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Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has officially flagged off the payment of scholarship allowances to Gombe State students studying in various institutions of higher learning across the country.

Speaking during the ceremony at the Government House, Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced that the scholarship payment totals N1.5 billion and will be disbursed as scholarship allowances to 18,750 students of Gombe State origin.

The payment, he noted, follows the 100% upward review recently approved by his administration, in recognition of the rising cost of living and the need to support students’ academic pursuits.

‘This scholarship payment is part of our deliberate strategy to support our younger generation, improving the learning outcomes and empowering our youths for a better future.

‘Education remains the greatest equaliser. I urge all beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and make Gombe proud through academic excellence,’ the Governor stated.

Both fresh and returning students benefited from the payment, with some receiving consolidated allowances covering up to four academic sessions.

Persons with disabilities also received special support packages in addition to the regular scholarship benefits, depending on their academic level and course of study.

Inuwa Yahaya reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Gombe citizen, regardless of background or gender, has access to quality education and the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

In appreciation of his administration’s consistent investment in education and students’ welfare, representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and GOSSA, the President presented a special gift of honour to Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

He described the Governor as a leader who keeps his promises and restores hope to students.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for a deeper collaboration between the state government and port operators to address the challenges associated with truck movements and logistics around port corridors in the state.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the call while receiving the Regional President for Africa and Europe, APM Terminals, Mr Igor van den Essen, stating that both the government and port operators needed to partner on strategic areas, such as infrastructure and community development.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, while making the call at the Deputy Governor’s Residence, Osborne Road, Ikoyi, noted that port operators’ contributions had played a vital role in strengthening Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial hub.

‘We understand our responsibility, and we are happy to play our part. But collaboration is key; we must work together to make sure the environment around the ports is functional and efficient.

‘Various investments are going on; however, one major challenge we continue to face is the movement of trucks out of the port. When trucks leave the port, we often don’t know when or how they arrive at their destinations, and this poses safety and environmental concerns for our citizens,’ he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated that while the ports fall under federal jurisdiction, his administration would continue to bear the responsibility of maintaining the surrounding infrastructure to ensure smooth operations and safety for residents.

The governor, while highlighting the state government’s investment in road infrastructure and traffic management around port areas, enjoined the port authority to ensure that their trucks were roadworthy.

He urged the port authority to ensure that its trucks met all required safety standards, emphasizing that containers must be properly secured to prevent accidents and ensure safety for the citizens.

Accordingly, he urged private operators to work with the state Ministry of Transportation to strengthen the process of vehicle checks before trucks exit the port, ensuring environmental safety and compliance.

Earlier in his Address, the Regional President for Africa and Europe, APM Terminals, Mr. Igor van den Essen, lauded the progress Lagos State had recorded in recent years, describing it as a strong signal of Investor’s confidence and economic resilience, even as he noted that the state was known for its significant economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and investment.

Essen further noted that Lagos had continued to serve as the cornerstone of the company’s operations in Africa, stressing that the organisation remained committed to expanding its investments in port and logistics infrastructure in the state.

‘We first want to congratulate you on the fantastic economic progress we have seen in Lagos State. For us, as a terminal operator and part of a global shipping company, trade is built on the progress and trust we have in the economy, and what you have achieved here is truly impressive,’ he said.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederick Klinke, highlighted the importance of modernising port infrastructure to support the rapid economic growth Lagos was witnessing.

This was just as he urged for additional expansion for Lagos to fully assume its role as a regional maritime hub, saying that Lagos must have the port infrastructure required to drive regional trade.

‘While significant investments have been made, additional expansion is required for Lagos to fully assume its role as a regional maritime hub. Lagos must have the port infrastructure required to drive regional trade.

‘While the Lekki Deep Seaport has helped significantly, we believe there is potential for even greater capacity to make Lagos a hub for transhipment and regional trade,’ Klinke said.

Klinke also explained that APM was ready to invest in new operational capabilities that would allow larger vessels to come to Lagos ports and enable Nigeria to serve as a distribution centre for neighbouring West African countries.

The CEO, APM Terminals Nigeria, also expressed keen interest in participating in the Badagry Port Development Project, which he described as a ‘strategic next step’ in addressing long-term capacity constraints and positioning Nigeria for sustainable trade expansion.

‘Even with the progress achieved, the Lagos port, being located within the city, faces space and access constraints. Over the next decade, developing the Badagry Port will be a critical evolution, and we are very keen to partner with the State and Federal governments in making it a success,’ he said.

A peace moves on Wednesday by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) to resolve the party’s crisis has been rejected by the camp of the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, describing it as ‘a nullity.’

Anyanwu and the acting national chairman of his camp, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, addressed a news conference hours after the BoT met in Abuja and set up a six-member reconciliation committee to resolve the dispute between the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) and the camp of the NWC led by the secretary.

For instance, Anyanwu said as a member of the BoT, he was not invited to the meeting.

‘What took place today was a meeting of friends and associates.

‘Any BoT meeting without my presence is a nullity. The letter of the PDP is with me. Since I was not there and I was not invited, what took place was not a BoT meeting’, he stated.

On the convention, the group said it remained cancelled in line with the judgment of the Abuja High Court, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had also been notified not to honour the convention.

Speaking on the appeal, the factional acting chairman, Abdulrahman, said, ‘We have filed an appeal to seek further clarification of the judgment.

‘The PDP hereby cancels the convention, pending the determination of the appeal.

Any continuation of plans for the convention is in violation of the judicial process.

‘We have equally notified INEC to suspend the convention in compliance with the judgment of the Abuja federal high court.’

When reminded that an Oyo State High Court also delivered a ruling on Tuesday, giving the PDP the go-ahead to hold the convention, Abdulrahman replied that a ruling stemming from an ex parte motion was no higher than the judgment of the Abuja court.

‘In any case, before the ex parte order was given, we had already filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal in Abuja. That order cannot be higher than judgment’, he added.

The BoT’s move was the latest effort to get the two warring groups in the NWC to sheathe their swords by working together as a united PDP.

The BoT, after the emergency meeting held in Abuja, named Ambassador Hassan Adamu (North-East) to head the reconciliation committee, which has a representative from each of the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Other members are Mike Oghiadomhe (South-South), who doubles as the Secretary of the committee; Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South-East); Senator Zaynab Kure (North-Central); Prince Onyinlola Olagunsoye (South-West); and Dr Lubna Mohammed Gusau (North-West).

Tribune Online recalls that the NWC led by the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, had on Saturday, last week, suspended the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Honourable Umar Bature; the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN; and the Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, for alleged anti-party activities.

The officers were alleged to be working with other interests to frustrate the convention of the party. The suspension followed last Friday’s judgment of an Abuja Federal High Court, which halted the Ibadan convention.

Anyanwu, in turn, led the suspended members of the NWC to retaliate by Damagum; the Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; the Deputy National Secretary, Setongi Koshoedo; the National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyiendikoro; and the National Youth Leader, Mohammed Kadede.

The Anyanwu group went ahead to appoint Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman as the acting national chairman. On Monday, the camp, in company with chanting supporters, forcibly took control of the Wadada Plaza National Secretariat of the PDP in Abuja, where Abdulrahman declared that he had assumed duties in his new designation.

While this was on, an Oyo State High Court on Tuesday made a ruling that the party has the constitutional right to conduct its internal affairs, adding that the party should go ahead to hold its scheduled convention.

But the BoT, after Wednesday’s meeting chaired by Senator Adulphus Wabara, appointed the reconciliation committee to see to the resolution of the differences between the two parties, stressing the point that the PDP would go ahead with the Ibadan convention.

The organ, among other resolutions, said while it would not take sides with any of the parties, reaffirmed that the PDP remained united under the Damagum-led NWC and applauded the ruling of the Oyo state High Court.

The communique reads in part, ‘BoT reaffirms that the PDP remains a united, formidable and focused political party under the leadership of the Amb. Iliya Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC).

‘The BoT solidly stands with and commends the Amb. Iliya Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors Forum, the National Convention Organising Committee and other critical Organs of the Party for their collective roles in stabilising our Party, especially as we progress towards the conduct of the Elective National Convention scheduled to hold on the 15th and 16th of November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

‘The BoT welcomes the ruling of the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice A L Akintola which affirmed the Constitutional right and liberty of our Party to manage its internal affairs including holding our 2025 Elective National Convention as scheduled. This landmark ruling is a victory for Democracy, Rule of Law and political development in our country.

‘The BoT, however, expresses worry over the recent developments within our ranks that have caused understandable concerns. The tensions, misunderstandings, and regrettable incidents that have played out in public including the invasion of our National Secretariat are not reflective of the ideals and character of the PDP.

‘As the conscience of the party, the BoT cannot and will not take sides but remain focused on safeguarding the integrity of the PDP and ensuring dialogue over discord. The decision for reconciliation is not as a sign of weakness but as a demonstration of maturity and responsibility.

‘Against this backdrop, the BoT sets up a high-powered committee to immediately reconcile all conflicting sides and restore unity of purpose in our party as we head to the Elective National Convention in Ibadan.’

Anambra, popularly known as Light of the Nation, is one of the country’s most politically and economically influential states in the Southeast geopolitical zone. Known for its vibrant commercial hubs, such as Onitsha and Nnewi, its rich cultural heritage, and a history of competitive politics, Anambra’s gubernatorial race often attract national attention due to the state’s strategic importance and the influence of its political actors, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Historically, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has governed Anambra since 2006, starting with Peter Obi’s tenure (2006-2014), followed by Willie Obiano (2014-2022), and currently Charles Soludo (2022-present). APGA’s stronghold is rooted in its appeal as an Igbo-centric party, leveraging regional identity and grassroots support.

Background

Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, gubernatorial elections in most states are typically held simultaneously with general elections every four years. However, Anambra is one of the eight states that conduct their elections separately in what is called ‘off-cycle elections.’

In Nigeria, off-cycle elections are as a result of various factors, including electoral disputes and court rulings that annul elections or mandate reruns, unforeseen political crises such as candidate deaths, and constitutional challenges related to irregularities in the electoral process.

For Anambra, the trend can be traced back to as far as March 2006 when Chris Ngige of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was inaugurated on the 26th of May 2003, as the state’s new governor, was removed from office. This follows a petition to the tribunal by Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to challenge the result that initially declared Ngige the winner.

The tribunal, which lasted for two years, eventually annulled the election. Consequently, Obi was sworn in as the new governor in 2006, altering the state’s election schedule and resulting in off-cycle polls every four years in Anambra.

Key Contenders and Their Chances

Ahead of Anambra gubernatorial race in November, Tribune Online profiles the top five contenders to watch, considering their political profiles, party strength, and influence in the state, among other factors.

Incumbent governor since 2021, former CBN Governor, and a prominent economist from Aguata LGA (Anambra South), Soludo secured the APGA ticket unopposed with 3,168 out of 3,175 valid votes from 3,260 accredited delegates across all 21 LGs.

Alongside his running mate, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Soludo is forecasted to benefit from the power of incumbency, with control over state resources and visibility through governance.

Mr. Solution, as he is fondly called, may also leverage APGA’s historical dominance and zoning alignment as part of his campaign strategy ahead of the November 8 poll. With the electioneering ongoing, Soludo’s campaign focus on infrastructure and security achievements could resonate in LGAs like Awka South, Nnewi North, and Anaocha. However, failure to address insecurity and rural neglect could erode support in LGs like Ihiala and Ogbaru. APGA Media Warriors claim Soludo’s record makes him unbeatable, but this may overstate his position given rising opposition.

2. George Moghalu (LP)© A businessman and former House of Representatives member (1999-2003) from Anambra South, Ukachukwu won the APC primary with 1,455 votes, defeating Valentine Ozigbo (67 votes), Johnbosco Onunkwo (26 votes), and Edozie Madu (8 votes).

He is a prominent figure in Anambra politics with a history of contesting under APGA in 2021. As the candidate of the ruling APC at the centre, Ukachukwu has access to federal resources and support from national figures like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; 23 APC governors and APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, who emerged after his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje had vowed to capture Anambra. This could boost campaign funding and mobilisation in LGs like Onitsha and Nnewi. Ukachukwu’s tenure as Abuja Municipal Area Council chairman and his infrastructure and youth empowerment initiatives in Anambra South give him credibility in the race.

4. Ezenwafor Jude (PDP)

Ezenwafor

Jude Ezenwafor, an Abuja-based real estate developer and experienced politician, emerged as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate unopposed on April 8, 2025, securing 798 votes from 853 accredited delegates at the primary held at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka.

The PDP standard-bearer is running for the highest political office in Anambra alongside Okeke Francis Chukwudi. Ezenwafor, a former South-East PDP Media Director, emphasises a vision to ‘salvage’ Anambra through inclusive development, focusing on education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and security.

The July 2025 shooting incident, labelled by the PDP as an assassination attempt on Ezenwafor, could garner sympathy and increase his visibility, particularly in LGs like Dunukofia, where PDP has historical influence through figures like Arthur Eze.

5. Nwosu Chima John (ADC)

Nwosu

John Chuma Nwosu, an IT expert, global business entrepreneur, and CEO of Jetlinks Limited, emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s gubernatorial candidate on May 23, 2025, after winning the party’s primary in Awka.

Previously a Labour Party (LP) aspirant, Nwosu withdrew from LP’s primary, citing irregularities and leadership crises, joining ADC to pursue his ‘SHEEEMS’ platform (Security, Health, Education, Economy, Employment, Manufacturing, Social Welfare). The ADC standard-bearer has picked Geoffrey Ndubisi Nwobu as his running mate.

Nwosu, from Nnewi in Anambra South, positions himself as a forward-thinking leader aiming to transform Anambra into a digital economy hub. Nwosu’s ADC candidacy offers a fresh, tech-driven vision for Anambra, with potential to attract urban voters in Onitsha and Nnewi through his digital economy focus and coalition strategy. However, ADC’s ’emerging’ grassroot structure in the state, his defection from LP, and competition from Soludo’s incumbency, Moghalu’s ‘Obi effect,’ and Ukachukwu’s resources could give Nwosu a tough fight in the race.

Wemimo Abbey, co-founder and co-CEO of Esusu, has described black people as the most innovative people on earth.

He said this at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, during a panel session at the third annual ForbesBLK Summit, hosted by Forbes.

He explained that true empowerment lies in ownership rather than labor. ‘There is a part of capital and there’s labor. You can go work for someone and that’s all well and good, but capital and labor, labor will never outrun capital,’ Abbey stated.

As the discussion intensified, he underscored the significance of innovation and ownership within the Black community, stating, ‘ýNever. I don’t care how much you make,’ referring to entrepreneurship. ‘We were able to build a billion-dollar company in six years. If you work 40 years, you’re probably not gonna get there. Black people are the most innovative people on the surface of the earth, not only in this country. Wrong stories have been told about us, but we gotta be on the side of ownership, not labor.’

Speaking on initiatives to boost financial stability, Abbey emphasised the importance of collective progress. ‘There is an African saying that if you want to go fast, you can go alone. Each and every one of us on this stage we walk together in one shape or form. But if you want to go far, we gotta go together as well,’ he said. ‘There is a fundamental difference in America. As an immigrant coming to this country, I stand on the shoulders of so many Black people that have paved the way for me.’

Abbey, who grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, drew inspiration from his mother’s struggle to secure a loan without a credit score. That experience led him and his co-founder, Samir, to create Esusu, a platform that helps renters build credit through rent payments, provides property management analytics, and offers rental assistance to enhance financial stability. The company recently reached a $1 billion valuation after raising $130 million in a Series B funding round.

Reflecting on the long-term power of ownership, Abbey added, ‘ýYou’re gonna work, my mother always says, you’re gonna work till you die, but when you own, it multiplies and it’s exponential. Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. Warren Buffett said that. And AI, is the ninth wonder of the world.’

The summit, which was a gathering of Black changemakers, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of business and culture, was themed: ‘Today’s Challenges, Tomorrow’s Opportunity: A New Path to Economic Prosperity.’

Opening the event, Ayisha Mendez, Community Manager of ForbesBLK, told the audience that the summit was more than just an exchange of ideas.

‘As we dive in today, just remember the Summit isn’t just about exchanging ideas. It’s about creating real and meaningful connections,’ she said, adding, ‘It’s about sharing those ideas and making sure we push forward as a collective in a time where collaboration and innovation are more important than ever.’