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A suspected political thug, Sikiru Adedeji, arrested in connection with the violence that rocked Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, has confessed that a serving Accord Party senator instructed him and gang members involved in the attack to flee town after two people were killed and three policemen shot.

A crisis erupted in Ikire on Monday when suspected thugs allegedly attempted to take over a motor park controlled by loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During the melee, the hoodlums allegedly snatched an AK-47 rifle from one of the police operatives who had been called to the scene by members of the motor park. The suspects reportedly used the rifle to fire shots, killing two people and injuring three policemen.

On Thursday, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, confirmed the arrest of four suspects.

The suspects were identified as Sikiru Adedeji, 21; Olalere Taiwo, 21; Olalere Ademola, 26; and Bankole Abiodun.

Zungura said an AK-47 rifle, an axe and expended bullet shells were recovered from the suspects.

He said: ‘During preliminary interrogation, they all confessed to be political thugs and their faction is headed by one Ayewo ‘m’, other name unknown, and it was Ayewo that shot the snatched AK-47 rifle that hit the victims. Investigation is ongoing for the arrest of Ayewo and others at large.’

Sikiru said he was collecting money at the Naira and Kobo Park in Ikire, while another man was collecting money at Obada Market as part of union activities.

He said Ayewo subsequently directed some members of the group to bring the man to him after accusing him of failing to properly remit the money collected.

Sikiru said: ‘Ayewo said they should go and bring the boy. Ayewo is our head in the park. He was brought by Scorpion and Lanko. They matcheted the boy and he went to report to the police.

‘When the police came, they (Ayewo and others) said we should not run away from the police. We stayed and collected guns from the police. He (Ayewo) started shooting at the police.Two persons died and some policemen were also hit.’

The suspect further alleged that after the incident, his superior in the Accord Party instructed him to tell Ayewo to leave Ikire.

He said: ‘My Oga in the Accord Party asked me to tell Ayewo to leave the town. The only Oga that I know is Senator Akogun Lere. The axe was kept in my possession by Ayewo.’

The police said investigation into the incident was ongoing, with efforts being made to arrest Ayewo and other suspects still at large.

MTN Nigeria has channelled about N2.7 trillion into procurement from Nigerian suppliers over the past nine years, with local vendors accounting for 62 per cent of the telecommunications company’s procurement spending, the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, Modupe Kadri, has disclosed.

Kadri, however, said the bigger challenge for Nigeria was to ensure that local procurement translates into sustainable businesses, technology transfer, skilled manpower and globally competitive indigenous enterprises, rather than merely increasing the percentage of contracts awarded to local companies.

He spoke in Lagos at a breakfast meeting organised by the Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce (NSACC), themed ‘Building Local Content Together: 25 Years of Shared Growth,’ held as MTN Nigeria marked 25 years of operations in the country.

According to him, MTN’s share of procurement spending going to Nigerian suppliers increased from 59.6 per cent in 2024 to 62 per cent, reflecting growing participation by domestic businesses in its supply chain.

Kadri said the figures should be viewed against the company’s broader investments in Nigeria, arguing that the economic value of telecommunications extended beyond the infrastructure owned and operated by telecom companies.

‘Local procurement tells us where money was spent, but local content should tell us what spending left behind,’ he said.

He challenged businesses and policymakers to assess whether local suppliers become stronger after executing contracts, acquire new skills, improve governance and delivery standards, invest in technology and become capable of winning business beyond their relationship with MTN.

‘If the answer is yes, then procurement has become local content. And if the answer is no, then we may be spending money locally without necessarily building capability,’ he said.

Kadri described local content as a ‘conversion mechanism’ that should convert spending into capability, capability into enterprise, and enterprise into jobs and wealth.

He said the ultimate objective should not be to create suppliers permanently dependent on large corporations or government protection, but to develop Nigerian companies capable of competing across Africa and international markets.

‘The goal is not supply dependency. The goal is supply competitiveness,’ he said.

According to him, large corporations have a responsibility to provide market access, transfer knowledge and create pathways for credible Nigerian suppliers to scale, while local businesses must reciprocate by investing in governance, quality, technology, people and innovation.

‘The goal is not to create vendors that need MTN. The goal is not protection from global competition. The goal is preparation for global competition,’ he said.

Kadri said this approach was particularly important as Nigeria seeks to deepen local participation in strategic sectors and reduce its dependence on imported technology and expertise.

He noted that many of MTN’s technology requirements, which were initially supplied by foreign contractors, are now being handled by Nigerian companies.

The CFO also linked local-content development to MTN’s continuing capital investment in Nigeria.

He said the company invested N620.5 billion in capital expenditure in the first half of 2026, following approximately N1.003 trillion in 2025, bringing its capital expenditure over the 18-month period to about N1.63 trillion.

The investments, he said, were targeted at expanding network capacity, fibre infrastructure, new sites and data-centre facilities.

Kadri said MTN’s 25-year journey illustrated how telecommunications investment could create an ecosystem of businesses, professionals and entrepreneurs beyond the immediate operations of a telecom company.

He recalled that when MTN entered Nigeria in 2001, the country had only about 400,000 telephone lines for a population of roughly 100 million.

Today, MTN has 92.2 million subscribers, while active data users stood at 55.7 million as of June 2026. Its network has also grown to more than 43,000 kilometres of fibre, according to figures presented by the company.

But Kadri said the more important measure was what Nigerians were doing with the infrastructure.

‘MTN’s greatest contribution to Nigeria is not only the network we built; it is what Nigerians have been able to build because the network exists,’ he said.

He explained that a telecommunications connection could support a retail outlet, payment agent, classroom, clinic, content creator or small business, making connectivity an important component of economic infrastructure.

Kadri said the next phase of local content in telecommunications must move beyond traditional areas such as network rollout, civil works, distribution, logistics and operational support.

He identified artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data centres, 5G, cybersecurity, software development and data sovereignty as emerging areas where Nigerian businesses could develop deeper capabilities.

The central question, he said, was whether Nigeria could move from being a market for technology to becoming a producer and exporter of technology to other African countries.

‘I believe the answer is yes, because I’ve seen the capability of what Nigerians can do,’ he said.

He, however, identified deliberate government policy, patient capital, corporate access, skills development, quality education and increased private-sector investment as necessary conditions for achieving that transition.

He acknowledged that some specialised telecommunications equipment and technologies could not yet be produced locally at competitive scale, but said the gaps should be viewed as opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship.

‘The next phase is not only about who owns the infrastructure; who owns the software, who builds the AI, who owns it?’ he asked.

Kadri also said local-content policy should not be allowed to become a justification for lower standards or entitlement.

‘Local content must not mean lower standards. It must not mean entitlement – that only because there is a government policy, anything works,’ he said.

Beyond procurement and capital expenditure, Kadri said MTN’s economic contribution included taxes, employment, share ownership and the development of professional capacity.

MTN Nigeria paid N878.7 billion in taxes, levies and duties to federal and state authorities in 2025, according to the company’s sustainability report.

Kadri said these payments, alongside infrastructure investment and local procurement, demonstrated that shared growth should be treated as a core business strategy rather than corporate philanthropy.

‘Shared growth is not charity. It is not public relations. It is enlightened business logic,’ he said.

He added that the company’s long-term sustainability was inseparable from the strength of the Nigerian economy.

‘Our customers are Nigerians. Our employees are Nigerians. Our suppliers are Nigerians. Our shareholders include Nigerian individuals and institutions. Our network is also embedded in Nigerian communities,’ he said.

The Chairman of the Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce, Ije Jidenma, said the next phase of economic relations between Nigeria and South Africa should move beyond traditional trade and investment towards deeper partnerships in technology, skills, local supply chains and African-owned businesses.

Jidenma said MTN’s 25-year presence in Nigeria provided an opportunity to examine how foreign investment could generate local capacity and broader economic value.

She noted that 99.85 per cent of MTN Nigeria’s workforce is Nigerian, while the company has said its activities through trade partners and agents have created more than two million direct and indirect jobs.

‘Local content is about building sustainable Nigerian capacity. It is about developing talent, strengthening local businesses, transferring knowledge and technology, expanding local supply chains and creating meaningful employment opportunities,’ she said.

She also highlighted the MTN Foundation’s social investments, saying it had invested more than N34.4 billion, implemented over 1,093 projects and reached 3,110 communities across Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.

Jidenma said Nigeria and South Africa should leverage their commercial strengths to build regional value chains rather than merely expand the continent’s role as a market for foreign goods and technology.

She also raised concerns about migration-related tensions and the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa, saying such issues should not be allowed to undermine the wider commercial relationship.

She said the Federal Government had brought back 419 Nigerians on five commercial flights since June 10, describing the development as evidence of the need for stronger engagement among governments and business leaders.

Looking ahead, Jidenma said Africa must seek to become a creator and owner of technology rather than predominantly a consumer.

‘As we celebrate MTN’s 25th anniversary, let us look ahead to the next 25 years – a period that will be shaped by digital technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and new forms of economic collaboration,’ she said.

She urged businesses to turn discussions on local content into concrete partnerships capable of strengthening African supply chains, expanding technology ownership and creating sustainable economic opportunities.

Champions League holders Paris St Germain will take on Barcelona and City in this season’s league phase, while record 15-time champions Real Madrid will face Inter Milan and Arsenal after the draw in Monaco set up several mouth-watering clashes.

Luis Enrique’s PSG, who beat Premier League champions Arsenal on penalties in ?the Champions League final in May to retain their title, will host Barca and travel?to City. Their other league-phase opponents are Roma, Aston Villa, Galatasaray, Villarreal, Slovan Bratislava ?and Como.

The league-phase format, introduced in the 2024-25 season, is entering its third campaign.

Real Madrid host ?Inter and travel to Arsenal. They will also face PSV Eindhoven, Roma, RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk, LASK and ?AEK Athens.

The meeting with Inter will see new Real manager Jose Mourinho face one of his former clubs. Mourinho, who returned for a second spell in charge of Real in June, guided Inter to the Champions League title in ?2010 before leaving for the Santiago Bernabeu.

Six-time European champions Bayern Munich’s headline fixtures include a home game?against Arsenal and away trips to Atletico Madrid and Manchester United.

Under new manager Andoni Iraola, six-time European champions Liverpool will ?Inter and Atletico among their standout league-phase fixtures.

The Premier League and LaLiga are the most heavily represented leagues in this season’s competition, with five clubs each.

England’s contingent comprises Arsenal, City, United, Villa and Liverpool, while Spain will be represented by Barca, Real Madrid, Villarreal, Atletico and Real Betis.

United return to Europe’s ?elite club competition after a ?two-season absence and face ?a tricky draw that includes a trip to Atletico and home games against Bayern and Roma.

The league phase begins on September 8, with 36 teams competing ?across eight matchdays through January 27.

The knockout stage starts in February, with ?the final set ?for June 5 at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium. The venue will stage the Champions League final for the second time, having previously hosted Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.

While Atletico will host the final, they ?appear ?to have been handed one of the competition’s toughest league-phase draws, ?with Bayern and United due to visit Madrid and a trip to Liverpool also on the agenda.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal forward Thierry ?Henry was named the recipient of UEFA’s President’s Award.

? A four-man contingent of Nigerian professional golfers has arrived in Kampala to compete in the 2026 Uganda Open at the Uganda Golf Club.

?The quad which includes Sunday Olapade, Solomon Ideria, Tajudeen Ajayi and Godwin Okoko, is currently on the East Africa leg of the Sunshine Development Tour (SDT).

?The players have been touring the region since June to secure World Golf Ranking points, international exposure, and vital tournament play. Their participation stems from the SDT Qualifiers hosted in partnership with Lakowe Lakes Golf Club in Lagos, which created a direct pathway for Nigerian pros to feature on the regional tour.

?Olapade noted that the international tour offers crucial competition at a time when domestic opportunities remain scarce.

?’Most Nigerian players are idling at home right now because of the current state of professional golf in Nigeria,’ Olapade said. ‘Those who took the chance at the SDT Qualifiers in Lakowe have leveraged it for critical exposure and ranking points.’

?Okoko enters the Uganda Open following a strong performance at the ABSA Invitational at Ruiru Golf Club in Kenya, where he finished second.

?’I am very pleased with the state of my game,’ Okoko said. ‘I’m especially grateful to Olapade, who has sacrificed his time and experience to lead us out here. Our cohesion as a team was a huge part of my closing performance in Ruiru. I believe I am getting better, and this next event will prove that.’

?Following the Uganda leg, the group will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, for the Sportsbiz Africa Golf tournament scheduled for September 11-13.

?’The experience on the road will definitely count,’ Ideria said. ‘I cherish the journey so far and commend the spark triggered by the qualifiers in Lagos.’

?Ajayi added that he looks forward to applying the lessons learned once domestic action resumes: ‘I have learned a lot out here and can’t wait to play in front of my home crowd and sponsors again.’

?To further support local professionals, Lakowe Lakes Golf Club announced it will host two SDT events later this year. The estate’s flagship Lakowe Lakes Classic will join the SDT calendar in October, followed by the debut of the Alpha Bravo Classic on the SDT-East Africa Swing in November.

?Femi Olagbenro, Golf Manager at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate, emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative.

?’By listing our flagship event on the Sunshine Development Tour in October, there will be more at stake,’ Olagbenro said. ‘We look forward to having these players return to justify their exposure alongside other members of the SDT East Africa Swing.’

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to eliminate estimated electricity billing across the country, with 668,000 meters already installed under the first phase of the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP).

The National Council on Privatisation (NCP), which disclosed this on Wednesday, said roughly 60 per cent of active electricity customers in Nigeria have now been metered.

The Council said the ongoing rollout, alongside initiatives such as the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), is effectiveness of the targeted at ending estimated billing for registered electricity customers nationwide.

The disclosure was part of updates presented at the NCP’s second meeting for 2026, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja.

Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi, who briefed journalists after the meeting, said significant progress had been recorded under Phase 1 of the $500 million World Bank-financed DISREP.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Gbeleyi said 668,000 of the 1.033 million meters delivered under the programme have so far been deployed and installed at customers’ premises.

‘On various issues, we provided updates on meter deployment under Phase 1 of the World Bank-financed Distribution Sector Recovery Programme. We have implemented 60 percent of the meters that have been delivered in the country out of 1,033,000.’

So far, we have deployed and installed 668,000 meters on customers’ premises’, Gbeleyi said.

The BPE chief also disclosed that the NCP reviewed the implementation of the Electricity Act, particularly the transition of electricity regulation from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to State Electricity Regulatory Commissions.

He said about 17 states had established their own electricity regulatory commissions since April 2024, with Akwa Ibom State becoming one of the latest after creating its commission in July.

Gbeleyi, however, said experience from the implementation of the Act had shown that some provisions required further refinement to ensure a smooth regulatory transition and clarify responsibilities between federal and state authorities.

‘Some fine-tuning is required here and there in the implementation of that Act’, he said.

According to him, the NCP consequently directed relevant stakeholders to work together to harmonise the Federal Government’s position on amendments required to strengthen the Electricity Act.

‘Council has directed that stakeholders, led by the Attorney General of the Federation, the Honourable Minister of Power, the Special Adviser on Power, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Oil and Gas, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the BPE and all other critical stakeholders, should engage constructively so as to streamline and harmonise the Federal Government’s position in terms of the required amendments to fine-tune the Electricity Act, and we are engaging in that regard’, he stated.

Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, said the Council was working collaboratively to ensure that Nigerians derived tangible benefits from reforms and investments in electricity and other critical sectors.

‘We are working concertedly and in a very collaborative manner to ensure that we give value, either in electricity or in telecoms, whichever area, to make sure that Nigerians benefit from this government’, Tegbe said.

He said the meeting was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who serves as Vice Chairman of the NCP; the Minister of Power; the Attorney-General of the Federation, represented by the Solicitor-General; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; as well as private-sector members of the Council.

The NCP is the Federal Government’s apex body responsible for formulating and approving policies on the privatisation and commercialisation of public enterprises, with the BPE serving as its secretariat.

More than 15,000 volunteers have joined Iru Ekun Security Network in Ogun State during its inauguration at Sapon, Abeokuta, capital of the state.

Iru Ekun Security Network, a community based initiative was established by the Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, to complement government’s efforts at tackling kidnapping, banditry and other criminalities in the Southwest.

The launch, which attracted thousands of people, was attended by dignitaries, including the Osile of Oke Ona Egbalannd, Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso and Olu of Owode Egba, Oba Kolawole Aremu Sowemimo.

In a statement, Igboho’s media office, quoted the Yoruba nation agitator to have warned volunteers to steer clear of civil matters outside the jurisdiction of the security outfit.

Giving details on the scope of volunteers’ responsibilities, Igboho cautioned them against engaging in acts capable of tarnishing the image of Iru Ekun, such as snatching peoples’ wives or using their position to settle personal scores.

The statement reads: ‘You must collaborate with the Police, Department of State Service (DSS), Nigerian Army, and other security agencies to combat crimes in your domain. When you notice any breach to security, liaise with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of such jurisdiction for necessary action.

‘Volunteers must conduct themselves responsibly and avoid abusing the authority that may come with their identification and training. You must have discipline. Do not engage in reckless behaviour or ruin things just because they have trained you and you have an ID card.

‘The Federal Government would determine the agency or body responsible for training members of the security network, while the Ogun State Governor’s Office would determine their areas of deployment.

‘When they want to start our training, the person who will be our commander will be appointed. You must have discipline and should not be unruly because of your position as Iru Ekun operatives.

‘The Federal Government will decide who will come and train us. After the training, you will be issued an I.D card at the local government level. The Governor’s Office will make arrangements for us, give us motorbikes and will support us with a monthly allowance because we have wives and children.’

Drawing a parallel with the establishment of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) some years back, Igboho said: ‘This organisation we established, if we execute it properly, just like Civil Defence, which we used to call ‘Guguru Defence,’ but they did good work with what they were doing. The Federal Government has fully established it across Nigeria.’

When, on August 16, a 34-year-old Rabiu Mukhtar, allegedly opened fire at a wedding ceremony in Kano, it made the headlines. This became big news especially against the reason for the shooting, which left one guest, Aliyu Mustapha, dead and injured at least three others.

The suspect said he released the trigger because the noise from the wedding party was disturbing his sleep.

Spokesperson for the Kano State Police Command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the incident. He said the suspect allegedly came out of his house and opened fire on people attending the ceremony.

He said ‘The man, Rabiu Mukthar of Tudun Yola Quarters, used a pump-action gun to sporadically shoot at the gathering of the marriage celebration.’ Kiyawa added that ‘two suspects were arrested during the incident, which happened on Sunday, 16th August 2026, and the pump-action rifle was recovered as well. The case is still under investigation.”

Another example of a wedding that went awry and similar to the Kano incident happened in the Surkh Rod district of Nangarhar Province, Eastern Afganistan in October 2021, when three guests were shot dead at a wedding reception apparently because music was being played at all.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid later told reporters that no law permits killing anyone for playing music. ‘In the ranks of the Islamic Emirate no one has the right to turn anyone away from music or anything, only to try to persuade them. That is the main way,’ Mujahid told the press conference.

Just as in Afghanistan, playing of music is not prohibited in Nigeria. What is prohibited is playing the music too loud in a way that it causes noise pollution.

We sympathise with Mukhtar whose sound sleep was disturbed by the noise from the loud speakers. He is entitled to freedom to sleep soundly without disturbance.

However, he does not have the right to take life simply because his sleep was disturbed. He should have reported the matter to the law enforcement agencies in the area. Good enough, Kano State has enough laws to deal with the matter. These include the Kano State Public Health Law of 2019: Section 7 of which prohibits environmental nuisances and disturbances, including excessive noise from generators, machinery, or business operations that prevent residents from resting or sleeping.

There is also the Kano State Environmental Control Law which empowers authorised officers to act on noise complaints, seize offending equipment, and penalise violators; and the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009, a federal law enforced locally that set area-specific noise limits for residential, commercial, and mixed-use zones.

Mukhtar could have taken advantage of any of these rather than resort to self-help.

Unfortunately, he has messed up his case through his uncontrolled anger. Now, he risks being prosecuted for culpable homicide and attempted murder and causing grievous hurt. And, if his pump-action rifle is not licensed, that is another crime: unlawful possession / use of firearm would join the charges.

Many people had overreacted in the past when faced with such provocation. They have had to engage the celebrators physically, resulting into bodily injuries and what have you. Even this is bad enough.

However, amidst what seems a confusion or lack of understanding of where individual rights stop, perhaps what we need to reduce such ugly incidents is sustained enlightenment to educate both those who think they have the right to blare their music anyhow, and the law-abiding citizens.

Many people selling cassettes and disks, or even churches and mosques, are either ignorant of, or simply refuse to respect the right of people in their environment the way they turn up the volume of their speakers. They assume whatever they are playing must interest everybody. They need to be compelled to know that they are not entitled to any such assumption.

As in Kano State, the laws are everywhere; what is lacking is enforcement. So, the law enforcement agencies should help reduce incidents like that of Kano by enforcing extant laws on noise pollution.

The Obi/Kwankwaso (OK) Movement has rejected any proposal to merge the organisation with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that it will retain its independence as a grassroots support group.

The movement also reaffirmed its founder, Mr. John Ughulu, as its Director-General, saying his removal could lead to the collapse of its grassroots structure.

These were among the resolutions reached at the National Leadership Summit of the movement held on Wednesday in Abuja.

The summit, attended by national leaders, the six geopolitical zonal coordinators, state coordinators and local government and ward mobilisers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, said the decisions were taken unanimously.

In a communiqué signed by the Convener, Oladipo Johnson; Deputy Director-General (North), Prince Suleiman Abubakar; Deputy Director-General (South), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Lanihun; and National Secretary, Saadatu Mohammed Sani, the movement said Ughulu’s leadership remained central to its grassroots mobilisation.

The leaders said the movement was ‘built ward by ward’ largely on the personal credibility of its founder, adding that the loyalty of its volunteers was to the leadership that recruited and trained them.

‘The strength of any political movement rests in its human structure on the ground, and that structure was assembled around his leadership,’ the communiqué said.

The summit consequently ‘respectfully declined’ any proposal for Ughulu’s replacement.

It also resolved that the movement would neither merge with nor be absorbed into any external political organisation.

According to the communiqué, such a merger could disrupt programmes already underway, weaken the identity recognised by supporters and undermine the momentum built by the organisation.

It, however, stressed that maintaining independence did not amount to isolation, saying the OK Movement remained willing to work with allied groups in pursuit of common objectives.

The summit also extended an invitation to Ms. Jacky Wayas to return to the movement as Director for Strategic Implementation and Planning.

The leaders said Wayas’ contributions remained valued and expressed readiness to welcome her back ‘in her original office,’ working under the leadership of the Director-General.

The summit further approved the appointment of Prince Suleiman Abubakar as Deputy Director-General (North), following the resignation of Ambassador Muhammad Auwal Musa from the position.

The movement thanked Auwal Musa for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours.

The communiqué also contained a warning on the possible consequences of removing the Director-General or abandoning the movement’s independence.

It said state, local government and ward leaders had informed the summit that they would not continue to operate under any arrangement resulting from the removal of Ughulu or the surrender of the movement’s independence.

‘We do not say this to apply pressure,’ the leaders said, explaining that the position was stated to give the public an accurate picture of the grassroots structure that would remain available to the movement.

The leadership said it preferred to resolve the disagreement internally rather than allow ‘a capable structure’ to dissolve.

Following the summit, the national leadership visited former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his residence to brief him on the unity of the movement and the outcome of its deliberations.

The delegation also visited Alhaji Buba Galadima, head of the movement’s Advisory Council.

According to the communiqué, Galadima reaffirmed the importance of unity within the OK Movement and encouraged it to remain an independent support group.

He also cautioned against any proposal to merge the movement into the NDC, irrespective of how such a proposal might be presented in the name of efficiency.

The leaders said the movement remained committed to its objective of mobilising ordinary Nigerians behind the vision of a better Nigeria.

‘We ask only that the collective will of the grassroots, freely expressed, be respected,’ they said.

No fewer than 1,638 families of police officers killed in the line are to receive financial support totalling N819 million from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to help them rebuild their livelihoods.

One thousand, three hundred and fifteen of the widows will receive N657,500,000 from the office of the Chief of Defence Staff, while 323 others will get N161,500,000 from the office of the Inspector-General of Police.

Each of the widows is expected to receive N500,000 under the programme, organised by the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the RHI Social Investment Programme.

Yesterday’s presentation of the sum by Senator Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday, is the second edition of the initiative since the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration came into office on May 29, 2023.

In attendance at the ceremony were Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) Olufemi Oluyede; Service Chiefs; the Inspector-General of Police(IG) Tunji Disu; wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima; wife of the Senate President, Ekaette Akpabio; President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA Funmilola Disu; and wives of heads of security agencies.

The First Lady said: ‘Today( yesterday), we are providing financial support of N500,000 each to 1,638 widows of our fallen heroes, covering those who have lost their husbands in line of duty since the assumption of office of Mr President.

‘This will enable you to recapitalise an existing business or start a business of your choice to care for your families.

‘Today(yesterday), we will make a presentation of the sum of N657,500,000 to the Chief of Defence Staff for 1,315 widows, and the sum of N161,500,000 to the Inspector-General of Police for 323 widows, totalling N819 million’.

She disclosed that the beneficiaries’ bank accounts are already being credited, explaining that the presentation at the event was only symbolic.

‘As I speak, your accounts are being credited. This is just a symbolic presentation. God will bless and prosper whatever business venture you all engage in.’

She said the intervention was conceived not only to remember the sacrifices of personnel who died protecting the country but also to provide tangible support and opportunities for the women and families they left behind.

Senator Tinubu urged the women not to see themselves as victims of their losses, describing them instead as survivors who had demonstrated extraordinary courage by holding their families together after losing their husbands in the service of the nation.

She acknowledged the enormous responsibilities the widows had shouldered as military and police spouses, saying they had stood behind their husbands, kept the home front and continued to care for their children despite the pain of losing their partners in the line of duty.

‘We at the Renewed Hope Initiative recognise that the widows are not victims; they are survivors. You have shown extraordinary courage in the face of adversity, and we are here to offer a helping hand as we chart a new path forward’, the First Lady said.

According to the First Lady, the path of a military spouse is marked by sacrifice, uncertainty and the constant awareness of the risks faced by a loved one serving the country.

‘The path of a military spouse is not an easy one; it is a journey filled with uncertainty, sacrifice, and ever-present awareness of the inherent risk that comes with loving someone who serves a dear nation.

‘You brave women have stood by your husbands, keeping the home front, offering unwavering support and love. Also, you have felt the immense pain of losing your loved ones in line of duty.

‘I applaud and acknowledge the strength, resilience, and sacrifices you too have made for our dear country.

She thanked CDS Oluyede and IG Disu for assisting the RHI in compiling a comprehensive list and details of widows of fallen personnel from 2023 to date.

The First Lady also conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation to the families, saying the President recognised and honoured the sacrifices of those who died in service to Nigeria.

‘The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, honours and appreciates the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in service of our nation’, she said.

CDS Oluyede described the intervention as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s determination to provide relief and economic empowerment to Nigerians, particularly families who had suffered losses in defence of the country.

Gen. Oluyede urged the beneficiaries to use the money judiciously, particularly for their families’ welfare, children’s education and future development.

IG Disu described the intervention as an extraordinary demonstration of compassion and patriotism towards families whose loved ones paid the supreme price for Nigeria.

He said the sacrifices of fallen personnel did not end with their deaths but continued in the daily struggles of the spouses and children they left behind.

One of the beneficiaries, Salomi Gwaza, widow of the late Commander G.Y. Gwaza, who died during an operation to rescue 59 persons on July 30, 2024, said the N500,000 would help her expand her existing business.

‘The loss of a spouse comes with a lot of responsibility. For me, there is already an existing business, so I’ll be able to put in that fund to boost my business, so I can have more goods at the store’, she said, thanking the First Lady for remembering the families of fallen personnel.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, whose husband, Major Segun Oni, died I in Zungeru, Niger State on August 13, 2023, said the intervention reassured the widows that they had not been forgotten.

Oni, who said she suspended her fashion business for about a year following her husband’s death before restarting it, said she would invest the N500,000 assistance in the business.

‘At some point in time, one would think that we are forgotten. We are really grateful for this welfare’, she said.

A Group, the Initiative for Peace, Forgiveness and Love for One Another (IPFLOA), has called on politicians, political parties and their supporters to embrace peace, forgiveness and mutual respect in their activities.

Co-founder of the organisation, Bright Atoe, gave the advice while reflecting on the just-concluded Osun State governorship election, saying the outcome provides Nigeria with an opportunity to rethink the nature of political competition and legacy being created for future generations.

Atoe said elections are contests that would produce winners and losers, stressing that political differences should never lead to hatred, violence or the destruction of relationships.

According to him, the Osun election should mark the beginning of reconciliation and renewed efforts to build the state, rather than a continuation of political animosity.

‘An election lasts a day. A society must live with itself for generations,’ he said.

He urged Nigerians to see politics as a contest of ideas, leadership visions and programmes rather than a battle between enemies.

Atoe noted that Nigerians belonged to families, communities, professional associations and social networks that often transcended political affiliations, stressing that political differences should not destroy such relationships.

‘We can disagree passionately and still respect one another. We can compete fiercely and still shake hands afterwards. We can support different candidates and still remain neighbours,’ he said.

He explained that the philosophy behind IPFLOA’s campaign, ‘Let Peace and Love Guide the Ballot,’ was not aimed at weakening political competition but at encouraging Nigerians to combine vibrant democratic engagement with respect for human dignity.

According to him, Nigeria needs strong political opposition, accountability and citizens who are willing to ask difficult questions, but must also recognise that political opponents remain fellow Nigerians.

Atoe urged electoral winners to see victory as a responsibility to serve citizens, including those who did not vote for them.

He said political victories should provide opportunities for reconciliation and bridge-building across political, ethnic, religious and social divides, rather than become instruments of retaliation.

Acknowledging that losing an election could be painful for candidates who had invested resources, time and relationships in the contest, he urged defeated candidates to pursue legitimate grievances through democratic and legal channels.

He called on politicians to ‘win with humility and lose with dignity,’ describing such conduct as a demonstration of strength and democratic maturity.

Atoe expressed particular concern about the impact of political behaviour on young Nigerians, warning that youths were watching and learning from the conduct of political leaders and their supporters.

‘If they see politicians disagreeing respectfully, resolving differences peacefully and putting the interests of their communities above personal animosity, they learn that politics can be a noble calling,’ he said.

He warned that violence, intimidation, hatred and destruction of relationships could create a dangerous impression among young people that such behaviour was an inevitable part of politics.

‘Our young people should be participants in democracy, not casualties of it,’ he said.

Atoe maintained that Nigeria did not need less politics but ‘better politics’ where political ambition was matched by responsibility, competition by respect, victory by humility and disagreement by tolerance.

He said the responsibility for creating such a political culture rested not only with politicians but also with voters, party supporters, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the media and civil society organisations.

‘Every one of us contributes to the political culture we eventually inherit,’ he said.

Atoe urged Nigerians to allow the peace that should follow the Osun election to outlive the political contest, stressing that political offices were temporary while the relationships that bind communities and the nation together should endure.

He therefore called on Nigerians to ‘compete without hatred, disagree without division, win without arrogance, lose without bitterness and forgive where necessary.’

‘Let peace and love guide the ballot in Nigerian politics,’ he added.