Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Senator Dayo Adeyeye has called on Nigerians to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 drawing a sharp distinction between the President’s focus on building national infrastructure assets and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s history of privatizing public wealth.

Speaking at a press conference on the state of the nation in Abuja on Monday Senator Adeyeye warned voters against returning to policies that surrendered strategic national infrastructure to private buyers arguing that President Tinubu’s administration is actively expanding the country’s asset base.

Adeyeye delivered a direct critique of Atiku’s public sector record questioning his approach to national development and political management.

‘His (Atiku) only plan is to sell’ Adeyeye declared. ‘As privatization chairman he sold NITEL NICON Ajaokuta – all died. Now he wants to sell NNPC and our new ports. This is how you diversify an economy – by building not by selling it.’

Contrasting this record with the current administration’s track record the NPA Chairman noted that President Tinubu has consistently established expanded and protected state institutions throughout his political career.

‘Tinubu built’ Adeyeye emphasized. ‘He built AD built ACN built APC. He built Lagos from N600 Million to N51 Billion IGR. He built a party built a city and is now building a nation. Atiku only jumps. Defect contest lose run away. Nigerians must choose: Builder or Jumper? Stayer or Tourist?’

Senator Adeyeye pointed to the transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector as prime evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to expanding public assets rather than liquidating them. He highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the launch of major deep-sea port developments across the coastline.

‘For 63 years no President remembered the ocean’ Adeyeye stated. ‘Today we are building new ports – Ibom Bakassi Ondo Badagry Bonny. Total maritime agency revenue moved from N700.79 billion in 2023 to N1.83 trillion in 2025 – a 160% increase. The World Bank ranked Apapa and Tin Can among the Top 20 Most Improved Ports in the world.’

Listing key fiscal infrastructural and social investments driving the administration’s asset-building strategy the NPA boss stated that Nigeria completely settled its International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan principal on April 30 2025 becoming the only major African nation with zero IMF principal debt while foreign reserves expanded to $53.8 Billion.

The former Minister of State Works noted that the administration allocated N758 Billion to clear legacy pension backlogs dating back to 2007 benefiting 957045 retirees while reinstating 100 percent annual salary gratuity under the Exit Benefit Scheme.

He also cited various national transport links with construction actively progressing on key connectivity routes including the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the 1068km Sokoto-Badagry Highway while on human capital development Adeyeye cited the over N355 billion disbursed via the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to support 1.6 million tertiary students without selling off public educational institutions.

Recalling political history Adeyeye noted that the opposition presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) who now criticize the President Tinubu previously sought his support when facing political opposition.

‘A man who cannot build a political party cannot build a Nigeria of 230 million people’ Adeyeye remarked. ‘When former President Obasanjo wanted to crush him where did he run to? Bourdillon. To Tinubu. Tinubu gave him Action Congress (AC) and gave him a platform. A man who ran to Tinubu for refuge now wants to challenge him? Asiwaju is his master in politics and nation-building.’

The initiator of South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) Adeyeye dismissed the presidential candidate of Alliance Peoples Movement (APM) Gov. Seyi Makinde as no match to the re-election of President Tinubu in January 16 2027 in the South West region insisting that ‘Asiwaju will trash him in Oyo State where he is currently the governor. Seyi Makinde is no match to Asiwaju either in the South West or the country at large. ‘

Adeyeye then appealed to the electorate to back President Tinubu’s reform agenda to ensure economic stability and structural growth.

‘President Tinubu has done the painful surgery; let us allow him to complete the healing. Vote continuity. Vote Tinubu 2027’ Adeyeye said.

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Emevor Ward 7 Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State have pledged to unite and mobilise grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other party candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resolution followed a strategic meeting yesterday where the leaders also pledged support for Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas House of Representatives member Jonathan Ukodhiko and Delta State House of Assembly candidate for Isoko North Constituency II Chief Frank Ozue.

The ward leader and Chairman of the Delta State Hospitals Management Board Dr Paul Oweh said the community had benefited from projects executed by the Oborevwori administration particularly the Emevor-Orogun Road.

He urged residents to support the APC candidates describing the road project as a significant intervention that had brought relief to the community.

Oweh disclosed that the state campaign council had been constituted adding that campaign structures at ward and unit levels would soon be inaugurated to strengthen grassroots mobilisation.

Also speaking the President-General of Emevor Progress Union and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Beautification Chief Emmanuel Erezih urged party members and community stakeholders to close ranks and support the governor.

Erezih said unity and collective mobilisation were essential to the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

Others at the meeting included the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Media Dr Nelson Egware; Dr Paul Emerhana; Chief Lucky Okeremu; Hon. Edafe Anighoro; Hon. Evelyn Umukoro; Chief Otobo Ugbome; Hon. Sylvester Ifode; Mr Wilson Khama; Dr Samuel Irori; Chief Emmanuel Erhire; Hon. Victor Oyibitha; Barr. David Jarikre; Mr Isaiah Ogunye; Dr Emmanuel Adhumadhume; Deacon Karo Oghogho and Mr Eruore Edoso among others.

In another development NdokwaFoward a political pressure group in Ndokwa land has commended the Delta State Government’s planned financial support for economically disadvantaged residents urging transparency and accountability in its implementation.

In a statement signed by Rt. Hon. Samuel Osasa Esq.; Omordi George Ugbomah PhD; and Chief Isaac Onyesom the group said the initiative could boost small businesses improve household incomes and create jobs if properly implemented.

It urged the government to ensure transparent beneficiary selection effective monitoring and productive use of the funds.

The group also called for complementary investments in agriculture vocational training affordable credit and infrastructure to create sustainable economic opportunities.

While commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s focus on residents’ welfare the group urged beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously to grow their businesses and create jobs.

It said sustained investment in enterprise development would reduce dependence on government assistance and improve living standards across the state.

Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has projected that the National Cylinder Recirculation Programme (NCRP) will generate thousands of jobs nationwide through the establishment of 430 cylinder requalification centres as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to improve liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) safety and expand access to clean cooking fuel.

The programme developed in collaboration with government and industry stakeholders is designed to transform the safety identification management and recirculation of LPG cylinders while supporting Nigeria’s domestic gas expansion industrialisation and clean energy transition objectives.

Announcing the initiative at a press conference at SON’s Operational Headquarters in Lagos on Friday October 23 2026 the stakeholders said the programme would establish a coordinated framework for cylinder registration inspection requalification digital tracking and safe recirculation.

The initiative is expected to address safety risks associated with expired damaged uncertified and poorly maintained cylinders while creating employment opportunities in cylinder inspection requalification manufacturing transportation retail distribution and technology services.

At the heart of the programme is a National Cylinder Registry which will assign unique digital identities to cylinders and enable the tracking of key activities throughout their lifecycle including registration inspection requalification filling distribution and exchange.

Director-General and Chief Executive Officer SON Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke said the initiative would strengthen quality assurance and protect consumers while promoting confidence in LPG as a cleaner household energy source.

‘Safe and reliable LPG use depends on more than access to gas. It requires strict adherence to cylinder quality standards responsible handling and effective lifecycle tracking across the supply chain. Through the NCRP we are unifying statutory quality control with digital traceability to protect Nigerian lives and property while building consumer trust in clean energy’ he said.

Under the programme existing cylinders entering the system will undergo assessment at authorised requalification facilities. Those that meet prescribed safety requirements will be approved for continued circulation while cylinders that fail the checks will be withheld for corrective action or appropriate disposal.

Consumers will be able to exchange existing cylinders through approved retailers with collected cylinders transferred for inspection and requalification. The arrangement is intended to progressively remove unsafe cylinders from circulation and improve access to compliant alternatives.

The establishment of 430 requalification centres is expected to stimulate investment in specialised facilities and create jobs for technicians inspectors logistics operators distribution workers and other professionals across the LPG value chain.

The initiative is also expected to create business opportunities for local cylinder manufacturers equipment suppliers technology providers and retailers as demand grows for compliant cylinders and related services.

Lead Programme Director NCRP Secretariat and Managing Director of FuelTree Dr Bekeme Olowola said the programme went beyond cylinder identification to establish a national system linking safety regulation with economic development and environmental objectives.

‘The NCRP is about much more than putting QR codes on gas cylinders. We are building a national system that makes cylinder safety verifiable supports the expansion of domestic LPG consumption and creates new opportunities for investment enterprise development and job creation’ she said.

‘By connecting regulators manufacturers marketers retailers and requalification facilities through a common digital infrastructure we are turning the Federal Government’s gas expansion and clean cooking ambitions into a practical measurable programme that can also attract international climate finance.’

The programme aligns with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas agenda which seeks to increase domestic utilisation of Nigeria’s natural gas resources and expand their contribution to economic development.

It is also intended to support the transition from traditional cooking fuels including firewood charcoal and kerosene to cleaner household energy alternatives. Wider LPG adoption could reduce exposure to harmful smoke from traditional cooking practices and ease pressure on forest resources.

The digital registry is expected to generate information that could help measure and verify eligible environmental benefits. Subject to applicable carbon market methodologies independent verification and regulatory approvals the programme could attract climate finance and potentially generate carbon credits to support cylinder access and improve affordability for vulnerable households.

Industry operators are being engaged to establish an integrated national recirculation system covering cylinder manufacturing filling inspection requalification retailing and distribution.

Better Gas is among the commercial operators participating in the initiative drawing on its cylinder exchange model and micro-distribution network.

General Manager Better Gas Bolaji Orofinlu said the programme could improve the availability of safe cylinders while strengthening last-mile distribution.

‘Ensuring last-mile access requires reliable supply logistics and strong retail partnerships. Better Gas is already aligned with the objectives of the NCRP through our cylinder-swapping model and micro-distribution centres across Abuja. The programme also presents an opportunity to support cylinder requalification and expand the availability of safe cylinders in the market’ he said.

The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) also stressed the need to withdraw obsolete cylinders from circulation.

Its Executive Secretary Bassey Essien said some cylinders currently in use had exceeded their safe service life and required urgent attention.

‘There are many types of cylinders in circulation and to be frank some are long overdue for withdrawal. I still have a cylinder in my secretariat that is 60 years old which I have kept as a specimen. Cylinders have a lifespan and once they exceed it they should be removed from circulation’ he said.

The programme’s regulatory and policy framework draws on the SON Act No. 14 of 2015 and relevant government directives concerning cylinder safety quality assurance and traceability. Its implementation also supports the policy objectives of the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) the Federal Ministry of Environment the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) the National Council on Climate Change and the Decade of Gas Secretariat.

Following the Lagos announcement implementation activities will include stakeholder onboarding integration of the digital registry and phased rollout across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The national unveiling is scheduled for October 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the Nigeria Clean Cooking Forum 2026 where policymakers industry operators and prospective implementation partners are expected to discuss the programme’s deployment.

An international presentation is also planned for the Nigerian Pavilion at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) scheduled to take place in Antalya Trkiye from November 9 to 20 2026.

The presentation is expected to showcase Nigeria’s approach to digitally enabled cylinder recirculation clean cooking expansion and the potential mobilisation of international climate finance.

Through the programme SON and its partners aim to strengthen cylinder safety support domestic gas utilisation and build an industry capable of creating jobs attracting investment and expanding access to cleaner cooking energy nationwide.

A philanthropist and the founder of the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation Chief Dr. Leemon Ikpea has donated a 62-bed medical centre to Ewatto community in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State to boost access to healthcare in the area and the neighbouring communities.

The medical centre which was inaugurated last week and named after the founder was built at an estimated cost of N2.227 billion.

The facility is equipped with modern medical equipment and is expected to reduce the difficulty that the residents faced by having to travel considerable distances to access healthcare particularly during emergencies.

The centre is equipped to provide a range of services including emergency and urgent care maternal and child health diagnostic and laboratory services pharmacy services general medical care preventive healthcare specialist and referral care and community health outreach.

During the ceremony Ikpea said he conceived the project in response to the healthcare challenges that residents of Ewatto and the surrounding communities faced.

He said: ‘I firmly believe that one of the most meaningful legacies any individual can leave behind is an institution that continues to improve and preserve human lives long after the individual is gone. It is my sincere hope that this Medical Centre will become such a legacy.’

The philanthropist said the initiative complemented rather than substituted for government to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

He added: ‘We are particularly encouraged by the continuing efforts of both the Federal and Edo State governments to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to healthcare services. We hope that this facility will become a valuable partner in those efforts.’

Ikpea said the centre would provide healthcare and create opportunities for medical professionals to work and train adding that it was intended to ensure mothers children and elderly people could access timely medical attention without travelling long distances while emergencies receive prompt care.

Acknowledging the contributions of the Federal and the Edo State governments Ikpea urged the residents of Ewatto and the neighbouring communities to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance.

During the inauguration Governor Monday Okpebholo hailed Ikpea saying his life as a philanthropist was exemplified by the lives he had touched.

The governor hailed the philanthropist for the ‘extraordinary healthcare investment’ he brought to his people.

He said: ‘You have demonstrated that your true success is not measured by what you have achieved but by the lives you have touched. You built more than hope; you have brought quality healthcare closer to the people.’

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate patted Ikpea on the back for complementing the government’s efforts to improve access to quality healthcare.

The minister described the medical centre as a significant contribution to healthcare delivery in the community.

In a goodwill message the Onojie of Ekpoma Kingdom His Royal Highness Antony Ehiozojie Abumere II congratulated Ikpea on the establishment of the medical centre describing it as a valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of the people of Esan land.

Abumere noted that the project reflected the values of compassion and communal responsibility praying for God to grant Ikpea greater wisdom strength and long life to continue serving humanity

Also in a message by its Managing Director Tony Okonigene Peacton Global Ventures Limited the contractor that handled the project said it reflected the philanthropist’s commitment to the improvement of health and wellbeing of the Esan people.

The company added that the medical centre would improve access to healthcare help save lives and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Also the Onogie of Igueben HRM Ehiogie Eluojierior applauded Ikpea’s achievements and the human investment initiatives of his foundation across Edo State urging other capable individuals to emulate his efforts in providing healthcare facilities.

Established in 2012 by Ikpea ALIF has pursued programmes in education social welfare skills and community development.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 34-year-old South African woman Qhina Beauty with 36.65 kilograms of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos and a 62-year-old Nigerian-American grandmother Anetor Gloria Ubong with 9.45kg of high-grade cannabis loud imported from the United States.

Director Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters Abuja Femi Babafemi announced this yesterday.

In a statement Babafemi said the agency’s officers also recovered tons of illicit drugs in Kano Lagos Bauchi Niger Edo Ondo Taraba Oyo and Delta states.

He said Qhina was arrested at the departure hall of the Lagos airport on October 7 while trying to board a Qatar Airways flight to South Africa via Doha.

Babafemi said a search of her two bags led to the recovery of 30 blocks of cocaine weighing 36.65kg laced with dried pepper wrapped in cellotape and packed into seven parcels.

During her interview she told operatives she arrived in Nigeria on September 30 to pick up the consignment.

Babafemi said: ‘She said she was recruited by another South African lady who promised her R20000 on delivery. She claimed she was introduced to two other members of the syndicate: one based in the United States and the other a Lagos-based car dealer.

‘Investigations later led to the arrest on October 14 of the 46-year-old car dealer Uchenna Victor Umunnakwe who was intercepted at Apple Junction Ago Palace Way Lagos after days of surveillance at his Shasha residence. He admitted receiving Qhina at the airport lodging her at Santiago Hotel in Amuwo-Odofin and later moving her to Cynarisso Hotel near the airport ahead of her departure.’

Babafemi said in another interdiction at the Lagos airport NDLEA officers on October 21 arrested Ubong a realtor based in Richmond Texas who holds Nigerian and U.S. passports.

‘She was arrested following her arrival on a United Airlines flight from Houston. A search of her two checked-in boxes uncovered 18 parcels of loud synthetic cannabis weighing 9.45kg concealed with gift wrapping paper in a box. She claimed the box was delivered to her home in the U.S. by her daughter and the daughter’s future brother-in-law for onward delivery in Nigeria to her daughter’s fiancé Jibola.

‘Meanwhile operatives of a special operations unit in NDLEA on October 23 arrested Eletu Rasheedat 41 at Eti Osa in area of Lagos where they recovered 5820 pills of diazepam 780 tablets of tramadol 3.7kg skunk and 230.25 litres of skuchies.

‘In Delta a suspect Peter Ugochukwu 51 was arrested in Warri with a huge cache of pharmaceutical opioids including 29350 capsules of tramadol; 6620 tablets of tramadol 200mg; 4116 bottles of codeine syrup; 11340 tablets of Rohypnol; 3500 tablets of diazepam; 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection 200 ampoules of diazepam injection and quantities of tramadol 225mg Molly and Cocodamol.

‘He was transferred along with a white Hummer bus from the Nigeria Police Force Delta State. In a separate arrest at Enerhen Junction Warri a 46-year-old physically challenged woman Helen Bakporo Samson was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Monday 19th October with 6.0kg of skunk.

‘A 41-year-old suspect Fajana Dada Oluwaseyi was arrested on Monday October 19 in Adamasingba Ibadan following his initial escape from arrest when NDLEA officers seized 197.8kg of cannabis sativa from his house on 16th September.’

Babafemi said while a raid in Gerawa Kano last Thursday led to the arrest of Murtala Lawan 30 and seizure of 159 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 97.2kg NDLEA officers at the Lankaviri checkpoint Yorro Local Government Area Taraba on Friday October 23 arrested Raiyanu Misa 39 with 95 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 60.175kg.

He said on the same day the Nigeria Police Force handed over a suspect arrested at Dakka village Bali Local Government Area with 112 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 81.49kg.

He said in Niger State Emmanuel Ekene 26 was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Monday October 19on the Sabo-Kainji road Borgu Local Government Area with 64000 pills of opioids including tramadol and diazepam while officers arrested Jamilu Mustapha (aka Last Card) 45 on Wednesday October 21at Nasaru Town Ningi Local Government Area Bauchi state where they seized 379kg of cannabis sativa packed in seven jumbo sacks.

‘Acting on intelligence NDLEA officers on Tuesday October 20 raided a farm at Board-Ala Akure South Ondo State and recovered 56 bags of abandoned cannabis sativa weighing 583kg. Two cannabis farms in Ugbada Forest Uzebba Owan West Local Government Area Edo State with an estimated yield of 2023.14kg were destroyed on Sunday 18th October by NDLEA operatives who also burnt 450kg of processed cannabis at the site and took 97kg as exhibit.

‘In a related operation at Ewe community Owan West Mary Edokhai 42 was arrested with 35kg of the same psychoactive substance’ he said.

”Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) thanked the officers for their efforts. He urged them to sustain the tempo of the war against drug trafficking and substance abuse’ Babafemi said.

All Progressives Congress ( APC) stakholders in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State yesterday okayed Governor Ahmed Ododo for a second term in office.

The stakeholders, including former Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Umar Immam, told reporters that, as much as they were not against power rotation, they are backing Ododo because of his performance in office.

Immam, who read the copy of an address by the stakeholders, explained that the governor performed well in all sectors in his first term in office, insisting that he (the governor) should be allowed a second term to complete his job.

He said: ”Following the political trends in Kogi State and Nigeria at large and in line with constitutional provisions, power rotation should not become a tool to deprive the incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, of the right to fulfil his constitutional rights for another term in office.

‘That we observed that Councillors, Local Government Chairmen, State Assembly members, National Assembly members and indeed Mr President are all seeking re-election for another term. It will therefore be curious to now subject the well-deserved return of Governor Ododo to an unwarranted debate.

‘That we the critical stakeholders in Lokoja, do extend our support, solidarity and commitment to the re-election of Governor Ahmed Ododo come November 2027.

‘That we call on all people of means and goodwill throughout Kogi State to join hands with us to achieve this.

‘That his re-election will not only enhance the peace that we are all enjoying at present, but it will enable him to continue and even improve on the developmental strides he has currently embarked upon in Kogi State.’

The mother of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Prof. Kamene Okonjo has died.

The renowned sociologist and matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family died on Friday October 23.

She was 96.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday condoled with the royal family the people of the kingdom and others whose lives the late academic had touched.

She was the wife of the late Obi (Professor) Chukwuka Okonjo the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

In a statement yesterday the Palace Secretary Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi said the royal family was mourning an exceptional woman whose life was marked by intellectual brilliance humility compassion and commitment to humanity.

The statement described the late Professor Okonjo as an internationally recognised sociologist who distinguished herself through her academic achievements intellectual contributions and lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment.

‘She was a woman of exceptional intellect yet possessed a rare gentleness of spirit humility and grace that endeared her to everyone privileged to know her’ the statement said.

It added that her achievements transcended Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria earning her international recognition and respect within academic and intellectual circles.

The statement also described her as an embodiment of scholarship womanhood motherhood and service to society.

Beyond her professional accomplishments Prof. Okonjo was a devoted mother grandmother and great-grandmother as well as a pillar of the royal family.

The statement added that her wisdom kindness quiet strength and exemplary character would remain an enduring source of inspiration to future generations.

‘While we mourn her passing we celebrate a life exceptionally well lived’ the statement added.

It said the deceased had left behind a lasting legacy of scholarship service family values and advocacy for the dignity and advancement of women.

The royal family expressed confidence in its Christian faith saying it drew comfort from the belief that she was resting peacefully with the Lord after completing her earthly journey with grace and distinction.

The family also extended its condolences to the reigning Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and the deceased’s children including Dr. Okonjo-Iweala Dr. Njideka Okonjo-Udochi Prince Onyema Okonjo and Prince Chichi Okonjo as well as their spouses grandchildren great-grandchildren and the wider Okonjo family.

The statement urged the people of Ogwashi-Uku to join the royal family in celebrating the life and legacy of the late professor.

It described her as a remarkable daughter of the kingdom whose contributions to scholarship and humanity would not be forgotten.

Also President Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Professor Kamene Okonjo.

The President described the late academic and mother of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as an accomplished scholar whose life was characterised by intellectual distinction service to humanity and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women and society.

In a condolence message yesterday in Abuja through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga President Tinubu extended his sympathies to the Okonjo royal family particularly Okonjo-Iweala other family members and the people of Ogwashi-Uku over the loss of their revered matriarch and community leader.

He noted that Professor Okonjo distinguished herself not only through her contributions to scholarship but also as a passionate advocate of women’s empowerment whose accomplishments and dedication to societal development remained worthy of emulation.

According to the President the late scholar exemplified the virtues of intellectual excellence compassion and commitment to the progress of humanity leaving behind an enduring legacy of service.

President Tinubu particularly acknowledged her remarkable ability to combine a distinguished academic career with devotion to family community development and the preservation of traditional institutions.

He observed that her life and accomplishments provided an inspiring example of the important roles women could play in advancing education strengthening families and contributing to national development.

The President urged the bereaved family to take solace in the late matriarch’s remarkable achievements the lives she touched and the lasting impact of her contributions to scholarship and society.

He prayed to Almighty God to grant Professor Okonjo eternal rest and comfort her family the people of Ogwashi-Uku and all those mourning her passing.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate on Monday confirmed the evacuation of Nigeria’s first imported Ebola patient to Switzerland warning that her improved condition does not mean she is no longer infectious.

Pate in a post on his X handle said the patient departed Abuja earlier on Monday alongside her husband who has remained asymptomatic.

He said the patient was clinically stable conscious and communicating with her laboratory test results approaching baseline levels after treatment by Nigerian medical teams.

‘ This does not mean she is not still infectious hence the strict protocols in place’ the minister said.

Pate commended the clinical staff for providing quality care and public health personnel for ensuring that the evacuation complied with appropriate public health measures.

He said the government would provide further updates after the patient and her husband arrived safely at their destination.

The health minister also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely on credible sources of information assuring that measures to contain the imported virus were continuing.

The evacuation came as the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa Dr Mohamed Janabi said Nigeria currently had no Ebola cases following the transfer of the patient and her husband to Switzerland.

Janabi said Nigeria would continue monitoring 52 contacts while Switzerland would take over the patient’s medical care and monitor her husband identified as contact number 53.

He also congratulated the Federal Government health workers clinicians emergency responders and other partners involved in the response describing the successful management of the patient as a significant achievement.

He said the development demonstrated Africa’s expertise and leadership in public health emergencies particularly when countries collaborated to respond to health threats.

The WHO official however stressed that vigilance remained essential urging continued monitoring of contacts and other public health measures to prevent further transmission.

Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr believes the 2026 Ballon d’Or is open to several players but he personally favours Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal or Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise to win today.

The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held today at the London Palladium hosted by Thierry Henry and Kate Scott. It is the first time the gala has been staged in London a nod to the legacy of Stanley Matthews.

Rohr now head coach of Benin Republic’s Cheetahs spoke from London after watching Tottenham beat Chelsea 2-0 with his assistant Tunde Adelakun.

‘For the best player in the world it’s difficult to say. I think these four players everybody can win it’ he said. ‘Personally it could be fine for Michael Olise to win it but also Yamal and one of the two I think should win it.’

Yamal 19 scored 16 goals and made 11 assists as Barcelona retained La Liga and won the Spanish Super Cup. He also helped Spain to the 2026 World Cup title in the North America

Rohr did not categorically name Harry Kane the bookmakers’ favourite. The Bayern striker scored 73 goals in 65 competitive matches last season helping Bayern to trophies and England to third place at the World Cup. Olise is Kane’s club teammate at Bayern.

Rohr also made a case for Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé who won no major team trophy with club or country last term.

‘He would deserve it also because a few times he was there but it didn’t work out for him to be the winner’ Rohr said.

He said surprises are always possible when journalists vote. ‘Not easy to say who will win’ he added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged African countries to ensure that defence partnerships go beyond equipment procurement to promote technology transfer develop local expertise and strengthen indigenous defence industries.

He said successful defence cooperation must leave African countries with the capacity to maintain military equipment develop homegrown solutions and sustain their security operations.

Tinubu spoke at the opening ceremony of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos. He was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

This was contained in a statement that was issued by Jackson Udom Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media.

According to the President defence acquisitions should help develop local skills transfer knowledge strengthen domestic industries and improve countries’ capacity to maintain equipment.

‘Every major acquisition should help develop skills transfer knowledge strengthen local industry and deepen our capacity to maintain what we operate’ he said.

He added that the success of defence partnerships should be measured by the capabilities they leave behind stressing that African engineers must acquire expertise local businesses must grow and national institutions must become stronger.

Tinubu also called for sustained support for African-led peace operations noting that the commitment of troops deployed to conflict zones must be matched by adequate funding equipment rigorous training and institutional support.

‘Those we send to keep the peace must have the means to keep the peace’ he said.

The President described AFRIDEX as a platform for bringing together military experience technological innovation defence industries and strategic partnerships to develop practical solutions to the continent’s security challenges.

He said threats facing Africa from the Gulf of Guinea to the Sahel as well as across territorial borders cyberspace and outer space had become increasingly complex and interconnected.

According to him these threats endanger lives and livelihoods disrupt trade and undermine development making collective action imperative.

‘Africa’s security must therefore command our collective attention because there can be no enduring prosperity where fear governs daily life’ he said.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria had experienced the devastating consequences of insecurity including loss of lives displacement of communities disrupted livelihoods and lost economic opportunities.

He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices in confronting terrorism insurgency banditry piracy and other transnational threats while paying tribute to personnel who had lost their lives in the line of duty.

He said their sacrifices placed an obligation on the government to provide the necessary leadership equipment training and support.

The President added that lasting security required strong institutions public trust reliable international partnerships and sufficient domestic industrial capacity to sustain defence operations.

On maritime security Tinubu emphasised the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea to regional trade energy security and economic prosperity.

He urged African countries to strengthen maritime cooperation to protect legitimate commercial activities and deny criminal networks safe havens.

He also called for greater investment in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence cyber capabilities space technologies and autonomous systems which he said were transforming the nature of modern warfare.

Tinubu stressed that African countries needed the knowledge institutions and technical expertise to understand and responsibly deploy these technologies while developing indigenous solutions.

He expressed confidence in the continent’s young population saying African youths possessed the talent needed to drive technological advancement if given the necessary opportunities.

The President said AFRIDEX 2026 represented a renewed commitment to translating Africa’s potential into practical defence capabilities.

He urged participants to ensure that partnerships established at the exhibition improved military readiness encouraged innovation and produced tangible benefits for citizens.

Tinubu said the ultimate objective was to build African nations where peace creates opportunities public service earns trust and citizens can look to the future with confidence