Category: PM News

The Federal Government says it plans to create about three million jobs for young people every year in the coming years. This is part of its effort to reduce unemployment and make better use of Nigeria’s large youth population.

This plan was discussed at the launch of the Youth Policy Dialogue Series in Abuja. The event focused on how to better implement the National Youth Policy and was organised by CoSPAL and the Legislative Mentorship Initiative.

At the event, the head of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Henry Nwawuba, said job creation is a key part of the government’s youth development plan. He added that more opportunities will also be created in areas like agriculture, technology, security, and innovation.

He explained that although Nigeria already has a National Youth Policy, many young people don’t know about it or are not benefiting from it. He called for more awareness and better communication so more youths can take advantage of government programmes.

Nwawuba also said that new ideas and stronger laws can help create more job opportunities, especially in growing sectors like agriculture and technology.

The Secretary-General of CoSPAL, Dapo Oyewole, said Nigeria’s young population is a great advantage if properly managed. He stressed the need for better infrastructure and access to resources so young people can contribute to the country’s development.

He also praised the Ministry of Youth Development for supporting youth-focused programmes and said everyone–government, civil groups, and young people–must work together to make these policies effective.

The Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Aliyu Idris Zakari, suggested increasing the NYSC age limit from 29 to between 33 and 35 years. He said this would help more graduates participate, especially those delayed by economic challenges.

He also called for changes in age limits for government jobs and proposed that youth-related political positions should be held by people aged 18 to 35 to ensure true youth representation.

Participants agreed that stronger cooperation between government, organisations, and young people is needed to turn these policies into real job opportunities across the country.

Dangote Refinery has reduced its petrol price back to N1,275 per litre, just hours after increasing it to N1,350.

A senior official at the refinery confirmed that the earlier price increase has been reversed.

According to the official, the quick change was due to a sudden drop in global crude oil prices.On Wednesday morning, crude oil prices fell sharply.

Brent crude dropped to $101.7 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate fell to $94.11 per barrel.

Despite the reduction at the depot level, many filling stations in Lagos are still selling petrol at higher prices, with some charging up to N1,400 per litre.

This is because changes in depot prices usually take time to reflect at retail stations.

This adjustment comes just a week after the refinery raised its price from N1,200 to N1,275 per litre. It is also the second increase of N75 within one week.

In recent weeks, Dangote Refinery has changed petrol prices several times. These changes are linked to factors such as global oil prices, foreign exchange rates, and local supply conditions.

The frequent price changes show that Nigeria’s fuel market is still adjusting, especially as local refining begins to replace fuel imports. However, prices are still affected by international market trends.

Although the depot price has dropped again, Nigerians may not see immediate relief, as fuel prices at filling stations remain high.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Former senator representing Kogi West Senatorial district, Dino Melaye has slammed the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi for abandoning the African Democratic Congress, ADC for the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

Melaye, in a post on his social media handle queried how Peter Obi who had repeatedly asserted his determination to contest the presidency in 2027 intended to handle Nigeria’s problems if he cannot handle the ‘tough situation’ he was confronted with in the ADC.

The flamboyant ex-Senator also alleged that Peter Obi ran away from the ADC because he has never been part of any primary election.

It was believed that Obi left the ADC because of the fears that he may not be able to get the presidential ticket of the party.

Some analysts had predicted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is likely to get the ticket of the party.

Making allusions to this, Malaye claimed that Obi had got free tickets in all the political positions he has contested for in the past.

The former Senator also alleged that the NDC is an agency of the ruling APC.

Melaye, in the post said “Peter Obi excused himself from tough situation. If he cannot face party tribulations and crisis, how does he intend to handle Nigeria,? Because Nigeria wahala pass ADC problems oooo. He can only operate in an air-conditioned kitchen.

“Hot kitchens are not for him. He has never gone through primary, APGA gave him free Governorship ticket, Atiku gave him free VP ticket, Labour gave free Presidential ticket.

“He cannot be part of Primary election, reason why he left PDP, reason why he left ADC for another free ticket in NDC.

“NDC is an agency of APC.”

Former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Obi defected to the NDC after few hours after dumping the ADC last Sunday.

Obi and Kwankwaso who are being speculated to run together for the presidency in 2027 were received at the national Secretariat of the party in Abuja by NDC National Leader, Sen. Seriake Dickson..

While speaking at the event, Obi declared that the country’s political space had been affected by internal crises and litigations, forcing many politicians to seek alternative platforms.

Obi called on stakeholders to end political infighting and refocus on national development.

“Nigeria is going through difficult times. We cannot afford to keep fighting ourselves. Our priority must be the Nigerian people,” he said.

He further emphasised the need for a country where citizens feel secure, children have access to education and families are free from poverty and hunger.

“We must redirect our energy to nation-building and confront poverty, insecurity and economic hardship. This journey must succeed,” he said.

By Ayox Ojo

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has ordered Mr. Bashir Mohammed Saidu, a former commissioner of Finance and Chief of Staff (CoS) to former governor Nasir El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Mr. Ibrahim Murktar, to open their defence in the N155 million money laundering trial instituted against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Justice Rilwan Aikawa gave the order while delivering ruling on the no-case submissions made by the defendants.

The court dismissed the application as it held that that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against them.

The Court ruled that from the totality of the evidence presented by the ICPC, the defendants have questions to answer and must therefore enter their respective defences.

Mr. Saidu and Mr. Murktar are being prosecuted on a four-count charge bordering on money laundering offences under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The ICPC had alleged that Mr. Murktar, a cashier in the Kaduna State Ministry of Finance at the time, withdrew the sum of N155,000,000.00 in multiple cash tranches from the Kaduna State Exchange Gain Account.

The funds were reportedly handed over in cash through a proxy for the benefit of Mr. Saidu, in violation of statutory financial regulations.

The Commission further contended that the transactions, conducted outside the formal banking system, were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

During the trial, which commenced after the defendants’ arraignment on January 21, 2025, the prosecution called two witnesses and tendered several exhibits before closing its case.

In response, the defendants filed no-case submissions, arguing that the evidence adduced by the prosecution was insufficient to warrant them to enter a defence.

The Court, however, disagreed, affirming that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence requiring explanation from the defendants.

The case has been adjourned to June 22, 2026, for the defendants to open their defence.

The ICPC reaffirms its resolve to pursue corruption cases to their logical conclusion and to uphold transparency and accountability in public service.

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was involved in a heated argument with his younger teammate alvaro Carreras during a recent training session.

Reports say the disagreement started in the dressing room and quickly became physical, with Rudiger allegedly slapping Carreras.

The situation became tense, and other players had to step in quickly to separate the two and calm things down before it got worse.

The incident is believed to have happened shortly after Real Madrid’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Real Betis, a result that reportedly left Rudiger very frustrated and emotional. His reaction during training was said to be linked to that frustration.

Despite how serious the situation appeared at first, Carreras later played down the issue.

The 23-year-old described it as a minor and isolated incident that has already been resolved internally within the team. He stressed that there are no hard feelings and that his relationship with Rudiger, as well as the rest of the squad, remains strong.

Rudiger is also said to have taken responsibility for his actions by apologising to Carreras. In an effort to restore unity and maintain a positive atmosphere in the team, he reportedly invited Carreras and other teammates, along with their families, to a dinner last Friday.

The gesture is seen as a way to ease tensions and ensure that the incident does not affect team spirit as Real Madrid continue their campaign.

If you’d like, I can also make this sound more dramatic or create headline options.

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina

Kwara state Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has commissioned the Radda Model Secondary School in Katsina State, built by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.

Abdulrazaq, described the project as, “a landmark education project executed by the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda under his ‘Building Your Future’ agenda.”

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Radda disclosed that the vision for smart schools in Katsina was conceived over three decades ago, ” and is now being realized through deliberate investment in modern, technology-driven education infrastructure.

“This initiative is a fulfilment of a long-standing vision to provide our children with the kind of education that prepares them not just for today, but for the future.”

Radda explained that the establishment of model schools across the state is rooted in his personal academic experience, emphasizing that, “access to quality education remains a critical driver of excellence, innovation, and leadership among young people.”

He described the Radda Model Secondary School as a major milestone under his administration’s agenda, noting that it represents not just physical infrastructure, but a strategic investment in human capital development.

“This school is not just about buildings; it is about shaping minds, nurturing talents, and preparing a generation that will compete globally and drive innovation,” he said.

Governor Radda recalled Katsina state’s long-standing reputation as a centre of learning and intellectual excellence, stressing that his administration is building on that legacy through targeted investments in science, technology, and innovation-driven education.

According to him, admission into the school was strictly merit-based, following competitive examinations conducted across all 34 Local Government Areas, with about 1,000 students selected to ensure fairness, equity, and inclusiveness.

Radda further disclosed that, “the school is fully equipped with modern facilities, including science laboratories, ICT infrastructure, digital learning tools, 24-hour internet connectivity, stable electricity supply, libraries, sports facilities, and residential hostels for both students and teachers.”

Governor Radda further explained that, ” the institution is designed to prepare students for emerging global trends such as artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, digital governance, and other technology-driven disciplines.

“Our goal is to produce innovators, problem-solvers, and future leaders who can compete effectively on the global stage.”

He noted that, ” the initiative is also aimed at addressing inequality in access to quality education by identifying and nurturing talented children across the state, regardless of their socio-economic background.”

Governor Radda revealed that his administration has recruited over 7,325 teachers, trained more than 18,000 teachers, provided laptops to over 20,000 teachers, and awarded scholarships worth over 7 billion to students within and outside Nigeria.

He added that more than 75 secondary schools have been completed, while over 30 others are currently under construction, alongside the rehabilitation and furnishing of hundreds of classrooms across the state.

“These interventions reflect our sustained commitment to repositioning the education sector and ensuring that no child is left behind,” he said.

Governor Radda said the Radda Model School is the first of three planned model institutions across the state’s education zones, assuring that the programme will be expanded to ensure equitable access to world-class learning facilities.

He called on development partners and the private sector to support the initiative through scholarships, infrastructure partnerships, and teacher development programmes, stressing that education development is a shared responsibility.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare, acknowledging existing challenges while assuring continuous support to enhance working conditions and professional dignity.

He urged students to take full advantage of the opportunity, charging them to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to academic excellence.

In his remarks, Governor Abdulrahman described the project as a landmark achievement and a clear demonstration of purposeful leadership.

He noted that the school represents more than a physical structure, describing it as a deliberate investment in the future, with modern classrooms, digital facilities, laboratories, and a functional boarding system.

Abdulrazaq stressed that infrastructure must be complemented by effective teaching, continuous teacher training, and functional learning systems to achieve meaningful outcomes.

He commended the initiative for aligning with national efforts to position education as a driver of economic and social development, with emphasis on equity, quality, accountability, and inclusiveness.

The NGF Chairman also called on parents, community leaders, and stakeholders to take ownership of the facility, stressing the importance of maintenance and community support.

He also encouraged students to maximise the opportunity, noting that their success would justify the investment and inspire similar initiatives nationwide.

Abdulrazaq commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing economic reforms, which he said have enabled greater investment in critical sectors such as education, while praising Governor Radda for prudent resource utilisation.

He also suggested the introduction of student exchange programmes across northern states to promote broader exposure and inclusiveness.

Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described education as the most powerful investment any government can make, noting that the establishment of the Radda Model School reflects a long-term vision for building future leaders.

“This institution is not just infrastructure; it is a symbol of hope, opportunity, and empowerment for young people,” he said.

Dr. Alausa further stated that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s education reforms agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focusing on expanding access, improving quality, strengthening technical and vocational education, and enhancing digital learning systems.

He assured the Katsina State Government of continued federal support, describing the school as a model for educational transformation in Nigeria.

Katsina state Commissioner for Education, Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, described the project as a major milestone in the state’s education reform efforts.

He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure, focusing on equipping students with relevant future-ready skills while reinforcing education as a driver of sustainable development.

Also speaking, the Lead Consultant of Hallmark Educational Consultancy Services, Hajiya Zainab Bugaje Jika, described the commissioning as a historic milestone and a reflection of a shared commitment to building a world-class education system.

She disclosed that staff recruitment was conducted strictly on merit through a transparent process involving Computer-Based Tests, oral interviews, and micro-teaching assessments.

According to her, 213 academic staff and 38 non-academic staff were engaged, while student admission was conducted fairly across all 34 local government areas to ensure equity and inclusiveness.

She added that the school is designed to prepare students for the future through modern learning areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills, supported by fully equipped smart classrooms, science laboratories, and ICT facilities.

The event was attended by top government officials, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, traditional rulers, development partners, and key stakeholders in the education sector.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

A Magistrate in Gombe State identified Muhammad Suleiman Kumo has been convicted and sentenced two years and six months imprisonment for receiving N1 million bribe.

Kumo who was a magistrate at Chief magistrate Court Pantami received the bribe in November 2024 through an account belonging to one Adamu Ahmed, the registrar in the court.

He was arrested and arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC after Gombe Ministry of Justice reported the complaint about the bribery by one Abubakar Isa Jauro Kuna and Suleiman Haruna to the anti-graft agency.

Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson of EFCC said Kumo was initially arraigned on December 3, 2025, on three -count charges of bribery by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency.

However, on December 30, 2025, the defendant, through his counsel, Adamu Bawa, filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to try him as he was “a judicial officer who ought be taken to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for any wrongdoing if such exists.”.

However, his motion was countered by the EFCC counsel, A. Aliyu who argued that as a magistrate and not a judicial officer quoting Section 318(1) of the 1999 constitution as amended.

The judge upheld the submission of the prosecution counsel in his ruling on February 17, 2026, on the matter of jurisdiction.

Count one of the count charges read: “That you Muhammad Suleiman Kumo being a magistrate at Chief magistrate Court Pantami in such capacity on or about the 6th day of November 2024 in Gombe , Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did receive for yourself, monetary benefit of One Million Naira (N1,000,000) through Zenith bank account number 2273938871 belonging to one Adamu Ahmed , a registrar in your court , thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 10(a)(i)(ii) of the Corrupt practices and other Related Offences Act 2000″

He pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

At the resumed sitting on May 5 ,2026 counsel to the defendant informed the court that the defendant would like to change his plea from ” not guilty to guilty” .

When the charges were re- read to the defendant, he pleaded guilty.

Following the guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, stated that the prosecution had spent time and resources in the prosecution of the case before the change of plea.

He urged the court to convict the defendant and order him in addition to the sentence to pay the sum of Five Hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) as compensation to the Commission.

Delivering judgment, Justice Kereng noted the severity of the offence, affirming that, “I hereby convict you for the offence of corruption under Section 10 (a)(i)(ii) of the Corrupt practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 of the ICPC Act. Also, N500,000 is not excessive as compensation for investigation and prosecution “.

He also sentenced Kumo to two years and six months imprisonment with an option of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) as fine and ordered him to pay the sum of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) as compensation to the Commission.

The Nigerian Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) successfully hosted its April 2026 Bi-Monthly Meeting at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, convening a distinguished gathering of policymakers, financial institutions, investors, leaders of the organized private sectors, and diplomatic missions in Nigeria to advance conversations on sustainable economic growth through innovative banking and financial models.

The high-level engagement provided a strategic platform for exploring how emerging economies like Nigeria and Indonesia can unlock capital, deepen bilateral trade, and empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through more adaptive and inclusive financial systems. The event featured a robust lineup of presentations from leading institutions including The Alternative Bank, Flutterwave, Sewa Capital, Tyro Group, NEXIM Bank, BGL Capital and Indonesian Embassy.

The session commenced with opening remarks by the Chairman of the NICCI Trade Mission, Mr. Adesina Osinoiki, who welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration in advancing NigeriaIndonesia economic relations. He highlighted the growing role of innovation in shaping financial systems and driving inclusive growth across emerging economies. He encouraged stakeholders to leverage the platform to build partnerships and explore practical solutions for strengthening trade and investment ties.

In his welcome address, NICCI President, Mr. Ishmael Balogun, reaffirmed the Chamber’s role as a vital bridge between Nigeria and Indonesia, emphasizing the urgency of rethinking conventional financing systems to reflect the realities of modern economic growth. He noted that financing has evolved beyond a transactional function into a strategic tool for development and diplomacy, capable of shaping the future of bilateral cooperation. He called for a deliberate shift from collateral-based lending to market-driven financing models that align capital with productivity, innovation, and long-term value creation.

Delivering the keynote address, the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria His Excellency, Bambang Suharto highlighted Indonesia’s economic resilience and the central role of MSMEs in national development, noting that the sector contributes over 60 percent of GDP and employs the vast majority of the workforce. He emphasized the transformative potential of digital financial systems and cross-border payment integration in driving financial inclusion and strengthening trade ties between both countries.

Across the various presentations, industry leaders underscored the need for innovative financial infrastructure to address persistent gaps in access to capital. The Alternative Bank, through a fireside chat session featuring its Executive Director, Commercial and institutional Banking (Lagos and Southwest) Mrs. Korede Demola-Adeniyi in a conversation with the Master of Ceremony, Mrs. Titi Fowora (CEO of INU Design), provided insights into its non-interest banking model and its relevance to SME development. The discussion emphasized ethical financing, asset-backed structures, and tailored financial solutions designed to support real sector growth.

The Head Global Expansion and Payment Partnerships, Mrs. Mayokun Owolabi showcased Flutterwave’s role as a leading payments infrastructure company driving Africa’s digital economy through seamless, borderless transactions. The company highlighted its mission to unify fragmented payment systems across the continent through a single Application Programming Interface (API), enabling businesses to accept and make payments effortlessly across multiple markets. With a growing global footprint spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Flutterwave emphasized how its infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and tailored solutions are simplifying cross-border trade, improving settlement efficiency, and enabling SMEs to scale beyond local markets.

Sewa Capital’s Managing Director Mrs. Angela Jide-Jones emphasized the need to rethink traditional financing approaches, noting that the core challenge in emerging markets is not just access to capital, but access to the right kind of capital. The firm highlighted the limitations of relying solely on conventional banking, advocating for innovative capital market solutions that match appropriate financial instruments to businesses at different growth stages. It further underscored the importance of strengthening export value chains, preparing SMEs to become investment-ready, and building strong advisory and partnership ecosystems that can effectively connect capital to opportunity and drive sustainable, export-led growth.

Mrs. Folasade Aluko, The Principal Manager of Business Development, NEXIM Bank presented its mandate as Nigeria’s export credit agency, outlining its role in supporting non-oil exports through financing, guarantees, and advisory services. The Bank reiterated its commitment to strengthening export capacity, driving foreign exchange earnings, and supporting SMEs across key sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, and services.

Mr. Osaro Abusomwan, The Group MD of Tyro Group provided strategic insights into financing Nigeria’s real sector, particularly manufacturing, mining, and energy, stressing the importance of mobilizing patient capital, strengthening governance frameworks, and leveraging innovative financial instruments to drive sustainable industrial growth. The presentation also highlighted the role of structured investments and cross-border partnerships in unlocking long-term value and accelerating economic development.

BGL Capital represented by The vice president Mr. Chuka Nweze delivered a comprehensive framework for scaling NigeriaIndonesia trade through capital market instruments, noting the the current trade value between the 2 countries rose from $1.9billion in 2020 to $6 billion in 2023. The firm proposed strategic solutions including SME-focused investment vehicles, export credit systems, and cross-border financial structures to unlock this opportunity.

Panel discussions at the event provided deeper insights into the role of fintech, digital banking, sustainable lending, and public-private collaboration in driving economic growth. The session was moderated by the Chairman of the NICCI Communications Committee Mr. Joshua Daranijo and featured a diverse panel of industry experts, including representatives from The Alternative Bank, Flutterwave, NEXIM Bank, BGL Capital Ltd, Tyro Group.

Participants emphasized that SMEs require not just access to capital, but access to structured financing supported by strong advisory ecosystems, regulatory alignment, and risk management frameworks. Conversations also addressed the need to de-risk investments, manage foreign exchange volatility, and bridge the financing gap for growth-stage enterprises. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, where participants engaged panelists on practical implementation strategies, cross-border opportunities, and policy considerations for strengthening the financial ecosystem.

The meeting also featured the induction of new members into the Chamber, further strengthening NICCI’s growing network and reinforcing its commitment to fostering business connections, market access, and institutional collaborations. The induction segment, led by Capt. (Dr.) Giorgio Del celo, The Chairman of the NICCI Membership Committee underscored NICCI’s continued growth and its role in deepening NigeriaIndonesia private sector engagement. Inducted companies included Frontwalker Exports Limited, SWAgCo Limited, Jackson, Etti and Edu, Bluebulbs Financial Limited, Delta Wire Industries Ltd, Aseba Stars Motors Limited, Ace Voyages ltd, Hilltop Insurance Broker, Intertel Nigeria Limited, Ecogas Energy Resources, ETravles and Tour Company Limited, Yuralod Integrated Solutions Ltd, Hemosh Energies Limited, AMSL Oil, The Flourishing Treats Company, Faoduf Integrated Limited, Diya, Fatimilehin and Co reflecting the Chamber’s expanding cross-sector membership base.

In another highlight of the programme, NICCI officially introduced its 10 standing committees, with committee heads formally presented and issued certificates of recognition. This milestone reaffirmed the Chamber’s structured governance framework and its commitment to driving focused engagements across key sectors, including trade, investment, policy, membership, and strategic partnerships.

The NICCI Bi-Monthly Meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Kemi Ajisebutu, CEO of AYP Consulting and a Director on The Board of NICCI. In his remarks he expressed appreciation to all participants, speakers, partners, and stakeholders for their active engagement and contributions to the success of the programme. He commended the Chamber’s leadership for its continued drive to foster meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes.

The meeting further ended with a renewed call for coordinated action among the public sector, financial institutions, and the private sector to build a more resilient and inclusive financial ecosystem. The outcomes of the engagement underscored the importance of innovation, collaboration, and policy alignment in unlocking sustainable growth and transforming bilateral trade into a powerful engine for economic development.

As encapsulated in the Chamber’s vision, the engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to not only strengthen trade relations but to fundamentally transform the economic partnership between Nigeria and Indonesia through forward-thinking financial solutions.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, has affirmed his determination to contest in the 2027 Oyo governorship election following his procurement of expression of interest form of Accord on Monday.

Hamzat, who is also the proprietor of Agidigbo FM radio station picked up the form at the Yemetu, Ibadan ACCORD Secretariat on Monday.

He was accompanied by large number of his supporters.

Hamzat said his decision to pick up the form for the governorship contest was in response to what many people in Oyo State have been asking him to do for months.

“Let me say it clearly — this is no longer speculation. This is no longer consultation. I am fully in the race for the governorship of Oyo State,” Hamzat said in a post on his social media handles on Tuesday.

“This decision is not about ambition for its own sake. It is about responsibility. It is about answering the call of our people who believe that governance in Oyo State can be closer, more responsive, and more humane,” he added.

The broadcaster also noted that his campaign office at Isale Alfa, Labiran Ibadan will serve as a working centre and a place where ideas will be shared, where young people will be heard, and where his movement will be coordinated from the grassroots upward.

This, according to him, was because to ensure that power flows from the streets, from the wards, from the everyday people who carry the real burden of governance.

He also said he has supported executives of ACCORD in Oyo State with a vehicle as part of his investment in the grassroots.

“If we say we believe in grassroots politics, then we must invest in it, not just talk about it,”

“I want the people of Oyo State to understand this: I am prepared and I am not coming into this race unsure. Unequivocally, I am coming in with clarity, with experience, and with the strength that comes from the people themselves,” Hamzat said.

The broadcaster also said that he is going to run a different kind of campaign: “one that listens more than it speaks, one that includes more than it excludes, and one that focuses on real issues, not empty promises.

“To my teeming supporters, every young person, every market woman, every professional, and every community leader, I want you to know that this journey is yours as much as it is mine.

“And by the grace of God, we will see it through together,” Hamzat concluded.

A devastating head-on collision on the The fatal accident occurred early Tuesday at the Ilaje inward Iyana Oworo axis, involving two Toyota Sienna vehicles in a violent impact that left both cars badly mangled.

Officials of the Eyewitnesses said the vehicles collided head-on with a thunderous impact, sending shockwaves through the busy bridge and causing immediate gridlock along the corridor.

LASTMA operatives, already on routine patrol, responded swiftly to the distress call, deploying safety cones and sealing off the crash scene to prevent further accidents and restore order to traffic flow.

Personnel from the Despite frantic rescue efforts, the female victim was confirmed dead at the scene. Her daughter, who was in the same vehicle, survived the crash in what officials described as a miraculous escape.

The body of the deceased has since been evacuated, while emergency responders maintained a strong presence to manage the aftermath and ease traffic disruptions.

In a troubling twist, one of the drivers involved fled the scene immediately after the crash, raising suspicions about possible culpability.

The second driver, however, was apprehended by LASTMA officials and handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, issued a stern warning to motorists, urging them to desist from reckless driving and adhere strictly to speed limits.

He said the tragedy underscores the urgent need for discipline on Lagos roads, warning that over-speeding remains one of the leading causes of fatal accidents across the state.