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The governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in Oyo State, Comrade Adebayo Titilola-Sodo, has rejected Governor Seyi Makinde’s choice of Bimbo Adekanmbi as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 election.

Titilola-Sodo, a former labour leader and Special Adviser to Makinde, said his decision to part ways with the administration stemmed from what he described as a breach of trust and differences over the administration’s direction.

He spoke on Monday at a forum organised by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, in Mokola, Ibadan, where he discussed his ambition for the governorship.

Titilola-Sodo said he would not support Makinde’s preferred candidate or collapse his political structure in favour of Adekanmbi.

‘Comrade Sodo is not the kind of person to hold forth for anybody. In fact, that is one of my major reasons for dissent with Governor Seyi Makinde, because without recourse to those who helped achieve the vision he’s celebrating today, he has chosen a successor,’ he said.

The AA candidate said he had worked with the administration to achieve some of its major accomplishments, particularly in workers’ welfare, which he described as one of its notable achievements.

He argued that those who contributed to the administration’s achievements should have been considered in succession discussions.

Titilola-Sodo said Adekanmbi was not part of the team that worked with Makinde from the outset, adding that he was disappointed that the governor did not select a successor from among those who contributed to the administration.

He said: ‘That successor, I was with the team when I was appointed for a specific purpose. I did not join the party. Maybe I would have joined the party if I were anointed as the successor. Because I know that we built this decent reputation together.’

Titilola-Sodo also disputed suggestions that he could eventually support the governor’s choice, saying his decision to contest the election was based on his political convictions and differences with the current direction of the administration.

He added, ‘That area, which is our area that nobody can challenge, the area of the welfare of workers and pensioners, we did it together. We did that area together; that area is the most successful sector that this government cannot say a sentence without referring to it.’

Recounting the administration’s inception, the AA candidate said his timely intervention saved Governor Makinde from an early confrontation with organised labour over the national minimum wage.

‘The day our boss was sworn in at the Liberty Stadium, during his declaration on the podium, he said he was not going to pay minimum wage. Does anybody remember? Because, in his idea of federalism, nobody should be dictating to the next one what to pay as minimum wage.

‘Trouble started from there. Fortunately, I was not the only person there; all the Exco of NLC were there with me. Everybody heard that, well, your trouble continues.’

Sodo detailed how he privately reached out to the Governor to de-escalate the crisis before Makinde’s first official appearance at the state secretariat, leading to a crucial meeting where he offered strategic advice on labour relations and the constitutional boundaries of local government administration.

Extending his critique to the current administration’s stance on local government autonomy, Titilola-Sodo firmly defended his previous assertion that state resources meant for local councils are being ‘evacuated’ through centralised procurement and non-resident contractors.

‘When we say something is being evacuated, I’m using it in the parlance of the contractor handing in a job not being a resident of that place in which he is discharging the services. After work, every job, every contract has a profit margin… But if he came from, say, even Lagos… all his profit, he is taking it to Lagos. That is what I mean by evacuation.

‘By now denying those places the resources due to them, are we not evacuating the resources? … That Section 7 does not say that the functions of local government should be taken away from them and handled by somebody else. It only recommended oversight functions on them and not to take away their responsibility.’

Although the AA candidate commended the Makinde administration for some laudable feats, he insisted it could be better, given the resources available to the state government, both from the federal government and internally generated resources.

Outlining his manifesto for rural and agrarian communities across Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and Ogbomoso, Titilola-Sodo promised a shift from sole reliance on large-scale operators toward structured support for small- and medium-scale farmers through value-addition cottage industries.

‘The plan-and this will not be a full government outfit, but we will not leave it to the private operators alone-we’ll encourage the farmers in each zone such that in each local government, there will be at least one cottage industry. A place noted for mango production at its peak, there should be an industry there that will add value before the fruits, before the produce, is evacuated outside of the place.’

‘If they put themselves together, like maybe we have 10 farmers, the cottage industry will cost like N20 million-just for example-if they are able to raise N10 million among them, the government will add N10 million to it to ensure that that industry comes alive.’

Dismissing insinuations that his candidacy is merely a front or placeholder for other political interests, Titilola-Sodo maintained that his track record as a grassroots administrator uniquely positions him to offer Oyo State a truly decentralised, worker-friendly, and economically productive governance model.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of Oyo NUJ, Comrade Yinka Adeniran, said the Chapel decided on the platform to give candidates an equal opportunity to sell their visions to the electorate.

He said Chapel members are professionals who do not belong to any political party and would make its platforms available to all parties willing to seize the opportunity, as a contribution to the development of the country’s democratic processes.

Governors yesterday called for collective action by citizens to build a stronger and united Nigeria as the country marks Independence Day anniversary.

In Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani urged Nigerians to remain patriotic, hopeful, and committed to building a better nation as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged fellow Nigerians to embrace greater unity and a shared sense of purpose.

The governor noted that the nation possesses the human talent, capacity and abundant natural resources required to drive sustainable development and achieve greater prosperity.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said the country endured a civil war, prolonged military rule, economic difficulties and political crises because of the sacrifices and resilience of its citizens.

In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori told Nigerians to make the necessary sacrifices to build a country.

Sanwo-Olu spoke after a special jum’at service to commemorate the 66th National Independence Day, held at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja.

The governor, who was represented by Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic, religious and other differences and work together towards building a stronger, peaceful and prosperous nation.

‘Part of the challenge is that we are not united as a people. We see ourselves differently, so there is no coincidence of purpose. If we unite and come together, we have the talent, ability, and resources to lift this country.

‘So, I am saying that unity is very important, and that’s the major challenge that we face,’ said Sanwo-Olu.

Uzodimma spoke yesterday at a special thanksgiving and Eucharistic Service at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, in commemoration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He said the responsibility of rebuilding Nigeria should not be left to government alone, urging citizens to obey the law, reject dishonesty and protect resources entrusted to them.

Uzodimma acknowledged the economic pressures facing families and businesses, saying government must ensure that citizens’ sacrifices translate into improved living conditions.

‘Leadership begins at home,’ he said, stressing that Nigeria’s progress requires responsible conduct from citizens as well as accountable leadership.

Catholic Bishop of Owerri Diocese, Rev. Lucius Ugorji, admonished Nigerians to take personal responsibility for the country’s renewal.

The cleric stated that the quest for a better Nigeria must begin with a change in the character and conduct of its citizens.

Oborevwori, who spoke at the 66th Independence thanksgiving service held at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba, urged the present and future generations to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, courage, patriotism and resilience.

Paying tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers for their sacrifices and contributions to the country’s independence, the governor urged fellow Nigerians to demonstrate their love for the country by praying for its peace and prosperity.

He maintained that the Church’s continued intercession for Nigeria remained critical to the nation’s progress.

Oborevwori said: ‘Praying for the nation is a powerful investment that pays huge dividends. I urge us, therefore, not to relent in the place of prayer, because men ought always to pray and not to faint.’

The governor, who emphasised the importance of wisdom in governance and leadership, urged public servants and politicians to remember that their positions were held in trust for the people.

‘At this juncture, I want to remind those of us in public service, politicians and civil servants alike, to make service to the people our number one priority. After all, it is called public service.

‘Whether you are a civil servant or a politician, whether you are appointed or elected, you are serving the people. Every position you hold is held in trust for the people, not just for you and your immediate family,’ he said.

Oborevwori added that public officials would ultimately give account of their stewardship to God, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with integrity and commitment to the common good.

He also urged public servants, politicians and other leaders to make service to the people their top priority, stressing that every position of public trust must be exercised with a sense of responsibility and accountability.

The governor, who said Nigeria’s 66 years of independence called for gratitude to God, noted that the country had made steady progress, particularly in the area of democratic governance.

He said: ‘On May 29 this year, we celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. That is something to celebrate and thank God for. Yes, there have been bumps and twists along the way, but overall, we are making steady progress, and the future remains promising and exciting.’

According to him, the Church has an important role to play in sustaining peace and stability in the country through prayers, citing the biblical injunction in Jeremiah 29:7 to ‘seek the peace of the city’ and pray for it.

He said the peace and security enjoyed by individuals were dependent on the peace of the country, adding that the relative peace in Delta State was achieved through the contributions of Traditional Rulers, Presidents-General, Community Leaders and other stakeholders, as well as the wisdom granted by God.

The Presiding Pastor of Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road Branch, Asaba, Pastor Samuel Johns, urged Nigerians to remain committed to the country, stressing that nation-building required faith, patriotism and collective responsibility.

Johns expressed optimism that Nigeria was experiencing an awakening that would unlock its potential and restore its rightful place in the comity of nations.

He identified civic responsibility, sacrifice, meaningful contribution, love for the nation and positive impact on communities as key responsibilities of citizens, stressing that no nation attained greatness by accident.

Also, in a message delivered on his behalf by the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Yunana Markus Barde, at an interdenominational church service held at Living Faith Church, Barnawa, Kaduna, to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, Governor Sani said his administration remained an empathetic leadership that believes in the unity of all people in the state through development programmes in security, health, road projects, agricultural support for farmers, and assistance for vulnerable people.

He noted that 64 years after independence in 1960, Nigeria has gone through both pleasant and unpleasant experiences but must continue striving to become better.

‘I believe in Nigeria too. This is our home, this is our nation. If we don’t do what is necessary to make the nation better, foreigners will not come and put our nation in order,’ Governor Sani said.

He added: ‘As we enter the 65th year of Nigeria’s independence, I urge us all to continue being patriotic and be hopeful to build a Nigeria for the upcoming generation to call a country. As the saying goes, Rome was not built in a day. With God, all things are possible. Our labor over Nigeria will never be in vain.’

Also, the State Pastor and Resident Pastor of Living Faith Church, Barnawa, Pastor Yakubu Kezi, said Nigeria is ordained to be a great nation and that God’s purpose for the country shall come to pass.

He said: ‘Nobody shall develop our country from the outside. We are the ones who will develop this country ourselves. There is nothing we are looking for anywhere in the globe that is not available in this country. God has blessed Nigeria with human capital, natural resources, and great leaders. All we require now is the will to turn them into assets.’

The Nigerian Navy has announced the eligibility requirements for its 2026 Batch 39 Basic Training School recruitment, with applications scheduled to open on October 2 and close on October 31, 2026.

The service said applicants must meet prescribed age, educational, physical and medical conditions, warning that ‘Only a single valid application is permitted; multiple online applications shall be disqualified.’

Here are the requirements:

* Must be a citizen of Nigeria by birth.

* Must possess a National Identification Number (NIN).

* 18 – 22 years by 31 December 2025 for applicants with SSCE, GCE, NECO, NABTEB.

* 18 – 26 years by 31 December 2025 for applicants with NCE, OND, Registered Nurse/Midwife qualifications, Drivers/Mechanics, and Sportsmen/Sportswomen.

* Should not be less than 1.69 meters for males and 1.65 meters for females.

* Must be single.

* Applicants must be medically, physically, and psychologically fit. Those with physical disability and tattoos are not eligible to apply.

* Must be free from any previous criminal conviction by a court of law.

* Academic certificates (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB/GCE) must not be older than 6 years from the date of application.

Here are the steps to complete your Application:

Step 1: Open the Official Navy Portal at https://joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng/

Step 2: Register a New Candidate Profile with your active email.

Step 3: Authenticate Your NIN Record and confirm name spellings.

Step 4: Choose Your Enlistment Category (Category A for secondary school leavers, Category B for tradesmen/technicians).

Step 5: Upload Credentials and Passport. Ensure your image is clear and under 100KB in standard JPG/PNG format.

Step 6: Review, Submit, and Print Slips (Summary Slip, Guarantor Endorsement, and Parent Consent Form).

The Benue Government has begun compilation of out-of-school children as part of efforts to improve child protection and access to education.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare Mrs Theresa Ikwue, made this known when she visited the management of modern market Makurdi to unveil the exercise.

Ikwue, represented by the Director of Child Development in the ministry, Mrs Janet Daagba, urged parents and guardians to take advantage of the state government’s free Basic one to nine education policy and discourage children from street hawking during school hours.

She said accurate data on out-of-school children would help the ministry design appropriate interventions to improve their welfare and ensure access to education.

Receiving the team from the ministry, the Manager of modern market Mr Terhumba Akpelan, pledged the support of the market management to ensure the success of the exercise.

NAN reports that the exercise is expected to provide relevant information for interventions aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving child welfare across the state.

One of the children, Favour Ogbaji, expressed happiness over the initiative.

The Kano State Government has begun the distribution of 3, 400 clean cooking stoves donated to vulnerable women in the state by the Federal Ministry of Environment.

The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Water and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Hashim, inaugurated the distribution on Monday in Kano.

Hashim said that about 800 clean cooking stoves have successfully been distributed to vulnerable women across the state.

‘These clean cooking stoves are part of the 3, 400 allocated to Kano by the Federal Ministry of Environment,’ he said.

He announced that the state governor, Abba Yusuf, supported each of the 800 beneficiaries with N25, 000 to boost their small businesses.

According to him, the intervention aligns with the government’s broader mission of cutting down emissions to the barest minimum.

The commissioner noted that for years, women had endured severe health hazards from inhaling toxic firewood smoke, saying that it was an exposure equivalent to smoking multiple packs of cigarettes daily.

He said that the new stoves would drastically reduce those risks and protect the women from respiratory diseases.

Hashim commended the federal government for the efforts and urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items given to them.

He revealed that the government was also committed to the solarisation of street lights and many of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He expressed appreciation to the state governor for his visionary leadership in combating climate change and empowering grassroots communities.

The Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Oyeditan, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Frontier Road.

He described the project as a major intervention capable of opening up Imeko-Afon Local Government and transforming its economic fortunes.

The monarch spoke at the weekend ahead of this year’s Agbinrekoti Festival, an annual cultural gathering, which he said would provide opportunity to preserve the heritage of Imeko people, draw attention to the area’s development needs and strengthen ties with Ketu communities across the border in Republic of Benin.

Oba Oyeditan said Frontier Road dated back to the colonial era, when it was conceived as a major corridor linking Idofoi through Imeko and extending towards other parts of the country.

He said the road, which began from Idofoi in 1900 and reached Imeko in 1906, was originally intended to extend towards Bida and Kebbi, before plans were later made in 1918 to connect it to Badagry.

The monarch regretted that the original route was subsequently altered, resulting in what he described as years of infrastructural neglect for communities along the frontier corridor.

He said the present administration’s Sokoto-Badagry Road project, although not following exactly the original alignment, had brought a major road infrastructure back through the frontier corridor.

‘But thank God for President Tinubu. Sokoto-Badagry Expressway now passes through my local government. Though not the original place that it was intended to be before, at least the Frontier Road passes through the frontier corridor,’ he said.

Oba Oyeditan described the development as a correction of what he called past anomalies in infrastructure planning, saying the project had begun to remove Imeko and surrounding communities from decades of isolation.

He appealed to the Federal Government to complement the road project with the establishment of a tertiary institution in the area, noting that communities in Imeko had historically taken responsibility for providing basic education.

The monarch said strategic location of Imeko-Afon and its proximity to the border with Benin Republic made investment in infrastructure particularly important.

He noted that the local government had vast expanses of undeveloped land with significant agricultural and industrial potential.

The reconstruction of the road, he said, had already begun to change the fortunes of the area by improving access to markets and reducing the difficulties previously experienced in transporting agricultural produce.

He called for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in the community, saying Imeko’s status as a border town made such an institution necessary.

He also appealed for the establishment of a Federal College of Agriculture and Development Studies in Imeko, noting that the area was predominantly agrarian and had historically relied on communal and missionary efforts to provide primary and secondary education.

Oba Oyeditan urged the Federal Government to consider a bill sponsored by Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, seeking the establishment of the institution.

‘Being a border community, being a border headquarters, the first frontier headquarters in what is known as Nigeria today, Imeko deserves Federal Government establishment of a higher institution of learning. ‘

Music executive Ubi Franklin said the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show no longer commands public conversation as it once did.

Franklin, in a post on X on Monday, compared the show to a big artiste who still enjoys success and retains a fanbase but has lost the buzz that once made him the centre of attention.

According to him, Big Brother Naija remains a strong brand, but its cultural dominance has faded.

He noted that beyond sustaining success, it needs reinvention to stay relevant.

‘Big Brother Naija reminds me of a massive artist who is still successful, still performing and still has fans, but no longer commands the conversation like before.

‘That’s where Big Brother is today. It’s still a big brand, but the cultural relevance isn’t what it used to be.

‘Sometimes being successful isn’t enough – you have to go back to the drawing board, re-strategise, reposition and find a way to become relevant again,’ he wrote.

His remarks come amid mixed reactions to the early weeks of the ongoing Season 11 ‘Show Ya Sef’ edition, which some viewers described as slow and boring.

The show is set to end on October 4, 2026, with the winner taking home the N160 million grand prize.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari on his 58th birthday, praising his role in leading the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yari, who represents Zamfara West in the Senate and serves as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, turned 58 on Monday, September 28.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the former Zamfara State governor as a loyal party man, experienced administrator and grassroots mobilizer whose political and organizational abilities have continued to add value to the APC and the country.

The President particularly expressed appreciation for Yari’s current assignment as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, saying the senator is leading efforts to promote the achievements and reforms of his administration ahead of the 2027 polls.

Tinubu said, ‘Senator Yari is a loyal party man, an experienced administrator and a grassroots mobilizer whose political sagacity and organizational capacity have continued to add value to the All Progressives Congress and to the nation.’

The President also recalled Yari’s years in public service, including his two terms as governor of Zamfara State between 2011 and 2019.

During his tenure as governor, Yari also chaired the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, a position in which the President said he provided leadership and helped foster unity among his colleagues.

Tinubu commended the senator for what he described as his commitment, resilience and unwavering belief in the progressive ideals of the ruling APC.

He wished Yari continued strength in serving his constituents, the party, and Nigeria.

The President prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the senator many more years in good health, wisdom and strength.

The Federal Government has approved the modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Bonny, Warri and Calabar ports as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and improve port efficiency.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, said the approval, contained in a statement by his media aide, Dr Bolaji Akinola, followed an earlier one for the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

He said the modernisation was part of a broader strategy to reposition the maritime sector as a driver of trade, investment and employment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘This approval marks another important step in our determination to transform Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlock the enormous economic potential of our ports,’ he said.

Oyetola said extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would reduce cargo concentration around the city by creating additional gateways for international trade, while improving cargo handling, cutting vessel turnaround times and boosting regional connectivity.

He said the initiative would complement the development of new deep seaports, including the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State, Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun State, Ondo Deep Seaport in Ondo State and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.

‘Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports. This will give Nigeria greater capacity to handle increasing volumes of trade, attract investment and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa,’ he said.

Oyetola added that the ministry was working towards an integrated system linking ports, roads, rail and inland waterways to ensure the seamless movement of cargo, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors and shipping companies to deliver the projects.

‘Nigeria has the geography, market and maritime resources to become a leading maritime hub. Our responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment to turn that potential into sustainable economic value,’ he said.

Lagos State governor’s wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to residents to be patient with the government over delay in refuse evacuation across the state.

She said government was working on a new strategy to address challenges confronting waste management, adding that waste management was a collective responsibility.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu spoke at the weekend while monitoring the monthly environmental sanitation in Mafoluku area of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government.

Residents had complained about delays by Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators in evacuating waste, as well as increases in waste collection charges.

The governor’s wife attributed part of the delay to operational challenges faced by waste operators at dumpsites.

She said: ‘The turnaround time for the trucks to dump the dirt at the dumpsite takes a long time. They are on the queue for like two, three days before they dump it and then come out, because it’s just one way.’

Mrs Sanwo-Olu said government was working to address the challenges, adding that stakeholders were committed to ensuring Lagos remained clean.

‘Our prayer to our people is that they should be patient. We know we have this teething problem; we will overcome our teething problem with time,’ she added.

The governor’s wife hailed Mafoluku residents for bagging their refuse, instead of dumping them beside drainage channels.

She, however, called for improved waste separation at source, noting that recyclable materials were still being mixed with wet and dry waste.

‘The importance of separating the waste is very important. We noticed that we need to advocate more on that, because some of the waste we saw today, we had bottles with dry waste, wet waste,’ she said.

She commended the participation of schoolchildren in the sanitation exercise, saying the initiative would help instil environmental consciousness in them from an early age.

Assessing the impact of the exercise six months after its commencement, Mrs Sanwo-Olu said the state had yet to attain the desired level of cleanliness, but noted that public awareness was improving.

‘Six months that we started, we haven’t got to where we want to be. It’s a work in progress. But I can see that the awareness is there. People are conforming,’ she said.

She disclosed that the Ministry of Environment would soon introduce competitions and awards for the cleanest communities as part of efforts to sustain the initiative.

Lagos State Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, who monitored the exercise in Lagos Mainland Local Government, said residents’ participation had improved since the exercise began six months ago.

He urged residents to take ownership of the initiative, rather than waiting for government officials to arrive before cleaning their surroundings.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, said public participation had increased since the beginning of the monthly sanitation exercise.

He advised residents to embrace waste separation from source, noting that recyclable materials such as plastics and paper could be converted to income.