Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, has impounded prohibited goods worth over N1.18 billion in the last six weeks and arrested four suspects in connection with the seizures.

It also said the main online recruitment examination for all shortlisted candidates in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant Cadres will hold on October 9, 2025.

Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, the Comptroller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu said the Unit intercepted 125 prohibited goods in Ogun, Ondo, Oyo and Lagos states.

Displaying the seized goods at the Federal Government warehouse in Ikeja, the C, Shuaibu, highlighted the seizures to include, 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to eight trailer loads; 15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles; 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 431.8kg and 460 jerrycans (25 litres each) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Others, according to him, are 143 bales of used clothing, two jumbo sacks of used shoes, and one sack of used clothing; 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol; 210 pieces of used tyres; and one 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate, intercepted for false declaration.

He added that the operations were intelligence-driven and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, protecting the economy, and ensuring consumer safety from hazardous and counterfeit goods.

Four suspects, he said, were arrested in connection with the seizures and would be handed over to the relevant agencies for investigation and prosecution

Shuaibu emphasised the unit’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, noting that the confiscated pharmaceuticals and cannabis would be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), respectively.

The Controller reiterated the enforcement of the 2016 Federal Government ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders, warning that ‘selfish and unpatriotic individuals’ who continue to flout the policy would suffer heavy losses.

Beyond enforcement, Shuaibu disclosed that the unit recovered N39.27 million in revenue through demand notices issued for import duty shortfalls between September 1 and October 7, 2025.

Receiving the drugs, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nasir Bungudu, commended officers of the NCS for their vigilance and intelligence in intercepting another shipment of Indian hemp believed to have been smuggled into the country through sea.

Bungudu also lauded the Customs’ sustained efforts in combating drug trafficking, describing their operations as ‘dogged and intelligence-driven.’

‘This is another Indian hemp that is not produced in Nigeria. It was brought in through the sea and the river. I thank the Customs for their ability to track and arrest the culprits. Their intelligence and timing in making such arrests are commendable,’ Bungudu said.

He assured that the NDLEA would continue to strengthen its collaboration with the Customs Service to curb the smuggling of illicit drugs into the country, especially through waterways and land borders.

The NCS, via its official X handle said the Oct 9 online examination date for shortlisted candidates marked a major step in its ongoing recruitment process aimed at strengthening manpower across operational commands and border posts nationwide.

The NCS explained that candidates have been grouped into three batches-A, B, and C, and are required to log in using their National Identification Number (NIN) via (https://updates.customs.gov.ng) to check their batch, date, and time of the examination.

‘Strict compliance with the assigned Batch and Time is mandatory. Failure to adhere may lead to disqualification,’ the Service cautioned.

It further warned candidates against the use of calculators, mobile phones, or other devices during the examination, noting that any attempt to violate the rules could jeopardise their chances. The NCS also advised applicants to avoid multiple log-ins or switching browser windows, as such actions might affect their participation in the exercise.

‘Only Inspectorate and Customs Assistant Cadre candidates are to take part in this stage of the examination. Applicants of the Superintendent Cadre are not to participate at the stage,’ the statement read.

The online examination, Customs said reflects its growing emphasis on technology-driven recruitment and personnel development, a strategy that aligns with its broader digital transformation agenda. Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, the Service has continued to modernise its operations, enhance border management efficiency, and promote transparency in staff selection and deployment.

By adopting online testing platforms, the NCS aims to reduce human interference, ensure merit-based evaluation, and reach applicants from diverse locations across the country. This approach, the Service said, not only promotes fairness but also supports Nigeria’s transition to a digital public service environment.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, fairness, and transparency throughout the recruitment process, assuring candidates that only merit would guide selection decisions.

Like most of his predecessors as chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has been the recipient of acidic criticism over the handling of elections under his watch. He, more than most, having stepped into the saddle against the backdrop of unprecedented political change.

He was appointed in 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari who, along with his All Progressives Congress (APC), had pulled off the hitherto unthinkable feat of toppling an incumbent president. The losing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is yet to come to terms with its defeat, and spent the last ten years blaming the commission for its woes.

But that’s understandable given that no one ever loses elections in Nigeria; it’s always down to INEC’s ‘rigging’. Even no-hoppers indulge in this national pastime of blaming the umpire. Way back in the Second Republic, the hapless chairman of the electoral body, retired Justice Victor Ovie-Whiskey, famously retorted that he would faint if he saw N1 million in cash. This was in reaction to unending allegations that he and his team had been bought off by the then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

To that extent, no one should be too shocked by the Yakubu-bashing, nor swallow hook, line and sinker ever accusation against the election management team.

This is not to say that the current commission, or its previous incarnations have delivered perfectly on their mandate. I doubt whether there’s any national institution for which that sort of generous claim can be made. While there’s much to be criticised, sometimes the criticism is way over the top; devoid of the generosity of spirit which acknowledges where progress has been made and innovations introduced.

Over the last decade, our elections have evolved from the dark days when the primary beneficiary the 2007 election, late President Umaru Yar’Adua, shockingly admitted that the process that threw him up was fundamentally flawed. For all the attempts by the aggrieved to paint the chairman as a devil in professorial garb, no one can say that the Yakubu period ever plumbed the scandalous depths of 18 years ago.

And that’s saying a lot, given that aside the general elections of 2019 and 2023 the commission under him also managed countless by-elections in that 10-year space. Virtually all parties – from the largest to fringe ones – at some point emerged enjoyed the feeling of being victors: in some instances in places where their triumph was considered an upset.

A case in point is the narrow defeat of APC and its candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Lagos, a place long considered his impenetrable fortress. In those instances, the victors would hail the commission to high heavens whilst the losers would curse them to the pits of hell.

This October, the curtain is set to be drawn on Yakubu’s decade-long leadership. But we must not forget that his tenure was not just about elections, it also involved transforming the institution and reforming the way our polling processes are managed – getting them aligned with global best practices.

Take away controversies about particular election outcomes and fair-minded persons cannot but admit that the Yakubu years have been transformative. Those with short memory forget that once upon a time ballot box-snatching and other Stone Age malpractices were consequential in determining electoral outcomes.

Today, with the embrace of technology, much of those abuses have become redundant. So much so that on polling days citizens can now track emerging results from polling units up to ward level and beyond on INEC’s portal same day.

One key achievement for which his time would be remembered is continuity and institutional stability. This is down to the fact that he’s the commission’s first chairman to have served two consecutive terms. In that period he oversaw the largest number of elections ever conducted in this country – two general elections, 19 governorship polls, hundreds of bye-elections, and three FCT council elections.

To guarantee enduring institutional memory, he initiated Nigeria’s first Election Museum to preserve the nation’s democratic history. He regularised election dates, creating certainty and predictability. Improved investment in modernised election infrastructure resulted in the building of State Collation Centres across the federation and initiation of a new INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

You cannot discuss Yakubu’s legacy without talking about the Commission’s embrace of technology. Two key items have become household names in political discourse. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) with fingerprint and facial recognition was introduced in place of the flawed manual processes. Equally, the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) came into being, allowing Nigerians to view polling unit results in real time.

Technology has also revolutionised voter registration through IVED and ABIS, eliminating 2.7 million fraudulent registrations. Digital portals for candidate nomination, party agent registration, observer accreditation, and media access are now available. In a first on the African continent, INEC has introduced the Artificial Intelligence Division, with an eye on the future of election management.

Other achievements of the Yakubu tenure include expanding the Voter Roll by institutionalising Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). This has created year-round opportunities for people to register. Since the introduction in 2017, over 23 million new voters have been added.

In the face of persistent calls for legal and regulatory reforms, the Commission worked with the National Assembly to deliver the landmark Electoral Act 2022, heralding electronic transmission of results and stricter party regulations.

He would be remembered for making inclusion a core part of his agenda with the establishment of the Department of Gender and Inclusivity to give structure and voice to representation. Quota slots were reserved for women in senior management, breaking long-standing barriers.

Also introduced were assistive voting devices like Braille ballots and magnifying lenses. He created and implemented legal frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to vote, safeguarding rights even in times of crisis. To actually walk his talk, persons with disabilities were hired within INEC.

Deepening of stakeholder engagement has been achieved through quarterly consultations with political parties, civil society, security agencies, and the media. A Code of Conduct for security personnel on election duty, ensuring professionalism in the field has been introduced. Partnerships with traditional rulers, faith leaders, and the National Peace Committee have contributed to a more peaceful electoral process.

Yakubu’s impact has been felt in the area of electoral diplomacy and regional leadership. He revived and presided over ECONEC (ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions), positioning Nigeria as a hub of electoral thought leadership. He has also driven solidarity and peer-learning missions across West Africa, providing technical, material, and moral support to sister commissions.

Demotivated staff can become a danger to electoral credibility as they become vulnerable to manipulation by politicians and parties. Understanding this, the INEC boss has addressed staff development and welfare by introducing merit-based promotions and gender quotas for directors, rewarding excellence; rolled out welfare packages: hazard allowances, bonuses, medical aid, and funeral grants; built a crèche for nursing mothers, supporting staff with young families; instituted Long Service Awards and Staff Recognition Nights.

As he departs from a seat which many have dubbed a poisoned chalice, INEC’s low key, self-effacing chair can look back with pride at the technology-driven, reform-oriented, and people-focused institution he’s leaving behind. Perhaps with time he will get the credit he deserves for laying the foundation for deeper public trust in the integrity of our elections.

Nigeria and China are set to strengthen their bilateral trade relations through the 2025 edition of the China Commodities Expo-Nigeria (CCE).

The event is scheduled to run from today till Friday, November 7 at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Organised by the Trade Development Bureau of China’s Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with Brightway International Exhibition, and supported by various Chinese provincial governments, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, as well as the Federal and state governments of Nigeria, the annual Expo has become a major platform for promoting trade and investment between both nations.

Over 250 Chinese manufacturers and more than 5,000 business representatives are expected to participate in this year’s edition, which will feature products across key sectors including automobiles, motorcycles and spare parts, machinery, food processing and packaging, fashion and textiles, beauty products, construction and building materials, agricultural equipment, electrical and electronic products, medical devices, home appliances, power and renewable energy, and other emerging technologies.

Parents and guardians of students at the National Institute of Nigerian Languages Demonstration Secondary School (NDSS) and Nursery/Primary School (NNPS), Aba, Abia State, have called for urgent intervention from the Minister of Education and the Abia State Commissioner for Education over alleged extortion by the school management.

The two institutions, which serve as staff schools of the National Institute of Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) and are located along the Obingwa axis of New Umuahia Road, have a combined population of about 2,000 students drawn from staff families and the general public.

Speaking at a press conference in Aba, parents under the aegis of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) accused the NINLAN management of introducing ‘extortionist fees’ and arbitrarily increasing levies by more than 100 percent.

PTA Chairman, Dr. Chidi Emenike, said parents were shocked by the announcement of a massive hike in tuition and boarding fees for the 2025/2026 academic session by the Executive Director of NINLAN, Professor Ogbonna Onuoha. He described the new rates as unrealistic and unsustainable.

According to him, primary school fees were raised from ?20,000 to ?44,500 per term, while secondary school fees jumped from ?35,000 to ?65,000. Boarding fees also increased from ?100,000 to ?140,000, despite falling food prices nationwide.

He added that other levies-such as annual caution fees of ?20,000 for secondary students and ?10,000 for primary pupils, medical fees of ?10,000 and ?5,000 per term for secondary and primary pupils respectively, as well as ?5,000 each for ICT and examination fees-were unjustified.

‘These hikes are unbearable and defeat the very essence of the demonstration schools, which were established to provide affordable education for the children of NINLAN staff and the host community,’ Emenike said.

Another PTA member, Barrister Chukwuemeka Nwachukwu, argued that the schools cannot be run like private institutions where decisions are imposed without consultation. He said the PTA was not opposed to the official ?65,000 tuition approved by the federal government but rejected the ‘obnoxious and exploitative levies’ introduced by the management.

Nwachukwu appealed to the Federal Ministry of Education, the Abia State Government, the National Assembly, and other relevant authorities to intervene and reverse the increments, warning that many parents might be forced to withdraw their children.

He lamented that parents like him, whose children are in critical examination classes, are trapped by the timing of the hike, as transferring students would affect their eligibility for upcoming external examinations.

Efforts to reach the Public Relations Officer of NINLAN, Chris Nwankwo, were unsuccessful as calls and messages to his phone went unanswered at the time of filing this report.

Actress Adunni Ade has claimed victory in a lawsuit against a blogger who published an alleged false story about her.

The blogger published she’s one of the popular actresses dating Senator Dino Melaye.

Adunni filed a lawsuit against the blog, arguing that the report placed her ‘in a misleading and offensive light’, violating her constitutional right to privacy under Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution and the Nigeria Delta Protection Act, 2023.

The court, according to her, awarded a N20 million in damages.

Adunni emphasised that the judgment upholds the importance of privacy and integrity.

She thanked her lawyer for their hard work and noted that this was her second win, with a few more cases pending.

She wrote on Instagram: ‘I won my case – Adunni Ade vs. Polace Media Limited. A false story was published about me, but truth stood tall. This judgment reaffirms that privacy matters – and so does integrity.

‘Justice delayed isn’t justice denied. Many thanks to my Lawyer! You worked tirelessly on this case(s), Olumide Babalola LP 2 cases won, a few more to go. You who is running up and down avoiding court papers, please stand still so you can be served’.

Adunni also addressed a fellow actress, seemingly referencing a past conflict and accusing them of envy and deceit.

‘And to you, my fellow actress, who told a false story to the cutie Jules, don’t worry, very soon the world will know the kind of snake you are. Envy and bitterness live and breathe within you. You are deadly! You must have forgotten what you showed me in my room? Anyways, thank you to the Nigerian court of law,’ she added.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday administered the oath of office to two newly elected senators.

They are Barrister Joseph Ikpea, representing Edo Central under the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Emmanuel Nwachukwu Chibuzor, representing Anambra South on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Both lawmakers emerged victorious in the recent by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill existing vacancies in their respective districts.

Ikpea replaced Senator Monday Okpebholo, who is now the Governor of Edo State, while Chibuzor took the seat left vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the former representative of Anambra South.

The acting Clerk to the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance on both Ikpea and Chibuzor after which both of them proceeded to shake hands with the Presiding Officer, Akpabio, and submitted their certificates of return issued to them by the INEC.

Dignitaries who witnessed the swearing-in session included the former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, former Deputy Governor of Edo State and present Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shuaibu, an elder brother to the Edo Central Senator, Dr. Lee Ikpea and the Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Hon Samson Osaigie.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State is facing a deepening internal crisis as some aggrieved members have rejected the recently concluded state congress that produced Barrister Victor Modupe Aisida as the new state chairman.

Aisida emerged at the congress held last month, succeeding Rt. (Hon.) Bakitta Bello, who completed the tenure of the late Hon. Fatai Adams.

Other newly elected executives include Akin Oyewole (Deputy Chairman), Oluseye Olujimi (Secretary), Jolade Aladetan (Publicity Secretary), and Woke Akindiose (Legal Adviser).

Although the congress was described as peaceful, the party’s 2024 governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, was conspicuously absent from the exercise.

However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, a group within the party known as Kick Against Deceit alleged that the congress was deliberately manipulated to favour certain leaders within the PDP.

In the statement signed by Hon. Bamidele Ojo, the group’s Protem Director of Public Communications, the members described the entire process as a ‘charade.’

‘We, as members of a group within the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State, Kick Against Deceit, hereby condemn and totally reject the just concluded state congress of the PDP in Ondo State. We insist that the process was wilfully manipulated to serve the interests of a few leaders,’ the statement read.

Rising from a meeting held in Akure and chaired by Hon. Olaniyi Ogungbuji, the group expressed disappointment in the party’s leadership, accusing it of hypocrisy and lack of transparency despite its public posturing as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The aggrieved members alleged that, contrary to earlier assurances that existing senatorial district arrangements and officeholders who had not completed eight years would be retained, the congress outcome defied that understanding.

‘We realised that what was preached was not followed in any way. The positions were not only swapped from one senatorial district to another, but those who had not spent up to eight years were removed without any justifiable reasons,’ the statement continued.

‘At the end of the scam, some local governments enjoyed both national and state positions, while others were left out entirely, depending on the presence of any member of the leadership cartel in such local governments. The positions were not given based on competence, equity, or fairness but on a ‘chop-make-I-chop’ basis.’

The group vowed to challenge the outcome of the congress before higher authorities within the party, insisting that allowing the ‘charade’ to stand would set a dangerous precedent ahead of the 2027 polls.

The statement added, ‘Having thoroughly deliberated on the process and the conduct of the exercise, we concluded that the outcome must not be allowed to stand. We have therefore resolved to challenge the result in the interest of our great party.’

Those present at the meeting included Olaniyi Ogungbuji, Charles Adeduro, B.J. Lawal, Pat Ojo, Adebayo Adeyemi Adedipe, Bamidele Ojo, and Caroline Olubitan.

Others were Olowokanga Ayininuola, Dagbatan Anjorin Peter, Comrade Olawale Ijanusi, Oyinlusi Yemisi, and Eyiyemi Oluwatuyi.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has assured students, parents, and schools that the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) will be conducted smoothly and efficiently.

Speaking during a sensitisation campaign in Lagos on Wednesday, the Head of the WAEC National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, said every candidate who registers for the CB-WASSCE 2026 will be able to write the examination seamlessly, whether in Nigeria or abroad.

The awareness campaign was held across several locations in Lagos, including Yaba, Ojo, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Maryland, and Surulere.

Dr. Dangut explained that the sensitisation exercise was designed to prepare candidates and schools for the new system and to give them an opportunity to practise ahead of the examination.

He added that WAEC remains committed to ensuring timely, credible, and transparent examinations, noting that the introduction of the computer-based mode will help curb examination malpractice and enhance overall integrity.

‘Some people are still doubting, some people are still wondering whether this CB-WASSCE is a reality or not. Even though we have started, we have done five examinations.

Every candidate that registers for CB-WASSCE 2026 will write his exam. Whether he is offshore or he is onshore, whether he is in the UK or anywhere, as long as you register for our exam, you will write this exam. And CB-WASSCE is the way to go. It’s the future of exams. And we are here today,’ he said.

According to him, the full deployment of the Computer-Based Examination will not only reduce fraud and malpractice, but prevent any form of logistical challenge.

‘We have done it. Records are there. All the five examinations were conducted using computer-based examinations. There is a low rate of examination malpractice and there is higher performance of candidates. So what are we to be afraid about? So let us take the message to our stakeholders,’ he added.

Dangut also dispelled rumours that the examination body had removed some subjects on its Continuous Assessment (CASS) Portal.

He noted that WAEC does not act arbitrarily, adding that various stakeholders mandated the council to do away with some trade subjects.

‘For example, auto merchandising. If you leave it in the CASS portal, of what use is it going to be? Because those trade subjects that the government has removed have ceased to be. So if you leave them in the CASS portal and they put scores, what is it going to serve? No effect at all.

He added the names of some of the subjects have been modified, but the content remains the same.

‘WAEC is responsible, law-abiding and prompt to take action. We are ready to place Nigeria among the comity of people that are promptly utilising technology, in this case computer technology for education and an advanced assessment,’ he added.

The Gateway International Airport at Iperu Remo in Ogun State yesterday began scheduled commercial flights

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who inaugurated the ValueJet Airlines flight to Abuja on its Bombardier CRJ jet, lauded the vision of his predecessors in facilitating the construction of the fastest-built airport terminal in the country.

Abiodun described the choice of the location of the airport as strategic and essential in driving the economic development of the Gateway State.

The governor lauded the efforts of the team that delivered the facility, saying such a project would boost the socio-economic development of the state.

He praised aviation authorities, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), for ensuring the regulatory requirements were complied with.Abiodun also hailed the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, and his team, as well as other aviation regulatory bodies, for ensuring that the best was put together to accomplish the objective.

The governor applauded the efforts of the ValueJet Airlines boss and other members of the project implementation committee for their hard work in completing the project.

He said: ‘Our vision for Ogun State, which we have encapsulated, is to provide a focused and cohesive governance, while creating an enabling environment for public-private sector partnership, which we believe is fundamental to the economic growth of the state and the individual prosperity of every citizen of Ogun State.

‘In short, that vision clearly aims to bring more people to live, work, and play in Ogun State. So, in helping us to actualise that vision, we were advised on how we must ensure that our multi-modal transportation connects road, rail, air, and water.

‘This location had been chosen by my predecessors. But, they again confirmed, because they wanted to be passionate about the location of the airport. They again confirmed and validated the fact that this is indeed the location for an airport in the state.

‘Being almost at the centre point of the state, we came back here and noticed that the land had been encroached on and become a dump site. It was a forest. Today, the journey that started in 2021, and that evolved into the first plane that landed here after the construction of our runway, sometime in February 2023, two years afterwards. It has made us one of the fastest-constructed airports.’

Also, the Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, hailed the Ogun State government for the project.

He noted that the airport would add value to the aviation ecosystem.

Najomo said: ‘He started this thing in 2021. Now, this is the fastest one we have seen in the creation of airports. As a regulator, we made sure that everything was done according to regulations. As such, we did not leave any stone unturned.

‘If other states want to do the same, they must make sure they take value from what Ogun State has done. It is one thing to start a project, but it is another to see it through and ensure that regulations are followed.’

Also, the Federal Government has given Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport approval to start scheduled flight operations or commercial flights, effective October 4.

This followed the expiration of the initial approval for a non-scheduled flight approval for the airport by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in December 2024 and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The NCAA, in the letter dated October 3, 2025, addressed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, confirmed the new approval for scheduled flights. The approval will be for an initial period of six months.

According to the letter signed by the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Godwin Balang, the validation inspection was conducted on the airport from June 16 to 19.

‘The outcome revealed that the basic operational requirements for scheduled flight operations to Ado-Ekiti Airport have been significantly complied with and the instrument flight check validation report conducted by NAMA indicates satisfactory compliance with regulatory requirements.

‘In view of the above and in line with the provisions of Nig CARs Part 12 Vol. 1, 2023, I have been directed to convey the Authority’s Interim Operational Permit subject to the limitations of VFR or daylight (sunrise to sunset) operations.

‘Furthermore, Your Excellency is respectfully invited to note that this interim Operational Permit is to enable Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport to implement outstanding gaps and commence the certification process, which will allow for issuance of Aerodrome Operational Permit with a year’s validity in accordance with the Nig.CARS Part 12 Vol. 1.’

Also, the Ekiti State government has reached an advanced stage of installing the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to position the airport for night and all-weather operations.

Governor Oyebanji has hailed the development as a major boost to the economic development of the state.

He noted that the commencement of commercial operations at the airport would boost agribusiness, tourism development, commercial activities, and medical tourism.

These activities, the governor said, would further position the state as a destination of choice for people looking for where to live, work, invest, and relax.

Oyebanji thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the enabling environment for socioeconomic development at the national and subnational levels. He also thanked his immediate predecessor in office, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who laid the foundation of the airport project in 2019.

The governor also thanked the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), for his remarkable contributions to the airport project as well as members of the Airport Committee.

Julius and Eunice Adegoroye Foundation has urged wealthy Nigerians to support the less privileged with scholarships.

It spoke when it presented N3 million to a Pharmacy undergraduate of University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, David Akinwale, as part of its 2025 Education Scholarship.

At the ceremony in Adetola International Schools, Akure, Executive Secretary, Dr Aderinsola Adegoroye, said the scholarship was in fulfilment of one of its mandates, to promote academic excellence.

She urged students to commit to their studies, stressing education is the platform on which developed society rests.

Dr Adegoroye said the scholarship will be spread over the six years of Akinwale’s programme at UniMed, Ondo, as he will get N500,000 every session.

He urged him not to relent in his drive for excellence.

Appealing to Nigerians to lend a hand to those in need, she said the foundation earlier this year sponsored surgery for a woman with an inflamed jaw (Ameloblastoma).

It donated a vicarage for Anglican Church last year to support God’s work.

Dr Adegoroye said God repays those who support people and appealed with capacity to help should do good.

Represented by Director of Adetola International Schools, Sir Ademola Adegoroye, the secretary said she recommended the recipient, a graduate of Adetola International College in 2023/2024, because he did well in his studies, athletics, cultural dance and others, despite his physical challenge.

Dr Adegoroye congratulated Akinwale for making himself, his family and school proud, recalling he was Punctuality prefect at Adetola college.

Administrator and Deputy Director of Adetola, Mrs. Vera Agbetuyi and Mr Tola Olowe, hoped Akinwale will live by the legacy ingrained in him.

Akinwale said he would fly the Adetola flag high and enjoined students of the school to be diligent in their studies.

His mother thanked the foundation and prayed for its progress and Adetola school’.

The foundation was set up to immortalise the philanthropy of the late Julius and late Eunice Adegoroye, and to continue their love and selflessness.