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Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has reiterated its commitment to advancing local content development and strengthening the role of the media in fostering mutual understanding between International Oil Companies (IOCs) and their host communities.

Speaking at a Media Capacity Building Programme organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Chevron’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Olusoga Oduselu – represented by Mr. Saheed Praise Akinbola – said the company remains dedicated to human capital development and sustainable partnerships with both the media and host communities.

‘Through initiatives such as AWARES and this ongoing journalism training, we continue to improve professional capacity and build lasting relationships with our media stakeholders,’ Oduselu stated. ‘We believe that the success of the larger society translates to success in our business, which is why we keep investing in human and community development.’

Oduselu disclosed that since 2023, Chevron has trained more than 400 journalists across Nigeria through similar capacity-building programmes. He added that the company’s strong support for Nigerian Content development generates over $1 billion in annual contract opportunities for Nigerians.

He further highlighted that Chevron’s Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) model, along with its transition to the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, underscores the company’s commitment to community-driven, sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

‘Through our GMoU and now HCDTs, we have supported hundreds of projects and empowered communities. We also remain one of the largest contributors of high-quality domestic gas in Nigeria, having reduced routine flaring by over 97% in the past decade,’ Oduselu added.

At the event, experts from the Delta State University, Abraka, emphasized the crucial role of the media in bridging the communication gap between IOCs and host communities.

Delivering a lecture titled ‘The Role of the Media in Strengthening Relationships between IOCs and Host Communities,’ Dr. Favour Atubi stressed that the media must act as educators, watchdogs, and peacebuilders.

‘The media must educate host communities about their rights, carry out investigative journalism, and report grievances before they escalate. Transparency, cultural sensitivity, and balanced reporting are essential for building trust and healthy relationships,’ Atubi noted.

She added that journalists should put pressure on IOCs to fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), promote dialogue, and ensure factual reporting to prevent misinformation.

Similarly, Professor Majority Oji, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Delta State University, in his presentation on ‘PIA: Roles of the Media in Educating the Host Communities,’ urged journalists to deepen their understanding of the Petroleum Industry Act to effectively enlighten residents about their rights and benefits.

‘We need the NUJ to spearhead a media-led enlightenment campaign in the Niger Delta on the PIA,’ Prof. Oji said, emphasizing the media’s role in shaping awareness and accountability.

Also speaking, Mr. Philip Nwosu, in a paper on ‘IOCs: The Importance of AI and Fact-Check in the 21st Century Media Reportage,’ highlighted the relevance of technology in improving journalism.

He noted that while Artificial Intelligence saves time and builds trust, journalists must remain vigilant about potential errors and misinformation.

The chairman of NUJ, Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, his predecessor, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and chairman of the host chapel, Victor Okpomor were among journalists who participated in the training.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Al’amin Muhammed Idris, Chief Executive Officer of Interface Africa, on the company’s victory at the NextGen Innovation Challenge, where it emerged winner with a £1.5 million cash award.

Interface Africa, representing Kaduna State, clinched the top prize at the grand finale of the competition held on Thursday at the Hilton London Paddington.

The company was recognised for its innovative solar financing solutions aimed at providing affordable clean energy access to small businesses across Africa.

In a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended the firm’s commitment to advancing sustainable development and economic inclusion through renewable energy.

The President described the feat as a testament to the boundless creativity and ingenuity of Nigerian youths, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to harness their innovative potential through deliberate policies and programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘The innovative potential of Nigerian youths is limitless, and we will continue to create opportunities to harness and catalyse this vital resource,’ the President stated.

The NextGen Innovation Challenge, organised by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) in partnership with UKALD London, is a national initiative inspired by President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

It aims to nurture homegrown innovation and support young entrepreneurs in developing scalable solutions to local and global challenges.

Tinubu also commended the other 104 participants in the competition, urging them to remain steadfast in their drive to innovate, improve lives, and shape the future of humanity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led prominent Nigerians who expressed deep sorrow on the passing of veteran broadcaster, business icon and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom(U.K.), Dr Christopher Kolade.

Others who reacted yesterday to the elder statesman’s death were House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas; Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu(Lagos), Ademola Adeleke(Osun), and Labour Party’s Presidential candiadate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi.

Kolade’s family announced the passing of the boardroom guru, art and culture enthusiast, in a statement yesterday.

The family said the late former Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria died peacefully on Wednesday at 92.

‘We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings,’ the statement read in part.

Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Kolade was the son of an Anglican missionary. He attended Government College, Ibadan, before proceeding to Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he completed his higher education.

Kolade began his career in broadcasting, eventually rising to the position of Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).

He later became Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where he was widely recognised for his ethical leadership and corporate reforms.

Kolade taught Corporate Governance and Human Resources Management at the Lagos Business School and Leadership and Conflict Management at the School of Media and Communication, both part of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.

Kolade, a former member of the university’s Governing Council, also served as its Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, and was later Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun State.

In a heartfelt tribute, Tinubu described Kolade as ‘one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures’ and a symbol of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service.

According to the President, the Osun State-born elder statesman was ‘an inimitable figure in Nigeria’s enterprise history’ and a towering personality in both the public and private sectors.

‘Dr Kolade 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,’ the President said.

He also described him as ‘among the finest of men-exceptionally brilliant, statesmanly, diligent, and with unimpeachable integrity.’

Tinubu said Kolade’s contributions to governance and leadership training were ‘foundational to the evolution of modern corporate ethics in Nigeria.’

‘He was not only a boardroom icon but also a patriot and an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability in governance,’ noted.

The tribute further highlighted Kolade’s distinguished service record, from his early career as a colonial-era education officer to his later roles as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the U.K.

‘Dr Kolade served Nigeria dutifully, with honesty and great dedication. He left ineffaceable stamps of distinction in every endeavour-whether in the boardroom, on national panels, or in public office’, Tinubu said.

The President also commended Kolade’s philanthropic legacy through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, especially his long-standing support for sickle cell patients.

‘He donated a chunk of his earnings to that noble cause, reflecting his compassion and devotion to humanity,’ Tinubu recalled.

While describing his passing as ‘agonising,’ the President said the late elder statesman’s life should be celebrated for his enduring impact and inspiration.

‘Dr Kolade lived an exemplary life and immortalised himself through his uncommon service to our nation and humanity. He will remain an inspiration for us and for many generations. He was the representation of the true Nigerian-selfless and resilient,’ the President stated.

He prayed for the repose of his soul and for comfort to his family, colleagues, and the many institutions shaped by his leadership.

Speaker Abbas described Kolade as one of Nigeria’s finest technocrats, boardroom gurus and ace broadcasters.

”He was one of the titans of Nigeria’s corporate world,” the speaker said in a.

condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Leke Olatunji Baiyewu,

‘The likes of Dr Christopher Kolade are not many, especially in the private sector. He was an egghead in business and management, a core professional in the corporate world. He was exceptional in his career that spanned several decades,’ Abbas.

While commiserating with the Kolade family, the Speaker said the corporate titan would be remembered for his contributions to the development of the country in various capacities.

In Lagos, Sanwo-Olu described the death as a colossal loss to the country and an irreplaceable loss to his family, friends and associates.

Sanwo-Olu said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, that Kolade’s passing is the end of an era.

He said: ‘On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, we celebrate the departure of a legend and celebrated doyen of the boardroom and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who made a positive impact during his lifetime.

‘The legacy of Dr Christopher Kolade cannot be forgotten because of the remarkable impact he made during his lifetime and his extraordinary life of service to humanity, his community, the private and public sectors, locally and internationally.

‘We thank God for Dr Kolade’s incredible life of faith and service to humanity and our dear country. He served passionately with integrity and honour. He was indeed a blessing to his generation, and the best memory for him is for those he left behind to uphold his good virtues.”

Sanwo-Olu’s counterpart in Osun State, Adeleke, said that Nigeria has lost one of its best.

Expressing his deep pain over the death of the one-time veteran, the governor said that Kolade’s life was marked by excellence and untainted integrity.

Adeleke commiserated with the family of the nonagenarian and the people of Erin-Oke, who have lost an illustrious son.”

He said, ‘The news of the death of Dr Christopher Kolade came as a rude shock to me. This is because he passed away at a time when his vast and valuable experience, wisdom and guidance were much needed in navigating challenges confronting governance in Osun State and beyond.

‘Throughout his life, Dr Kolade made integrity his watchword in all his dealings, and his commitment to excellence attracted people from far and near. As a public officer, he never used public office for personal benefits, and as a businessman, he championed integrity through his chairmanship of organisations such as Integrity Organisation Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE.

‘As much as his passing represents a huge loss, I ask that everyone touched by this incident be consoled by the life of services and contributions that defined Dr Kolade’s time on Earth, and to also work to preserve his good legacy to keep him in the minds of the people forever.’

Obi said in a statement on his X handle that he was deeply pained that the elder statesman passed at a time Nigeria was ” in dire need of honest and principled leadership.”

”His passing reminds us of the values we must reclaim to rebuild Nigeria,” said the former governor of Anambra State.

He described Kolade as ” a distinguished elder statesman, diplomat, and exemplary public servant whose life embodied integrity, discipline, and ethical leadership.”

Obi added that through remarkable service in business and diplomacy, Kolade ‘set enduring standards of professionalism and character that continue to inspire generations.’

Nigerian gospel singer Angel K has released the official video for her trending single, ‘Gratitude,’ a soulful expression of thanksgiving to God.

The five-minute track, which has been making waves across digital platforms, captures the singer’s signature style of worship and contemporary gospel rhythm.

Shot on a serene beachfront, the music video for Gratitude opens with scenic visuals that mirror the message of peace and appreciation that runs through the song. With energetic dancers complementing her performance,

Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Angel K described Gratitude as a personal testimony of God’s faithfulness.

‘This song came from a very deep place of reflection,’ she said. ‘There have been moments when I didn’t know how things would work out, but God showed up for me in ways I couldn’t imagine. Gratitude is my way of saying ‘thank You, Lord,’ not just for the big things, but even for the breath of life and the peace of mind I enjoy daily.’

The singer added that she hopes the song reminds listeners to remain thankful regardless of their circumstances.

‘In a world where so much is happening, we often forget to pause and thank God. I want this song to help people reconnect with that attitude of gratitude,’ Angel K added.

With this release, Angel K reaffirms her place as one of the promising voices in Nigeria’s contemporary gospel scene dedicated to spreading hope and praise through her music.

‘My goal is simple,’ she concluded. ‘To use my music as a light to uplift, to heal, and to remind people that God still answers prayers.’

Head coach Aliyu Zubairu has taken full responsibility for Flying Eagles heavy 4-0 defeat to Argentina in the round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup, admitting that an early goal destabilized his players and affected their approach to the match.

Speaking after the team’s massacre in Santiago, Zubairu said the team struggled to recover after conceding twice in quick succession, which allowed the South Americans to dictate the pace of the game.

‘I think the early goal is part of what destabilized us. We conceded at the early stage of the game, and even the second goal came not too far from the first,’ he said. ‘That was what brought about instability in our approach. I believe the boys didn’t display positive character, and the level of our fight wasn’t enough when we didn’t have the ball, which gave Argentina a lot of opportunities and spaces.’

The coach, however, refused to lay blame on his players, insisting he bears full responsibility for the team’s elimination.

‘I take responsibility for that and not the boys. When they win, I take responsibility, and when they lose, I do the same,’ Zubairu stated.

Nigeria’s defeat to Argentina ended their campaign at the U-20 World Cup, dashing hopes of a deep run in the tournament. The Flying Eagles had earlier impressed in the group stage with spirited performances, but their defensive lapses and lack of composure in front of goal proved costly against the Albiceleste.

The 49-year-old Zubairu, who previously worked as an assistant coach with the national U-17 setup, was appointed head coach of the Flying Eagles in 2024 and led the team through the qualifying stages to the U-20 World Cup. Despite the early exit, he remains optimistic that the experience will strengthen the young players for future international duties.

‘I’m proud of the boys,’ he added. ‘They’ve shown potential, but this level requires more mental strength and consistency. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.’

The defeat marks another disappointing end for Nigeria at the U-20 level as the team continues its search for a first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup title despite six previous appearances in the tournament’s quarterfinals.

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has spoken about his decision to keep the featured artists on his album ‘FUJI’ a secret.

In an interview on Cool FM, Adekunle said he wanted listeners to focus on the music rather than getting caught up in the hype surrounding the guest appearances.

Adekunle Gold emphasised that the music itself was the priority, stating, ‘The only thing that mattered was music, the song, not the optics of it, not who’s on it.’

By keeping the features under wraps, Adekunle Gold aimed to create a more immersive experience for his fans, encouraging them to enjoy the album from start to finish without distractions.

According to him, people have become too focused on the artists featured on a track rather than appreciating the music as a whole.

He said: ‘Because I feel like I feel like we’re so spoiled now that we just don’t even understand how to enjoy music anymore.

‘When I made my first album, I had only one feature. And was it my one of my greatest work? Yes. So I’m like, you know, I need to go back to simpler times when what matters to me is the music, not okay, who’s on it? Yeah, I need you to enjoy the music.

‘Whoever voice you hear on it and all of that. Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll reveal it later to you.

‘But first, before fixating on Oh, I need to listen to this one because somebody’s on it. Yeah, enjoy the journey. Yeah, I crafted this album intentionally.

‘That’s why I said, listen to it from top to bottom. Because that’s the only way normal people should listen to music.

‘Why would you want to skip just because there’s a feature there and then it makes no sense. I mean, because I make music and I am very intentional about how I make my music as well. So I hid the feature intentionally because I want to enjoy the music or do all the guesswork you want to do and all of that just enjoy the music. And then you can find out’.

Revenue-generating agencies will no longer keep a part of the funds, the Federal Government said yesterday.

The long-standing practice of cost-of-revenue-collection deductions has ended.

The move, according to the government, is aimed at promoting fiscal transparency and ensuring that more funds are available for national and subnational governments.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said this yesterday in Abuja during the launch of the National Development Update.

He explained that while Nigeria’s gross revenues have continued to rise, a substantial portion of the proceeds has been deducted as the cost of collection by agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

These deductions, he said, have not translated into tangible improvements in national development.

Edun said the review of the deductions is part of a broader fiscal reform agenda mandated by President Bola Tinubu.

‘Funds have flowed to the Federation Account, but the point is this – efficiency of that spending is critical,’ he said.

‘We have been mandated by His Excellency, Mr. President, to take a look at deductions – not just those for the cost of collection, but deductions generally.’

The minister noted that such deductions significantly reduce the actual amount distributable to the three tiers of government.

‘When you look at the gross figure, you see all kinds of deductions before you get to the net distributable figure, which goes to the federal, state, and local governments.

‘And I must inform you that even during the last FAAC allocation, most of those deductions have been removed once and for all,’ he stated.

According to him, the administration is now strictly enforcing the constitutional provision that mandates all revenues to be paid into the Federation Account before distribution according to the approved formula.

‘The Constitution says that funds should flow from revenue-collecting agencies into the Federation Account and be distributed according to the set formula – and that is what is now being done,’ he added.

Edun emphasised that the government’s fiscal reform drive is anchored on transparency, accountability, and efficient allocation of public resources to accelerate development at both the federal and state levels.

Beyond fiscal discipline, the minister also addressed ongoing social protection efforts, describing them as central to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He acknowledged that economic reforms have caused short-term hardship by raising the cost of living, but assured that measures are in place to protect vulnerable Nigerians.

‘The promise was that they would not be left to their own; they would not be left behind,’ Edun said.

‘We made sure that each person who benefits is biometrically and uniquely identified by name.

‘Kudos to the management of the Nigerian Identity Management Company.’

He explained that the social safety net programme uses a digital payment system to ensure transparency and accountability in delivering cash transfers to beneficiaries.

‘Once we had put in place the right technology and methodology, the programme took off.

‘We are still implementing the first stage of the social safety net – the direct benefit transfers.

‘By the end of October, we will have covered about 10 million households, reaching 50 million Nigerians.

‘Long before the end of the year, the commitment is to have completed 50 million households,’ he said.

Edun also revealed that the National Economic Council has approved a ward-based development programme across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards to ensure that the benefits of reforms are felt at the grassroots.

‘That is where the connection will be – bringing the gains home, drilling down to ensure all Nigerians participate in a growing, stable, and positive trajectory of the Nigerian economy,’ he said.

The cost-of-collection arrangement, which the government now seeks to end, has historically served as a funding mechanism for revenue-generating agencies.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) retains about four per cent of royalties, rents, and other revenues it collects on behalf of the Federation Account.

Similarly, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) retained N254.82 billion in 2024 and is projected to receive N43.83 billion for the first half of 2025 as the cost of collection.

Until recently, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) received a seven per cent cost of collection from the Federation Account.

However, this was replaced in August 2025 with a four per cent Free on Board (FOB) levy on imports, following a directive by the House of Representatives.

The new levy now serves as the primary source of funding for Customs operations.

With the planned review and eventual removal of these deductions, the Federal Government aims to improve fiscal discipline, strengthen the Federation Account, and channel more resources toward infrastructure, social welfare, and sustainable development.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has called for supportive programmes and policies that would expand access to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health services for adolescent girls and young women in Akwa Ibom.

It also called for increased investment in the prevention, testing and treatment programs for the Human Immuno Virus and Sexually Transmitted Infection (HIV/STI) as well as comprehensive sexuality education, revealing that over 4000 young women aged 15-24 have been infected with HIV weekly with more than 3,300 of those cases in sub-saharan African.

The Nigeria Country Programmes Director of AHF, Dr Echey Ijezie made the call on Friday during the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child held at Community Commercial Secondary School, Ikot Oku, Ubo, Offot, Uyo. The theme of 2025 celebration is, ‘The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontline of crisis.’

Ijezie who stated that the event was aimed at protecting girls from HIV, honor their achievements, and reinforce the urgent need to expand opportunities for them to thrive and stay healthy, lamented that young girls still face challenges of poor menstrual health and limited access to reproductive health services.

He, therefore called for actions to address period poverty, promote comprehensive sexuality education, and combat gender-based violence and child marriage which he termed as key drivers to health inequality.

‘International Day of the Girl, observed annually on October 11, is a time to celebrate girls’ accomplishments, amplify their voices, and advocate for policies that protect their health and futures. Through its Girls Act program, AHF empowers girls and young women in nearly 40 countries with the knowledge, support, and resources to remain free from HIV and other STIs, adhere to treatment for girls living with HIV, stay in school, and avoid unplanned pregnancies.’ The statement partly read.

In her Keynote address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Akwa Ibom, Hon Inibehe Silas Etukudo said despite the challenges girls face in the state,they are still breaking barriers in all their endeavors demonstrating that crises do not define them; instead, they shape solutions.

The Commissioner promised to create opportunities where their voices and ideas would be heard, their leadership nurtured, and their potentials unleashed even as she revealed that the state was working towards securing funding and programs that would empower girls-from scholarships to health initiatives.

She added, ‘Education remains the cornerstone of this vision. Every girl in Akwa Ibom deserves access to quality education, free from obstacles like poverty or early marriage. We must also prioritize their health, ensuring access to menstrual hygiene resources and mental health support so they can flourish. We must stand firm in protecting them from gender-based violence and discrimination, creating a state where every girl feels safe to soar.’

Speaking with the State Cordinator of AHF, Dr. Ekemini Essien, he observed that girls all over the world are disproportionately affected by HIV AIDS and faced with a lot of abuse with very little opportunities unlike their male counterparts. He said authorities should as a matter of urgency address the issue by empowering girls with neccessary tools, knowledge and skills to excel.

Essien encouraged the girls to be resilient and focused for a secured future.

On her part Jessica Charles, the linkage Cordinator of AHF in the state harped on the need for a girl-child empowerment. She said empowerment must not be economic, but in terms of access to right information, healthcare, education and taking decisions. She charged the girls to always stand tall and speak up against any form of abuse

‘This is not the time when you should be shy about how you feel about your reproductive health. Speak up against any abuse. I know a lot of girls are abused, and their parents are covering up, please speak up, because there will always be somebody out there who wants to champion your cause.’ She admonished.

In an interview with one of the participants, Rhoda Vincent, she thanked AHF for identifying with the girl child and going further to empower them especially in Sexual Health Right and gender equality.

Vincent who is the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State Children’s Parliament, reminded girls of their role as change makers and world movers even as she charged them to remain focused and dedicated not forgetting to take their menstrual hygiene seriously.

Highpoint of the occasion was the distribution of disposable and reusable sanitary pads, toiletries and talk on menstrual hygiene.

An international businessman and Chairman of Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF), Hareter Babatunde Oralusi, yesterday joined Osun State 2026 governorship race in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oralusi, a governorship candidate of Action Alliance (AA) in 2014, who later joined APC, declared his intention in his hometown, Ile-Ife.

He assured the citizens that he would prioritise welfare.

He urged youths to use his ambition to reclaim their destiny by enthroning accountability, transparency and prosperity in moving Osun State forward.

Oralusi said: ‘Our resources must serve the people, not the privileged few.’

He said if he emerged as the candidate of APC, he would defeat Governor Ademola Adeleke and enthrone progressives ideology in the state from 2026.

‘I will align my programme with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to move Osun State forward. Today, Nigeria is at the dawn of a new era. Under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu, we are witnessing the birth of a New Nigeria – a nation grounded in progressive governance and innovation.’

Oralusi emphasised the need for Osun State to complement Federal Government’s national reforms with local initiatives that would transform the state into a productive, modern and prosperous state that would contribute meaningfully to the New Nigeria agenda.

The 54-year-old business tycoon declared that ‘the era has come when godfatherism must give way to a new dawn of accountability, transparency and shared prosperity.

He lamented over statistics of unemployed youths in Osun State, noting that he would bring idea that would create jobs and make life meaningful for residents.

‘I want to assure our youths that I will tackle unemployment. Currently, 85 per cent youths are unemployed in Osun State. It is alarming, but if elected I will tackle this menace,’ he said.

He also promised innovative solutions to governance challenges.

Oralusi’s entry adds to the list of APC aspirants seeking to challenge incumbent Governor Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2026.

The former southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Denge. Josef Onoh, has exonerated the Department for State Services (DSS) of any blame on the screening of the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji.

Onoh, while addressing newsmen in Abuja, said that the act of consistently asking nominees for public office to go for DSS screening is wrong and total abuse of the functions of the organization which he said should be stopped immediately.

He advocated that Nigeria should step up to a globally accepted practice and grow beyond the third world country practices.

‘ Involving the DSS was a practice by the military junta because the Constitution was suspended. Hence, the unconstitutional act became normalised and continued by the democratic government.

‘It is not the constitutional duty of the Nigerian Department of State Services (DSS) to screen the educational qualifications of a president’s nominee for public office,’ Onoh maintained.

He stressed that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) does not assign such responsibility to the DSS but outlines distinct roles such that the President nominates individuals for offices like ministers (under Sections 147 and 154), and the Senate conducts the formal screening and confirmation process to assess suitability, including qualifications.

‘Educational credentials for such nominees are typically verified by the issuing institutions (e.g universities) or through Senate inquiries during hearings, not by the DSS.’

Referring to the Constitutional Framework, said that the DSS’s Mandate is established under the National Security Agencies Act (Cap N74 LFN 2004).

‘The DSS’s core functions focus on internal security, counterintelligence, and protecting senior officials such as preventing crimes threatening national security. The Nigerian Constitution does not explicitly detail DSS duties but embeds them within broader executive powers (Section 5). It does not include vetting educational qualifications as a statutory obligation.’

Onoh said that the Nominee Screening Process under Section 147(2) requires Senate confirmation for ministerial nominees within 21 days, emphasizing the legislature’s role in evaluating fitness.

‘The Senate Rules (Order 44) guide this, often involving CV reviews, asset declarations (per Section 149), and public hearings where qualifications like degrees or NYSC certificates are probed. Past controversies (e.g., allegations against nominees like Kemi Adeosun or Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo) were handled via Senate scrutiny and institutional verifications, not DSS-led probes.’

He maintained that the role of the DSS in educational screening of public office nominees is an act that’s Practice vs. the Constitution because in practice, the executive (via the President’s office) often requests informal security clearances from the DSS for nominees, which may incidentally touch on credentials if they raise security red flags such as forgery linked to fraud.

‘Examples include the DSS clearances for 2024 ministerial nominees like Bianca Ojukwu, signaling no security objections before Senate screening. Historical cases, such as the 2015 Buhari administration, sending lists to DSS for preliminary checks. However, these are administrative conveniences, not constitutional imperatives.’

Onoh gave instances on DSS involvement in non-security screenings like Senior Advocate of Nigeria elevations. He said that such expansions exceed the DSS’s statutory scope under the NSA Act, potentially violating ultra vires principles. The Constitution prioritizes Senate oversight to prevent executive overreach.

‘If a nominee’s educational qualifications are in doubt, the Senate can demand direct evidence from bodies like the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or universities, as seen in the 2023 Tinubu cabinet screenings where three nominees faced delays over certificate verifications.

‘Even the US Secret Service does not screen educational qualifications of a President’s nominees for public office. Its primary role is protective and investigative, focusing on the safety of the president, vice president, candidates, and other designated individuals under 18 U.S.C. § 3056, as well as financial crimes like counterfeiting.

‘Background checks for nominees are handled by other agencies, such as the FBI, and educational verification is typically done by the nominating president’s White House staff, the Office of Presidential Personnel, or Senate confirmation committees.

For instance, the Secret Service’s background investigations apply to its own applicants (e.g., for special agent roles, which include education reviews for hiring qualifications), but not to public office nominees. Nominees undergo separate vetting through the Senate’s confirmation process, where educational credentials are examined as part of ethics and qualification reviews, but this is unrelated to the Secret Service.

‘Nigeria can never progress as a country if all organs of government continue to place wrong procedural acts that undermine the constitution,’ Onoh concluded.