Category: PM News

A 55-year-old man identified as Stephen Obitade has been arraigned before Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly grabbing 12 acres of land belonging to a church.

Obitade, whose address was not provided, was charged with conspiracy, land grabbing, malicious damage and stealing.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Elisha Tellang, told the court that the suspect committed the offences sometime in 2021 at Lagos/Ibadan express way, Ibadan.

Tellang said that Obitade unlawfully grabbed about 12 acres of land belonging to one Apostle Abiodun Joseph’s Church.

He added that Obitade and others at large maliciously damaged the land’s perimeter fence and pillars worth N5 million, and stole building iron rods in the land worth N850,000.

He said the offences contravened sections 4 of the Real Property Law of Oyo State, 2016 and 516, 451 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

However, Obitade pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and the Magistrate, Mrs Moyosore Atanda, granted him bail in the sum of N1 million and two reliable sureties in like sum.

She then adjourned the case until Nov. 18 for hearing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to the late Evangelist Dr Uma Ukpai, describing him as ‘one of God’s generals’ whose ministry rekindled faith, discipline, and love across Nigeria and beyond.

In a statement issued from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, Tinubu said the late evangelist, who died at the age of 80, lived an extraordinary life of service to God and humanity.

‘Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel and restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness,’ the President stated.

Tinubu extolled the founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association for his pioneering role in the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and his tireless efforts to promote unity among Christians and people of different faiths.

‘He was a builder, building men and bridges linking different faiths, people, tongues, and tribes,’ Tinubu noted, recalling Ukpai’s legendary crusades, including the Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985, which he said transformed countless lives.

The President also lauded Ukpai’s humanitarian legacy, highlighting his establishment of charities, schools, and hospitals for the less privileged.

‘Dr Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and spread peace and harmony. He has fulfilled his divine mission and has gone to be with the Lord. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith,’ Tinubu said.

He prayed for the repose of Ukpai’s soul and extended condolences to his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and members of his ministry.

‘I encourage them to find solace in the great legacy of this beloved servant of God,’ the President added.

The two-week nationwide warning strike declared by the national leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has disrupted the ongoing second semester examinations of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

Recall that the national leadership of ASUU on Monday, October 13, 2025 began a nationwide two weeks warning strike to press home the demands for the implementations of the 2009 agreements with the Federal Government.

A member of the institution’s students’ union body who asked not to be named, confirmed the development.

He, however, explained that some students wrote their examination, while others did not.

‘Not all students wrote their exams today. Some did while others did not. It all depends on the faculty and department,’ he said.

Meanwhile, chairman of ASUU, UNIBEN chapter, Prof Enaruna Edosa, described the compliance to the national body’s directives by the members as 100 percent.

He explained that none of his members participate in the conduct of the examinations because of the strike.

‘We held a congress today, directing all members of the union to comply with the order from the national body.

‘The strike is for two weeks and we went round to ensure that our members comply with the directives and that they are not in classes. The compliance recorded 100 percent success.

‘The directives were from the national body of ASUU that we should all go on a two week warning strike,’ Edosa said.

The Students’ Union body of UNIBEN had earlier on Monday issued a circular informing students of the suspension of the ongoing examinations due to the ASUU’s strike action.

The statement signed by the Director of Information/Public Relations Officer Students’ Union of the institution, Ahonsi Godwin, advised all students to remain calm, avoid panic, and stay informed.

‘This is to officially inform all students of the University of Benin that, following recent developments, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNIBEN Chapter, has activated a two-week warning strike, effective immediately.

‘As a result, all ongoing and scheduled examinations across faculties have been suspended until further notice. Academics have been directed to withdraw from all examination duties and mobilize accordingly.

‘Students are advised to remain calm, avoid panic, and stay informed only through official channels of communication,’ the statement said.

Ahonsi said further updates would be communicated to the students through the UNIBEN SUG WhatsApp Channel and other recognized platforms.

In a related development, members of the ASUU at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, also complied with the strike.

The university’s ASUU chairman, Dr Cyril Onogbosele, who spoke to journalists on phone, said all members complied with the directives by the national leadership of the union to embark on the warning strike.

‘AAU fully complied with the national directives on the warning strike. It is a national strike and all the branches of ASUU have to participate in which we in the university are members.

‘We also held a congress today to deliberate on the matter and we have resolved to abide by the resolution of ASUU national. So, we have started,’ he added.

Rev. Uma Ukpai, who died at the age of 80 on Monday, was a towering figure in Nigeria’s Christian landscape-an international evangelist, bridge-builder, and humanitarian whose ministry touched lives across nations.

From humble beginnings in Ohafia, Abia State, he rose to become one of the founding pillars of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the visionary behind the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA).

Through his crusades, educational initiatives, and medical outreaches, he combined faith, compassion, and service, leaving behind a legacy that transcends denominational lines.

Below are 30 Astonishing Facts about him.

1. Founder of PFN Movement – Rev. Uma Ukpai played a historic role in the birth of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian bodies, following his Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985.

2. International Evangelist – Ukpai preached across continents, taking the gospel to numerous countries beyond Africa, making him one of Nigeria’s earliest globally recognised evangelists.

3. Conversion at Age 13 – He gave his life to Christ in 1958 at the age of 13, marking the beginning of a lifelong mission that would touch millions.

4. Orphaned at 10 – His father’s death when he was just 10 years old shaped his compassion for the poor and orphans, influencing his later charitable works.

5. Multitalented Scholar – Ukpai held diverse academic qualifications ranging from Electrical Engineering to Journalism and Divinity, reflecting a rare blend of technical and theological expertise.

6. Graduate of Four International Institutions – He studied in both the United Kingdom and the United States, earning degrees from South Florida Christian College, Carolina Christian University, and Burke Bible College, Kentucky.

7. Media Trained Evangelist – His training in Journalism and Television at Frisham, Hermitage, UK, gave him a strong media presence, which he later used for evangelism.

8. Polyglot of Faith and Science – Holding a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice and a Doctorate in Divinity uniquely positioned him to combine scientific knowledge with spiritual ministry.

9. Founder of UUEA – He established the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), one of Nigeria’s most active non-denominational gospel ministries, headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

10. Bridge Builder Among Churches – His ministry was known for uniting Christians across denominational divides, earning him respect across Pentecostal, Evangelical, and Mainline churches.

11. Tragic Family Loss – Ukpai lost two of his children in a single car accident, a devastating tragedy that tested his faith but did not break his spirit.

12. Father of Nine (Including One Adopted) – His marriage to Pastor Philomena Ukpai produced eight biological children and one adopted child, reflecting his large-hearted nature.

13. Medical Mission Pioneer – For more than 30 years, his ministry ran free medical outreaches across Nigerian communities, integrating healthcare with evangelism.

14. Established Two Major Hospitals – He founded the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and the King of Kings Hospital in Abia State-both offering free and subsidised medical care.

15. Educational Visionary – He founded the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga, and Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, Uyo, nurturing future leaders in faith and technology.

16. Scholarship Benefactor – Through the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, he sponsored countless students, particularly orphans and the underprivileged.

17. Linked to Joseph Business School, USA – His Joseph Business School, Uyo, is an affiliate of the Joseph Business School, Chicago, founded by Dr. Bill Winston.

18. Crusade Legend – He organised some of Nigeria’s largest crusades, including the Greater Ohafia for Christ Crusade and Anioma One-Million Man Crusade (2016), which drew massive crowds and testimonies of healing.

19. Historic 1982 Crusade – His Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade in 1982 marked one of the earliest large-scale Pentecostal revival meetings in Nigeria’s southwest.

20. Healer and Miracle Worker – Numerous reports of healings, deliverance, and miracles accompanied his crusades across Nigeria and beyond.

21. Respected PFN Financier – The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA) was a major financier of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), supporting its nationwide activities.

22. Voice of Compassion – He often said, ‘The stone Satan throws at you can become a stepping stone,’ a reflection of his resilience and message of hope through adversity.

23. Lifetime Commitment to the Poor – His personal struggles as a youth inspired decades of charity work, particularly in rural communities of Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.

24. Crusade Collaborator – He worked with several other prominent ministers, including Dr. Celestine Iwendi, to organise interdenominational revivals.

25. Legacy of Service and Healing – His faith-driven initiatives in evangelism, healthcare, and education established him as one of Nigeria’s most holistic Christian leaders.

26. UUEA Headquarters in Uyo – Under his leadership, Uyo became a spiritual hub attracting thousands of worshippers, students, and patients seeking divine and physical healing.

27. Mentor of Pastors and Evangelists – Many prominent Nigerian preachers trace their spiritual inspiration and early mentorship to his ministry.

28. Decades of Unbroken Evangelism – For over six decades, from his conversion in 1958 until his passing in 2025, he remained active in spreading the gospel.

29. Peace Ambassador – His message consistently promoted peace and unity in a country often divided by religion and ethnicity.

30. Faith Through Fire – Despite losing two children, facing early poverty, and constant health challenges, he continued to preach faith, perseverance, and divine purpose.

Blurting out ‘Eureka’ in the afternoon of Wednesday, October 8, 2025, indicated how excited I became on receiving a call informing me of a discovery.

The elusive or forgotten date of what was considered the earliest fatal building collapse in Nigeria had just been retrieved in an archive after several months of search and investigation. What a day! A remarkable day indeed.

Historical information revealed that a four-storey building under construction on Ajibade Street, Oremeji (Coca Cola area) in Ibadan collapsed, leading to the death of over 20 workers. The Western State Fire Service, Nigerian Army, and the police were involved in the rescue operation.

A coroner’s Inquest was set up, and an official investigation to determine the cause(s ) of the collapse was conducted.

After many years, information about this calamitous collapse became scanty. The exact date of the collapse became unknown. The date and location were confused with other two collapsed buildings in Ibadan. The clarifications are important for research work on building collapse and its prevention.

The compilation of records of collapsed buildings by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) over the years has not been an easy task. It requires continual search for information, verification of same, and updating of records.

The network that has been created across the country, among built environment professionals, has promoted a synergy that enables us to find out information about past collapsed buildings.

Establishing the probable causes of collapsed buildings helps determine preventive measures against recurrence.

Recently, in a search for more information about the collapsed hall of St. Thomas Anglican Church, Arakale Street, Akure, the 81- year old Bldr. Olusola Olowoshile, who is a past Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building Ondo State Chapter, volunteered to help retrieve the information from the church. The church building actually collapsed while it was being constructed, and he paid a personal visit to the site almost immediately it collapsed. Then, he studied the causes of the collapse.

A few days later, the chairman was able to contact the contractor, who responded, providing the information that the building collapsed on Wednesday, September 30, 1998. In a verification search to Gani Fawehinmi Library in Ikeja, an old publication of Daily Times confirmed the authenticity of the date. Eight persons, including a three – month- old baby, died while 27 persons sustained injuries.

Now, here comes the mind – boggling question: Did the four-storey building at Ajibade Street, Ibadan collapse in October, 1974 as being speculated on the internet?

After some search by BCPG, it was discovered that the building that collapsed on Thursday, October 30, 1974, was a house with an upper floor (i. e. a 2-storey building). The building, located at Agbeni, Ibadan, collapsed on a mud house, causing the death of a male teenager named Mukaila Orimidara.

The Pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building Oyo State Chapter, Bldr. Samuel Oyeleke Oyedokun, who is also 81- year old, paid a visit to the site of the collapsed four-storey building then. That was before he gained admission into the higher institution of learning to study civil engineering and building. However, he could no longer recollect the date or year of the collapse.

He thought of seeking the information from Engr. Azeez Oladejo, who designed the building and was exonerated by the Commission of Enquiry since he was not involved in the supervision.

Unfortunately, the engineer, we later learnt, died not too long ago. In view of this, the chairman gave me the description of the collapsed building location.

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, I set out early from Lagos, heading to Ibadan. I located the site of the collapsed building on Ajibade Street, Oremeji (Coca Cola area) of Ibadan. I stepped cautiously into Alhaji Ajibade’s compound. I was welcomed by an eerie atmosphere induced by a barking dog.

A magnificent mosque now occupied the collapsed building land. On the adjourning land stood the twin structure of the collapsed four-storey building. A woman came out from the four- storey building.

My involvement in investigations of collapsed buildings over the years had prepared me for the unfriendly attitude of this woman when, after exchanging pleasantries, I informed her of my mission.

As a tenant, she became scared of my strange mission. It seemed residents in the neighborhood were oblivious to the collapsed building. Sadly, the landlord, a few years ago, had proceeded to the great beyond.

The woman blatantly rejected my request for the contact of any of the landlord’s children. To her, such favour would be tantamount to reminding the family bad memories.

The implication of succumbing to this sentiment was that researchers on building collapse would be deprived of authentic data. The BCPG records of building collapse in Nigeria have gone global. Hence, one could not afford to give up on this important assignment. Retreat, a defeatist approach should not be an option; in this instance, it was not an option, too.

Consequently, an idea occurred to me. I pleaded with the woman to direct me to any old inhabitant of the area. She racked her brains and made mention of an alhaji, pointing to the direction of his house. That settled it!

Some metres away from Alhaji Ajibade’s compound, one could see Ajibade Street abutting the fence of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Bodija.

The proximity of the collapsed Ajibade building to this estate that was formerly known as Western Nigeria Housing Corporation might have confused certain writers after a building in that estate collapsed on Wednesday, May 11, 1977. This building that was described as a two – storey collapsed while undergoing construction, killing one person and injuring two workers.

I made enquiries from two persons while directing my driver to the house of the 89- year old retired draughtsman named Ganiyu Oladosu Akanni. He was mostly known here as Alhaji.

Fortunately, the man was at home. Having introduced myself and my mission, the old man showed enthusiasm in meeting a construction professional of my status.

Mr. Akanni, whose house was also under construction, was in the vicinity on this particular day and therefore witnessed the sad incident at Alhaji Hassan Ajibade’s site. Hence, he narrated what happened. The building, which was of framed structure, had gotten to the third floor.

In order to reduce their vertical travelling time while carrying the concrete with headpans, the workers decided to mix the concrete on a suspended slab below the third floor instead of using the natural ground level.

As the casting of the third floor progressed, the structure suddenly failed, collapsing totally on about 30 workers.

Alhaji Akanni blamed the collapse on the construction methodology of mixing concrete on a suspended slab that was yet to be supported by walls that could have assisted the columns to bear the excessive loading. He confirmed that concrete cubes were usually taken on the site for the laboratory tests.

However, he could not recollect the exact date or year of the incident. He lamented that the draughtsman, his colleague that designed the building, Mr. Alimi Sanni was no longer alive to avail us of the required information.

I proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where I was scheduled to deliver a paper that very day at the workshop of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers titled; ‘Building Right, Building Safe : ‘A Collaborative Approach To Preventing Building Collapse’.

The challenge of getting the accurate date for the Ajibade building collapse was delved into at the forum.

Weeks later, the search for the date continued unabated. Retired government officials/civil servants, librarians, and other relevant persons were contacted in respect of the Commission of Enquiry’s white paper to no avail.

The Chairman of Oyo State BCPG Chapter, Arc. Oye Sobowale, in an official letter, sought for the assistance of the University of Ibadan library. Based on this, Arc. Bukola Ogundairo and others searched volumes of documents in the library, recording no success.

Engr. Peter Soneye and Bldr. Fatai Olugbade, on behalf of BCPG Oyo State Chapter, decided to pay a visit to the Ajibade family house in order to seek an audience with the family. None of the family members was around.

Somehow, someone deftly managed to secure the phone number of a relation of the landlord. Even if he was not born then, or he was too young when the building collapsed, he should be able to assist in searching for the relevant documents in the house. Definitely, this sensitive exercise must be handled with strategic carefulness.

My optimism was accelerated as I greeted him on the phone, hoping to book an appointment with him. His response was warm. The solution to our challenge seemed to have arrived. Later, I sent a message to his WhatsApp in order to establish a good rapport with him in preparation for our meeting.

Surprisingly, he did not take my calls again. ‘Have I handled the process imperfectly, thereby frittering away a rare opportunity,’ I wondered.

The search had definitely arrived at another cul-de-sac! Failure stared me in the face, making a mockery of several efforts.

Way forward? Trying hard not to slip into the abyss of frustration, it occurred to me to reach out to an experienced investigative journalist. I narrated our ordeal. He asseverated that he did not know this family. However, he saw the importance of our investigations.

Consequently, he bouyed up my spirit. He emphasised the need to carry out a video recording of the interview with Alhaji Akanni. According to him, such historical experience should be properly documented for safety promotions in the Nigerian construction industry. Life is ephemeral.

He was right. In respect of sourcing information for this building collapse records, death had ruthlessly uppended continuity, embossing on our consciousness its inevitability. Most of those who could have availed us of the much needed information are no longer alive.

How many people cultivated the habit, the discipline of inditing daily activities in diaries? How many town planning offices in Nigeria can provide in good condition the approved building plans of old buildings? How could publications and recordings of media houses, especially those that are defunct, such as Daily Times, Daily Sketch and Concord newspapers, be safely stored?

A visit to the Nigerian Tribune library during this search for the report on the collapsed Ajibade building revealed the unavailability of some of the organisation’s old newspaper publications.

The national and other libraries, despite downward patronage, need improvement in their archival system.

In this digital age, one wonders why important publications and government documents could not be scanned and archived accordingly. The need to preserve history really dawned on us.

Prompted by the journalist’s advice; on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Chairman of the NIOB Oyo State Chapter, Bldr. Femi Adeyi paid a second visit to Alhaji Akanni.

The video recording of an eye- witness account of the much sought-after collapsed building details commenced in earnest. Bldr. Adeyi endeavoured to help Alhaji Akanni jog his brain in order to figure out the exact year the building collapsed.

Alhaji recalled that the building collapsed while the construction of his own house was in progress. He remembered he commenced the construction of his house in 1969. The construction of his three-storey building spanned to 1976. He remembered his house was at the first – floor stage when the Ajibade building collapsed. With full concentration, he made a deep mental calculation, trying to determine the duration of the first storey construction.

Could Papa recall a major event that happened around the period the building in question collapsed?

Coincidentally, while the interview of Alhaji was going on in Ibadan, in far away Lagos, those who had been searching archives for weeks were assiduously busy on the assignment.

A phone call I received from one of our engineers and a librarian subjected me to an excruciating suspense. I was all agog.

Then suddenly, the news hit me blissfully. I sighed with relief. Smiling beatifically, I gazed at the WhatsApp messages on my phone. The elusive, evasive, and inaccessible date has just been discovered, retrieved, unravelled, and exhumed gleefully from the archives. Details of the collapse, causes, and pictures were a delight to see. Lots of incontrovertible evidence.

‘Eureka!’

The four- storey building under construction at Ajibade Street, Oremeji, Ibadan collapsed at about 2 pm on Wednesday, October 6, 1971, killing 24 persons.

Lives and huge investment painfully lost in a twinkling of an eye. This tragedy happened exactly 54 years ago.

The findings, of course, would be submitted to the BCPG Technical Committee on Collapsed Building Records headed by Engr. Charles Bola Oresanwo for onward analysis, review, and updating.

Commendations go to numerous people who worked and assisted in the long and tedious process of sourcing for genuine information that will enrich BCPG data on building collapse in Nigeria. Congratulations to building collapse research enthusiasts.

Builder Kunle Awobodu, Pioneer National President, Building Collapse Prevention Guild, and Past National President, Nigerian Institute of Building.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a heartfelt tribute to Comrade Abiodun Aremu, the veteran unionist and rights activist who passed away on Sunday in Ota, Ogun State.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed deep sympathy to Aremu’s family, the labour movement, and Nigeria’s civil society community, describing the late activist as ‘a committed fighter who devoted his life to empowering workers and advancing their rights.’

President Tinubu said Comrade Aremu stood as a beacon of conviction and courage, championing justice and equality even in the face of adversity.

‘He was a courageous comrade who remained steadfast in his beliefs and never wavered in his defence of the oppressed. Aremu was a teacher, an organiser, a conscience of the people. He shaped minds and inspired generations of Nigerians on integrity, justice and patriotism,’ the President stated.

The President extended his condolences to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and the broader civil society, acknowledging that Aremu’s death leaves a void in the nation’s struggle for workers’ welfare and social justice.

‘The nation has lost a selfless patriot and a tireless fighter for the common good,’ Tinubu remarked, praying that God grant Aremu’s soul eternal rest and comfort to his family and comrades.

The Nigeria Army and the Nigeria Navy, in a joint effort, have donated boreholes and health facility to Koya Town, Shanono Local Government Area of Kano state.

The community development gestures were part of their Social Responsibility programmes

The projects included a mosque, boreholes, a health facility, and a tree-planting initiative.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, commander, Infantry, underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment towards contributing to the host communities through civil-military cooperation.

According to him, the projects reflected the Nigeria Army’s policy of maintaining cordial social cum working relationships with host communities.

In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, said the inter-agency collaboration was key to the development of national security and cohesion.

He spoke through his representative, Rear Admiral Aboye.

In his address, Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, described the gesture as timely and highly beneficial to the host community.

Governor Yusuf, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the commissioning ceremony, commended the Nigeria Army and the Nigeria Navy for investing in provision of projects that have meaning impacts to the common man.

Governor Yusuf was represented by the Kano state Commissioner of Internal Security and Special Services, AVM Ibrahim Umar (rtd).

He said: ‘I am deeply honored to be part of this momentous occasion, the joint commissioning ceremony of various projects in Koya village, Shanono Local Government Area. I commend the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff for their unwavering support and commitment to grassroots development through their special intervention projects.

‘The military’s social responsibility interventions in Koya village, Shanono Local Government Area, Kano, are truly commendable. These initiatives demonstrate the military’s commitment to giving back to the community and improving the lives of citizens.’

According to Governor Yusuf, ‘the projects being commissioned today are a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership between government and security agencies. These initiatives will undoubtedly improve the lives of our people, providing them with access to essential services, economic opportunities, and enhanced security.

‘As we gather here today, I am reminded of the vision we share for Kano State – a vision of inclusive growth, sustainable development, and innovative solutions. Our administration has been working tirelessly to drive progress and innovation in Kano State, focusing on key areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and economic empowerment.

‘The projects commissioned today, including the manual boreholes, solar-powered boreholes, medical outreach, and reconstruction of Koya Primary Health Care Unit, align perfectly with our priorities. I am confident that these initiatives will have a significant impact on the lives of our people, improving their health, education, and economic well-being.

‘Once more, I would like to express my gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Naval Staff for their commitment to the development of Kano State. We look forward to continued partnership and collaboration in driving progress and innovation in our state.

‘ To the people of Koya village and Shanono Local Government Area, I urge you to take ownership of these projects and ensure their sustainability. Let us work together to build a brighter future for Kano State, where every citizen has access to opportunities for growth and development.

‘ I want to emphasize the fact that Kano State has been actively working to improve internal security, with several initiatives and interventions aimed at addressing the rising security challenges. We have effectively engaged in the operation Safe Corridor, a community reintegration and safety initiative launched by the Kano State Government to rehabilitate and address thuggery, promoting peace and security in the state.’

Former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu has described exit of Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a clear signal of the party’s end in the South-East.

Okechukwu said this on Sunday in Enugu while reacting to reports that Mba and other elected officials of PDP will defect to PDP on Tuesday.

The APC had announced plans to welcome Mbah, thousands of political officer holders and aides from the PDP into its fold last Friday.

The grand reception of members of PDP Enugu State into APC would take place on Tuesday in Okpara Square, Enugu.

The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, was said to have broken the news of the governor’s impending defection on Friday.

Reacting to the impeding mass defection, Okechukwu said, ‘The move by Mbah is a defining political moment and a clear indication that the South-East zone has finally bid the PDP goodbye.

‘Mbah’s defection is a pragmatic, rational and inevitable decision, which symbolises the total collapse of PDP’s dominance in the South-East.

‘This is PDP moving from controlling all five state governments in the zone in 1999 to having zero governor in 2025,’ he said.

He recalled the timeless lamentation of the late Dr Chuba Okadigbo, who once warned that the PDP ‘pays good deeds with bad coins’, adding that Mbah’s exit vindicated that lamentation.

Okechukwu criticised the PDP’s ‘utter disregard’ for equity and justice, especially in 2023, when the party breached the Fourth Republic’s long-standing national zoning convention.

‘The last straw that broke the PDP’s camel’s back,’ Okechukwu noted, ‘was the deliberate marginalisation of the South-East during the controversy over the National Secretary position.’

He alleged that the PDP’s serial betrayal, neglect and abuse of the South-East were sufficient grounds for Mbah’s long anticipated defection.

‘Gov. Mbah’s exit is not an isolated event . It is the final chapter in the South-East’s disillusionment with a party that failed to reward faithfulness, fairness and friendship,’ he alleged.

Transcorp Power Plc, a subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), has reported a profit before tax of N91.2 billion for the third quarter of 2025, representing a 12.4 per cent increase from the N81.1 billion recorded in the same period of 2024.

According to the company’s unaudited financial results for the period ended September 30, 2025, revenue rose by 38 per cent year-on-year to N308.5 billion, compared to N223.5 billion in Q3 2024.

The growth was attributed to higher average power generation and sustained investment in operational efficiency and generation capacity.

Gross profit also increased to N119.7 billion, up from N96.5 billion a year earlier, reflecting a 24 per cent growth and a gross margin of 38.8 per cent. Profit after tax rose by 17 per cent to N68.4 billion from N58.4 billion in Q3 2024.

Chairman of Transcorp Power Plc, Emmanuel Nnorom, said the company’s strong performance underscored its resilience amid economic challenges, driven by cost efficiency and prudent management.

‘Our performance in the third quarter, building on the positive momentum in the first half of the year, demonstrates Transcorp Power’s resilience and capacity to sustain profitability, despite economic challenges, supported by efficient operations strategies and prudent cost management. This sustained performance, in the face of economic headwinds will further strengthen invesor confidence in our capacity to create shared value and maintain our growth trajectory,’Nnorom said.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ikenga, attributed the results to the company’s strategic operational improvements and focus on energy delivery.

‘The Q3 2025 results are underpinned by further growth in energy delivered to the grid, and emphasising our strategic approach, that ensures we deliver ever increasing value to our shareholders and stakeholders. These results illustrate our continuous drive to improve our business operations, eliminating waste and harnessing value.’

Ikenga added that the company said it remains confident of ending the 2025 financial year on a strong note, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth and value creation for investors.

The Obidient Movement has said there is no political agreement between former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to remove President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

The National Coordinator of the movement, Yunusa Tanko, clarified that no alliance or deal exists between the two politicians.

There had been rumours that Jonathan might contest the 2027 presidential election and could either return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Recently, Jonathan met with ADC leaders, including the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, and spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, in Abuja.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi has not yet decided which political party he will use to contest in 2027. Although he is still a member of the Labour Party, he also belongs to an opposition coalition that has adopted the ADC.

A recent closed-door meeting between Jonathan and Obi raised speculation about a possible alliance.

Tanko, however, dismissed such rumours, saying:

‘My principal and the former president have a good relationship and often talk about how to move Nigeria forward. Their meeting should not be seen as a political pact. Even when they met in Ghana, I was present, and there was no discussion about 2027.’