Category: The Nation – Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has been commended for honouring Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, 60 years after his assassination.

The President of GLOBE Legislators International and former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, gave the commendation in a letter to Tinubu.

Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State from 2015 to 2023, said the President’s recognition of Aguiyi-Ironsi during activities marking the 60th anniversary of his death demonstrated historical insight and visionary leadership.

July 29, 2026, marked 60 years since Aguiyi-Ironsi and the then Military Governor of the Western Region, Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, were killed during the counter-coup in Ibadan in 1966.

Onuigbo described the commemoration as a significant tribute to the enduring legacy of Aguiyi-Ironsi, whom he said died in the service of Nigeria.

He described the late military leader as a symbol of patriotism, discipline, integrity and commitment to national unity, adding that his contributions and sacrifices remained an important part of Nigeria’s socio-political history.

Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, also linked the commemoration to the recent upward review of the salaries and emoluments of serving military personnel.

He said the development demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and morale of members of the armed forces.

‘I am very elated by this gesture from Mr President, not only because the late Gen. Aguiyi-Ironsi hails from my constituency, but also for the fact that President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate committed and courageous leadership with patriotic surefootedness,’ he said.

Onuigbo said the 60th anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Aguiyi-Ironsi’s sacrifice and the broader challenges of nation-building.

He also commended the dignitaries who participated in the anniversary activities, including the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, who represented the President at the event.

‘For recognising the importance of the occasion and for urging Nigerians to renew their commitment to national unity and patriotism, President Tinubu has continued to lead the way in promoting national unity through his administration’s policies and engagements,’ he said.

Onuigbo urged Nigerians to support efforts aimed at strengthening national unity, peace and development.

‘While we are full of gratitude to Mr President, the fact needs repeating that unity remains an essential ingredient for the peace, stability and development of the country. On that note, I plead with Nigerians to continue to support the Tinubu administration in its efforts to build a more united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,’ he said.

He said the values associated with Aguiyi-Ironsi’s life and service remained relevant to Nigeria, adding that his legacy should continue to inspire present and future generations.

Onuigbo also acknowledged former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, for paying tribute to Aguiyi-Ironsi, and commended all those who participated in the 60th anniversary activities.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to study the country’s history and draw lessons from the lives and sacrifices of national figures such as Aguiyi-Ironsi and Fajuyi.

‘The 60th anniversary ceremony of the assassination of General Aguiyi-Ironsi should serve, not only as a moment of remembrance, but also as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the ideals of unity, patriotism, discipline, integrity and service to the nation.

‘For this, I wish to commend the Abia State governor, Dr.Alex Chioma Otti, and the family of the late General Aguiyi-Ironsi, for putting together the anniversary activities and hosting such notable leaders as, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and former First Lady of Nigeria, Dr Patience Jonathan,’ Onuigbo stated.

An oil pipeline surveillance contractor , Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd (PINL), has highlighted the role of communities as strategic partners in safeguarding Nigeria’s position as Africa’s energy hub by protecting oil assets.

It said sustained collaboration among host communities, security agencies and government institutions had significantly improved the protection of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), the Eastern Gas Network and other critical national assets.

Speaking at the company’s Stakeholders Engagement Forum, weekend in Yenagoa, PINL’s General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Relations, Dr Akpos Mezeh, said partnering with communities in safeguarding critical energy infrastructure from vandalism, crude oil theft and sabotage was crucial to achieving the dream of becoming Africa’s energy hub.

He said Nigeria’s oil and gas industry has continued to record remarkable milestones, pointing at the Heads of State of ECOWAS Member States signing of an Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) during the ECOWAS Summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone as a major breakthrough.

He said the agreement establishes the sovereign framework for one of Africa’s most ambitious energy infrastructure projects, a nearly 6,900-kilometre gas pipeline stretching from Nigeria to Morocco through thirteen Atlantic coastal countries, with interconnections to the landlocked Sahel nations.

According to him, the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline is designed to transport 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, strengthening regional energy security, supporting industrialization, creating thousands of jobs, expanding electricity generation, and connecting West Africa to Morocco and European energy markets.

He said the project carries a very important message: world-class energy infrastructure can only thrive where pipelines are secure, communities are peaceful, and stakeholders work together.

Mezeh said significant progress has been made on major gas infrastructure projects, including the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline, which is at 98% completion, with final tie-in activities ongoing ahead of First Gas expected in August

He noted that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline has advanced to 94% completion, while the ANOH Gas Processing Plant has been successfully commissioned, further strengthening Nigeria’s domestic gas infrastructure.

According to him, the confidence being demonstrated by investors is equally reflected in the performance of NNPC Limited.

His words, ‘according to the June 2026 Financial and Operational Report, NNPC Limited recorded a Profit After Tax of ?535 billion in June, representing an increase of almost 16% over the ?462 billion recorded in May.

‘Monthly revenue stood at approximately ?4.39 trillion, while statutory contributions to the Federation Account between January and June reached ?6.286 trillion, further demonstrating the critical role of the petroleum industry in supporting Nigeria’s economy.

‘Although crude oil production experienced a slight decline to 1.72 million barrels per day due to operational and technical challenges, natural gas production continued its upward trajectory, increasing to approximately 7.84 billion standard cubic feet per day.’

He said the figures demonstrate resilience despite the challenging operational realities and further reinforce why protecting our pipelines remains a national priority.

Mezeh said incidents of sabotage , attempted vandalism and equipment failures were recorded across the Trans Niger Pipeline and the Eastern Gas Network corridor, adding that such incidents reinforce the need for stronger surveillance, timely intelligence sharing and sustained collaboration among all stakeholders.

He said suspects linked to the incidents were arrested and affected facilities repaired.

Nigeria’s home-grown customs modernisation programme is set to become the model for a $3.1 billion customs reform project across Africa, in what the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) described as a major demonstration of the country’s ability to develop and export infrastructure solutions.

The development followed the signing of a 20-year concession agreement between the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited, the parent company of Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), to deploy a customs modernisation system across about 50 AfCFTA member states.

The project is expected to support customs operations within the continental free trade area, which covers a market of about 1.3 billion people.

The Director-General of the ICRC, Dr Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, said in Abuja on Tuesday that the adoption of Nigeria’s Customs Modernisation Project as the basis for the continental initiative was evidence that properly designed public-private partnerships (PPPs) could produce solutions with benefits beyond Nigeria.

According to him, the decision to use a Nigerian-developed system for a continent-wide project was significant because the technology was developed locally and tested within the Nigerian Customs Service before being considered for wider deployment.

‘Africa is not just adopting a piece of technology. Africa is adopting a Nigerian idea, built by Nigerians, proven on Nigerian soil, and now trusted to carry the trade ambitions of an entire continent,’ Ewalefoh said.

He said the development showed what could be achieved when government agencies and private investors worked together under a clear regulatory framework.

‘This is what PPPs, properly structured and properly regulated, can deliver,’ he added.

Ewalefoh spoke while reacting to the AfCFTA customs modernisation concession and shortly after a monitoring and compliance visit to the Nigerian project, where he inspected the progress of B’Odogwu, the Unified Customs Management System being deployed by the Nigeria Customs Service.

B’Odogwu is at the centre of the Customs Service’s ongoing digital transformation, with the system designed to modernise customs procedures, improve the processing of trade transactions and strengthen revenue collection.

A statement from the ICRC on Tuesday noted that ‘the ICRC chief has a long association with the project. Before his appointment as Director-General, he served as the Commission’s desk officer for the initiative during its early structuring stages.’

Ewalefoh recalled that the project was initially met with questions over whether it could work and whether the private sector partner had the capacity to deliver the required technology. ‘When this project came on board, there were a lot of doubts. We asked ourselves: will this work, can we trust the capacity of the proponent? But today, what we are seeing is amazing,’ he said.

According to him, the project also had to overcome institutional resistance before it could gain acceptance, describing the initiative as the first project in Nigeria to be implemented as a presidential initiative through a PPP arrangement.

‘There was commitment at the highest level. Everybody was there; the project was structured. This is the first project in the history of this country that was executed as a presidential initiative, through a PPP,’ he said.

Ewalefoh said one of the most important aspects of the project was that Nigeria chose to develop its own capacity instead of depending entirely on foreign technology providers.

He said the achievement should encourage more confidence in Nigerian engineers, technology companies and other professionals capable of producing solutions for African markets. ‘It should be our pride that Nigeria can sell something to the rest of Africa. We are not selling a solution built by a foreign company; we are selling an indigenous Nigerian company to the world,’ he said.

The ICRC Director-General said Nigerian engineers and other local professionals were responsible for developing the system, describing the achievement as an example of how local expertise could become an exportable economic asset.

He also praised the relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and TMP, saying the arrangement demonstrated that a PPP did not have to weaken the role of government. ‘There is proper synergy between the grantor and the concessionaire. The result we are seeing today speaks for itself,’ he said.

For Ewalefoh, the major difficulty facing reforms of this nature was not necessarily a shortage of money or ideas, but resistance from institutions and individuals accustomed to existing ways of doing things. ‘The biggest challenge is not ideas, the biggest challenge is not funding – the biggest challenge is resistance to change,’ he said.

He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for opening its operations to modern technology and private-sector expertise, saying the willingness to change had been important to the progress recorded under the customs modernisation programme.

The ICRC chief also praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his role in pushing the deployment of B’Odogwu across Customs commands.

He said the sustained expansion of the system had contributed to the confidence that Nigeria’s customs modernisation programme had gained and ultimately helped position it for adoption under the AfCFTA initiative.

The ICRC said the customs project should not be viewed as an isolated PPP success, pointing to other major infrastructure projects, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, as examples of how private capital could be used to deliver strategic infrastructure through properly structured concession agreements.

Ewalefoh linked the development to the Federal Government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy under the Renewed Hope Development Plan 2026-2030, which places significant reliance on private investment to finance economic expansion.

He said the customs modernisation project offered a practical example of how the government could attract private capital into critical infrastructure without relying entirely on public borrowing.

‘Every naira of private investment that goes into infrastructure like this is a naira the government does not have to borrow, while the returns, in revenue and efficiency, still accrue to the country,’ he said.

He added that the selection of Bergmans for the AfCFTA project represented a shift in Nigeria’s position within the African economy, with the country increasingly capable of supplying technology and infrastructure solutions to other African nations rather than simply serving as a market for foreign companies. ‘Nigeria is no longer only a market but a supplier of solutions to Africa – the kind of enterprise the $1 trillion agenda is built on,’ Ewalefoh said.

The AfCFTA development also comes against the background of renewed calls for African countries to work more closely together on infrastructure and PPP development.

Only weeks earlier, Ewalefoh had spoken at the ECOWAS Infrastructure Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where he called for stronger cooperation among national PPP institutions in West Africa.

He had proposed a regional network that would allow PPP institutions to share technical knowledge, develop common standards and improve the preparation and implementation of projects involving more than one country.

According to him, the adoption of Nigeria’s customs modernisation model under AfCFTA is now providing an example of how such regional cooperation can translate into an actual project.

‘What we are seeing with AfCFTA today is the regional cooperation I called for in Abidjan taking concrete shape; one country’s well-regulated PPP can become the infrastructure backbone of an entire continent’ he said.

The ICRC also rejected concerns that PPP arrangements could result in job losses, saying the customs modernisation project had instead created opportunities for Nigerian engineers and other technical professionals while supporting improvements in customs revenue collection.

The Commission said the experience showed that private-sector participation, when properly regulated, could support both government revenue and employment rather than work against them.

The AfCFTA Secretariat’s decision to replicate the Nigerian model followed the experience recorded with the Trade Modernisation Project in Nigeria.

AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene said the Nigerian experience showed that technology could significantly change the way customs administrations operate.

He said the results recorded in Nigeria gave the continental body confidence that the model could be adapted for use across the wider African market.

The $3.1 billion AfCFTA customs modernisation concession therefore represents more than the expansion of a technology platform. For Nigeria, it provides an opportunity to demonstrate that locally developed expertise can compete beyond the domestic market and become part of the infrastructure supporting Africa’s single market.

For the government’s PPP policy, the development also offers a test of whether successful domestic projects can be transformed into commercially viable solutions for other African countries, while reducing dependence on public funds for major infrastructure investment.

A multi-billion naira, 21-floor, high rise luxury residential project dubbed 16 Alexander Tower in the upscale lkoyi, Lagos has gotten a December, 2027 delivery date.

Project Manager, Prabal Chakrabarti of Cappa and D’Alberto Plc, main contractors of the project, said the building is being constructed to highest safety , structural stability and luxury protocol associated with the company’s decades of construction in Nigeria.

He said the luxury tower, which sits on 4, 376.216 square meters, has 54 units with 158 parking spaces with the first to the 3rd floor also reserved exclusively for parking for both residents and their visitors.

According to him, no other building in the upscale area of lkoyi that have the most expensive and exclusive residential and exclusive building can boast of the features embedded into the building.

Also, speaking a representative of the Engineers to the project, Ayankoya Oladapo said the flats have inbuilt systems that have the capacity to douse fire in case of fire in any of the flats.

He said there is manned and unmanned sprinklers in the event that the owner of the flat is not around and there’s fire outbreak .

He added that the same fire safety measure applies to the car parks, making the building a safe place to live and invest in.

The Executive Director of 16 Alexander Tower represented by Napoleon Esemeje, said the iconic property reflects high quality and premium in real estate having meet all safety precautions of Lagos State Government and international quality standards.

Earlier, the marketing and real estate agent of the property, Dr. M I Okoro said the idea of the facility tour of the buy is a deliberate policy to ensure that the right things are done in the development of the project to guarantee structural stability and the integrity of the project to meet the Lagos State safety specifications for high rise buildings.

He said this is in addition to other factors that are likely to affect the viability of the project particularly to potential investors who would like to purchase the units in the Tower to either live or lease out to tenants.

On the amenities available he listed some of them as wellness and recreation club, pool deck, modern gymn, sauna and spa, squash court ,yoga and meditation zone.

Others he stated is 24/7 Concierge, security services ,surveillance and secure vehicles parking amongst others.

One of the prominent voices in the Niger Delta struggle, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, Amanyanabo of The Source, Elem Kalabari, Torusarama Piri, has openly endorsed the aspiration of Hon. Engr. Elvis Donkemezuo, to represent the Yenagoa-Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The endorsement came during a historic gathering of Ijaw sons in Abuja when Donkemezuo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the constituency in the 2027 general elections, paid homage to the Amanyanabo and formally presented his political ambition.

What began as a traditional visit quickly became something much bigger. It was a meeting of two men who have been involved in different capacities, in the long and often turbulent struggle for the rights and advancement of the Ijaw people.

After the introductions by Jude Tabai, Da Amakiri Tubo spoke passionately about Donkemezuo’s record and his place in the Ijaw struggle.

He described him as ‘a great son of Ijaw land’, recalling that Donkemezuo had fought alongside him through difficult times in the struggle for the upliftment and betterment of the Ijaw people.

For Dokubo-Asari, the importance of the 2027 contest goes beyond party politics.

He said the Ijaw people need representatives at the National Assembly who genuinely understand their history, grievances and aspirations – people who have experienced the struggle firsthand and therefore do not need to be taught the problems confronting the Niger Delta.

He expressed confidence that Donkemezuo possesses the experience and understanding required to become a strong voice for the Ijaw people in the National Assembly.

‘With people like Engr. Elvis, who are conversant with the problems of the Ijaw people, the voice of the Ijaws and our challenges will be heard in the National Assembly,’ he declared.

Donkemezuo is no stranger to the political and social history of the Niger Delta.

He was the pioneer coordinator of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Abuja Chapter, and later served as President of the Ijaw Youth Council in 2013.

He was also involved in the processes surrounding the formation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme for former Niger Delta militants and has consistently advocated environmental protection, justice and development for the Niger Delta region.

His memoir, The Vain Ijaw Struggle, chronicles his experiences during the Niger Delta struggle and documents the efforts to bring international attention to the environmental degradation, injustice and socio-economic challenges confronting the Ijaw people.

In a further show of confidence, Dabaye Amakiri pledged his personal support for Donkemezuo’s political ambition.

He said he would deploy both his words and actions to support the aspiration and work towards ensuring that Donkemezuo emerges victorious in 2027.

The commitment effectively transformed the meeting from a courtesy visit into a significant political statement ahead of the 2027 elections.

The meeting ended with Da Amakiri Tubo offering prayers for Donkemezuo.

He prayed for divine guidance, protection, wisdom and strength as the former IYC leader embarks on what he described as a new phase of the Ijaw struggle – this time from within the chambers of the National Assembly.

Also present was General Boyloaf, another prominent figure associated with the Niger Delta struggle.

Boyloaf described Donkemezuo as ‘trusted and tested’ and pledged his total support for the political ambition.

The Abuja gathering was therefore more than a political courtesy call. It brought together veterans of the Ijaw struggle at a critical moment when the region is once again looking towards the 2027 elections for stronger political representation.

With Dokubo-Asari now publicly throwing his weight behind Donkemezuo, the Yenagoa-Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency contest has acquired a distinctly wider dimension – one that places the question of who speaks for the Ijaw people in Abuja at the centre of the political conversation.

In his entourage were Hon Chief Raphael kuku , Elder Edward Alagoa pioneer founding member of IYC Abuja , Tuedere Victor Ben , Hon Romeo Bekeyai, Hon. Engr Elvis Donkemezuo FNSE PDP candidate for federal house of representatives Yenagoa/ Kolokuma and Opokuma federal constituency, King , Chief Ebikabowei Ben aka Boyloaf and Prince Jude Tabai, the King of the youths.

My record is available for public scrutiny. Before serving at NIWA, I was Commissioner for Finance under the administrations of Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola. Prior to that, I served as the Managing Director of the Osun Investment Company Limited, now known as Omoluabi Holdings Limited.

At NIWA, we implemented structural reforms that have continued to produce positive results. The Water Marshals Scheme remains operational, community-based water safety campaigns are still active, and workers’ welfare received significant attention during my tenure. These initiatives were designed to improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways and strengthen institutional efficiency.

Throughout my career, I have always believed in accountability, prudent management of public resources and measurable results. Those principles will also guide my administration if elected governor.

What is the justification for your clamour for power shift in the state?

The facts speak for themselves. At the end of the APC administration under Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Osun State received approximately N2.6 billion monthly from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). Today, the state receives an average monthly allocation of about N16 billion.

Ordinarily, such a significant increase in revenue should translate into visible improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth employment and economic development. Unfortunately, many residents believe they have not experienced benefits that reflect the huge increase in public revenue.

There are also concerns about infrastructure projects allegedly awarded without sufficient transparency, with some reportedly deteriorating even before commissioning. Our position is that public funds must be managed responsibly and every kobo must deliver value for the people.

Could you shed light on your ‘Prosperity Agenda’ and what it connotes?

The Prosperity Agenda is the blueprint that will guide our administration. It is built around seven strategic pillars designed to address the immediate and long-term needs of Osun State.

The first pillar focuses on poverty alleviation, workers’ welfare and job creation. The second is responsive, accountable and transparent governance. The third promotes economic growth through support for small and medium-scale enterprises as well as youth and women empowerment.

The fourth pillar is security, safety and social protection. The fifth promotes productive agriculture through public-private partnerships and rural development. The sixth focuses on education, skills acquisition and targeted investment in healthcare delivery. Finally, the seventh pillar emphasises renewed investment in infrastructure, culture and tourism to stimulate inclusive economic growth.

Together, these pillars provide a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable development and improved living standards across Osun State.

What specific programmes will your administration implement within the first 100 days?

We have identified a number of practical actions that can begin immediately upon assumption of office.

First, we will undertake a comprehensive review of all outstanding entitlements owed to serving and retired workers and commence payment based on available resources.

Second, we will ensure that the Dagbolu Dry Port becomes operational because of its enormous potential to stimulate commerce, create employment and attract investment.

Third, through strategic partnerships with both public and private organisations, we intend to train and empower not fewer than 10,000 young people in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), thereby equipping them with globally competitive digital skills.

We will also establish monthly meetings of the State Security Council involving security agencies, traditional rulers and local government leaders to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve coordination in tackling security challenges.

In addition, we shall undertake a comprehensive fiscal sustainability review covering government revenue, expenditure and debt obligations. This will enable us to understand the true financial position of the state and make informed policy decisions.

We will conduct a statewide infrastructure audit to identify priority roads and other critical infrastructure requiring urgent intervention.

What is your plan for the expansion of the revenue base of Osun?

Sound financial management is essential for sustainable development. Having served as Commissioner for Finance, I understand both the opportunities and the challenges associated with public finance.

Our administration will begin with a detailed assessment of the state’s financial position. We must know our actual revenues, obligations and liabilities before embarking on major expenditure programmes.

Beyond that, we will expand the state’s internally generated revenue through economic growth rather than excessive taxation. We will encourage investment, support businesses, promote agriculture, improve the ease of doing business and eliminate waste in government spending.

Our objective is to ensure that public resources are utilised efficiently and transparently while directing more funds to sectors that directly improve the lives of citizens.

What are your plans for human capital development and job creation?

Young people occupy a central place in our development agenda because they represent the future of Osun State. Our administration will prioritise digital skills development by training at least 10,000 youths in ICT during our first phase in office. Beyond training, we intend to connect participants with opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation and employment.

We will also strengthen support for small and medium-scale enterprises by improving access to business support programmes, encouraging innovation and creating an enabling environment for private investment.

Agriculture, technology, tourism and the creative industry will also receive attention because they possess enormous potential for job creation. We want young people to see Osun not as a state they must leave in search of opportunities, but as a place where they can build successful careers and businesses.

What is your plan for education and health sectors?

Education and healthcare are fundamental to the development of any society, and they will receive priority attention under our administration. A government that genuinely cares about its people must invest in quality education and accessible healthcare.

We are concerned about the current state of education in Osun. There are reports of shortages of teachers in many public schools, while parents and students continue to express concerns over the rising cost of tertiary education. We believe every child deserves access to quality education regardless of background.

Our administration will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the education sector to identify gaps in infrastructure, manpower and learning outcomes. We will recruit qualified personnel where necessary, improve learning facilities and strengthen technical and vocational education to equip our young people with skills that meet today’s economic realities.

In healthcare, we intend to revitalise primary healthcare centres, improve access to essential medical services and ensure that investments in the sector directly benefit the people. Preventive healthcare, maternal and child health, and rural healthcare delivery will receive special attention because a healthy population is the foundation of economic growth.

How about infrastructure and economic development?

Infrastructure is a major driver of economic growth. Without good roads, reliable energy, efficient transportation and modern public facilities, businesses cannot thrive and investors will look elsewhere.

Our administration will undertake a comprehensive infrastructure audit to determine priority projects that can stimulate economic activities across the state. We shall focus on roads that connect farming communities to markets, improve transportation networks and enhance access to industrial and commercial centres.

We also intend to promote renewable energy through pilot off-grid projects in selected public institutions and rural communities. Reliable electricity will reduce production costs for businesses and improve the quality of life for residents.

The operationalisation of the Dagbolu Dry Port will also form part of our broader economic development strategy. We believe the facility can become a major logistics hub capable of attracting investors, creating employment and increasing commercial activities within the state.

Security is key. What is your plan in this regard?

The Constitution is very clear that the primary responsibility of government is the security and welfare of the people. That principle will guide every decision our administration makes.

We will institutionalise regular meetings of the State Security Council involving security agencies, traditional rulers, local government leaders and other relevant stakeholders. Security is everyone’s responsibility, and collaboration is essential for effective intelligence gathering and crime prevention.

Technology will also play an important role in our security architecture. We will explore modern approaches to surveillance, intelligence sharing and emergency response while strengthening cooperation with federal security agencies.

Above all, our administration will be fair, impartial and committed to protecting every resident of Osun State irrespective of political affiliation, religion or ethnicity.

What can be done to halt this pattern of violence ahead of the poll?

Political violence has no place in a democratic society. Elections should be contests of ideas and programmes, not intimidation, fear or bloodshed.

Our party has consistently maintained that it has been one of the major victims of political violence in the state. During the 2022 governorship election, more than 25 members of our party were allegedly killed. Among them was the Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Honourable Remi Abass, who was murdered within the council secretariat.

We have documented several other attacks and incidents involving our members and continue to pursue justice through the courts. More recently, reports indicated that some of our supporters were attacked in Ede. These developments are disturbing and should concern every lover of democracy.

We appeal to security agencies to remain professional, impartial and firm in ensuring that every citizen is free to participate in the democratic process without fear.

Some people believe that government officials have links with some criminal elements. How do you react to this?

There have been public reports and allegations concerning individuals accused of criminal activities allegedly operating within government circles. The Inspector-General of Police himself publicly raised concerns during his visit to Osun State, while other reports have alleged the arrest of a suspected criminal within the private residence of the Secretary to the State Government.

These are serious allegations that deserve thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities. Our position is straightforward: anyone found to have violated the law should face justice irrespective of political affiliation or social status.

Our administration will uphold the rule of law and ensure that no individual is above the law. Public confidence in government can only be sustained when justice is administered fairly and transparently.

If elected governor, what kind of leadership should the people of Osun expect from you?

The people should expect a government that listens, consults and serves. Leadership is about responsibility, accountability and the prudent management of public resources.

My experience in both the public and private sectors has prepared me for this responsibility. I understand the importance of financial discipline, transparency and long-term planning.

Our administration will encourage stakeholder engagement, maintain open communication with citizens and ensure that government policies are driven by the collective interest of the people rather than narrow political considerations.

We shall build institutions, strengthen governance and create an environment where businesses can flourish, investors can thrive and every citizen has the opportunity to realise his or her full potential.

What is your advice to the people as they warm up for the election?

I want to assure the people of Osun that our campaign is built on hope, competence and a genuine desire to serve. We are presenting practical solutions to the challenges facing our state, not empty promises.

The Prosperity Agenda reflects our commitment to improving workers’ welfare, creating jobs, strengthening security, investing in education and healthcare, expanding economic opportunities and ensuring transparent governance.

I respectfully seek the support and prayers of the people of Osun. By the grace of God and with the mandate of the electorate, I am confident that together we can build a more prosperous, peaceful and progressive Osun State.

I also thank members of the media for their continued commitment to informing the public. I urge them to continue to report fairly, professionally and objectively throughout the election period.

Flight operations have been disrupted at major airports across Nigeria following the picketing of domestic airlines by three aviation unions over unpaid charges owed aviation agencies.

The unions involved are the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Sources at the Lagos airport said the industrial action was triggered by the refusal of domestic airlines to remit billions of naira owed aviation agencies from ticket, cargo and charter sales charges.

The picketing has led to the barricading of entrances to the departure terminals at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1, comprising the Alpha and Zulu terminals, and Terminal 2 in Lagos.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport terminal in Abuja has also been affected.

The blockade has restricted access to the terminals, preventing scheduled flights from departing Lagos and Abuja and leaving thousands of passengers travelling across the network stranded or unable to access their flights.

One of the affected airlines, Air Peace, confirmed that its operations had been disrupted by the industrial action.

In a statement, the airline said, ‘We wish to inform our esteemed passengers and the general flying public of temporary disruptions to our flight operations arising from the picketing of our airline and the ongoing industrial action by members of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).’

Air Peace apologised to affected passengers for the disruption and inconvenience, saying the situation was beyond its control.

It said passengers scheduled to travel later in the day were being contacted and provided with updates as the situation evolved.

‘We will continue to closely monitor developments and will provide further updates as necessary,’ the airline said.

‘We appreciate the patience and understanding of our passengers as we navigate this situation.’

Speaking on the development, ATSSSAN National President, John Ogbe, confirmed that the action followed the expiration of successive 14-day, seven-day and three-day ultimatums issued to the airlines.

Ogbe said a recent intervention meeting convened by the Ministry of Aviation ended without progress after the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) declined to engage with the unions.

He warned that the picketing could be extended to all remaining domestic airports nationwide from Tuesday if the dispute is not resolved.

Reacting to the development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) appealed to the unions to exercise restraint.

In a statement signed by its Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, the regulator expressed regret over the severe inconvenience caused to passengers and said the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, was actively working to resolve the dispute.

The NCAA assured the travelling public that safety oversight remained fully uncompromised and urged all parties to return to the negotiating table to enable normal flight operations to resume as soon as possible.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s extractive industries as assessors from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) begin the validation of the country’s implementation of global standards.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the assurance yesterday in Abuja when he received a delegation of EITI Global Validation Assessors.

Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said the validation exercise aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda of promoting openness, good governance and sustainable economic growth.

‘Nigeria is proud to be part of EITI. Our commitment stems from our belief in transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. As a signatory to the EITI charter, we are committed, on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to keep our systems open to the EITI process,’ the SGF said.

In a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the office of the SGF, Chris Ugwuegbulam, Akume described the presence of the global assessors in Nigeria as further evidence of the government’s determination to subject the management of the extractive sector to international scrutiny and standards.

‘This visit by the global assessors is a testament to our resolve to uphold international standards and to demonstrate to the world that Nigeria is serious about accountability in the extractive sector,’ Akume added.

The SGF said the Federal Government was strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving access to data and ensuring that activities in the extractive industries complied with national laws and international standards.

According to him, ongoing reforms are designed to tackle challenges in the sector and ensure that the country’s natural resources deliver greater benefits to Nigerians.

‘We are implementing reforms aimed at increasing transparency. The government is determined to address the challenges in the Nigerian extractive industry within the shortest possible time to ensure a seamless validation process and guarantee that our natural resources benefit all citizens,’ he said.

Akume urged the EITI assessors to engage extensively with relevant stakeholders during the exercise, assuring the team of the Federal Government’s full support towards achieving a comprehensive assessment of Nigeria’s implementation of EITI standards.

Leader of the EITI Global Validation Team, Mr Riley Zecca, commended Nigeria for what he described as its proactive approach to the implementation of the initiative.

Zecca said Nigeria remained important to the EITI Global Secretariat, particularly because of the size of its extractive industry and reforms being undertaken in the sector.

‘We appreciate being here. Our goal is to support the NEITI Secretariat in navigating the new requirements of the 2023 EITI Standard and to make this validation a learning and capacity-building experience,’ he said.

Earlier, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, thanked the SGF for his consistent support, describing it as critical to efforts to deepen transparency and good governance in the extractive sector.

Adar said NEITI remained committed to international best practices and would increasingly deploy technology to improve the accuracy and accessibility of data as well as strengthen stakeholder engagement.

‘Transparency is a continuous commitment. With the support of government and international partners, NEITI will further strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a country committed to accountability and responsible management of natural resources’, he said.

The EITI Validation Exercise, which commenced on July 1, 2026, assesses Nigeria’s performance in implementing the initiative’s requirements and standards for transparency and accountability in the management of revenues and other activities in the extractive industries.

Delta State Government has suspended the Commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads), Izeze Reuben, indefinitely with immediate effect.

The suspension was announced in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu.

The statement said the suspension was to enable security agencies conduct an unbiased investigation into allegations linking the commissioner to the recent assault of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol, Mr Simon Mudi, popularly known as Temple, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun.

The government said the suspension would allow the security agencies to carry out their investigation without interference.

The statement added that the government remained committed to maintaining public safety, law and order, as well as protecting the sanctity of lives.

The government said the principle applied even when institutions or officials of the state were involved.

A professor of political science at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nnaoma Hyacinth Iwu, says Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has laid infrastructural foundations that will guide successive administrations in the state.

Iwu said future governments in Imo would benefit from Uzodimma’s approach to infrastructure, particularly his emphasis on quality and durability in project execution.

In a statement made available to The Nation on Thursday, the don said Uzodimma’s administration had introduced a new approach to governance in the state.

‘Senator Hope Uzodimma ushered in a paradigm shift that has drawn the attention of individuals, the Nigerian state, and other fellows across the globe,’ he said.

Uzodimma was first sworn in as the 16th governor of Imo State on January 15, 2020, after the Supreme Court nullified the election of Emeka Ihedioha, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had been declared winner of the 2019 governorship election in the state.

Since the inception of his administration, Uzodimma, who is the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum, has said his government has completed over 130 roads across the 27 local government areas of the state.

The governor has repeatedly maintained that his infrastructural achievements surpassed the combined projects delivered by his predecessors in the state since 1999.

Some of the major dual carriageway and urban/rural projects reportedly completed by the administration include the Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe roads, Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road, Mgbidi-Oguta Road, Orlu-Mgbee-Akokwa-Uga Road, and the Naze-Ihiagwa-Obinze/Nekede corridors, linking the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede.

The government reportedly allocated about N297 billion to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development in the 2025 budget, with higher allocations in the 2026 budget.

Uzodimma has consistently described ‘quality and durable roads’ as central to his Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery (3R) agenda and ‘Shared Prosperity’ vision for Imo.

Iwu said an aspect of the governor’s administration that had not received enough attention was his effort to reduce the cost of governance for future administrations through standard project execution.

The professor said road construction required huge financial resources and should not be treated as short-term projects because of the importance of roads to the movement of people, goods and services.

According to him, asphalt roads typically last between 10 and 20 years, while concrete roads can last between 20 and 40 years.

‘Past governments have never given attention to this strategic consideration. Unfortunately, the Imo people have witnessed roads and public buildings collapsing within three to six months after construction,’ he said.

Iwu argued that repeated rehabilitation of poorly executed projects had placed additional financial burdens on incoming governments and diverted resources from other areas, especially human capital development.

‘Unequivocally, I am saying that Senator Hope Uzodimma has saved high financial costs for subsequent governments that will rule Imo State for the next 40 years because of his honesty in constructing roads with standard requirements,’ he said.

The don also cited the International Conference Centre in Owerri as an example of infrastructure projects that reflected the governor’s commitment to conserving public resources.

‘The destruction of the death traps and construction of solid buildings across the State where such death traps were constructed is an obvious confirmation of a government that wants to save huge financial resources for the incoming governments,’ he said.

Iwu further praised Uzodimma’s role in national politics, saying the South-East required strategic engagement at the national level.

He said he was pleased when the governor expressed his intention to return to the Senate, where national resources and policies are shaped through legislative debates.

‘I became extremely happy when he expressed his intention to return to the Upper Chamber in Abuja, where resources of men and nations are allocated through strategic debates,’ he said.

The professor added that Uzodimma’s role in the APC administration should receive support beyond his Orlu Senatorial zone.

‘I have no option but to state that Senator Hope Uzodimma’s role in the government of the APC should be supported not only in Orlu Senatorial zone but across the South East region.

‘Governance is a science, and does not thrive in rhetoric,’ he said.