Category: The Nation – Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted presidential pardon to 175 persons, including Nigeria’s foremost nationalist, Herbert Macaulay and former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (rtd), following the approval of the National Council of State at its meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

The decision, taken at the instance of the President’s recommendation based on the report of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, was presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

The Council also ratified key national appointments and approved the conferment of national honours on 959 Nigerians and friends of Nigeria.

A source at the meeting confirmed that the late nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, and the executed poet-soldier, Mamman Vatsa, were among the major beneficiaries of the clemency.

Members of the Ogoni Nine were also said to be listed among those pardoned.

Macaulay, often hailed as the ‘father of Nigerian nationalism,’ was twice convicted by colonial authorities – first in 1913 for alleged misappropriation of estate funds, and in 1928 in connection with the ‘Gunpowder Plot’ following his Lagos Daily News publication during the Eleko agitation. Both convictions have long been subjects of historical controversy.

Vatsa, who served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and was a member of the Supreme Military Council under General Ibrahim Babangida, was executed on March 5, 1986, after a secret tribunal convicted him of treason in connection with an alleged coup attempt.

His trial and execution have remained deeply controversial, with repeated public calls for a posthumous pardon.

Briefing journalists at the State House, Abuja, after the Council of State and Police Council meetings, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said the approvals underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to justice reform and humane governance.

‘Eighty-two of the inmates were granted full presidential pardon, sixty-five had their sentences reduced, while seven death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment,’ he disclosed.

According to him, the gesture is aimed at decongesting correctional facilities and promoting restorative justice, in line with Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to grant pardons, reprieves, or commute sentences.

He said the exercise followed careful recommendations of the Advisory Committee, which considers factors such as age, health, good behaviour, or miscarriage of justice.

Governor Sani also revealed that the Council ratified several key appointments presented by President Tinubu, including Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Dr. Aminu Yusuf as Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC).

The Council also approved Alhaji Tonge Betara Bularafa as Federal Commissioner representing Yobe State at the NPC.

Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), described Amupitan’s appointment as ‘a constitutional responsibility diligently discharged by the President,’ adding that the nominee was ‘a serious-minded scholar, a man of integrity, tested and trusted, who has never participated in partisan politics.’

In another major decision, the Council approved President Tinubu’s request to confer national honours on 959 eminent individuals for the 2024-2025 cycle.

Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Umobong, who briefed journalists on the development, said the awards included 824 successful applications and 135 special recognitions.

She explained that the reconstituted National Honours Award Committee, chaired by the Emirates of Lafia, Justice Mohammed Sidi Bage, had screened over 5,000 applications before submitting its final recommendations.

Among those honoured or set to be honoured are Bill Gates for contributions to public health and humanitarian causes, Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, veteran journalist and publisher, and Professor Mahmood Yakubu, immediate past INEC Chairman, for service to Nigeria’s democratic process.

Posthumous honours also went to the Ogoni Nine and the Ogoni Four for their environmental activism and sacrifice, while the Super Falcons and D’Tigresses received national recognition for their excellence in sports.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, also disclosed that he presented proposals to the Police Council for strengthening the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF).

He sought approval to repeal and reenact the NPTF Establishment Act 2025 to remove its six-year lifespan limitation and make it a permanent agency.

He further proposed an increase in the statutory deduction from the Federation Account from 0.5 percent to 2 percent, aimed at expanding funding for police training, welfare, logistics, technology, and emergency response systems.

The Minister said Council approved an increment to 1 percent of the deduction from the Federation Account.

According to him, all the proposals, including the repeal and reenactment of the NPTF Act, received the Council’s full approval.

‘The purpose of establishing the Nigerian Police Trust Fund was to support training and retraining of police personnel. The second one is to provide financial resources to enhance police equipment, logistics, and infrastructure.

‘It was established also to support modernization of the police through investments in technology, vehicles, communications, and crime fighting tools, improve welfare and morale of police personnel, promote accountability, transparency, and governance, also to enhance crime prevention and public safety, strengthen capacity for emergency response and disaster management, fund ongoing training, specialized courses, and skill development, foster public-sector and private sector engagement, channel contributions through individuals, corporations, and civil society into police enhancement programs.

‘The concerns we had in the Police Trust Fund, the sunset close of six years in the current act limits the lifespan of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund, and impedes long-term planning thereby constraining sustainable police reform.

‘The deduction of 0.5 percent from the federation account needs to be reviewed upward to two percent of the federation account.

‘So we also prayed that the council should approve the repeal and the reenactment of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund Establishment Act 2025 in order to remove the sunset close and transition it into an agency.

‘Second, the council to approve 2 percent deduction from the Federation Account. And the last one, direct the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to input all the approvals of the council in the proposed executive bill.

All these prayers have been approved without any omission’, he said.

Both meetings, which were chaired by President Tinubu, had high-level attendance.

The Council of State meeting was attended virtually by former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).

Also in attendance were the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; state governors, and other statutory members of the Council.

Also in attendance were four former Chief Justices of Nigeria (CJN), including Alfa Belgore, Mahmud Mohammed, Walter Onnogen, and Oluwakayode Ariwoola.

Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Nigeria, with support from The Nippon Foundation (TNF), has organised Green Mega and Mini Field Days in Benue, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, and Nasarawa to promote climate-smart and regenerative agricultural practice to boost food production and strengthen smallholder farmers.

In a statement by Communication Officer Moses Nongoatse, the association noted that the field days are live events where over 3,000 farmers witnessed results of innovative farming integrating maize and soybean strip cropping with agronomic practice, conservation agriculture, and integrated soil fertility management.

Techniques such as use of biochar, plant spacing, mulching, and adoption of improved seed varieties, including Provitamin A maize and high-yielding soybean , were showcased.

These interventions, implemented under SAA’s thematic areas of Regenerative Agriculture, Market-Oriented Agriculture, and Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture, are to enhance productivity, boost soil health, and help farmers adapt to climate change and malnutrition.

Speaking at the Mid-Season Review Meeting at Ministry of Agriculture in Makurdi, SAA Country Director, Dr. Godwin Atser, described the events as crucial learning platforms for knowledge exchange and technology dissemination.

‘Field days are instruments that catalyse learning and innovation in agricultural value chain. They enable us to interact directly with farmers and scale up improved practice that drive productivity and resilience,’ Dr. Atser said.

In Gombe State, the event attracted participation from farmers, officials, development partners, and monarchs.

Representing Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Barnabas Malle, Director of Agric Services, Ibrahim Sajo, praised SAA for its contributions to agricultural growth.

Rotary Club of Anthony Golden District 9112 has donated pregnancy and delivery kits to expecant women at Mende Primary Healthcare Centre, Maryland, Lagos.

The club also gave out bags, uniforms, socks and writing materials to pupils of Anthony Modle Nursery and Primary School in Anthony.

The back-to-school project featured tree planting to support pupils and the school authority.

President, Fikayo Ogundairo, said the gesture was in line with Rotary activities to provide service, promote integrity and ethical standards, and advance understanding, goodwill, and peace.

He noted that the donation was to give back to the community, apply the ideal of service in human life, improve life of expectant mothers as well as pupils.

‘Rotarians undertake to improve the quality of life in their community. Particular emphasis is given to helping children, needy families, the aged, the handicapped, and those most in need of assistance’.

Ogundairo said besides donating pregnancy kits, Rotary provides community health by organising free medical outreaches, training health workers, empowering communities to prevent diseases like malaria and polio, improving maternal and child health, and partnering health ministries and hospitals to deliver screenings, vaccinations, and vital healthcare supplies to vulnerable populations in Nigeria and beyond.

He said Rotary organises health days and outreaches, offering services like blood pressure tests, diabetes screenings, and hepatitis vaccinations to underserved communities.”

General Olusegun Obasanjo came back to power in 1999 when General Abubakar Abdul Salami after a rapid transition and transfer of power to what looked like a civilian regime. Obasanjo appeared to be divinely chosen to impose some form of disciplined stability on the country having suffered and survived Abacha’s humiliation and possible plot to get rid of him permanently, but the problem however strong he might have been, seemed to defy solution. He assembled a team of experienced people some of them with global financial experience and expertise and also local experience. He succeeded to get rid of the debt overhang that made reforms difficult. He also brought into being special anti-corruption organizations like the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). There were other fighting instruments in the police and other bodies but the two new committees were established to give teeth to the president’s fight against corruption. The president also got a reduction of Nigeria’s external debt by substantial reduction while paying off what was left so that Nigeria could begin all over again. In the eight years of the regime, all seemed well even though the internal infrastructure of the country appeared to have been neglected and in the euphoria of not having been bogged down by the debt overhang, the president seemed to have been obsessed with getting the whole of Africa along with his development scheme with his South African colleague Thabo Mbeki forming institutions to pull Africa toward development.

Ironically the scheme was tied substantially to western financial development grants and foreign direct investment if Africa cleaned up its administrations, purged of corruption and policed by African governments calling corrupt regimes to order. This was to be called New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) which was to ensure the flow into Africa of billions of dollars. Some $60 billion was estimated as what Africa needed in investment and grants to develop its primitive infrastructure.

It was premised on Africa attracting this huge amount for ten years. At the end of one year, little came in since the capitalist western world must have laughed at this ambitious program running into billions of dollars yearly for say about 10 years to develop African infrastructure while African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM ) was designed to monitor each country’s performance and call to orders the guilty or laggard.

Much time was needed for the maturation of this grandiose new scheme. Not much investment came in the first year and soon the program ceased being a serious scheme as soon as Obasanjo and Mbeki left the stage followed by a sick but well-meaning Umaru Yar’Adua in Nigeria.

He was succeeded in office following a national movement led by Pastor Tunde Bakare that Yar’Adua’s vice president Goodluck Jonathan should be made to succeed the deceased President Umaru Yar’Adua. The Jonathan regime’s unsure hold on power made it dependent on pressure groups mostly from the East and the North without solid national support until edged out in 2015 by General Muhammadu Buhari whose eight years of its stay in power was remarkable for its corruption, effeteness and additional burden for the future by borrowing foreign loans with little to show for them. The president was not in control of his government because he was hobbled down by illness and constant traveling to London sometimes for months.

It is too early to pass judgement on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu government except to say if it succeeds on its infrastructure drive of building trans-Nigerian roads from Lagos to Calabar and Badagry to Sokoto, it would have made serious impact on the economic development where its current record of stabilizing the national economy and the Naira marks a great departure from the free fall of the economy during the Muhammadu Buhari era. There is however the challenge of making this macro-economic success translate into micro-economic success and money in the pockets of Nigerians.

Unfortunately the two recurring decimals of corruption and tribalism are as high as in previous years. There is also an attempt to create regional bodies to diffuse more power from the centre to the periphery but it is on top of the 36 states and the 774 local governments administration areas creating another layer of administrative organs in already over bureaucratized country all dependent on federal funding and whose staffing demonstrate all the signs of political jobbery. What this shows is that there is a need for wholesale review of the present constitution to move away from the concentration of power into the hands of a pooh-bah in a plural country. There is so much emphasis on politics in this country and little or no emphasis on the economy.

There is ever a thriving discussion on sharing of the national cake and very little discussion on baking the cake and yet it is clear to all intelligent observers that if we expand the economy and there is work for those who want to work, it would not matter who occupies what office because people will be too tired after work that what they need is rest after a hard day’s work. What we have in today’s Nigeria is that we abdicate the demands for work and pray for breakthrough in our churches and mosques and we talk about making heaven when we have not made a much easier success on earth!

The founder of the CITADEL Church publicly presented a plan for economic development for this country in which he emphasized the role of Biblical Joseph in saving ancient Egypt at the time of global famine. It was based on dividing the country into economic zones and each zone producing on the basis of economic advantages. It made so much impression on me that I hope the managers of our economy would factor it into their plan for economic revival of our country. There is much to be done in this country and little time left for us to do it. We should learn from countries like India, Russia and Canada whose vast territories and complex linguistic diversity did not hinder their development and countries like Germany and Japan which were destroyed by the Western allies during the Second World War and having no natural resources but depending on the grey matter of their people and their grit and determination, pulled out of economic ruin because they paid more attention to merit than any other consideration.

Nigeria is not devoid of this and we owe it to our people and those coming after us that there is nothing wrong with our stars but only with us. We can do it only if we plan to succeed. We may be an artificial country yet most countries are like us, there are very few countries that were created naturally. Think about this.

Finally I have decided to leave the issue of our country’s relevance in the comity of nations till the last on the basis of the fact that a country’s foreign policy, power or influence is linked with how the country is doing at home; in other words, there is a link between the domestic power of a country and its influence abroad. When Nigeria fought the civil war, substantial portions of the international community were appalled at the suffering of children, women and the elderly. The French under General Charles de Gaulle was so touched that but for the British pressure, France would have recognized Biafra. The British were on Nigeria’s side because of the economic ties between Britain and Nigeria and the influence Nigeria’s presence in the Commonwealth of nations. But for British influence on our side, President Richard Nixon of America would have swung to the side of Biafra because of the powerful influence of Biafran propaganda in the west. The Egyptian pilots who flew the MIG29 jets sold to us by the Russians were probably driven by Islamic motive. Whatever were the motives of each nations involved in the Nigerian-Biafran civil war, the underlying work of diplomats was very important. It is true that global communication advances are eroding the traditional influence of diplomatic representations but we must not completely cut off ourselves from showing the flag where it truly matters. The current economic situation in our country may not make full diplomatic representation at the highest level wise but we can rationalize our representation to our traditional trading partners and to the capitals of the greatest powers in the world starting from the capitals of all members of the Security Council of the United Nations and to the UN itself. We can reduce the crowd of representatives in African countries and have double representation – accreditation in most of them on regional basis.

I do not believe that we should leave all our embassies manned by charge d’affaires ad interim. It sends the wrong signals that our country is bankrupt and cannot be taken serious by economic actors where it really matters. At our level of development, we cannot afford to be taken as a basket case.

The reasons why the Tinubu administration does not have principal representatives of the country is understandable but not overwhelming. Our African brothers are beginning to lose interest in us and we cannot afford this at the same time we are batting for influence in the world and claiming that a reformed UN must have African representation on the UN Security Council. We have put our country forward as the natural African leader. We have to work to earn the leadership of Africa and the Black world.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies from arresting Vice Admiral Dada Olaniyi Labinjo (retired), following a ‘deserter signal’ the service issued against him.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, who issued the order, also ordered that the deserter signal numbered 643NG and dated September 3, 2025, which ordered the arrest or apprehension of the retired naval officer ‘shall remain unexecuted’ until the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Justice made the orders while granting an ex parte motion filed by Labinjo’s lawyer, Andrew Igboekwe (SAN).

Respondents in the suit are the Nigerian Navy, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Navy Board and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

Justice Lewis-Allagoa granted an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents and other law enforcement agencies from arresting the applicant either on account of the signal or any other account whatsoever, other than a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application.

He ordered that the signal ‘shall remain unexecuted by the respondents’ pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for the enforcement of the applicant’s fundamental rights.

The judge adjourned the case until October 20.

The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and development partners, has launched a major initiative to drastically reduce preventable maternal and new-born deaths through stronger coordination, smarter data use, and inclusive health reforms. The initiative, known as the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), officially kicked off on Monday with a five-day activation workshop in Alausa, Ikeja. The programme, supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other agencies, is part of Nigeria’s National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which targets a 30 per cent reduction in maternal deaths and a 60 per cent increase in health facility use by 2030.

Declaring the workshop open, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described maternal and infant mortality as a ‘persistent national tragedy’ that Lagos is determined to end through scientific planning and local solutions. ‘Saving mothers and infants from preventable deaths is not only a health target but a moral duty of government. Once you cross into Lagos, you become the responsibility of the state,’ he said.

While acknowledging Lagos’ relative advantage in infrastructure and personnel, Abayomi admitted the state’s fast-growing population poses unique challenges. He said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has made health insurance mandatory for all residents through an executive order, ensuring that no one is denied care due to financial constraints. The state is also upgrading 47 of its 327 primary healthcare centres and planning a University of Medicine and Health Sciences to train 3,000 professionals annually.

Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, identified data, coordination, and nutrition as key priorities, adding that Lagos is decentralising health management across its six districts to enhance accountability. ‘Lagos currently ranks third in maternal and infant deaths nationally, but this is not a ranking we are proud of,’ she said.

Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, National MAMII Lead, explained that the initiative targets the root causes of maternal deaths by addressing delays in seeking and accessing care and improving service quality. WHO’s Dr. Joy Ufere praised Lagos’ proactive leadership, urging participants to design practical solutions that could serve as a model for other states. The workshop, which runs till October 10, is expected to produce a state-specific action plan that will make Lagos a national model of safe motherhood and new-born survival.

Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s gas powerhouse received a major boost with the unveiling of a regulatory roadmap at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) aimed at unlocking over 55 trillion cubic feet of uncommitted gas reserves and attracting billions of dollars in new investments into the country’s gas value chain.

This is as the NUPRC revealed that since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Commission has approved over 25 Non-Associated Gas (NAG) Field Development Plans, unlocking nearly 9,790 BSCF of reserves, 3.54 BSCF/D of gas, and attracting over $4.9 billion dollars in capital expenditure (CAPEX) investments, according to a statement yesterday.

Speaking at the third Gas Investment Forum held in Lagos, the Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Development and Production, Engr. Enorense Amadasu, outlined the Commission’s strategic focus on driving gas development, monetisation, and infrastructure expansion to secure Nigeria’s energy future and support economic transformation.

Nigeria’s proven gas reserves currently stand at 210.54 trillion cubic feet (TCF) comprising 109.51 TCF of Non-Associated Gas (NAG) and 101.03 TCF of Associated Gas (AG). Of this, about 55 TCF representing 26 percent of total gas reserves remains uncommitted to existing or planned monetisation projects, signalling a massive investment opportunity for both domestic and international investors.

Amadasu, according to the statement, noted that with an annual average daily gas production of 6.99 billion standard cubic feet (BSCF/D) in 2024, Nigeria’s Reserves Replacement Ratio (RRR) stands at 1.56, while the Reserves Life Index (RLI) is about 92.7 years an indication of long-term sustainability for investors in the country’s gas sector.

The statement said the national gas reserves, he said, grew from 208.83 TCF in 2023 to 210.54 TCF in 2025, while gas production rose from 6.91 BSCF/D to 7.61 BSCF/D, reflecting steady growth across the value chain. The domestic market currently accounts for about 28 percent of total gas utilisation, while exports via LNG and WAGP take up 35 percent, and field use including gas lift and reinjection represents 29 percent.

On Policy Reforms and Regulatory Milestones, Engr. Amadasu enumerated several regulatory instruments that have shaped Nigeria’s gas development journey, including the Associated Gas Re-injection Act (1979), National Gas Policy (2008), Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulations (2018), Decade of Gas Initiative, and the landmark Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

Recent instruments such as the Domestic Gas Delivery Obligation Regulations (2022), the Gas Flaring, Venting and Methane Emissions Regulations (2023), and the Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives) Order (2024) further consolidate the Commission’s pro-investment posture.

Since the enactment of the PIA, the Commission has approved over 25 Non-Associated Gas (NAG) Field Development Plans, unlocking nearly 9,790 BSCF of reserves, 3.54 BSCF/D of gas, and attracting over 4.9 billion dollars in CAPEX investments.

He further disclosed that the Commission is actively facilitating regulatory approvals and negotiations for upstream gas supply to major projects such as NLNG Train 7, the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Pipeline, and the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Project.

Engr. Amadasu also observed that, NUPRC is currently monitoring 19 active gas development projects, comprising 10 production facilities and nine pipeline projects, with a combined capacity of 3.55 BSCF/D. About 88 per cent of these projects are in the engineering phase, while 12 percent have progressed to construction or fabrication.

He explained that 86 percent of the new gas production projects are targeted at the export market, particularly feed gas supply to the Nigerian LNG, while 23 percent (142 MMSCFD) are directed toward the domestic market.

Mr Amadasu emphasised that the NUPRC’s regulatory roadmap aligns with the Federal Government’s National Gas Policy and Energy Transition Plan, which prioritise decarbonisation, clean energy adoption, and inclusive economic growth.

According to him, the Commission is intensifying efforts to attract new investments by eliminating entry barriers through the drill or drop provision in the PIA, driving full implementation of the Decade of Gas Initiative, facilitating access to fiscal incentives, promoting cluster and nodal gas infrastructure development, and Organising a Gas Production Ramp-up Strategy Workshop in Q4 2025.

He concluded by reaffirming that Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture in its energy journey one that demands innovation, collaboration, and sustainable investment.

The Convener of Omoluwabi Political Movement, Armstrong Akintunde, has congratulated Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun on the achievement recorded with the successful completion of Ogun Gateway International Airport and the inauguration of its first commercial flights.

Speaking with reporters, Akintunde described the airport project as a transformational initiative that would not only accelerate the growth of Remoland, but also catalyse unprecedented development across the state.

He praised Governor Abiodun for his visionary leadership, describing him as a true son of the soil, who had revived the glory of Remoland and Ogun State through purposeful governance and strategic developmental projects such as Gateway International Airport.

Akintunde noted that the new airport would ease travel for residents and investors alike, ending the long-standing dependence on Lagos for air travel.

‘It’s now time for the people of Ogun State to enjoy convenient air transport without having to go through Lagos to reach Abuja or any other destination,’ he said.

Commending the governor’s commitment to his administration’s ‘Igbega Ipinle Ogun’ mantra, Akintunde said the infrastructural strides recorded under Abiodun’s leadership were clear evidence of a government driven by vision and impact.

‘When this administration came on board in 2019, I was confident that we would witness great transformation.

‘What we are seeing today, especially this functional international airport, is a testament to Governor Abiodun’s mission to elevate Ogun State far beyond the level he met it,’ Akintunde declared.

Reflecting on his group’s political journey, Akintunde recalled their firm support for Governor Abiodun’s re-election through their former platform, DACA, ”which has now evolved into the Omoluwabi Political Movement.

‘Governor Abiodun embodies the true Omoluwabi spirit; integrity, diligence, and service. These are the principles that define our movement and continue to guide our political engagements,’ he said.

Akintunde also commended ValueJet, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the good people of Ogun State for their collective roles in supporting the governor to achieve this historic milestone.

Speaking further on the strength and growth of the ‘Omoluwabi’ Political Movement, he said politics evolved through stages and movements.

‘Omoluwabi Political Movement is stronger than ever. Our membership base has grown massively, our structure is solid, and our ideas are fresh and dynamic. We remain a forward-thinking movement committed to the continuous progress of Ogun State,’ he added.

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, admitted additional evidence in the ongoing trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, who is facing charges over an alleged $4.5 billion fraud.

Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and corrupt demand, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a separate three-count charge relating to unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

At the resumed hearing, Justice Oshodi overruled the objections of the defence counsel, led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo and Kazeem Gbadamosi, and admitted as evidence a bundle of documents extracted from the mobile phone of John Adetola, a former Executive Assistant to Emefiele.

Ruling on the admissibility of the materials, Justice Oshodi stated, ‘The court overrules the objection of the defence counsel and admits the documents as Exhibit G.’

Following the court’s ruling, the prosecution’s witness, Alvan Gurumnaan, continued his testimony and read out WhatsApp conversations contained in Exhibit G. The chats allegedly revealed that Omoile instructed Adetola to deliver $400,000 to ‘Oga,’ a term the witness said referred to Emefiele.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Gurumnaan testified that Adetola had confirmed during interrogation that the $400,000 was handed to a CBN official named Ayo, who served as Emefiele’s personal assistant.

‘John Adetola confirmed that he went to Lekki, Lagos, where he met Ayo and delivered the $400,000. He later proceeded to the CBN office in Lagos, where he handed the money over to Mr. Emefiele,’ Gurumnaan told the court.

He further alleged that another $200,000 was delivered through the same channel. ‘This time, Ayo personally handed the money to Emefiele in his office,’ the witness added.

According to Gurumnaan, a CBN contractor, Victor Oyedua, confirmed providing the $400,000 and $200,000 to Ayo as part of an arrangement to ‘settle management’ to facilitate payment for pending contracts with the CBN.

The prosecution also tendered additional documents obtained from the apex bank and a company letter dated February 24, 2024, which Justice Oshodi admitted as Exhibit H despite objections from the defence.

A Mi 10T smartphone belonging to Adetola, which was reportedly seized while still powered and in flight mode, was admitted as Exhibit I.

The EFCC further sought to tender statements allegedly made by Emefiele during investigation. However, the defence objected, claiming the statements were obtained under duress.

Following the objection, Justice Oshodi ordered a trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of the statements. He directed both parties to report on the progress of forensic inspection by November 21, 2025.

The case was subsequently adjourned till December 2 and 3, 2025, for continuation of trial.

ConcERT For Change, a non-profit initiative, has disbursed N160 million to support special needs children and provided funding to charity organisations.

The group, which organised Green Worship, said it will raise N100 million annually and increase the charity organisations it supports from four to 10 beneficiaries.

The move aligns with its determination to impact societies and improve conditions of vulnerable children.

The Green Worship 8.0 will hold its music event at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, next week, to raise funds for charities supporting orphans and children with disabilities.

The concert will feature a gospel artistes, including Nathaniel Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Gaise Baba, Anendlessocean, Preye Odede, Rotimi Keys, Kent Egunjobi, Moyosola Olowokure, Gospel Force, Ellie Scotte, Outgun Onkar, and Wale Adenuga.

Speaking in Lagos, Convener, Wale Adenuga, said: ‘This is a testament to what God does through people with willing hearts, proving the miracle of five loaves and two fishes is alive today.’

Proceeds will go to five bodies; Comrade David Ofoeyeno School for Special Children (Warri), Marvelous Foundation Orphans Care Centre (Minna), Super Parents Foundation (Lagos), Hope Orphanage (Akure), and Learning Disabilities Society of Nigeria (Uyo).

Adenuga added: ‘We know the times are challenging and needs around us growing. Yet in the midst of these challenges, there are charities doing incredible work, often unseen, feeding, teaching and caring for orphans and children with special needs. The least we can do is to lighten that burden.

‘That is what Green Worship is about: creating a space where worship becomes a response to human need and where songs turn into support. So, through Concert For Change, we remind ourselves and others that compassion is powerful, generosity transforms lives, and together we can bring hope to others.’