Category: PM News

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday reserved judgment in a suit filed by Sen. Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seeking recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Justice Salim Ibrahim, who stated this after lawyers to the parties adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the suit, said that judgment date would be communicated to parties.

In the fresh suit, members of the Wabara-led BoT are seeking an order of the court compelling INEC to recognize the PDP interim National Working Committee (NWC)’s faction led by its National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, on its official website.

The plaintiffs also sought an order directing the electoral umpire to, forthwith, update its records and publish on its official website the interim NWC of the party as forwarded to it by the plaintiffs and its National Executive Committee (NEC).

They said the names of members of the Kabir Turaki-led NWC was forwarded to the electoral umpire via their letters dated May 4.

The originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026, was filed on June 4 by a team of lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN.

The BoT members, who are plaintiffs in the suit, are ex-Senate President Adolphus Wabara; BoT Secretary, former Gov. Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger; ex-Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana and PDP chieftain, Olabode George as 1st to 4th plaintiffs.

Others are former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Maryam Ciroma; also, an ex-Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina; member of BoT and NEC, Dame Esther Uduehi and PDP as 5th to 8th plaintiffs respectively.

They sued INEC as sole defendant in the suit.

But the PDP faction, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

On Tuesday, although Uche announced his appearance for the 1st to 8th plaintiffs in the suit, another lawyer, Sunday Ameh, SAN, also announced his representation for the 8th plaintiff (PDP).

The Wike-backed PDP executives led by the National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed; Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary and Kamardeen Ajibade, National Legal Adviser, all sought to be joined in the suit as second, third and fourth 2nd, 3rd and defendants respectively.

They were represented in court by Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, while Joseph Daudu, SAN, appeared for Austin Nwachukwu, former Imo PDP chairman; Abraham Amah and Goerge Turner, who sought to join the suit as fifth and seventh defendants respectively.

They prayed the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

Justice Ibrahim had, on June 30, granted leave to the applicants seeking to join the suit to file all their processes including preliminary objections and counter affidavits to the main suit, which would all be taken together and rulings and judgment delivered.

The judge gave the order after counsel to the plaintiffs, Uche, informed the court that the suit was time bound based on INEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections which gave July 17 as ultimatum for uploading of candidates’ names for the 2027 general elections.

When the case was called earlier, Uche informed the court that the matter was slated for hearing and that they were ready to proceed.

‘On the last adjourned date, in the light of many processes filed by parties and non-parties in this matter, it was agreed that all processes be adopted today with the substantive suit my lord.

‘All processes have been dully exchanged, and we are ready to proceed. My lord said all processes be taken together looking at the urgency involved and in the interest of justice,’ he said.

Ameh, who also appeared for 8th plaintiff (PDP), said notwithstanding the magnanimity, he disagreed with Uche’s submission about the urgency of the matter.

‘I want to say that this is a self-inflected urgency because if they knew, they would have filed long ago,’ he said.

Ameh contested the presence of PDP as a plaintiff before the court because the party did not authorise Uche to file the suit.

He said it was against the development that he filed a notice of change of counsel and a motion seeking an order striking out the PDP (8th plaintiff)’s name from the suit.

He said the ruling of the court would determine whether the PDP’s name ought to be in the suit or not.

INEC’s lawyer, Olusegun Adeyemi, also informed the court that the commission filed a preliminary objection and a counter affidavit against the originating summons.

Adopting his processes, Ameh said he filed a motion for change of counsel and a motion on notice seeking the striking out of the name of the 8th plaintiff from the suit on June 19.

He adopted all the processes filed and urged the court to grant their prayers.

Responding, Uche opposed Ameh’s application.

He said in opposition, a 72-paragraph counter affidavit was filed and deposed to by Turaki, the factional national chairman with two exhibits.

The lawyer prayed the court to dismiss the application as being misconceived and frivolous.

He also urged the court to dismiss the application for a change of counsel.

On the issue of joinder, Ukala adopted his process filed on June 18.

He said Mohammed, Sen. Anyanwu and Ajibade were necessary parties.

He said an affidavit, deposed to by Anyanwu, contained documentary evidence marked as Exhibits XN1 to XN6.

He said the applicants were elected as caretaker committee to steer the ship of the party, in line with a judgment of court delivered in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

‘Here, the court took a decision that the convention held in Ibadan between Nov. 15, 2025, and Nov. 16, 2025, is a nullity that a caretaker be put in place,’ he said.

But Uche opposed the application for joinder.

He said in opposition, they filed a counter affidavit deposed to by ex-Gov. Aliyu.

The lawyer, who urged the court to dismiss the joinder application, said the applicants ‘are meddlesome interlopers and busy bodies.’

He argued that the questions raised in their originating summons had no bearing against any other parties except INEC.

Citing Section 287 of the constitution to back his argument, Uche urged the court to discountenance Ukala’s submission.

Daudu equally adopted his application to join Nwanchulwu, Amah and Turner as 5th to 7th defendants which Uche also opposed.

The preliminary objection and the substantive suit were equally taken by the judge and all the lawyers, including INEC’s counsel adopted their processes and argued their case for and against the suit.

INEC’s lawyer, Adeyemi, urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

He said their preliminary objection dated, June 22, was filed on June 23.

He said ‘it is praying for an order dismissing the suit for want of jurisdiction.’

According to him, the application is predicated on four grounds.

‘We rely on all the paragraphs of the affidavit. We also filed a written address. We adopt the written address in support of our preliminary objection in praying this court to strike out the suit for want of jurisdiction,’ he said.

Resounding, Uche opposed the objection.

He said a counter affidavit was filed on June 29 against the commission’s objection.

‘We adopt and rely on the written address in urging my lord to dismiss the application as being grossly misconceived, frivolous and lacking in merit,’ he said.

Uche submitted that INEC had no ground to respond to a suit of this nature.

After listening to all the lawyers, Justice Ibrahim reserved ruling and judgment to a date to be communicated to parties.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the reported arrest of the father of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the man linked to the controversial Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council, PFIPC.

Atiku described the arrest as an abuse of power and a dangerous violation of the rule of law.

The reaction followed reports that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force arrested Adeyemi’s father during a raid on the family’s residence in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, while searching for his son over allegations surrounding the disputed PFIPC.

In a statement posted on Monday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku’s camp said the arrest had no place in a democratic society.

Ibe argued that Nigerian law does not permit substituted arrest, insisting that security agencies cannot arrest a suspect’s family member simply because the person they are looking for is not available.

He questioned why the police went after Adeyemi’s father instead of pursuing the suspect through lawful procedures.

‘What has the father of the man the Presidency claims to be a phantom Director-General got to do with the matter? It is an overreach and an abuse of power,’ Ibe said.

He said if the police had evidence against Adeyemi, they should arrest and prosecute him according to the law, rather than targeting innocent members of his family.

Atiku’s aide warned that such actions could damage public confidence in law enforcement institutions and weaken democratic principles if allowed to stand.

He called for the immediate release of Adeyemi’s father and urged security agencies to respect the constitutional rights of citizens while carrying out investigations.

The reported arrest has also drawn criticism from senior lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, SAN, who also faulted the police action.

Falana said substituted arrest is unknown to Nigerian law and argued that criminal investigations must be directed at the person accused of wrongdoing, not the suspect’s relatives or associates.

He also urged the police to release the elderly man and conduct their investigation within the limits of the law.

The PFIPC controversy has generated public attention after the Presidency distanced itself from the organisation, saying no agency known as the Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council exists within the Federal Government.

The controversy began after Adeyemi allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the council and appeared at public events with prominent political figures before questions were raised about the authenticity of the organisation and his claimed office.

The Federal Government later denied recognising the council, while security agencies opened investigations into allegations of forgery, impersonation and related offences linked to the purported agency.

International programmes have different goals, conditions, and expectations. But if you look beyond the marketing promises and focus on the real experiences of participants, one of the main questions always comes down to everyday life: where do you live, how comfortable, safe, and predictable is it? We compared four popular international programmes – Work and Travel, Au Pair, Alabuga Start, and WWOOF – and put together the key facts on how accommodation works in each case.

Work and Travel: accommodation as part of the independence experience

Work and Travel remains one of the most popular programmes for students. It is chosen for the chance to spend summer in the US, earn money, improve English, and explore the country. But work is only half the story – the other half is living independently, which many participants are experiencing for the first time.

There is no single accommodation scenario in this programme – it really depends on the employer, the city, and the season. In some cases, participants are helped with finding a place to stay, while in other cases, they are left to sort it out themselves. The most common options are rooms, flats, houses, or dormitories shared with other students.

This format has an obvious advantage: it quickly immerses participants in real adult life. They share expenses, divide household responsibilities, negotiate with one another, learn to budget, and handle everyday matters in a foreign language. For many, this becomes an experience just as valuable as the work itself.

An added privilege is the international environment. Neighbours are often students from different countries, and it is the shared daily life that makes the programme especially vibrant: people cook together, go on trips at weekends, help each other out, and quickly build a social circle. In resort towns, accommodation is often located close to work, shops, and transport, making everyday life more convenient.

Comfort levels can vary, so it is important to check the details before travelling: how many people share a room, what is included in the price, whether appliances are provided, and how far the accommodation is from work. Ultimately, Work and Travel is valued precisely for its combination of freedom, flexibility, and the experience of independent living within an international student community.

Au Pair: life with a host family and gentle adaptation

The Au Pair programme works differently. Here, participants do not simply work abroad – they live within a host family, help with children, and become part of the household’s everyday routine. This is precisely why the living arrangements tend to be simpler and less stressful here than in other programmes.

Generally, participants are given their own room and meals. They do not need to search for a place to live, sign a rent contract, pay separately for utilities, or set up a household from scratch. From day one, there is a stable setting, a fixed address, a daily routine, and people to interact with on a regular basis. For those travelling abroad for the first time, this often turns out to be one of the most comfortable scenarios.

Another important benefit is immersion in the language and culture through everyday life. Here, language is not confined to lessons – it is spoken over breakfast, in conversations with the kids, at the shops, on family trips, and during household chores. As a result, adaptation often occurs with greater ease and speed.

Much of the success of this programme depends on whether the host family is a good fit. That is why prior discussion of the terms is key: schedule, responsibilities, days off, personal space, and everyday habits. But if expectations align, Au Pair offers not just a place to stay abroad, but a genuine immersion in another culture from the inside.

Alabuga Start: structured living arrangements and clear terms

Alabuga Start is a Russian employment programme. It differs from most programmes in that accommodation does not need to be found independently – it is built into the system from the start. For many participants, this is one of the main advantages, as it reduces the level of uncertainty right at the beginning.

The programme accepts only young women aged 18 to 22. They are placed in corporate hostels equipped with furniture, appliances, fitted kitchens, and bathrooms. One apartment with two rooms typically accommodates eight people. This format does not offer complete privacy, but it provides a valuable sense of structure: the living arrangements are clearly defined before you arrive, and adaptation takes place within a more organised environment.

Special attention is given to safety within the programme. The living spaces are located on secured premises, with Face ID access control and CCTV monitoring. For participants and their families, this is a strong argument in favour of the programme, especially when it comes to the first move to another country.

An added benefit is the clear and predictable cost of living – around $44. Since accommodation and all related expenses are already included in the programme from the beginning, participants can easily manage their budget and stay focused on work and adapting, rather than on hunting for a place to live in an unfamiliar country.

In particular, this programme is aimed at people who want more than just a job – it’s for anyone looking to build a solid profession and secure a stable income within a few years. Participants can choose from eight fields – from Construction, Installation, and Finishing works to Catering, Service and hospitality, and Logistics.

Starting salaries are around $706, and for many, that’s more than just a pay check – it’s a real chance to gain hands-on experience over two or four years in a field with real prospects.

WWOOF: down-to-earth living and life away from big cities

WWOOF is a programme for those who want to stay on an organic farm and take part in rural life. Participants help with daily tasks for a few hours a day and receive accommodation and meals in return. Living conditions here can be noticeably more basic than in city-based programmes, but that is exactly what this experience is all about.

Living conditions depend on the specific farm – it could be a room in the main house, a small separate house, a trailer, or other modest accommodation. This option is rarely associated with standard urban comfort, but for many, it becomes a way to experience a different pace of life – slower, calmer, and closely connected to nature.

Instead of urban infrastructure, what matters here are different things: peace and quiet, fresh air, organic food, physical work, and being part of the local environment. Participants often choose WWOOF precisely for this experience – as a chance to step out of their usual routine for a while and live in a simpler, more mindful way.

Another advantage of the programme is that it is budget-friendly. Accommodation and meals are usually already included, so participants do not need to cover significant living expenses. However, before travelling, it is important to read the farm description and reviews carefully: comfort levels, working conditions, and the overall atmosphere can vary considerably.

Different programmes, different approaches to comfort

Comparing these formats shows that there is no perfect option for everyone. Each programme has its own approach to comfort and its own way of organising daily life.

Work and Travel is a good fit for those who are ready for independence and want to live in an international student environment.

Au Pair suits those who value a stable daily routine, family life, and a gentler adaptation process.

Alabuga Start is for those who value structured living arrangements, clear rules, and safety precautions. The programme also offers the chance to gain a new profession.

WWOOF is for those who are ready for a more basic way of life in exchange for the experience of living in nature, away from urban life.

When choosing a programme like this, don’t just look at the country, the salary, or what you see at first glance. But it’s equally important to think about where you’ll live, if that lifestyle fits you, and what comfort means to you. At the end of the day, it’s the everyday life that will decide whether the experience feels like a challenge or a success.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has set a revenue target of N11.074 trillion for 2026, almost double its 2025 target of N6.584 trillion.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced this during the agency’s budget defence before the National Assembly Committees on Customs.

According to Adeniyi, Customs generated N7.277 trillion in 2025, exceeding its target by N674 billion, which represents a 10.24 percent increase above expectations. The figure also showed a 19 percent increase from the N6.1 trillion collected in 2024.

He said that by May 31, 2026, the Service had already generated N4.43 trillion, representing about 40 percent of its annual target.

For 2026, Customs proposed a budget of N1.235 trillion, which includes:

N421 billion for personnel costs

N307 billion for overhead expenses

N565 billion for capital projects

Adeniyi attributed the strong revenue performance to reforms in revenue collection, improved anti-smuggling operations, and measures aimed at making trade easier. However, he noted that some government policies, including tariffs on compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles, affected revenue generation.

The Service also recorded strong results in 2025. In the first quarter, it generated N1.75 trillion, exceeding its quarterly target of N1.645 trillion by N106 billion. This was nearly 30 percent higher than the amount collected during the same period in 2024.

Between January and June 2025, Customs collected about N3.6 trillion, surpassing its six-month target by N390 billion. Another official record put first-half revenue at N3.7 trillion, which was 12.5 percent above budget projections.

Despite concerns about global economic challenges, including tensions in the Middle East, Adeniyi expressed confidence that Customs would meet or even exceed its 2026 revenue target.

The National Assembly Committees on Customs also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending Adeniyi’s tenure by six months. Lawmakers commended the Customs boss for reforms that have improved revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, trade facilitation, and infrastructure.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Jibrin Isah, described the Customs Service as transformed under Adeniyi’s leadership and urged him to work harder toward achieving the 2026 target.

The committees later approved the Customs Service’s 2026 budget proposal through a voice vote.

The approval comes after lawmakers previously proposed increasing the agency’s 2025 revenue target from N6.584 trillion to as much as N10 trillion, reflecting confidence in Customs’ ability to boost Nigeria’s non-oil revenue.

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has denied reports that he threatened the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a rally held to endorse President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Ebonyi State Government described the reports as false and said they were aimed at causing problems between Nwifuru and Wike.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebe, said some factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wrongly interpreted comments made by the governor during the June 15, 2026 rally at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki.

Omebe said Nwifuru did not threaten Wike in any way. According to him, the governor’s remarks were directed at opposition figures whom he accused of creating tension in the state and spreading false information while claiming to be acting on behalf of Wike.

He explained that when the governor used the word ‘consume’ in his speech, it was not a threat. Instead, it was a warning that anyone breaking the law or causing trouble would face legal consequences if they continued such actions.

The commissioner also stressed that Nwifuru and Wike have a good relationship based on mutual respect.

‘Governor Francis Nwifuru and Barrister Nyesom Wike maintain mutual respect. Therefore, the governor has no reason to make any threat or negative comment against him,’ Omebe said.

He accused PDP factions and some media reports of deliberately twisting the governor’s words in an attempt to create a misunderstanding between the two leaders.

Omebe further advised the PDP to focus on resolving its internal challenges rather than attacking the Ebonyi State Government.

He said the PDP had been weakened by internal disagreements and no longer posed a serious political challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State.

According to him, the people of Ebonyi continue to support Governor Nwifuru’s administration and will show that support during the 2027 elections.

The state government maintained that any effort to create a conflict between Nwifuru and Wike would not succeed.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded a major breakthrough in the North-East after two senior Boko Haram commanders surrendered in Yobe State.

The commanders, identified within the terrorist leadership structure as ‘Munzirs,’ surrendered to troops of Sector 2, North-East Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, in Geidam Local Government Area of the state.

The development was confirmed on Tuesday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.

According to him, the two commanders surrendered on July 4, 2026, and have since been moved to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

They are currently in military custody, where they are undergoing profiling, debriefing and intelligence exploitation.

Goni said preliminary interrogation showed that the surrendered commanders held influential positions within the terrorist group and had useful knowledge of its operations, command structure and logistics network.

He said early intelligence gathered from them had already provided valuable insight into the group’s methods, support networks and sustainment arrangements.

The military said the information is expected to support ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at locating and dismantling remaining terrorist enclaves across the North-East.

Goni described the surrender as another major setback for the terrorist faction, saying it showed the effect of sustained military pressure on Boko Haram elements.

According to him, coordinated land and air operations, combined with improved intelligence efforts, have continued to restrict the movement of terrorists, weaken their combat strength and disrupt their command structure.

He added that more terrorist leaders and fighters are finding it difficult to continue resisting, forcing some of them to abandon the insurgency and surrender to troops.

The military said the latest development points to growing disintegration within the terrorist organisation and reflects the cumulative impact of ongoing operations across the theatre.

Goni assured that Operation Hadin Kai would sustain its momentum until remaining terrorist elements are either neutralised or forced to surrender.

He said troops would continue to act on credible intelligence, intensify offensive operations and work with relevant stakeholders to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.

The Cross River State Police Command has stepped up enforcement against motorists flouting vehicle registration regulations, impounding 25 vehicles during a crackdown in Calabar.

The operation, conducted on 3 July 2026, followed a nationwide directive issued by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, aimed at tackling the use of vehicles without proper registration or with concealed and unauthorised number plates.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Calabar, the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah, said those found in breach of the regulations had been processed in line with the law and were already facing prosecution.

He said, ‘The Cross River State Police Command has successfully intensified the enforcement of the ongoing nationwide directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on vehicles operating without registration plates or with covered, altered, defaced, unauthorised dealer number plates, or obscured registration plates.’

Giving details of the exercise, Eitokpah added, ‘As part of the enforcement operation carried out within Calabar Metropolis on 3rd July, 2026, the Command intercepted 25 vehicles found in violation of the directive. The offenders have been subjected to the appropriate administrative and legal procedures and are being prosecuted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law.’

According to the police spokesman, the initiative is intended to strengthen security by making it easier to identify vehicles and preventing criminals from exploiting unregistered or disguised number plates to conceal their activities.

He said, ‘The Cross River State Police Command reiterates its commitment to intelligence-led, proactive, and community-focused policing. Members of the public are urged to comply with all traffic and vehicle registration regulations, as the enforcement exercise will continue across the state.’

The command also appealed to residents to support the ongoing exercise by observing traffic regulations and promptly reporting suspicious individuals or activities through the police emergency contact lines.

Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the August 15th Osun governorship election, Mr.Olajide Esan, is billed to appear on Osun NUJ Guest Platform on Tuesday.

The platform, usually held at NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, is an engaging programme of Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists where the guest is required to field questions from a panel of interviewers.

Esan, who is expected to be seated by 5 pm on Tuesday, will be speaking on varying degrees of issues including his plan of action when elected.

He will also be providing insight into various economic potentials available to the state which will be tapped from.

Similarly, Director General, Imole Campaign Council, Akogun Lere Oyewumi will be on the seat on Guest Platform on Wednesday morning.

Oyewumi will be answering questions on the election of Governor Ademola Adeleke for another term in office.

According to the state’s NUJ Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, members of the public are also welcome to the programme.

Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has officially installed BOVAS’ founder, Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson, as the new Chancellor of the institution in a grand investiture ceremony on Monday 6 July at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium, the Osogbo main campus of the school.

Mrs Adunola Samson popularly called Mama BOVAS had earlier this year been chosen by the state governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, who is the Visitor to the university, to succeed Chief Mrs Folorunso Alakija whose eventful ten-year term as Chancellor expired in March 2026.

Adunola submitted her acceptance letter to the government and the institution in May 2026, thanking the governor for finding her worthy of the appointment and promising to live up to expectation.

The governor during his address at the investiture on Monday said: ‘A moment ago, in accordance with the provisions of the Osun State University Establishment Law 2006, I had the singular honour, as the Governor of Osun State and Visitor to this great institution, of formally investing Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson as the Third Chancellor of Osun State University. It is, indeed, a moment of great pride of our university, our state and the entire academic community.

‘On behalf of the Government and the good people of Osun State, I warmly congratulate our newly installed Chancellor, MAMA BOVAS. We are delighted to welcome you into the distinguished family of Osun State University, and we are confident that your tenure will usher in another era of excellence, innovation and institutional advancement.

‘Today’s ceremony is far more than the installation of a chancellor. It is a celebration of continuity, visionary leadership and our collective resolve to strengthen one of the fastest-growing universities in Nigeria. It is also a reaffirmation of our unwavering belief that education remains the most enduring investment any government can make in the future of its people.’

Governor Adeleke seized the moment to also honour Mrs Samson’s predecessor and richest woman in Africa, Chief Mrs Folorunso Alakija, whose tenure as Osun State University Chancellor was marked by a meteoric growth in stature and status of the institution.

The governor said it was fitting to pause to ‘honour an exceptional woman whose tenure as chancellor has left an enduring imprint on the university. Our immediate past Chancellor, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, served this institution with uncommon grace, generosity and commitment. Through her exemplary leadership and philanthropy, she elevated the profile of Osun State University and made contributions that will remain visible for generations to come. The establishment of the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital fully funded by the Alakija Family is a monumental legacy that has transformed the university’s medical education, research capacity and healthcare delivery. Beyond infrastructure, she inspired hope, promoted excellence and demonstrated that true leadership is measured by the lives one touches and the legacy one leaves behind.

‘On behalf of the Government and the people of Osun State, I express our profound appreciation to Mama Alakija for her selfless service, steadfast support and unwavering commitment to the advancement of education and humanity. Though her tenure has come to a successful conclusion, her remarkable legacy shall remain an integral part of the history of this university,’ Adeleke praised Alakija.

The governor further said leadership is a relay whereby the baton is passed to the next generation.

‘Every generation is called upon to build on the achievements of those who came before it. Today, the baton has been passed to another accomplished and highly respected Nigerian. Following the successful completion of the tenure of our immediate past Chancellor, I was faced with the important responsibility of appointing a worthy successor, someone of impeccable character, proven competence, outstanding leadership ability and an unwavering commitment to national development. After careful consideration, one name stood out: Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson,’ the governor said.

The governor also announced the commissioning of landmark projects same day, adding that since his assumption of office, he has always been coming to commission one project or the other at the university. This, according to him, shows the determination of his administration to reposition education as the cornerstone of sustainable development in the state.

‘Today again, we have not come here for this investiture ceremony alone, we have come to commission another set of landmark and iconic projects: Sports Complex, Laboratory Complex, 750-capacity Lecture Theater and 500-capacity Lecture Hall. We are constructing the internal roads in this campus and Ikire Campus presently and we are building other academic infrastructure in other campuses of this University. We are serious with the business of developing this university to global standad,’ he declared.

The Osun State University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, who opened the event with his address, welcomed the new Chancellor, her predecessor, Visitor to the institution and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Deputy Governor, Pro-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and other dignitaries.

Adebooye expressed profound appreciation to Governor Adeleke for his commitment to the progressive advancement of the university. He commended the governor for appointing a worthy successor to the former Chancellor Folorunso Alakija in person of Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson.

He congratulated Mrs. Samson on the honour conferred on her and said it was an honour well-deserved.

Adebooye defined and emphasised the importance of the position of Chancellor of a university, saying:

‘The position of Chancellor of a university is the highest-ranking official and formal head of a university. He/she serves as the chief ceremonial head and ambassador of the university to the wider community. This position is vital because the Chancellor embodies the University’s prestige, champions the university’s mission, and leverages their high profile to secure philanthropic funding and strategic partnerships for the university. There is no doubt that this great role and status is not for mean men and women. Worldwide, it is for great men and women with track record of leadership and service, great people who have achieved immense prestige in such fields as academia, business, politics or governance. And, because the role relies heavily on ambassadorship, the individuals must possess an impeccable public reputation and strong ethical standard to safeguard the institution’s integrity and brand. A University Chancellor must have the strategic influence and networks that are necessary to champion the university’s mission, drive philanthropic giving, and foster vital connections with government and industry leaders.’

He posited that Mrs. Adunola Samson fits the definition perfectly, adding that her ‘extraordinary, pioneering track record as the founder and Managing Director of BOVAS Oil and Gas. Mama’s impeccable public reputation for honesty and consumer-centric patriotism, which represents a national symbol of decency, will safeguard our university’s moral brand and integrity. As an illustrious indigene of Iree in Osun State, Mama brings an authentic regional commitment to the institution alongside world-class professional training from elite institutions like Harvard Business School. Furthermore, her vast economic influence and leadership footprint within powerful industry boards like DAPPMA and IPMAN present UNIOSUN invaluable benefits for strategic networks and institutional advancement.

‘With this new role and status, Mama has joined the club of such great Nigerians as the Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II, who impactfully served as UNIOSUN’s pioneer Chancellor between 2007 and 2014, and our beautiful and elegant Mama Apostle Folorunso Alakija who meritoriously served as the university’s second Chancellor for a two-term spanning 2016 to 2026.

‘UNIOSUN has grown in leaps and bounds from a total student population of 649 in 2007 now to 42,000; and from a paltry 19 academic programmes at inception to 108 today, with a full-fledged Medical School and a one-in-Africa Modupe and Foloruno Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital (MOFAMRTH) donated to us by the great family of Mr. Modupe and Folorunso Alakija. We are happy that Mama Folorunso Alkija is with us online watching this ceremony life.’

The woman at the centre of the ceremony, Mrs. Victorial Adunola Samson who graced the occasion with her husband thanked the Almighty God for His mercies and blessings, and for making the day a reality. She also thanked everyone at the event for coming to honour her and the institution, declaring that ‘I am the happiest today.’

She described her feeling when she got information about her nomination for the post as shocking.

‘When I got the call from His Excellency on my nomination for the prestigious appointment, I was shocked because it came to me as a surprise. The position of University Chancellor is not an ordinary position. It is a great one with onerous responsibilities attached to it. But it is also a position to deploy one’s God-given goodwill and resources to make impact. I felt reluctant to accept the nomination initially. But on a second thought, I realised that it is a clarion call to serve God through the people, and especially the good people of my home state. I also realised it was a great honour and privilege, and a good opportunity to join the great work being done by Osun State to continuously grow the next level of leadership in all sectors of Nigeria in particular, and for the entire world in general. It was on the basis of this that I gladly accepted the appointment and the associated responsibilities,’ the new Chancellor said.

She paid tributes to her predecessors in office, the pioneer Chancellor, late Oba Okunade Sijuade and the second Chancellor Mrs. Alakija. She pledged to demonstrate commitment to her responsibilities and live up to the billing.

‘I have had a lot of discussions and consultations with our Vice-Chancellor to know how best to key into aspirations of the founding fathers of this University. I have also carefully listened to the addresses of both the Chairman of Council and that of the Vice-Chancellor. I must confirm to you all that I have no regrets joining UNIOSUN at this level, and now,’ Mrs. Samson said.

She urged all stakeholders to cooperate and collaborate with her on the mission to build on the solid foundation laid by her predecessors and take the university to greater heights.

Then, she dropped her tall vision for the institution, saying: ‘We must also collaborate to effectively improve the webometric ranking of this University. We must ensure all hands are on deck to bring UNIOSUN to the class of top 10 in Nigeria in the next five years. I strongly believe this is achievable, God blessing us.’

The new Osun State University (UNIOSUN) Chancellor, Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson is the founder and Group Managing Director of BOVAS Oil and Gas. Mrs Samson, a native of Iree in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, was born on December 5, 1949. She has built BOVAS Oil and Gas Company into one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous petroleum marketing firms.

Under her leadership and that of her husband, the company expanded from a single filling station to more than 200 petroleum service stations across the country, providing employment for over 2,000 Nigerians as of December 31, 2025.

Mrs Samson also holds the Texaco Petroleum franchise and made history as the first Nigerian to win the highly competitive Texaco Latin America and West Africa Award for Best Overall Dealer in 1990, having recorded the highest sales volume across both regions.

She is one of the most respected business leaders in Nigeria. She is an accomplished industrialist and foremost female entrepreneur in the downstream Oil and Gas Sector. Widely regarded as Mama BOVAS, Mrs. Samson is bringing over four decades of transformative leadership experience to her new assignment.

Mrs Samson holds a Professional Diploma in Marketing and attended the Harvard University Business School Leadership Programme for Family Businesses in 2013. She also participated in the Chief Executive Programme at IESE Business School, Barcelona, Spain.

She has consistently demonstrated exceptional capacity and corporate strategy, business expansion, infrastructure development and people-centred leadership. She has positioned her company as a major player in the energy sector. Adunola’s reputation remains tall and unblemished.

Dignitaries at the august event included the state governor, his wife Titilola Adeleke and his deputy; Speaker of the State House of Assembly and his deputy; Senators from Osun; the institution’s Pro-Chancellor; founder of UNIOSUN and former governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; royal fathers including First Class obas in Osun, Oyo and Ekiti; representative of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; accomplished academics, and captains of industries.

Former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, has dismissed the 2027 presidential chances of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, insisting that the North will not support either of them.

Sheriff, an All Progressives Congress chieftain, spoke on Monday night while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he argued that President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to complete eight years in office.

According to him, Atiku, a former vice president, is qualified and respected, but the 2027 presidency should not return to the North.

He said the North had already completed eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari and should therefore wait until 2031 before seeking power again.

‘For Atiku, this is not the North’s turn. He is a well-respected leader and very qualified, but he has to wait until 2031,’ Sheriff said.

‘President Buhari has finished eight years of being in charge, so now it’s the South’s turn.’

Sheriff also took a harder swipe at Obi, saying he was not worried about the former Anambra governor’s presidential ambition because Northerners would not support him.

‘I don’t worry about Peter Obi because I know Northerners will never support him,’ he said.

The former governor claimed that Obi’s past record in Anambra State remained an issue for some Northerners, especially those advising former Kano governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, against aligning with him.

‘The situation is different now. During Peter Obi’s time as governor, he worked to get Northerners to leave Anambra State. This is what people in Kano are telling Kwankwaso now,’ Sheriff said.

He added that Kwankwaso’s supporters may remain loyal to him if he runs for president, but would not back him if he teams up with Obi.

‘They claim they have always stood by him and will keep doing so if he runs for president, but they won’t support him if he sides with Peter Obi,’ he said.

Sheriff’s comments come as opposition figures continue to weigh alliances and possible coalitions ahead of the 2027 general election.

His remarks are also likely to deepen debate over zoning, Northern support, Tinubu’s second-term ambition and the opposition’s struggle to build a united front before the next presidential race.