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The Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Nigerian Army, Major-General Jamal Abdulsalam, has declared that soldiers in Nigeria currently enjoy the best welfare since the establishment of the force.

He credited the development to the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who, from the outset of his tenure, placed soldiers’ welfare as his top priority.

Abdulsalam made the remarks in Port Harcourt after inaugurating newly completed blocks of 18 rooms and flats built by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, as transit accommodation for officers and staff at Bori Camp.

Abdulsalam said, ‘The welfare of soldiers has never been as good as it is now since the creation of the Nigerian Army. Many welfare aspects of the soldiers have been tackled.

‘The ration cash allowance of soldiers has been doubled since the Chief of Army Staff came. Many issues that have to do with soldiers have been handled; their medical and accommodation, including the education of their wards and children. All the things provided for them are excellent, top-notch’.

Abdulsalam, the immediate past GOC of 6 Division, said the transit accommodation codenamed Python Camp was in line with the command’s philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff on staff welfare.

He said, ‘You can see that everything within the complex is meant for soldiers. He has been able to build this edifice that will accommodate nothing less than 40 to 50 soldiers.

‘It is a commendable project and this is what the army is all about everywhere. Everybody wants to emulate what the Chief of Army Staff is doing’.

In his remarks, the GOC 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah lauded the achievements of his predecessor in the division, saying that the project was done in the spirit of continuity.

Addressing Abdulsalam, the GOC said, ‘It is an addition to the laudable achievements recorded under your command, and it reflects the drive to align with the Chief of Army Staff command philosophy as it relates to troops’ welfare, the provision of befitting living and working conditions.

‘The project stands as tangible evidence of continuity, growth, and sheer commitment to the well-being of our personnel.’

He said construction work was also ongoing on a 60-unit block of flats within the Division, adding that the project was designed to address the accommodation deficit faced by officers and to complement the solid foundation his predecessor laid during his tenure.

Emekah said the legacies of Abdulsalam remained enduring and assured him that they would be preserved and improved upon

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths and consolidating economic reforms, as the country marked its 65th Independence Anniversary.

In a national broadcast from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu described young Nigerians as the ‘greatest assets’ of the nation, urging them to dream big and innovate across science, technology, sports, arts, and the creative sector.

The President highlighted several initiatives rolled out to support education, entrepreneurship, and youth development.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had so far disbursed N99.5 billion in student loans and N44.7 billion in upkeep allowances to about 510,000 students across 228 higher institutions in the country.

‘Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high.

‘We created NELFUND to support students with loans for their educational pursuits. Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions,’ he said.

He added that the Credicorp scheme had granted N30 billion in affordable loans to 153,000 Nigerians for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, and digital devices.

Similarly, he said the YouthCred programme, launched in June, had begun offering consumer credit to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to aid their resettlement.

Tinubu further noted that the investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, jointly implemented with the Bank of Industry, African Development Bank, French Development Agency, and Islamic Development Bank, was at the verge of full implementation.

This, he said, was to support the technology and creative sectors.

On the state of the economy, the President admitted that ongoing reforms had caused temporary pains, with inflation and high living costs affecting citizens.

‘The alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option.

‘ Sacrifices made were laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand,’ he said.

He said the real measure of progress would be seen not only in statistics but also in food security, quality education, reliable electricity supply, and safer communities.

Tinubu urged state and local governments to complement federal efforts by boosting productivity, innovation, and enterprise.

‘Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first,’ he declared.

The President assured citizens that the dawn of a new, prosperous, and self-reliant Nigeria was within reach, calling on all Nigerians to support the nation-building process.

It was with mixed feelings that I received the recent report of a heavy fine imposed on Amazon over a business practice infraction. After a two-year legal tango, the American online shopping giant was ordered by a U.S. court to pay a historic $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Amazon was accused in 2023 of tricking consumers into signing up for its Prime subscription service and then made it hard to cancel.

It was established that Amazon used sophisticated subscription traps designed to manipulate consumers into enrolling in Prime, and then made it exceedingly hard for consumers to end their subscription.

For this, Amazon is required to pay a $1 billion civil penalty and provide another $1.5 billion in refunds to an estimated 35 million customers that were ‘harmed by their deceptive Prime enrolment practices’.

Not only did Amazon obey, it quickly unveiled remedial steps it was taking to be compliant with FTC rules. These include ‘clear and conspicuous disclosures’ about the terms of Prime during enrolment process and the ‘easy ways’ to cancel the programme.

For me, what is quite striking is the willingness shown by Amazon to obey the judgement and make restitution without any drama. Its response is consistent with the usual practice of corporates in the U.S. which clearly demonstrates a submission to the rule of law. This is unlike what happens elsewhere, particularly in Africa where these big corporate players behave like outlaws and often resort to all manner of dirty tactics to either stall or compromise judicial process in their respective country of operation. Sadly, they often engage indigenous lawyers without any form of patriotism to undermine their own fatherland.

The example of Amazon only reminds of the contrast of Meta found guilty of corporate atrocities in a place like Nigeria. With its footprints and fingerprints in many courts across the world, Meta can, in fact, rightly be described today as a serial international offender, often motivated by a carnal desire to maximise profit at the expense of the law.

Only in April here in Nigeria, many will recall that Meta was found guilty of heinous breaches including trading with the personal data of millions of unsuspecting Nigerians who use their platforms – Facebook and WhatsApp. The case was brought against them by Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Nigeria’s equivalent of U.S. FTC.

The fine imposed on Meta in April by the Nigerian tribunal was $220m, with June set as deadline for payment to the federal government.

Earlier in 2024, FCCPC had imposed the fine after due forensic investigation. But typically, Meta thumbed its nose in contempt. It filed an appeal at the tribunal. It took a whole year for the tribunal to review FCCPC’ argument and Meta’s defence before upholding the former.

But no sooner had the judgement been delivered than Meta arrogantly threatened to quit Nigeria, as if it was doing its Nigerian clients a favour. Of course, everyone knew it was all a bluff of a corporate Shylock caught pants down. Apparently realising how futile that was, Meta later resorted to the usual tactic to stall the wheel of justice: file a notice of appeal. Sadly, six months later, we have not heard anything about the case again.

But this is not how Meta behaves back home in America. In 2024, it was fined $1.4b in Texas for the same offence it was asked to pay a ‘chicken feed’ of $220m in Nigeria by FCCPC. The Texas court established that Meta had unlawfully collected and used facial recognition data from millions of Texans without their consent, violating the state’s Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI).

Elsewhere in Europe, it was also asked to pay $1.3 billion for violating E.U. Data Privacy Rules. In India, South Korea, France and Australia, Meta had faced varying penalties for similar breaches.

But note: wherever it was founded guilty of market abuse outside Africa, Meta promptly obeyed the order to make restitution. It never resorted to the cheap blackmail of threatening to exit those countries.

It is the reason I believe every patriotic and proud Nigerian should be outraged by this seeming apartheid policy by Meta. In the 70s, 80s and early 90s, Nigerians didn’t take kindly with the Apartheid policy in South Africa. No justification, therefore, to stomach a similar insult by Meta. Good enough, there are viable alternatives now promoted by the Chinese. If Meta is not ready to play by the rules set by regulatory authorities in Nigeria like they do in other jurisdictions, they should pack their bags and go where their shenanigans will be tolerated.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare and recognition of teachers in the country.

The government gave the assurance ahead of this year’s World Teachers’ Day, with the theme: Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession. The event is celebrated globally on October 5 to honour teachers and recognise their contributions to education and society.

The day was first proclaimed in 1994 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Education International (EI), and UNICEF, following the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the status of Teachers.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, spoke at a symposium in Abuja.

Alausa described teachers as the custodians of knowledge, the builders of character, and the architects of the nation’s future.

The minister applauded teachers for being the foundation of every profession, stressing that their sacrifices keep the country alive.

He said: ‘Honestly, you have the most important and the best profession in the country. Who makes a doctor? Who makes an engineer? Who makes a professor? It is the teacher. That is why the government is working assiduously to come up with better packages for you. Light is at the end of the tunnel.

‘For too long, teaching has often been practiced in isolation. But when teachers collaborate, students are the ultimate beneficiaries. They receive richer, more engaging instruction and witness firsthand the power of teamwork and shared responsibility.’

Alausa also assured teachers that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration was determined to provide the recognition, training, and support they needed to thrive.

‘When you want the highest quality of education, what do you need? A high-quality teacher. And when you want a high-quality teacher, what should you do? Give them the recognition, the support, the training, and the cooperation that they need,’ he added.

The minister praised teachers for producing world-class graduates who continue to excel globally.

‘Anywhere in the world, when they say a Nigerian student becomes a professional, they do so well. That’s the output of your work. We know we can’t pay you enough, but be proud of yourselves. On behalf of the President, I commend you for your sacrifices, your diligence, and your commitment to building our nation,’ Alausa added.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched the Renewed Hope Free Distribution of Mother-Baby Kits, a programme designed to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the six area councils of the FCT.

At the official flag-off held on Thursday at Asokoro General Hospital, the Minister of State for the FCT said the initiative, alongside the Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project, reflects a holistic vision of health under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

A total of 250 baby kits containing essential items for safe and hygienic delivery were distributed, along with 500 cooking gas cylinders to promote clean energy use. Each kit provides vital supplies to safeguard both mother and child during labour and neonatal care.

‘No woman should face childbirth without the tools and support she needs, and no child should begin life without adequate care,’ the minister stressed, describing the kits as a direct investment in maternal and child health.

The ‘Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project’ is aimed at replacing smoky fuels like firewood, charcoal, and kerosene with LPG cookers, reducing indoor air pollution and promoting healthier living conditions for families.

‘By tackling one of the silent but deadly health risks in our homes, we are protecting families, cutting deforestation, and advancing our clean energy transition,’ she noted.

She said the twin programmes build on recent FCT health reforms, from new oxygen plants and fistula centres to expanded insurance coverage, calling them ‘flagship models of innovation, equity, and public-private collaboration.’

The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said the launch marked ‘a significant milestone in our collective journey towards improving maternal and child health in the Federal Capital Territory.’

She noted that the official launch of the Renewed Hope Free Distribution of Mother-Baby Kits was not just a ceremonial occasion, but ‘A clear demonstration of the FCT Administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers and newborns across our communities.’

Explaining the rationale for the initiative, Fasawe said, ‘Every year, Nigeria continues to face unacceptably high rates of maternal and infant mortality. While we have made some progress, far too many women still lose their lives during childbirth, and too many newborns do not live to see their first birthday.

‘One major reason for these preventable deaths is the lack of access to clean, safe, and essential supplies during delivery. The Renewed Hope Mother-Baby Kit initiative is designed to bridge that gap.

‘By providing these kits free of charge, especially to the most vulnerable and underserved women in our rural and peri-urban communities, we are removing a significant barrier to safe motherhood.’

She explained that the programme was aligned with the Federal Government’s broader health reforms, saying, ‘This initiative is in line with the broader goals of the Federal Government’s health sector reforms, particularly under the Universal Health Coverage framework.

‘It also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3: ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.’ Today, we are all gathered to renew hope in accordance with this goal, ‘One Baby at a Time.’

She, however, urged the expectant mothers to be conscious of the health of the pregnancy they are carrying, saying, ‘This initiative is for you. We want you to know that your health matters and the life of your baby matters, and the government is here to support you every step of the way.

‘Let me encourage all pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics regularly, deliver in health facilities, and take full advantage of the services being provided.’

Fasawe, while appreciating partners, NGOs, health workers, community leaders, and frontline providers as the unsung heroes who bring the kits to life, urged both stakeholders and beneficiaries to remain steadfast in advancing better health outcomes for all.

‘As we officially launch the free distribution of Mother-Baby Kits today, let this serve as a renewed call to action. A call to strengthen our primary healthcare system, a call to prioritize maternal and child health, and a call to build a future where no woman dies while giving life. Together, we can make this vision a reality,’ she said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Baba Gana Adam, described the initiative as ‘a promise made and a promise fulfilled by the Administration of President Bola Tinubu, to restore and renew hope, deliver efficient healthcare, and protect the environment for future generations.’

He said the programme was symbolic of Nigeria’s Independence celebration, noting, ‘As we celebrate Nigeria’s Independence, this initiative is symbolic; we celebrate our future through these babies, while putting smiles on the faces of their parents with baby essentials, clean energy, and healthcare coverage.

‘Over 250 Baby Kits containing newborn essentials and 500 cooking gas cylinders have been distributed here today, and this is just the beginning.

‘No mother and no family will be left behind as we move round the six Area Councils under the Project Breathe Clean Air Abuja campaign and the One Baby at a Time initiative.’

Adam also used the opportunity to sensitize families on safe cooking gas use. ‘Always keep your cylinder in a well-ventilated area. Turn off the regulator when not in use. Never place cylinders near naked flames or direct sunlight. Check regularly for leaks and never use a matchstick to test. Keep children away from gas cylinders at all times.

‘With these safety measures, we can all enjoy the benefits of clean cooking while protecting our families and our environment.’

The Supreme Leader of the Natives – a conglomerate of ethics, languages and tribes in Nigeria, Hon. Olalekan Smart Edwards, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s investment in education is the game changer that will earn him massive votes for his re-election in 2027 from the Nigerian students.

He also acknowledged the commitment of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to the sector through her recent move to raise funds for the completion of the National Library building, a project initiated in 1981 but stalled for over two decades.

Edwards made the prediction during the unveiling of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Iconic Magazine and presentation of leadership award to him by the national leadership of the association in Abuja.

Aside from other lofty programmes and policies in the education sector of the administration, the Supreme Leader cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) introduced by Tinubu, which he said, has rekindled hope among Nigerian students, especially those who are indigent.

The former Students’ Union leader noted that if the past administrations had invested in education like the current administration, many students who dropped out from school or could not afford education would have gotten proper education.

Edwards noted that the Nigerian first family is conscious of the fact that once education is given, it can not be taken back, hence their massive investment in education and in the future and the Nigerian youth.

According to him: ‘It has now dawned on our youths that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not a joker. He is a man interested in our future. In the past, we fought so that education could be given to us. It’s now given to us freely.’

Commending the President for the NELFUND programme, Edwards said, ‘this singular policy has changed and enhanced the future of our students,’ adding that, ‘For that, you already know there’s no controversy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would get the students vote massively in 2027.

‘The husband (President) has introduced NELFUND, and the policy is changing lives and giving students the opportunity to go to school. The wife has decided to complete the construction of the National Library to give and add more to education.

‘That’s why on behalf of our organization (The Natives), we decided that I donate six million Naira to the library project through the Nigerian students’ bodies.

‘There are people who understand the dynamics, hard decisions, hard times, and the economy is taking shape. What I’m saying to you is that all over the world, they say you can deny people education so that you can impoverish them.

‘If that is their (students) only form of hope, then the hope is being renewed. So I assure you, the time will come for us, when as Natives, we will give a vote of confidence on the Precedent and the parliament led by Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.’

NANS National Secretary, Comrade Anzaku Shedrack Ovye, said the leadership award was giving in recognition of the immense contribution of Edwards in empowering Nigerian youths across the country.

He cited the recent empowerment of over 1,500 youths by the Natives to the tune of N250k, 000 as start-up capital in various trades and vocations.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday listed 12 remarkable economic milestones recorded by his administration as a result of the implementation of sound fiscal and monetary policies.

Exuding confidence about the workability and potency of his bold socio-economic reforms, he reiterated that Nigeria had finally turned the corner, adding ‘the worst is over.’

‘In the last 28 months of my administration, like our founding fathers and leaders, who came before me, I have committed myself irrevocably to the unfinished nation-building business,’ he said in his Independence Anniversary broadcast to the nation this morning.

President Tinubu, who urged Nigerians to team up with his government in accomplishing the unfinished task, assured Nigerians of great relief after the transient pains of reforms.

He hailed the endurance, support and understanding of Nigerians as his administration redirected the economy towards a more visible path, noting that their patience was not in vain.

The 12 milestones highlighted by the President are:

Record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue;

Restoration of fiscal health as manifested in reduced debt service-to-revenue ratio;

Stronger Foreign Reserve, increased tax-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio;

Increased export drive leading to the strengthening of the currency and job creation;

Increased oil production up to I.6 million barrels per day, and domestic refining; and

N330 billion social investment programme for poor households.

Others are:

Rise in coal mining activities;

Expansion of rail, road, air and sea transport infrastructure;

Improved sovereign credit rating through boom in oil stock market; and

Slash in interest rate for the first time in five years by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

President Tinubu, who reflected on the journey to nationhood from October 1, 1960, when the country achieved Independence, paid tribute to the sacrifice, devotion and vision of the founding fathers who fought for self-rule.

He noted that progress has not been static since, judging by the growth in the sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, financial services, telecommunications, information technology, aviation and defence.

Tinubu said life has been full of ups-and-downs for Nigeria in its 65 years of nationhood, as shown by its experience of a bitter and avoidable civil war, military dictatorships and major political crises.

He lamented that the country suffered ‘because we failed to make the necessary investments decades ago.’

President Tinubu said under his leadership, the economy is recovering fast because the reforms are delivering results.

He added: ‘In the second quarter of 2025, Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23 per cent- Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years – and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund.

‘Inflation declined to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, the lowest in three years. The administration is working diligently to boost agricultural production and ensure food security, reducing food costs.’

The President solicited patriotic spirit from Nigerians and canvassed civil engagements.

The President drew a relationship between security and economic growth, assuring that the anti-terror war would be fought with vigour.

He said: ‘The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe. They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.

‘We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram Terror in Northeast, IPOB/ESN terror in Southeast and banditry and kidnapping.

‘We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation. Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in Northwest and Northeast, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes.’

To the youth, the President said: ‘You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector.

‘Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high.

‘We created NELFUND to support students with loans for their educational pursuits. Approximately 510,000 students in 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.’

President Tinubu said under the Renewed Hope Agenda, equitable access to a better future has been guaranteed to Nigerians.

Acknowledging that the reforms are accompanied by temporary pains, he said ‘the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option.’

He assured that the resources saved and the stability built would be channelled into proper development.

President Tinubu said ‘we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just like the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports, by quickening the processing.’

He added: ‘In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes.

‘Let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation.’

Four players of the Golden Eaglets have been selected in the Group Stage’s Best X1 at the ongoing WAFU B U17 tournament by the competition’s Technical Study Group.

Captain David Edeh leads the quartet along with wing dynamite, Boluwatife Thompson, George Agha, the hat- trick hero against Benin Republic and defence marshal, Godwin Menyaga.

Agha won the MVP award in the game against Benin Republic, Thompson repeated same feat in the game against Burkina- Faso.

Yesterday night Nigeria filed out against the Black Starlets of Ghana with a place in the final and qualification for 2026 AFCON U17 tournament to be hosted by Morocco as a reward.

Meanwhile, Cote d’Ivoire booked the first ticket to the grand finale following a 2-1 win over the defending champions, the Young Etalons of Burkina- Faso in the first semi-final of the competition.

The Golden Eaglets lost 2-0 to Ghana’s Black Starlets in the second semi-final.

Actress Liz DaSilva has shared a harrowing experience where she nearly had an accident during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan.

In a video posted on Instagram, DaSilva said she had almost forgotten to remove metal pins from her wig before entering the machine, which uses strong magnets that can pull metal objects, causing injury or affecting results.

Liz explained that she was initially scared about undergoing the scan and informed the medical staff about her fears.

She said after removing her earrings, bra, waist beads, and chain, she nearly proceeded with the scan without remembering the pins in her wig.

‘Yes. Some things have to be posted on social media. For people to know where to step on and where not to step on. I had an appointment this morning for 10.40am. And I also have another appointment for 2pm. I had my hair done. On getting to my appointment, it’s an MRI appointment. When I got in, I was scared. And I made it known to the person attending to me that I was scared.

‘I was almost ready to go in. But I remembered that there is pins in my hair. There is pins in my wig. So, I had to quickly remind her that my wig has pins. She said, oh, I was about to ask you,’ Liz said.

Overcome with emotion, Liz broke down in tears, expressing gratitude to God for saving her from a potentially fatal mistake.

She said in Yoruba, ‘Truly, God saved me, I can say it boldly, anywhere. What would have happened? If God had not protected me, who knows, maybe I would have died’.

The new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has held a closed-door meeting with Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, at his Bodija residence, promising to intervene in the activist’s ongoing challenges.

According to a statement from Igboho’s media office, the meeting, which lasted about 40 minutes on Monday, focused on insecurity in the southwest and emerging threats by bandits in parts of Kwara state.

A source disclosed that Oba Ladoja, who received Igboho and his supporters warmly, assured him of his intervention regarding his current ordeals with the federal government.

During the visit, Igboho congratulated the monarch on his ascension to the throne, describing him as a leader loved across Ibadan, Yorubaland, and beyond.

He also expressed his willingness to work with the Federal Government to strengthen security in the South West, stressing that peace and stability are essential for development.

‘Olubadan has been a father figure to me since his days as the former governor of Oyo State. I commend Kabiyesi’s leadership qualities, humility, and enduring influence.

‘I have always seen Oba Ladoja as a father figure. His reign as Olubadan will no doubt further promote peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland and the entire Yorubaland.’