Category: The Nation – Nigeria

A civic organisation – Ondo Redemption Front has charged the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on total autonomy for local government administration to allow for grassroots development.

The civic organisation which is committed to truth and accountability noted that this was to compliment the Federal Government’s desire in ensuring that effective governance was enhanced through effective local government administration.

Chairman of the organisation, Ayodeji Ologun, made the call at the group’s September Edition of its State of state address in Abuja.

Ologun said that as a group of concerned lawyers, the group had earlier raised serious concerns regarding the state of healthcare, governance, infrastructure, and financial accountability in Ondo state.

He said: ‘Ordinarily, we ought to have had this press conference in Akure but our deep concern to draw the attention of the Federal Government on the Local Government funds in Ondo State have brought us here.

‘You will recall that the Attorney General of the Federation sometimes approached, the Supreme Court in order to give life to our Local Governments. The reliefs sought by the Federal Government for our Local Government were granted.

‘The Attorney General assured Nigerians and by extension Ondo State people that our local governments will have an independent way of accessing their funds directly from the federation account for effective local government administration.’

Ologun added: ‘We hereby call on the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation to revisit the implementation of the Supreme Judgment on Local Government autonomy.

Ologun said that true governance demanded listening, planning, and acting decisively.

He said that the group was worried about the implementation of some programmes which have little benefit to the people instead of strengthening community participation and resolving long-standing conflicts through dialogue.

The Ondo Redemption Front, therefore, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Local Government funds to all the Local Government in Ondo state as released by the federal government through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

Also speaking, Co-Chairman of the Ondo Redemption Front, Mogbojuri Kayode said: ‘Citizens should not be at the mercy of governance. It is only right for the government to tell us how the Ondo state funds have been used so far. ‘It is the right of the people for the government to disclose this information.’

With over two decades of championing Nigeria’s creative industries with several initiatives such as the Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF), The Nigerian Jazz Project (NAIJAZZ), The Creative Community, (LABULE), The Tale of Two African Cities (TOTAC – Lagos/Johannesburg) amongst others, CEO Inspiro Productions/Founder, The Planet Afrobeats Project, Ayoola Sadare is making a case for Lagos State to be officially recognised as the Afrobeats capital of the world.

He insisted that Afrobeats superstars like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Tems, Rema, Ayra Starr and many others have transcended regional and continental lines to become a global cultural force.

‘From chart-topping hits dominating international airwaves to selling out arenas from London to New York, the world is listening and Lagos is always at the center. The city is in the lyrics, the visuals, and provides the soundtrack for the creative energy that fuels the culture. Lagos is the origin and Launchpad for this global phenomenon.

‘Lagos is already the Afrobeats capital of the world, the only problem? It hasn’t been officially recognised. Lagos, the heartbeat of a genre that has crossed oceans and conquered global charts, stages and audiences across the world, from the bustling streets of Surulere to the neon glow of Victoria Island, the city has nurtured the sound, raised its stars, and set the rhythm for a generation. The official recognition and declaration from the state, federal government and international organisations like the UN Tourism and others of what the world already knows and is a fact, Afrobeats begins and thrives in Lagos, Nigeria Is what is needed next.

‘But every day without the official recognition, Nigeria loses vast opportunities in year-round sustainable tourism, massive job creation, foreign and local investment, and the global branding power Afrobeats offers. This recognition is not merely symbolic but catalytic. It positions Lagos as a year-round sustainable creative tourism destination, beyond the now popular ‘Detty December,’ for signature festivals, conferences, creative residencies, heritage trails, and cultural expos that keep the megacity vibrant all year long.

Reality TV star Tolanibaj has confessed to being over the nightlife scene and is ready to explore marriage.

In a video, she admitted to being forced to enjoy clubbing and the loud music and dancing no longer excite her.

TolaniBaj stated that she’s looking for excitement in her life and believes marriage might bring her the fulfillment she’s seeking.

She said: ‘I gotta start being honest with myself. I no longer enjoy clubbing. I keep forcing it, bruh. I keep forcing it. I wanna see if I can experience some kind of excitement. I need excitement in my life.

‘I’m tired of clubbing. I don’t wanna be outside doing what? What am I looking for outside if I have a partner? Like, what the f- be outside to get a shot maybe traveling or something but like i’m done forcing clubbing man i don’t feel like pretending to be having fun in the club anymore like’.

She humorously stated she’d consider getting married for a short period, just to see if she’d like it.

‘I think it’s time to get married yeah i want to see if i can get married for like two days just to see if i like it that’s a scary commitment y’all like how am i not sure that after one month i will not start saying yeah,’ she added.

As part of its efforts to empower women economically, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in conjunction with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, yesterday has launched the Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Imo State and other states of the country and FCT.

Flagging-off the programme at the Banquet Hall, Government House Owerri, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her address read by the wife of the Imo State Governor Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, disclosed that the economic empowerment programme is about supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of women traders and small scale business owners who each day are determined to provide for their families, educate their children as well as uplift their communities.

The First Lady applauded the Tony Elumelu foundation for donating the sum of N1billion to the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to support 18,500 women across the nation, with 500 women from each of the 36 States and FCT will receive N50,000 to strengthen their businesses.

She prayed that the act of generosity would inspire many across the nation to sustain their efforts.

The First Lady further disclosed that the governor of Imo State in his magnanimity increased the Tony Elumelu kind gesture by adding another N50,000 each making it N100,000 to be given to the pre-selected beneficiaries from the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State.

Senator Oluremi emphasized that the empowerment was not a loan, stressing that it was a grant; a seed of the Renewed Hope Initiative to help them re-capitalize their existing businesses.

In her words, ‘it is my belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community and indeed a nation,’ ‘The First Lady opined.

She expressed gratitude to the governor of Imo State, Uzodimma and his wife Chioma, for all their support in executing all the programmes of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

The event was attended by the wife of the former Governor of Imo State, Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Ohakim, female vice chairmen, councilors, women leaders and many other prominent women from the state.

Highpoint of the programme was the presentation of N100,000 cash each to the selected 500 women by the First Lady of Imo State at the event.

Amid speculation of internal plots against the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), senior party figures have dismissed claims of a crisis, insisting that the party remains united behind its National Chairman and former President of the Senate, David Mark.

Reacting to comments reportedly attributed to former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, suggesting cracks within the ADC, the National Treasurer, Ibrahim Ahmad Mani, said such insinuations were baseless.

Lukman allegedly warned that the same power tussle which once fueled attempts to unseat David Mark at the national level was now playing out in Kaduna, cautioning that such internal battles could weaken the opposition ahead of 2027

‘I don’t know anything about what he’s saying. As far as we are concerned, we are not aware of any such plot.

‘We are solidly and vehemently behind our national chairman and are rallying around him to ensure the party is properly established across states and local governments in Nigeria,’ he told The Nation in a telephone conversation yesterday.

According to him, the party is making ‘steady progress’ under the leadership of its chairman, whom he described as bringing valuable experience to bear.

‘We’re not in any way contemplating this,’ he added, stressing that while politicians were free to speculate, the ADC as an institution had no such issues.

There is heavy presence of security personnel in Jos, as ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s to Plateau.

A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the situation on Saturday, reports that personnel of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and the military were stationed in strategic locations.

Tinubu is visiting the state to attend the Burial of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of Prof. Nentewa Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, says that Tinubu will afterwards meet with Church leaders in the state.

Mr Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in the state, told NAN that the presence of security personnel was ensure that the president’s visit was successful.

‘Security personnel were deployed to basically ensure that the visit of the President is smooth.

‘As I speak, all the security chiefs in the state are moving round to ensure tight all lose end and ensure no one takes the law into their hands.

‘Some major roads, particularly the ones leading to the Headquarters of the Church of Christ of Nations (COCIN) where the funeral service will take place were temporarily closed.

‘We appeal to Plateau residents to cooperate with the security agencies to give a president a rousing and rancour free welcome to Plateau,’he said.

NAN also reports that the deceased, 83, would be interred at Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of the state.

President Bola Tinubu has called on Plateau residents to be peaceful and unite for the progress and growth of the nation.

Tinubu made the call while speaking at the Funeral Service of Nana Lydia Yilwatda on Saturday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased was the mother of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tinubu called on Plateau residents and Nigerians in general to shun religious and ethnic differences.

‘I inherited Islam from my family, I didn’t change; but my wife is a pastor and she prays for me at all times.

‘I have never convinced or converted her; I believe in the freedom of religion.

‘We are praying and answerable to the same Almighty God. We will account to Him of our deeds and character.

‘So, our love to others is what matters; we must learn to live together as one people,’he said.

Also speaking, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau thanked the president for finding time out of his tight schedule to attend the funeral service.

The governor, who identified insecurity as the majority set back to the growth of the state, said that his administration had put modalities in place to promote peaceful coexistence and tranquility in Plateau.

Mutfwang seized the opportunity to thank the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for supporting the displaced and vulnerable women and children in the state.

Earlier, Yilwatda, the chief mourner, said that his mother was a dedicated, committed and loving wife, who largely led a life of service to humanity.

‘She was a strong, loyal and determined woman; she led an exemplary lifestyle full of sacrifice and humility.

‘My parents, particularly my mother lived for others; whatever I give her, she shares it with our neighbours.

‘That is the woman that we are celebrating today,’he said.

The APC national chairman thanked the president, governors, members of the national assembly, the government of Plateau and all Nigerians for standing by him and his siblings during their moment of grief.

NAN reports that the deceased, 83, would be interred in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau.

The striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) chapter in Ondo State have decried what they described as the deplorable state of infrastructure and gross underfunding of the state-owned institution under the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration.

The union members, on strike over alleged non-payment of salaries and arrears, said the continued neglect of the university had severely affected the welfare of academic staff and crippled the institution’s growth

Addressing journalists in Akure, the AAUA-ASUU Chairperson, Comrade Boluwaji Oshodi, lamented that the university had suffered ‘serious neglect’ from successive governments in the past six years, especially in terms of funding, which has resulted in a huge backlog of salary arrears and allowances running into billions of naira.

Oshodi explained that several meetings were held with the university management to resolve the issues until it became clear that the root problem was ‘inadequate funding,’ citing low monthly subventions and the non-release of capital grants by the state government.

He noted that ASUU had written several letters dated May 3 and June 10, 2025, requesting a meeting with Governor Aiyedatiwa but received no positive response.

According to Oshodi, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and lecturers’ offices have become inhabitable, with leaking roofs and collapsed structures worsening the learning environment.

‘The neglect of the university has greatly affected the welfare of academic staff of this great university. The following are currently being experienced by the University: Bad access road to the university – There are two roads linking the University to the Owo-Ikare major highway. The two roads are in deplorable conditions such that it is difficult to believe that they actually lead to a university.

‘Poor infrastructure in the university: Lecture rooms, laboratories, and library need some urgent face lift. Lecturers’ offices are the worst hit. The faculty of Arts, a two-storey building, for example, has been abandoned by staff accommodated on the second floor because the inner roofs of most offices have collapsed and are usually flooded anytime it rains The same thing is happening to the Faculty of Education. The roof is leaking, making the offices in the last floor become inhabitable anytime it rains,’ he said.

He further revealed that the state government had not released any capital grants to the university in the past seven years, despite yearly budgetary appropriations by the State House of Assembly.

The ASUU chair also revealed that since the withdrawal of TETfund intervention by the immediate past administration, the institution had witnessed a severe infrastructural decline.

He noted that the current monthly subvention of N223,125,000 was far below the N555-N600 million required for salaries and overheads.

‘Non-release of capital grants: It may amaze you to know that the state government has not released a Kobo as capital grant to the University for the past seven years. The interesting thing is that the Ondo State House of Assembly appropriates capital grants for the university on a yearly basis. The question is: what happens to this money every year?

‘Before now, the university had depended on TETfund intervention for infrastructural development. However, since TETfund intervention was taken away from the University by the state government during the last dispensation, the university has experienced serious decay in infrastructural facilities.

‘Poor funding/monthly subvention: Currently, the monthly subvention to the University is two hundred and twenty three million, one hundred and twenty five thousand Naira (223, 125, 000.), while the salary and overhead cost is between five hundred and fifty five million and six hundred million Naira (555, 600, 000.).’

Oshodi added that although the government once invited the university management led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olugbenga Ige for a meeting where it was agreed that a verification team from the Ministry of Finance would visit the school by July 2025.

However, he noted that no such visit had taken place.

‘After over two months of waiting, the state government has neither sent the verification team nor invited the union for any further talks. As of today, October 3, 2025, our members are being owed two months’ salary (August and September 2025), in addition to huge outstanding arrears,’ he said.

He listed the outstanding liabilities as Excess workload arrears (2009-2013: 70%, 2014-2020: 100%) – Over ?4.5bn, promotion/annual increment arrears (2021/2022)- N65m, promotion/annual increment arrears (2022/2023)-N200m outstanding minimum wage arrears (2014)-N276,664,779.96, Outstanding minimum wage arrears (2019)- N1,939,346,017.32, third-party deductions (March-August 2025)- over N24m, cooperative deductions-NOver N102,142,742.10

Oshodi, therefore, called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene and salvage the institution from what he described as ‘looming total collapse.’

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Education in the state, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, told the Nation that the issues raised by the striking lecturers were being addressed.

Prof. Ajibefun, who pleaded with the ASUU members to exercise patience with the government, added that the Governor Aiyedatiwa led administration has been investing much in the education in the state.

‘We shall be meeting the lecturers and union leaders soon to address this issues. One thing is that the governor is a lover of education and he is not relenting in investing in the sector. So, all their grievances would be resolved soon,’ he said.

The political developments in Osun State provide a case in point that lays bare the clear trend in Nigeria’s democracy. Whichever side of the ideological fence one may be tempted to stand on, these events have established, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we are contending with the maggot of a deformed democracy.

Tragically, a century after its first elections in the Lagos and Calabar Colonies, Nigeria is still wallowing in the cesspool of flawed democratic norms. This is especially true concerning local government polls.

In the imbroglios and endless claims and counter-claims about the Osun State crisis, the essential political debate is missing two key elements: the conditions of the people and the impact of the impasse on economic development. Local governments should be effective, as they have a direct bearing on daily lives and the economy as a whole. Citizens rely on them for vital permits and essential services.

It is characteristic of the lack of interest in governance that no one has performed a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) – including the opportunity cost – of shutting down the local governments in a state. Obviously, the concept of development no longer has any meaning. This is a shame because local governments have an integral input in primary education, primary healthcare, and social welfare. Consequently, what’s happening in Osun is in contradistinction to any known conventional definition of development.

Although the matter is, to an extent, subjudice, it is imperative that the warring parties extend the limit of their imagination and find a democratic compromise or sign a ceasefire agreement to immediately revitalize the local governments. Allowing this political combat to continue has a direct, negative impact on the daily lives of citizens and, if not contained swiftly, risks becoming an existential crisis for local governance. The immediate focus must be on political resolution to restore the essential services that local government provides.

We have gone beyond game-playing and must now focus intently on the human consequences of this crisis. Any investor contemplating a commitment in Osun State will seriously consider the detrimental impact of shutting down the local governments on his or her venture. An investor cannot deal with the state government in isolation; he or she faces unacceptable risks, especially since he or she must also engage with the local governments for vital approvals and operations.

This present back and forth cannot be the way to attract investments, let alone heighten economic activities in the state. Something has to be done immediately!

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

Lagos was agog as the Foursquare Gospel Church celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a prophetic gathering at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos-the very ground where the Green-White-Green flag was first hoisted on October 1, 1960.

Worshippers also gathered simultaneously across all the church’s worship centres nationwide.

The event, tagged ‘Refreshing Dew,’ was distinct from the church’s quarterly Holy Spirit Refreshing Vigil and marked the last major gathering for the quarter. It featured powerful song ministrations by renowned gospel artistes, including Deacon Adun Bohan, Pastor Tope Folajinmi, and Emma ‘Oh My God,’ leading the congregation in vibrant praise and worship.

Ministering at the programme, the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Revd. Dr. Sam Aboyeji, who made prophetic declarations concerning the nation.

Speaking under divine instruction, he explained that the Lord had directed him to carry out symbolic acts at the source of Nigeria’s independence.

Reading from 2 Kings 2:19-21, Aboyeji declared a spiritual cleansing over the land, likening Nigeria’s challenges to the ‘bad water’ healed by Prophet Elisha. His sermon, titled ‘Restoring Complete and Perfect Blessings,’ emphasized that God intends to restore and perfect Nigeria’s blessings.

‘Today, October 1, 2025, as Nigeria turns 65, we have returned to the very place where independence was proclaimed. This is prophetic fulfillment. God wants to restore this nation’s blessings, and by spiritual authority, every obstacle-the ‘but’ we have been contending with-shall be erased,’ Aboyeji proclaimed.

Explaining the symbolism of white attire worn by worshippers, he said: ‘Salt is white, and you are the salt of the earth. God brought you here to neutralize corruption in Nigeria. Whatever happened on October 1, 1960, that hindered the nation’s destiny is corrected here today by the authority of the Lord.’

In a symbolic act, Aboyeji invited Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Lagos State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), to join him on the altar as they held the Nigerian flag and made prophetic declarations, drawing from Leviticus 25:13.

In his remarks, Bishop Adegbite described the event as historic: ‘There was no national parade in Abuja today, but this gathering is bigger than any national parade. Rev. Aboyeji had no knowledge of our coming, yet God orchestrated it. As the chaplain at the Aso Rock Villa, I affirm that this is divine confirmation.’

Adegbite also prayed for the General Overseer, the church, and the nation.

The celebration also coincided with the 70th anniversary (Platinum Jubilee) of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. Aboyeji congratulated members and urged them to see the day as both a national and spiritual jubilee. He further announced the church’s Annual National Convention, themed ‘Completion and Perfection,’ scheduled to hold at the Ajebo Campground, Ogun State, from October 6-12, 2025.

The independence celebration was marked with joy, prophecy, and hope, as thousands lifted prayers for Nigeria’s peace, restoration, and progress.