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Concerned tanker drivers from different parts of the country have raised the alarm over public statements attributed to a faceless group operating under the platform of the PTD Elders Forum.

They accused the group, which they noted is not recognised by the PTD bylaws or the NUPENG Constitution of spreading falsehood to the public.

Recall that Comrades Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, President and General Secretary of NUPENG respectively, had in a statement on Sunday alerted the public and security agencies that the so-called PTD Elders Forum are infiltrators with a sinister motive to cause disaffection within the ranks of the genuine leadership of the Tanker Drivers Branch of NUPENG.

The NUPENG leaders also disclosed that Comrade Augustine Egbon is the duly elected National Chairman of the PTD-NUPENG, chosen by members at its Branch Delegates Conference held in Lagos on July 3, 2024.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Friday, tanker drivers from Kaduna, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Warri Zones disowned the PTD Elders, insisting that they are impostors masquerading as tanker drivers.

One of the drivers from the Kaduna Zone, Comrade Bashir Izalan, said he was surprised that a faceless group was laying claim to PTD-NUPENG membership.

He said:

‘We don’t have anything like PTD Elders in the hierarchy of PTD-NUPENG. We don’t know them.

The only recognised national chairman we know is led by Comrade Egbon.

His leadership is transparent, he gives us a sense of belonging because we can go anywhere in the country and feel at home. If we fall sick, we have insurance and hospitals where we would be treated.

If we have any problem either with our company or vehicles, the union is always ready and willing to solve the problem because drivers can approach any unit close to them at any point in time, explain themselves, and the union will stand up and rescue them. Even if you load in Lagos and go to Kano or Kaura Namoda, there is somebody to take care of your problems there.

So, the union is always handy and ready to come to our aid and solve our problems even before owners of the trucks know about them.’

Speaking on behalf of tanker drivers in the Lagos Zone, Comrade Itanola Abiodun told reporters that the impostors do not belong to the union and appealed to security agencies to fish them out for prosecution.

According to him:

‘Everybody who belongs to a union has a unit and zone where that unit is located. Then, they have a PTD branch. Those units where they claimed they come from do not exist. We in those zones do not know them.

Their names are not known to us at all. They should mention the units they belong to for discerning minds to vouch for their authenticity.

They cannot even say the units or zones they belong to. They are not speaking for us. They are impostors, hired to wreak havoc in our union.

We all have a sense of belonging in PTD. We want to be part of PTD-NUPENG because the leadership of our umbrella body, NUPENG, gives us a sense of belonging and is always there for us when we have challenges with our employers.’

Also contributing, Comrade Chukwudi Okafor from the Port Harcourt Zone dismissed the claim that the leadership of PTD-NUPENG feeds fat on check-off dues and loading fees paid by tanker drivers.

Dismissing the allegation as unfounded and unfair, he told journalists that the money generated from check-off dues and payments for loading at depots is used to address the welfare of tanker drivers, particularly for health insurance and other pressing needs. He noted that such payments are made by truck owners (NARTO), not the drivers.

He said:

‘Why are they complaining about money? Are they the ones paying? They know the benefits of our paying the money and we are very comfortable with them.

It is from that money that they take care of everything we need outside our comfort zones, including hospital bills and other unforeseen issues.

We have implicit confidence and trust in what they are doing with our money, and as beneficiaries, we have no reason whatsoever to suspect or accuse them of wrongdoing. Even if we have a problem or run short of allowances, we approach PTD and they come to our rescue without delay.

We, drivers from different zones in the country, know the benefits of NUPENG and we are enjoying them.

We are appealing to the government to continue giving PTD-NUPENG all the necessary support to thrive because they are helping us to have that sense of belonging, and we are proud of them.’

Comrade Dennis Akore from the Warri Zone, however, gave a different perspective on the recent developments in the union.

He accused certain former members of the PTD Branch who lost out in the last delegate conference election held in Lagos of plotting to take over the leadership through the back door.

He said:

‘The impostors lost out in the election conducted in 2024. When they were in the union, they abandoned us to our fate. Majority of us tanker drivers benefitted nothing.

All they were after was what they would reap from the union, disregarding the best interests of truck drivers who do the main job. That was why we voted them out. They are now lamenting and sponsoring impostors to discredit PTD-NUPENG.

At a time, they connived and went to ambush our national officers in Abuja. They nearly lynched our leaders, and they are still facing criminal charges over that act till today. Security agencies should urgently round them up so that all their atrocities will be exposed.’

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed two Chinese supermarkets and eight cosmetics shops in Abuja for selling unregistered and harmful products.

In a statement posted on X on Friday, the agency said the enforcement in Jabi District and Wuse Market followed consumer complaints and surveillance operations.

Officials discovered food items labelled only in Chinese and cosmetics without proper registration, in violation of NAFDAC’s regulations on sale, distribution and labelling.

The supermarkets, located on Mike Akhigbe Way and Ebitu Ukiwe Street, were closed for breaching the agency’s labelling policy, which requires English translations for all products sold in the Nigerian market.

NAFDAC noted that the action was part of efforts to protect public health and curb the circulation of products that endanger consumers.

The statement reads, ‘NAFDAC Seals Chinese Supermarkets and Cosmetics Shops in Abuja for Selling Unregistered and Harmful Products

‘NAFDAC has sealed two Chinese supermarkets in Jabi District and eight cosmetics shops in Wuse Market, Abuja, for violating regulations on the sale, distribution, and labelling of regulated products.

‘The supermarkets, located on Mike Akhigbe Way and Ebitu Ukiwe Street, were shut down following consumer complaints and surveillance, which confirmed the sale of unregistered food items labelled only in Chinese, in breach of NAFDAC’s labelling policy, which requires English translations for the Nigerian market.’

Former Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adigun Hammed-Abiodun, has urged the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide all members of the party with a level playing field in the forthcoming congresses to improve governance in Oyo.

He maintained that internal democracy and unity remain the keys to the party’s success in future elections and effective governance in Oyo.

Speaking during a media interaction in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Hon. Adigun expressed confidence that the APC has the structure, grassroots support, and credibility to reclaim power in Oyo come 2027, but only if the party leadership prioritises fairness, inclusiveness, and reconciliation among aggrieved members.

Adigun noted: ‘We have what it takes to win Oyo in 2027, but that can only happen if we put our house in order for better governance in Oyo.

‘If the national and state leaderships ensure transparency in the congresses and allow the people to freely choose their leaders without imposition, then victory is certain.’

He added that many loyal APC members in Oyo State had been sidelined in recent years, leading to disenchantment and defections, but stressed that the time had come for genuine reconciliation and re-strategising ahead of the next general elections.

Hon. Adigun also called on party elders, stakeholders, and aspirants to put personal ambition aside and work collectively in the interest of the party and the people of Oyo State to ensure good governance in Oyo.

‘We must learn from our past mistakes. The people of Oyo are watching, and they want a focused, united alternative to the current administration. APC can be that alternative if we play our cards right,’ he concluded.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has cut its benchmark interest rate, the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), to 27 percent, signaling a cautious shift toward growth-focused monetary policy.

The decision, taken at the 302nd Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on September 22-23, 2025, underscores Nigeria’s intent to align with global trends as major central banks pivot toward easing after years of aggressive tightening.

The rate cut comes on the back of five consecutive months of disinflation, a stronger external reserve base, and accelerating economic growth. Headline inflation dropped to 20.12 percent in August, down from 21.88 percent in July, while the economy expanded by 4.23 percent in Q2 2025, buoyed by a 20.46 percent rebound in oil sector output.

‘The stability in the macroeconomic environment has offered headroom for monetary policy to support economic recovery.’

The move is expected to reduce borrowing costs, encourage credit expansion, and reinforce recovery momentum in Africa’s largest economy.

The MPR cut of 50 basis points, coupled with adjustments to the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and standing facilities corridor, represents a notable recalibration of monetary stance. The CRR for commercial banks was set at 45 percent, while a new 75 percent CRR on non-TSA public sector deposits was introduced to tighten liquidity management.

Analysts say these measures, alongside a stable liquidity ratio of 30 percent, are aimed at balancing growth ambitions with financial system stability.

For the private sector, the cut could bring relief. Lower rates are expected to ease financing costs for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and stimulate consumer demand. For government, the decision provides policy support to deepen private investment and sustain fiscal reforms.

But questions remain about transmission effectiveness. Historically, Nigeria’s high-risk lending environment has limited the extent to which rate cuts translate into cheaper credit for businesses and households.

Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, described the CBN’s decision as ‘tactically appropriate,’ given moderating inflation and relative exchange rate stability.

‘The CBN is simply seizing the opportunity provided by the disinflationary trend to stimulate the economy. But the success of this rate cut depends on whether banks can actually lend at lower rates and businesses can absorb that credit effectively,’ he said.

Rewane warned that while Nigeria is aligning with global easing, risks remain.

‘Globally, central banks are cutting rates to encourage growth, but Nigeria’s inflation is still above 20 percent. Without structural reforms to complement monetary easing, the benefits could be muted.’

For him, the cut is a signal, but real impact will depend on reforms in energy, infrastructure, and fiscal consolidation.

Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), welcomed the move, stressing the importance of easing for Nigeria’s overburdened private sector.

‘This is a step in the right direction. Businesses have been grappling with double-digit lending rates that often exceed 30 percent. The reduction in MPR sends a positive signal to the market and could help reduce financing costs, especially for SMEs,’ he said.

Yusuf argued that an excessive focus on inflation control has slowed growth and worsened unemployment.

‘Monetary policy must strike a balance. For too long, the emphasis has been on price stability, often at the expense of growth. This easing shows that the CBN is beginning to prioritize recovery and job creation, which is critical at this point.’

He also called for complementary fiscal measures-tax incentives, infrastructure spending, and investment in production-to reinforce the effect of monetary easing.

Also, the CEO of The CFG Advisory, Mr. Tilewa Adebajo, emphasized that Nigeria’s move mirrors a wider global shift.

According to him, ‘We are seeing the U.S. Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and several emerging market central banks pivot toward easing after extended tightening cycles. Nigeria is essentially aligning with this global trend,’ Adebajo observed.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s stronger external reserves, now at $43.05 billion with an import cover of 8.28 months, and a current account surplus of $5.28 billion, provide a buffer against potential capital outflows.

‘The stronger reserves and a surplus current account give Nigeria some room to maneuver. But policymakers must remain vigilant because global uncertainties-ranging from geopolitical tensions to commodity price volatility-could quickly change the outlook,’ he said.

According to Adebajo, investor confidence depends on policy consistency:

‘This decision signals to investors that Nigeria is committed to supporting growth while managing risks. But execution and credibility remain paramount.’

Nigeria’s rate cut comes amid a wave of global monetary easing. In the U.S., the Federal Reserve has hinted at rate cuts as inflation cools and labor markets soften.

The European Central Bank (ECB) lowered rates earlier this year to counter weak growth in the Eurozone.

In emerging markets, Brazil, Chile, and South Africa have also begun easing after years of steep tightening.

By moving in tandem, Nigeria ensures its policy stance does not become a drag on competitiveness or capital flows.

The CBN’s easing was enabled by improved macroeconomic fundamentals: Headline inflation declined to 20.12 percent in August, with both food and core components easing; GDP expanded 4.23 percent in Q2, driven by oil sector recovery and resilient non-oil performance; Reserves rose to $43.05 billion, while the current account surplus expanded to $5.28 billion in Q2; Ongoing recapitalization has strengthened banks, with 14 institutions already meeting new capital thresholds.

Stakeholders believe that together, these factors provided the CBN with space to pivot toward growth without undermining financial stability.

But, despite positive fundamentals, significant challenges loom. The MPC flagged the build-up of excess liquidity in the banking system, largely from fiscal disbursements linked to improved revenues. If not managed, this could reverse the disinflation trend.

Other structural hurdles include: Inadequate infrastructure, particularly in power and logistics.

A high level of informality, limiting monetary policy reach; Shallow credit penetration, which restricts transmission of rate cuts into real economic activity; Externally, Nigeria remains exposed to global uncertainties: geopolitical conflicts, commodity price swings, and volatility in capital flows.

The MPC projects further disinflation in the months ahead, supported by stable exchange rates, subdued energy prices, and the harvest season’s boost to food supply. If these projections hold, the CBN may have more room for easing in late 2025.

Still, analysts caution that monetary easing alone is insufficient. Broader economic reforms are needed to unlock growth.

As Rewane succinctly noted:’Cutting rates is the easy part. Ensuring that the cut translates into real growth is the harder challenge.’

The CBN’s decision is both symbolic and strategic. It signals Nigeria’s intent to stimulate growth, deepen credit markets, and attract investment, while also aligning with global monetary trends.

Yet, the true test will be execution. Without policy consistency, structural reforms, and coordination with fiscal authorities, the easing could fall short of expectations.

For now, the move has been welcomed as pragmatic. As Tilewa Adebajo put it, ‘Nigeria is finally moving in step with the global orchestra of monetary easing.’ The challenge ahead is ensuring that this harmony produces real, inclusive, and sustainable growth for the Nigerian economy.

Disqualified Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Faith Adewale, professionally known as Faith, has received a warm embrace from his father, who reassured him of unwavering love and support despite the setback.

In a now-viral video on social media, Faith’s father encouraged him with uplifting words, saying, ‘Don’t worry, you’re great, don’t worry, you’ve done well, no doubt about that. You are fantastic. We love you. It shall continue to be well. Nobody can truncate your destiny.’

Faith was disqualified on Thursday following a heated altercation with fellow housemate, Sultana, which turned physical, a violation of the show’s no-violence rule.

The organisers immediately ordered his removal from the house.

The disqualification makes it 9 housemates remaining in the house for the finale.

The lingering controversy over control of Osun State’s local government allocations took another twist on Thursday as the 30 elected council chairmen secured a fresh court order against UBA, freezing bank accounts earlier opened by the sacked APC council bosses.

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, presided over by Justice A. L. Akintola, granted the interim injunction in an ex-parte motion brought by the elected chairmen. The order restrains UBA from paying, releasing, or tampering with funds deposited in the 30 local government accounts where the CBN controversially lodged statutory allocations belonging to Osun councils.

The Certified True Copy (CTC) of the order, signed by the Principal Registrar of the Oyo State High Court, Mrs. B. O. Somide, was issued on 2 October 2025 and obtained by reporters on Friday.

The claimants, led by Hon. Sarafadeen Awotunde and five others on behalf of all the 30 council chairmen and councillors in Osun State, argued that unless the court intervened urgently, the funds could be dissipated illegally by the ousted APC chairmen, causing irreparable harm to the lawful administrations of the councils.

In his ruling dated 2 October 2025, Justice Akintola agreed that the matter required urgent judicial intervention.

‘Having carefully considered the claimants/applicants’ motion ex-parte together with the supporting affidavits and exhibits, this court is satisfied that the claimants/applicants have successfully made out a case for urgent and timely intervention, as any delay in granting the interim orders might foist irreversible harm on them,’ the judge declared.

Consequently, the court granted:

An order of interim injunction restraining UBA from paying, releasing, disbursing, or tampering with funds in the disputed local government accounts.

An order of mandatory injunction mandating UBA to place a ‘Post No Debit’ (PND) lien on the affected accounts pending the hearing of the substantive motion on notice.

The affected accounts include those of all 30 local governments in Osun State, from Atakumosa East to Osogbo Local Government Area, each identified by name and account number with UBA.

The suit, filed as Suit No. 1/1167/2025 at Court No. 5 of the Ibadan Judicial Division, was moved by counsel to the claimants, Olalekan Adeoye Esq.

Justice Akintola adjourned the hearing of the substantive motion on notice for interlocutory injunction to 9 October 2025.

This latest ruling comes amid heightened tension over Osun’s local government allocations, with the rival camps of sacked APC chairmen and the current elected PDP chairmen locked in a fierce legal battle.

The state government had, on Friday last week, obtained a similar injunction against the accounts in a case instituted by the Attorney-General of Osun State.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has rejected claims that Islam is aimed at capturing political power in Nigeria, insisting that its focus is on promoting good governance.

He made this known in Abuja at the unveiling of the book ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Lucky Irabor (rtd).

‘I also want to correct the notion when Bishop (Matthew) Kukah talked about Islamism. You use some words maybe in the wrong manner, or somebody might feel Islamism is negative.

‘Islamism is not aimed at seizing power at any particular forum. Islam is after good governance in society,’ he stated.

The monarch recalled how former President Goodluck Jonathan received full support from Muslims during his administration, stressing that religion was never used as a tool against him.

‘When President Goodluck Jonathan was President, we gave him 100 per cent support. Throughout his presidency, nobody said anything negative against him; he knows that, and he is here.

‘So, Islamism is not what you think it is; it is a wrong notion that you are bringing up here that it is to seize power. It is not to seize power. We’re after good governance,’ he added.

He explained that Muslims are guided by a clear code of conduct rooted in the Quran, Hadith, and the consensus of clerics, stressing that Islam rejects extremism.

‘And these are written. So, we have a code of conduct; we have ways and means of life; the Holy Quran and the Hadith of our most noble Prophet (SA), and the consensus of the Ulama, that is, the clerics.

‘These are the three things guiding us. Anybody coming outside these to say things that he really doesn’t know about is not for Islam because Islam abhors extremism.

‘You cannot be an extremist and then claim to be a good Muslim. So, let’s learn some of these issues, and then when we are talking about insecurity in our great country, we have to be careful in how we say things, how we present them.

‘So, let’s come closer as one big family with different backgrounds to forge ahead to make this country a better country, because there is nothing anybody can do,’ he stated.

The Sultan, who is also Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, further dispelled the perception that Jihad promotes violence against non-Muslims.

‘Jihad is not to kill a non-Muslim by a Muslim. Jihad means to strive, and in whatever you do in life, you strive to be the best you can be.

‘You strive to be a good Muslim, you strive to be a good Christian, you strive to be a good farmer, or a good engineer.

‘So, Jihad is not to kill a non-Muslim; that’s a wrong notion people have been airing out for decades,’ he added.

He commended General Irabor for his service to the country and for documenting his experiences as a military officer who played a key role in the fight against insecurity.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that its sweeping monetary and foreign exchange reforms over the past two years have restored investor confidence, stabilised the naira, and laid the foundation for long-term growth.

Governor Olayemi Cardoso, delivering the keynote at the Lagos Business School’s P

leadership lecture on Friday, recalled the precarious economic situation he inherited in 2023 when inflation was spiralling, reserves were strained, and investor confidence had collapsed.

‘It was a moment that demanded not just technical skill, but leadership rooted in courage, credibility, and accountability. We had to act decisively,’ he said.

According to him, the CBN raised rates by over 800 basis points to tackle inflation, halted central bank overdrafts beyond statutory limits, unified the exchange rate, and cleared a backlog of foreign exchange obligations.

The apex bank also strengthened reserves, now above $42 billion, and launched new channels for diaspora remittances.

The results, Cardoso said, are beginning to show. Inflation, which had peaked near 35 percent, has moderated to about 20 percent. GDP grew 4.2 percent in the second quarter of 2025, capital inflows are rebounding, and Nigeria’s sovereign credit outlook has improved.

‘These shifts suggest more than a cyclical adjustment. They mark the outlines of a developmental inflection point where investor confidence is being rebuilt and Nigeria positions itself for structural renewal,’ he said.

The CBN governor, however, cautioned that the gains must be translated into durable prosperity. ‘This is only the beginning. The real task is ensuring these hard-won improvements translate into jobs, stability, and long-term growth for the next generation,’ Cardoso added.

Earlier in her welcome address, Professor Olayinka David-West, Dean, Lagos Business School, Pan Atlantic University, noted that the CBN Governor’s Lecture Series is a flagship platform and part of the Governor’s Knowledge Acceleration and Thought Leadership Initiative, which is central to the Central Bank’s strategy of deepening public understanding and strengthening monetary policy transmission.

She recalled that two years ago, at the Senate Confirmation Hearing, the Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, and his Deputy Governors promised compliance, accountability, and transparency, thus noting that the lecture was a fulfillment of the promise and a framework for such accountability.

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday, performed the official commissioning of the 100-bed capacity ultra-modern mother and child specialist hospital in Gombe.

The hospital, named in her honour, is part of the government’s efforts through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Tinubu ‘has opened doors to life, hope and a brighter future for women and children of Gombe and beyond.’

She emphasised that maternal and child health remains at the heart of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to ensure every Nigerian child has a healthy start in life.

‘It is my belief that this facility will provide quality health services, reduce maternal and infant mortality and bring relief to countless families,’ the First Lady said.

She expressed profound gratitude to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, his wife Hajiya Asma’u, and the people of Gombe for naming the hospital after her, commending the Governor’s sustained commitment to healthcare development.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, in her remarks, said the project underpins Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 which focuses on good health and well-being.

The inauguration was attended by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, his wife, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and other dignitaries.

A former acting governor of Ekiti State, Tunji Odeyemi has emerged as the new state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Odeyemi was elected during the state Congress of the party held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital which was attended by delegates and party stakeholders across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state. It was witnessed by security agencies

He scored 936 votes to defeat his challenger and a former state legal officer of the party, Sunday Olowolafe who garnered 290 votes.

Delivering his acceptance Odeyemi commended the party leaders and delegates for the overwhelming support in leading the State Working Committee in the state, noting that the confidence reposed in him would not be betrayed.

He saluted the courage and commitment of all the contestants towards the growth and progress of the PDP, soliciting the support of all stakeholders in a bid to reposition the party for success during the 2026 governorship election. According to him, ‘ My emergence today is not about Tunji Odeyemi. It is about the PDP family in Ekiti reclaiming its rightful place as the true voice of the people, the hope of the common man, and the credible alternative for good governance. We must therefore put behind us the divisions of the past and focus on unity, discipline, and loyalty to the ideals of our party.

‘ Our state, Ekiti, is in dire need of rescue from maladministration, poverty, and neglect. The PDP must rise to this challenge and provide the leadership that our people are yearning for. We will strengthen our grassroots structures, empower our youths and women, and ensure internal democracy where every member has a sense of belonging.

‘ As your Chairman, I pledge fairness, inclusiveness, and transparency in all our dealings. I will run an open-door policy where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. Together with the State Working Committee, we will reposition PDP in Ekiti to win elections and deliver dividends of democracy to our people.

‘ Finally, I call on every member of our great party to close ranks. Let us speak with one voice, march with one spirit, and labour with one purpose,to return PDP to Government House, Ado-Ekiti, and restore prosperity, dignity, and hope to our people.’