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Spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Mr. Darlington Nwauju, has decried a publication by Concerned Nigerians in the Diaspora United Kingdom (CND-UK), in which they demanded the suspension of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Nwauju, in a statement on Thursday, said the call for the suspension of one of the best-performing ministers in the President Bola Tinubu administration was a ‘most unpatriotic call’, saying ‘it is concerning that the CND-UK has made itself available to be used by desperate political actors to splash all sorts of inanities in the media.’

Nwauju condemned CND-UK’s claim that Tunji-Ojo was allegedly leveraging on his influence alongside other key figures in government to dominate political structures in some parts of the country ahead of 2027 general election.

According to the APC chief, that claim by the CND-UK was ‘the height of preposterousness and idle talk, as politics itself is all about who gets what, when and how.’

Nwauju said: ‘So long as the Minister’s activities as a politician does not go beyond minimum acceptable benchmarks of conduct as a person and standard practice as a public office holder, how does involving in politics stand in the way of the CND-UK? How does that stop them from supporting their own preferred politicians? Is CND-UK trying to vitiate the rights of Dr Tunji-Ojo to associate with other Nigerians?

‘Looking at remarks by this group about marketing Nigeria, I ask which Minister in the current cabinet has been a better salesman of the Nigerian brand through his commitment to duty, innovative ideas, frugality and even exceeding revenue targets than Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo?

‘I do not think it is out of place to ask Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to critically examine the patriotism quotient of the so called CND-UK. This group never made any sort of advocacies earlier before now to draw public attention to the shameful crisis we face in our passport application/issuance processes but someone stepped in together with his team and turned around that situation.

‘This group made reference to the 2020 investigations of the NDDC under Prof Pondei. Yours truly was part of that investigation and it is incorrect to say that Prof Pondei staged a walkout on the House Committee. Rather, Prof Pondei collapsed under the weight of questions and evidences he could clearly not contradict or explain!

‘Making reference to a report by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) on this topic is an incoherent thing to do and smacks of unseriousness and lack of due diligence on the part of CND-UK.

‘Without any shred of doubt, Nigeria’s image has been positively marketed owing to the transformation recorded by the Interior Ministry and not what this group is struggling to convey.’

The Rivers APC spokesman challenged the CND-UK to explore the FOI Act by getting details of the ownership status of New Planet Project Ltd as at the moment Dr Tunji-Ojo assumed office as Minister. This will help the group discontinue the needless merry-go-round and latching on straws.

An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness in the trial of a former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr Olu Agunloye, on Thursday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that there was no specific presidential directive issued by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the former minister on the controversial Mambilla power project in Taraba State.

Agunloye is being prosecuted by the anti-graft agency before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, sitting at Apo, Abuja, on an amended seven-count charge bordering on disobeying presidential directive, conspiracy, forgery and receiving gratification.

He was further alleged to have received gratification from Leno Adesanya of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) to the tune of N5.212million through Jide Abiodun Sotirin through his (Agunloye’s) Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account, for conveying the Federal Government’s approval for the construction of the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Station.

The former minister, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

At the resumed hearing in the matter on Thursday, the third prosecution witness (PW3) in the matter, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Umar Hussain Babangida, while being cross-examined by counsel for Agunloye, Adeola Adedipe SAN, told the court that EFCC’s investigation into the Mambilla power project led to the filing of the charge against the defendant.

Babangida, who said he had been an investigator for over 10 years, told the court he had never, in the course of his duty, had any personal interest or prejudice in any matters, including Agunloye’s case.

Asked to confirm that the first count of the charge against the former minister is disobedience to presidential directive, the PW3 said the allegation was true, adding that, ‘The defendant disobeyed the directive of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo and resolution of the Federal Executive Council meeting of 21st May, 2003.’

According to him, the presidential directive was neither verbal nor written but was contained in the minutes of the FEC meeting of May 21, 2003, chaired by Obasanjo.

When confronted with Exhibit EFCC 3(d), earlier tendered through him by the prosecution to show the court anywhere in the minutes of the meeting where the presidential directive was contained, the witness said there was no specific directive.

Despite this, Babangida told the court, ‘No, I don’t agree that if there was no specific directive, the defendant would not have disobeyed a presidential directive.’

He told the court that he advised in his investigative report that Agunloye be charged in court because he abused his office as a minister and also had an existing relationship with Leno Adesanya, the alter ego of SPTCL.

The witness told the court that Agunloye did not tell EFCC that he had never met Adesanya before the award of the Mambilla contract to SPTCL until 2014, 11 years after leaving office as a minister.

He also denied that the defendant told the anti-corruption commission that his first major relationship with Adesanya was in 2018, 15 years after he ceased being a minister.

When Adedipe asked the witness to read a portion of Agunloye’s extrajudicial statement tendered by EFCC as an exhibit, the prosecuting counsel, Abba Mohammed SAN, raised an objection to this.

According to the senior advocate, the witness could not be cross-examined on a statement that was not his, adding that there was a difference between what the defendant told the PW3 and what he wrote in his statement.

Responding to this, Adedipe told the court that the witness tendered the document he was shown to read from as part of his investigation and did not only take Agunloye’s statement but also gave robust evidence on it.

He added that what he was doing was to test the veracity of what the witness told the court with a view to impeaching his credibility, that he was not a witness of truth.

The court, however, overruled the prosecution’s objection and directed the witness to read the portion shown him.

Babangida subsequently read the portion as contained on Page 4, line 15, in which Agunloye wrote that he never met Adesanya before the award of the contract until 2014, 11 years after leaving office as a minister, and his first major relationship with Adesanya was in 2018, 15 years after he ceased being a minister.

Meanwhile, Justice Onwuegbuzie has reserved ruling in a motion, marked M/9772/25, moved by Agunloye’s counsel, in which the defendant sought the leave of court to release his passport.

The prosecution did not oppose the application but left it to the discretion of the court.

He then adjourned the case to November 3 for the continuation of the cross-examination of the PW3.

The Federal Government has launched the Nigeria Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (NSDNM) 2025-2030, a national blueprint aimed at transforming education, leadership, and service delivery systems for nurses and midwives across the country.

Speaking at the official launch in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, described the strategy as ‘not just a health plan, but a blueprint for transformation.’

He said, ‘It outlines clear priorities to strengthen education, create dignified and rewarding career pathways through jobs, expand leadership opportunities, and retain top talent within our health system.’

‘This is a practical guide that will shape investments and innovations in nursing and midwifery over the next five years, while positioning Nigeria as a contributor to global health system resilience through a skilled, motivated, and equitably distributed workforce.’

The minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had shown ‘unwavering commitment to uplifting the nursing and midwifery profession,’ recalling that the African Union appointed him as ‘champion for human resources for health and community health and midwifery partnership’ in 2024.

He added that the NSDNM aligns with the administration’s four-point health agenda – improving governance, population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and strengthening health security through digital transformation.

‘In the past year and a half, we have championed the strategic expansion of nursing and midwifery education,’ Pate said. ‘With the collaboration of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the enrolment quota for nursing and midwifery training institutions has increased from 28,000 in 2023 to 115,000 for the 2025 academic year – an unprecedented leap for our health and education sectors.’

The minister disclosed that more than 69,000 frontline health workers had been retrained nationwide and that the government had approved the recruitment of over 20,000 new health workers, 60 percent of whom are nurses and midwives.

He stressed that beyond training, the government was ‘creating the enabling environment’ for health workers to thrive.

‘No matter how well trained or passionate our nurses and midwives are, they need infrastructure, equipment, and commodities to practise effectively.

‘We are building a coordinated platform that aligns all levels of government and stakeholders to strengthen accountability and deliver quality care.’

Pate also lauded Nigeria’s adoption of the Best Practice Frontline Organisation Model, launched in partnership with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, describing it as a ‘pioneering achievement and the first of its kind in West Africa.’

‘This initiative will raise professional standards, improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, and elevate the quality of care delivered to Nigerians.’

‘Through active collaboration with state governments, regulatory councils, training institutions, and partners, we will translate this strategy into measurable outcomes that expand access to quality care and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage.’

Earlier, the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, described the event as ‘a divine milestone in our collective journey to strengthen Nigeria’s health system.’

‘The NSDNM 2025-2030 embodies our shared vision to transform nursing and midwifery education, leadership, regulation, and service delivery,’ he said.

‘It seeks to address the challenge of brain drain by creating an enabling environment for professionals to thrive and serve proudly within our national health system.’

He urged all stakeholders to see the plan as ‘a catalyst for renewed action toward a resilient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare workforce.’

Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Kachallom Daju, Mrs Teshoma Dafeta, the Director of Human Resources, reaffirmed the government’s recognition of nurses and midwives as the ‘heartbeat of healthcare delivery.’

‘They are often the first point of contact for patients and communities, especially in underserved areas,’ she said. ‘Yet, they have faced challenges ranging from workforce shortages to underrepresentation in leadership and inadequate working conditions.’

She explained that the NSDNM was built around four pillars: education, job creation, leadership, and service delivery.

‘It aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and places strong emphasis on a resilient and people-centred healthcare system,’ Dafeta said. ‘Our collective vision is a Nigeria where every nurse and midwife is empowered, respected, and adequately equipped to deliver high-quality care.’

She urged all partners – government, academia, development organisations, and the private sector – to ensure that ‘the NSDNM becomes a living, measurable document.’

The World Health Organization (WHO) commended the Federal Government for taking a bold step in strengthening its nursing and midwifery workforce.

Speaking on behalf of the WHO Country Representative, Dr. Mary Brantuo said the global body was proud to have supported the strategy’s development with funding from the UK Government’s Department of Health and Social Care.

‘Nurses and midwives make up nearly 50% of the global health workforce, yet many countries, including Nigeria, face critical shortages,’ Brantuo said. ‘WHO projects a global shortfall of about 4.8 million nurses and midwives by 2030, with the largest gaps in Africa and Southeast Asia.’

She noted that Nigeria’s plan aligns with the WHO Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (2021-2027) and called for ‘multi-sectoral collaboration and sustained investment in nursing.’

‘Investing in nursing and midwifery is not a cost – it is a strategic investment in health system resilience, gender equity, and economic development,’ Brantuo stressed. ‘Together we can build a future where every Nigerian has access to quality care delivered by empowered and well-supported nurses and midwives.’

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Saleh Garba highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to address its nursing deficit.

‘Nigeria currently has about 180,000 nurses and 130,000 midwives, giving a nurse-to-population ratio of 1:1,260 – far below the WHO recommendation of one nurse per 1,000 people,’ he said.

Garba said the NSDNM, developed in line with WHO standards, focuses on education, jobs, leadership, and service delivery. ‘Educating enough nurses and midwives, managing migration, and strengthening leadership will ensure that they are respected, protected, and equipped to deliver quality healthcare,’ he said.

‘The NSDNM provides an evidence-based framework to strengthen our workforce and ensure progress toward universal health coverage.’

He also called for better infrastructure, remuneration, and working conditions to reduce brain drain, noting that ‘suboptimal work environments and neglect of labour rights have driven many nurses abroad.’

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary Health Services), Ipalibo Banigo, pledged strong legislative backing for nursing and midwifery reforms.

‘Investments in nursing and midwifery are a priority for us,’ the lawmaker said.

‘We will continue to support efforts to improve the intake of trainees, strengthen the regulatory council, and ensure Nigeria moves closer to universal health coverage.’

He assured the nursing and midwifery community of a continuous partnership with the National Assembly to ensure that the profession receives the recognition and resources it deserves.

Stakeholders unanimously described the NSDNM 2025-2030 as a ‘turning point’ for Nigeria’s health system. With its focus on workforce education, equitable employment, and improved service delivery, the strategy is expected to strengthen health outcomes and position Nigeria as a leader in nursing and midwifery practice in Africa.

The National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Barr. (Chief) Kenneth Udeze, on Wednesday, said there is no contempt judgement against the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu by the Federal High Court, Osogbo.

He challenged the aggrieved members of the party to produce the said order.

He said the judgement of the Federal High Court, Osogbo overruled the previous judgement of the Court of Appeal on the crisis in the party.

He said the application filed at the Federal High Court, Osogbo was allegedly secretly done to deceive the court.

According to him, the aggrieved party members had gone to the FCT High Court, Federal High Court, Abuja and the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division and lost all cases.

He said the five cases were about who is the authentic National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA) .

He noted that the authentic national leadership of the party has long been settled in favour of Udeze’s executives up to the Court of Appeal.

Udeze further explained that while waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision on the crisis, the same members who had joined issues with the party leadership and failed, filed a separate matter at the Federal High Court, Osogbo against INEC only by claiming that they were purportedly acting on behalf of the party

The former chairman made the clarifications in a statement in Abuja against the backdrop of a purported order of contempt against Yakubu by the Federal High Court, Osogbo.

He said the party did not sue INEC and Yakubu and did not mandate anyone to do so.

He asked the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to avoid conflicting judgements by the Court.

The statement said: ‘On the issue of purported court order against the former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, I want Nigeria to disregard such false rumors as there’s no such judgment .

‘The busy bodies making noise with such frivolous propaganda should present the said order and, moreover, allow the retired former INEC Chairman to enjoy his retirement have contributed so much in Electoral reforms and deepening democracy in Nigeria.

‘That Action Alliance (AA) faithfuls across Nigeria and beyond should remain calm and be law-abiding. That the national leadership of the party led by the National Chairman, Chief Udeze has directed our team of lawyers to do everything legally to vacate this judgement obtained by one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, his agents and privies from Federal High Court Osogbo.’

‘That it may interest Nigerians to note that the same Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, his agents and privies that ran to Federal High Court Osogbo and fraudulently obtained the judgement in their favour has a pending appeal at the Supreme Court Challenging one of the Court of Appeal judgements that recognises Barr. ((Chief) Kenneth Udeze’ leadership of the party in Appeal Number: SC/CV/162/2024, Between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and ORS Vs Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu, Kenneth Udeze, Action Alliance (AA) and INEC,.

‘Instead of Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, his agents and privies to wait for the final determination of their appeal pending at the Supreme Court in one way or the other, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje ran to Federal High Court Osogbo for forum shopping and secretly filed fresh suit against only INEC fraudulently using Action Alliance name as the 1st plaintiff without the consent and authority of the party national leadership and without joining Udeze led-NEC of the party and obtained this judgement from Federal High Court Osogbo against subsisting judgements of the Court of Appeal in favour of Udeze led-NEC of the party.’

It asked INEC not to recognise the Federal High Court, Osogbo judgement.

‘That the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is hereby demanded by the national leadership of the Action Alliance (AA) not to give recognition to the judgement obtained by one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, his agents and privies from Federal High Court Osogbo and continued recognition of Barr. (Chief) Kenneth Udeze led national leadership of Action Alliance (AA) based on the various Court of Appeal judgements recognizing the leadership.

‘That the commission should as a matter urgent public importance inform Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, his agents and privies to wait for their appeal at the Supreme Court and stop this forum shopping of favourable judgement from one Judicial Division of the Federal High Court to another.

‘That the Honourable Chief Judge (CJ) of the Federal High Court should kindly direct the transfer of all Action Alliance related matters pending at various Judicial Divisions of the Federal High Court secretly filed by Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, his agents and privies to Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court where other Action Alliance related matters filed by Adekunle Rufai Omoaje are pending to avoid conflicting judgements and rulings by the same court.’

President Bola Tinubu has praised the good deeds and exceptional human qualities of renowned broadcaster and businessman, Christopher Kolade.

Describing him as a ‘boardroom guru’, Tinubu, in a tribute he personally signed, said he received with ‘profound sadness’ the news of the death of the ‘inimitable Dr Christopher Kolade’, saying that he was ‘one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures.’

The former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and respected elder statesman died on October 8, at the age of 92.

In his tribute, the President wrote, ‘Dr Kolade, 92, was a custodian of our enterprise history, especially concerning corporate governance and human resources management. He was a principal figure in reputable institutions like the Lagos Business School.

‘He was among the finest of men. He was exceptionally brilliant, statesmanly, diligent, and had unimpeachable integrity.

‘Dr Kolade was not only a boardroom icon, serving as one-time chief executive and chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, but he was also a patriot and an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability in governance.

He served Nigeria dutifully, with honesty and great dedication. From working as a colonial-era education officer to serving as Nigeria’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom and director-general of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, Dr Kolade left ineffaceable stamps of distinction in every endeavour, whether in the boardroom, on panels, or public office.

‘I recall his many humanitarian interventions through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, especially his support for sickle cell patients, a cause to which he donated a chunk of his earnings.

‘Dr Kolade’s passing is agonising, yet we must celebrate his life and legacy. He lived an exemplary life and immortalised himself in his uncommon service to our nation and humanity.

‘He will remain an inspiration for us and for many generations. He was a representation of the true Nigerian, selfless and resilient. May God Almighty, whom he served so faithfully, grant him eternal rest.’

A meeting of the National Council of State (NCS) is ongoing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

This is the second meeting of the NCS since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, after the first one was held on August 12 last year.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, are also attending the meeting.

Former Head of State. Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), is attending the national council of state meeting physically, while others joined online.

The NCS is an advisory body recognised by the 1999 Constitution, whose key roles include advising the President on state matters and decisions concerning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

It is expected that the President may table his nominees for the position of the INEC chairman to the meeting, which is being held behind camera.

The NCS membership includes all former Presidents and former Heads of State, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Secretary to the government of the Federation (SGF), the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, all 36 state governors, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Other important issues the meeting will look at include national security challenges like banditry, kidnapping and suggestions on the best way to tackle them.

Omooba Dotun Babayemi, a foremost governorship aspirant of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has stated that his desires to be the next governor of the state stemmed from his vision to strategically transform it from where it is currently,to become a reference point in the country in the near future.

Babayemi, who has reached a 200th-ward mark out of the 332 wards in his ongoing statewide ward-to-ward tour, assured that transforming the state would become achievable through a focused governance and purposeful leadership.

The leading governorship hopeful made these known at his during his Ward tour held at Ward 3, Olufi and Ward 2,Otun Balogun, his own ward,in Gbongan, Ayedaade Local Government, where he visited the 200th Ward out of the 332 wards in the state

‘At the risk of sounding off, I dare say where others promise, I bring execution. Where politics divides, I unite. I offer the competence, integrity, and inclusiveness required to deliver real progress. With grassroots trust and global perspective, I am best positioned to win for our party and govern effectively for our people if given the opportunity’ the popular governorship aspirant assured.

He lamented that 34 years after its creation, the state had not made significant advancement even with the abundance of human and material resources as envisioned by its founding fathers and other proponents.

‘Today,Osun State stands at a crossroads:Rich in human talent, culture, and natural resources, yet burdened by unemployment, weak infrastructure, and untapped opportunities.These reasons and the calls from our good people in and outside the state, have propelled me to join the race in order to become the Osun State Governor in 2026. More importantly, this is to enable us chart a new direction;one that secures prosperity for every family, empowers our youth, and restores trust in governance’ he stressed

Decrying the level of degradation in the state, Babayemi called for the forging of a common front to ensure that the APC was brought back to power in the state by 2026; explaining,’Osun cannot afford another cycle of missed opportunities. With people valued support, we can deliver a state where every child can dream, every youth can achieve, and every family can thrive’

He assured that with human and natural endowments the state was blessed with, assured that they would be harnessed to ensure that the state becomes a support base for other states, especially those in southwest of the country.

‘In this regard,if given the opportunity to lead the state, our major task which is doable, will be to transform it into a powerhouse of the Southwest – a state where jobs are abundant, schools are modern, healthcare is reliable, and our cultural heritage drives both pride and prosperity’ he further assured

On the significance of the statewide ward-to-ward tour which cut across urban and rural areas, he reiterated that it has helped in exposing their needs and challenges,a development he added, would assist in simplifying areas of governance.

‘The reason behind us going out is to be able to understand the challenges in the state across board; urban areas and rural areas. This is so that when we put our manifesto together, it will address the issues that will actually move the state forward, not just for this generation but the generations to come. And I can say without any shadow of doubt, that we know what the issues are across every nook and cranny of the state. And that has positioned us to be able to address these areas when we get into governance’ Babayemi maintained

The aspirant also noted that he has been using the opportunity offered by the ward-ward visit as a platform, to preach unity among the party members across the state so that the perceived cracks within the party would be mended before the election next year.

‘So I want to encourage that our people should come together. We are one big family. Our unity is key. It is only in coming together as a family or as a unit, because everybody currently in the race is confident to be governor. But it is in healing the cracks, ensuring that the fractures that have been within the party are put aside, that we can be assured of victory.By coming together as one, we will be able not only to win the 2026 election, but will also be able to deliver significant votes for President Bola Tinubu in 2027. We are sure that we will be able to deliver over a million votes for APC for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ he added

The Gbongan-born Prince expressed the optimism that the benefits of the ward-based initiative of President Tinubu’s administration would soon be felt by the people of the state, especially those at the grassroots.

‘The key message I want to pass is that,as we’re approaching a time where the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going to be felt in this state.we’re going to move away from the disparity and the challenges that we currently see within our communities. Once APC comes back to power, we will be able to effectively cater for the safety, security and the welfare of the citizens of Osun’

It is recalled that Babayemi had concluded a month-long consultative meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the party in the state by visiting each of the 30 local government areas before commencing the ongoing ward-to-ward tour across the state.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has clarified that the statement of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig-Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), at a workshop organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) on the prospect of cannabis oil export was merely his opinion and not an announcement of the Federal Government’s position on the issue.

Marwa, in his remarks as one of the invited guests at the workshop themed ‘Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria’, organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science in Abuja on Wednesday, disclosed that the NDLEA is not averse to the idea of exporting cannabis oil to other countries that desire it solely for the purpose of generating foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria, while maintaining its opposition to its local use due to the position of the extant law and the already high prevalence of drug abuse in the country.

A statement by the Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Thursday said the Agency’s position was one of the many opinions canvassed by various stakeholders invited to address the workshop and should not be seen as the Federal Government’s approval of the position, especially since the Agency commissioned the ongoing study on cannabis oil by the Nigerian Academy of Science.

The statement reads: ‘We can only be further guided on this matter by the final recommendations of NAS, which will eventually be submitted to the Federal Government as part of the inputs that will be used to develop an informed policy on the subject.

‘This clarification is needed to avoid misrepresentations and suggestions that the Agency has approved cannabis oil export, a decision that can only be taken by the Federal Government after considering inputs from various stakeholders,’ the statement added.

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has disclosed his plans to repatriate some of the Oyo artefacts carted away by the British soldiers during the historical Pepe war.

Some of the Oyo artefacts items that were taken away from the palace include crowns, gold, beads, and other monumental items.

The palace source disclosed that part of the plan is a week-long activity in commemoration and memorialisation of the historical event, which will be held in November this year. The event is coming up 130 years after the British imperialists invaded the palace of Alaafin of Oyo.

The event, which is billed to be given a global relevance, will showcase the tradition, customs, and prowess of the Oyo Empire, as well as the dogged spirit of resistance to domination by its traditional leaders, as exemplified by the Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu I on November 12, 1895.

The Alaafin of Oyo was seen by the British Imperialists as the next target after some kingdoms in Yorubaland had been subdued, among them: Oba Kosoko of Lagos, following the bombardment of Lagos, and the Awujale Ogbagba I, after the Danasungbo War.

A minor dispute broke out following the castration of a man named Bakare, an Ilari (a royal messenger or eunuch) in the court of the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Adeyeri I. Bakare had been accused of committing adultery with one of the Oba’s wives. As per longstanding Yoruba custom, Iseyin, being a provincial domain under Oyo, deferred such grave capital matters to the authority of the Alaafin.

Upon Bakare being brought to Oyo, and Alaafin Adeyemi ordering his castration as a form of punishment in line with traditional royal codes,

Captain Robert Lister Bower, the stern and imperial-minded British Resident and Travelling Commissioner in Ibadan, felt infuriated and declared that the Alaafin had overstepped his bounds.

He demanded the custody of both Bakare and the messenger, Kudeefu, who carried out the castration, but Alaafin Adeyemi refused, and instead, had Bakare executed, and continued to shield Kudeefu. The open defiance of British authority was the final straw that led to the ‘Pepe War’.

Bower led a force of sixty soldiers to invade the Oyo metropolis to subdue the Alaafin and enforce British demands, but the citizens of Oyo, loyal to their monarch, took up arms to defend their Oba and their sovereignty. A fight erupted, and as the situation intensified, Bower called for additional ammunition from Ibadan, where the British had stronger influence.

With superior firepower and reinforcement of about two hundred soldiers, the British forces eventually overwhelmed the local resistance. The sharp, staccato sound of British gunfire during the attack-‘pepe ! pepe !! pepe!!!’ – thus became the origin of the name: ‘Ogun Pepe’.

In the war, the Alaafin was injured in the leg but mysteriously escaped to Oke-Owinni, where he reported Bower to the Catholic Bishop of Oyo. After six days of intense war, the Catholic Bishop mediated, and after a negotiated Treaty, Alaafin was allowed to make a triumphant entry back to his Palace. The citizens of Oyo celebrated his return with great fanfare, hailing his resilience and symbolic victory.

The planned ceremonial re-enactment of the ‘Ogun Pape’ by the Alaafin and his subjects, therefore, stands as a testament to the resilience of Yoruba sovereignty in the face of imperial aggression and confrontation. With the return of the Oyo artefacts, this commemoration seeks not only to remember that moment of loss but to draw enduring lessons that speak powerfully to our present and future existence.

The Federal Government has directed universities and other tertiary institutions to submit reconciled reports of all intervention funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) that remain unutilised within the next 30 days.

Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, who gave the directive on Thursday in Abuja, also warned that henceforth there would be quarterly reviews to track progress and compliance, with sanctions for institutions that fail to utilise funds effectively.

Alausa spoke at a meeting with heads of the beneficiary tertiary institutions, bursars, and procurement directors on unutilised balances in TETFund allocations.

He underscored the seriousness with which the government is determined to address the persistent challenge of utilised funds and ensure that public resources allocated for education yield their maximum intended impact.

Alausa lamented that resources that could have been used to develop infrastructure in institutions have remained idle due to bottlenecks.

‘TETFund plays a pivotal role as the vehicle through which the Federal Government channels support to our universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

‘However, one recurring challenge that has continued to undermine this investment is the existence of unutilised balances – funds released for specific projects or interventions that are either not deployed on time or not fully expended before new allocations are made.

‘Over time, these idle funds represent lost opportunities, resources that could have improved laboratories, classrooms, ICT facilities, research centres, faculty development, and more, but did not, due to process delays, weak absorptive capacity, or compliance and accountability gaps.

‘Institutions must submit reconciled reports of all unutilised funds within 30 days, which will be jointly verified. Unused funds may be redirected to priority projects, and carrying them over without strong justification will no longer be allowed. Procurement plans must align with approved interventions, and approvals should be fast-tracked to prevent delays,’ Alausa said.

The minister also announced that capacity-building programs would be introduced to strengthen project management, compliance, and reporting, alongside mentorship initiatives.

He added that transparency would be enhanced through a public dashboard showing disbursement and utilisation data, and institutions will be required to publish project progress reports.

Alausa also emphasised that the success of this initiative depends on strong collaboration among stakeholders.

He charged TETFund to lead with professionalism, enforce compliance, and ensure transparency, stressing that institutional heads should drive urgency and accountability, while bursars, procurement officers, and project coordinators must plan and report diligently.

‘Auditors and oversight bodies are expected to monitor activities and flag irregularities. All stakeholders must uphold a sense of stewardship, recognising that every TETFund naira represents public trust,’ Alausa said.