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Members of the Association of Mass Communication Graduates (AMACOG) ’92 Set of Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, have expressed grief over the death of one of their members and Welfare Executive, Mr. Dotun Oladipo.

Oladipo, who died suddenly on Tuesday, was the Publisher of Eagle Online, an online news platform, and a notable figure in the journalism industry.

In a condolence statement issued on Wednesday, the AMACOG ’92 Set described his death as a painful loss to the association, journalism profession and his family.

The association said Oladipo was not only committed to his professional calling but also made significant contributions to the development of the association through his energy, dedication and leadership.

According to the statement, Oladipo was a ‘mobiliser per excellence, a motivator, a goal getter’ and a passionate member whose positive energy contributed immensely to the growth of the association.

‘Beyond his professional dedication and the immense contributions he made to journalism through his online news platform, he also brought a unique warmth, kindness, and energy to the set in numerous ways too many to number,’ the association said.

AMACOG ’92 said his commitment to the group would be greatly missed by members who had the opportunity to know and work with him.

The association also extended its condolences to Oladipo’s family, particularly his widow, Taiwo , popularly known as Ayaba, as well as his children, mother and other members of the Oladipo family.

It said the association shared in the family’s grief and prayed for divine comfort and strength for them during the difficult period.

The statement added that Oladipo’s memories, contributions and impact would remain cherished by his course mates, friends and colleagues.

‘We sincerely believe that our departed course mate, friend and brother has gone to be with the saints and we pray for the repose of his soul,’ the association said.

AMACOG ’92 prayed that Almighty God would comfort and strengthen the bereaved family and all members of the association.

Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed sadness over the death of Eagle Online publisher, Dotun Oladipo.

He described the late journalist as a courageous professional who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s media development and democracy.

Obi stated this in a condolence message shared on his X handle, following the death of Oladipo at the age of 56.

The former Anambra State governor described Oladipo as a distinguished journalist and former President of the Online Publishers Association of Nigeria (OPAN), who dedicated his career to journalism, public enlightenment and the defence of truth and democratic values.

According to Obi, Oladipo’s journalism and leadership played an important role in the growth of Nigeria’s online media industry and the strengthening of democratic values.

‘Dotun was a courageous and committed professional who dedicated his life to journalism, public enlightenment, and the defence of truth and democratic values,’ Obi said.

He described the journalist’s death as a painful loss to his family, colleagues, the wider media community and Nigeria.

Obi extended his condolences to Oladipo’s family, friends, colleagues and members of the Nigerian media community, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.

He also prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

‘May God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss and grant Dotun Oladipo eternal rest,’ he said.

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State has rejected any alliance with the Allied Peoples Movement for the 2027 general election, distancing itself from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambitions.

The party said it had neither entered into an agreement with the APM nor authorised the mobilisation of its members and grassroots structures in support of Makinde’s presidential bid.

The party’s position came amid moves by some leaders in the state to align PDP structures with the APM ahead of the 2027 elections, with the Ekiti chapter insisting that such an arrangement did not have its backing.

In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti, the state PDP chairman, Lanre Omolase, said the party would not support what he described as ‘treachery’, accusing Makinde of repeatedly betraying the PDP.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, the Ekiti PDP, under my leadership, hereby distances itself completely from both the Allied Peoples Movement and any purported presidential mobilisation project for Governor Seyi Makinde,’ Omolase said.

He added, ‘Governor Seyi Makinde has never stopped demonstrating treachery, and we in the PDP in Ekiti State will not have anything to do with such a character who is only stable in betrayal.’

The chairman warned individuals and groups against appropriating the name and structure of the Ekiti PDP to pursue political interests, stressing that only recognised organs of the party could authorise alliances or communicate its official position on the 2027 elections.

Omolase urged PDP members and supporters in the state to disregard any purported mobilisation for the Makinde/APM project, insisting that the party remained committed to its established structure and due process.

The party chairman also advised political actors seeking the support of its members to engage the recognised leadership rather than relying on individuals claiming to control the party’s grassroots structures.

Owing to the freezing of the cost-reflective tariff in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), the Federal Government paid N1.928trillion subsidy in 2025.

The subsidy is the resultant gas between the cost-reflective and the allowed tariff, which is obligatory on the Federal Government to pay.

This was contained in the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) 2025 Annual Report that was released yesterday.

The report said, ‘Tariff Subsidies: When the allowed end-user electricity tariffs (allowed tariff) are lower than the cost-reflective tariff as computed by the

Commission, the Government undertakes to cover the resultant gap

shortfall funding.

‘In 2025, the gross subsidy obligation of the FGN was ?1.928.31 trillion.’

On Market Remittance by the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos), NERC revealed that in the period under review, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) and Market Operator (MO) issued a gross invoice of ?1.721.624 trillion to all the DisCos for energy costs and administrative services.

According to the report the DisCos remitted a gross sum of ?1.632.04

trillion, translating to an overall remittance performance of 94.80%.

NERC said the resultant deficit/underpayment of ?89.58 billion is known as ‘market shortfall’, i.e., a shortfall that is attributable to market

participants.

The report said Eko, Ikeja and Port Harcourt DisCos achieved 100% remittance performance to NBET in 2025, while Kaduna DisCo (40.13%) achieved the lowest remittance performance to NBET.

It added that Abuja, Benin, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Port Harcourt and Yola

DisCos achieved 100% remittance performance to the MO in 2025.

According to the report, Kaduna DisCo (48.11%) recorded the lowest remittance performance to the MO in 2025.

On Market Remittances by Special and Bilateral Customers: NERC also revealed that in 2025, the NESI continued to provide electricity to three international bilateral customers – i) Societe Beninoise d’Energie Electrique; ii) Compagnie

Energie Electrique du Togo; iii) Societe Nigerienne d’electricite. The are Niger Republic, Togo and Republic of Benin.

Cumulatively, the report said the three customers received an invoice of $73.91 million from MO and made a payment of $62.75 million.

NERC said remittance corresponds to

a remittance performance of 84.90%. The report stressed that the domestic bilateral customers received a total invoice of ?13,203.50 million from MO and made a payment of ?12,754.58 million, corresponding to a remittance

performance of 96.60%.

NERC also disclosed that in the period under review, the average available

generation capacity of the grid-connected power plants was

5,398.33MW.

The availability factor for all grid-connected plants, said NERC, was

39.62%, which indicates that more than 60% of the installed capacity

in the NESI was not available in 2025.

The report said the total generation during the year was 39,208.68GWh, which translates to an average hourly

generation of 4,475.88MWh/h.

It added that hydropower plants contributed 12,804.18GWh (32.66%) to the total generation in 2025.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has formally handed over leadership of the Federal Civil Service to Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, urging civil servants to sustain the momentum of ongoing reforms.

Walson-Jack handed over to Enitan in Abuja on Thursday, following her retirement from the civil service after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.

The handover followed Enitan’s swearing-in as the new HCSF by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja. His appointment took effect on August 27, 2026, and the Presidency announced it on August 19.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Walson-Jack thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation at the highest level of the Federal Civil Service.

She also thanked the management and staff of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Heads of Agencies, and the entire workforce for their support and partnership during her tenure.

Reflecting on her two years in office, the former HCSF described the period as a journey of significant achievements and formidable challenges, saying the collective efforts of civil servants enabled the Office to advance the reform agenda.

Walson-Jack stressed that transforming the Civil Service was not about individuals but about Nigeria and the collective responsibility to provide citizens with quality public services through competent, professional and committed public servants.

She urged civil servants to maintain the reform momentum and ensure continuity in efforts to build a more efficient, professional and responsive public service.

In his response, Enitan thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, acknowledging the enormous responsibility that comes with leading the Federal Civil Service.

He commended Walson-Jack for her contributions to the transformation of the Service, describing her tenure as one that advanced key reforms and laid a strong foundation for continued progress.

Enitan pledged to consolidate the gains of the reforms while strengthening the EPIC culture of Efficiency, Productivity, Incorruptibility and Citizen-Centredness across the Service.

He called for the continued cooperation of Permanent Secretaries, Directors and the entire workforce, stressing that the success of the Civil Service depended on collective ownership of its mandate and a shared commitment to delivering better outcomes for Nigerians.

The new HCSF also pledged to approach the assignment with humility, dedication and a strong sense of duty, with a focus on improving efficiency, professionalism and service delivery.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other relevant agencies to urgently halt the persistent gas leak and recurring fires around facilities linked to Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 in the Ofiomina-Ama Alakiri community, Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The ultimatum followed an on-the-ground assessment of the affected community by IYC leadership, led by its President, Dr Doubra Collins Okotete, who was accompanied to the disaster site by more than 50 speedboats.

In a statement signed by the IYC National Spokesman, Victor Ibaningo, the council said the gas leak and associated fires had persisted for more than two years despite repeated appeals, petitions and demands for government intervention.

The council said its assessment revealed a situation that posed serious risks to residents’ lives, health, livelihoods and property, as well as the environment and local economy.

According to the IYC, ‘what we witnessed was deeply disturbing,’ describing the prolonged exposure of residents to hazardous conditions as unacceptable.

The council also expressed concern over what it described as a possible equipment failure and operational negligence, rather than sabotage, as had sometimes been claimed in relation to such incidents.

The IYC said it was particularly disturbed by reports that NNPCL and its vendors had shifted some operations to the community’s shores because of the persistent fire around the affected facilities.

‘We understand that various activities involving the loading and unloading of crude-related materials are now being carried out around the community, further exposing residents to additional risks and worsening an already precarious situation,’ the statement said.

The council accused NNPCL and relevant government agencies of failing to respond adequately to repeated complaints from the affected communities.

‘For more than two years, our people have reportedly written numerous letters, submitted petitions and made repeated appeals to NNPCL and various government agencies, seeking urgent intervention. Yet, the response has remained grossly inadequate,’ it said.

The IYC called on the Federal Government, NNPCL, NAPIMS, NESREA, NOSDRA, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NUPRC, NMDPRC, the Rivers State Government and other stakeholders to urgently halt the development.

The Ijaw youths demanded the immediate identification and containment of the gas leak, measures to prevent further fire outbreaks, a comprehensive safety assessment of the affected facilities, and environmental assessment and remediation of the impacted areas.

The council also demanded relief and safety measures for affected residents, meaningful engagement with the communities, and payment of appropriate compensation to those adversely affected.

The IYC said the seven-day ultimatum was ‘not a threat or an attempt at provocation,’ but a final call for responsible engagement, accountability and urgent action.

The council, however, warned that failure to act within the stipulated period would compel its members to consider further lawful measures, including mobilising Ijaw youths and affected communities for a peaceful shutdown of the affected facilities and suspension of production activities until the concerns were addressed.

‘Patience must not be mistaken for weakness, and silence must never be interpreted as consent to the continued endangerment of our people,’ the council warned.

The IYC urged the Federal Government, NNPCL, regulatory agencies and the Rivers State Government to use the seven-day window to resolve the crisis and prevent further escalation.

‘We demand action. We demand accountability. We demand environmental justice,’ the council declared.

Former Minister of Power and governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said he would not go to court or appeal against the party’s nomination process for the 2027 elections.

He spoke after meeting party leaders and supporters from the 33 local governments and 351 wards in Oyo State.

He said he returned from a short vacation abroad to meet his loyalists.

The meeting reviewed the outcome of the APC primaries for Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly seats.

Adelabu, who thanked members across the state for their support, commitment and sacrifices during the process, described the support as one of the most treasured experience of his political journey.

Adelabu and other stakeholders raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the primaries, saying the actual results from ward and local government levels were not formally declared.

According to him, names of selected individuals were just uploaded on the Independent National Electoral Council (INEC) portal as APC candidates without publishing verifiable results of the conducted party’s primary elections.

He said he decided not to pursue legal action or internal party appeal for now, noting that the decision was not due to lack of evidence.

Adelabu said the move was in the interest of peace, party stability and the future of APC in Oyo State, adding that legal action could deepen divisions in the party.

He noted that the APC National Chairman, during a recent visit to Oyo State, admitted there were errors and injustice in the primary process. He says acknowledgement alone is not enough.

He urged the national leadership to take steps to correct the errors and restore confidence in the party, rather than just setting up reconciliation committees.

The former minister said many members felt their votes and sacrifices were disregarded and that candidates who did not reflect popular choices emerged.

He said the responsibility for reconciliation lied with the APC leadership, not just with aspirants. ”Members who feel hurt must be engaged through real actions, not just words.”

Adelabu reiterated that his ambition to become governor of Oyo State was not a do-or-die affair, noting that he had served at the highest levels and remained grateful to God.

He called on his supporters to remain peaceful and civil, quoting his late grandmother: ‘Revenge doesn’t heal; it only creates another wound.’

He condemned any form of anti-party activity, saying he remained a loyal member of APC and supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Adelabu, however, said while the contest might be closed for now, the injustice was not being conceded.

‘Our political journey continues. Our commitment to Oyo State remains firm.’

All Progressives Congress (APC) elder Aremo Olusegun Osoba has chided former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for planning to drag Nigeria backward through his call for the reversal of the fuel subsidy removal.

He said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate is planning to wipe away the gains of the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Osoba, who spoke with reporters after attending the 80th birthday of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) Secretary at the Ikate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos, said Atiku made a thoughtless proposal

He said the former vice president is closing his eyes to the surge in revenue accruing from the removal, stressing that the reversal of the policy would deprive state and local governments of improved funding for development.

Opadokun, who spoke on the state of the nation, wondered why Atiku, who promised to remove fuel subsidy in 2023, is calling for the reversal of the policy, three years after President Tinubu started its implementation.

However, he urged to government to halt the growing poverty in the country.

Opadokun said corruption is still a challenge, urging the president to tackle the challenge.

An Ogun traditional healer has congratulated the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege, on his 60th birthday.

The healer, Oluwo Faniyi Fasola, recalled that it was during Olota’s reign that he was installed as the Araba of Ota.

He prayed for long life, good health and continued success on the throne for the monarch.

Fasola, who is the head of Babalawo in Ota/Olu-Isese in the Awori Kingdom, spoke during the celebration of the fifth anniversary of his installation at Ijagba, Ota.

At the event, Lucky Akheme, a lawyer, was installed as Oba Ela Onifa of Ota Kingdom.

Akheme pledged to contribute to the advancement of Ifá in Ota Kingdom, promising to work with other stakeholders to promote and strengthen the tradition and ensure the future growth of Ifá traditions in Ota. Fasola praised God for sustaining him, his family and others in the past five years.

He thanked members of the Ajo Babalawo Ota for their contributions to the growth of Ifá traditions in Ota.

He commended the Ajo Babalawo Ota for propagating Ifá and preserving the traditional heritage of the people reflecting on his five years in office, Fasola said he had no regrets despite the challenges he encountered.

According to him, the major challenge had been putting the structures in place for the development and growth of Ifá in Ota, adding that the Araba had gained more recognition during his tenure.

He described the position as an honour and expressed satisfaction with the progress made in promoting Ifá in Ota and Yewa-Awori.

He pledged to continue working with traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to promote Ifá as an important component of Yoruba cultural heritage.

Fasola acknowledged the support of traditional rulers and Ifá leaders, particularly Oluwo Ojekunle Ategbesun, Oluwo Onifa Yewa/Awori and Oluwo Adebayo Amao Adimula, and Ajo Babalawo Yewa/ Awori

Other eminent personalities he praised were the Onilogbo of Ilogbo, Oba Samuel Ojugbele, whom he described as his father, and congratulated him ahead of his 25th coronation anniversary in October; Oba Ogungbayi , the Onitetiku of Owode Ota for his fatherly role.

Oluwo Ojekunle Ategbesun, the Oluwo Onifa of Yewa/Awori, admonished Ifá practitioners to remain committed to the propagation and preservation of their traditional heritage.

The chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr Aminu Yusuf, has died, barely eight months after he assumed office.

Yusuf, appointed by President Bola Tinubu and sworn in as Chairman of the commission in December 2025, reportedly died on Friday.

Sources close to the family confirmed his death, though details of the cause were not immediately available at the time of filing this report.

The development came as a shock to officials and stakeholders in the population management sector, occurring less than a year after Yusuf took over the commission’s leadership and while he was actively driving major reforms in Nigeria’s civil registration and vital statistics system.

A high-level source from the presidency confirmed the development to our correspondent.

Neither the NPC nor the family had, at the time of the report, released an official statement on the circumstances surrounding his death or burial arrangements.

His death is expected to trigger a leadership transition at the commission, which is responsible for producing population and demographic data required for national planning, policy formulation, and development programmes.

Tinubu swore him in alongside newly appointed members of the commission.

He took the oath alongside two members of the NPC, Dr Joseph Haruna Kigbu and Tonga Betara Bulatafa.

Before his appointment, Yusuf had built a career spanning education, grassroots mobilisation, politics, governance and community development.

In announcing his assumption of office, the NPC said he was born on April 15, 1960, in Wushishi, Niger State.

He attended LEA Primary School, Zungeru, and Federal Government College, Odogbolu, Ogun State.

He later became involved in public service and grassroots political mobilisation.

Between 2019 and 2023, he served as Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Niger State Governor.

He also served in the Tinubu/Shettima presidential campaign, serving in 2022 as Assistant Director, Grassroots Mobilisation (North Central), of the Presidential Campaign Council.

Until his appointment as NPC Chairman, he was National President of the Niger State College of Education Alumni Association, Minna.

The commission also credited him with involvement in skills acquisition and empowerment programmes for women and youths in the Niger North Senatorial District.

Yusuf subsequently took over the commission, pledging to provide credible leadership and strengthen its ability to deliver reliable demographic information for national development.

One of the major initiatives during Yusuf’s short tenure was accelerating the digitalisation of Nigeria’s civil registration system.

Only weeks before his reported death, the NPC announced the nationwide rollout of its digital birth and death registration platform, known as VitalReg, under the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (E-CRVS) system.

The platform became fully operational nationwide from July 1, 2026.

Until his reported death, Yusuf remained active in the affairs of the commission.

In January 2026, he led a delegation of senior NPC officials to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, as part of the commission’s advocacy campaign on population issues.

During the visit, he sought the support of traditional institutions to promote awareness of population issues and civil registration.

For the family, colleagues and associates, it marks the loss of a public servant whose latest assignment at the NPC lasted less than a year.