Category: PM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent warm congratulations to renowned physician and public health expert Dr Olusegun Oshin on his 70th birthday, commending his contributions to healthcare delivery, public health development, and the well-being of Nigerians.

President Tinubu, in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, said the medical practitioner has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the health and welfare of the people, recognising that healthcare is not simply a professional responsibility but a pillar of national development.

The President also commended Dr Oshin for his service in advancing education as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Olabisi Onabanjo University, where his leadership strengthened institutional governance and nurtured the next generation of leaders and professionals.

‘Your contributions in helping to shape and advance policies designed to expand access to healthcare and promote financial protection for citizens, particularly the laying of the foundations of the National Health Insurance Scheme, which has moved millions of Nigerians to affordable health care, are well appreciated. Your involvement reflects the foresight of a professional who understands that lasting changes in healthcare and national development require sound policies, effective institutions, and a genuine commitment to the common good.

‘As you mark this milestone, I wish you good health, renewed strength, greater accomplishments, and many more years of fruitful service to humanity and the nation’, the President said.

Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) for Oyo Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, has congratulated Chief Sunday Ogunlade, JP, a notable member of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, on his 85th birthday, describing the milestone as a celebration of a life devoted to leadership, service and societal development.

Ajadi, in his goodwill message to mark Ogunlade’s birthday on Saturday, October 10, 2026, commended the octogenarian for his contributions to political leadership and community development, while wishing him continued good health, peace, happiness and many more years of purposeful living.

The birthday celebration attracted prominent political figures, including Ambassador Ajadi, former speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and former Senator representing Oyo Central, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, as well as Hon. Ashamu Nurudeen, the APM candidate for the Oyo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general election.

Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the respect Chief Ogunlade commands among political leaders and stakeholders in Oyo State.

The APM senatorial candidate described Ogunlade’s 85th birthday as an opportunity to celebrate an elder statesman whose experience and wisdom remain valuable to the people of Oyo State, particularly those within the Oyo Central Senatorial District.

‘On behalf of my family, political associates and supporters, I heartily congratulate Chief Sunday Ogunlade, JP, on the remarkable occasion of his 85th birthday. Reaching this milestone is a blessing and a testament to a life that deserves to be celebrated with gratitude, honour and deep respect,’ Ajadi said.

He added, ‘Chief Ogunlade is one of the respected political leaders whose experience and contributions to public life deserve recognition. At 85, he represents a generation whose wealth of knowledge, understanding of our society and years of experience can continue to inspire younger leaders and contribute to the progress of our state.’

Ogunlade is a prominent political figure in the federal constituency comprising Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West Local Government Areas, which falls within Oyo Central Senatorial District. His membership of the Oyo State Elders’ Council also places him among the state’s senior figures associated with consultations on governance and political affairs.

Ajadi further prayed for God’s continued protection and blessings upon the celebrant, expressing hope that his 85th year would bring renewed strength, fulfilment and more opportunities to share his wisdom with younger generations.

‘Chief Ogunlade, as you celebrate 85 remarkable years, I pray that Almighty God grants you sound health, a peaceful heart, renewed strength and many more fruitful years. May your home remain filled with joy, and may the years ahead bring you greater happiness, honour and the satisfaction of seeing our communities and Oyo State make meaningful progress,’ he said.

He reiterated, ‘Happy 85th birthday to a respected elder and political leader. May Almighty God continue to guide, protect and bless you abundantly. We celebrate you today and wish you many more years of good health, peace and fulfilment.’

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Northern Nigeria has nothing to fear about President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, urging regional leaders to support his bid for a second term.

Shettima made the declaration on Monday in Abuja when he received a delegation from Arewa for Tinubu (A4A), a northern-based think tank.

He urged northern leaders and citizens to unite behind Tinubu’s re-election bid, describing the administration’s second-term agenda as crucial to the region’s prosperity and stability.

The Vice-President said the North’s progress and well-being remained priorities for the administration, citing appointments, projects and programmes that benefit the region.

He said, ‘The North has no reason to be scared of the re-election of President Tinubu.

‘Let’s unite as a people and work for the development of our region and the progress of our people through the re-election of this administration.

‘We are benefiting, and we stand to benefit more from this government in many ways.

‘The Bank of Agriculture has disbursed N450 billion to 700,000 smallholder farmers in Nigeria, and about 70 per cent of the beneficiaries are from the North.

‘The present administration is working towards completing landmark and groundbreaking projects in parts of the country.

‘I can assure you that the President loves the North and will work for the region.’

He thanked the group for its consistent support for Tinubu and urged its members to intensify mobilisation across wards, communities and local government areas.

Earlier, the group’s Director-General and former Jigawa Governor, Abubakar Badaru, said A4A would remain committed to securing northern support for Tinubu’s re-election.

Badaru said the organisation planned to engage religious leaders, including Muslim and Christian clerics, alongside other prominent Nigerians, to explain the need to support the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.

He said, ‘On discussions with high-profile individuals, we have gone far.

‘We have met them several times, and the Board of Trustees is meeting them again to consolidate our gains and explain why there is a need to support this ticket.’

He said A4A was also supporting the Presidential Campaign Council with specific grassroots mobilisation activities.

‘We are also supporting the Presidential Campaign Council with whatever they want us to do that is micro in nature because they are so big,’ Badaru said.

He added that the group intended to concentrate on grassroots engagement across local government areas and wards to complement the campaign council’s broader activities.

Also speaking, the organisation’s Board of Trustees Chairman and former Kano Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, said A4A had worked for Tinubu’s election in the 2023 general election.

Shekarau said the group would repeat the effort in 2027, adding that it had been engaging northern governors and other stakeholders to explore areas of collaboration.

He said the organisation had concluded plans to establish a full-fledged secretariat to coordinate its activities.

‘We will have offices for directors and state coordinators to compare reports, analyse them and give instructions to our members,’ he said.

Shekarau formally invited Shettima to commission the A4A office complex on Oct. 17.

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Council, says e-hailing drivers cannot continue to operate at a loss amid rising operating costs.

AUATON’s Public Relations Officer, Comrade Steven Iwindoye, said this on Monday in Lagos as the union declared the first day of its indefinite shutdown of Bolt and inDrive operations successful.

Iwindoye said the industrial action would continue until the platforms addressed the drivers’ demands.

He said drivers were grappling with rising expenses, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, repairs, insurance, mobile data and vehicle financing.

‘These expenses do not disappear simply because a driver receives a low fare or completes fewer trips. Drivers must still maintain their vehicles and meet their financial obligations,’ the PRO said.

He said the union was demanding fair and sustainable fares, a reduction in platform commissions to a maximum of 10 per cent, transparency in fare calculations and deductions, and improved driver welfare.

According to him, other demands include adequate insurance and safety protections, fair procedures before driver deactivation, and meaningful engagement between the platforms and legitimate driver representatives.

Iwindoye said fare structures should reflect operating costs, traffic conditions, trip distances and vehicle categories while allowing drivers to earn reasonable returns on their investments.

‘We cannot continue working like elephants while eating like ants. Technology must create opportunities, not turn hardworking drivers into victims of an unsustainable economic arrangement,’ he said.

The AUATON spokesperson said reports from the union’s mobilisation teams indicated widespread disruption to the availability of Bolt and inDrive rides in several parts of Lagos.

He listed the affected areas as Ikeja, Surulere, Festac Town, Yaba, Ikorodu, Badagry, Lagos Island, Lekki, Ajah and Ibeju-Lekki.

Iwindoye said the union’s task force and compliance teams remained active during the industrial action to monitor developments, communicate with members and document reports from different locations.

He urged participating drivers to remain peaceful, disciplined and law-abiding, advising them to avoid confrontations and respect the rights of other road users.

Iwindoye called on Bolt and inDrive to recognise the importance of drivers to their operations and engage constructively with their representatives.

‘The drivers who operate on your platforms are essential to the services you provide. They invest in vehicles, purchase fuel, maintain their cars, accept the risks of the road, and devote their time and labour to transporting passengers,’ he said.

He said the union was seeking practical measures rather than promises or meetings without tangible outcomes.

Iwindoye also appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), relevant government authorities and other labour stakeholders to support efforts to resolve the dispute.

He said the concerns raised by app-based transporters reflected broader challenges relating to fair remuneration, workers’ welfare and representation in the digital economy.

The AUATON spokesperson said the indefinite industrial action would continue until the platforms took meaningful steps towards addressing the drivers’ demands.

A Nigerian- American identified as Oluwatobi Adegoke has been arraigned before Special Offences Court, Lagos State, sitting in Ikeja, for an alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud involving more than $320,000, approximately N434.88 million.

Adegoke was arraigned before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one-count charge bordering on stealing.

Adegoke’s journey to the dock started in July 2026 when he was arrested by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate for an alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud involving more than $320,000, approximately N434.88 million.

Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the anti-graft agency said Adegoke allegedly belonged to a syndicate based in the United States that specialised in defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of purchasing and importing vehicles from the US.

According to him, further investigation revealed that while residing in the United States, Adegoke allegedly advertised and circulated photographs of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to prospective buyers in Nigeria, claiming that he could purchase and ship the luxury vehicle to them.

He added that investigation further established that two victims allegedly paid a combined sum of more than $320,000 (over N434.88 million) in connection with the transaction.

The charge reads:

Oluwatobi Adegoke sometime in December 2024 at Lagos within the Ikeja judicial division, dishonestly converted to your own use, the sum of ($680000) property of Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike, being money transferred to the bank account of your company Omosco Auto Sales LLC for purchase of 2022 G Wagon from Mr Robinson’

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following his plea, EFCC counsel, Arazeem Adebayo, urged the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.

Defence counsel, Olalekan Abiodun, who had earlier been overruled on his objection to the arraignment of the defendant, was again overruled when he applied that the defendant be remanded at EFCC custody pending the filing of his bail application.

Consequently, Justice Abike-Fadipe ordered that Adegoke be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until January 13, 2027, for trial.

A member of the House of Representatives, Kafilat Ogbara, has attracted attention after refusing to shake hands with Dele Oshinowo, who defeated her in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for Kosofe Federal Constituency.

The incident happened at the inaugural Seyi Tinubu Colloquium in Lagos when Oshinowo, a former chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, approached Ogbara and extended his hand to greet her.

However, Ogbara remained seated and turned away instead of accepting the handshake.

In a video of the incident, the lawmaker was heard saying, ‘Well done, how are you? I cannot shake you.’

Oshinowo reacted before walking away.

The incident comes months after Oshinowo emerged as the APC candidate for Kosofe Federal Constituency in May 2026 ahead of the 2027 general election.

His victory was a major development in the political contest for the constituency, which Ogbara currently represents in the House of Representatives.

The two politicians have also been involved in previous political disagreements, including a dispute in 2025 over the demolition of the Owode-Onirin market.

The latest incident has drawn attention amid continuing political tensions in Kosofe following the APC primary.

Oshinowo is expected to contest for the constituency’s House of Representatives seat in the 2027 general election, subject to the relevant electoral processes.

Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, on Monday commissioned the PBAT/KOH Lagos Central Campaign Office, urging Lagosians to turn out in large numbers to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates in the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held on Harden Street, Lagos Island, Hamzat said Lagosians had a responsibility to support the President’s re-election, noting that Tinubu’s longstanding connection to Lagos made the State’s support particularly significant. He added that re-electing the President would ensure continuity in the work his administration had begun.

The Deputy Governor noted that Lagos has the highest number of registered voters in the country, stressing that mobilising residents to participate in the elections and vote for Tinubu and other APC candidates would be crucial to achieving the prosperity Nigerians desire.

My charge to you is that, as you are all seated here today, on Election Day, make sure you take someone along to the polling unit to vote for Asiwaju. It would be dangerous for us not to come out and vote for all our candidates if we truly say we love them,’ Hamzat concluded.

In his goodwill message, the Senator representing Lagos Central, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, described the commissioning of the Lagos Central Senatorial Campaign Office as a historic milestone and a symbol of unity, peace and the party’s determination to consolidate its achievements.

Eshilokun urged party members and supporters to remain united despite their differences, engage constructively with their neighbours and maintain discipline throughout the electioneering process. He emphasised the need to mobilise grassroots support and strengthen the party’s presence across communities, markets and households, expressing confidence that collective commitment and sustained engagement would secure victory for the APC in Lagos Central, Lagos State and Nigeria.

Similarly, in his goodwill message, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, said the campaign office would serve as a strategic platform for strengthening ties between the senatorial district and the State leadership, while facilitating the dissemination of the party’s policies and achievements across local governments, wards and polling units.

Ojelabi urged party members to serve as ambassadors of the party by taking the message of the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to the grassroots. He also encouraged members who are yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so promptly, while calling for peaceful campaigns, constructive, issue-based engagement and effective voter mobilisation ahead of the elections.

In his address, Director-General of the PBAT-KOH Lagos Campaign Organisation, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, described the commissioning of the Lagos Central Senatorial Campaign Office as a reaffirmation of the district’s political significance and strategic importance to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said the facility underscored the party’s commitment to strengthening its political structures and consolidating its presence across the senatorial district.

Obanikoro urged party members and supporters in Lagos Central to intensify their campaign activities and deepen grassroots mobilisation to secure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election and promote the electoral success of all APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

Olusola Sanni, a strategic media associate to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has defended the former vice-president’s repeated reference to President Bola Tinubu simply as ‘Bola’, citing a song composed in honour of the president by a northern Nigerian musician.

Sanni made the remarks on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, October 12, while responding to questions about Atiku’s refusal to address Tinubu by his presidential title.

During the programme, an anchor identified as Kelly questioned why the former vice-president repeatedly addressed Tinubu by his first name rather than acknowledging him as president.

‘Why is he refusing to refer to President Bola Tinubu as President Tinubu? Why is he having to call him by his name?’ the anchor asked.

Responding, Sanni argued that Atiku was not the first person to address the president informally, pointing to a song by a musician from northern Nigeria.

‘Atiku will not be the first to refer to him as Bola… there is a musician in some part of Northern Nigeria who created an album for him and called him Omo Ologo,’ he said.

‘Omo Ologo means ‘a boy’; the musician called him ‘a boy,” Sanni added.

The song, titled Omo Ologo, was performed in honour of Tinubu by popular northern political singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara.

The Yoruba expression is commonly translated as ‘child of glory’ and is generally complimentary rather than derogatory.

The exchange comes amid controversy over Atiku’s repeated use of Tinubu’s first name in his political statements ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The former vice-president has faced criticism from some political figures who consider the practice disrespectful to the office of the president.

Former presidential campaign director Akin Osuntokun and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo are among those who have publicly criticised Atiku over the issue.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that he would not spare even his own son if he became involved in cultism or kidnapping, warning that his administration would not tolerate criminality in the state.

Okpebholo stated this on Monday in Benin during a mass renunciation and denunciation of cultism organised by the Edo State Special Security Squad (ESSSS), where more than 500 members of various cult groups publicly renounced their membership and were granted amnesty.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the governor said he had the support of President Bola Tinubu and security agencies in his efforts to tackle cultism, kidnapping and other criminal activities in Edo.

‘If there is one thing that Mr President is happy about, it’s making Edo free of criminality,’ he said.

Okpebholo stressed that protecting residents was his primary responsibility and that nobody would be exempt from the law, regardless of their relationship with him.

‘My duty is very clear. The oath I took is to protect the people of Edo. This I must carry out without fear or favour of anybody. Even if that person is my child, I won’t know you at that moment,’ he said.

The governor warned those involved in criminal activities that they would find no hiding place in the state.

‘Those who think they can do it, let them know that there is no hiding place for criminality in Edo State,’ he added.

Earlier, the Coordinator of ESSSS, Naoh Idemudia, said the security outfit had recorded significant achievements in supporting the state government’s efforts to combat insecurity since its inauguration.

Idemudia attributed the progress to the governor’s support and political will, saying the squad had adopted a different approach to crime prevention and complemented the work of conventional security agencies in protecting lives and property.

He commended Okpebholo for providing the platform and backing needed for the outfit to carry out its responsibilities.

Also speaking, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, urged youths involved in cultism to abandon the practice, warning that it often leads to destruction and death.

Quoting Proverbs 16:25 of the Bible, Daaor said cultism might appear attractive to young people initially but could ultimately destroy their lives and aspirations.

He said many youths had lost their lives and futures after joining cult groups, adding that the amnesty programme offered beneficiaries an opportunity to change their ways and rebuild their lives.

The police commissioner commended Okpebholo for the initiative, describing it as evidence of the governor’s concern for the future of Edo youths.

According to Daaor, the programme reflects an effort to prevent young people from following a path that could endanger their lives and undermine the state’s future.

He urged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously and avoid returning to cultism or criminal activities.

‘Amnesty may be coming from you, but it’s one of those branches of the mercies of God that God is extending,’ Daaor said, urging the beneficiaries not to treat the opportunity lightly.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Bauchi State has recorded 70 cases and secured three convictions from January to October, 2026.

Alhaji Atiku Kalli, State Coordinator of the agency disclosed this in an interview in Bauchi on Monday.

Kalli said other cases were ongoing in various courts, adding that the agency would not relent its efforts to bring perpetrators to book.

‘From January to date, the agency was able to record 70 cases of trafficking including 25 victims that were rescued from trafficking situations involving foreign countries in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The agency in collaboration with relevant stakeholders is working to receive, profile and reintegrate returned migrants into their communities,’ he said.

Kalli said that NAPTIP had intensified sensitisation campaigns reaching more than 50 communities in Bauchi within the year through physical engagements.

He said the campaigns involved visits to schools, motor parks and local communities, as well as engagements with relevant stakeholders.

‘The agency is into raising awareness through radio and Television programmes to reach out to millions of listeners and viewers. We also engaged with women groups to promote activities around trafficking and Gender based Violence,’ he said.

He identified prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership and policy as the agency’s five strategic approaches to combating human trafficking.

Kalli also disclosed that the agency has commenced investigation on complaints involving agents allegedly recruiting girls from rural communities to cities.

He said that NAPTIP was collaborating with relevant stakeholders working to protect women, children and other vulnerable persons from trafficking and exploitation.