Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma; Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and member of the House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon. James Faleke, have arrived in Osun State ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Osogbo.

The high-profile gathering is part of the APC’s final mobilisation efforts for its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The arrival of the party’s senior leaders and governors is expected to energise the APC campaign as the party intensifies its grassroots mobilisation across the state.

The mega rally, scheduled for the final day of the official campaign period, is expected to draw APC leaders, party supporters, campaign coordinators and members from across the 30 local government areas of Osun State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Thursday, August 13, as the deadline for campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election, following the adjustment of the poll date from August 8 to August 15.

The APC leadership is using the final stretch of the campaign to consolidate support for Oyebamiji, who emerged as the party’s candidate after its governorship primary in Osogbo.

It was gathered that the visiting governors and other APC leaders had also begun engagements with party members and supporters, including indigenes of their respective states residing in Osun, as part of efforts to mobilise additional support for the party’s candidate.

The mobilisation is expected to complement the APC’s existing grassroots structures across the state as the party seeks to translate its campaign activities into votes for Oyebamiji on Saturday.

Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has been campaigning on the APC platform and repeatedly urged voters to support his bid to return the state to development.

The mega rally is expected to serve as the APC’s major show of strength before the campaign window closes at midnight on Thursday.

With the election only days away, the APC is seeking to consolidate its support base, reach undecided voters and strengthen its mobilisation machinery ahead of Saturday’s poll.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate closure of the Secretariat of the dissolved ad hoc committee on Sales of Federal Government Houses (SFGH) in the territory.

The directive, announced on Wednesday, is part of the minister’s latest administrative measures to streamline the handling of transactions involving Federal Government Houses in the FCT and to eliminate confusion over the agency responsible for such matters.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike also approved the creation of a dedicated division within the Department of Land Administration to take over issues relating to the sale of Federal Government Houses previously handled by the defunct committee.

The ad hoc committee was constituted to undertake assignments relating to the sale of Federal Government Houses in the FCT.

Following the completion of its mandate, however, its Secretariat was retained temporarily to attend to outstanding issues arising from the committee’s activities.

The minister has now directed that the Secretariat be formally closed, bringing its operations to an end.

With the development, members of the public seeking information or assistance concerning the sale of Federal Government Houses in the FCT have been directed to approach the Department of Land Administration.

The FCT Administration also warned members of the public to be wary of individuals who may attempt to exploit the transition by posing as officials, staff or members of the dissolved committee or its former Secretariat.

According to the statement, neither the Ad-hoc Committee nor its Secretariat exists any longer, and anyone claiming to represent either body is acting fraudulently.

The latest directive is expected to provide a clearer institutional framework for the management of Federal Government houses in the FCT while reducing the possibility of multiple points of contact and fraudulent dealings with prospective applicants and other members of the public.

Olayinka urged the public to deal only with the appropriate department of the FCT Administration on all matters relating to the sale of Federal Government Houses.

‘The general public is hereby enjoined to henceforth approach the Department of Land Administration on all issues relating to the sale of Federal Government Houses in the FCT,’ the statement said.

The directive, Olayinka said, takes immediate effect.

The body of the late Archbishop of the Benin Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, has arrived in Benin City ahead of his interment tomorrow.

Akubeze died last month in his sleep while on vacation in the United States (U.S.).

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, led top government officials to receive the remains on arrival.

The body was received by Bishop Donatus Ogun, Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, alongside Fr. Augustine Ehigie, Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, and members of the Papal Knights and Knights of St Mulumba.

Catholic faithful at the airport were seen in tears as the body was moved to a hearse and taken to St Philomena Mortuary.

Archbishop Akubeze was born on August 25, 1956, in Kaduna. He was ordained a priest on October 3, 1987, and consecrated a bishop on February 25, 2006. He will be buried at the Bishops’ vault in the Holy Cross Cathedral, where late Catholic bishops of the archdiocese are interred.

The European Business Chamber Nigeria (EuroCham) has warned that Nigeria’s estimated $14 billion annual technical skills gap could undermine the country’s ability to fully benefit from growing European investment.

EuroCham, in a new advocacy position paper titled: ‘Bridging Nigeria’s technical workforce gap: A public-private roadmap for harmonising industrial skills and accelerating European investment impact,’ called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and international businesses to develop certified, industry-ready technical workers.

The Chamber said the shortage of skilled personnel was becoming increasingly critical as economic relations between Nigeria and the European Union continue to expand.

According to the paper, the skills deficit is estimated at 68 per cent in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and 63 per cent in agriculture, while the power sector is operating with only about half of the skilled workforce it requires.

EuroCham said the EU-Nigeria economic relationship currently supports more than pound 35 billion in annual trade and approximately pound 26 billion in European foreign direct investment, with the investment supporting over 130,000 direct jobs.

It added that the EU accounts for about 31 per cent of Nigeria’s total foreign trade, making it the country’s largest trading partner and single largest source of foreign direct investment.

The Chamber, however, said the pace of investment was outstripping the domestic supply of certified technicians required to implement and sustain industrial projects.

It proposed a five-point roadmap, including aligning Nigeria’s technical certification system with international industrial standards and providing tax offsets and duty waivers for companies investing in training infrastructure.

Other recommendations include digitising and expediting expatriate quota processing to facilitate structured technology transfer, introducing industry-led dual-education apprenticeship programmes with polytechnics, and establishing a unified national registry to monitor technical skills development and local-content compliance.

The Chamber said the proposals would complement ongoing government efforts in technical and vocational education, including the expansion of technical education in 2025, which enrolled about 250,000 students.

It also cited the ongoing amendment of the Polytechnics Act and the planned 2026 TETFund investment in modernising engineering school equipment as existing reforms that could support the proposed framework.

EuroCham Nigeria General Manager, Chigozie Okwara, said the chamber was ready to work with the government to expand Nigeria’s technical workforce.

He said: ‘Nigeria’s partnership with European investors has never been stronger, and this paper reflects our commitment to matching that momentum with a workforce that can deliver on it.

‘Government has already taken real steps, expanding technical education and modernising polytechnics, and we see this framework as a way to accelerate that work, not compete with it.

‘EuroCham is ready to invest alongside government to make sure Nigeria’s technical talent grows as fast as the capital coming into the country.’

The Chamber called on the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the Ministries of Labour and Employment and Education, to establish a Joint TVET Steering Committee within the current quarter.

It said the proposed roadmap would be implemented in three phases through mid-2027, beginning with institutional arrangements, followed by policy integration and pilot apprenticeship programmes.

Former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola will be the guest speaker at the next edition of the highly acclaimed ‘God in My Life’ lecture series, organised by the Torchbearers Society of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral (AVMCC), Ikeja.

The series, which has become one of the flagship programmes of the Society, provides a unique platform for distinguished Nigerians to reflect on the role of God in their personal journeys, leadership experiences, and public service.

Over the years, it has hosted an impressive array of eminent personalities, including former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, diplomat and corporate statesman late Dr Christopher Kolade, and retired Justice of the Supreme Court Justice George Oguntade, among others.

In a joint statement by the President of the Torchbearers Society, Bro. Adeoye Ojuoko, and the Vice President/Programme Coordinator, Bro. Olajide Afolabi, the Society announced that the event will hold on August 23, at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, beginning from 4:00 p.m.

According to the statement, the choice of Mr. Fashola was informed by his exemplary record of public service, his distinguished professional career, and the strategic leadership roles he has played in the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

As Governor of Lagos State and later as Minister of Works and Housing, he earned national recognition for his commitment to institutional reforms, infrastructure development, and public sector governance.

The Society explained that, although Mr. Fashola is a devout Muslim, the ‘God in My Life’ lecture series is deliberately designed as an inclusive platform that celebrates the universal experience of God’s providence and guidance, irrespective of religious affiliation.

‘Our objective is not to promote religious differences, but to deepen our appreciation of God’s work in the lives of individuals. We believe that every person, regardless of faith tradition, has experiences of God’s grace, guidance and providence that can inspire others and enrich our collective understanding,’ the statement said.

The Society also noted that Mr. Fashola’s family life reflects a spirit of mutual respect and interfaith harmony.

‘His wife is a Christian, and we believe his reflections on faith, family, leadership and public service will offer valuable lessons to everyone present. It is this richness of experience that makes him a compelling guest for this edition of the programme.’

The Dean of the Cathedral, The Venerable Ariire Kolawole, will host the event, while the Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion), The Rt. Rev. Dr. James Olusola Odedeji, will serve as the Chief Host.

Reflecting on previous editions of the lecture series, the organisers recalled the profound impact the programme has had on participants over the years.

‘Every edition has been an opportunity to learn, reflect, and deepen our understanding of God’s faithfulness through the lives of remarkable individuals. We are therefore delighted that Mr. Babatunde Fashola has graciously accepted our invitation.’

The statement concluded by reaffirming the Society’s conviction that the ‘God in My Life’ lecture series remains a unique forum for inspiration, spiritual reflection, and meaningful dialogue.

‘It is our firm belief that the God factor is present in every human journey. Even those who profess no religious faith often acknowledge, consciously or otherwise, moments of providence, purpose and grace. This lecture series provides an opportunity to learn, unlearn, reflect and fellowship together as we celebrate God’s abiding hand in human affairs. We look forward to another memorable and enriching edition.’

The Federal Government has been urged to be wary of an ongoing N300million arbitration proceeding initiated against Nigeria before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Paris, France.

According to an Abuja-based firm, Jonahcapital Nigeria Limited, the proceeding bears a pattern similar to a scheme designed to defraud the country of huge funds over alleged spurious investment claims that were never made in the country.

Jonahcapital Nigeria’s observations are contained in two letters it wrote to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The firm, while accusing one of its former shareholders of being behind the case before the ICC, urged the relevant FG agencies to act promptly to avert a recurrence of the notorious Process and Industrial Development (P and ID) case.

It stated that the ‘proceeding purportedly commenced by Jonahcapital Nigeria Limited against the Federal Government of Nigeria, is at first glance, a blatant attempt to defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria by foreign actors, who have no right whatsoever to make the claim they are making on behalf of the company.’

In the letter to the FCT Minister, signed by two directors of the firm – Dr. Adeniran Ogunmuyiwa and Olakiitan Ogunmuyiwa – and dated, August 10, it was alleged among others, that those behind the ICC case were making false claims of $300m investment in a real estate project in the FCT, identified as Rivers Park Estate, Lugbe.

The two directors stated that the claim in arbitral proceedings ongoing before the ICC, that their firm (JonahCapital Nigeria) provided infrastructure worth over $300m in River Park Estate is a clear fraud because ‘as a company, JonahCapital Nigeria, in all its existence never provided any infrastructure or funding towards the development of River Park Estate.’

They added that the infrastructure in River Park Estate was funded by Paulo Homes Limited, with whom they had an agreement to fund the project’s development.

The directors urged the FCT Minister ‘to resist and refer the claim of the purported JonahCapital Nigeria Limited, providing any form of infrastructure whatsoever either by the Nigerian or Ghanaian faction as it is today, to relevant law enforcement agencies.

‘This is to avoid fallen prey to some internationally contrived fraudsters whose only agenda is to defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria (i.e Federal Capital Development Authority).’

The letter to the EFCC Chairman, dated, August 11, was written on behalf of the firm by its lawyer, Oluwabunmi Adebiyi, who recalled how Dr. Ogunmuyiwa incorporated Jonahcapital Nigeria around 2007 with himself and his wife as the directors.

Adebiyi said the firm subsequently entered into a Development Lease Agreement with the FCDA for the development of Plot 4, Cadastral Zone E30, Lugbe West, Abuja, now known as River Park Estate.

He accused those behind the ICC case of allegedly engaging in ‘impersonation, fraud, false representations and an apparent attempt to unlawfully acquire and appropriate substantial economic interests connected to the River Park Estate Project.

‘The circumstances are particularly grave because the acts complained of have now extended beyond the internal affairs of JonahCapital Nigeria Limited and have culminated in representations allegedly being made in arbitral proceedings before the ICC.

‘Our clients state that these claims are false and forms part of a deliberate scheme to create a fictitious history of ownership, investment and entitlement to the project, with the ultimate objective of securing an arbitral award or other legal recognition capable of conferring substantial proprietary and financial benefits upon persons who have no legitimate entitlement whatsoever, to the potential prejudice of our clients and the interests of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ Adebiyi said.

The protracted internal feud that fractured the Social Democratic Party (SDP) reached a decisive conclusion on Wednesday, as the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja set aside a lower court judgment that had recognized the party’s expelled former chairman, Shehu Gabam.

The legal battle stems from a deep-seated leadership crisis within the SDP, which erupted after the party expelled Gabam over internal administrative disputes and non-compliance with party directives.

The court verdict also affirmed the nomination of Dr. Francis Ajala as the official SDP gubernatorial candidate for Osun State for the Saturday governorship election.

Despite his expulsion, Gabam challenged the party’s structure in court, securing a ruling at the Federal High Court in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2026 under Justice M.G. Umar. The judgment reinstated Gabam and threw the party’s executive structure-and its official nominations for upcoming elections-into confusion.

Refusing to accept the lower court’s decision, the SDP leadership, headed by Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, filed an appeal arguing that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to reverse internal party discipline and had acted contrary to established judicial precedence.

Delivering the unanimous verdict of a three-member appellate panel comprising Justices Fadawu Umaru, M.S. Hassan, and L.A. Ganiyu, Justice Umaru declared the Federal High Court judgment null and void.

The appellate bench held that the lower court erred fundamentally, failing to adhere to an earlier Supreme Court ruling delivered on May 22, 2026, which had already validated the Gombe-led executive.

Beyond resolving the chairmanship, the appellate court also put an end to the secondary conflict over candidate selection by affirming the nomination of Dr. Francis Ajala as the official SDP governorship candidate for Osun State, ruling that the lower court had no business entertaining challenges to his ticket.

Addressing journalists after the judgment, SDP presidential candidate and lead counsel to the appellants, Prince Adewole Adebayo, described the ruling as a total victory that considered six applications and resolved every point in favour of the party.

‘The court declared the Federal High Court judgment recognizing Gabam null and void because it contradicted an earlier Supreme Court decision delivered on May 22, 2026,’ Adebayo stated. ‘The judiciary has done very well for Nigeria and has guided INEC very well.’

Adebayo emphasized that the ruling marks the absolute end of the legal wrangling, providing much-needed administrative clarity to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding who holds the party’s reins.

Echoing these sentiments, the affirmed SDP National Chairman, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, praised the judiciary for its swift intervention in restoring order to the party’s internal governance.

‘INEC should respect the internal affairs of all registered political parties, particularly their decisions on candidate selection,’ Gombe remarked, urging the electoral umpire to align strictly with party constitutions.

Expressing gratitude to the legal team and media for keeping the public informed during the crisis, Gombe added:

‘We urge journalists to continue enlightening the public toward ensuring free, fair, and credible 2027 general elections.’

With the appellate court setting aside the lower court’s order and reinforcing the Supreme Court’s stance, the SDP structure under Prof. Gombe now shifts its focus toward consolidating its ranks and preparing for the upcoming election cycles without the shadow of dual leadership.

The election observation group, Yiaga Africa, has trained no fewer than 35 journalists ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) results management process and the electronic transmission of results.

The training, aimed at enhancing accurate reportage and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process, was conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) and the International Press Centre (IPC) at Adolak Event Centre, Osogbo, Osun State.

Speaking after the training, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, explained that the programme was organised to improve journalists’ understanding of the electoral results process and to strengthen accurate reporting as the state prepares for a keenly contested poll.

Itodo said the tense political atmosphere and incidents of violence recorded in the build-up to the election made it imperative to equip journalists with the knowledge required to report election results accurately and responsibly.

According to him, ‘I think what is clear is that this is a competitive election. It’s competitive for a lot of reasons. You clearly see in the build-up to this election, there has been a very tense political environment that is signposted with violence.

‘Based on the Kukah Centre Election Security Information Hub, there have been over 34 deaths in the build-up to these elections. We’ve also seen very incendiary statements that are meant to inflame certain fault lines in this election.’

He added that ‘the history of disputed election results in Osun further underscored the need to engage journalists covering the election and take them through the various stages of results management.’

Itodo noted that the 2026 Electoral Act had introduced innovations into the electoral process, including the use of electronic EC8A, making it necessary for journalists to understand how the new system works.

‘INEC has introduced some innovations by virtue of the 2026 Electoral Act. INEC is using electronic EC8A. Then also when you look at issues about the role of the IReV and how results have been manipulated in the past, it was necessary to take journalists through the processes, the journey of results, so they can improve on their reportage,’ he said.

He stressed that journalists would play a critical role in providing the public with accurate information about the management and declaration of election results, particularly because results management remained one of the most contested aspects of elections.

Itodo explained that a proper understanding of the constitutional requirements for winning the governorship election was also important in preventing misinformation and possible violence.

He said, ‘More so because the public will be looking forward to the results management process. Since it’s one of the contested aspects of an election, if there’s miscommunication about results, if people don’t know what it takes for a governor to emerge-that you need the highest number of votes, you need 25 per cent in 20 of the 30 local governments, but there are also stages of reports-then it could actually serve as a huge source of violence.’

During the training, participants were also taken through the implications of electronic results management and the roles of the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, the Election Results Analysis Dashboard (ERAD), the Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) mechanism, and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), amongst others.

The National Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding opportunities for young Nigerians to participate, lead, innovate and contribute to national development, its leader, Dr Dayo Israel said yesterday.

Israel, made the pledge in a message marking International Youth Day 2026, observed globally under the theme: ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.’

He described young people as indispensable partners in shaping Nigeria’s present, not merely its future.

Israel said the youth wing’s responsibility was to create the platforms through which their ideas could translate into impact.

‘Young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are partners in shaping the Nigeria of today,’ Israel said.

‘Our responsibility is to create the opportunities, platforms and pathways through which their ideas can become impact.’

According to figures the youth attributed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 2,836,995 Nigerians aged 18 to 34 – 68.83 percent of completed registrations – had finished online and physical registration in the Commission’s Phase II, Week 15 update of the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercise as of April 28.

The youth said engagement must extend beyond commemorative gestures into sustainable platforms for policy engagement, skills acquisition and civic participation. It cited a range of ongoing initiatives under Israel’s leadership, including the Renewed Hope Conversations, among them a Campus Policy Dialogue held at the University of Abuja; the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF), run with the Dam Foundation; the SWIP App, a community engagement platform; and the Zacch Adedeji Taxation and Fiscal Policy Fellowship.

Israel is also convener of the Mummy’s Men Movement, described as an independent initiative promoting responsible fatherhood and positive masculinity.

‘The future of Nigeria cannot be built for young people without young people,’ Israel said. ‘We must move from speaking about youth to building with youth; from preparing young people for leadership to creating spaces where they can exercise leadership today.’

The youth called on governments, institutions, political parties, the private sector and civil society to create more pathways for youth participation and leadership, urging young Nigerians to take ownership of their voices and communities.

The Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence has dismissed as false and mischievous reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is lobbying to become the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.

The group, through its National Chairman, Haruna Bature, described the report as a calculated attempt to tarnish Wike’s political image and create unnecessary tension within the country’s political space.

Bature said the claim had no basis in reality, stressing that Wike had neither lobbied nor expressed interest in becoming the APC presidential campaign DG.

According to him, Wike remains committed to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is focused on delivering on his responsibilities as FCT Minister, as well as contributing to the President’s political success in Rivers State and the FCT.

He said Wike, who is currently holidaying in Spain, had just concluded about 30 days of commissioning projects across the country, arguing that his recent activities were evidence of his focus on governance rather than lobbying for political appointments.

‘Wike never lobbied,’ Bature declared, adding that the minister had dismissed the report as a total lie and urged Nigerians to disregard the allegation.

The Arewa youth leader accused unnamed political actors of deploying what he described as ‘hypocrisy, duplicity and fabricated lies’ against Wike in an attempt to score cheap political points and cause friction between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said the alleged campaign was part of a broader attempt to distract Wike from his duties and obstruct the minister from carrying out what he described as his good work in the nation’s capital.

Bature argued that Wike’s political influence in Rivers State and his record in infrastructure development had made him a target of political attacks, insisting that his achievements should be judged on their merits rather than through unsubstantiated reports.

‘Falsehood may fly on the wings of the wind and spread to every corner of the earth, but truth, though slow and solemn, will always catch up with it,’ he said.

The group described Wike as a major political force in Rivers State and an ‘irreplaceable asset’ in leadership, particularly in view of his role in the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory.

Bature said the Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence remained proud of Wike’s achievements and urged him to remain focused on delivering projects and supporting national development, while calling on Nigerians to reject political propaganda capable of deepening divisions in the country.