in our view, is the balance that is presently missing from the Bill.

He recommended that the Bill should be strengthened around several critical pillars, including investment and policy certainty. Establishment of a predictable Automotive Tariff and Industrial Protection Framework that must be a clear and rational relationship between the tariff treatment of Fully Built Vehicles; SKD kits; CKD kits and locally manufactured components; a strong and practical local-content and component-development programme; establishment of a properly structured Automotive Development Fund. The fund proposed in the Bill is potentially one of its most important provisions, but it must be properly governed and ring-fenced for market creation.

According to him, NAMA believes the Bill provides an important opportunity to establish a modern and durable legal framework for the Nigerian automotive industry. But it should not become merely a stronger regulatory law; it must become an equally strong automotive industrialization law.

‘The legislation must help Nigeria move: from SKD assembly to CKD manufacturing; from vehicle assembly to component integration; from import dependence to local value creation; and ultimately from a protected domestic market to a competitive African automotive production base.

‘We look forward to working with the National Assembly, the Federal Government, NADDC, other regulatory agencies and all stakeholders to refine this Bill into legislation that provides not only rules for the automotive industry, but a credible pathway for its growth and industrial transformation’, Omagbitse emphasised.

The interactive session organised by NADDC attracted the whole gamut of industry players including: automotive manufacturers, assemblers, component suppliers, industry associations and other stakeholders who reviewed the proposed legislation. The clean copy of the proposed National Automotive Industry Bill, 2026 is expected to be ready before the end of the year.

Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Tinubu to retrace his steps or risk losing a second term in office.

Primate Ayodele, in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, revealed that Tinubu has betrayed and punished people who helped him rise to the presidency, but their creators are ready to fight him.

The man of God stated that if the president doesn’t retrace his steps, he will fail in the election because those he betrayed have a lot of things against him.

‘There are people Tinubu betrayed in getting this presidency, and he punished them. They have things against you, and if you don’t retrace your steps, it will make you fail this election.’

‘There are people who helped you to become president, but you have betrayed them; their creator will fight your second term.’

Primate Ayodele explained that there is no amount of strategy that can change the truth, reiterating that the only way out of it is by retracing his steps and reconciling with that set of people in time; otherwise, it will ultimately lead to his failure in the election.

‘Second term is not yet certain; there is no amount of strategy you want to use. This is how it is for you. If you can think about it or not, time will tell. Karma is coming to fight your second ter.’

Furthermore, he revealed that there are people in the president’s government who are leading him against those who helped him during his first term. The man of God advised the president to quickly retrace his steps or risk failing.

‘There are some people you gave appointments to who are leading you astray against those who helped you; it can make you fail if you don’t retrace your steps on time.’

In the South-Western part of Nigeria, among the Yorubas, there lives a bird known as Aparo. It is a creature full of lessons and wisdom; the same bird the English refer to as partridge, quail, or bush fowl. Proverbs tied to the Aparo abound, all circling the subject of foresight, provision, and the quiet diligence required to secure the future. Two of such proverbs come to mind: ‘Eni to fi ago ko eyin aparo,ohun oju wa ni oju nri’ (He who decides to poke the partridge’s nest will find much trouble, as the bird is fiercely protective); ‘Aparo kan ko ga ju ikan lo, afi eyi to ba gun ori’ (No partridge is taller than another, except the one that stands on a mound, referencing that human beings are essentially equal without situational advantage.

But in the deep offshore waters of the South-West Bonga field, out in the Niger Delta oil-rich region, Aparo is no longer just a bird, but a geography of opportunities. It has become the vehicle for an engineering feat and an economic juggernaut beneath the sea. The Bonga Southwest/Aparo project (BSWAp), in its sheer scale and ambition, is the equivalent of ten Burj Khalifas rising from the seabed to the open skies, carrying with it the promise of oil, gas, and transformative opportunities for all Nigerians. With a projected investment of up to $21 billion, it commands attention, especially when it is happening in your own national backyard.

Here in Nigeria, we often struggle to appreciate what we cannot see or touch. But the BSWAp is very real, and its implications are staggering. This is not merely another oil field. It is a statement, a signal that Nigeria is once again open for the kind of large-scale, capital-intensive investment that has been conspicuously absent since the last major offshore Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2008.

That oil field has existed for millions of years, surely long before the existence of a geography called Nigeria. Meanwhile, Shell and its fellow reputable International Oil Companies (IOCs) have operated globally, making decisions on where to deploy their resources for maximum returns. Those decisions are invariably influenced by policy stability, availability of manpower, and the broader oil and gas ecosystem. So, when I tell you that securing this investment is a big deal, then it is for real.

Now, let us give credit to whom it is due. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu it was who approved a landmark reform that replaces project-by-project negotiations with a transparent, rules-based investment framework designed to unlock up to $50 billion in deep offshore investment. Given effect through the Deep Offshore Oil and Gas Projects Incentives (Tax Remission) Order, 2026, this framework establishes clear eligibility criteria and a durable architecture that provides greater certainty for investors while safeguarding long-term national value.

This is not just another policy announcement. As President Tinubu himself noted: ‘The countries that attract long-term investment are not necessarily those with the greatest natural resources. They are the ones that provide the greatest certainty’. This reform demonstrates a determination to build an investment environment defined by clear rules, strong institutions, and enduring partnerships.

Perhaps the fact that President Tinubu had his own career as an oil and gas professional has something to do with it, but his penchant for walking the talk is positively refreshing. Rather than give a mandate and go to sleep, his administration has consistently challenged the status quo, standing ready to remove bottlenecks and engage with stakeholders for resolution of longstanding disputes. The industry regulators deserve commendation too. With square pegs in square holes, the upstream regulators are not learning on the job. As a former Executive Vice President, Upstream, at NNPC Ltd, Commision Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan is in familiar waters, cutting through red-tape like a knife on butter.

The critical enabler in the country though, for all things energy-related, remains NNPC. To the untrained eye, NNPC is all about gas stations and refineries. To those in the corridors of power and with careers in finance and energy, it is the most important economic entity in the country, besides the Presidency. NNPC deserves credit repeatedly for building a world-class organisation and value-chain despite the political pressures of yore.

Under the new upstream regime, Nigerian content plan approvals now carry a strict 10-day deadline, with automatic consent granted if regulators fail to respond. Contracting cycles that once stretched up to 18 months have been compressed to as little as four to six months, while targeted tax incentives have been introduced to stimulate deepwater and gas investments. The board has also eliminated the use of intermediaries and shell entities that previously inflated costs and weakened project execution, with certification guidelines now requiring physical verification of assets.

The BSWAp is expected to be one of Nigeria’s largest deepwater developments, with the potential to attract $15 billion to $21 billion in investment over the life of the project. The development is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy through increased oil and gas production, government revenues, foreign exchange earnings, local content development, employment, and expanded opportunities for Nigerian businesses.

The project will strengthen Nigerian content through increased contracting opportunities for indigenous companies, enhance local fabrication, marine, and engineering capabilities, facilitate technology transfer and skills development, and create lasting value across the wider Nigerian economy. It will position Nigeria as Africa’s regional hub for deep offshore project execution.

When the current administration mentioned three million barrels per day as the destination in the years ahead for our crude oil output and 12 billion scf for gas, I felt it was quite ambitious. But with the moves with executive orders and clarity of policy direction and alignment, I have seen enough to be confident of results.

The BSWAp is the embodiment of this new confidence. It is the Burj Khalifa of Nigeria’s deepwater, rising from the seabed to the open skies, carrying with it not just oil and gas, but the hopes and aspirations of a nation ready to reclaim its place as an energy powerhouse.

The Aparo bird, with its lessons of wisdom and provision, reminds us that preparation meets opportunity. Nigeria has prepared. The opportunity is now. And the benefits, for businesses, for jobs, for our people, are just beginning to unfold.

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has issued a clarification on the approved dress code for candidates scheduled to participate in its oral interview, warning that those who fail to comply will not be allowed into the venue.

The oral interview for the ongoing 2024/2025 recruitment exercise is scheduled to commence on September 7, 2026, according to the clarification issued by the Board’s Office of the Secretary.

The clarification was electronically signed on Thursday by Okeh Juliet (Mrs), Head of Press and Public Relation, on behalf of the Secretary to the Board.

The CDCFIB said the clarification followed enquiries from candidates seeking to know the acceptable attire for the interview and supersedes its earlier directive on the matter.

Candidates are required to wear a white T-shirt with either short or long sleeves. The Board said long sleeves are optional for female candidates.

They may also wear either white shorts or white long trousers, with long trousers being optional for female candidates.

The approved dress code also includes white sneakers and white socks.

The Board said wearing a headscarf is optional for female candidates.

The CDCFIB advised all candidates to strictly adhere to the dress requirements, stressing that those who fail to comply will not be granted access to the oral interview venue.

Mind Impact for Motivation Initiative (Project MIMI), in collaboration with the Ibadan Hilltop Lions Club, District 404B4, on Thursday took its rape and childhood cancer awareness campaign to the office of the Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Omini Makinde.

The awareness walk featured students carrying placards with messages including, ‘My body is my own; stop molesting it sexually.’ ‘Stop intimidating us into silence,’ and ‘Rape is a danger to our education.’

The group praised the efforts of the First Lady in curbing child abuse and protecting vulnerable children.

Speaking during the event, Project Mini Coordinator, Mrs Olukemi Oshiyemi-Cole, called for an end to rape, sexual molestation and intimidation of children.

She urged parents, guardians and members of the public to remain vigilant, stressing that children could be abused by people they know, including family members, neighbours, friends, colleagues and other trusted individuals.

Cole warned that sexual abuse could have serious and lasting consequences for children, including emotional trauma, disruption to their education and other health challenges.

She urged parents to pay close attention to changes in their children’s behaviour and to create an environment where they feel safe speaking out.

‘It is high time we stopped rape and sexual molestation among young people. We must also put an end to the intimidation that forces victims into silence.

‘Children are vulnerable, and no one should take advantage of their age or trust. Parents must be careful and watch over their children. Nobody should be left out of this responsibility-not uncles, aunties, brothers, sisters, cousins, neighbours or colleagues,’ she said.

She also encouraged schools and communities to intensify education on child protection and sexual abuse prevention.

Also, President, Ibadan Hilltop Lions Club, District 404B4, Mrs Adebisi Sofunde, said the initiative was aimed at saving lives, protecting children and ensuring that cases of abuse are identified, reported and addressed promptly.

Axxela Limited, a gas and power portfolio company in sub-Saharan Africa, has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s environmental, social and governance performance across its operations during the year.

The report, themed ‘Enabling Access, Deepening Impact’, highlights Axxela’s performance across key metrics and underscores its efforts to expand its infrastructure footprint, deepen stakeholder engagement and strengthen responsible business practices.

In the year under review, Axxela expanded its gas pipeline network by 39km, enhancing connectivity across Lagos, Ogun and Rivers states. The company also recorded zero fatalities and achieved 9.6 million Lost Time Injury (LTI) free man-hours across its operations. In addition, Axxela strengthened its customer portfolio by connecting new industrial and commercial customers to its network. Other milestones include achieving Great Place to Work certification and receiving a Gold Medal rating in the EcoVadis Sustainability Assessment, placing Axxela among the top 5% of companies assessed globally.

Commenting on the report, Moshood Olajide, Group Chief Executive Officer of Axxela, emphasised that Axxela’s 2025 performance reflected the company’s commitment to responsible growth and long-term value creation.

‘Expanding domestic gas utilisation remains central to our strategy. Each new customer connection supports cleaner and more efficient energy use, helping industries improve efficiency and reduce reliance on traditionally dirtier fuels.

‘Our growth remains anchored in responsible infrastructure development and long-term value creation. We will continue to support Nigeria’s transition towards a more sustainable gas-powered economy,’ he said.

The report also outlined Axxela’s approach to environmental management, including environmental monitoring, operational controls and rehabilitation programmes designed to minimise environmental disturbance and protect biodiversity.

The company maintained environmental compliance registers, conducted annual compliance audits and risk assessments, and carried out quarterly emerging risk scans across its operations and projects.

Axxela’s 2025 Sustainability Report, its ninth consecutive edition, was prepared in line with the core requirements of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and builds on the reporting discipline and frameworks established over previous reporting years. The report highlights the company’s steadfast commitment to transparent disclosure, responsible business practices and long-term value creation, while detailing the progress, priorities and actions shaping its approach to sustainable and responsible growth.

One of the governorship candidates under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbemileke Alagbe, has alleged that he won the party’s primary election but was excluded from the final list submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Alagbe made the claim when he appeared as a guest on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s show, Politics Today, where he spoke on the crisis rocking the ADC in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.

He accused the former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, of imposing another candidate, Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, on the party.

‘By every standard, I won the primary. But by INEC’s miracle, my name was not on the list they submitted. Another name appeared there,’ Alagbe said.

According to him, the development was part of a deliberate plot to sideline him despite having the support of delegates and party members in the four local governments.

He alleged that the imposition was done to favour a particular interest within the party leadership in Oyo State.

‘Aregbesola and his group decided to impose Adegbeke. That is not democracy. That is not what ADC stands for,’ he stated.

Alagbe said he had since petitioned the national leadership of the ADC and INEC over the matter.

He explained that evidence from the primary election, including result sheets and video recordings, shows that he clearly won.

The ADC candidate said the exclusion has created confusion among party members who voted for him during the primary.

‘People are asking me, ‘We voted for you, why is your name not there?’ I don’t have an answer because I did nothing wrong,’ he said.

He accused some leaders of trying to turn the ADC in Oyo into a personal estate rather than a political party built on internal democracy.

‘If we continue like this, the party will lose credibility before the people. You cannot build a party by imposing candidates,’ Alagbe said.

He called on the national leadership of the ADC to intervene and ensure that the rightful candidate is recognized before the 2027 elections.

Alagbe also urged INEC to investigate how his name was replaced after he was declared winner at the primary.

‘I won, but by INEC’s miracle I was not on their list. That must be corrected. The will of the people must not be subverted,’ he said.

He vowed to continue to pursue legal and political means to reclaim the mandate given to him by delegates.