Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Managing Director and CEO UTMOL, Mr. Julius Rone has said there are lots of incentives and good return of investment (ROI) for investors willing to invest in Nigeria and Africa as a continent.

Rone disclosed this at the just concluded Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa.

Rone , who joined other top executives from across the globe to speak at the event and spoke during a panel session on LNG.

He also provided a project update on the planned FLNG facility, detailing the role floating liquefaction plays in Africa and the project’s impact on the Nigerian energy industry.

He also mentioned that Africa must develop its God given resources to attract investors around the world.

‘Africa is a beautiful bride for the world to exploit. We have the resources and we must be allowed to develop our resources for the world to come and invest. This is actually the reason we gather every year for Africa Energy Week, to discuss how to develop our resources in Africa’

The MD of UTM also appreciates the effort of African leaders especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his effort to bring large investment to Nigeria.

‘So you’re aware the president has been travelling round the world to galvanise investors to ensure that the oil and gas industry is fully amortized and developed. The President has also given a lot of incentive to encourage investors back to the country.

Nigeria is pushing so much amenities and so much incentive for investors to come in, Brazilian national oil company is coming back to Nigeria to develop oil and gas in the deep offshore location, so you can see everybody is coming back to the energy sector. I also want to thank the management of NNPC, Mr. Bayo Ojulari and his team for the leadership and carrying out Mr. President’s directive to ensure that the gas is developed based on the directive that is given to the new management of NNPC by Mr president they swing into action so immediately they came they invited UTM to present our position’ He added.

Rone also revealed that his company UTM will be signing a gas agreement soon with SEPLAT.

‘SEPLAT has been fully cooperative. We’ve advanced the negotiation and within the next two weeks maximum we should be signing the gas supply agreement and that is a gamechanger for Nigeria for Nigeria oil and gas industry having our first floating LNG and I think that we are quite excited over this.

In addition to his participation in the panel discussions, Rone’s engaged with global and regional stakeholders saying Nigeria has opened new pathways for collaboration across the gas industry.

As a very critical part of her 65th birthday celebration, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, restructured the usual pomp that attend the birthday celebration of the political class as we know it. Rather than submitting herself to the numerous treats, felicitations and pageantries that would be sure to have been deployed to mark the auspicious occasion, she demanded that anyone who needed to celebrate her should focus their largesse on the furtherance of the National Library project, and possibly its final completion. And that appeal has generated a beautiful sum of N20b. This is all so grand, and noble but unusual. It is an unusual gesture because a member of the political class, rather than the government itself, is the one championing the resuscitation of the National Library project. Maybe it is the government by association, but then the gesture is not the result of an intentional and deliberate policy commitment that enable the government to connect the library to the larger goal of national development. How do we read this strange but commendable gesture into the overall development status of the Nigerian state?

The current state of the Nigerian National Library speaks tremendously to the possibilities and failures of the national development project in Nigeria. In many nations of the world, from the Library of Congress in the United States to the Bibliotheque de France and also the National Library, Singapore, the national library signals the single repository of books, manuscripts, orature, archival materials that connects cultural heritages, knowledge production programmes, critical ideas and paradigms, historical documentation and national memories. Adolf Hitler perfectly understands this fundamental significance of the knowledge base of any nation. And this is why, in a most pernicious manner during the Second World War, he ordered the massive destruction of books and materials that were considered to be subversive of, or even contrary to, the ideals of the German Third Reich project. And quite fortunately and pragmatic enough, the allied forced, led by the United States thought it significant and strategic to fight back by making the book resurgent from their crematorium.

This speaks to the indomitable spirit of ideas, ideals and knowledge that books embody. It is in this critical sense that books and library connect a state to not only its historical and cultural knowledges and heritages, but also signal the state’s willingness to project itself into the emerging knowledge and information society that ultimately define the progress and wealth of nations. Libraries connect reading and learning culture, the dynamics of literacy, educational projects, human capital development and the generation of ideas, as well as paradigms fashioned purposely for creative innovation and policies especially in sociopolitical, socioeconomic, development and governance contexts. Libraries therefore connect a state’s willingness to become a legitimate participant in the evolving fourth industrial revolution while also keeping alive its own credentials as an entity that keeps generating culturally and historically relevant knowledge.

Knowledge, ideas and books-indeed the entire educational structures-reinvigorate the ways a state keep reengaging its problems, challenges and the solution and resolution frameworks for understanding and undermining them. Education is the fundamental bedrock that instigates individual, collective and national enlightenment and progress. And this therefore ultimately connects not only with the creative policy intelligence that is enabled by the availability of knowledge preserved in libraries (especially as it denotes the repositories of global knowledge, ideas and paradigms), but also how leaders connect with these ideas and knowledge through what they read. When I wrote my op-ed piece on the reading habit of HE Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, I opened up the possibilities for a nation that an enlightened leadership embodies.

Unfortunately, Nigeria does not have a national library. Or more precisely, the national library project that was formulated in 1981 has refused to materialize into a symbolic and concrete structural manifestation of Nigeria’s willingness to join the global knowledge society. The idea of the national library was muted in 1981, but it took the next twenty-five years for the idea to get an enabling contract in 2006. And yet forty-three years later, the structure remains a pipedream that refused to take off. And so, while it was all too easy to build the National Ecumenical Centre and the National Mosque within which the dilapidated library structure located, this significant element of Nigeria’s progress has remained uncompleted. This is simply just emblematic of the general institutional and structural dysfunctional experience that characterize the Nigeria Project right from independence to date. Knowledge production and the entire educational structure in Nigeria have faced significant limitations that derive from the myopic inability to connect development with an enlightened human development capital. There is also the tightrope of anti-intellectualism that the Nigerian political class has always been walking in its relationship with the institutions and structures of knowledge production and idea generation in Nigeria. The ongoing adversarial industrial relations between consecutive Nigerian governments and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over transforming universities into a significant force in nation building efforts in the state is a clear evidence of this a-developmental elite orientation.

All these dysfunctional issues are surprising given that the Nigerian state is very concerned about both her geopolitical status and credentials as a democratic and developmental state in the world-as the Giant of Africa-and also to achieve a stable and empowering economic growth that measurably improve the life prospect and economic lives of her citizens. However, efforts at making the lives of Nigerians better are usually concentrated on purely economic, econometric and macroeconomic indices of development. If reading and education come into reckoning, it is strictly to the extent that they are inescapable to the fruition of any particular human capital development policy. And yet, the quality of a nation’s human capital is measurable only to the extent of the place of an enlightened reading culture, symbolized by a functional and efficient library systems.

Thus, a state is instigated not only by the economic but also informational and educational resources at its disposal. In other words, the availability and the rate of access to the information resources and the extensive reading rate per capita are the development indices of a society. The number of published books, journals, libraries, readers, writers, translators and publishers of a country are all indices and fundamental criteria of its development. Extending the culture of studying and book reading, developing libraries, publications and distribution of books and utilizing these unrivaled cultural instruments are therefore the requirements and necessities of each society’s growth. This connects the functional and efficient library system to a reading culture that stimulate the young people into the consumption of ideas and paradigms that enable creative and critical thinking.

Building a Nigerian national library-that possibly will be replicated in all the states of the federation-signals a symbolic aspiration by the government to ground learning and reading as a key variable in the determination of the quality of the human capital that Nigeria needs for her development process. It also determines the quality of Nigeria’s democratic experiment founded on the enlightened status of the Nigerian citizenry. Thus, a lot is riding on Nigeria’s capacity to build a functional and efficient national library as a repository of local, national, regional and global experiences, histories, ideas, paradigms, ideals, perspectives and creative innovation. So, does it matter who lead the crucial initiative to jumpstart and crystallize the national library project as long as it is done? The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, saw what should be considered a national embarrassment, and responded to it while also ensuring that the gesture is funneled through government institutions, like the Federal Ministry of Education. Having woken up the nation from its slumber on this unarguably defining project with deep essence, it is now an all-stakeholder national challenge to get the noble gesture by the First Lady concluded and put into use. That seems like a long stretch given the forty-three years of policy and implementation inactivity. And I think we should all support this very unique and very ardent attempt to push a significant dimension of Nigeria’s development effort to bring to life what ought to have been alive and kicking many years ago.

However, whether we like it or not, the fact that it is an individual and not the government that is pushing for the realization of this project is an indictment of national proportion. One way to read this is that the National Library project is happening on the sideline of whatever consecutive Nigerian governments considered to be significant policy initiatives that aligned with development visions and implementation frameworks. But then, the redemption comes from the fact that the Nigeria Project, unlike the national library project, is a work in progress. And this allows for the government to pick up where there is any glaring historical and political failure and provide redemptive policy reclamation and reconstruction. I think this is the most important lesson that Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s gesture towards the National Library project has provided us. The government and other stakeholders cannot afford to have this project to remain at the individual level. This gesture has therefore become an instigator in terms of what the citizenry can do to push the government to implementing the general will. And this is even all the more crucial because it is coming from a bona fide member of the government itself. This then implies that the government is now instigating itself to action on behalf of the Nigeria Project.

The Chief of Staff and Media Adviser to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, otherwise known as Yayi, Kayode Odunaro, has been installed as the Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Osorun title holder is one of the kingmakers in the ancient kingdom.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after he was installed at the weekend by the Onisaga of Isaga-Orile Kingdom, Oba Joseph Oladele Olusoji Tella, Odunaro, explained that the chieftaincy title belonged to his lineage, adding that the position was last held by his uncle who died in 1988, having been installed in 1958.

He stated further that the title would bring him closer to his roots and participate more in activities of Isaga traditional council, particularly in the selection of a new traditional ruler in the town.

Odunaro, who is also the Baa’royin of Imala Kingdom, said though he holds other traditional titles, the latest one is unique and it will demand high responsibility from him.

While expressing his appreciation to Oba Tella, Isaga-Orile Traditional Council and the Osorun Family, the erstwhile Chief Press Secretary to former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, declared that he would bring the experience he had garnered as the spokesperson to three past administrations in Ogun, to bear on the new title.

‘I am delighted that I have just been installed as the Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom. This is a very important traditional title in the kingdom as Osorun is one of the kingmakers.

‘The title belongs to our family; my late uncle was installed in 1958 and held the title till he passed in 1988. So, for decades, there was a vacancy in the position of Osorun. Therefore, I am highly elated that I am feeling the vacant position today after so many years of interregnum.

‘For me, it is a higher call to traditional responsibility and I will ensure that I bring experiences I garnered over the years as spokesperson of three administrations, both military and civilian in Ogun, to bear in this new title. Like I have done in public service, I will use this Osorun title to contribute to the growth and development of the Isaga-Orile Kingdom,’ Odunaro submitted.

The month of September was quite an eventful one for the Nigerian troops, according to reports from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

Troops, in the said month, killed scores of terrorists, arrested 459 others and rescued 180 kidnap victims during internal security operations.

The military high command said 39 terrorists also surrendered while 63 arms of various shades and 4,475 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the insurgents.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, who revealed these in a statement yesterday, said the operations were initiated in direct response to escalating threats, hostile actions, or in support of allied forces.

Kangye said the operations were executed with ‘precision, coordination and firm commitment to minimising risk to both our forces and civilians on the ground.’

According to the defence spokesman, the operations were executed under different joint task forces, including Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Fansan Yamma, Operation Enduring Peace, Operation Whirl Stroke, Operation Delta Safe, and Operation Udo Ka.

‘Accordingly, 294 items such as grenades, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) marking materials, handheld radios, motorcycles, vehicles and other items used in perpetrating crimes were also recovered,’ he said.

Kangye said between September 23 and 30, troops in the Northeast sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists freedom of action.

He said: ‘Our ground forces, in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre.

‘Their effort led to the elimination of several terrorists, their logistics suppliers, recovery of weapons, dismantling of their networks and support for safe resettlement of displaced persons and unimpeded farming activities.

‘Troops eliminated scores of terrorists during their operations in Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Gukba, Monguno, Damboa, Biu and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.

‘They also conducted operations in Madagali, Hong and Mubi South local government areas of Adamawa State as well as Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, eliminating scores of terrorists and recovering arms and ammunition, while their camps were destroyed accordingly.’

In the same month, Kyange said, troops conducted clearance operations in Mafa, Magumeri, Konduga, Damboa, Chibok, Kaga, Abadam and Kukawa local government areas of Borno State, Mubi North and Hong local government areas of Adamawa State, as well as Geidam and Nguru local government areas of Yobe State.

‘During the encounters, 21 terrorists’ collaborators, informants and terrorist sympathisers were arrested. Arms, ammunition, logistics items, vehicles, motorcycles and IED marking materials were also recovered.’

On the operations in the North West, the defence spokesman said that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) sustained operational tempo throughout the month with significant activities.

He said during the fire fights, some terrorists were eliminated and kidnapped victims were rescued.

Kangye said: ‘For instance, from 23 – 30 September 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Anka, Bakura, Tsafe, Maradun, Shinkafi and Maru local government areas of Zamfara State.

They also carried out operations in Isa, Sabon Birni, Goroyo and Wurno local government areas of Sokoto State.

‘Additionally, troops conducted same operations in Shanono, Gwarzo and Tudun Wada local government areas of Kano State as well as Arewa, Mariga and Kontagora local government areas of Kebbi State and Kaduna Metropolis while JTF Sector in Katsina State covered Kankara, Faskari, Safana and Malumfashi local government areas of the state where a wanted terrorist identified as Ali Saidu was arrested.

‘During these operations, several terrorists were killed, 46 of them were arrested, and 13 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arrested terrorists are currently undergoing interrogation.’

He said in the North Central, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to distress calls about terrorists’ activities in some sectors.

‘For instance, from 23 to 30 September 2025, troops conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in Wase, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Bassa and Jos East local government areas of Plateau State as well as Sanga and Jamaá local government areas of Kaduna State.

‘During the firefights, some extremists were killed in action, arrested 12 of them and rescued 4 kidnapped victims. Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from them,’ Kyange said.

Additionally, the defence spokesman said troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded some successes in their area of responsibility within the month under review, when they conducted operations in Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Gwer West local government areas of Benue State as well as Takum and Nasarawa local government areas of Taraba and Nasarawa states.

‘They also conducted operations in Kabba/Bunu and Omala LGAs of Kogi State as well as Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils of the FCT. During the operation, during which troops killed some criminals in action, arrested six suspected others, while two kidnap victims were rescued,’ he said.

On military onslaught against oil thieves and bunkers in the South-South zone, the defence spokesman said that troops of Operation Delta Safe recovered ?112,175,220 worth of crude from oil thieves, and destroyed 41 illegal refining sites.

He said the operation in the Southeast also recorded significant successes last month.

According to him, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained offensive posture throughout the period between 25 and 30 September, conducting offensive operations in Ihiala and Orumba South local government areas of Anambra State as well as Okigwe LGA of Imo State.

During these operations, Kyange said, a terrorist was killed in action, four others were arrested, and weapons and, ammunition, vehicles and improvised explosive devices were recovered.

He said: ‘The Armed Forces remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the lawful execution of all missions in accordance with international and domestic rules of engagement.’

According to Kyange, the primary objectives of the military onslaughts were to disrupt enemy capabilities, secure key terrain, support humanitarian efforts, ‘and I can tell you that significant progress has been made.

‘The operation remains ongoing and our commanders on the ground continue to assess the situation to ensure stability and prevent further escalation.

‘We remain fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the lawful execution of all missions in accordance with international and domestic rules of engagement,’ he said.

The defence spokesman reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting civilians while also ensuring the safety and welfare of personnel.

‘As always, the safety of our personnel and the protection of innocent lives are top priorities,’ he said.

Police neutralise three suspected Lakurawa bandits, recover motorcycle in Kebbi

The Police Command in Kebbi State says its operatives have neutralised three suspected bandits and recovered a motorcycle in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.

He said the incident occurred on Friday, at about 12:45 pm when the command received credible intelligence that a gang of suspected Lakurawa’ bandits had invaded Gorun Yamma village in Dandi LGA.

‘On the receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kamba, SP Bello Lawal, immediately mobilised a combined team of policemen and vigilantes to the scene.

‘The team engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle which lasted for hours, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected bandits, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

‘An unregistered red Honda motorcycle popularly known as ‘Boko Haram,’ was also recovered as exhibit from the scene,’ Abubakar said.

Troops destroy 41 illegal refineries, foil oil theft in Niger Delta

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the troops of Operation Delta Safe have destroyed 41 illegal refining sites and foiled oil theft worth over ?112.1 million in the Niger Delta in September.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja yesterday.

Kangye said the troops had maintained aggressive patrols and air reconnaissance to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage.

According to him, the troops had also recovered 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 1,900 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and 1,475 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from criminals during the period under review.

‘Troops also destroyed 41 illegal refining sites, 21 cooking ovens, 9 dugout pits, 11 storage tanks, seven boats and arrested several suspects involved in the illegal trade,’ he said.

Kangye added that troops dismantled multiple oil theft networks and seized equipment used for large-scale bunkering, including pumping machines, hoses and generators.

He said the operations were carried out in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states with support from other security agencies.

The defence spokesman reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain its onslaught against crude oil theft, adding that the fight against economic saboteurs remains a national priority due to its direct impact on Nigeria’s economy and environmental safety.

He urged the host communities to support the security forces with timely information to help identify and disrupt oil theft networks operating in their areas.

‘Our operations will continue to target the sources, storage facilities, and transportation channels used by oil thieves until these criminal enterprises are completely dismantled,’ he said.

16 military officers face disciplinary action over misconduct

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said 16 military officers will face a full military disciplinary process over indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

The military high command revealed this in a statement through the Director Defence Information, Brig -Gen. Tukur Gusau, yesterday.

According to the statement, the officers have been arrested, while investigation was still ongoing to determine the gravity of their offences.

The statement reads: ‘Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.

‘Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.

‘Upon completion of investigation, indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces.’

While assuring Nigerians that the actions are strictly disciplinary in nature and part of routine efforts to maintain order, discipline, and loyalty within the ranks, the military high command said the ‘Armed Forces of Nigeria will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority.’

‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times,’ the DHQ added.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Chapel of Love, Abule Osho, Ogun State, and family members penultimate Sunday celebrated the 60th birthday of Mrs. Victoria Ayeni, described as a dedicated Sunday school teacher in the church.

At the thanksgiving service held in her honour, family, friends, and church members said the milestone event served as an occasion to celebrate her life of faith and dedicated service.

Ayeni, in her reflection, provided an insight into a life guided by unwavering faith, stressing that her longevity and blessings are a clear manifestation of answered prayers.

‘I am grateful about everything. God has been answering my prayers, God has been good to me,’ the celebrant stated, adding that ‘Most of the time I call upon Him, He is always answering me. I want to thank the Lord for the spirit to know Him and I pray that the Lord will help me to continue to know Him more in the name of Jesus Christ.’

In a moving testimony, she described a domestic accident involving her son, which she described as an ‘unforgettable’ moment.

‘The one that I cannot forget easily is when my son had a domestic accident. He fell on top of a Pepsi bottle. His intestine came out. But my son survived by a divine intervention. I saw the goodness of God, I saw the mercy of God, God saw me through and today, he is a living testimony.’

The celebrant’s husband, Mr. Amos Ayeni, spoke glowingly of her saying: ‘I love my wife so much and I want her to keep being humble, hardworking, and serving God. Whenever we have any issue among ourselves we always make sure we settle within ourselves without letting anyone interfere.’

The Area Pastor in charge of the church, Pastor Afolabi Adejobi, highlighted the celebrant’s crucial roles within the ministry, painting a picture

As the APC prepares for its governorship primary in Ekiti State, how would you describe the current political atmosphere in the state?

The political ecosystem in Ekiti today is the equivalent of authoritarianism. We have a dictatorship pretending as a democrat. The general impression is that the Governor is liberal, humble and a gentleman but in reality, he is a man who’s intolerant of any opposition. There’s this sense of entitlement that nobody has the capacity to be governor but BAO. I can tell you emphatically that Kayode Ojo will articulate a better governance template than the one we are experiencing. Yes, the governor is investing the entire state economy and government machinery on his second term ambition, but eventually, the will of the people will prevail.

There are several aspirants in the race, including the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji. Who do you consider the main contenders and why?

Unless we want to deceive ourselves, there are only two candidates jostling for the governorship. The incumbent and the incoming, Kayode Ojo. I honestly will not bother to support any candidate if the governor has demonstrated capacity. On the contrary, what we see is deceit and mediocrity on an industrial scale.

Never in recent economic history of Nigeria has sub-nationals access the kind of fund they have now. Many states like Ogun, Lagos, Niger and Anambra are investing massive funds into infrastructure, education and agriculture, but our governor is investing into our over bloated elites. Ogun State is poised to host the largest textile industry in the entire West Africa soon while Anambra will soon become an automobile manufacturing hub . I don’t want to go into the dirty details, but it’s a common knowledge that our allocation and other extra budgetary resources goes into recurrent expenditure for national party aristocrats and past state political office holders. I am unapologetically a Kayode Ojo fan and l would stake my last vote for him as the Governor of Ekiti State because of his superlative pedigree, network and passion for Ekiti State.

Some argue that Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated capacity and received accolades and applause from traditional rulers, artisans, market women, and even opposition figures. How do you respond to these endorsements?

The accolades you talk about or endorsements are outcomes of stomach infrastructure. All the people or groups singing the praises of the governor are bought. I understand the economy is hostile to the lazy and the only means of survival for some people is government in power. Must we eat tomorrow’s investment today in the name of politics? History will be unfair to those elites who manipulate the truth today for the sake of morsels. We will soon come out with the register of our elites who collect monthly handouts from the Ekiti State Government, and how much they collect in exchange for support. What are the facts on ground to justify the invasion of endorsements we witness on a daily basis. Ekiti collects an average of N16b monthly in the past three years apart from other extra budgetary provisions and Local Government funds. Tell me what can you point to that has been done with those funds? An additional N90b loan has been powered without due process and not tied to any project. It’s sad, the state is under a siege and unless men of good conscience rise up and change the narratives, l am afraid the outcome will be disastrous for our collective future.

What makes Kayode Ojo your preferred candidate, and why do you believe he represents a better alternative for Ekiti?

Kayode Ojo deserves commendation for stepping forward to challenge the status quo and rescue Ekiti from generational ruin. It takes divine courage and conviction on his part to face the proverbial Goliath that this glutinous coalition of jobless statesman has constituted. His chances are not just bright, they are real. Do a random opinion sampling of Ekiti people today, both at home and in the diaspora, the statistics in favour of EKO is startling. The Civil Servants whose minimum wage cannot take them home or market women that has been pauperised by multiple taxation are all yearning for a change and that change they see in Kayode Ojo, the political class that has been used and dumped in the past two years but are now being patronised are also waiting for their pound of flesh. The grassroots and the streets are fully with us.

With Given Oyebanji’s incumbency advantage and visible structures, what gives you confidence that Kayode Ojo can defeat him at the primary?

The confidence comes from the voices of the people themselves. I live among them and l listen to their frustrations in the midst of official intimidation. The state Governments non- performance has created a vacuum that Kayode is poised to fill. It’s obvious that Oyebanji has done his best and cannot give what he does not have.

But there are is a widespread clamour across the 16 local government area for Oyebanji’s continuity till 2031. Do you agree with this narrative?

Where does the widespread clamour come from? Is it from the Local Government and LCDAs whose allocations are diverted or the councillors whose entire salary cannot buy a good pair of shoes? Take it from me; in a free primary the Governor will be defeated.

You alleged that your name, and that of other stakeholders, have been deliberately removed from the APC membership register. How do you interpret this development?

Yes, it’s not only my name that’s missing, but the names of major stakeholders of Kayode Ojo’s team. More than 30,000 names in our register have been mutilated. I confronted the APC State Secretary, who confirmed that he was acting on instructions. The is criminal, and there will be consequences. The truth is that Governor Oyebanji is jittery about Kayode Ojo’s soaring popularity and that is why they have resorted to underhand tactics to weaken our support base. I have never seen this level of desperation in my entire political career. Some of them will have cardiac arrest when the hen eventually comes home to roost. Hon. Ropo Ige, a two-term House of Reps member and a former Local Government Chairman, was removed from the register in Ikoro. That is politics taken too far, and we are going to respond appropriately and at the right time.

Some party officials may describe such irregularities as administrative errors. Why do you insist it was a calculated political plot?

My removal from the party register is far from been an administrative error or oversight but a deliberate and well- orchestrated plot to weaken the support base of a major opposition. It’s cowardice and we are going to take the matter to the highest level of authority in the land. The President who’s a thorough democrat and the National Chairman of the party will be duly informed about the shenanigans of the National Secretary who we heard is on the payroll of the State Government in the last two years.

Do you trust that the national leadership of the APC will ensure a free, fair, and transparent primary in Ekiti?

The situation in the party presently is not conducive for a free primary but it will be remedied. The President himself faced a well organised broadcasted primary, Kayode Fayemi the mentor of Oyebanji faced about 18 aspirants before he emerged as candidate in 2010 . If they think the kind of kangaroo primary that led to Oyebanjis emergence in 2023 is possible again in 2025, they should wake up from dreamland.

What’s your message to Kayode Ojo’s supporters as the governorship primary approaches?

My message to Kayode Ojo supporters across the state and in the diaspora, is that light is at the end of the tunnel. Like it was said in biblical times, ‘these Egyptians that you see today ‘ by October 28th ‘ We shall see them no more. Ekiti shall be great again when the righteous and competent toake over her affairs. Our campaign should remain issue based and data driven, our people should remain law abiding because the masses are on our side.

As Nigeria commemorates 65 years of Independence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national broadcast stands as a powerful reaffirmation of our shared journey-from the dreams of our founding fathers to the bold reforms shaping our future.

His message is one of pride, resilience, and renewal. As a fellow member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a candidate seeking to serve, I find inspiration in his words-and responsibility in the work that remains.

Honouring Our Legacy, Grounding Our Future

President Tinubu’s tribute to Nigeria’s founding heroes-Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and others-reminds us of the ideals that gave birth to our nation. Their vision of a united, prosperous Nigeria leading the black race is not just history-it is a call to action.

Yet, as we celebrate their legacy, we must also confront the realities that have tested it. Governance missteps, institutional weaknesses, and missed opportunities have challenged our progress. As leaders, we must honour the past not only with reverence but with realism.

Reform with Empathy: Progress That Touches Lives

President Tinubu’s administration has made bold choices, including removing fuel subsidies, unifying exchange rates, and restructuring fiscal policy. These reforms are yielding results:

GDP growth of 4.23%

Inflation down to 20.12%

Non-oil revenue surpassing #20 trillion

These are impressive strides. The President also recognises the human cost-rising unemployment, food insecurity, and economic anxiety- and he is working assiduously to address these concerns with compassion and targeted policies.

We’re also aware that President Tinubu is working on policies that translate macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in education, healthcare, and job creation.

Economic Milestones: From Momentum to Maturity

The President’s 12 economic milestones reflect a nation in motion. From a 411% revenue surge to a trade surplus and more substantial reserves, Nigeria is regaining its financial footing. But sustaining these gains requires more than celebration-it demands strategic continuity.

Tax compliance, diversification, and anti-corruption efforts must be deepened. Oil production gains must be shielded from volatility. And our fiscal health must be anchored in transparency. I will advocate institutional reforms that protect these achievements and expand their reach to every community.

Security and Stability: Beyond the Battlefield

President Tinubu rightly salutes our armed forces for reclaiming communities and restoring peace. Yet, persistent insecurity in parts of the North and Southeast reminds us that military success must be matched by social healing. IPN will always support community-based peacebuilding, intelligence reform, and rehabilitation programs that foster lasting security.

Youth and Innovation: Investing in Nigeria’s Greatest Asset

The President’s initiatives-NELFUND, Credicorp, YouthCred-are empowering young Nigerians with access to education, credit, and digital tools. Yet youth unemployment remains a pressing concern. It is necessary to prioritise vocational training, startup incubation, and public-private partnerships to unlock youth potential and drive inclusive growth. And that is why I will salute the President for the tuition-free education in technical colleges recently ordered by President Tinubu. It is indeed commendable.

Productivity and Patriotism: Turning Vision into Value

President Tinubu’s call to ‘farm our land,’ ‘build factories,’ and ‘patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods’ is a rallying cry for national self-reliance. This vision must be supported by enabling policies, including those related to land access, infrastructure, and market linkages.

As a nation, we need to build a productivity framework that empowers SMEs, strengthens agriculture, and fosters local manufacturing.

A Shared Mandate: From Reform to Renewal

President Tinubu’s broadcast is more than a speech-it is a blueprint for national transformation. As a member of the APC and a candidate dedicated to service, I wholeheartedly embrace this vision and strive to deepen its impact.

Nigeria at 65 is not just about turning corners. It is about building bridges-between policy and people, between promise and progress.

Bringing It Home: Progress You Can Feel

As we celebrate Nigeria’s 65th Independence, I want all the citizens-sons and daughters of Ondo North Zone – to know that the reforms championed by President Tinubu are not just national headlines-they are fundamental changes that you can feel in our communities.

From increased federal allocations that support our local schools and clinics to new infrastructure projects that improve our roads and market access, the Renewed Hope Agenda is reaching our doorsteps.

It is expected that these gains will be deepened right here-by advocating youth employment programmes, expanding access to credit for small businesses, and accelerating rural development. Together, we will turn national progress into local prosperity.

Let’s write the next chapter together, not just in statistics, but in the lived experiences of every Nigerian.

The Edo State Government has warned that it will sanction any estate developer operating in the state who fails to register and obtain formal approval for their estate layout plans.

According to the government, the registration exercise is part of its ambitious urban renewal drive under ‘Project Shine’ and the 30-Year Benin City Master Plan.

In a statement, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Arc. Kate Isokpunwu, said estate developers have a two-week deadline to comply or face strict enforcement actions.

The directive, the statement added, follows a recent stakeholders’ engagement where the government stressed the need for compliance, sustainable development, and orderly urban growth.

Developers were urged to visit the Ministry promptly to complete the necessary registration and approval processes to avoid sanctions.

It reads in parts, ‘All estate layouts must be duly documented and regularized with the Ministry to align with the state’s long-term spatial and environmental objectives,’ the statement said.

‘From October 2025, the Ministry will begin a comprehensive enforcement operation targeting illegal developments, especially those encroaching on government-designated forest reserves and protected areas.

The statement further added that ‘Unapproved estate layouts will be sealed off, and violators prosecuted under existing laws.

‘This measure is not punitive but corrective. It is designed to ensure that development in Edo State remains sustainable, orderly, and consistent with our collective vision for a modern, well-planned city.’

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Tacha, has expressed support for the disqualification of Faith Adewale from the ongoing BBNaija Season 10, stressing the need to respect the Head of House (HOH)’s position.

In an interview with TVC News, Tacha said, ‘As much as they say respect is reciprocal, you demand respect, but when e reach your turn, you no wan give respect.’

She noted that Faith, who had previously served as HOH several times, should have extended the same courtesy when another housemate, particularly a woman, held the position.

‘You have been HOH a couple of times; now it’s a woman being HOH. At least as much as everyone respects you, it does make sense for you to respect that office,’ she added.

Faith was disqualified on October 2, 2025, after engaging in a physical altercation with fellow housemate Sultana during a skincare task rehearsal.

The confrontation left Sultana with a twisted ankle and hand injury.

Big Brother Naija’s organisers described Faith’s conduct as a breach of the show’s rules against physical violence and ordered her immediate removal from the house.

Kaduna state governor, Uba Sani, has approved the release of ?2.321 billion for the payment of pension entitlements, gratuities, and death benefits to retirees and families of deceased civil servants across the state.

The payment covers Accrued Rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and Gratuities/Death Benefits under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). With the latest disbursement, the state government has now paid out ?6.678 billion to retirees in 2025 and a total of ?13.5 billion since the inception of the present administration.

Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said Governor Sani’s administration places a high priority on the welfare of pensioners, adding that regular and timely payments were part of the government’s deliberate efforts to ease the hardship of senior citizens who served the state diligently.

‘The welfare of pensioners remains a top priority of this government. Governor Uba Sani believes they deserve to live with dignity, hence his consistent commitment to clearing pension liabilities,’ Maiyaki said.

Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pension Bureau, Ibrahim Balarabe, explained that the new release would benefit 661 retirees and families across the state and local governments.

Out of the total amount, ?1.736 billion will go to 511 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, while ?585 million has been earmarked for gratuities and death benefits to 315 pensioners and next-of-kin under the old Defined Benefit Scheme.

Balarabe added that retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme will have their Accrued Rights credited directly into their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) with their respective Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). Those under the Defined Benefit Scheme, he said, will be invited for screening and verification ahead of payment.

Governor Uba Sani, he noted, has consistently maintained that ensuring dignity for retirees goes beyond statutory obligation – it is a moral duty of the government to honour those who served the state faithfully.

Since assuming office, the governor has pursued a steady clearance of inherited pension liabilities while ensuring that fresh obligations are promptly met. The administration, according to the statement, views the timely settlement of pension entitlements as key to sustaining workers’ confidence and motivation.

‘This latest approval once again demonstrates Governor Uba Sani’s compassion and commitment to safeguarding the welfare of pensioners, upholding their rights, and strengthening the trust of the Kaduna workforce,’ the statement concluded.