Category: PM News

A former Ondo State Commissioner for Education and ex-Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Dr Pius Osunyikanmi, is dead.

Osunyikanmi reportedly died on Saturday at the age of 55 after a protracted illness, according to a report by Starnews, which quoted a family source.

The former director-general was also a close ally and political adviser to former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

Confirming his death in a condolence message on Saturday, the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Constituency of Ondo State, Rotimi Akinwamide, described the deceased as ‘a distinguished son of Ile-Oluji, an accomplished academic, an experienced public servant, and a notable figure in Nigeria’s political and administrative landscape’.

Akinwamide said Osunyikanmi’s career was marked by contributions to education, public administration and national service.

‘Dr. Osunyikanmi’s life was marked by dedication to education, public administration, and national service,’ the statement read.

He added that the deceased’s passing was a loss to Ile-Oluji, the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency, Ondo State and those who had worked with him.

Osunyikanmi served as director-general of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps from August 15, 2013, to August 22, 2023, according to the report.

He was first appointed to the position by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013 and reappointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.

The condolence message described his contributions to education, governance and national development as part of his enduring legacy.

‘Dr. Osunyikanmi’s contributions to education, governance, and national development will remain part of the story of his life,’ Akinwamide said.

He extended condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, political associates and the people of Ile-Oluji, praying for strength and comfort for bereaved.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated veteran journalist and former Managing Director of The Guardian newspaper, Oyinlade ‘Ladbone’ Bonuola, on his 80th birthday, praising his contributions to Nigerian journalism and democracy.

Tinubu described Bonuola as one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in journalism, whose professionalism, editorial courage, integrity and commitment to truth have left a lasting mark on the country’s media industry.

The President conveyed his congratulations in a tribute issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, to mark the journalist’s milestone birthday.

He said Bonuola’s decades of service had helped shape media reporting, promote responsible journalism and strengthen the press as a vital pillar of democracy.

According to the President, the veteran journalist’s commitment to accuracy, fairness and public accountability remains an important standard for media practitioners.

Tinubu recalled that Bonuola began his journalism career at the Daily Times in February 1971 as a trainee sub-editor and gradually rose through the ranks.

He joined The Guardian in 1982 as its pioneer editor and later became the newspaper’s managing director, a position he held until 1999.

After leaving The Guardian, Bonuola co-founded the defunct Comet newspaper, where he also served as managing director. He subsequently served as managing director of Nigerian Compass.

The President also highlighted Bonuola’s influence through his weekly column, Caught Out, published during his time at the Daily Times.

Tinubu described the column as a must-read for practising journalists, students and members of the public, noting the veteran journalist’s contribution to professional development and public discourse.

He further praised Bonuola’s leadership at The Guardian and The Comet, saying his career demonstrated a deep understanding of the media’s role in building an informed, just and progressive society.

The President said Bonuola’s influence extended beyond the newsrooms he led, particularly through his mentorship of younger journalists and his commitment to professional standards.

He added that journalism must serve the public interest, hold leaders accountable and provide citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Tinubu said Bonuola’s legacy went beyond reporting events to include shaping ideas, nurturing informed citizens and preserving the truth for future generations.

‘Your life and career remind us that journalism’s enduring value lies not merely in reporting events but in shaping ideas, nurturing informed citizens, and preserving the truth for future generations,’ the President said.

On behalf of his family, the Federal Government and Nigerians, Tinubu wished Bonuola good health, peace, fulfilment and many more years of service to the country.

He also expressed the hope that the veteran journalist’s legacy of professionalism, mentorship and service would continue to inspire generations of journalists and media practitioners.

A security guard, Sunday Adedeji, popularly known as Portable, has been murdered by suspected gunmen who invaded a filling station in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.

Adedeji was allegedly murdered in cold blood by the unknown armed assailants who attacked the filling station.

According to a statement from the media unit of office of the Senator representing the district on Saturday, the hoodlums also broke into the station’s supermarket during the overnight invasion and carted away goods and valuables worth millions of naira.

The media unit disclosed that the attack was not the first targeted at the establishment, noting that days before the August 15 governorship election, armed men had attempted to burgle the station and attack the same security guard.

‘On that occasion, Mr. Adedeji barely escaped with his life after fleeing for safety, and the life-threatening incident was formally reported to the Police. It is heartbreaking that the danger foreshadowed by that earlier attempt has now culminated in his tragic death,’ the statement noted.

The statement described Adedeji as a dedicated, brave and hardworking man who was simply standing guard to earn an honest living.

It called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation to track down and apprehend the perpetrators.

The Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) has announced an online bi-annual pension verification exercise for retired heads of service and permanent secretaries, as well as pensioners under the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and Civil Service Pension Office (CSPO), to update their records and verify their eligibility under the Defined Benefit Scheme.

The Director-General of LASPEC, Mr Babalola Obilana, announced that the exercise would run from Monday, October 26, to Wednesday, November 25, 2026.

In a notice issued by the commission, Obilana said the verification exercise would be conducted strictly online, warning pensioners against visiting the commission’s office for the process.

The commission said the exercise covered pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, also known as the Pay-As-You-Go system, and urged eligible retirees to complete the process through the designated verification portals.

Retired heads of service and permanent secretaries are required to visit verify.laspec.gov.ng, while TESCOM pensioners should use verify.tescomlagos.ng. Pensioners under the Civil Service Pension Office are to access verify.cspo.ng.

According to the commission, participants must begin by completing a two-step login validation using their Oracle number and surname.

After accessing their profiles, pensioners are required to select the self-service option to commence verification and follow the on-screen instructions, including activating their cameras to capture photographs for identity confirmation.

They must also provide their Bank Verification Number (BVN) or National Identification Number (NIN), update other required personal information and complete the next-of-kin details before submitting their verification.

LASPEC advised pensioners to ensure that all required information was correctly entered and submitted before the November 25 deadline.

The commission said pensioners requiring assistance could contact Mrs Morenike Makinde on 09053962112 for enquiries relating to retired heads of service, permanent secretaries and TESCOM pensioners.

Those under the Civil Service Pension Office were advised to contact Mrs Alabi Adedamola on 08023064050. Further enquiries can also be sent to info@laspec.gov.ng.

The exercise is part of the commission’s periodic verification process for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, with the online arrangement allowing eligible retirees to complete the exercise without physically visiting its office.

Obilana urged all affected pensioners to take advantage of the designated portals and complete the process within the stipulated period.

Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, has joined political leaders, associates, family members and well-wishers to pay their last respects to the late mother of Barrister Femi Aina, a former chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ogun State.

The final burial ceremony, held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Ado-Odo, Ogun State, brought together dignitaries and sympathisers who gathered to honour the deceased’s memory and offer support to the Aina family.

Ajadi’s presence highlighted the importance of friendship, compassion and solidarity, particularly during moments of grief when the support of loved ones and associates can provide comfort to a bereaved family.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ajadi expressed his condolences to Aina and his family, describing the loss of a mother as a deeply painful experience whose impact endures long after her passing.

He said mothers play an invaluable role in shaping the lives of their children through their love, guidance, sacrifices and the values they instil.

‘The loss of a mother is a profound experience because mothers occupy a special place in our lives. They nurture us, guide us and make sacrifices that help shape the people we eventually become. Although death is inevitable, the love, values and lessons a mother leaves behind continue to live in the hearts of her children,’ Ajadi said.

The APM candidate prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased, asking Almighty God to forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest and comfort those mourning her passing.

He also prayed for strength, courage and wisdom for Aina and other members of the family as they come to terms with their loss.

Ajadi further encouraged Aina to draw comfort from the memories of his mother’s love, the values she upheld and the positive influence she had on the family during her lifetime.

‘I pray that Almighty God grants our dear Barrister Femi Aina and the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. May the good name, values and legacy of his beloved mother continue to inspire the family, and may God bless him with good health, strength and wisdom to carry forward the responsibilities and aspirations that lie ahead,’ he added.

The ceremony also brought together friends, associates and political stakeholders, demonstrating that bonds of friendship and shared humanity can transcend political affiliations.

For Ajadi, attending the burial was an opportunity to stand in solidarity with Aina and his family at a difficult time, reflecting the importance of supporting friends and associates through both joyful and painful moments.

Aina, a former NNPP chairman in Ogun State, has been involved in the state’s political activities. His mother’s final burial provided an opportunity for family members, friends and well-wishers to honour her memory and celebrate the legacy she left behind.

As the family bids farewell to their matriarch, prayers and expressions of sympathy remain a source of comfort, while the occasion serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of mothers and the importance of preserving their legacies through love, unity, good character and service to humanity.

Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Saturday, joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other prominent party leaders at the flag-off of the party’s 2027 presidential re-election campaign in Kaduna State.

At the event, the APC National Chairman presented Governor Yusuf with the party’s flag as its governorship candidate for Kano State in the 2027 general elections, marking a significant moment in the party’s preparations for the forthcoming polls.

The presentation signifies the party’s endorsement of Yusuf’s candidacy and places Kano among the key states in the APC’s nationwide mobilisation efforts ahead of the presidential and governorship elections.

The Kaduna rally attracted APC governors, elected officials, party stakeholders and supporters from different parts of the country. Kano’s delegation made a notable appearance, reflecting the state’s strategic importance to the party’s political calculations.

With its large voting population and influential position in Northern Nigeria, Kano is expected to play an important role in the APC’s efforts to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

In his remarks, President Tinubu commended governors across the country for the developmental strides recorded in their respective states, acknowledging their contributions to governance and the delivery of development initiatives.

Governor Yusuf had earlier charged members of the Kano State Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Council to intensify grassroots mobilisation and work towards making Kano the state with the highest number of votes for President Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election.

He urged campaign officials to strengthen their engagement with communities, political stakeholders and voters across the state to ensure effective mobilisation ahead of the elections.

The governor also advised campaign officials to focus on communicating the achievements and programmes of APC administrations rather than engaging in personal attacks, stressing the need for discipline, unity and constructive political engagement.

Governor Yusuf’s participation in the Kaduna campaign flag-off follows his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC, a development that has reshaped Kano’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The campaign launch provides an opportunity for APC leaders to consolidate party structures, strengthen coordination among stakeholders and mobilise supporters as political activities gather momentum nationwide.

A Statement by Governor Yusuf’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, indicated that Governor Yusuf’s receipt of the governorship flag, alongside Kano’s participation in the presidential campaign launch, highlights the state’s central place in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has taken a jab at Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his recent stage-jumping demonstration, accusing him of disrespecting President Bola Tinubu.

In a video circulating on social media on Sunday, October 25, Igboho was quoted as describing Makinde’s action as childish and insulting to the President.

‘He was jumping around like a frog and a mad man, insulting Tinubu, saying Tinubu can’t jump like him as if he doesn’t have a father,’ he reportedly said.

Igboho criticised the governor for challenging Tinubu to demonstrate similar physical agility, insisting that the President deserved respect.

He also warned that he would respond to anyone who insulted Tinubu.

‘If you insult Tinubu, I’ll insult you too,’ he declared, according to the circulating account.

The remarks followed Makinde’s appearance at the South-West town hall meeting of the Makinde/Daura presidential campaign organisation in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday.

During the event, the governor jumped off the stage while discussing the importance of physical stamina in the 2027 presidential election.

Makinde said he would focus his campaign on candidates’ energy and ability to withstand the demands of the presidency rather than their ages.

He subsequently challenged other presidential candidates to replicate his demonstration.

‘If they can do that, vote for them,’ Makinde told supporters.

Although he did not mention Tinubu by name during the challenge, the demonstration was widely interpreted as a criticism of the President’s physical fitness.

The governor’s action has since attracted reactions from political figures who questioned whether jumping from a stage was an appropriate measure of leadership capacity.

Igboho’s reported remarks add another dimension to the controversy surrounding Makinde’s campaign demonstration.

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election, Dr Kadri Hamzat, will unveil his manifesto on Friday, October 30, outlining his vision and policy priorities for the state if elected governor.

The Director-General of the PBAT-KOH Campaign Council, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, announced this on Sunday at a press conference held at the campaign office in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

Obanikoro said the manifesto launch would take place at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, between 3pm and 5pm, with arrivals scheduled to begin at 11am.

He said the manifesto would articulate Hamzat’s plans for sustaining Lagos’ development, improving public services and expanding opportunities for residents ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

According to Obanikoro, the campaign is anchored on continued shared progress and inclusiveness, with a commitment to building on existing achievements while ensuring that no section of the state is left behind.

He said Lagos, with an estimated population of about 25 million people and limited landmass, faced growing demands in transportation, housing, infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and environmental management, requiring strategic planning and effective governance.

Obanikoro highlighted the contributions of successive administrations, beginning with President Bola Tinubu’s tenure as governor, followed by Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and the incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

He cited developments in transportation, including the Blue and Red rail lines, road and bridge construction, improvements in schools and hospitals, housing projects and support for businesses and young people as areas on which the next administration could build.

The campaign director-general said Hamzat’s experience in both the private and public sectors would shape his approach to addressing Lagos’ development challenges.

He disclosed that the candidate earned a PhD in Systems Process Engineering from Cranfield University, England, at the age of 28, and worked with international financial institutions, including Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley and Citibank in the United States, before entering public service.

He said Hamzat subsequently served as a commissioner in Lagos State and is currently deputy governor under Sanwo-Olu.

Obanikoro said the combination of private-sector experience and years in government had provided Hamzat with exposure to business management, public administration and the demands of governing a complex metropolitan state.

He added that the campaign council had embarked on consultations with religious leaders, traditional rulers, market women, traders, young people, professionals, artisans, community leaders and other stakeholders to gather their views on the state’s development priorities.

According to him, the consultations were intended to ensure that the manifesto reflects the needs and aspirations of Lagos residents across different religious, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

‘Every resident and taxpayer has a stake in its future, and every community deserves to be heard,’ Obanikoro said, stressing that inclusiveness must go hand in hand with respect for the heritage of Lagos’ indigenous communities.

He added that the campaign believed leadership should listen to citizens before making decisions that affect their lives.

Obanikoro said the manifesto would be made available for download after its presentation, enabling members of the public to examine the proposals and submit feedback through designated party channels.

Although the physical event would be strictly by invitation because of limited seating, he said the launch would be broadcast live from 3pm to 5pm on Channels Television, ARISE News, TVC, Lagos Television and News Central, as well as digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

He urged journalists, party members and other stakeholders to follow the presentation and assess the candidate’s proposals.

The announcement comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with the APC campaign council presenting Hamzat’s candidacy around continuity, inclusiveness and further development of the state.

Obanikoro said the campaign was committed to preserving existing achievements, addressing outstanding challenges and pursuing policies that would improve the lives of Lagos residents.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over five tanker trucks conveying suspected diverted diesel to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further investigation.

The Public Relations Officer of Operation Whirlwind, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Hussaini Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, said that the trucks were intercepted on July 6 at about 11 p.m. following credible intelligence.

He said that the trucks, with registration numbers BBR 634 XA, BRK 828 MF, YLA 243 XU, KTN 278 XZ and MUS 134 BX, were subsequently deposited at Tasha Joli, opposite 33 Military Barracks, Maiduguri.

Aliyu said that preliminary checks on the Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel, raised concerns about possible irregularities and regulatory violations, prompting the handover to NMDPRA for further investigation and appropriate administrative action.

He said the handover was carried out on Oct. 23 on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.

According to him, the interception demonstrates the service’s commitment to tackling the illegal movement, diversion and smuggling of petroleum products through intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration.

He added that the service is intensifying efforts to track and dismantle networks involved in petroleum products diversion and smuggling nationwide.

‘Operation Whirlwind remains steadfast in its commitment to proactive, intelligence-led operations and decisive enforcement,’ he said.

Aliyu assured the public that enforcement activities would be conducted professionally and in accordance with the law.

He commended the Comptroller-General, the service’s management, the office of the National Security Adviser, NMDPRA and Operation Whirlwind personnel for their support.

He said that the outcome of the investigation would determine the next administrative steps.

Mr. Taofeek Balogun, the Workstream Lead for Infrastructure and Demand at the Decade of Gas Secretariat, has disclosed that Nigeria’s proven gas reserves increased from 208.83 trillion cubic feet (TCF) in 2023 to 215.19 TCF as of January 2026, while average gas production rose from 6.86 to approximately 7.5 billion cubic feet per day (BCF/D), with domestic gas supply exceeding 2 BCF/D.

Balogun gave the hint during a Media Parley organized by the Decade of Gas Secretariat, in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG and EV), at Porto Golf Hotels, Kano, on Thursday.

He further highlighted US$3.5 billion in committed investments across four major gas projects, the 100 per cent completion of the OB3 Gas Pipeline and approximately 95 per cent completion of the AKK Gas Pipeline, as well as ?671 billion in public infrastructure funding attracting approximately ?1.6 trillion in private investment.

Further speaking on progress in Nigeria’s gas sector, Balogun highlighted significant achievements recorded under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo.

On cleaner cooking, Balogun highlighted the LPG Programme targeting five million households by 2030, with launches in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, the commencement of distribution activities involving 27,000 LPG cylinders, and ongoing regional LPG sensitisation programmes.

He also highlighted the September 24, 2028 target for Nigeria’s transition to a Willing Buyer, Willing Seller (WBWS) gas market framework, aimed at strengthening market competitiveness, transparency and commercial sustainability.

In his presentation on CNG and autogas, Mr. Tosin Coker, Chief Operating Officer of PI-CNG and EV, highlighted the role of natural gas in reducing transportation costs, improving energy security and supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner mobility.

He also addressed public concerns about CNG safety, emphasising the importance of certified conversion centres, approved equipment, regulatory compliance and proper vehicle maintenance.

On public transportation, Coker disclosed that 670 CNG buses have so far been deployed nationwide, including 285 buses operating commercially across 13 states, while 302 buses have been allocated to transport unions, students and government agencies.

According to him, ‘this is complemented by the vehicle conversion programme, a significant part of which has focused on commercial transportation, helping drivers and operators reduce fuel costs and extend the benefits of CNG to everyday commuters.’

He noted that hundreds more CNG buses and tricycles are currently on order, further expanding the pipeline of cleaner and more affordable public transport options across the country.

‘Under the National Affordable CNG Transition Programme (NACTP), participating CNG bus routes have recorded fare reductions of between 15 and 50 per cent,’ he added.

The Initiative further highlighted current plans for 127 additional CNG refuelling stations across 31 states, including the FCT, as part of efforts to expand accessibility and accelerate nationwide adoption.

The Initiative has also deployed 25 additional buses to complement earlier commercial deployments in the state, reflecting growing opportunities for affordable transportation, investment and industrial development along the northern gas corridor.

The capacity-building session held in Kano, brought together about 27 journalists from television, radio, print and digital media platforms to deepen their understanding of Nigeria’s gas development agenda, promote informed reporting and strengthen public awareness of opportunities within the gas sector.

The Kano session which is the first formal engagement with journalists in the state, following similar sessions held in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, reinforced the commitment of both initiatives to sustained media collaboration and public enlightenment.

During the media parley, participants agreed that Kano state was identified as a strategic hub for clean mobility development in Northern Nigeria, currently leading the North West with seven operational CNG refuelling stations, while 17 additional stations are under various stages of completion.

During the interactive session, journalists sought clarification on gas accessibility, affordability, safety, infrastructure development and the implementation of government gas policies.

Speaking on behalf of participating journalists, Mr Murtala Adewale of The Guardian Newspaper, who doubles as the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel, Kano Council, commended the Decade of Gas Secretariat and PI-CNG and EV for organising the parley, describing the engagement as, ‘highly educative, informative and beneficial to media practitioners.’

Adewale called for more frequent capacity-building sessions, increased participation of journalists in subsequent engagements and stronger collaboration with relevant industry stakeholders and regulatory agencies to deepen media understanding and promote accurate reporting on developments within Nigeria’s gas sector.

However, the Decade of Gas Secretariat and PI-CNG and EV reaffirmed their commitment to sustained media engagement, stakeholder collaboration and public education as Nigeria continues to advance towards a gas-powered economy.