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A public affairs analyst Adebisi Adeyemo has raised concerns that Governor Seyi Makinde could leave Oyo State with substantial debt obligations that could constrain the finances of successive administrations after his exit in May 2027.

Adeyemo warned that repayment commitments from the state government’s reported ?400 billion borrowing and refinancing arrangements could extend beyond Makinde’s tenure potentially limiting future administrations’ capacity to provide essential public services.

He consequently challenged the governor to disclose the terms of the arrangements including repayment schedules interest rates and the projects to be financed within 24 hours.

His concerns followed the reported approval by the Oyo State House of Assembly on October 21 of a fresh ?100 billion loan from United Bank for Africa (UBA) and a ?300 billion facility to refinance an existing contractors’ financing arrangement with Access Bank.

According to him although the ?300 billion facility represents refinancing rather than entirely new borrowing the financial implications require public scrutiny particularly as the arrangement reportedly reduces the interest rate from 26 per cent to 22 per cent.

He noted that the fresh ?100 billion facility reportedly attracts a reviewable interest rate of 22 per cent with a repayment period of 48 months extending beyond the lifespan of the present administration.

Adeyemo maintained that while government borrowing for critical infrastructure including roads schools and hospitals could be justified residents must be adequately informed about the costs and expected benefits.

He questioned whether the state would inherit completed projects that could justify the commitments or outstanding liabilities that could undermine future development priorities.

The analyst therefore urged Makinde the state Ministry of Finance the Debt Management Office and the House of Assembly to publish the complete loan and refinancing agreements associated charges repayment schedules security arrangements and guarantees.

He also demanded the state’s current debt profile projected annual debt-servicing costs details of projects earmarked for the fresh ?100 billion loan cost-benefit assessments debt sustainability analysis and legislative approval documents.

Adeyemo challenged the House of Assembly to explain the financial scrutiny undertaken before approving the arrangements insisting that legislative oversight must extend beyond endorsing executive borrowing requests.

He clarified however that his 24-hour deadline was a public accountability challenge not a statutory requirement.

The analyst added that any contractual information considered confidential should include an explanation of the legal grounds for withholding it while other relevant documents should be made publicly accessible.

Citing Section 14(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 22 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 Adeyemo maintained that transparency and public welfare must guide decisions involving government resources.

He stressed that his intervention was neither an allegation of financial misconduct nor an expression of political hostility arguing that supporters and critics of the administration had a legitimate interest in understanding the state’s financial commitments.

‘Governor Makinde will leave office but Oyo State will remain. Political tenures expire; public financial obligations may not’ he said.

Adeyemo urged the government to provide documented explanations of the borrowing arrangements and their implications beyond 2027 stressing that residents deserved to know how long the state would service the obligations and their potential impact on future generations.

The governorship candidate of the BOOT Party in Ogun State Mr. Adekunle Adenuga has pledged dual pensions and welfare packages for workers in the State.

Adenuga a trained engineer declared that no other political party in Nigeria understood the needs of labour like the BOOT Party.

He made the remarks during a stakeholders’ engagement with the Ogun State Labour Union comprising representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress RATAWU NULGE the Automobile Association market men and women and other clusters.

The meeting held on Thursday in Abeokuta provided Adenuga the opportunity to listen to the concerns of workers and traders and outlined his vision for labour governance and economic empowerment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adenuga who described himself as a product of labour and a bearer of the labour spirit promised that his administration would ensure synergy between workers the judiciary and every other arm of government while maintaining the separation of powers.

He said his experience and professional background would be deployed to guarantee steady power supply across Ogun State adding that the state would become a model that other states would copy.

He also pledged to support mechanics with modern technologies and empowerment programmes and disclosed that he had been planning for market women and men for over six years saying it was time to unveil those plans.

The governorship candidate insisted that a worker is entitled to two pensions under his administration-one from the government directly and another from the establishment where the worker had served-and promised to achieve this dual pension framework.

He said the current system shortchanges workers who have given their best years to public service and that his government would correct the anomaly.

He also addressed the issue of Local Government autonomy saying it would not be ‘audio money’ as it is under the present government but would be implemented genuinely so that councils have real control over their resources and can deliver development at the grassroots.

The state chairman of the BOOT Party Architect Akerele in his remarks affirmed that any party ready for success must take workers as the best stressing that the BOOT Party’s commitment to labour is not rhetorical but rooted in policy. He said the party’s agenda for workers artisans and traders is the most comprehensive of any party in the race and that Adenuga’s background as a product of labour makes him the natural choice for Ogun workers.

The labour representatives expressed

appreciation for Adenuga’s engagement describing the session as one of the most substantive interactions they have had with any governorship candidate ahead of the election.

They said the BOOT Party candidate demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges facing workers and traders and noted that his promises on dual pensions power supply local government autonomy market empowerment and mechanics’ support addressed issues that have been neglected by successive administrations.

The engagement positions the BOOT Party as the party that speaks the language of labour and the masses and Adenuga as the candidate whose agenda is rooted in the everyday realities of Ogun workers-a distinction that could prove decisive when voters head to the polls in 2027.

All arrangements have been finalised for the first official visit of Oba Olusola Adebowale Lamidi-Osolo (Otenibotemole II) Olofin Adimula Oodua of Ado-Odo Kingdom to the Federative Republic of Brazil.

A statement issued by Amb. Omoba Adesoji Oluwasanya Talabi JP Chief Protocol Officer to the monarch stated that Oba Lamidi-Osolo would be leading a distinguished Nigerian delegation on the historic visit that also represents a milestone in strengthening the longstanding ancestral cultural and diplomatic ties between the Yoruba nation and Brazil.

During his stay His Majesty is scheduled to participate in a series of high-level engagements focusing on bilateral trade educational development municipal governance and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Speaking on the comprehensive programme of activities Talabi emphasised that the visit would serve as an important bridge for international cooperation creating opportunities for strategic dialogue and collaboration in trade and commerce academic exchange and the preservation of traditional heritage between Nigeria and Brazil.

The monarch is expected to hold high-level meetings with Secretaries of Culture prominent cultural leaders and several District Mayors (Prefeitos) across the host municipalities.

These engagements are intended to promote direct partnerships between cities strengthen institutional relationships and encourage mutually beneficial cooperation.

Oba Lamidi-Osolo will also serve as the Guest of Honor (Patrono de Honra do Dia) at the prestigious academic and cultural conference organised by the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) in partnership with SEPAD.

The programme will feature a scholarly symposium musical and theatrical performances documentary screenings and an awards ceremony. The conference will provide an important platform for dialogue on cultural identity historical connections and the preservation of African heritage.

He will also be gracing the Royal Lunch (Almoço Real com Sua Majestade) organised by the Centro Cultural Omo Yoruba. The distinguished royal cultural reception will bring together members of the Yoruba diaspora community leaders and other dignitaries to celebrate Yoruba heritage and strengthen cultural connections between Africa and Brazil.

The programme will include traditional musical presentations a documentary screening and an interactive audience session with the monarch offering participants an opportunity to engage directly with the royal guest and deepen their appreciation of Yoruba history values and traditions.

Joining the monarch on the trip are Eng. Edgar Alan Alcalá Peimbert Director of Ohun Abalaye Atijo House of Ifá in Mexico; Marcio de Jagun; Carolina Maira Morais; Aare Olusegun Daramola; Ifadare Ayedun Owoduni; Ogunsanya Abisoye; Nasir Kazeem; and Oyesile Oladimeji alongside other distinguished participants.

Their participation reflects the international reach of Yoruba cultural heritage and the shared commitment to strengthening relationships among cultural institutions traditional leaders and diaspora communities across continents.

The visit underscores the enduring historical connections between Africa and South America particularly the profound cultural legacy linking the Yoruba people with Brazil.

It seeks to encourage new opportunities for economic development educational collaboration institutional partnerships and cross-continental cultural exchange.

The visit stands as a testament to the enduring importance of traditional institutions in fostering international understanding cultural diplomacy and meaningful partnerships among nations.

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) have formally announced the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB).

The announcement was made during the AEB’s inaugural general meeting held in Abuja Nigeria on Saturday.

The creation of the Africa Energy Bank reaffirms African governments’ determination to secure their own energy future. This move is in recognition that significant investments in energy generation and transmission was required to accelerate industrial growth and to leverage the tremendous opportunities from emerging technologies particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

The Bank is being established at a time when the continent’s energy investment needs are estimated at US$200 billion. Traditional providers of short- and long-term financing to Africa’s energy sector are withdrawing funding from fossil fuels even as oil and gas remain vital to the continent’s energy systems. The Africa Energy Bank aims to bridge this financing gap while supporting a just energy transition for African countries.

With an authorised capital of US$5 billion the AEB will support projects across the energy value chain including exploration and production transportation processing refining and distribution. These investments are intended to strengthen productive capacity reduce reliance on imported petroleum products and promote intra-African trade in energy goods. The Bank’s mandate also includes promoting robust African participation in the continent’s energy sector to ensure that Africa’s energy future is shaped by Africans.

The AEB will operate as an independent supranational pan-African financial institution. It will seek to attract investments from governments national oil companies financial institutions and private investors to support energy development across the continent.

Resolutions passed at the first general assembly included the appointment of the Bank’s inaugural President Mr Helmy Ghazi and the formation of its first Board of Directors comprising members from the public and private sectors as well as leading policy institutions from across the continent.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has approached the court over the omission of its governorship candidate Hon. Ladi Adebutu from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The party said it was awaiting the commencement of proceedings in the case which it expects to begin this week.

Adebutu’s candidacy remains uncertain after INEC rejected his petition along with those of 63 other candidates on Thursday.

The situation is similar to that of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State Aminu Gwarzo whose petition was also rejected. However INEC cleared the candidacy of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Pantami the PDP governorship candidate in Gombe State.

Speaking with The Nation in Abeokuta the Ogun PDP Publicity Secretary Arch. Kayode Adebayo said the party would not disclose details of the court proceedings until the hearing commenced.

‘I don’t have the details; I don’t want to mislead the public. But I know that we are going to court this week.

‘The hearing will start; the case will commence this week. But I don’t have the actual date so I don’t want to be misquoted’ he said.

Adebayo urged party supporters to remain calm and confident that the matter would be resolved expressing optimism that Adebutu would eventually appear on the ballot in 2027.

He said the party believed in the judicial process and expected the court to hear and determine the case fairly.

‘If democracy is at play we believe that the court is the last hope of the people. We believe in the court process and we hope at the end of the day the case will be heard and fairly judged’ he added.

A senatorial aspirant in Zamfara State Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi has called for an end to what he described as the longstanding marginalisation of Zamfara North in the distribution of political offices.

He advocated greater equity in rotating senatorial representation arguing that qualified individuals from the district had been denied opportunities to serve in the National Assembly.

Shinkafi made the appeal during a media briefing at his residence in Samaru Gusau where he identified Shinkafi Zurmi and Birnin Magaji as well as nine political wards in Kaura Namoda as areas affected by the alleged political exclusion.

He said the district had produced professionals and experienced individuals including medical doctors consultants military generals and former ministers who were qualified to represent the people.

The aspirant questioned why political representation opportunities appeared to favour individuals from outside the district despite qualified candidates within Zamfara North.

According to him the situation had denied many capable people the opportunity to contribute to governance and lawmaking at the national level.

‘This is the time to end the nonsense of marginalisation. There should be equity and fairness in the sharing of political offices’ he said.

The aspirant particularly appealed to younger people to join the campaign for a more equitable distribution of political positions arguing that the same individuals should not hold political offices indefinitely.

Dr Shinkafi also questioned why people in their seventies should continue to occupy positions when younger and capable individuals in their thirties were equally qualified to serve.

He criticised what he described as the prolonged occupation of political and traditional positions saying there should be opportunities for new people to emerge and contribute to development.

The aspirant said his concern stemmed from an imbalance in the historical distribution of senatorial representation in Zamfara State.

He maintained that other marginalised parts of Zamfara North deserved a fair opportunity to produce a senator and should not continue to be sidelined in political arrangements.

Beyond the question of representation he lamented the state of basic infrastructure in the district particularly electricity water supply healthcare and education.

He said many communities still lacked reliable electricity and potable water while public hospitals were in poor condition.

The aspirant also expressed concern over the limited number of higher institutions serving the area arguing that inadequate educational opportunities had limited young people’s prospects.

‘With good education we can change the world. Education is something we must fight for’ he said.

He urged political leaders to prioritise development and to ensure that elected representatives were judged by their performance and contributions to their constituencies.

The aspirant said his campaign against marginalisation was driven by the need to secure equal political opportunities across all parts of Zamfara State particularly Zamfara North.

He called on younger people and other stakeholders to support the demand for equity and a fairer distribution of political offices.

Deputy President of the Senate Senator Barau Jibrin has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the January 16 2027 presidential election citing prevailing political developments and analysts’ assessments.

Barau spoke at the weekend during the inauguration of campaign committees for the Dawakin Tofa Tofa and Rimin Gado Local Government Areas of Kano State where he urged All Progressives Congress (APC) members to unite and mobilise support for the party’s candidates in the forthcoming elections.

In a statement by his media aide Ismail Mudashir the senator said the political permutations ahead of the election favoured Tinubu and he expressed optimism that the President’s policies and programmes would yield greater dividends in a second term.

‘Based on the assessments of political analysts and the current state of Nigerian politics all indications suggest that by Allah’s grace Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the presidential election’ he said.

Barau commended party leaders elected representatives Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other stakeholders for their support and expressed confidence that unity within the Kano APC would be sustained.

He said Kano as one of the country’s largest states and second only to Lagos in registered voters deserved greater attention and development opportunities from the Federal Government.

The Deputy Senate President described Governor Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the APC as a strategic political decision that had strengthened Kano’s relevance at the national level and improved its prospects of attracting development projects.

He said aligning the governor local government chairmen councillors state lawmakers and members of the National Assembly under the APC would create opportunities for coordinated development across the state.

Barau urged members of the newly inaugurated campaign committees to take ownership of the party’s mobilisation efforts and work towards securing victory for all APC candidates.

He said the committees were constituted to accommodate party executives serving and former legislators local government chairmen councillors new members and respected elders.

‘What is required of you is to play your part actively in securing victory. Mobilise campaign and ensure that all APC candidates emerge victoriously from top to bottom. May Allah grant us success and enable us to achieve our goals’ he said.

He expressed optimism that the forthcoming elections would usher in a new phase of political and developmental activity urging party members to translate their numerical strength and political unity into electoral success.

The lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Hon. Omosede Igbinedion said her Bill to improve welfare for vulnerable Nigerians and domestic workers is grounded in the recognition that they deserve fundamental respect dignity and protection against exploitation like other categories of workers.

Igbinedion said the Bill has passed its First Reading in the House of Representatives and reflects her focus on protecting women children and vulnerable members of society while promoting human dignity social justice and decent working conditions.

In a statement issued in Benin City Igbinedion said the Bill aims to stop the widespread exploitation abuse and mistreatment of domestic workers especially those engaged in private households without adequate legal protection or clearly defined conditions of employment.

Igbinedion explained that the proposed legislation seeks to prohibit child domestic labour and to provide five years’ imprisonment for any individual found guilty of employing recruiting supplying or harbouring a child for domestic work.

She said the Bill proposes mandatory written employment contracts for domestic workers fair and regular wage payments reasonable working hours rest periods annual leave safe accommodation and access to medical attention in emergencies.

According to her ‘It prohibits physical abuse sexual harassment psychological intimidation forced labour trafficking and the unlawful withholding of workers’ identification documents.

‘The proposed law introduces the registration of domestic employers and the licensing and regulation of domestic recruitment agencies alongside mechanisms for monitoring compliance investigating complaints and penalising offenders.

‘The Bill also addresses the responsibilities of recruitment agencies and employers ensuring that accountability extends beyond the immediate household to intermediaries involved in recruiting and placing domestic workers.

‘If eventually passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President the legislation could mark an important milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s legal protections for domestic workers and combating child exploitation.

‘The legislative initiative reinforces a central principle of public service: no child should be deprived of an education to serve in another person’s home and no domestic worker should be subjected to abuse exploitation or indignity simply because of the nature of their employment.’

The Head of Service of the Federation Mr Olumuyiwa Caleb has commended the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan Professor Kayode Adebowale for preserving ‘UI’s proud heritage while building a resilient and responsive institution equipped to meet emerging challenges.’

He spoke as Chairman of the valedictory ceremony held at the institution’s Trenchard Hall organised to mark the successful completion of Professor Adebowale’s tenure as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.

The valedictory ceremony themed ‘Celebrating Leadership Legacy and Service’ brought together town and gown Union leaders religious actors security agents community leaders and other critical stakeholders in the UI project.

In his speech the Head of Service of the Federation Mr Enitan stated that Professor Adebowale’s ‘leadership aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which positions Nigeria for greatness through strong institutions and a knowledge-driven economy’.

Mr Enitan disclosed that the ‘Federal Civil Service is undergoing holistic and focused reforms to become more efficient productive incorruptible and citizen-centred.

‘In appreciation of the foregoing and in the wider context of ensuring effective implementation of government policies to improve the living conditions of Nigerians the Federal Civil Service is undergoing holistic and focused reforms to become more efficient productive incorruptible and citizen-centred in tandem with Mr President’s reform agenda.

‘This will be pursued more vigorously under my watch as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and rest assured the university system will be greatly impacted by the positive outcomes of this commendable disposition.’

In his valedictory speech the 13th Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebowale stated that ‘any organisation that does care for its people cannot fulfil its mission’ and disclosed that his administration was leaving behind a strong but not perfect institution.

According to Professor Adebowale much remains to be done at the University of Ibadan emphasising that funding remains crucial to building a world-class institution with excellent infrastructure.

‘Leadership is a burden. Every decision carries the weight of lives and destinies. I have led by listening to the community and through consultations. I have insisted on due process defended autonomy and governed with integrity.

‘UI continues to attract the brightest students and scholars of repute. We have ensured that our research serves the needs of the country through partnerships with government agencies.’

In his goodwill message on the occasion Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Dr Adefemi Afolabi who was represented by his Vice Chairman Dr Tayo Ajibade stated that the 13th Vice Chancellor pursued a friendly disposition to the welfare of her members while tasking the incoming 14th Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Olapegba who himself was a past ASUU executive in the university to prioritise the welfare of its members.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has offered to provide 1000 square metres of land for the proposed establishment of a Smart National Transport Data Bank in the state.

Governor Okpebholo said the proposed transport data centre would stimulate Edo State’s economy through employment generation improved security increased revenue and technology transfer.

Okpebholo spoke when he received a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Transportation led by the Permanent Secretary Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi at Government House Benin City.

He said the project aligned with his administration’s commitment to transforming Edo from an ancient city into a modern one adding that he was excited by the prospect of hosting the facility.

‘Setting up a transport data centre in Edo State is huge. A lot of benefits will come to us. Social benefits will be there employment will also be there not to talk of the revenue that will come to us.

‘I see it as a development that will uplift our economy in this state. I am delighted that Edo was mentioned in that meeting where the approval was discussed. To me it is a recognition.

‘Knowing fully well that approval has been given at the federal level whatever you require from us including 1000 square metres of land we can give you. I will direct EdoGIS to commence the process’ he added.

Adebiyi said the proposed initiative was part of President Bola Tinubu’s vision to establish a structured transport data management system for Nigeria’s land transportation sector similar to the system operating in the aviation industry.

He said the Federal Government has approved the development of standardised bus terminals across the country beginning with one in each geopolitical zone before extending the programme to other states.

‘Your Excellency this project has come to stay and it will kick-start immediately. Edo is the first state I am visiting for this purpose’ Adebiyi said.

Meanwhile Governor Okpebholo said President Tinubu’s policies and reforms were transforming the country even as he urged the electorates to return him to Aso-Rock in 2027.

Governor Okpebholo spoke when he received the political group; Relax Tinubu is fixing Nigeria (RTIFN) led by its Director General Hon. Ahmed Balla who was on a courtesy visit.

‘We are developing Edo State through the support of President Tinubu he is making the job of governance easier for our administration.

‘His policies and reforms are transforming Nigeria and increasing the internally generated revenue for the nation.

‘We no longer beg to pay salaries but easily embark on development projects across the nation as governors get more money to develop their various states.

‘No vacancy in Aso-Rock we have confidence in the president’s capacity to deliver. With the ongoing reforms Nigeria will achieve success’ he concluded.