Category: The Nation – Nigeria

With the grand opening of a permanent headquarters for the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), on Friday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has deepened his administration’s commitment to bolstering security and safety across the State.

The Governor inaugurated the Security Trust Fund Building, located on Assbifi Road in Ikeja Central Business District, to enhance capacity and boost response time to meet the security needs of Lagosians.

The highly fortified multi-storey building was handed over to the Lagos State Government by businessman and philanthropist, Adebutu Kessington, who also donated five operational vehicles for security patrol.

The edifice, which will serve as a one-stop shop for the funding of all security operations in Lagos, was completed 10 months after Sanwo-Olu turned the sod for the construction of the project.

The LSSTF office complex will serve as the new coordination centre for State-led security efforts, supporting operations across all security formations in Lagos.

Moving to a permanent site would also enhance capacity and service delivery for the agency, which has functioned from a rented building since its launch in September 2007.

Beyond offering office space, Sanwo-Olu noted that the building should allow the LSSTF to engage contributors more effectively, manage resources responsibly and coordinate operations, adding that the facility’s real worth would be judged by the quality of outcomes from the security services it supports.

The Governor said: ‘Security is essential to the progress of Lagos. Our residents must feel safe, businesses must operate with confidence, and investors must have assurance that their investments are protected. This is why the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, established in 2007, remains an important platform for mobilising support from government, the private sector and citizens to strengthen our security agencies.

‘Today’s commissioning is an important milestone for the Fund. Ten months after we performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project, we are pleased to see this project completed. But the value of this building must go beyond providing office space. It must enable the LSSTF to engage contributors more effectively, manage resources responsibly and coordinate its activities in support of our security agencies.’

Sanwo-Olu described the donation as ‘a remarkable gesture’ by Sir Kessington, thanking the nonagenarian businessman for his ‘generous contribution’ to support the State Government’s efforts in safeguarding lives and investments in Lagos.

The Governor said Sir Kessington’s philanthropic effort would inspire other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute their quota to the safety and progress of the State.

Sanwo-Olu charged security agencies to continue to uphold professionalism, discipline and respect for the rights of the people. He urged them to leverage the intervention to enhance their intelligence-led operations, while strengthening community participation in keeping the State safe.

LSSTF Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, said the intervention would drive renewed commitment to mobilise voluntary support from individuals and organisations to channel resources towards strengthening the capacity of security agencies to protect lives, property and livelihoods across Lagos.

He said: ‘The commissioning of the Sir Kessington Adebutu LSSTF Building will strengthen the institution that brings the contributions together and converts them into practical support for those entrusted with the task of securing the State.

‘Every contribution, whether financial, material, technical or institutional, plays a role in strengthening the security environment of Lagos. We encourage more organisations and individuals to join this partnership and help build a safer, more prosperous state.’

Sir Kessington, the donor, described a sense of fulfilment from the project’s completion, observing that the landmark effort carried meaning beyond brick and mortar.

The donor, Sir Kessington, said the project’s completion gave him a sense of fulfillment, noting that the donation of the landmark building carried meaning far more than brick and mortar for him. He described the project as his ‘obligation of gratitude’ to God.

‘It stands as an enduring testament to our collective commitment to safeguarding lives and property, preserving peace and creating an enabling environment for economic growth and sustainable development.

‘It has always been my abiding conviction that God’s blessings are not meant for our exclusive enjoyment but should be deployed towards the service of humanity and leaving society better than we met it.

‘I, therefore, regard my modest contribution to this project not merely as philanthropy but as a sacred obligation of gratitude to our Almighty Creator,’ the nonagenarian businessman said.

He said the edifice would serve as an enduring monument to purposeful public-private partnership, selfless service and responsible citizenship.

LSSTF Board chairman, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said the building would be a permanent institutional home for security coordination and response.

It was all bustling in Kaduna metropolis yesterday as the city revved up preparation to host the formal take off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign today.

State governors, party leaders including the APC national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and the Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council Abdulaziz Yari, thousands of party supporters and members of support groups from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) trooped into the city ahead of President Bola Tinubu and his entourage who are expected in town today.

All hotels in and around the city are fully booked by delegates to the event.

The Ranchers Bees Stadium, venue of the event, is wearing a new look with APC flags, billboards and banners hoisted all over it.

Security has been tightened. Police and other security operatives are deployed across the metropolis especially along the roads leading to the stadium.

In what appeared to be a warm up, support groups backing President Tinubu yesterday staged a solidarity road march in Kaduna.

They declared their readiness to mobilise Nigerians for his re-election in 2027.

The march, organised under the auspices of the Support Groups Mobilisation Directorate of the Presidential Campaign Council, attracted members of various pro-Tinubu groups, who marched through major streets to demonstrate their support for the President.

Speaking during the exercise, Director of the Support Groups Mobilisation Directorate, Silas Ali Agara, said it was to welcome President Tinubu to Kaduna and demonstrate the commitment of support groups to his second-term ambition.

Agara said about 10,000 support groups had been mobilised nationwide.

‘We want to show Mr President that Nigerians love him, the people of Kaduna State love him, and the youth of this country love him,’ he said.

According to him, the directorate has put structures in place across the country to ensure effective mobilisation of supporters at the grassroots ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He explained that similar solidarity marches would be organised in every state visited by the President during the campaign, with local support groups expected to demonstrate their strength and readiness to mobilise voters.

Agara commended members of the various support groups, particularly the Northwest zonal coordinators, for their commitment and impressive turnout despite the short notice.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of State for Works and other stakeholders towards the successful organisation of the exercise.

The director assured that the mobilisation would not be restricted to campaign rallies, stressing that the groups would maintain a strong presence in communities across the country to sustain support for Tinubu’s re-election.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, described the solidarity march as a demonstration of the growing support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Goronyo, who doubles as Secretary of the Northwest support group structure, said supporters of the President were determined to ensure his re-election to enable him to consolidate the achievements of his administration.

He cited ongoing interventions in road infrastructure, water supply, education, healthcare and other critical sectors as reasons Nigerians should support the President for another term.

‘We thank Mr President for his unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of Nigerians,’ the minister said.

He urged the support groups to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation, assuring that the campaign structures would continue to work together to deliver victory for the APC in 2027.

Goronyo also called for sustained support for Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani, other APC governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives and state lawmakers, saying the party needed collective efforts to consolidate its electoral fortunes.

The minister expressed confidence that the solidarity march would further strengthen coordination among political leaders, campaign officials and grassroots support groups as the presidential campaign moved to other parts of the country.

Similarly, the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre and Northwest Coordinator of the Tinubu Support Group under the Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi, commended the organisers and participants for their commitment to the President’s re-election project.

Dan’Agundi said the road march was designed to demonstrate the preparedness of support groups ahead of the campaign flag-off and subsequent presidential campaign engagements across the federation.

He explained that the mobilisation strategy would enable the campaign leadership to assess the strength, presence and readiness of support groups in states scheduled to host the President.

The coordinator particularly acknowledged the contributions of Hon. James Abiodun Faleke and other campaign stakeholders towards the coordination and success of the exercise.

He assured that the groups would continue to work together to strengthen grassroots participation and sustain mobilisation for Tinubu throughout the electioneering period.

Another campaign official commended participants for responding to the mobilisation at short notice, describing the march as a rallying point for supporters ahead of today’s presidential campaign flag-off.

He also expressed optimism that the solidarity demonstrated by the groups would be sustained throughout the campaign.

We’re expecting massive turnout, says APC

The North West APC Publicity Secretary Mailafiya Mada ,speaking yesterday ahead of the rally said the party was expecting a massive turnout of supporters.

He said concerns about public safety, venue capacity, logistics, and crowd management had been considered, with measures being put in place to address them.

He acknowledged concerns that Ranchers Bees Stadium might be too small to accommodate the anticipated crowd but explained that Ahmadu Bello Stadium, the alternative venue, is undergoing renovation.

Mr Mada said the campaign leadership was also mindful of the possibility of a turnout exceeding the capacity of the selected venue.

‘We have a certain number of people that can be accommodated inside, while arrangements will be made to manage the others around the venue,’ he said.

Mr Mada stressed that the objective was not merely to accommodate everyone within the venue but also to demonstrate the level of support and goodwill for the president and the party.

He explained that state party chairmen leading delegations from across the country were aware of the venue constraints and expected to work within the arrangements made by the campaign leadership.

Mr Mada said organisers were conscious of the need to manage the expected crowd and ensure that the event proceeded smoothly.

Asked about the estimated number of people expected at the rally, Mr Mada said it was difficult to give a definite figure because of the different groups and individuals expected to attend.

He explained that delegations would arrive from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside supporters mobilised through party structures and individual politicians.

‘I cannot project the number because this is the kind of event that brings together delegations from the 36 states and the FCT.

‘There are those coming through the party, those being sponsored, as well as individual politicians who will mobilise their supporters.

‘But I assure you that the turnout is going to be massive. We expect a massive turnout,’ he said.

Tinubu to inaugurate 81km Abuja-Kaduna highway at APC campaign flag-off

On the sideline of the campaign launch today, President Tinubu will inaugurate an 81-kilometre stretch of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

The road, constructed with reinforced concrete pavement and equipped with streetlights, forms part of the administration’s infrastructure development programme in the Northwest, where the Federal Government is targeting a total of 4,084 kilometres of roads.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said on his verified X handle, @aonanuga, that the state of the road would make nighttime travel along the corridor easier.

The X post highlighted major road and railway projects being by the Tinubu administration across the geopolitical zone.

According to Onanuga, the Federal Government has completed 348 kilometres of inherited and newly initiated road projects in the Northwest, while another 1,811 kilometres of road projects are partially completed.

Previewing today’s event,he said:’Kaduna is getting set to host the first rally of the APC Presidential campaign on Saturday.’

On the road,Onanuga said: ‘Those travelling by road from Abuja to Kaduna in the night, will notice the road lighting for 81 kilometre stretch on a solid, concrete highway, built by the Tinubu administration.’

According to him, substantial work has been completed on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway, one of the country’s major transportation corridors linking the Federal Capital Territory with the Northwest.

One hundred and eighteen kilometres of Lot 1 of the highway has been completed, including 81 kilometres constructed using continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), which would be inaugurated by the President during the Kaduna rally.

Similarly, another 164 kilometres of Lot 2 of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway has been completed using reinforced concrete pavement.

Onanuga he said the 77-kilometre Kaduna-Pambeguwa road would be formally inaugurated by the President during the APC presidential campaign rally in Jos, Plateau State.

Beyond the completed projects, the presidential aide outlined several ongoing road developments, including sections of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, designated as the second legacy infrastructure project of the Renewed Hope administration.

He said that work on the Sokoto section, covering 120 kilometres of dual carriageway, equivalent to 240 kilometres of road, had reached 60 per cent completion.

The Kebbi section of the same highway, covering 254 kilometres of dual carriageway, equivalent to 508 kilometres of road, had attained 40 per cent completion, according to the presidential spokesman.

Onanuga also highlighted the 350-kilometre Sokoto-Zamfara-Zaria dual carriageway, equivalent to 700 kilometres of road, which is being executed in four sections.

He said the project had attained an average completion level of 30 per cent across the four sections.

Other ongoing projects listed by the presidential aide include the 153-kilometre Kano-Kongolam road, the 132-kilometre Zaria-Hunkuyi road and the 123-kilometre Mando-Birnin Gwari road.

Onanuga also disclosed that the administration had completed 149 emergency road projects across the Northwest, although he did not provide their individual locations or financial details.

Turning to railway infrastructure, the presidential spokesman identified two major metropolitan rail projects involving substantial investments in Kaduna and Kano states.

He listed the Kaduna Metropolitan Rail Line, valued at $865 million, among the administration’s railway infrastructure interventions in the region.

Similarly, he highlighted a light rail project within the Kano metropolitan area, valued at more than ?1 trillion, as another major component of the Federal Government’s transportation development programme.

The presidential aide, however, did not specify the implementation stages or expected completion dates of the two metropolitan railway projects.

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has announced a new initiative to support organisations working within the sickle cell community.

The singer a sickle cell advocate and founder of the Adekunle Gold Foundation shared the news in a post on his Instagram page on Friday.

He said the foundation is launching its latest project ‘We’re Not Done’ which will commit $20000 to support organisations doing critical work in the sickle cell community.

‘Today the @adekunlegoldfoundation is taking another meaningful step towards creating lasting impact in the sickle cell community’ he wrote.

‘I’m excited to introduce our latest initiative we’re not done through which with the support of @joinpesainc we’re committing $20000 to support organisations doing critical work in the sickle cell community.’

Adekunle Gold disclosed that the initiative will begin with four organisations.

He noted that these organisations have been doing important work and deserve more than recognition.

‘These organisations have been doing important work and they deserve more than recognition. They deserve the support and funding to reach more people strengthen their impact and keep moving forward’ he stated.

The singer who has openly shared his own journey living with sickle cell disease said the project is just the beginning with plans to support more organisations and create lasting change.

‘This is just the beginning. Our hope is to support even more organisations and help create lasting change’ he added.

He also called on the public to support the initiative through donations or by contacting the foundation via email or its website.

‘We’re not done. Because we can do more together’ he concluded.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said the country is firmly on the path to full economic recovery and sustainable development citing growing investor confidence in the nation’s economy as evidence of progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

She expressed optimism that the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms would continue to yield positive results urging Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s economic prospects.

The First Lady spoke on Friday in Abuja while inaugurating the national headquarters of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement a political support group mobilising grassroots backing for President Tinubu’s re-election in the January 2027 presidential election.

She charged members of the movement to intensify their engagement with Nigerians across communities stressing that political mobilisation should go beyond soliciting votes to understanding citizens’ concerns aspirations and expectations.

According to a statement from her Senior Special Assistant on Media Busola Kukoyi the First Lady said the door-to-door campaign strategy remains one of the most effective ways to reach ordinary Nigerians directly and communicate the administration’s policies programme and achievements.

‘The door-to-door campaign approach remains one of the most vital avenues for true community engagement which gives us the privilege to listen to the heartfelt concerns of families understand the aspirations of our young people honour the wisdom of our elders and learn directly from the women who serve as the resilient backbone of our homes and society as a whole’ she said.

Senator Tinubu urged campaigners to communicate messages of hope national unity peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity while highlighting the progress recorded under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘As we embark on this noble mission let us always remember that impactful outreach extends far beyond visiting doorsteps. Our message must consistently resonate hope peace unity and development especially the impactful progress the Tinubu administration has made so far’ she stated.

The First Lady commended the leadership and members of the movement for extending their activities to 14 states describing their grassroots mobilisation efforts as important to the campaign for President Tinubu’s second term.

She encouraged them to sustain the momentum as the All Progressives Congress (APC) formally kicks off its presidential campaign while emphasising the need for peaceful and respectful political engagement.

Senator Tinubu particularly cautioned members against discrimination based on political affiliation insisting that every Nigerian deserved to be heard and treated with dignity regardless of partisan differences.

‘To the members of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement I encourage you all to approach every community peacefully engage every individual with respect and remember that every Nigerian deserves to be heard and valued regardless of political affiliation.

‘Let us win the hearts and votes through the strength of our message: Renewed Hope True Federalism and Shared Prosperity’ she charged.

Speaking at the ceremony Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed confidence in the administration’s economic policies urging Nigerians to maintain faith in what he described as steady improvements across the country.

Akpabio said the government remained committed to delivering on its promises and improving citizens’ welfare despite the challenges confronting the nation.

‘The message is that hope is here hope has come and hope is alive’ the Senate President declared.

Also speaking Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said state governments benefited significantly from the Tinubu administration’s economic policies particularly through improved revenue allocations.

The governor maintained that increased financial resources available to subnational governments had strengthened their capacity to meet recurrent obligations and implement development projects.

He said improved revenues have enabled state governments to pay workers’ salaries without accumulating arrears and settle contractors’ bills more promptly.

Oborevwori described the development as evidence that the administration’s economic policies were positively affecting governance and public service delivery at the state level.

In his remarks the convener of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement High Chief Government Ekpemupolo represented by High Chief Matthew Tonlagha reaffirmed the group’s determination to expand its grassroots mobilisation activities nationwide.

Ekpemupolo assured that the movement would intensify efforts to communicate the achievements and programmes of President Tinubu’s administration to Nigerians in communities across the federation ahead of the January 2027 presidential election.

The movement which has already taken its campaign for the President’s re-election to 14 states is expected to use its newly inaugurated Abuja headquarters to coordinate further nationwide outreach activities.

The inauguration comes ahead of the APC presidential campaign’s formal start in Kaduna on Saturday (tomorrow) as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Benjamin Kalu Wife of Kwara State Governor Amb Olufolake Abdulrazaq and others watch as the First Lady inspects the situation room at the PBAT Door to Door Movement Headquarters after she commissioned the complex on Friday 23rd October 2026.

The Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers has condoled with the Uduaghan family of Abigborodo and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on the death of former governor Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.

In a statement on behalf of the council its Chairman HRM Maj-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo Orhue 1 said they received with shock and ”profound bewilderment” the news of the death of the former governor.

The council described Uduaghan as a detribalised leader who made an enduring mark in the area of human capital development infrastructural needs of the people and promoted peace among the various ethnic tribes in the state adding that the late governor treated every part of the state as one united family.

”Though he inherited the famous Warri crisis from his predecessor he was able to build lasting peace among the three warring tribes irrespective of his ethnic affiliation the chairman of the council added.

The council added that Uduaghan maintained an excellent relationship with traditional institutions as well as made monarchs’ welfare a top priority. ”Even in death his enduring legacies will continue to resonate among Deltans.

The traditional institutions of the state will continue to remember his great deeds especially in the area of building a strong and virile traditional institution that can compete favourably with other traditional rulers in other states of the country” the council further said.

The chairman prayed God to comfort the family state government and state and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Director-General of the Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat Global Movement (KOH) Tunde Ajisola has said the diaspora group is supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat because of his loyalty to the party and his long years of experience in the developmental trajectory of Lagos State since 1999.

Ajisola who is also the Publicity Secretary of the United Kingdom Chapter of the APC said the group which comprises like-minded people across the world would do everything possible to ensure victory for the APC governorship candidate.

He maintained that the KOH Global Movement would continue to support the vision of an unlimited Lagos by engaging in daily sensitisation of members both at home and in the diaspora in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Hamzat and all APC candidates in the coming elections.

‘Lagos is no longer just a state; it is a megacity of global relevance.

‘It is a complex ecosystem economically vibrant socially dynamic and infrastructurally stretched.

‘The pressures of rapid urbanisation population explosion transportation bottlenecks housing deficits and environmental sustainability are no longer abstract concerns; they are lived realities for millions of residents.

‘At such a time Lagos does not just need a politician. It needs a technocrat someone who understands systems data planning and execution at scale. It needs a leader who combines intellectual depth with administrative experience innovation with continuity and vision with practical delivery. This is where Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat stands out.

‘The KOH Global Movement came with the dream of unlimited Lagos for all Lagosians.

‘I am in Lagos to support my brother and governorship candidate of our great party in Lagos State Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat.

‘It is our own little way of showing solidarity with somebody who has been a loyal and committed member of our party.

‘Dr Hamzat was not shaped by chance. His journey reflects a deliberate cultivation of knowledge discipline and exposure. He is equipped with what is needed to rule Lagos and our dream of unlimited Lagos is a reflection of his desire to continue the good works started since 1999 when our President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was governor of Lagos State.

‘It is with this belief that I join all our members to present these materials in solidarity and support for a man of destiny’ he said.

Ajisola while presenting the electioneering materials at the headquarters of the Obafemi Hamzat Campaign Office in Lagos urged Lagosians to vote massively for all APC candidates in the elections.

He insisted that a vote for the APC was a vote for a secure future rooted in renewed hope and unlimited possibilities both in Nigeria and Lagos State in particular.

Members of the group including its Secretary Martins Olanegan; Country Director Abdullahi Yusuf; Operational Director Abiodun Adeyeri; and Emmanuel Fagbemi also promised to work assiduously to ensure that Hamzat and his deputy Princess Damilola Sonayon-James were sworn in as the next governor and deputy governor of Lagos State in May 2027.

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi has pledged continued financial support to the mother of his slain supporter Ifeanyi Nwolie offering to stand in as her son following the alleged killing of the young man in Enugu State.

Obi who attended Nwolie’s burial in his hometown of Afa Udi Local Government Area reportedly gave the bereaved mother a 15-month stipend covering payments through December 2027 according to a statement issued by his media office and signed by its spokesman Idris Zekeri Jnr on Thursday.

The former Anambra State governor also condemned political violence and called on candidates contesting the 2027 general elections to reject violence ethnic division and religious bigotry.

Obi said Nwolie was shot during a political activity organised by the NDC on October 10 2026.

He described the death as a painful reminder of the human cost of what he called Nigeria’s toxic political environment.

According to the statement Obi arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja from the United Kingdom at 5:30 a.m. before connecting to a 7 a.m. flight to Enugu to attend the burial.

During a visit to the deceased’s mother after the funeral Obi assured her of his support recalling the role her son had played in caring for her.

‘My humble pledge to the mother is that God Almighty whom it pleased to bring Ifeanyi home has also given her another son in me to support her as Ifeanyi used to’ he said.

Obi urged political parties and candidates to ensure that their campaigns focused on policies capable of improving the country rather than violence and divisive rhetoric.

‘Democracy thrives when citizens can freely express their political choices and participate in the electoral process without fear. The process through which we attain public office is more important than the office itself’ he said.

He stressed the need to uphold the rule of law warning that its erosion could create conditions for disorder and anarchy.

‘We must work together to rebuild and restore a Nigeria where human life is valued above political ambition and where every citizen can exercise their democratic rights in peace and safety’ Obi said.

In a related development Obi condemned an alleged AI-generated image purportedly depicting him Cardinal John Onaiyekan and the NDC governorship candidate in Enugu State Sir Chinyeaka Oha seeking Pope Leo XIV’s blessing for electoral victory.

The Peter Obi Media Office in a separate statement described the image as deceptive and accused unnamed political opponents of attempting to draw the Catholic Church into partisan political activities.

It called on political actors to refrain from using the Pope and the Church in partisan campaigns stressing that religious institutions should be respected and allowed to carry out their spiritual responsibilities without political interference.

The statement said Obi’s campaign was focused on addressing poverty insecurity corruption and economic hardship while expanding opportunities for young Nigerians and promoting a society in which citizens could live with dignity and hope.

It also challenged political opponents to engage in issue-based campaigns and present their records policies competence character and vision for the country.

‘The 2027 election must focus on Nigeria’s future not fabricated religious controversies’ the statement quoted Obi as saying.

He urged candidates to concentrate on the challenges facing Nigerians and offer practical solutions rather than promote religious controversies.

‘Let us keep the Church separate from politics and focus the campaign on the genuine issues facing Nigerians’ he said.

The family of the late leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti has announced December 17 2026 for the burial of the elder statesman who died at the age of 100.

The burial arrangements were announced in a statement issued by Dr Taiwo Fasoranti on behalf of the family.

The family said the burial programme would begin with a Christian wake-keeping service on Wednesday December 16 at the deceased’s residence in Akure the Ondo State capital.

The funeral service and interment are scheduled for Thursday December 17 at St. David’s Cathedral Ijomu Akure.

Fasoranti a prominent Yoruba leader nationalist and elder statesman died at his residence in Akure on Tuesday.

His death has continued to draw tributes from political leaders associates and other Nigerians who acknowledged his contributions to the Yoruba nation and the country.

According to the statement the wake-keeping service will take place at the late patriarch’s residence within the Omolere Nursery and Primary School Compound Akure.

The statement said the funeral service would hold at St. David’s Cathedral Ijomu on Thursday December 17 after which the remains of the deceased would be interred at the church cemetery.

It added that guests would be entertained at his residence immediately after the interment.

The family further announced that an outing and thanksgiving service would be held on Sunday December 20 at St. David’s Cathedral Ijomu Akure to conclude the burial programme.

Describing the deceased as a beloved patriarch a foremost nationalist and a distinguished leader of Afenifere the family said the burial arrangements were intended to honour his memory and celebrate his life of service.

The statement read ‘The family of late Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti CFR is pleased to announce the burial arrangements of our beloved patriarch leader of Afenifere and foremost nationalist who passed away at the age of 100 years.’

The family appealed to friends associates well-wishers and members of the public to support it with prayers and attend the funeral ceremonies in honour of the late elder statesman.

‘We request your prayers and presence as we honour the memory of a distinguished elder and patriot’ the statement added.

Axxela Limited a leading gas and power portfolio company in Sub-Saharan Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to service excellence and strong customer relationships.

The company gave the pledge at its Customer Appreciation Forum themed ‘Energy for Progress Partnerships for Growth’ in Lagos.

The forum forms part of the company’s broader commitment to fostering open communication strengthening customer relationships and creating value across its markets. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate customers and explore ways to enhance service excellence through reliable energy solutions that support business growth.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Axxela Moshood Olajide expressed appreciation to the customers for their continued confidence and partnership emphasising their importance to Axxela’s growth and long-term ambitions.

‘This forum is more than an opportunity to express our appreciation; it is also an avenue to reaffirm our commitment to building enduring partnerships delivering value and providing energy solutions that cater to your evolving needs. Our evolution into an integrated energy solutions provider reflects our understanding that our customers’ needs are dynamic and will continue to evolve. We have been deliberate about anticipating these needs and building the capabilities infrastructure and partnerships required to deliver end-to-end energy solutions. As we look to the future we are excited about the opportunities ahead to deepen our relationships explore new possibilities and achieve even greater success together’ Olajide said.

In his goodwill message the Managing Director/CEO of Emmalesson Enterprises Ltd. Emmanuel Evue commended Axxela for their unwavering support encouragement and reassurance during a challenging period in the company’s journey.

‘The process of obtaining our take-off approval from the Federal Government was long and challenging. Throughout the journey Axxela’s customer relationship management team provided unwavering support. Their consistency and commitment reassured us while their encouragement and practical support gave us the confidence to persevere through a difficult period. Today we are fully operational and look forward to building an even stronger and more productive relationship with Axxela’ Evue said.

The event also featured award presentations recognising and celebrating Axxela’s customers for their outstanding contributions and longstanding business relationships with the company. Among the recipients Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc. received the Customer of the Year Award while Cadbury Nigeria Plc. received the Partnership Milestone Award in honour of its longstanding relationship with Axxela having been a valued customer for 25 years.Other recipients included BUA Group and TGI Group which received the Multi-Location Natural Gas User Awardand Special Recognition Award respectively.

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has raised the alarm over what it described as an alleged plot by unnamed political interests to destabilise its structures and frustrate efforts to build a strong opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement yesterday, the party’s National Chairman, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said the PRP had been following attempts to ‘subvert’ it and damage its electoral prospects and its role in the push for a credible opposition alliance.

He alleged that some persons were seeking to create divisions within the party by recruiting disgruntled former members and positioning serving officials to work against its interests.

He did not identify those involved or provide evidence supporting the claims.

‘The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has been following attempts to subvert it and cause irreparable damage to its electoral fortunes and its place in the popular attempt to build a credible opposition coalition,’ he said.

The chairman cautioned members, candidates and supporters against inducements or activities that could compromise the party’s independence and electoral integrity.

He also warned against unauthorised recruitment of polling agents in the name of the PRP, saying such moves formed part of the alleged effort to infiltrate the party’s electoral machinery.

Baba-Ahmed expressed concern that money could be used through party officials to influence members to back candidates outside the party’s legitimate arrangements.

‘Huge amounts of money may be available to buy members’ support for opposition candidates by party officials. These efforts should be resisted and exposed,’ he said.

He said individuals allegedly linked to the operation had been cautioned against interfering in the PRP’s internal affairs or funding unauthorised political activities.

Baba-Ahmed also warned that serving party officials found, through the PRP’s internal processes, to be collaborating with external interests to undermine the party could face disciplinary action in line with its regulations.

He assured candidates and supporters that the leadership would not sacrifice their loyalty or political interests for financial inducements.

‘The leadership of the PRP wishes to assure its candidates and party supporters that it will not sacrifice their commitments and loyalty at any price,’ he said.

Baba-Ahmed reaffirmed the party’s commitment to contributing to a strong opposition alliance and to offering a credible challenge in the 2027 elections.

‘The party is committed to providing a befitting challenge to the continuation of this administration beyond 2027, as well as its role in building a potential winning coalition,’ he stated.

The claims remain unverified, as the PRP did not provide names, evidence or details of the alleged scheme.