Category: PM News

Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has predicted a difficult battle for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke in Saturday’s governorship election, saying it would take a ‘miracle’ for him to overcome what he described as the influence of federal might.

Oseni, speaking on Tuesday while analysing the August 15 election, argued that the power of the Federal Government would be a major factor in determining the outcome of the contest.

‘Coming back to Osun elections, like I’ve been saying, the number one factor in this election is the power of federal might, and federal might has been used very well,’ he said.

‘That’s why I predicted it’s going to be a miracle if Adeleke passes this test because of federal might.’

Oseni urged residents of the state to turn out and demonstrate their political preferences at the ballot box.

He also raised concerns about violence surrounding the election, claiming that some people had already been injured in incidents ahead of the poll.

‘Like I said before, this election will be very bloody. People were also hurt this morning,’ he said.

‘A few days to election, people were also hurt. So it’s going to be a bloody election. Pure and simple, because there are a lot of moving parts.’

The broadcaster further argued that the emergence of a strong third candidate could complicate Adeleke’s chances.

According to Oseni, previous election patterns suggest that a combination of what he called ‘federal might’ and a formidable third candidate could work against the governor.

‘And when you check election history, any time you have a cocktail of federal might and you have a big third candidate, it doesn’t favour Adeleke,’ he said.

Osun voters are expected to head to the polls on Saturday, August 15, in a governorship contest that has witnessed heightened political activity in the closing days of campaigning.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have suffered another setback in Katsina State following the defection of politicians and supporters from both opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Governor Dikko Radda formally received the defectors from Safana Local Government Area at the Government House in Katsina on Monday evening.

The new APC members were presented to the governor by the Deputy Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Abduljalal Haruna Runka, alongside Safana Local Government Chairman, Abdullahi Sani.

Welcoming them, Radda described their decision to join the APC as evidence of growing confidence in his administration and its development agenda.

‘We are happy to receive you into the APC. Your decision demonstrates your confidence in our leadership and commitment to the development of Katsina State,’ the governor said.

Radda assured residents of Safana that his administration would continue implementing programmes and projects aimed at improving their welfare.

He also urged existing and newly admitted APC members to work together and strengthen the party ahead of future political contests.

Runka, who presented the defectors, said the delegation had come to formally reaffirm its support for the ruling party.

He praised Radda for development projects executed across Safana and pledged continued political support for the governor.

‘We appreciate His Excellency for the support and development projects his administration has brought to our people. We assure him of our continued support and loyalty,’ Runka said.

Safana council chairman, Abdullahi Sani, similarly pledged that political stakeholders in the area would work together to consolidate the APC’s strength.

Speaking for the former PDP members, Umar Ya’u said Radda’s style of governance and what he described as the governor’s fairness to opposition members influenced their decision to defect.

Ya’u recalled benefiting from the state government’s subsidised fertiliser programme despite belonging to the PDP at the time.

‘I was surprised when I was told that I was among those who would receive government-subsidised fertiliser, even though I was then a member of the opposition PDP,’ he said.

According to him, the gesture, coupled with development projects in the area, convinced him and his supporters to move to the APC.

Speaking for the ADC defectors, Umme Yakubu Safana said their decision was driven by confidence in Radda’s leadership and vision for Katsina.

‘We are happy to join the APC and become one family. We are ready to work with other party members and support the development of Katsina State,’ he said.

The PDP delegation was led by Yahaya Abubakar, while Safana led the defecting ADC members.

The latest movement adds to the political realignments taking place in Katsina ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties battling to retain key members as the APC seeks to consolidate its hold on the state.

The Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB) has warned roadside traders and other operators against indiscriminate disposal of waste on roads and in drainage channels.

The Managing Director of REMASAB, Dr Muhammad Salisu-Khalil disclosed this in a statement in Kano on Tuesday issued by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Ahmad.

According to the statement, traders selling boiled, roasted maize and other food items along major roads should provide waste bins at their business premises to ensure proper disposal of refuse generated from their activities.

‘Those who are doing business along France Road, Katsina Road, Maiduguri Road, Zaria Road, Zoo Road should maintain proper sanitation.

‘Some maize sellers dispose of maize husks, cobs and other refuse on roads and in drainage channels which contribute to the blockage of waterways, accumulation of waste and environmental pollution’, the statement added.

ýWhile noting that the board conducts street sweeping, refuse evacuation and environmental sanitation exercises daily across the state, it expresses concern that some traders often dump waste at locations shortly after they had been swept.

The board said such practices undermine the government’s efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment, stressing that environmental sanitation is a collective responsibility.

The statement said the board will continue to enforce environmental sanitation laws in accordance with due process, and that violators will face appropriate legal action, including prosecution before environmental sanitation court.

ý’The board’s objective is not to prevent residents from conducting their businesses but to ensure that such activities are carried out in a clean and environmentally responsible manner’.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command said it has intercepted a truckload of expired noodles and other contraband, including foreign rice and explosives.

The Customs Area Controller, Abdullahi Kaila, during a display of the seized items at Seme Border on Tuesday, vowed that his administration would not allow dangerous and banned goods into the country.

He said that every seizure recorded reflected the command’s resolve to secure Nigeria’s borders, facilitate legitimate trade, generate revenue for national development, and deny criminal networks the opportunity to undermine the economy.

According to him, officers of the Seme Area Command, following credible intelligence, intercepted a truck that was deceptively declared to be carrying 1,306 sacks of expired noodles, each weighing 50kg.

‘What was discovered was deeply disturbing because many of the products had already deteriorated and were visibly decomposing.

‘Intelligence further revealed that the intention was to repackage, relabel and introduce these products into Nigerian markets for unsuspecting consumers.

‘Had this shipment succeeded, countless families would have been exposed to serious health hazards ranging from food poisoning and gastrointestinal diseases to other life-threatening medical complications,’ he said.

The Comptroller said the interception of the products showed that the Nigeria Customs Service was not only protecting borders, but also safeguarding public health.

‘Every child, every family and every Nigerian has been protected from what could have become a silent public health disaster,’ he said.

Kaila said the command also seized 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 50kg each, which were smuggled through illegal routes at various flashpoints within its area of responsibility.

‘Beyond denying government legitimate revenue, such illicit importation undermines the Federal Government’s agricultural policies, discourages local rice production and threatens the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.

‘The fight against illicit drugs remains one of the service’s critical contributions to national security and public safety,’ he said.

The Comptroller said that the command also intercepted 373 parcels of cannabis sativa, 90 packs of tramaking 250mg, 69 packs of royal tapentadol 250mg and 310,000 sticks of cigarettes.

‘These are not ordinary commodities, they are dangerous products capable of destroying lives, fueling criminality, encouraging substance abuse and undermining the future of our young people.

‘The illicit drugs intercepted are often linked to cultism, armed robbery, violent crimes and other social vices.

‘Smuggled cigarettes evade health regulations, avoid payment of statutory duties and expose consumers to products outside approved quality standards,’ he said.

Kaila said that the command, through these interceptions, had disrupted criminal supply chains and prevented these dangerous products from reaching the communities.

‘Among the seizures displayed today is one that poses perhaps the greatest threat to national security, which is 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials being illegally conveyed through the border corridor.

‘Explosives of this nature have devastating consequences when they fall into the hands of criminal elements.

‘They have the potential to facilitate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes capable of threatening national peace and security,’ he said.

He said that every seizure recorded reflected the command’s resolve to secure Nigeria’s borders, facilitate legitimate trade, generate revenue for national development, and deny criminal networks the opportunity to undermine the economy.

According to him, officers of the Seme Area Command, following credible intelligence, intercepted a truck that was deceptively declared to be carrying 1,306 sacks of expired noodles, each weighing 50kg.

‘What was discovered was deeply disturbing because many of the products had already deteriorated and were visibly decomposing.

‘Intelligence further revealed that the intention was to repackage, relabel and introduce these products into Nigerian markets for unsuspecting consumers.

‘Had this shipment succeeded, countless families would have been exposed to serious health hazards ranging from food poisoning and gastrointestinal diseases to other life-threatening medical complications,’ he said.

The Comptroller said the interception of the products showed that the Nigeria Customs Service was not only protecting borders, but also safeguarding public health.

‘Every child, every family and every Nigerian has been protected from what could have become a silent public health disaster,’ he said.

Kaila said the command also seized 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 50kg each, which were smuggled through illegal routes at various flashpoints within its area of responsibility.

‘Beyond denying government legitimate revenue, such illicit importation undermines the Federal Government’s agricultural policies, discourages local rice production and threatens the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.

‘The fight against illicit drugs remains one of the service’s critical contributions to national security and public safety,’ he said.

The Comptroller said that the command also intercepted 373 parcels of cannabis sativa, 90 packs of tramaking 250mg, 69 packs of royal tapentadol 250mg and 310,000 sticks of cigarettes.

‘These are not ordinary commodities, they are dangerous products capable of destroying lives, fueling criminality, encouraging substance abuse and undermining the future of our young people.

‘The illicit drugs intercepted are often linked to cultism, armed robbery, violent crimes and other social vices.

‘Smuggled cigarettes evade health regulations, avoid payment of statutory duties and expose consumers to products outside approved quality standards,’ he said.

Kaila said that the command, through these interceptions, had disrupted criminal supply chains and prevented these dangerous products from reaching the communities.

‘Among the seizures displayed today is one that poses perhaps the greatest threat to national security, which is 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials being illegally conveyed through the border corridor.

‘Explosives of this nature have devastating consequences when they fall into the hands of criminal elements.

‘They have the potential to facilitate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes capable of threatening national peace and security,’ he said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and other presidential candidates will pay N150 million for placement of campaign signage and related promotional materials for 2027 election across Kogi state.

Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in Lokoja after a stakeholders’ meeting with operators in the signage and advertising sector, as campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to commence on August 19.

Fanwo told the stakeholders that the Kogi State Government has approved official fees for the placement of billboards, posters, branded T-shirts, caps and other campaign materials by political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections and the October 2026 local government elections.

Fanwo said the approved fees were designed to regulate political advertising across the state, ensure compliance with existing signage regulations and generate revenue for the development of Kogi State.

According to him, senatorial candidates will pay N50 million while candidates for the House of Representatives will pay N30 million.

Those contesting for the State House of Assembly will pay N5 million.

For the local government elections, chairmanship candidates will pay N2 million, while councillorship candidates will pay N300,000.

The Commissioner explained that the rates were arrived at after a peer review of applicable fees in other states, noting that the charges were considered affordable in view of the scale and reach of political campaigns.

He said the fees would also enable the government to properly regulate the proliferation of campaign materials across the state while ensuring that political advertising contributes to the state’s revenue base.

Fanwo warned that the placement of campaign materials without payment of the prescribed fees and compliance with the relevant regulations would constitute an offence, adding that offenders and anyone found aiding or facilitating such violations would be prosecuted.

He stressed that the regulations apply to all political parties and candidates without exception, including candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

‘In Kogi, APC is the ruling party, but that does not exempt any APC candidate from complying with the law. If you are an APC candidate and you did not pay the prescribed fee before placing your billboards or posters, we will remove them and you will be prosecuted.

‘The government is for everybody. All political parties and candidates are hereby enjoined to adhere strictly to the regulations governing the placement of campaign materials across the state,’ he said.

Fanwo further explained that the Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KOSSAA), an agency under the Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communications, is responsible for regulating signage and outdoor advertising activities in the state and would coordinate the enforcement of the approved campaign signage regime.

He said the state government would ensure that the enforcement of the regulations was carried out fairly and without political discrimination.

Also speaking, the General Manager of KOSSAA, Mr. Richard Osaseyi, said the agency would commence full enforcement of the regulations from next week.

Osaseyi urged political parties, candidates, campaign organisations and billboard operators to register with the agency and obtain the necessary approvals before erecting or displaying campaign materials.

He cautioned that unauthorised campaign materials would be removed, while individuals or organisations found to have violated the regulations would face the appropriate sanctions.

The Lagos State Government has issued a traffic advisory to motorists and commuters ahead of the commissioning of the Fresh Food Hub at Pen Cinema, Agege, on Wednesday.

The advisory, issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, warned of possible traffic congestion around the Pen Cinema-Agege axis as a result of the expected influx of vehicles and pedestrians to the event.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is scheduled to commission the facility between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The event is being organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems.

Osiyemi urged motorists who intend to use the affected corridor to plan their journeys ahead of time and, where possible, take alternative routes to avoid unnecessary delays.

He said officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) would be deployed to the area to regulate traffic and ensure smoother movement of vehicles and commuters during the event.

The commissioner also appealed to motorists and other road users to cooperate with traffic management officials and exercise patience while passing through the area.

According to Osiyemi, the advisory became necessary because of the high volume of vehicular and human traffic expected around the venue during the commissioning.

The government, he added, regretted any inconvenience the temporary traffic situation might cause, while appreciating the understanding and cooperation of residents and other road users.

The Fresh Food Hub is one of the projects being promoted by the state government as part of efforts to strengthen food systems and improve access to food-related infrastructure for Lagos residents.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has said Former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola was working against his second term in office because he (Oyinlola) was jealous of the Adeleke Family.

Adeleke said this at the Arise TV News Osun 2026 Governorship Townhall held at the Aurora Events Center, Osogbo on Tuesday.

The governor was responding to a question from one of the panelists regarding his strained relationship with former governor Oyinlola with whom he was in the People’s Democratic Party and how it would affect his victory.

He said Oyinlola was in the habit of working against anybody from the Adeleke Family, saying that Oyinlola worked against his elder brother and political mentor, late Former Governor Isiaka Adeleke.

He added that Oyinlola worked against him during his first contest for the governorship seat in the state and during his second election contest that brought him to the office in 2022.

Adeleke also revealed that Oyinlola came to him after becoming governor and complained that he didn’t have a car which he said he immediately bought for him after which he said Oyinlola still went to pitch his tent with the opposition against him.

He assured the audience that the Oyinlola factor would be inconsequential in the outcome of the election coming up on August 15.

Over 100 women in Mgbara Community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo, on Tuesday stormed the streets with placards, chanting songs in protest over the proposed siting of African Development Bank (AfDB) project in their community.

It was gathered that the bank, in partnership with the Imo and Federal Governments, is funding the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme that would impact the area.

But the women complained that they were not consulted before the AfDB decided to site the project in the area.

‘We, the people of Mgbara in Egbema, are protesting today to formally communicate our strong objection and rejection of any proposed project or development initiative associated with the AfDB within our community, the immediate past Youth President of the community, Mr Modrich Ajunwa told journalists.

He said the women have the backing of the entire community.

‘The project has not received the genuine and collective acceptance of the people.

‘We respectfully urge AfDB to exercise caution and suspend any engagement or implementation of the proposed project in Mgbara Egbema until concerns of the wider community have been properly addressed,’ Ajunwa said.

According to him, the women are demanding an open, transparent and inclusive consultation process.

Ajunwa further urged the bank not to rely solely on representations made by individual politicians, traditional authorities, community representatives or any other persons claiming to speak on behalf of Mgbara Egbema without verifiable evidence of broad community consent.

He said the future, ancestral heritage and common interests of an entire community cannot be decided behind closed doors by two individuals or a small group of persons.

Ajunwa said: ‘The proposed project has already become a source of serious disagreement, tension and division within the community.

‘Rather than promoting development and unity, the circumstances surrounding the project are contributing to breach of peace and growing distrust among members of the community.

‘We, therefore, believe that proceeding with the project under the present circumstances could further aggravate the situation and create consequences.’

The former youth leader said such circumstances could be contrary to the principles of sustainable development, community participation, peace building and responsible development.

He emphasised that the protesters were not against development, welcoming genuine development that respected the people, their land, their rights, their culture and their collective interests.

‘To build a project, land is needed. Almost all of us here are farmers.

‘When they take the land, they take our means of livelihood, and so must deal with members of the community directly.

‘No development project should be imposed on a community or advanced through individuals whose positions do not reflect the freely expressed will of majority of the people,’ he said.

Furthermore, he said for the project to be accepted, the bank must take their protest seriously as a formal notice of the community’s objection to the proposed project.

‘The bank must conduct proper, transparent and inclusive consultations with the wider community before considering any further action due to the growing tension and division that the proposed project is causing within the community,’ he stressed.

‘The African Development Bank should listen directly to the people of Mgbara Egbema rather than relying exclusively on representations made behind closed doors by few individuals or small group.

‘The future of Mgbara Egbema belongs to its people. It cannot be negotiated, surrendered or decided by two men on behalf of an entire community,’ he emphasised.

Ajunwa said the community remained committed to peace and lawful dialogue but stressed that they would continue to stand firmly for the protection of their communal and ancestral heritage as well as the collective interests of the people.

‘We do not want to see our sons and husbands engage in fist fights that may even result in avoidable tragedy,’ he added.

It was gathered that the bank, in partnership with the Imo and Federal Governments, is funding the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme that would impact the area.

President Bola Tinubu has set an ambitious target to more than double Nigeria’s livestock sector’s annual economic contribution from its current $32 billion, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to tackle food insecurity, create jobs and diversify the economy.

Tinubu disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture, where he said Nigeria was positioning the livestock industry as a major engine of economic growth and a potential regional hub for production, processing and exports.

The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the livestock sector already contributes more than $32 billion annually to the Nigerian economy, with millions of Nigerians depending on it for food, income and livelihoods.

‘Our national strategy aims to more than double the sector’s economic contributions to position Nigeria as a leading hub for livestock production and processing in Africa,’ Tinubu said.

The President said the country’s livestock population includes more than 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats and 660 million poultry, describing the scale of the sector as evidence of its enormous economic potential.

He said his administration had placed agriculture and food security at the centre of its Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing to the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 as a major step towards transforming the industry.

According to Tinubu, the ministry was established to move livestock production away from largely subsistence and traditional practices towards a modern, technology-driven and commercially competitive industry integrated into global markets.

He said the government had also approved institutional reforms based on the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms to improve governance, raise productivity, promote peaceful livestock production and attract private investment.

At the heart of the government’s strategy, he said, is the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, designed to strengthen the entire livestock value chain.

The strategy covers improved animal health services, commercial feed production, livestock genetics, climate-smart production, value-chain development, peacebuilding and the expansion of opportunities for livestock investment and exports.

Tinubu also highlighted ranching and modern livestock production systems as part of efforts to improve productivity while reducing conflicts associated with traditional livestock practices.

He said the government was encouraging investment in dairy production, meat processing, leather, feed milling and livestock infrastructure.

A major focus, according to the President, is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products and retaining more foreign exchange within the economy.

‘Our ongoing dairy transformation programme seeks to double local milk production through improved genetics, better nutrition, modern breeding systems, and stronger private sector participation,’ he said.

The programme will support improved breeds, pasture development, commercial feed production, milk collection facilities, private dairy investments and modern processing plants.

Beyond food production, Tinubu said the livestock value chain could become a major source of employment for Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population, with opportunities spanning production, processing, logistics, technology and exports.

‘Millions of jobs can be created for our growing youth population in Africa. The Nigerian government is committed to fully optimising the value chain,’ he said.

He added that the government was working to increase the participation of women and young people through improved access to finance, digital technology, innovation, value-chain opportunities and private-sector partnerships.

Tinubu also called for greater cooperation among African countries, noting that animal diseases, climate change, food insecurity, trade barriers and cross-border livestock movement could not be effectively addressed by individual countries acting alone.

‘The future of Africa’s livestock industry depends on innovation, science, technology, and regional cooperation. No country can achieve sustainable livestock transformation in isolation,’ he said.

He said Nigeria would continue to support continental collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, particularly in livestock production and trade.

The President challenged delegates at the conference to develop practical recommendations covering animal health, disease control, climate-smart production, genetics, regional trade, youth and women empowerment, research, innovation and investment.

He assured participants that Nigeria was prepared to work with other African countries, development partners, research institutions and private investors to build a productive, sustainable and globally competitive livestock industry.

‘Together, we can transform Africa from a continent with enormous livestock potential into a global leader in livestock production,’ Tinubu said.

He thereafter declared the conference open, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to providing leadership in the transformation of Africa’s livestock sector.

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, on Sunday appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to support the construction of service lanes and drainage channels on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

‘You have to bring money, Governor, to do the service lanes, and also to do the drainage channels. We must join hands to solve this problem for the sake of our people,’ Umahi said he said at a stakeholder engagement on the coastal highway and some other projects in the state.

The Minister, however, praised Lagos State Government for supporting Federal Government’s infrastructure development in the commercial city.

Umahi announced that the Federal Government would soon begin construction of the service lane for the coastal highway.

According to the Minister, the decision to construct service lanes and secondary drainage channels on Sections 1 and 2 of the highway projects was prompted by recent heavy rainfalls and flooding experienced in Lagos.

The Minister also said Lot 1 of the coastal highway had been completed and Lot 2, over 80 per cent done.

‘We have done over 30 per cent of the job in Calabar and Akwa Ibom. We have started the largest section, 180km by two,’ he said.

He gave the assurance that the highway project would be completed in time.

‘ We want everybody on this corridor, the entire Nigerians that are benefitting and will benefit from this coastal highway construction to continue to pray for and support the President.’

Umahi expressed dissatisfaction at the attitude of unpatriotic Nigerians vandalising national assets.

‘It is very disheartening. The effort they are putting to destroy national assets, if they put it in labour in all construction sites of state governments and the Federal Government, they will make more money.

‘It is devilish, wickedness and unacceptable; so, we have to come together to protect our national assets.

‘When these roads are built under the President, it will last for a hundred years but when the roads are excavated and removed, we will be back to square one,’ he said.