Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Imo State Government has demolished a notorious hideout at Control Fly-Over, Owerri, which security reports confirmed was being used by bandits as a base of operations.

The flyover was commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, but was taken over by hoodlums who converted it to a parking bay, smoking joints and a brothel.

However, the government, just a few hours after issuing a public notice, moved swiftly to safeguard the landmark project and guarantee the safety of commuters and residents around the strategic gateway.

The demolition exercise was carried out by the Office of the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, headed by Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, in collaboration with security agencies.

According to intelligence, the location, which also operated as a brothel, had long served as a meeting point for armed criminals who planned kidnappings, robberies, and other violent crimes from the spot.

During the operation, a large cache of arms and dangerous weapons were recovered by security operatives and handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution. Several suspects were also arrested for further questioning.

In a related enforcement, commercial vehicles that attempted to convert the under-bridge of the newly commissioned Control-Assumpta Fly-Over into illegal loading bays were impounded.

The state government announced that the operators involved will face immediate prosecution, stressing that no misuse of critical infrastructure will be tolerated.

Residents who gathered at the scene welcomed the demolition and arrests, describing the measures as timely and in line with the governor’s resolve to match infrastructure development with stronger security.

Many said the site had been a persistent threat to safety in the area and praised Governor Hope Uzodimma for not only building but also securing Owerri for the people.

Speaking after the operation, Nze Nwaneri emphasised that the government would not allow criminal elements or illegal activities to undermine public safety. ‘The directive of His Excellency is clear: there must be no safe haven for criminals or lawbreakers in this state. Wherever they are identified, we will act immediately,’ he said.

The government pledged to sustain similar operations across the state until all identified criminal hideouts and illegal practices are eliminated, he said.

Associate Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Toluwani Odukoya, has shared the journey of separation from the husband, a period she said significantly shaped her life.

In a recent interview with Truthtable, Toluwani revealed that she is separated due to circumstances beyond her control, describing the experience as akin to a death.

The 40-year-old emphasised that separation doesn’t necessarily imply failure or fault on either side.

‘I’ll say I’m separated. Most of you don’t know I’m separated and that’s actually defined or has shaped my life. It was circumstances beyond my control,’ she said.

She praised her ex-husband, calling him a ‘great man,’ and believes that their marriage wasn’t ordained by God, making it difficult to last.

‘My ex-husband is a great man. but if God doesn’t ordain you guys to be together and you force-fit yourselves, the likelihood of staying together is very low,’ she explained.

She stated the past few years have been particularly trying for her, marked by a series of family tragedies.

She lost her stepmother, her father’s twin sister, and eventually, her father, Senior Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, who passed away on August 7, 2023.

Through her struggles, Toluwani said she has leaned heavily on her faith and found solace in her family’s support.

‘When the call came, I told God, ‘You know all the baggage I’m trying to navigate. But if You call me to serve, then maybe you’ve put something in me.’ I just decided to keep my eyes on Jesus,’ she recounted.

Support from her family, particularly her late father and her siblings, played a pivotal role in helping her stay grounded during those challenging years. ‘My dad fought for me. My family encouraged me. That embrace added to my self-esteem and self-worth,’ she said.

The Odukoya family has been at the heart of The Fountain of Life Church since its founding.

After the passing of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya in the United States, his son, Jimmy Odukoya, succeeded him as the Senior Pastor, serving alongside Toluwani in leadership.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu yesterday re-emphasised that no Nigerian mother should lose her life while giving birth, as she commissioned two major health facilities in Gombe State.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 100-bed Senator Oluremi Tinubu Maternal and Child Specialist Hospital, the First Lady described healthcare – particularly maternal and child health – as central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said ‘the commissioning of this hospital is not just the unveiling of a building; it is the opening of doors to life, to hope, and to a healthier future for our mothers and our children.

‘Healthcare, especially maternal and child health, is at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to ensure that every Nigerian child has a healthy start in life, and that no mother dies while birthing life’, Mrs. Tinubu declared.

She commended the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for building the hospital, noting that the facility would significantly help reduce maternal and infant mortality while bringing relief to families in Gombe and neighboring states.

‘It is my belief that this facility will provide quality healthcare services, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and bring relief to families in Gombe State and beyond,’ the First Lady said, while urging medical professionals, community leaders, and citizens to ensure the facility serves its purpose with excellence, compassion, and integrity.

In addition to the specialist hospital, Senator Tinubu also commissioned the ultra-modern New College of Nursing and Midwifery, Gombe, where she interacted with enthusiastic students who expressed gratitude for her visit.

The First Lady’s engagements in Gombe form part of her ongoing nationwide advocacy for improved healthcare and education under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She has since returned to Abuja after her two-day official visit to the state.

The authorities of the Delta State Environmental Taskforce have arrested four environmental marshals involved in illegal night extortion of residents of Oshimili South Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were apprehended yesterday along Summit Road in Asaba, the state capital.

The task force team, led by Chief Agbari, recognised the marshals engaging in unauthorised activities and contacted Comrade Adim Dikedi, the Supervisory Officer on Environment for Oshimili South, for clarification regarding the marshals’ actions.

Upon receiving the call, Supervisor Dikedi ordered the immediate detention of the four officers at a police station until he could address the matter personally.

It was revealed that one of the apprehended marshals was impersonating the current Supervisor on Environment, prompting further concern about corruption within the ranks.

Dikedi emphasised his agency’s commitment to eradicating corruption among environmental marshals.

He expressed that any form of misconduct would not be tolerated and reaffirmed a directive issued in January, prohibiting marshals from operating beyond 4:00 pm.

He said the incident underscored the challenges of overseeing environmental enforcement and the need for accountability within such agency.

Dikedi said ensuring transparency and integrity among environmental officers is crucial for maintaining public trust, especially when allegations of extortion are involved.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Niger State, Alhaji Nma Kolo said the party’s presidential candidate; Bola Tinubu has the capacity to provide the needed leadership that will restore Nigeria to the path of greatness if he becomes president.

Kolo told reporters in Minna, the state capital yesterday that Tinubu had the required knowledge to move the country forward.

The APC chieftain described Tinubu as a leader who will unite and move the country forward.

According to him, the APC presidential candidate has vast experience in how to solve the problems bedevilling the country.

He noted that despite the withholding of local governments’ allocation from the Federation Account by the Federal Government during Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor, he was able to manage the state’s finances and put Lagos economy on sound footing.

The recent News Central Diaspora Town Hall convened a powerful dialogue on the pivotal role of Nigeria’s diaspora in the nation’s development, spotlighting the critical link between diaspora remittances and democratic inclusion.

As remittance flows continue to underpin Nigeria’s economic stability, speakers urged that diaspora voting rights must be recognised and enabled as a natural extension of the diaspora’s financial contributions.

Councilor Hephzibah Olugbemi underscored the staggering economic power wielded by Nigerians abroad, highlighting that ‘in July alone, $553 million was remitted to Nigeria.’

She emphasised that the diaspora’s influence extends beyond money, calling for Nigerians overseas to ‘make their voices heard, not just with their money but with their vote.’

This sentiment echoes the broader recognition that diaspora remittances are a lifeline, sustaining families and fueling economic activity across Nigeria.

Bobby Digi Olisa, President of Nigerians in the Diaspora New York State, emphasised the need for infrastructural frameworks to support diaspora participation. ‘We need NIN and BVN registration. As the Diaspora invests billions into the motherland, they should surely have the right to vote.’

Chibuzor Ubochi, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in Europe (NIDO), firmly stated, ‘Diaspora voting is our right, not a favor,’ adding that voting is an intrinsic right of every Nigerian, including those abroad who significantly sustain the nation through remittances.’

Data from multiple sources show diaspora remittances to Nigeria reached approximately $19.5 billion in 2023 and are projected to hit $26 billion by 2025, reflecting both resilience and growth in formal remittance channels.’

The chairman of NIDO noted that ‘these inflows consistently exceed Nigeria’s oil revenues and contribute substantially to the federal budget, highlighting the diaspora’s outsized role in the national economy.’

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, participants in the Town Hall meeting stressed that diaspora remittances must be matched by political recognition and inclusion. The collective call is for transparent, secure electronic voting systems that integrate diaspora input, ensuring that Nigerians abroad can exercise their democratic rights fully. They maintained that empowering the diaspora politically will reinforce their economic contributions and foster a more inclusive, accountable governance system, critical for Nigeria’s sustainable growth and unity.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has detailed how the newly established Office of the Tax Ombuds (OTO), a key feature of President Bola Tinubu’s new tax legislation, will mediate complaints and resolve grievances between tax authorities and the public when the new tax regime takes effect on January 1, 2026.

During the FIRS Taxpayer Webinar Series (TWS), Coordinating Directors at the FIRS, Dr. Dick Irri of the Government and Medium Taxpayers Group (GMTG) and Mr. Tamadi Shettima of the Special Duties Group (SDG), urged taxpayers and FIRS staff to familiarise themselves with the ongoing reforms in the nation’s tax system.

Irri described the Ombud as an essential mechanism for resolving disputes in a fair and accessible manner.

‘I just want to encourage everyone to take note of this new concept coming on board. In Tax Ombud, in African tradition, we have a belief that you cannot beat a child and not expect the child to cry,’ he said.

‘So, taxpayers who may be at risk of repaying or have complained about the attitude of revenue officials or behaviours that are not satisfactory can complain to them. And that is the essence of the Tax Ombud, so to speak, in a layman’s language. It’s not everything that must go to court.’

Shettima described the introduction of the Ombud as a ‘noble initiative’ that will safeguard taxpayer rights and privileges while promoting awareness of their obligations. He said the reform would ensure ‘a seamless and fair tax administration process that upholds trust between citizens and tax authorities.’

Mrs. Lovette Ononuga, Director of the Taxpayer Services Department (TPSD), said the creation of the Ombud reflects the government’s recognition of taxpayers’ central role in national development. ‘By embedding the Ombud function in our tax system, the government is not only strengthening revenue mobilisation but also building a tax culture based on trust and mutual respect,’ she stated.

According to her, the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ which places fairness, inclusiveness, and accountability at the centre of governance. ‘FIRS is determined to facilitate compliance, improve service delivery, and ensure that every taxpayer feels valued as a true partner in Nigeria’s developmental journey,’ she said.

Bolanle Azeez, Acting Director of the Tax Policy and Advisory Department, and Mr. Olufemi Olarinde, Head of the Fiscal and Tax Reforms Implementation Division, explained the role and benefits of the Ombud in Nigeria’s evolving tax landscape.

According to Azeez, the Ombud is a crucial institution under the new tax regime. ‘It balances the relationship between citizens and other relevant agencies. Its role promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability. Ultimately, it strengthens tax administration and taxpayer trust,’ she said.

Olarinde traced the origin and evolution of the Ombudsman model, noting that it has become a global standard for promoting fairness in governance and public administration. ‘The Tax Ombuds model began in the late 20th century as countries sought to enhance taxpayer rights and fair tax administration,’ he explained.

‘The Ombudsman concept originated in Sweden in 1809, designed to protect citizens against maladministration. The idea spread globally, with specialised ombudsman offices now established for banking, insurance, and taxation.’

He further stated that Nigeria’s adoption of the Office of the Tax Ombud demonstrates the country’s commitment to transparency and fairness in tax administration.

‘The Office of the Tax Ombuds will promote transparency, strengthen taxpayer confidence, improve compliance, and ultimately promote sustainable revenue growth,’ Olarinde added.

The Office of the Tax Ombud offers significant advantages for taxpayers and the tax authorities.

For taxpayers, it ensures fair treatment and protection from abuse, maladministration, or delays; provides a simple, low-cost, and non-judicial means of resolving disputes; and enhances awareness of their rights and entitlements. It also offers faster complaint resolution compared to lengthy court processes and encourages voluntary tax compliance.

For the tax authorities, the Ombud promotes accountability and integrity, reduces the backlog of disputes and court cases, strengthens public confidence in the system, and provides feedback to improve internal processes and efficiency. It also helps identify systemic policy issues, contributing to long-term reform of Nigeria’s tax administration.

According to the legislation, Section 41 (1a-i) of the Act defines the powers of the Office of the Tax Ombud to include serving as an independent arbiter for complaints related to taxes, levies, duties, and fees; reviewing complaints against tax officials; investigating taxpayer grievances; inspecting tax offices; inviting witnesses; making recommendations; initiating legal proceedings on behalf of taxpayers; and identifying systemic fiscal issues that affect tax policy.

The law also authorises the Ombud to ‘serve as a watchdog against any arbitrary fiscal policy of the Government or by any of its agencies and report such policy to the National Assembly.’ Importantly, Section 41 (2) specifies that ‘the Office of the Tax Ombud shall not charge a fee’ for its services, ensuring accessibility for all taxpayers.

However, Section 43 (a-d) limits the Ombud’s powers, stating that it cannot interpret tax laws beyond procedural or administrative matters, intervene in cases already before a court or tribunal, determine tax liabilities or assessments, or review personal grievances from tax officials.

With the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Nigeria joins the ranks of nations with independent tax mediation institutions designed to enhance fairness, transparency, and public confidence in tax administration.

The initiative represents a major milestone in President Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, which seeks to modernise Nigeria’s fiscal system, reduce disputes, and build a more responsive, citizen-centered tax administration ahead of the 2026 implementation date.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities, pledging to unite the country under a shared vision of peace and prosperity.

Speaking at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, Tinubu told Christian leaders from Northern Nigeria that his government is dedicated to ensuring justice and inclusivity for all citizens regardless of faith.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said: ‘I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress’.

He urged clerics to have faith in his leadership, adding that religious harmony remains essential to national stability.

‘As leaders, we have the responsibility to manage religious issues for the benefit of all,’ he added.

Tinubu also assured the gathering that his administration is determined to end insecurity and criminality.

‘We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,’ he declared, noting that ongoing economic reforms are being executed to benefit every Nigerian.

The President was in Jos to attend the funeral prayers for Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who died at the age of 83.

Paying tribute to the late matriarch, Tinubu described her as ‘a devoted mother and humanitarian.’

‘In our family, we have a strong Muslim background, and I married a Christian, a pastor for that matter, and I have never forced her to change her religion,’ the President said, stressing his belief in mutual respect and coexistence.

He recalled his political journey through Jos during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) era and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return as President to honour the late Mrs. Yilwatda.

Yilwatda described his late mother as a resilient woman who lived on medication for 47 years yet worked tirelessly for her family and community.

He thanked the President for attending the funeral and for the trust reposed in him as APC chairman.

Reverend Dr Amos Mohzo, President and Spiritual Leader of COCIN, lauded President Tinubu for appointing Northern Christians to key national positions, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Professor Yilwatda.

He also praised the administration’s attention to insecurity in Plateau and Benue States and appealed for more support for displaced Christian communities.

Mohzo pledged the Church’s support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his efforts toward peace and national development.

Dignitaries at the event included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Others were former SGF Boss Mustapha, former governors Tanko Al-Makura, Adamu Mu’azu, Fidelis Tapgun, Yahaya Bello, and Rochas Okorocha, as well as lawmakers, ministers, and members of the APC National Working Committee.

The Minister of Power and All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said his gubernatorial ambition is in the interest of people in the State.

Adelabu said his passion to serve was borne out of love for the poor, less privileged and people across the State.

Speaking while addressing APC leaders, stakeholders and members of the party in Oke-Ogun zone 2 of the state, Adelabu said if given chance to be the Governor in 2027, he would work towards the progress and development of the State.

Oke-Ogun zone 2 consist six local government areas of Oorelope local government, Saki East, Saki West, Olorunsogo, Irepo and Atisbo.

The Minister, who was accompanied by brother of late former Governor, Alhaji Wasiu Ajimobi, Hon. Abiodun Ambali, Alhaji Wale Sanusi, Alhaji Kola Amoo, Alhaji Fatai Adesokan and others emphasised on unity of the party ahead of next election.

He said: ‘United APC owns Oyo State, PDP is a tenant in Agodi Government House, a divided house can never be victorious, APC will regain Oyo State in 2027.

‘There should be internal democracy in our party and this start from our upcoming congress, I want to assure you that no one will impose any candidate on us, our party should unite and stand as one.’

The Minster met some APC leaders in Saki including Alhaji Sulaimon Ajibade (Saki West Local government), Alhaji Hamed Ayinla (Olorunsogo local government), Alhaji Balogun Mayor Alagbada (Saki East Local government) and Chief Lateef Ajemeje (Atisbo Local government) among others.

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Member representing Saki West, Saki East and Atisbo federal constituency, Hon. Kareem Abisodun, who requested intervention of the Minister over power in the zone, lauded the giant stride of the Minster in the sector across Nigeria, saying Adelabu’s efforts in Power Ministry can not be overemphasised.

He vowed that people in the six local government will support and vote massively for the party come 2027 so that APC can come back to power in the State.

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has been rated as the most transparent public institution in Nigeria. This is according to the 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index (TII).

In the report unveiled in Abuja by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), NOSDRA led all 575 assessed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with a score of 78.84 per cent.

The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission came second with 78.21 per cent, while the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission scored 78.13 per cent to place the third most transparent agency.

However, most federal institutions scored poorly in the report, with many falling below the 50 per cent benchmark for average on openness, accountability, and compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.

While presenting the report, the Executive Director of the Centre, Umar Yakubu, noted that public institutions were statutorily required under the Fiscal Responsibility Act (2007), the Freedom of Information Act (2011), and the Public Procurement Act (2007) to publish information such as budgets, procurement details, recruitment policies, audit reports, and anti-corruption frameworks.

According to the Centre, the index was conceived to strengthen integrity mechanisms in Nigeria’s public sector by assessing whether MDAs publish vital information on their websites and portals as required by law.

The assessment focused on five key variables, namely, financial transparency, procurement, human resources and inclusion, control of corruption, and citizen engagement, with each attracting 20 per cent.

A review of the report showed that out of 575 public institutions assessed, only six crossed the 50 per cent average threshold.

Apart from the earlier listed agencies, Development Bank of Nigeria (62.60 per cent), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (54.12 per cent) and Bank of Industry (51.29 per cent) were ranked 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.

Conversely, over 400 institutions scored within the range of 36 and 10 per cent, with no evidence of publishing basic governance information online.

More alarming was that about 100 institutions recorded below 10, while nine institutions scored zero.

This means that they failed to publish any of the required information on budgets, procurement, staffing, or anti-corruption policies.

Many of these included federal colleges, polytechnics, teaching hospitals, and river basin authorities.

For instance, Nigerian Coal Corporation, Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, Federal Medical Centre Katsina, Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, Baga, Hadrian-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, and Metallurgical Training Institute Onitsha scored zero in the ranking.

Also, key ministries fared poorly. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development were graded zero.

The Ministry of Power (21.0 per cent), the Ministry of Works and Housing (14.50 per cent), Ministry of Health (14.50 per cent), and Ministry of Defence (14.50 per cent) ranked low, which further highlighted persistent opacity in sectors critical to Nigeria’s development.