Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Revenue-generating agencies will no longer keep a part of the funds, the Federal Government said yesterday.

The long-standing practice of cost-of-revenue-collection deductions has ended.

The move, according to the government, is aimed at promoting fiscal transparency and ensuring that more funds are available for national and subnational governments.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said this yesterday in Abuja during the launch of the National Development Update.

He explained that while Nigeria’s gross revenues have continued to rise, a substantial portion of the proceeds has been deducted as the cost of collection by agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

These deductions, he said, have not translated into tangible improvements in national development.

Edun said the review of the deductions is part of a broader fiscal reform agenda mandated by President Bola Tinubu.

‘Funds have flowed to the Federation Account, but the point is this – efficiency of that spending is critical,’ he said.

‘We have been mandated by His Excellency, Mr. President, to take a look at deductions – not just those for the cost of collection, but deductions generally.’

The minister noted that such deductions significantly reduce the actual amount distributable to the three tiers of government.

‘When you look at the gross figure, you see all kinds of deductions before you get to the net distributable figure, which goes to the federal, state, and local governments.

‘And I must inform you that even during the last FAAC allocation, most of those deductions have been removed once and for all,’ he stated.

According to him, the administration is now strictly enforcing the constitutional provision that mandates all revenues to be paid into the Federation Account before distribution according to the approved formula.

‘The Constitution says that funds should flow from revenue-collecting agencies into the Federation Account and be distributed according to the set formula – and that is what is now being done,’ he added.

Edun emphasised that the government’s fiscal reform drive is anchored on transparency, accountability, and efficient allocation of public resources to accelerate development at both the federal and state levels.

Beyond fiscal discipline, the minister also addressed ongoing social protection efforts, describing them as central to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He acknowledged that economic reforms have caused short-term hardship by raising the cost of living, but assured that measures are in place to protect vulnerable Nigerians.

‘The promise was that they would not be left to their own; they would not be left behind,’ Edun said.

‘We made sure that each person who benefits is biometrically and uniquely identified by name.

‘Kudos to the management of the Nigerian Identity Management Company.’

He explained that the social safety net programme uses a digital payment system to ensure transparency and accountability in delivering cash transfers to beneficiaries.

‘Once we had put in place the right technology and methodology, the programme took off.

‘We are still implementing the first stage of the social safety net – the direct benefit transfers.

‘By the end of October, we will have covered about 10 million households, reaching 50 million Nigerians.

‘Long before the end of the year, the commitment is to have completed 50 million households,’ he said.

Edun also revealed that the National Economic Council has approved a ward-based development programme across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards to ensure that the benefits of reforms are felt at the grassroots.

‘That is where the connection will be – bringing the gains home, drilling down to ensure all Nigerians participate in a growing, stable, and positive trajectory of the Nigerian economy,’ he said.

The cost-of-collection arrangement, which the government now seeks to end, has historically served as a funding mechanism for revenue-generating agencies.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) retains about four per cent of royalties, rents, and other revenues it collects on behalf of the Federation Account.

Similarly, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) retained N254.82 billion in 2024 and is projected to receive N43.83 billion for the first half of 2025 as the cost of collection.

Until recently, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) received a seven per cent cost of collection from the Federation Account.

However, this was replaced in August 2025 with a four per cent Free on Board (FOB) levy on imports, following a directive by the House of Representatives.

The new levy now serves as the primary source of funding for Customs operations.

With the planned review and eventual removal of these deductions, the Federal Government aims to improve fiscal discipline, strengthen the Federation Account, and channel more resources toward infrastructure, social welfare, and sustainable development.

When disasters strike-whether floods, wars, epidemics, or accidents-the damage often goes beyond what we can see. Beyond broken homes and disrupted livelihoods lie broken hearts, silent grief, and unseen trauma. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, the World Health Organization reported a 25% global rise in anxiety and depression in just one year. This shows that when crises happen, mental health suffers deeply too.

Yet, the emotional toll of emergencies often goes unnoticed. These events tear families apart, heighten fear, and shake people’s sense of safety and stability. That is why this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, ‘Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,’ could not have come at a better time. It reminds us that mental health support is not something we wait for calm times to provide; it is a necessity even in chaos.

However, access to mental health care remains a privilege for many, especially in developing nations. Take Nigeria, for instance. With a population of over 200 million people, there are fewer than 1,000 mental health professionals in the entire country. This means millions are left without help, and during emergencies, the gap widens even more.

In times of crisis, already fragile health systems struggle to cope. Clinics close, health workers are displaced, and people who urgently need psychological support are often left to face their pain alone. Meanwhile, humanitarian responses, though well-intentioned, are frequently uncoordinated, and many responders lack the training to provide emotional or psychological first aid. As a result, countless individuals remain unsupported during their most vulnerable moments.

At Mental Drive Africa (MDA), we have seen this reality up close. Through our school programs, community outreaches, and wellness initiatives, we have learned that access begins with integration. Mental health must be treated as a vital part of overall health and emergency response, not as an afterthought. When mental health care is included within primary healthcare systems, people can seek help in the same places they receive physical care-without shame or delay.

In addition, community-based care is key. When disasters happen, it is the community that responds first. By training local health workers, teachers, and volunteers in basic psychological first aid, we make help more immediate, trusted, and accessible. Community-led initiatives, like MDA’s Exhale Community, show how peer support and safe conversations can help people heal, grow, and regain resilience even in the toughest times.

Moreover, investing in capacity building remains one of the most sustainable ways to strengthen access. When frontline workers and everyday citizens are equipped to recognize signs of distress and offer support, the ripple effect is powerful. Healing becomes a shared responsibility, and communities are empowered to help themselves.

Preparedness also plays a critical role. Including mental health in emergency response plans ensures no one is left behind. This could mean setting up mobile clinics, ensuring access to medication, creating emergency helplines, or embedding mental health professionals within rapid response teams. These measures help communities recover not just physically, but emotionally too.

Of course, no sustainable change can happen without strong policies and proper funding. Unfortunately, mental health often receives less than 2% of health budgets in many countries, leaving services underfunded and out of reach. Governments, organizations, and donors must begin to treat mental health with the same urgency as physical health. Investing in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation saves lives and strengthens the overall resilience of societies.

And now, more than ever, technology is helping bridge the gap. Digital tools like teletherapy, mobile apps, and online counseling platforms have made it possible for people to receive help even in areas where stigma, distance, or limited professionals once stood in the way. When combined with community outreach, these innovations create safe and flexible ways for people to seek support wherever they are.

As the world marks World Mental Health Day, we at Mental Drive Africa echo the global call for stronger access to mental health care, especially in times of crisis. Every person deserves a chance to heal, to be heard, and to find hope again-no matter what storms they face.

Through our ongoing programs, from mental health education in schools to market outreaches and community-based therapy support, we are committed to bringing wellness closer to the people who need it most. But we cannot do it alone. We call on governments, organizations, and individuals to join hands in building systems that prioritize mental well-being in every emergency response.

Because mental health is not a privilege.

It is a right-for everyone, everywhere, and even in the most catastrophic times.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Dr. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for a collective action to protect the girl-child from harm and abuse to enable her to achieve her dreams.

She noted that every girl deserves the chance to dream, grow, and lead.

The minister urged young Nigerians to become advocates of mentorship and progressive leadership.

She stressed the need for a multi-sectoral approach to addressing issues about rape and gender-based violence.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed that a collective responsibility is essential in protecting girls and women across the country.

The minister said this when she visited the Office of the National Youth Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth House in Abuja in commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Girl-Child.

She praised the APC Youth Wing for promoting youth and women’s inclusion within the party.

The event, which was organised by the APC Youth Wing, brought together young progressives, women’s leaders, and party members to highlight the importance of empowering, educating, and investing in the Nigerian girl-child.

APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, hailed Sulaiman-Ibrahim for her dedication to the welfare of women and girls.

He reiterated the Youth Wing’s commitment to gender inclusion and social development.

Israel stressed that ’empowering the girl-child is empowering the next generation’.

The event featured an interactive session and a fireside chat where the minister shared insights from her leadership journey, inspiring participants to pursue purpose-driven careers and community service.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Progressive Young Ladies Network (PYLN) – a youth-led initiative aimed at fostering mentorship, leadership training, and active participation of young women within and beyond the APC.

There were sessions for the presentation of souvenirs, group photographs, and media interactions during the celebration.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the people of Ekiti State to support the African Democratic Party (ADC) ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship poll.

Atiku said the ADC was ready to rescue Ekiti people from the shackles of alleged maladministration,saying the party has what it takes to transform the state and put it on the path of greatness and prosperity.

The former Vice President spoke while receiving a frontline ADC governorship aspirant, Prince Adeyinka Alli in his residence in Abuja ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The ADC Chieftain expressed confidence in Alli’s leadership capacity, describing him as a vibrant and determined young politician capable of giving Ekiti a new direction.

Atiku who commended the Alli’s courage, vision, and track record in public service and humanitarian work, describing him as a refreshing face in Ekiti politics.

He explained his decision to meet the governorship hopeful was influenced by his credentials and commitment to humanitarian services, which he said align with the ADC’s vision for reform and inclusive governance.

Atiku said: ‘Ekiti has gotten a new face, ADC is a party that practises transitional politics. I’m encouraging young people, women, to come in because ADC is the young bride in town.

‘Alli is the first person I’m meeting that wants to contest for any political office in Ekiti under ADC. I saw your CV and it’s very okay, that’s why I said I want to see you.

‘You did well, I like your boldness and determination. I have other appointments with international personnel but I have to suspend that to attend to you and I believe that with you, Ekiti is safe in your hands under ADC’, he added.

Alli, who declared his ambition at his country home of Itapa-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area, said he has the capacity to transform the state.

‘Through transparency, accountability, and technology-driven governance, we will build a government that listens, serves, and delivers. This is the promise of Progress Together, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

‘My dear people of Ekiti, this journey is not mine alone; it is ours. It is the dream of every mother who prays for her child’s future, every farmer who tills the soil with hope, and every young person who dares to believe in a brighter tomorrow. Let us rise together to write a new chapter for our beloved state,’ he said.

Mrs Arinola Ajose, widow of Dr Sunny Ajose, Badagry apex leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday hailed Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for naming 420 housing units in honour of her late husband.

Sanwo-Olu had on Wednesday named the newly-inaugurated Ajara Housing Estate in Badagry after the late Lagos State Head of Service (HoS) and member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Ajose.

Mrs Ajose in a statement signed by Prince Sunday Oke, on behalf of the family, said the kind gesture was a great pride and appreciation for all of them in Badagry.

She said: ”We are grateful to our esteemed governor for this thoughtful and well-deserved recognition.

‘By naming this housing estate after the late Dr. Ajose, our governor has paid tribute to his memory and preserved his legacy for generations to come.

‘This gesture reflects the deep respect and admiration our governor has for those who have selflessly served our state.

‘The immortalisation of the name of the late Ajose is a source of pride and inspiration for his family, friends and colleagues.

‘It serves as a reminder of the remarkable impact he had on the community and the lives he touched through his dedicated service.’

The widow added: ‘On behalf of the family, I express our sincere appreciation to the governor for this noble gesture.

‘We pray that God continues to bless him with wisdom and strength as he leads our state to greater heights.

‘We also extend our gratitude to residents of Lagos State, who have shown their support and love for our late honourable through this recognition.

‘As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us be reminded of the legacy of Ajose and strive to embody his selfless spirit in our lives.

‘May his memory continue to inspire us to serve our community and make our state a better place for all.’

The Federal Government has asked tertiary institutions to submit reconciled reports of all unutilised funds received from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) within 30 days.

The government said the reconciled reports would be ‘jointly verified’ at the end of the submission.

Education Minister Olatunji Alausa said this at a meeting with heads of federal tertiary institutions, bursars and procurement directors on unutilised funds yesterday in Abuja.

The minister announced that at the end of the meeting, the Federal Ministry of Education would issue directives to ensure effective use of TETFund resources.

He said: ‘Education remains the bedrock of national development. As a nation, we commit substantial resources to strengthening infrastructure, human capital, research, and the learning environment across our tertiary institutions. TETFund plays a pivotal role as the vehicle through which the Federal Government channels support to our universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

‘However, one recurring challenge that has continued to undermine this investment is the existence of unutilised balances – funds released for specific projects or interventions that are either not deployed on time or not fully expended before new allocations are made. Over time, these idle funds represent lost opportunities – resources that could have improved laboratories, classrooms, ICT facilities, research centres, faculty development, and more, but did not, due to process delays, weak absorptive capacity, or compliance and accountability gaps.

‘Institutions must submit reconciled reports of all unutilised funds within 30 days, which will be jointly verified. Unused funds may be redirected to priority projects, and carrying them over without strong justification will no longer be allowed.

‘Procurement plans must align with approved interventions, and approvals should be fast-tracked to prevent delays.’

Alausa said the government would introduce capacity-building programmes to strengthen project management, compliance, and reporting, alongside mentorship initiatives.

The minister also hinted at the government’s quarterly reviews to track the progress and compliance with sanctions for institutions that fail to utilise funds effectively.

According to him, heads of institutions, bursars, and procurement directors will be held responsible for slippages.

Alausa said: ‘Finally, transparency will be enhanced through a public dashboard showing disbursement and utilisation data, and institutions will be required to publish project progress reports.

‘The success of this initiative depends on strong collaboration. TETFund must lead with professionalism, enforce compliance, and ensure transparency.

‘Institutional heads should drive urgency and accountability, while bursars, procurement officers, and project coordinators must plan and report diligently. Auditors and oversight bodies are expected to monitor activities and flag irregularities. All stakeholders must uphold a sense of stewardship, recognising that every TETFund naira represents public trust.

‘Let us seize this moment to turn the narrative around. Let unutilised balances no longer be a recurring embarrassment, but rather the catalyst for improved governance, greater productivity, and transformative impact in our tertiary education system.

‘Our students, faculty, and the future of our nation depend on it. With your cooperation, sincerity, and commitment, I am confident that every fund allocated will translate into tangible outcomes – classrooms built, laboratories equipped, research enhanced, faculty developed, and students empowered.’

A Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted in evidence the confessional statement made by former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, while being investigated over the N33.8billion money laundering case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling on Friday, dismissed the objection raised by Mamman to the admissibility of the statement he made on February 20, 2024, and eight other statements.

The ruling was on the trial-within-trial conducted by the court following a claim by the ex-minister that he did not make the statement of February 20, 2024, voluntarily and that he was not supplied with video recordings of the sessions where he made the other eight statements.

Justice Omotosho upheld that case of the prosecution that the defendant volunteered the statement of February 20, 2024, after the words of caution were administered to him as required.

The judge held that, as against the defendant’s claim that he was not in a good frame of mind when he was asked to make the statement of February 20, 2024, there was no evidence to support such a claim.

He found that although the ex-minister claimed to be ill on the said day, he did not ask to be excused, but instead, he directed his lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, to write the statement for him, while he dictated what should be written.

The judge also rejected the defendant’s claim that he was not sure his lawyer wrote exactly what he dictated and that the lawyer could have added other information outside of what he dictated.

Justice Omotosho wondered why the ex-minister, who had promised to call the said lawyer as his witness in the trial-within-trial, failed to do so when he had the opportunity.

The judge held that, as against the defendant’s claim that he was forced to make the said statement, a video recording of the statement-taking session, which was played in court, showed that he was relaxed and smiling with his interrogators.

He said the conduct of the defendant amounted to a classic case of the defendant trying to deny his confessional statement, which he voluntarily made.

The judge also faulted the ex-minister’s contention that the prosecution’s failure to provide him with the video recordings of the sessions where he made other statements amounted to being denied adequate materials to prepare for his defence.

Justice Omotosho said he ought to have applied to the court to order the prosecution to provide him with all the materials he required if indeed he actually wanted them.

The judge held that the right to adequate facilities to prepare a defence is not automatic, adding that he was to apply to the court to order the prosecution to make the video available to him, an option he failed to take.

Justice Omotosho found that the ex-minister failed to prove that he was forced to make the confessional statement, adding that his complaint that he was not given the video recordings was belated.

He proceeded to admit the nine statements in evidence and adjourned till November 3 for the continuation of the trial.

Apart from the statement he made on February 20, 2024, other statements admitted by the court included those the defendant made on May 10, 2023; May 11, 2023; May 12, 2023; May 15, 2023; May 17, 2023; May 19, 2023; August 3, 2023, and August 29, 2023.

Mamman, who was a minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2021, was accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a 12-count charge of diverting N33,804,830,503.73 released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government.

The EFCC said the offence was contrary to Sections 18(a), 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

Some counts in the charge sheet read:

*That you, Saleh Mamman (male), sometime in 2019, in Abuja, whilst you were the Minister of Power, conspired with other officials of your ministry and some private companies to indirectly convert the total sum of N=33,804,830,503.73 through various private companies which sums you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity, to wit: criminal breach of trust about the funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

*That you, Saleh Mamman (male), sometime in December 2019, in Abuja, conspired with Samson Bitrus to make a cash payment of US$655,700:00 to Mohiba Investment Ltd. (acting through Mohammed Asheik Jidda), without going through a financial institution.

As against the rumour being peddled, the newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, was never a member of the legal team of President Bola Tinubu at both the presidential election tribunal and the Supreme Court while the dispute over the 2023 presidential election lasted.

A search by The Nation through the lists of counsel’s appearances, contained in the certified true copies (CTC) of the three judgments of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPC) and the two final judgments of the Supreme Court in the 2023 presidential election dispute, did not reflect Prof Amupitan’s name.

Those peddling the rumour may have been unable to distinguish the name of Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), who appeared with Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), along with others, for Tinubu and Vice President Ksahim Shettima, from that of Professor Joash Amupitan.

The PEPC rendered its consolidated judgment on September 6, 2023, on the three petitions that it fully considered.

The three petitions were:

*Petition No: CA/PEPC/03/2023 was filed by Peter Obi and Labour Party (LP), with INEC, Tinubu, Shettima, and APC as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th respondents.

*Petition No: CA/PEPC/04/2023 was filed by Allied Peoples Movement (APM), with INEC, APC, Tinubu, Shettima, and Kabir Masari listed as 1st to 5th respondents, respectively.

*Petition No: CA/PEPC/05/2023 was filed by Atiku Abubakar and the PDP, with INEC, Tinubu, and the APC listed as 1st to 3rd respondents, respectively.

Appearances of lawyers in Peter Obi and LP’s petition were recorded as follows:

The petitioners were: Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN, Awa Kalu (SAN), Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Chief Ben. Anachebe (SAN), Ikechukwu Ezechukwu (SAN), J.S. Okutepa (SAN), Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN), Dr. Mrs. Valerie – Janette Azinge (SAN), Emeka Okpoko (SAN), Alex Ejesieme (SAN), Peter Afuba (SAN), Emenike Mbanugo, Chike A. Obi, and Vincent Ottaokpukpu.

Appearance for INEC (1st respondent) included: A.B. Mahmoud (SAN), Miannaya Essien (SAN), Sir Stephen Adehi (SAN), T.M. Inuwa (SAN), Alhassan A. Umar (SAN), Abdulaziz Sani and S.O. Ibrahim (SAN), Nasara H. Auta, Aminu Sadauki, and Dr. Patricia Obi.

Those who appeared for Tinubu and Ksahim Shettima (2nd and 3rd respondents) were: Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), Yusuf Ali (SAN), Emmanuel! Ukala (SAN), Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), Dele Adesina (SAN), Dr. Hassan Liman (SAN), Olatunde Busari (SAN), A.U. Mustapha (SAN), Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Bode Olanipekun (SAN), A.A. Malik (SAN), Funmilayo Quadri (SAN), Babatunde Ogala (SAN), Dr. Remi Olatubora (SAN), and M.O. Adebayo (SAN), Emmanuel Uwadoka, Yinka Ajenifuja, and Akintola Makinde.

For the APC (4th respondent), L.O. Fagbemi (SAN), Chief Dr. Charles U. Edosomwan (SAN), Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), Chukwuma Ekomani (SAN), Abiodun J. Owonikoko (SAN), Solomon Umoh (SAN), Hakeem O. Afolabi (SAN), Y.H.A. Ruba (SAN), Chief Anthony Adeniyi (SAN), Mumuni Hanafi (SAN), Japhat Opawale, Olanrewaju Akinshola, and Huwaila M Ibrahim.

In the petition by APM, Andrew Nwajim Malgwi (SAN), G.A. Idiagbonya, J.0. Olotu, Joyce Torkula, Ndidi Naku, and L.J. Ashaku were recorded as appearing for the petitioner.

Sir. Stephen Adehi (SAN), T.M. Inuwa (SAN), Alhassan A. Umar (SAN), Dr. Patricia Obi, Wendy Kuku, and M.A. Attah appeared for the 1st respondent (INEC).

For the APC (2nd respondents), Prince L.O. Fagbemi (SAN), Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), Aliyu O. Saiki (SAN) and A.M. Rafindadi (SAN), Ahmad El-Marzuq, Omosanya Popoola, and Folake Abiodun.

Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) led the legal team of Tinubu and Shettima, which also featured Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), Yusuf Ali (SAN), Babatunde Ogala (SAN), Funmilayo Quadri (SAN), A.R. Arobo, Akintola Makinde, and Yinka Ajenifuja.

The legal team for Masari (the 5th respondent in this petition) was made up of Dr. Rowland Otaru (SAN), A.A. Malik (SAN), Chris E. Agbiti, Gabriel M. Ishom, Chief Yomi Aliyu (SAN), G.M. Ishom, O.R. Iyere, and Edeji Adaeze.

In respect of the petition by Atiku and the PDP, Chief Chris Uche (SAN) Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Nella Andem-Ewa Rabana (SAN), Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN), Mahmoud Magaji (SAN), Joe Abraham (SAN), Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN), Prof. Maxwel M. Gidado (SAN), Gordy Uche (SAN), Edward Ashiekaa (SAN), A.K. Ajibade (SAN), Abdul A. Ibrahim (SAN), Paul Harris Ogbole (SAN), Kemasuode Wodu (SAN), Andrew M. Malgwi (SAN), Prof. Yusuf Dankofa, M.S. Atolagbe, and Olabode Makinde appeared for the petitioners.

A.B. Mahmoud (SAN), Miannaya Essien (SAN), Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN, Sir Stephen Adehi (SAN), T.M. Inuwa (SAN), Alhassan A. Umar (SAN), Abdulaziz Sani (SAN), S.O. Ibrahim (SAN), Nasara H. Auta, Aminu Sadauki, and Dr. Patricia Obi appeared for INEC (the first respondent).

Tinubu (the second respondent) was represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), Yusuf Ali (SAN), Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), Adebayo Adelodun (SAN), Oladele Adesina (SAN), Dr. Hassan Liman (SAN), Olatunde Busari (SAN), Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Bode Olanipekun (SAN), Mrs. Funmilayo Quadri (SAN), Babatunde Ogala (SAN), Dr. Remi Olatubora (SAN) M.O. Adebayo (SAN), A.A. Malik (SAN), Yinka Ajenifuja, Akintola Makinde, and Julius Ishola.

The APC consisted of Prince L. O. Fagbemi (SAN), Dr. Charles U. Edosomwan,(SAN), Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), Chief A. Fashanu (SAN), Chukwuma Ekoneani (SAN), Abodun J. Owonikoko (SAN), Sam T. Ologunorisha (SAN), Solomon Umoh (SAN), Hakeem O. Afolabi (SAN), Olusola Oke (SAN), Aliyu O. Sanu (SAN), Y. H. A. Ruba (SAN), Chief Anthony Adeniyi (SAN), Mumumi Hanafi (SAN), Ahmad El-Marzuq, Seun Ajayi, and Omosanya Popoola, including Adeniyi Kazeem (SAN).

At the Supreme Court, the judgment was delivered on October 26, 2023 in the appeal marked: SC/CV/937/2023 filed by Peter Obi and the LP, which had INEC, Tinubu, Shettima, and the APC as the 1st to 4th respondents respectively.

*The judgment of the Supreme Court was equally delivered on October 26, 2023, in the appeal marked: SC/CV/935/2023 filed by Abubakar Atiku and the PDP, with INEC, Tinubu, and the APC as the 1st to 3rd respondents.

The legal team of Peter Obi and the LP (who were the appellants) was made up of Dr. Livy Uzochukwu (SAN), Awa Kalu (SAN), Alex Ejesieme (SAN), Peter Afuba (SAN), and Chike Obi.

The first respondent (INEC was represented by A. B. Mahmoud (SAN), Miannaya Essien (SAN), Sir Stephen Adehi (SAN), Musa A. Attah, and Chukwudi Enebeli.

Tinubu and Shettima (2nd and 3rd respondents) were represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Yusuf Ali (SAN), Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), and Akintola Makinde.

The APC team was made up of Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwon (SAN), Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN and Olumide Olujinmi.

In relation to the appeal by Atiku and the PDP, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Nella Andem-Ewa Rabana (SAN), and Ahmed T. Uwais represented the appellants.

INEC (the 1st respondent) was represented by A. B. Mahmoud (SAN), Dr. Kemi Pinhario (SAN), Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN), S. O. Ibrahim (SAN), Aminu Sadauki, and Wendy Kuku.

Tinubu was represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Yusuf Ali (SAN), Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), and Akintola Makinde.

The APC was represented by Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), Chief Charles Uwensuji Edosonwan (SAN), Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), and Olumide Olujinmi.

Indigenous singer Abolore Adegbola Akande popularly known as 9ice has announced plans to get a tribal mark at 50, inspired by his father who bears the same mark.

In a video shared on TikTok page, the Ogbomosho-born singer revealed that he wants to honor his heritage and family tradition.

‘By the time I’m 50, I will get the same mark as my dad. That’s what I want to do for my birthday. A lot of my boys said I won’t do that, but, you will see,’ he stated.

9ice is known for incorporating Yoruba language and proverbs into his music and his decision comes as part of his journey to reconnect with his traditional beliefs.

Tribal marks are a symbol of identity, beauty, and cultural affiliation.

In an interview with Nancy Isime in August 2025, 9ice shared that he is a traditional worshipper, having turned to Ifa priesthood after a life-threatening illness.

He expressed regret for not embracing traditional practices earlier, referencing the significance of cultural heritage in his life.

A new platform CameraHubs has intensified efforts to launch Africa’s marketplace for cameras, audio equipment, broadcasting gear, and stage lighting to boost creatives in their work.

The launch is slated for December 1, 2025.

The brains behind the platform, Eugin Joachin, a Nigerian businessman with over 20 years of experience in the photographic equipment industry, said the inspiration for CameraHubs came from decades of watching creatives struggle.

‘I have seen photographers cry after discovering they bought fake gear or they are finding it difficult to get exactly what they want .I have seen churches spend months trying to bring in basic microphones, trusses, stage lights and other equipment. I have also seen middlemen inflate prices unnecessarily. CameraHubs is the big break Africa’s creatives have been waiting for,’ he said.

He said the target audience are photographers, cinematographers, content creators, churches, clubs, broadcasters, and entertainers, adding that creatives don’t just need equipment; they need guidance, inspiration, and opportunities to connect.

‘The platform will connect buyers directly to different distributors, retailers and manufacturers. Buyers will also be able to browse multiple shops, compare prices, and choose what suits their budgets,’ he said at a media parley in Lagos.

‘This is not just another online store. It is a hub where industry players, manufacturers, retailers, and professionals come together in one space. If you are a photographer, a filmmaker , club owners, churches you will find exactly what you need without stress,’ he added.