Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lere Olayinka, has said some presidential candidates in the 2027 election are not contesting to win but to register their presence and remain politically relevant.

Olayinka made the assertion on Friday during an interview on Arise News, where he assessed the emerging political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The media aide to Nyesom Wike argued that the growing number of presidential aspirants should not be taken to mean that all the candidates have realistic chances of winning the election.

According to him, some politicians enter presidential contests primarily to make political statements, maintain visibility and sustain their relevance.

‘It is not everybody who contests elections who wants to win. Some people contest elections just to register their presence.

‘For instance, in this 2027 election, we have 19 presidential candidates. Can we honestly say that all 19 are contesting with the mindset of winning? The answer is no,’ he said.

Olayinka cited the performance of the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in the 2023 presidential election as an example.

He questioned how a candidate who secured about 14,600 votes in the last presidential election could realistically expect to win the presidency in 2027.

‘For instance, the candidate of AAC, Omoyele Sowore, had 14,600 votes in 2023. How would that person win the election next year? They know that they cannot win.

‘They are just contesting,’ he said.

The FCT Minister’s spokesman also questioned the electoral strength and grassroots spread of the party associated with former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

‘Even NDC, the party of Peter Obi, knows they cannot win the election. They are just contesting to try to register their presence,’ Olayinka said.

He maintained that winning a presidential election in Nigeria requires more than popularity and media visibility, stressing the importance of party structure, grassroots mobilisation and election-day personnel.

According to him, political parties without candidates and functional structures across several states would struggle to mount a serious challenge in a nationwide election.

‘You don’t have a governorship candidate in 15 states. You only have it in 13. There were elections in Ekiti and Osun recently.

‘NDC did not field candidates. How do you win an election when you don’t have people on the ground to canvass votes for you, to manage elections for you?’ he asked.

Olayinka said effective election management required a massive network of party agents and supporters across Nigeria’s polling units.

He noted that with about 176,846 polling units across the country, a serious presidential candidate would require substantial human resources to monitor and manage election activities.

‘In Nigeria today, there are 176,846 polling units. To make a good impression on Election Day, you need at least five people to manage each polling unit.

‘At least, you need five people. We have done elections before, so we know what it is.

‘It is not about making noise,’ he said.

Olayinka’s comments come amid increasing political realignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition politicians and political parties exploring possible alliances to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State formally unveiled its candidates for the 2027 general elections on Friday, including those for governor, the Senate, the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly, with Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli emerging as the party’s governorship candidate.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the Oyo State APC Secretariat, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Senator Alli thanked God Almighty, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and party leaders and members for considering him the party’s standard-bearer.

Alli, who currently represents the Oyo South Senatorial District in the Senate, said those who contested the governorship ticket alongside him should not be regarded as opponents but as brothers and critical stakeholders in the collective struggle for the party’s victory.

He stressed the need for unity among members, warning against division and internal disagreements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, a united APC would present a stronger front and improve the party’s chances of electoral victory across Oyo State.

The senator also promised an inclusive administration if elected governor, pledging to prioritise education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and other sectors that would positively impact residents across all parts of the state.

The party also unveiled Hon. Soji Adedeji as the deputy governorship candidate.

For the Senate, the APC presented Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde for Oyo Central, Mrs. Hannah Olawumi Ogunsean for Oyo North and Hon. Engr. Aderemi Abasi Oseni for Oyo South.

The 14 House of Representatives candidates unveiled include Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi for Afijio/Atiba/Oyo East/Oyo West; Hon. Wasiu Olafiye Akinmoyede for Akinyele/Lagelu; Tajudeen Kareem for Atisbo/Saki East/Saki West; and Hon. Akinola Adekunle Alabi for Egbeda/Ona-Ara.

Others are Umar Faruq Alao Arisekola for Ibadan North; Olatunji Olaiya for Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East; Folake Olunloyo-Oshinowo for Ibadan North West/Ibadan South West; Sarafadeen Olaoniye for Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North; and Yusuf Asimiyu Osuolale for Ibarapa East/Ido.

Also unveiled were Barr. Bosun Oladele for Irepo/Olorunsogo/Orelope; Saheed Adejare Yusuf for Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa; Olamiju Alao Akala for Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Orire; Olusegun Odebunmi for Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere; and Tolulope Akande Sadipe for Oluyole.

For the State House of Assembly, the party presented candidates across the 32 constituencies, including Oyewole Abiola O. for Afijio, Ajao Olugbega for Akinyele I, Owoade Tunde Jelili for Akinyele II, Ijadunola Olushina for Atiba and Olumide Yemi Bernard for Egbeda.

Other candidates include Adeyemi Olaide, Aderibigbe Abiodun, Razak Adekunle G., Adepoju Steve A., Jimoh Tesleem B., Hamzat Wasiu O., Adegoke Wariths, Tolani Mary Adigun, Okunola Taiwo Ado, Ogunlade Babatunde S., Tajudeen Amoo, Adeleke Taiwo Azeez and Salami Waliu.

The remaining candidates unveiled were Akande Babatunde O., Salami Ademola Rasheed, Azeez Musbau Akintola, Giwa Hassan Olawale, Shittu Abdulfatai, Adegoke Ayodeji, Lawal Akeem, Funmilola Obisesan, Jimoh Luqman I., Bamigboye Jacob A., Ajeigbe Abiodun A., Shittu Ibrahim, Aliu Tajudeen Adetunji and Jesutoye Olayinka.

Earlier, the Oyo APC Chairman, Chief Adeyemo Alake, urged party leaders, stakeholders and members to close ranks and work collectively for the party’s success.

He said the candidates presented at the ceremony had been affirmed by the party as its flag-bearers for the 2027 general elections.

The event was attended by the deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Soji Adedeji; former Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; the wife of the late former governor, Mrs Oluwakemi Alao-Akala; former Oyo North Senator, Senator Hosea Ayoola Alleluya; state executive members; party chairmen from the 33 local government areas; other party leaders; and members and supporters.

Ann Uwa Anthony, the Nigerian singer better known as Nurse Tonia, has released a new single titled Jesus Na Otorkinado.

The fast-rising singer unveiled the song while speaking at a briefing event, where she shared the personal experiences that inspired her music and shaped her journey into the entertainment industry.

Nurse Tonia said ‘Jesus Na Otorkinado’ was inspired by the painful experiences and struggles she encountered while growing up, adding that those experiences eventually contributed to the person she has become today.

She described the song as a reflection of her journey and her belief in the role of God in helping her overcome difficult periods in her life.

According to the singer, music has been a passion since her teenage years, but financial constraints prevented her from pursuing it professionally at the time.

‘My elder brother got into Lagos from Benin when we were just 15. Music has always been my passion since then but you know, you’d need someone to sponsor you and all, and we didn’t have then. I went back to school and I became a registered nurse,’ she said.

Nurse Tonia, eventually became a registered nurse in the United States, a career that also influenced her stage name.

Despite pursuing nursing professionally, she said music remained an important part of her life and she continued to sing while working with patients abroad.

‘I just feel I have a lot to offer in the music industry and this passion is inborn. Even as a nurse, I do sing for my patients abroad. It became evident that the talent is there and I just needed to give it the voice it deserves,’ she said.

‘I just feel I will not be fulfilled without offering my voice to the music industry. I have like 30 songs already recorded,’ she added.

‘My new music is out on all music streaming platforms . I want the world to listen and be blessed by testimony of joy.’

Leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Eti-Osa Constituency I, Lagos State, have called on the leadership of the party to restore the party’s ticket to Hon. Noheem Adams, whom they said emerged winner of the party’s primary election held on May 20, 2026.

The party stakeholders made the demand at a press conference in Lagos, where they insisted that the outcome of the primary, which they described as an overwhelming expression of the will of party members, should be respected.

According to them, Adams polled 7,638 votes at the primary, while his opponent scored 1,225 votes, describing the margin as a clear indication of his acceptance among APC members in the constituency.

Speaking on behalf of the leaders and members, Apex Leader of Eti-Osa, Jacob Jegede, said the demand was not motivated by hatred, personal ambition or opposition to any individual, but by their commitment to internal democracy, party unity and the electoral success of the APC.

Jegede said, ‘The issue before us is therefore bigger than one individual. It is about the sanctity of the electoral process within our party. It is about respecting the people who participated in the primary. It is about fairness. It is about justice. And ultimately, it is about the electoral strength of the APC in Eti-Osa Constituency I.’

He described Adams as a grassroots politician with strong relationships across communities and wards in the constituency, adding that his support cuts across different age groups, religious affiliations and social backgrounds.

The stakeholders appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, to uphold fairness and listen to the concerns of party members in Eti-Osa.

They also urged the party leadership to give serious consideration to the recommendations of the Reconciliation Committee, which they said recognised the importance of restoring the ticket to Adams in promoting party unity and enhancing the APC’s chances of victory in the forthcoming election.

The group maintained that genuine reconciliation must address what it described as the root cause of the disagreement rather than merely asking aggrieved members to accept an outcome they considered unjust.

The stakeholders consequently demanded that the APC leadership respect the May 20 primary election, restore the ticket to Adams, implement the recommendations of the Reconciliation Committee and engage authentic grassroots stakeholders in resolving the crisis.

They also appealed to APC members in the constituency to remain calm and avoid violence, intimidation, insults and personal attacks, stressing that the disagreement should be resolved through legitimate party channels and dialogue.

The group reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC, saying its demand was not a rejection of the party but a call for it to uphold its democratic ideals.

African countries are not seeking favourable sovereign credit ratings but assessments that fairly reflect the continent’s economic fundamentals and ongoing reforms, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared yesterday.

The President, who welcomed the African Union’s announcement of the October 7 official launch of the African Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA), said the new institution must demonstrate independence and rigour to earn the confidence of global investors.

Tinubu stated this in a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT. He described the establishment of AfCRA as another important step towards building African financial institutions capable of properly understanding and assessing the continent’s economies.

‘Africa is not asking for favourable ratings. We are asking for fair ratings, grounded in our fundamentals and in the reforms our economies are actually carrying out,’ the President said.

Tinubu, however, cautioned that the creation of an African-owned rating agency would not automatically guarantee its credibility, saying AfCRA would have to establish its reputation through the quality and independence of its assessments.

‘AfCRA must now earn the confidence of global capital. That confidence will rest on its independence and the rigour of its work,’ he said.

The President recalled that he had repeatedly canvassed the establishment of an African credit rating agency, including in an article published in the Financial Times in February.

He said he renewed the call in May at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where he argued that the continent needed to build financial institutions with a better understanding of African economies and their peculiar risk profiles.

‘In February, I made the case in the Financial Times for an African credit rating agency. In May, at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, I spoke again about the need for Africa to build financial institutions that understand our economies and can assess our risks properly.

‘AfCRA is another step towards that goal,’ Tinubu said.

The proposed agency is expected to provide an African perspective in the assessment of sovereign and other credit risks on the continent, amid longstanding concerns among African leaders over what they consider deficiencies in the methodologies and risk perceptions of existing international rating agencies.

Tinubu has been among African leaders advocating reforms to the global financial architecture, arguing that inaccurate perceptions of risk raise borrowing costs for African governments and businesses and constrain the continent’s access to capital needed for infrastructure and development.

His latest remarks, however, underscored the position that AfCRA should not serve as a vehicle for artificially improving African countries’ ratings, but should establish credibility through objective assessments backed by sound methodology and evidence.

The President expressed optimism about the agency’s commencement of operations, saying ‘I look forward to October 7.’

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) said it was ready for negotiations on a new minimum wage, warning that the N70,000 rate has already lost much of its value to inflation.

National President of the union, Sheu Mohammed, said this at the association’s Southwest zonal workshop themed ‘A shift from confrontation to collaboration.’

Mohammed said preparations must begin now for the 2027 negotiations, stressing that organised labour needed credible economic data to support its demands.

‘By next year, we are going into negotiations for a new minimum wage. Any moment from now, we need to kick-start the pre-negotiation process so we have our data across the table,’ he said.

He said inflation had eroded the N70,000 wage even before its full implementation two to three years ago, leaving civil servants worse off despite their central role in the economy.

‘We are the engine room. We lubricate the economy. Unfortunately, as we are lubricating, we are also drying up,’ he said.

Mohammed added that GDP growth should be judged not by figures alone but by whether it improves workers’ disposable income, noting that rising fuel prices, now above N1,000 per litre following subsidy removal, had worsened the situation.

Minister of Labour and Employment, represented by the ministry’s Zonal Director/Controller, Southwest, Mienye Badejo, said government, labour and employers must work together to address welfare and productivity challenges.

‘As the Ministry of Labour, our mandate is to promote industrial peace through dialogue. We urge ASCSN to lead in this new era of partnership, not just protest,’ he said.

Enforcement of the judgment in the Ogombo land dispute in Eti-Osa, Lagos State, has commenced following a decision of the High Court of Lagos State.

The case involved interests linked to the estate of the late Iyalode Efunroye Tinubu and members of the Kosoko royal family, with Mr Shafiu Kassim Lumosa representing the estate’s side of the matter.

In a judgment delivered on November 12, 2024, at Court 37, Lands Division of the High Court of Lagos State, Justice O.O. Ogunjobi adopted the Terms of Settlement agreed by the parties as the judgment of the court.

The settlement covered a 114.476-hectare parcel of land at Ogombo Village, identified under Survey Plan No. OGJ/5283/006/2023/LA, dated October 26, 2023.

It also provided for a settlement and compensation of N1.5 billion, with payment stipulated to be made within 45 days of the judgment.

Lumosa’s representation of the Efunroye Tinubu Estate is based on a Power of Attorney from Madam Efunroye Tinubu, through Chief Adamakin Akinfolabi, authorising him to act on matters concerning the estate and its property interests.

The dispute involved competing claims over a large expanse of land at Ogombo Village, which has become a major property location in Lagos State.

Among the historical documents relied upon in tracing the estate’s interest in the property is a 1912 survey plan prepared by Herbert Macaulay.

The historical records were also linked to an earlier Supreme Court judgment, which formed part of the documents used in establishing the history of the property and the interests claimed by the estate.

Following the court proceedings, the parties reached an agreement which was formally adopted by Justice Ogunjobi as the judgment of the High Court.

The judgment consequently gave legal effect to the terms agreed by the parties, requiring them to comply with the settlement.

Steps have now been taken to enforce the judgment.

In a letter dated July 30, 2025, from the office of the Inspector-General of Police at Force Headquarters, Abuja, the Police Legal Services Directorate was directed to act on a request concerning enforcement of the High Court judgment.

The letter, referenced CB:3594/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.14/101, was titled: ‘Request for the Enforcement of the Ruling of the High Court of Lagos in the Ikeja Judicial Division in Suit No. 124/1912.’

The communication stated that a July 17, 2025 letter from Abdurahim Opoku Shaibu and Associates had been forwarded to the Director of Legal Services to convey the Inspector-General of Police’s directive on the matter.

The police document was signed by DCP Lateef A. Ahmed, Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police.

The development marks a shift in the dispute from the delivery of judgment to the implementation and enforcement of the court-approved settlement.

The Ogombo case has attracted attention because of the historical records associated with the land, including the 1912 Herbert Macaulay survey plan and the legal proceedings that followed over the years.

The N1.5 billion settlement and the terms relating to the 114.476-hectare parcel remain central to the resolution adopted by the court.

With the settlement already adopted as the judgment of the High Court and enforcement steps underway, the focus is now on giving effect to the terms agreed by the parties and approved by the court.

Nigeria and Spain are exploring new opportunities to deepen bilateral relations, with tourism, direct air connectivity, trade and investment emerging as key areas of potential cooperation between the two countries.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, in an interaction with our correspondent, said Nigeria has enormous tourism potential that can be better positioned to attract Spanish and other European visitors, while stronger connectivity between both countries could unlock opportunities across several sectors of the economy.

Ikpeazu described Spain as strategically located as a gateway to Africa from Europe, stressing the importance of strengthening the relationship between the two countries, noting that there was considerable room for greater cooperation in tourism, trade, commerce, culture, security, education, agriculture and renewable energy, including opportunities around critical minerals such as lithium.

‘There is a lot to do between both countries. The need to deepen and strengthen our ties is very important.’

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain further said Nigeria’s tourism potential could be better harnessed through stronger cultural exchanges and improved access between both countries.

He identified the restoration of direct bilateral air services between Nigeria and Spain as a critical step towards achieving this objective, saying direct flights would reduce travel time and make it easier for tourists, investors, businesses and government officials to move between the two countries.

According to him, stronger air connectivity would also improve people-to-people relations and provide a stronger foundation for increased trade, commerce and tourism.

‘Trade, commerce, tourism and collaboration must start with a restoration of bilateral air services between both countries.

‘I am focused on restoring that, and I hope that it would be restored because it would strengthen government-to-government relations in respect of trade and tourism.’

Ikpeazu, however, said the development of Nigeria’s tourism sector must be approached as part of a broader economic strategy, stressing that tourism is closely linked to security.

He said greater collaboration between Nigeria and Spain in areas of maritime security and naval defence could contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and create a safer environment for tourism and other economic activities.

The ambassador noted that Nigeria was already collaborating with Spain on naval defence and capacity building for security personnel, adding that there was potential to deepen such cooperation.

‘Every economy, including tourism, is tied to security. We need a strategy that encompasses robust economic development to ensure that tourists move in safety, while private individuals are given the right environment to develop tourist centres.’

He said improved security must be accompanied by better transportation systems and efficient movement of goods and people across Nigeria, noting that these factors are essential to supporting tourism, businesses and the wider economy.

The ambassador also highlighted the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the measures have opened new possibilities for foreign investment in Nigeria.

He particularly pointed to the more stable and predictable dollar-to-naira regime and the ease with which investors can remit business proceeds, saying these developments have strengthened the investment outlook and created greater opportunities for international investors.

According to him, the changing economic environment is helping to reposition Nigeria as a destination with significant potential for foreign investment and business partnerships.

‘The economic reforms have changed the outlook towards Nigeria as an investment destination.’

According to Ikpeazu, Spain could play a greater role in Nigeria’s economic development through increased investment and partnerships, particularly in sectors where both countries have complementary strengths.

He identified agriculture and renewable energy among the areas requiring deeper collaboration, while noting the opportunities presented by Nigeria’s critical mineral resources, including lithium.

The ambassador also stressed the importance of strengthening Nigeria-Spain cultural relations, saying both countries could benefit from increased cultural exchange and greater understanding of their similarities.

On education and human capital development, he disclosed plans to explore a Nigeria-Spain education hub that would focus on relevant skills and help address gaps in skilled manpower.

He said the initiative could provide Nigerian young people with skills that match emerging opportunities while strengthening cooperation between educational institutions in both countries.

Ikpeazu described Nigerian youths as resilient, resourceful and hardworking, saying they should be positioned to take advantage of the growing international interest in Africa.

‘Nigerian youths are resilient, resourceful and hardworking. The focus of the world is on Africa.’

He said the embassy was also working to encourage Nigerians living in Spain who possess talents and expertise in different fields to contribute to Nigeria’s development.

According to him, the embassy’s approach is centred on citizen-centred diplomacy, with efforts to ensure that Nigerians in Spain receive the support and services they require while also strengthening their connection with Nigeria.

The ambassador further revealed plans to digitise consular services, saying this would make it easier and more convenient for Nigerians to access consular assistance.

On migration, Ikpeazu advocated a more structured and dignified migration pattern that would allow Africans to move legally between countries while contributing meaningfully to the economies of their host nations.

He said Nigeria’s efforts to improve its image internationally must also begin with its citizens, urging Nigerians to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the country and play their part in building a stronger economy.

For Ikpeazu, the Nigeria-Spain relationship offers opportunities that extend well beyond traditional diplomatic engagement.

From tourism and direct air connectivity to trade, investment, security, agriculture, renewable energy, education and culture, the former Abia State governor believes both countries have significant room to expand their partnership, adding that with Spain’s strategic position as a bridge between Europe and Africa, the ambassador said Nigeria must move decisively to take advantage of the opportunities available.

Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun, has appealed to family, friends and well-wishers marking his birthday to forgo elaborate gifts and celebrations, and instead channel such resources into acts of charity for Nigerians in need.

Egbetokun, who turns a year older today, Friday, September 4, said he would rather see money meant for his celebration used to support struggling families, feed and educate children, fund medical care, and assist widows, orphans, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.

‘If you wish to spend money to mark my birthday, please let that money become food on someone’s table, hope in someone’s heart and relief to someone facing difficult circumstances,’ he said in his birthday message.

The former police chief said the greatest gift anyone could give him this year was sincere prayers, not material presents, and thanked all who have sent goodwill messages, made calls or offered prayers on his behalf.

He asked well-wishers to remember him and his family in prayer, seeking divine guidance, protection, wisdom, good health and strength for the years ahead, and called for special prayers for Nigeria’s security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and armed violence confronting communities nationwide.

Egbetokun said the country needed collective prayer, wisdom, unity and responsible leadership to overcome its challenges and harness its human and natural resources for the benefit of all citizens.

He also urged prayers for leaders at all levels of government and for security personnel risking their lives to protect citizens, with particular attention to young people, children, families and vulnerable Nigerians.

‘Please pray for me and my family. Pray for our nation. Pray for peace in our communities. Pray for those who are struggling, and where possible, extend a helping hand to someone in need,’ he appealed.

He described birthdays as an occasion not only to celebrate life but also to reflect on one’s journey and renew a commitment to service and humanity, praying that the new year of his life would bring renewed strength and greater opportunity to serve.

He concluded by asking God to bless families, protect Nigeria and grant the country enduring peace, unity and prosperity.

After years of building L’Avyanna Beauty around skincare for melanin-rich skin, founder Dr. May Amamgbo is taking the brand in the direction of babies.

On August 28, 2026, L’Avyanna Beauty Group officially launched Dudi Baby, marking its expansion into the baby-care category and introducing an entirely new audience to the company.

The launch was inspired by a personal milestone. Dr. May’s daughter, Dudi, celebrated her first birthday on August 28 – the same day the new brand was unveiled. The event brought together dignitaries, parents, partners, customers and children in a celebration that blended family and business.

‘Dudi Baby is not just a product line. L’Avyanna is rolling it out alongside Dudi World, a storytelling platform with original characters like Dudi, Chika, Kofi, Nia and Puffy Cloud.

The brand adopts a playful, cloud-filled visual identity aimed at mothers, caregivers and children, with plans to extend into animation, stories and children’s content,’ said Dr May.

Dr. May’s journey to beauty has been anything but conventional. A former Miss West Africa, she later earned a PhD in Law and worked in human rights, research and advocacy before founding L’Avyanna in 2015. L’Avyanna has built its reputation on targeted skincare products including facial and body care, vitamin C formulations, and SPF options designed for everyday use.