Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Nigeria’s proven gas reserves have risen from 208.83 trillion cubic feet (tcf) in 2023 to 215.19 tcf as of January 2026 while average daily production has increased to about 7.5 billion cubic feet the Federal Government has said.

The Decade of Gas Secretariat disclosed this in Kano during a media engagement programme organised in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG and EV).

The engagement which brought together 27 journalists from television radio print and digital platforms was aimed at deepening understanding of Nigeria’s gas development agenda and promoting informed reporting of the sector.

It was the first formal engagement with journalists in Kano following similar sessions held in Lagos Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Speaking on milestones recorded under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo the Workstream Lead for Infrastructure and Demand at the Decade of Gas Secretariat Taofeek Balogun said domestic gas supply had now exceeded two billion cubic feet per day.

‘Significant achievements have been recorded under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with proven gas reserves increasing and production rising steadily’ Balogun said.

He disclosed that $3.5 billion in committed investments had been secured across four major gas projects with 100 per cent completion of the OB3 Gas Pipeline and about 95 per cent completion of the AKK Gas Pipeline.

According to him N671 billion in public infrastructure funding had attracted approximately N1.6 trillion in private investment into the sector.

On clean cooking Balogun said the LPG Programme targeting five million households by 2030 had commenced with launches in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states and the distribution of 27000 LPG cylinders alongside ongoing regional sensitisation programmes.

He added that Nigeria was targeting September 24 2028 for transition to a Willing Buyer Willing Seller gas market framework to strengthen competitiveness transparency and commercial sustainability.

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has recorded 38 milestones in three years under the leadership of its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi with progress in renewable energy deployment clean cooking hydrogen technology and domestic energy manufacturing.

Achievements include gazetting the National Energy Policy and National Energy Master Plan solarising healthcare and educational facilities expanding mini-grid initiatives and establishing Africa’s first Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Osara Kogi State.

Abdullahi highlighted the milestones as the Commission marked his third anniversary in office attributing the progress to the collective efforts of its management and staff toward strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector and advancing the country’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

The anniversary was marked by a surprise reception at the Commission’s headquarters where directors management and staff members gathered to celebrate his leadership and reflect on the agency’s achievements over the past three years.

Speaking at the event Abdullahi thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and for his support under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also acknowledged the strategic guidance and partnership of the Minister of Innovation Science and Technology Dr. Kingsley Udeh in advancing the country’s energy transformation agenda.

The Director-General said the milestones reflected the Commission’s determination to translate national energy policies into practical interventions that improve lives strengthen energy access and contribute to sustainable economic development.

A major highlight is the establishment of Africa’s first Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Osara Kogi State an initiative designed to build practical skills develop local expertise and strengthen the human capacity needed to support renewable energy deployment.

The institution is expected to build the technical knowledge and skills needed to expand the use of renewable energy technologies particularly in communities where access to reliable electricity remains a challenge.

The Commission has also advanced solarisation initiatives targeting critical public infrastructure particularly healthcare and educational facilities.

The projects aim to improve electricity supply to essential services where unreliable power can affect healthcare delivery the preservation of medical supplies teaching activities and the overall performance of public institutions.

Through its mini-grid development initiatives the ECN is also pursuing alternative approaches to expanding electricity access in underserved and remote communities.

Mini grids can provide decentralised electricity solutions in locations where extending the national grid may be difficult or expensive. Their development is therefore an important part of efforts to improve energy access support small businesses and stimulate economic activity in rural areas.

Beyond electricity generation and distribution the Commission has pursued initiatives in clean cooking hydrogen technology and local energy manufacturing.

The clean cooking component seeks to promote alternatives to traditional cooking methods that rely heavily on firewood and other polluting fuels while hydrogen development forms part of broader efforts to explore emerging energy technologies.

The Commission’s focus on domestic manufacturing also aims to strengthen local capacity encourage innovation and reduce dependence on imported energy technologies.

These efforts are complemented by international partnerships designed to facilitate technology transfer encourage research and development and accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria.

The gazetting of the National Energy Policy and National Energy Master Plan marks another significant milestone providing a strong policy foundation to coordinate energy development priorities and guide interventions across the sector.

The policies aim to support a more coordinated approach to energy planning technology development and the implementation of national energy objectives.

Abdullahi said the Commission remained committed to positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for clean energy innovation and sustainable development with an emphasis on ensuring that policies and technological advances deliver practical benefits to citizens.

He stressed that the achievements recorded over the past three years should serve as a foundation for further progress rather than an endpoint.

He said the Commission must continue strengthening its institutional capacity improve the delivery of its mandate and expand initiatives to address the country’s evolving energy needs.

Beyond its technical and policy achievements the ECN chief also highlighted improvements in staff welfare conditions of service and internal infrastructure.

He described these measures as essential to building a more effective institution noting that a supportive working environment could strengthen staff morale productivity and commitment to the Commission’s responsibilities.

Visibly touched by the surprise reception Abdullahi thanked management and staff for the goodwill kind words and gifts presented to mark his third anniversary.

He described the gesture as a demonstration of unity and shared commitment to the Commission’s vision and thanked personnel across the organisation for their support.

The Director-General pledged to sustain efforts to improve staff welfare while consolidating the achievements recorded during his tenure.

He said the Commission would continue to implement its mandate strengthen renewable energy innovation and ensure its programmes contribute meaningfully to national development.

The ECN’s progress comes amid increasing attention to renewable energy as Nigeria seeks to diversify its energy mix expand electricity access and develop more sustainable alternatives to conventional energy sources.

For a country with significant energy needs and persistent electricity access challenges investments in solar power mini-grids clean cooking and local technology development could help improve energy availability and support economic activity.

However sustaining these gains will require effective energy policy implementation adequate investment stronger technical capacity and partnerships that support the deployment and maintenance of clean energy technologies.

As the Commission enters another phase of its work its ability to translate the 38 milestones into measurable improvements in energy access institutional performance and technological development will be key to determining the long-term impact of its achievements.

Abdullahi reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to build on the progress recorded strengthen its capacity to deliver on its mandate and advance an energy system that is more accessible efficient and sustainable for Nigerians.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State Olatunbosun Oyintiloye has said President Bola Tinubu deserves encouragement from Nigerians rather than harsh criticism over the ongoing economic reforms.

Oyintiloye in a statement on Sunday in Osogbo said Tinubu means well for Nigerians and should not be blamed as though he were the cause of the country’s economic challenges.

The APC chieftain acknowledged the prevailing economic hardship but said the President was working to address the situation.

He said the major economic reforms Tinubu introduced including removing the fuel subsidy and floating the naira were meant to stabilise the economy for Nigerians’ benefit.

He added that although the policies are tough they are necessary and have begun to yield positive results.

‘What the President needs at this point is our encouragement not harsh criticism or name-calling.

‘What he met when he assumed office was a battered economy and since then he has been working round the clock to address the economic crisis.

‘We should all remember that he was not the architect of the current economic challenges we are facing and he cannot solve all the problems at once’ he said.

Oyintiloye a former lawmaker in the Osun State House of Assembly also urged opposition figures using the prevailing economic challenges to campaign against Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election to reconsider.

He claimed none of the opposition candidates seeking the presidency in 2027 can outperform Tinubu given their antecedents in past political offices.

‘It would therefore be unwise to weaponise the current economic challenges which the President is trying to address against his presidential ambition’ he said.

Oyintiloye however urged the President to do everything within his power to alleviate Nigerians’ suffering.

He acknowledged that despite the administration’s efforts to improve the economy many Nigerians are still experiencing severe hardship.

He advised the President to review social intervention programmes targeting vulnerable groups and to strengthen other economic policies to ease the burden on the masses.

Oyintiloye expressed optimism that Tinubu would secure a landslide victory in the 2027 presidential election citing what he described as the President’s achievements across sectors.

He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the President and to support his efforts to move the country forward.

The Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate’s focus is inclusive governance and continued shared progress the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (PBAT-KOH) Campaign Council said on Sunday.

According to the campaign organisation Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat will unveil his campaign manifesto on Friday at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Arts Theatre) Iganmu Lagos from 3 pm to 5 pm under these broad themes.

The Campaign Council Director-General Senator Musiliu Obanikoro said the unveiling would provide the platform for Dr. Hamzat to present his vision priorities and plans for the continued development of our state.

Accompanied by other campaign council members Information and Strategy Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso Hakeem Bello Rasak Ajala Seye Oladejo Bola Akingbehin Gboyega Akosile and Sesan Daini the Director-General emphasised the importance of electioneering to Lagosians.

Obanikoro said the future of Lagos is too important to leave to chance because today’s decisions will determine the opportunities available to children the strength of the economy and the quality of life for Lagosians.

He said: ‘Lagos has made significant progress over the years but we are not unaware that more work lies ahead. Our responsibility is to protect the gains we have made address the challenges that remain and build a state that offers greater opportunities to all.’

Obanikoro added ‘Our campaign is anchored on two principles: continued shared progress and inclusiveness.

‘Continued Shared progress means working together to build a stronger Lagos on the foundation and master plan creating more opportunities and improving the lives of our people without a break in continuity.

‘Inclusivity means that nobody should be left behind because of religion tribe gender social status or place of origin.’

Shedding light on inclusive governance Obanikoro said ‘Lagos belongs to all of us for those who call it home while respecting and preserving the indigenous people of Lagos State.’

He said every resident and taxpayer has a stake in Lagos’ future adding that every community deserves to be heard.

Obanikoro added ‘Our differences should not divide us. They should strengthen our resolve to work together for the common good.’

The former Minister of State for Defence said Nigeria’s democratic journey cannot be complete without recognising Lagos State’s important role.

He said that as Africa’s global city of commerce investment technology innovation and culture Lagos contributes greatly to the nation’s economic growth and democratic development.

Obanikoro stressed: ‘With an estimated population of about 25 million people a relatively limited landmass and the pressures that come with a cosmopolitan society Lagos faces serious demands in transportation human capital development housing infrastructure security healthcare and environmental management.

‘These challenges require experienced leadership careful planning and the ability to deliver results. Lagos needs a government that understands its people builds on past achievements and responds to the demands of a growing population.’

Obanikoro said that since President Tinubu’s tenure as governor successive administrations have contributed to Lagos State’s development adding that his successors Babatunde Fashola Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu have built on earlier foundations in infrastructure transportation education healthcare the creative economy urban development and economic growth.

He added ‘We recognise these achievements while acknowledging that important challenges remain.

‘Continuity is not about doing things the same way simply because they have been done before. It is about protecting what works correcting what needs improvement and building on existing progress.

‘Lagos cannot afford to lose valuable experience or abandon the foundations on which its considerable development has been built. We must move forward with clear plans and practical solutions.’

Obanikoro who spoke on the value of experience flaunted Hamzat’s credentials.

The governorship candidate earned a PhD in Systems Process Engineering from Cranfield University England at 28. He also worked with top global organisations including Merrill Lynch Morgan Stanley and Citibank in the United States before entering public service.

His private-sector experience where he gained business and management knowledge complements his years in public service as a three-time commissioner and deputy governor of Lagos State.

Obanikoro said ‘This combination gives him an understanding of both business and government and how to use that knowledge to address the needs of Lagos and improve the lives of its people.’

Highlighting experience as a core factor in governance he said Lagosians can see the progress made under Sanwo-Olu’s administration where Hamzat serves as deputy governor.

He added ‘From the Blue and Red rail lines to hundreds of completed roads and bridges improvements in schools and hospitals enhancing the culture and creative economy to global-level new housing projects and support for businesses and young people the administration has continued to develop the state and improve public services.

‘Dr Hamzat will draw on his experience in government to build on these gains address existing challenges and deepen the progress for the benefit of all Lagosians.’

Obanikoro emphasised that ‘this campaign is about the people of Lagos.’

He explained that Hamzat and the campaign organisation have embarked on wide consultations with different groups across the state.

These include religious leaders and religious institutions traditional rulers market women traders young people professionals artisans community leaders and other stakeholders.

He said: ‘We have engaged people from different backgrounds communities and walks of life. We understand that Lagos is diverse and its development must reflect the needs and aspirations of all its residents.

‘These consultations are important because we believe that leadership must listen before it acts. We want ordinary Lagosians’ concerns to inform our priorities. We want a development agenda that reflects the realities of our people.’

Obanikoro disclosed that the manifesto launch on Friday October 30 2026 will be broadcast live from 3 pm to 5 pm on television stations and digital media platforms – Channels TV ARISE TV TVC LTV News Central YouTube Facebook and Instagram handles- providing Lagosians with the opportunity to follow the presentation and understand the candidate’s plans.

Following the presentation he said arrangements will be made to make the manifesto available for download so interested members of the public can study the proposals and provide feedback through the appropriate party channels because no manifesto can be complete without the contributions of the people it is intended to serve.

Obanikoro said Lagosians are welcome to share constructive comments suggestions and feedback after the presentation.

He added ‘The choice before Lagos is about the future we want to build and how best to sustain our progress. Our campaign clearly commits to shared goals inclusivity experience and continued development.

‘Our commitment is to move forward build on our achievements and work together for a better state. The message of this campaign is clear: Lagos let us move forward together.’

The Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State is in mourning following the death of Professor Kamene Okonjo mother of the kingdom’s traditional ruler Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The renowned sociologist and matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family died on Friday aged 96.

She was the wife of the late Obi (Professor) Chukwuka Okonjo the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

In a statement issued on Sunday the Palace Secretary Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi said the royal family was mourning an exceptional woman whose life was marked by intellectual brilliance humility compassion and commitment to humanity.

The statement described the late Professor Okonjo as an internationally recognised sociologist who distinguished herself through her academic achievements intellectual contributions and lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment.

‘She was a woman of exceptional intellect yet possessed a rare gentleness of spirit humility and grace that endeared her to everyone privileged to know her’ the statement said.

It added that her achievements transcended Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria earning her international recognition and respect within academic and intellectual circles.

The statement described her as an embodiment of scholarship womanhood motherhood and service to society.

Beyond her professional accomplishments Prof. Okonjo was a devoted mother grandmother and great-grandmother as well as a pillar of the royal family.

The statement added that her wisdom kindness quiet strength and exemplary character would remain an enduring source of inspiration for future generations.

‘While we mourn her passing we celebrate a life exceptionally well lived’ the statement added.

It said the deceased left a lasting legacy of scholarship service family values and advocacy for the dignity and advancement of women.

The royal family expressed confidence in its Christian faith saying it drew comfort from the belief that she was resting peacefully with the Lord after completing her earthly journey with grace and distinction.

The family also extended its condolences to the reigning Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and to the deceased’s children including Dr. Okonjo-Iweala Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi Prince Onyema Okonjo and Prince Chichi Okonjo as well as their spouses grandchildren great-grandchildren and the wider Okonjo family.

The statement urged the people of Ogwashi-Uku to join the royal family in celebrating the late professor’s life and legacy.

It described her as a remarkable daughter of the kingdom whose contributions to scholarship and humanity would endure.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) said yesterday that it is going ahead with the unveiling of the membership of its Presidential Campaign Council tomorrow.

The announcement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary Osa Director came amid reports of internal tension over the composition of the council.

National leader of NDC Senator Seriake Dickson and the presidential candidate Mr.Peter Obi were said to have held divergent views on some of the names proposed by the former Anambra State governor as members of the campaign council.

The disagreement according to party sources was largely responsible for the delay in releasing the list of the council members.

It was originally scheduled for release last Tuesday only for the party to announce a postponement sparking speculations in the political circle.

Seriake and Obi subsequently travelled out of the country.

However Seriake said on his X handle late Friday that he had returned to Nigeria and ‘received our Presidential Candidate His Excellency Peter Obi CON who paid me a visit.’

He added: ‘I also received the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation His Excellency Engr. Babachir Lawal a senior member and leader of our great party the NDC. Together we held very fruitful discussions on the state of the party particularly our readiness for the 2027 general elections.

‘We were later joined by the National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas who came with members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our party.

‘I later held another meeting with the NWC with Babachir in attendance.

‘The Chairman and the NWC briefed us on preparations for the official unveiling and inauguration of our National Campaign Council scheduled for Monday.’

In a separate statement yesterday spokesman of the party Osa Director said the Monday event would also feature the presentation of the party’s statement of account at the third National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

He said the presentation of its financial statement by the National Treasurer would demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of party finances.

He challenged other political parties particularly the ruling APC to adopt similar measures to promote openness in their financial affairs.

‘For the NDC it is no longer politics as usual’ the statement said.

Obi/Kwankwaso supporters defy party over campaign account

However supporters of Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso are adamant in running their own account separate from the party’s.

Obi’s supporter Aisha Yesufu confirmed this much on her X handle @AishaYesufu yesterday.

She narrated how she directed that a gift of $10000 she received ‘in the course of my work for the campaign ‘ be paid into an account bearing the name Obikwankwaso 2027.

Her words:’ As a Muslim any gift received in the course of your work does not belong to you. It belongs to your organization. In the course of my work for the campaign I was gifted $10000 (ten thousand USD) and I have directed that the amount be paid into the ObiKwankwaso2027 account.’

Speaking on the composition of the NDC national campaign council a party source said the handling of the council’s composition had raised concerns about transparency consultation and the distribution of authority within the party.

The source claimed that Dickson had indicated he would personally review the lists submitted for the council and determine who would occupy the various positions.

The allegations however have not been independently established and the party has denied that the delay reflects an internal disagreement.

On Friday Osa Director dismissed as untrue speculations about infighting over the composition of the council.

‘Our Presidential Campaign Council will be inaugurated on October 26’ he said.

‘If we have not yet constituted the council you cannot expect us to inaugurate it. I don’t think the speculation is coming from our party secretariat.’

He added: ‘We can say that we are saving the best for last. It will happen on October 26.’

Asked directly whether there was a disagreement within the party the spokesman responded: ‘No issue whatsoever.’

The contrasting accounts have drawn attention to the challenges confronting the NDC as it prepares to organise a national campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The controversy over the campaign council emerged publicly in September when the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement a support organisation mobilising for Obi and his running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso announced a 59-member presidential campaign council.

The move prompted objections from the NDC leadership which maintained that the responsibility for establishing an official presidential campaign structure rested with the party rather than an independent support group.

The dispute raised a fundamental question about the relationship between the party’s formal structures and the political movements supporting its candidates.

Obi’s political following extends beyond the membership of any single party while Kwankwaso also brings an established political network and support base.

Integrating these constituencies into a coordinated campaign requires agreement on leadership appointments responsibilities and the chain of command.

The earlier disagreement over the support group’s campaign structure therefore provided the background against which the subsequent delay in constituting the official council has been interpreted.

However the existence of disagreements over campaign arrangements does not in itself establish a personal confrontation between Obi and Dickson.

A source familiar with the discussions expressed concern about the process for constituting the campaign council alleging that the party leadership had not adequately communicated the progress of deliberations to some supporters.

‘The truth is that the national leader is not transparent when it comes to this composition of the campaign council. He said he will personally compare the lists’ the source said.

The source also questioned the handling of meetings concerning the council arguing that party members should have greater clarity about the agenda and the outcome of discussions.

‘Usually they are supposed to put the agenda before the meeting. Although they have said those of us who are devotees should not be in attendance we are on the platform together’ the source said.

The source complained that attempts to obtain information about discussions had not yielded satisfactory answers.

‘You said the agenda will be disclosed at the meeting. Then when they come back I try to ask ‘What did you discuss?’ They will not tell me. You can imagine the way-how do you operate like that?’ the source said.

The source questioned whether such an approach was consistent with the operation of a political party with established organs including a National Working Committee (NWC).

‘If you said we are one party NWC and all of that then you can’t disclose what you have gone to discuss?’ the source asked.

The allegations point to possible dissatisfaction among some party supporters over their access to information and the degree of consultation in decisions affecting the campaign.

They do not however establish that the NWC has been excluded from the process or that the party’s formal decision-making procedures have been breached.

The source’s principal concern was the reported division of responsibilities between the party leadership and the two principal candidates.

According to the source Dickson had indicated that Obi and Kwankwaso would be invited to make inputs into the proposed composition of the council but that he would ultimately determine who occupied the different positions.

‘The national leader said he has asked the presidential candidate to bring an input. He has also asked Kwankwaso to bring an input. But that he would decide who takes what position’ the source said.

Questioning the arrangement the source added: ‘How can you do that? One man alone?’

The account raises questions about how the NDC intends to balance the authority of its national leadership with the candidates’ expectations regarding the people who will manage their campaigns.

The council is expected to play a central role in campaign strategy communications mobilisation finance and coordination across the country. Its composition is therefore a significant organisational decision for the party.

Obi and Kwankwaso would need to work with the officials responsible for translating their political programmes into a coordinated national campaign while the party leadership would be expected to maintain organisational discipline and ensure that the campaign operates within the party’s structures.

How these responsibilities are shared could influence the working relationship between the candidates and the party’s leadership.

Members of the League of Veteran Journalists have joined eminent Nigerians and people all over the world in mourning the passing into glory of the Leader of Afenifere and Asiwaju of Yoruba Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti OFR CFR.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Chairman League of Veteran Journalists Banji Ogundele.

The group said it was delighted to note that Chief Fasoranti both in his private and public life spent a century on earth without a stain on his name adding that ‘His character had no blemish.’

The group said further that besides being a man of integrity the centenarian was a study in how to handle personal vicissitudes of life as he bore personal tragedies such as the demise of his wife and the painful circumstance of the murder of his daughter with equanimity and stoic grace.

Part of the statement reads:

‘We recall that long before he became a moral compass of the South-West Chief Fasoranti was a builder of minds as he deployed the power of education to empower people. A man who in his personal and public life exemplified self-discipline honesty and moral rectitude ardently demonstrated the finest _Omoluabi_ ethos of moral cultural and democratic values. Thus through personal examples he imparted discipline knowledge and moral rectitude to generations of leaders in the finest tradition of his hero and mentor Chief Obafemi Awolowo GCFR SAN.’

Besides his noble achievements in the field of education the veterans noted the late Afenifere leader’s commitment during the struggle spearheaded by the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) for the restoration of the June 12.

The presidential election was remarkable as he survived targeted assassination attempts by regime gangsters.

‘In the face of all these he never wavered never bent and never compromised on his vision of impacting positively on society realising a better deal for the people as well as participating in activities meant to institutionalise true federalism and justice for all Nigerians.

‘The League extends its deep condolences to the Fasoranti family the Akure Kingdom Government and people of Ondo State Afenifere family worldwide the Yoruba people and all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.

‘May the soul of Asiwaju Yoruba rest in peace’ the group concluded.

Chairman of Akure South Local Government in Ondo State Dr. Gbenga Fasua has put a lie to a raging rumour that the council’s newly built shop complex in Mojere Market Akure is only available to moneybags.

The chairman issued the clarification on Friday on the heels of insinuations that the 80-shop complex is being leased out at N25 million per stall for a period of 35 years.

Debunking the rumour the chairman said ‘Our administration has embarked on building modern structures in markets across the local government area and we have successfully achieved that in Mojere Market in the popular Ilesha Garage area.

‘The job was given to developers with an arrangement that they would let out a part of the building while the local council will let out the other part.

‘While it is understandable that the developers could hike the rent fees for the stalls alloted to them rest assured that my administration is there engaging them on your behalf to reduce their rent charges.

‘But as for the stalls being rented out by Akure South Local Government all can testify to it that they are up for rent at rock-bottom rates.’

Fasua who is also the chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria Chairmen in Ondo State noted that all the local councils in Ondo State operate a common template of providing amenities to ease the suffering of the masses and that the idea of building affordable market stalls and complexes was one of such.

‘We are all guided by the ‘OUR EASE’ Agenda of our masses-friendly governor Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa in embarking on physical projects that impact positively on our people and this idea of reconstructing hitherto rickety and dilapidated market structures is one of it’ the council boss explained.

He disclosed that the second phase of the Mojere Market’s modern complex was about to take off to accommodate the area’s teeming population of traders.

‘In the same vein a similar shop complex is due to take off at the popular NEPA market in Akure with determination to cover the other market squares in due course’ he assured.

Meanwhile the council chairman enthused that the popular Erekesan Market in Akure has now been restored after its developers had spent out their 20-year lease on hold thus signalling a new lease of life to the local traders.

His administration he said will review the rent regime in the market with a view to introducing affordable rents.

Dr. Fasua particularly thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for the free-hand and encouragement given to local administrations in the state on timely deliverance of dividends of democracy to the people.

The Kebbi State Government has rejected claims that the state lacks national media visibility calling an article by Abba Anwar flawed unverified and contradictory.

In a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday the Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris on Public Enlightenment and Orientation Ibrahim Jambale said Anwar’s article titled ‘Kebbi: The Performing State Nobody Sees’ acknowledged the governor’s performance but questioned the competence of his media aides.

Jambale questioned how the writer could catalogue the administration’s achievements while simultaneously describing its communication machinery as ineffective.

He also faulted the article’s claim that Kebbi ranked 31st in media visibility with less than 0.9 per cent share of voice arguing that the figures were presented without a credible methodology sample size or verifiable sources.

‘A statistic does not become credible merely because it is expressed in percentages. If the writer conducted a genuine media audit he should publish the methodology for public scrutiny’ he said.

The special adviser argued that media prominence should not be confused with governance performance which he said should be assessed through outcomes in education healthcare infrastructure agriculture and security.

He maintained that the governor’s media team had taken deliberate steps to improve the state’s national profile including visits to major media organisations and engagements with editorial and management teams.

According to him the engagements led to retainer arrangements for sustained coverage with Channels Television TVC the Nigerian Television Authority and Third Eye Africa with the governor’s approval.

On reports about insecurity Jambale said media organisations operated independently and could not be expected to suppress security-related stories to promote a preferred narrative.

He also described attempts to link the location of national television stations’ bureaux to the competence of the governor’s press office as misleading.

The government further rejected the suggestion that low media visibility would cost Kebbi investment arguing that investors consider factors such as infrastructure security market access and expected returns not publicity alone.

While acknowledging the need for continuous improvement Jambale said the pursuit of greater visibility should not be turned into an accusation of wholesale professional failure.

‘Kebbi is not invisible. Its development story is being communicated its media engagement is evolving and it deserves to be evaluated through verifiable evidence rather than sweeping generalisations’ the statement said.

The Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association of Nigeria under the Confederation of Pastoralist NGOs (CONPA) has urged the Federal Government to protect and fund Nigeria’s ?30 trillion livestock sector and to immediately end the dangerous ethnic profiling of Fulani pastoralists.

The demand was made in Abuja on Sunday by the President of Kautal Pulaaku Dr. Huseini Buzaye at a press conference attended by the association’s General Secretary Abdullahi Ardo.

Speaking on behalf of more than 30 pastoralist organisations representing millions of herders across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ardo emphasised that livestock production is a vital pillar of national food security and economic prosperity that can no longer be neglected.

Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development after 60 years of agitation the group expressed concern about the ministry’s lack of operational funding and grassroots presence.

‘Livestock is a N30 trillion economy. It cannot be treated with levity’ Ardo warned appealing for the ministry to be fully activated at the community level to realise its core mandate.

To unlock the sector’s full value the group called on President Tinubu and the National Assembly to implement three critical policy measures. These include allocating at least 30 per cent of the national agricultural budget to the Ministry of Livestock Development immediately gazetting all 417 existing grazing reserves across the country and launching pilot ranches and commercial fodder production schemes across all six geopolitical zones.

‘We are Nigerians. We are pastoralists. We are not bandits. We love this country. Our cattle feed this nation’ Ardo stressed highlighting the sector’s central role in feeding the population and sustaining millions of rural livelihoods.

Alongside economic reforms the leadership decried the ongoing criminalisation of pastoralists which they warned fuels jungle justice hate speech and extrajudicial killings of innocent herders women and children.

‘For too long the word ‘Fulani Pastoralist’ has been profiled and criminalised as synonymous with banditry kidnapping and terrorism’ the address stated.

‘We condemn in totality all forms of banditry and criminality. Criminals are criminals and have no tribe. We call on security agencies and the media to stop ethnic profiling but arrest and prosecute criminals as individuals not as an ethnic group. An entire community cannot be punished for the sins of a few.’

Highlighting recent unprovoked attacks in Plateau Niger Sokoto Kebbi Zamfara and other states the group reported that hundreds of pastoralists have been killed thousands of cattle have been rustled and entire Rugas have been burnt down with little media coverage compensation or security protection.

Pointing out that a decade of farmer-herder conflicts has claimed over 20000 lives and cannot be resolved by military action alone the coalition called on President Tinubu to declare a National Dialogue and Reconciliation involving Miyetti Allah traditional rulers CAN JNI security agencies and state governments.

At the same time the leadership urged pastoralist communities to take internal responsibility by respecting farmers’ property preventing cattle from encroaching on farmland exposing criminal elements and informants within their ranks and prioritising their children’s education.

‘We are Nigerians. We are pastoralists. We are not bandits. We love this country. Our cattle feed this nation’ Ardo stressed announcing that the coalition will launch a nationwide sensitisation campaign across all six geopolitical zones.

The group then called for collaborative action among stakeholders advocating ‘justice without discrimination security without exclusion development without marginalisation and peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect and the rule of law.’

‘Let us replace suspicion with dialogue conflict with cooperation poverty with opportunity and exclusion with inclusive national development.’