Category: PM News

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in protecting the freedom secured through the struggles of previous generations.

Otti made the call in his 2026 Independence Day anniversary message on Thursday in Umuahia, saying the gains of the past could only be sustained through collective vigilance.

According to him, citizens must not take their freedoms and democratic achievements for granted, warning that complacency can create opportunities for their erosion.

‘The fruits of yesterday’s struggles can only be sustained by the collective vigilance of our generation and those coming after us,’ Otti said.

He expressed appreciation to citizens of the state for their ‘unshakable faith’ in Nigeria, in spite of its difficult historical experiences and thanked them for their support for his administration.

The governor restated his administration’s commitment to the rapid socio-economic transformation of Abia, saying systems and institutions would be developed to meet the state’s aspirations.

‘Together, we shall build systems and institutions that answer to our development aspirations,’ he said.

Otti said the security and welfare of Abians would remain the administration’s foremost priority, in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

He also pledged the state’s contribution toward actualising the aspirations of Nigeria’s founding fathers and their pursuit of freedom and national sovereignty.

The governor however warned that failure to remain vigilant could expose the country’s cherished freedom to threats.

‘We are therefore invited to take nothing for granted for when we do, we unwittingly open the gates for the enemies of freedom to jump in and steal that which we cherish the most,’ he said.

Otti ???????urged Nigerians to embrace active citizenship, vote responsibly and remain vigilant to protect democracy and sustain the gains of independence.

He noted that Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or nativity, remained stakeholders in the national project and must contribute to changing the country’s trajectory.

‘If then we wish to see a different outcome, the first order of duty would be to accept that we are all stakeholders in the Nigerian project,’ he said.

Otti said nation-building required citizens to use legitimate means, including voting, participating in public discourse, paying taxes and obeying laws.

‘The patriotic thing to do is to boldly confront the situation headlong, using every legitimate tool available to us, refusing any temptation to surrender, until we achieve the outcomes that we seek,’ he said.

The governor urged Nigerians to reject vote-selling, political apathy, dishonesty, mediocrity, greed, nepotism and clannishness, describing them as obstacles to national development.

According to him, democracy has provided Nigerians with the opportunity to determine who governs them, urging citizens to make effective use of their democratic rights.

‘The superior appeal of democracy is the freedom it offers ordinary men and women to have a direct say in who governs them,’ Otti said.

He added that Nigeria’s democratic journey over the past 27 years remained significant, in spite of the challenges experienced since independence.

Otti said the country had potential for greatness, but stressed that potential alone could not transform Nigeria without citizens’ commitment and hard work.

‘The fact is that we have the potential to be a truly great nation, the other truth, which perhaps is our lived experience, is that potential, in themselves, are not enough to turn things around,’ he said.

He commended security personnel, teachers, health workers, civil servants, artisans, traders, entrepreneurs, farmers and other Nigerians, contributing to nation-building.

Otti also praised artists, sportspeople, diplomats, scientists and others promoting Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual heritage locally and internationally.

He urged Nigerians not to surrender to present difficulties, saying perseverance remained essential to overcoming the country’s challenges.

‘The message that I leave you with remains what it has always been; do not give up, keep pushing and never surrender to the vicissitudes of the time,’ he said.

Otti congratulated Nigerians on the 66th independence anniversary and called for renewed commitment to the country’s development and democratic future.

President Bola Tinubu has placed job creation, enterprise and industrial growth at the centre of his administration’s next economic phase, saying Nigeria must turn its large youthful population into a productive force.

Tinubu spoke on Thursday in his Independence Day address to Nigerians, in which he announced a shift from economic reforms to what he described as an ‘age of prosperity.’

The President said prosperity could not be achieved merely through economic growth or improved statistics, stressing that Nigeria needed productive work and greater opportunities for its growing population.

‘But prosperity requires more than cheaper goods. It requires productive work,’ Tinubu said.

He noted that millions of young Nigerians enter adulthood every year with talent, energy and ambition, saying the government’s responsibility was to ensure that the country’s demographic strength became an engine of production rather than a source of despair.

‘We are therefore placing jobs, enterprise, and industrial growth at the heart of our government’s policies,’ he said.

Tinubu said the government would use Nigeria’s gas resources to power new industries and support businesses working to revive factories in the country’s major industrial centres.

He also announced plans to expand digital connectivity to communities that have been excluded from the modern economy.

According to him, the government will invest in the skills employers require while supporting Nigerian businesses with the infrastructure and financing needed to expand.

The President said his ambition was to see more Nigerians engaged in production, with domestic farms supplying cities and factories and Nigerian businesses exporting locally produced goods to international markets.

‘I want to see more Nigerians making things,’ Tinubu said.

‘I want to see more Nigerian farms feeding our cities and supplying our factories. I want to see Nigerian businesses selling Nigerian goods to the whole world.’

He also expressed particular interest in young Nigerians building businesses capable of creating employment and opportunities within the country.

‘I want young Nigerians building unicorns and creating opportunities for others here at home,’ he said.

Earlier in the address, the President said the country’s economic outlook had improved, citing growth of more than four per cent this year, lower inflation, rebuilt foreign reserves and a more stable foreign exchange market.

But he acknowledged that millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with basic needs and that economic recovery must eventually translate into greater opportunities for households.

He said the difficulties facing many Nigerians were the accumulated consequences of decades of low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient opportunities and institutional weaknesses.

‘We cannot erase in four years what accumulated over generations. But we can change its course,’ Tinubu said.

The President said the government’s objective was to build an economy that steadily lifts people out of poverty while ensuring that vulnerable Nigerians are not abandoned.

He also pointed to measures including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, consumer credit through CREDICORP and strengthened support for poorer households as part of the broader effort to expand economic opportunity.

However, he maintained that social programmes alone could not deliver lasting prosperity.

Tinubu said Nigeria would require sustained economic growth and the creation of millions of productive opportunities across the country.

‘The age of reform has done its work. Now begins the age of prosperity,’ he declared.

As Faith Owolona celebrates her birthday today, October 1, attention turns to a career that spans the international oil and gas industry, entrepreneurship, and philanthropic initiatives focused on education and women’s empowerment.

Owolona, a Nigerian oil and gas executive with professional experience across international markets, has built a career around energy-sector operations, business development, and leadership. Her professional journey has taken her across parts of Asia and the Middle East, including major oil and gas projects in Dubai, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, according to published reports.

Her academic background includes degrees in Law and International Relations and Diplomacy, as well as a master’s degree in Oil and Gas, providing a multidisciplinary foundation for her work across the corporate and energy sectors.

In July 2026, reports emerged that Owolona was preparing to return to Nigeria to assume a senior leadership position at a leading oil and gas company, following her international career in Asia. The development marked a new phase in her professional journey, with the potential to bring international industry experience into Nigeria’s energy sector.

Beyond her corporate engagements, Owolona has also developed a philanthropic profile through the Juliestot Foundation for Women and Girl Child, an initiative established in 2019 in memory of her late mother.

The foundation focuses on improving access to education, promoting economic empowerment, and creating opportunities for women and girls across underserved communities. Its activities have extended beyond Nigeria to countries including Kenya, Rwanda, and the Benin Republic.

Among its notable educational initiatives are Juliestot Girls Secondary School and Juliestot Vocational Center in Otukpo, Benue State. The institutions provide free education and vocational training to girls, with the broader objective of equipping young women with the knowledge and practical skills needed to build independent futures.

Owolona’s philanthropic interests also extend to economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. Her work has been associated with initiatives that support women’s financial independence, vocational development, and access to opportunities that can strengthen families and communities.

In addition to her energy-sector career and humanitarian commitments, she has pursued several entrepreneurial interests, including agriculture and livestock farming, reflecting a broader engagement with business and enterprise.

Her contributions have attracted public recognition, including the Global Change Maker Award and the Inspiring Youths Africa Magazine Seal Award, alongside commendations for her community-focused initiatives.

As she marks another year, Owolona’s professional and philanthropic journey reflects the growing participation of Nigerian women in international energy leadership and the role of private initiatives in addressing educational and economic challenges.

Her birthday provides an opportunity to recognise a career that connects corporate ambition with social investment, particularly through efforts to expand educational access and economic opportunities for women and girls.

As she enters a new year, her evolving professional journey and continued commitment to philanthropy remain central to the public story surrounding her work.

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has warned that opposition parties cannot afford to relax ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing legal battles and internal crises threatening some political platforms.

Baba-Ahmed, who spoke during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, alleged that several opposition parties were currently struggling with court cases and factional disputes that could affect their participation in the election.

According to him, the opposition has learnt from past experiences and must ensure that candidates presented for the 2027 elections can survive possible legal challenges.

‘The APC is not innocent when it comes to playing dirty. We, the opposition, don’t sleep with both eyes closed,’ he said.

Baba-Ahmed claimed that out of the eight political parties considered part of the opposition bloc, about five or six were dealing with legal issues.

‘There are about eight political parties, and five or six of them have court cases. Some have been factionalised, and at this point, we don’t know if some candidates will be on the ballot or not,’ he said.

He warned that unresolved disputes within political parties could create uncertainty ahead of the elections.

‘Too many political parties in the opposition are limping from legal issues and factionalisation. Which faction is going to be there?’ he asked.

The PRP chairman said the challenges forced opposition actors to be more careful in selecting candidates capable of overcoming legal hurdles before the election.

‘It was better to put forward only a candidate we are sure can survive all the legal hurdles. So, we think these issues are behind us now,’ he said.

Governor Abba Yusuf said more than 380 suspects have been arrested and over 230 convicted in the first two months of ongoing crackdown by the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Yusuf disclosed this in his speech on Thursday in Kano, to mark the 66 Independence anniversary of Nigeria.

According to the governor, the arrests and convictions were recorded within the first two months of the state’s intensified campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

He said the state government established the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in July 2026.

The governor said the government also issued an Executive Order to strengthen the fight against illicit substances, thuggery and related criminal activities.

According to him, the task force has dismantled several drug joints and criminal hideouts across the state since its establishment.

Yusuf described the fight against drug abuse and criminality as a shared responsibility involving government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, communities, parents and citizens.

He, therefore, urged youths to reject drug abuse, violence and criminality and embrace education, agriculture, technology, enterprise, vocational training and the creative industries.

The governor revealed that his administration would continue to support security agencies, strengthen community-based intelligence and address social challenges contributing to crime and insecurity.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a safer environment where young people could pursue lawful enterprises and contribute to Kano’s development.

The United States, U.S., has congratulated Nigeria on its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the country as an important partner in advancing regional stability, economic growth and shared democratic values.

In a message issued on Thursday by the Office of the Spokesman of the U.S. Department of State, Washington said it valued its relationship with Nigeria and welcomed the substantive dialogue between both countries over the past year.

‘On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Nigeria on the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence,’ the statement said.

The U.S. highlighted Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest democracy and one of the continent’s largest economies, saying the country has an important role to play in promoting stability and economic development across the region.

‘The United States is proud to stand alongside Nigeria in pursuit of these common goals,’ it added.

The message also identified several areas underpinning the bilateral relationship, including democratic principles, religious freedom, expanding commercial ties, peace and security.

The U.S. message concluded with a goodwill wish for Nigeria, expressing hope that the country and its people would continue to thrive in peace, unity, prosperity and hope for generations to come.

The statement provides a diplomatic reaffirmation of the long-standing relationship between Washington and Abuja, while placing Nigeria’s independence anniversary within a broader framework of democratic governance, economic cooperation and regional stability.

As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, the Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Osun State Directorate, Mr. Adebiyi, Adefarasin Stephen, has felicitated government and the people of Osun State and Nigerians at large.

In his Independence message, Mr. Adebiyi said the anniversary offers an opportunity for sober reflection, renewed patriotism and collective commitment to a nation building. He urged citizens to uphold unity, peace, tolerance and civic responsibility for national development.

The NOA boss commended the Osun State Government for inaugurating the Special Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation chaired by the Head of Service, Mr. Samuel Ayanleye Aina, describing it as a timely intervention to curb indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads, road medians and drains.

Adebiyi said the NOA, Osun Directorate will collaborate with the state government and the taskforce to sustain public sensitisation on proper waste disposal, clearing of drainage channels and the dangers of building on waterways.

He called on residents to support government efforts by adopting responsible environmental practices.

Mr. Adebiyi, Adefarasin also commiserated with residents and business owners affected by recent flooding in Oke-Ijetu, Fountain University axis, Ilesa Garage, Koka-Ijesa, Ogo-Oluwa and other parts of the state.

He appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to urgently assess the affected communities and provide relief materials to victims to ameliorate their hardship.

He advised residents in flood-prone areas to heed early warnings, avoid dumping refuse in drains and desist from erecting structures on waterways.

He wished all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence celebration.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country but use prayer and responsible citizenship to build a better nation.

Pastor Olusoji Adewumi in Charge of RCCG Church of Nazarene, Zone 5, Lagos Province 15, gave the charge at a six-hour Feast of Worship he convened to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The event took place on Thursday in Lagos.

Adewumi said the church chose Oct. 1 for the worship to celebrate God’s faithfulness on Nigeria with songs.

The pastor said that the occasion was also planned to be used to pray for peace and security, good governance in Nigeria.

He said that the church also planned to pray for economic opportunities, families, young people, businesses and vulnerable Nigerians.

Adewumi said the programme was designed to take participants beyond routine church services and provide an extended period for worship, prayer, Scripture reading, thanksgiving, reflection and spiritual renewal.

According to him, worship is more than singing, as it is an expression of love, gratitude, surrender and dependence on God.

‘Prayer does not remove our responsibility to act, but it reminds us that there are dimensions of life that require God’s intervention and wisdom.

‘When we pray for peace, we must also become people who promote peace.

‘When we pray for integrity in leadership, we must also model integrity in our own spheres of influence,’ he said.

Adewumi said the programme, the maiden edition, was inspired by the church’s desire to establish a deeper culture of worship and dependence on God amid economic challenges, insecurity and other difficulties.

He said the six-hour duration was intended to give participants enough time to move beyond regular worship services and immerse themselves in God’s presence.

The convener said the programme also aimed to encourage participants to develop a lifestyle of worship.

He said the church’s message to Nigerians was that there was still hope for the country, adding that citizens had a role to play in building the Nigeria they desired.

‘Let us choose peace over violence, integrity over corruption, service over selfishness and unity over division.

‘Above all, let us continue to pray for Nigeria and believe that a better future is possible,’ Adewumi said.

He added that the future of Nigeria was not only in the hands of government but also in the hands of citizens.

The guest minister, Pastor Oluwatosin Affinnih of RCCG First Born Assembly, spoke on the theme, ‘Atmosphere of Worship: Climate of Conception’, citing Luke 1:31-35.

According to Affinnih, the Holy Spirit is sufficient for believers in Jesus Christ.

He urged Christians to develop deeper intimacy with God through worship and prayer.

He said, ‘When the Holy Spirit becomes your deepest hunger, His presence becomes your greatest sufficiency, and when He is enough, no impossibility can intimidate you.’

He urged Christians to cultivate discipline in prayer, saying that it would make the Holy Spirit to deposit values that would make them valuable in their various spheres of influence.

Affinnih said worship should not end with spiritual experiences but should produce responsible action in society.

‘When the Holy Spirit encounters a yielded heart, divine possibilities can become earthly realities,’ he said.

He encouraged participants to become ‘receptacles for whatever Heaven wants to conceive’ in them, stressing the need for Christians to hunger for deeper intimacy with God.

The programme featured praise and worship, prayers, Scripture reading, exhortations, thanksgiving and other spiritual ministrations.

The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Nigerian-born physician, Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, on his election to lead the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).

In her congratulatory message, Dabiri-Erewa said Dr. Ogunyemi’s election marks a significant milestone in the history of the Canadian Medical Association, as he becomes the first Black physician to head the prestigious organisation.

She noted that his accomplishment goes beyond personal success, describing it as a significant milestone that reflects the capacity of Nigerians to excel and provide leadership in critical sectors of the global economy and professional community.

Ogunyemi, a clinical Associate Professor of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland, has distinguished himself through more than 15 years of clinical practice, medical education, administration, and healthcare advocacy.

As a medical dermatologist practising in St. John’s and a visiting specialist in Labrador City, he has also demonstrated a strong commitment to providing quality healthcare to underserved and remote communities.

His service to Labrador City since 2018 underscores his dedication to ensuring that geographical location does not become a barrier to access to specialist medical care.

The NiDCOM boss further commended Ogunyemi’s contributions to medical education through his teaching and mentorship of upcoming physicians, as well as his advocacy for reforms aimed at addressing structural challenges within the healthcare system.

According to her, his journey exemplifies the significant value Nigerians in the Diaspora bring to their host countries through professional excellence, community service, innovation, knowledge transfer, and leadership.

Dabiri-Erewa said NiDCOM remains committed to celebrating and strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and its Diaspora, noting that the achievements of Nigerians abroad provide opportunities for greater collaboration, knowledge exchange, investment, mentorship, and national development.

She expressed confidence that Dr. Ogunyemi’s leadership of the Canadian Medical Association would further contribute to constructive conversations and reforms around the challenges confronting healthcare delivery in Canada and beyond.

The NiDCOM Boss urged Nigerian professionals in the Diaspora to continue to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, service, and innovation, while remaining connected to Nigeria and contributing to the country’s development in their respective fields.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has approved a petition from the family of late Afrobeats singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, ordering a fresh and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death

The new development was disclosed in a statement released by Oladayo Ogungbe, the family’s lawyer. It came days after the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a separate suit seeking to compel the police to reopen investigations into the singer’s death. The family stressed that the court case was unrelated to its petition and that the police re-investigation remains ongoing.

Ogungbe explained that the Aloba family submitted its petition to the IGP on April 14, 2026, while it was received at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on May 7. The lawyer also said the petition raised concerns over inconsistencies in the earlier investigative process and called for a comprehensive forensic reconstruction of the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.

‘The family’s representative has since been invited and has engaged with the new team of investigators assigned to the matter. The Aloba Family therefore does not wish the public to conflate the dismissal of that suit with the separate investigative process already commenced pursuant to the Family’s petition to the Inspector-General of Police. The re-investigation is ongoing. The Aloba Family remains fully engaged. The pursuit of justice for Mohbad continues,’ the statement said in part.

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, triggering widespread public concern over the circumstances surrounding his death. His remains were exhumed days later for an autopsy, but questions surrounding the case have continued to generate public interest.