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Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum has announced the commencement of exporting plastic products, marking a significant stride towards self-sufficiency.

Babagana Umara Zulum made the announcement on Thursday during an inspection tour of Borno Plastic Factory located in the new Maiduguri Industrial Area.

The development is as part of the economic revitalisation efforts of the administration, to make the State improve and boost internal revenue generation.

The governor, while announcing the development, emphasised that the move is a strategic part of a broader agenda to industrialise the state and wean it off over-dependence on monthly federal allocation.

According to him: ‘I am happy to note that people from Borno State will no longer procure plastic materials from other places. You have seen that the products have been sold to our neighbouring countries and other states within Nigeria.’

‘We will invest more in our industries, so that in the near future, Borno State Government will no longer rely on the Federation Account for its day-to-day activities,’ Babagana Zulum said.

The governor further revealed that the factory has started its international orders, with finished plastic wares already shipped to neighbouring countries such as Chad and the Republic of Cameroon.

He also noted that the facility was initially constructed during the administration of former Governor Kashim Shettima, but was resuscitated as part of his administration’s recovery and development plan.

The governor further explained that to ensure its sustainability and commercial viability, the government transitioned the factory to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with Tatabe Global Services now managing the day-to-day operations, production, and marketing, while the state government provides oversight and a conducive business environment.

The factory, now operating at full capacity, produces a wide range of items, including plastic chairs, tables, basins, and other plastic materials.

It has also created hundreds of direct jobs for indigenes, providing a critical source of livelihood.

Babagana Umara Zulum was accompanied by the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, as well as principal officers of the House of Assembly and other top government officials.

Leaders from across the South-West have called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently prioritise regional integration and infrastructure renewal across Yoruba-speaking states.

They also backed the economic reforms of President Tinubu, describing them as essential for Nigeria’s economic stability, regional competitiveness, and long-term prosperity.

They noted that while the reforms demand short-term sacrifices, they are designed to lay a sustainable foundation for industrial growth, job creation, and infrastructural renewal across the country.

The summit also urged the president to give urgent attention to the rehabilitation of key road networks and economic linkages across the region, stressing that their revival remains vital to Nigeria’s overall development agenda and regional competitiveness.

This was part of the policy resolutions contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the South-West Citizens-Government Engagement Summit held in Akure, Ondo State, capital.

The summit, attended by political leaders, technocrats, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations, reaffirmed their commitment to regional unity, infrastructure renewal, and economic transformation.

The summit, which was also attended by top government functionaries and representatives of the Federal Government, emphasised that the reconstruction of strategic highways such as the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa road, Lagos-Abeokuta expressway, Ita-Owure-Ado Ekiti highway, and Ifaki-Lokoja road is critical to boosting trade, easing the movement of goods and people, and stimulating industrial growth across the Southwest corridor.

The communiqué read: ‘The summit strongly advocates for accelerated regional integration through strategic infrastructure projects, including intra-regional railway networks, industrial hubs, and farm settlements.

‘These transformative projects will enhance trade, create jobs, boost food security, and strengthen economic ties among Southwest states, while strengthening the region’s position as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse.

We call the attention of the Federal Government to the deplorable conditions of some of the federal roads in the Southwest, including the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha federal highway, the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway, the Ita-Owure-Ado-Ekiti highway, and the Ifaki-Lokoja highway.

The summit expressed its support for the ongoing economic reforms of the Federal Government under President Tinubu, describing them as ‘bold, necessary steps toward Nigeria’s long-term stability and prosperity.’

While acknowledging that these reforms may present short-term challenges, they are essential for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability and prosperity.

They however, urged the Federal Government to intensify public enlightenment and transparent communication on the rationale, impact, and implementation timelines of these reforms.

‘The South-West stakeholders express strong support for the bold economic reforms being implemented by the Federal Government under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, acknowledging that while these reforms may present short-term challenges, they are essential for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability and prosperity.

‘We call on the Federal Government to intensify public enlightenment and information dissemination on the government’s policies, programs, and expected impacts, recognizing that citizens require clear, transparent, and regular communication to fully understand policy rationale, and implementation timelines, as well as measurable outcomes.

‘Citizens require clear, consistent, and factual information on government policies to build trust and understanding,’ the communiqué stated, calling on the Federal Ministry of Information, the FIRS, and the National Orientation Agency to engage the public more effectively.’

Participants at the summit emphasized that political leadership at all levels must be guided by vision, integrity, and accountability, urging public office holders to prioritize citizens’ welfare over partisan interests.

According to them, the legitimacy of government rests on its capacity to deliver transparent and people-centered outcomes and said that, ‘good governance requires prioritizing citizens’ needs in all policy decisions and resource allocations.’

The summit resolved to transcend partisan divides in pursuit of collective prosperity, pledging to reclaim and strengthen the region’s historical position as Nigeria’s benchmark for excellence in development and governance.

The summit calls for strengthened Yoruba unity and solidarity across all Southwest states and extended Yoruba communities, committing to transcend partisan political differences in pursuit of collective regional development and the advancement of our shared cultural heritage and economic posterity.

‘The South-West region resolves to reclaim and strengthen its historical position as Nigeria’s space center in development, innovation, and good governance, committing to serve as a model for democratic engagement, economic transformation, and social progress.

‘Political leaders at all levels of government must be guided by vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people rather than narrow partisan interests.

‘Good governance requires prioritization of citizens’ needs in all policy decisions and resource allocations, and this should be done with accountability and transparency.

‘The southwest summit shall be institutionalized as an annual event to ensure sustained dialogue between government and citizens, providing a consistent platform for policy assessment, stakeholder feedback, and collaboration for regional development.

‘Sector-specific working groups shall be established to provide continuous input on policy development and implementation, meeting regularly to review progress, address challenges, and make evidence-based recommendations to the government.

‘The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission shall be strengthened as the technical secretariat for the Southwest Summit.’

The delegates expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and for approving the participation of Federal Government representatives at the summit.

‘We also appreciate federal ministers and government officials who engaged meaningfully with citizens during the summit, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all stakeholders who contributed to its success.

‘We have demonstrated that structured dialogue between government and citizens is not only possible but essential to effective governance and sustainable development.

‘We call upon the Federal Government, state government officials, and all stakeholders to take immediate and sustained action on the resolutions contained herein.’

‘This inaugural Southwest Citizens-Government Engagement Summit marks a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

It has demonstrated that structured dialogue between government and citizens is not only possible but essential for effective governance and sustainable development,’ the communiqué read.

They also commended Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, along with the government and people of the state, for their exceptional hospitality and effective organization of what was described as a landmark regional gathering.

The communiqué further acknowledged the solidarity and commitment of all Southwest governors who co-hosted the event, Chief Reuben Fasoranti and the Afenifere leadership for their vision and enduring advocacy for Yoruba unity, and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission for providing technical partnership and coordination support throughout the summit process.

Properties belonging to a fraud victim, Daniel Babatunde Attiogbe, have been recovered as proceeds of crime from one fake spiritualist and advance fee fraudster, Fatai Olalere Alli (a.k.a. Baba Abore, Baba Osun), and were handed over to the owner by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, on Tuesday.

The Ibadan Acting Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE 1 Hauwa Garba Ringim, made the presentation on behalf of the Executive Chairman in a brief reception at the Conference Hall of the Directorate.

The property included a five-bedroom duplex with a three-bedroom bungalow situated at Kasumu Village in Odo-ona, Elewe, Ibadan; a bungalow of two sets of three-bedroom flats situated at Plot 182, Block D, Lapiti Layout, Akanran Road, Amuloko in Ibadan; and a three-bedroom bungalow situated at Idi Ayunre Village, Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan.

Others are a one grey-colour Honda Pilot SUV with Chassis number 2HKY18414H621545 and registration number: LND 696 CK; and a Toyota Corolla Saloon with Chassis No. 2T1BU40E49C142502;

and the sum of N1.1 million.

Tribune Online learnt that the items were recovered by the Advance Fee Fraud Section of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.

While handing over documents of the properties and papers to the vehicles to Attiogbe, Olukoyede said the recoveries were released to the victim as ordered by the court.

‘Obeying court orders is mandatory, and as an agency of the federal government, we know the importance and that is what we are doing here today.

‘This is an indication that the EFCC carries out its activities within the ambit of the law. Also, this is to reassure Nigerians of the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

‘I want to assure you that the EFCC will continue to combat economic and financial crimes head-on, and stop at nothing to ensure that any fraudulent person besmirching the image of the country through fraudulent activities will be brought to book,’ the EFCC chairman said.

Receiving the ‘Letter of Release’ and documents of the properties, Attiogbe thanked the EFCC for its unequivocal commitment and diligence towards the fight against economic and financial crimes and the professionalism and integrity displayed by officers of the Commission while carrying out their official responsibilities.

He stated: ‘Sincerely, I want to thank the EFCC, especially the Ibadan Zonal office, for its unwavering commitment to the fight against corruption. I almost gave up, but the EFCC rekindled my hope, having submitted my petition. And here we are today.’

It was gathered that the recoveries were handed over to the victim following a final forfeiture order by Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan.

Tribune Online further learnt that the judgment was delivered on November 13, 2024, in a fraud case that began in 2019.

Alli was found guilty of conniving with his syndicate and swindling the victim of his legitimate earnings to the tune of over N200 million on the pretext of providing spiritual cleansing to counter and erase visions of untimely death of the victim.

Alli was first prosecuted on a 33-count charge but later amended to a one-count charge in the course of the trial.

He was convicted and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and ordered to work with the Department of State Services (DSS), and that he would be of good behaviour without getting involved in any criminal activity again.

The Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Sa’adatu Yunusa Mohammed, has reaffirmed her commitment to supporting women and youth across the state through humanitarian and empowerment initiatives.

Mrs Mohammed, who is also the founder of Sa’adatu Yunusa Foundation, made this known during a visit to the women’s ward of the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where she donated relief materials and financial assistance to patients and other vulnerable women.

Speaking to journalists after the outreach, Mrs Muhammed said her motivation stems from a strong belief in compassion and service to humanity.

‘Our religion teaches us to be there for one another, to support our brothers and sisters when they need us. The foundation has always been focused on women and youth, and we are determined to reach those who are most vulnerable,’ she said.

She noted that her foundation has empowered over 250 individuals through educational support, skill acquisition, and health interventions, adding that more programmes are underway to reach rural communities.

‘As the newly-installed Gimbiyar Dange, I intend to build on what we have started by expanding programmes that promote education, health and economic empowerment,’ she added.

Mrs Mohammed also revealed plans to extend her humanitarian services to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps within the state, stressing that her efforts will continue to cut across political, tribal and religious lines.

‘We are not stopping here. We are heading to one of the IDP camps in Sokoto to show that we care. You don’t have to wait until you have plenty before helping others. What you consider little could mean a lot to someone else,’ she said.

Meanwhile, the state governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has commended Mrs Mohammed’s commitment to community development, urging her to use her new traditional title (Gimbiyar Dange) to further contribute to the progress of Sokoto State.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Aminu Dodo Iya, the governor gave the commendation at the Emir’s palace in Dange, where the District Head of Dange, Alhaji Bello Usman, conferred the title of Gimbiyar Dange on Mrs Mohammed and Mayanan Dange on her husband, Mr Ahmad Muhammad Musa.

Alhaji Bello said the honours were in recognition of the couple’s dedication to empowering women, promoting education and preserving cultural heritage.

The ceremony, attended by traditional rulers, government officials and community leaders, featured traditional music, dances, and cultural displays celebrating the emirate’s rich heritage.

The Abuja Continental Hotel (ACH) has been awarded the Distinguished Legacy Award in recognition of its significant contributions to enhancing hospitality standards in Nigeria’s capital city.

The award was presented by Edvans Consult Ltd in collaboration with the Institute of Hospitality (UK, Nigeria Region) and the Association of Tourism and Hospitality Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON). This recognition celebrates the hotel’s ongoing commitment to excellence, operational innovation, and its positive impact on the nation’s hospitality landscape.

Edvans Consult Ltd and the Institute of Hospitality have played key roles in the Distinguished Legacy Award initiative, which aims to recognize visionary leadership, sustainable operations, and lasting contributions within Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

The presentation ceremony took place during the Hotel Owners’ Dinner Outreach (2nd Edition), a premier annual gathering of key stakeholders, investors, regulators, and innovators shaping the future of the Nigerian hospitality industry.

During the award presentation, Mr. Femi Olowoyo, Head of Edvans Consult Ltd, praised the Abuja Continental Hotel for its exemplary performance and lasting brand legacy. He stated that the Distinguished Legacy Award program aims ‘to support hotel owners, operators, and investors in building sustainable, globally competitive brands that reflect the true potential of Nigeria’s hospitality sector.’

The event, held in Lagos, included high-level discussions on investment opportunities, branding strategies, policy frameworks, and regulatory trends influencing the sector’s evolution.

Receiving the award on behalf of the hotel, Mr. Karl Hala, Group General Manager, expressed his joy at the recognition, calling it ‘a great honor and wonderful news for both our employees and esteemed guests.’

‘We are thrilled that the Abuja Continental Hotel has received the Distinguished Legacy Award. This recognition celebrates our ongoing transformation and commitment to enhancing hospitality in Nigeria’s capital city,’ stated Mr. Hala.

He also emphasized that the hotel’s success is a result of its continuous pursuit of service excellence, innovation, and guest satisfaction – qualities that have established it as one of Nigeria’s leading hospitality brands.

‘This award is a testament to our team’s dedication and the trust of our guests. I dedicate this recognition to our staff and management team for their hard work, passion, and commitment to excellence,’ Hala added.

The Institute of Hospitality (IoH), one of the collaborating partners, is a leading professional membership organization for hospitality professionals. Established in 1938, the IoH is committed to promoting ongoing professional development, ethical leadership, and lifelong learning across all sectors of hospitality worldwide.

The Distinguished Legacy Award underscores the Abuja Continental Hotel’s role as a benchmark for quality and innovation, reaffirming its leadership in redefining modern hospitality in Nigeria’s capital city.

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) says pension assets have grown to over N25 trillion, contributing significantly to national development through strategic investments.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Director-General of PenCom, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, said this on Thursday in Yola at a two-day sensitisation workshop on workings of Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for employees and pensioners in North-East.

Oloworaran, represented by the Commissioner for Administration in PenCom, Alhaji Bello Abubakar, said the growth reflected improved transparency, governance, and accountability in pension administration.

‘Presently, over 552,000 retirees currently receive regular monthly pensions, while 291,735 others have accessed lump-sum benefits under the scheme due to the increase.

‘In total, more than 844,000 retirees across both public and private sectors now enjoy retirement benefits that are steady, reliable, and transparent,’ she said.

The PenCom DG highlighted recent reforms and interventions implemented to improve pensioners’ welfare and strengthen the scheme’s sustainability.

‘More than 10 million Nigerians, including public servants, private sector employees, and the self-employed under the Micro Pension Plan, are now covered under the CPS.

‘The Commission has also introduced free health insurance for retirees, starting with low-income categories, to ensure dignity and security beyond financial pensions.

‘PenCom has strengthened prudential standards for operators, introducing stricter capital and governance requirements for Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Custodians,’ she added.

Oloworaran further listed five new regulations introduced under the ‘Pension Revolution 2.0’ initiative.

These include: whistle-blowing guidelines for pension fund assets, revised investment regulations, and frameworks for accredited pension assets, among others.

She disclosed that PenCom had developed a new enrolment application to ensure a seamless experience during the 2026 retiree enrolment exercise.

According to her, the Commission plans to diversify pension investments, expand coverage to informal sector workers, and enhance retiree welfare through health and gratuity buffers.

‘Over the years, the Contributory Pension Scheme(CPS) has rewritten Nigeria’s pension story.

‘We have moved from an era of unpaid entitlements and uncertainty to one anchored on transparency, sustainability, and inclusiveness,’ she said.

While acknowledging progress, Oloworaran noted that challenges such as limited coverage and non-compliance by some states and employers still persist.

She said the workshop formed part of nationwide engagements designed to protect the welfare and dignity of Nigerian workers and pensioners while sustaining reforms that transformed pension system over the last two decades.

NAN reports that the workshop was organised by PenCom in collaboration with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

NIGERIANS are bracing for another round of economic hardship following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel, a move analysts warned could push pump prices up by between N100 and N200 per litre and further deepen the inflationary crisis already battering households and businesses.

The new tariff, according to The Cable, was announced in a letter dated October 21, 2025, and signed by Damilotun Aderemi, Private Secretary to the President, is scheduled to take effect 30 days after official notification. The policy aims to protect local refineries-particularly the Dangote Refinery-and promote domestic fuel production. However, critics argued that the timing could not have been worse for an economy already reeling from surging prices, naira depreciation, and stagnant wages.

Under the new arrangement, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) will implement the duty applied to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of imported petrol and diesel.

Izuchukwu Clement Igbanugo, founder of ACPAE Consulting Limited and former Head of Research at Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), faulted the government’s decision, describing it as ‘ill-timed and premature.’

‘We’ve always failed in policy sequencing due to impatience,’ Igbanugo said. ‘Why is Tinubu in a hurry? Why not wait for other refineries to come on stream before introducing this tax? Why not develop a modular refinery roadmap to support local producers first? This is like putting the cart before the horse.’

He stressed that Nigeria should first achieve self-sufficiency in fuel production before imposing restrictions on imports. ‘You cannot restrict imports before achieving sufficiency; you achieve sufficiency first and then impose restrictions. We must learn the art of policy sequencing-it’s better to avoid a storm than sail through it,’ he said.

Igbanugo warned that the tariff could raise pump prices to between N1,045 and N1,145 per litre, worsening the cost-of-living crisis. ‘Nigeria has the highest inflation rate among OPEC countries-over 20 per cent-nearly ten times higher than in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Iraq, and Kuwait,’ he noted. ‘A 15 per cent gasoline tariff will raise the pump price by N100-N200 and further squeeze consumers.’

According to him, the current average pump price of N945 per litre already weighs heavily on households. ‘Compared with per capita income, the burden on an average Nigerian family is ten times that of an Algerian household and six times that of a household in Angola,’ he added.

Igbanugo cautioned that the new policy could foster monopoly, increase inflation, and deepen poverty. ‘Protectionism should come last and be strategic-not driven by the hunger for more money,’ he said, adding that Nigeria’s low energy access compounds the risk. ‘Energy consumption in Nigeria is just 136 kWh per person, compared to 5,000 in Malaysia and 3,400 in South Africa. About 92 million Nigerians-40 percent of the population-have no electricity. They rely on fuel for generators, and this policy will hurt small businesses the most.’

Akinjide Adeosun, Chairman and CEO of St. Racheal’s Pharmaceutical Nigeria Ltd, in an interview with Nigerian Tribune, argued that instead of taxing imports, the government should ban petrol importation altogether and focus on incentivizing local refining.

‘We must ban importation of petrol and ensure crude oil naira discounts for local refining firms like Dangote,’ Adeosun said. ‘The President must act because petrol pricing drives inflation. A 20 percent crude oil discount to local refiners or a ‘buy five barrels, get one free’ model could bring prices down.’

He also urged similar incentives for local manufacturers in sectors such as flour, cement, and agriculture, to tackle rising costs. Adeosun further called for death penalties for economic saboteurs, comparing Nigeria’s situation to strict anti-corruption measures in Singapore and China.

‘The government must make life easier for people at the grassroots by building schools, hospitals, and basic infrastructure,’ he said.

The new tariff followed a request by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of FIRS, who defended the policy as ‘corrective, not revenue-driven.’

Adedeji said the measure is meant to ‘align import costs with domestic realities while preserving affordability.’ He explained that payments will be made into a designated federal account and verified by the NMDPRA before fuel importers receive clearance.

According to him, even with the new tariff, Lagos pump prices will hover around N964.72 per litre ($0.62)-still below regional averages such as Senegal ($1.76), Côte d’Ivoire ($1.52), and Ghana ($1.37).

He added that the policy is backed by Sections 71 and 72 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), empowering the NMDPRA to impose public service obligations and recover costs through levies. ‘Implementation will be transparent and digital. Customs and NMDPRA will update import templates and issue compliance notices to prevent speculation,’ he said.

Despite official assurances, citizens and experts alike warn that the new tariff could ignite another wave of price increases across sectors-from transportation and food to electricity and rent.

‘The impact of energy price changes on households will be severe,’ Igbanugo reiterated. ‘Gasoline and diesel are the oxygen of economic and private life in Nigeria. This policy, though well-intentioned, may suffocate struggling families and small businesses.’

Public reactions on social media mirrored this anxiety. On X (formerly Twitter), user @ennyolaoo15 criticized the decision, saying, ‘This 15 percent import tariff makes no economic sense when the FG can simply order NNPCL to phase out fuel importation. Over 90 per cent of imports already come through NNPCL, and this tariff will only raise their landing cost by nearly N100 per litre.’

Another user wrote: ‘Everyone’s focused on next year’s income tax hike but ignoring the one policy that will worsen transport costs, food inflation, and kill struggling SMEs – the 15 per cent fuel import tariff.’

As the 30-day countdown to the tariff’s implementation begins, Nigerians brace for yet another hike at the pump-an increase that could set off another cycle of inflation and economic strain in Africa’s largest oil-producing nation.

The year 2000 set of Ejigbo High School (EHS) in Ejigbo Local Government Area, Lagos, on Wednesday, donated gift items and held career talks and rewarded outstanding performances among the students.

In his opening remarks, President of the association, Idowu Raheem Gbadegesin, disclosed that the event marked the 25th anniversary of the association and the celebration of academic excellence, hard work and dedication of both the teachers and students.

He expressed deep appreciation to teachers, staff, and parents for their steadfast support in nurturing the students. ‘Your tireless efforts have enabled our students to grow and flourish and excel in their academics,’ he said.

He also commended their perseverance and commitment to excellence, while lamenting the shortage of teachers in schools across the state.

‘We have observed a sharp decline in the academic performances of the students, both in the internal and external examinations, as well as moral decadence. We deemed it fit to inspire and motivate them towards academic excellence.

‘I want to appeal to the Lagos State Government to recruit more teachers because many teachers are retiring and need to be replaced. The government need to employ more qualified teachers. We need to keep organising career talks to motivate students who have no interest in learning and instil discipline. Schools in Lagos state need government intervention in the area of modern learning gadgets and ICT equipment,’ he said.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to outstanding students who excelled academically and demonstrated leadership and creativity.

He congratulated the awardees, stating that their accomplishments reflected the school’s tradition of excellence and its commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.

As part of the event, a career talk was held by professionals from various fields who shared valuable insights about their careers, challenges, and lessons learnt.

An old student, Bunmi Ademoroti, reminded the students that success extends beyond academic performance.

‘It is about developing a growth mindset, embracing challenges, and staying true to your values,’ she advised.

She urged them to be innovative, resilient, and curious as they prepare for the future.

‘What defines who you are?’ she inquired. ‘You must define your path in life. This is the first step to becoming a success story. You must give yourself an adjective that defines who you are. When I was admitted to study medicine at the University of Benin, life happened, and I found myself studying Banking and Finance, where I graduated. In the labour market, jobs were not forthcoming, but because I was resilient and determined, I found myself in the IT world.

‘I began to do things I knew nothing about. I found myself doing content and managing social media platforms, and that was where I started my IT journey of digital marketing and branding,’ she motivated.

A chartered accountant, also an ex-student, Tijani Ibrahim, called on the government to make teaching jobs more lucrative so as to encourage more people into the profession.

He said, ‘The standard of education has really fallen. It wasn’t like when we were students during our days. Students came late, which wasn’t the case during our days. You have to be on the ground by 7:30 am. When we talk about the standard of education, we look at the angle of the government, the teachers and the students.

‘My advice is that we should instil more discipline in the students. Career talks should be organised very often to serve as a guide to the students. It is when you know your purpose in life and choose a career path that you cannot help but remain focused on achieving it.

‘On motivation for the teachers, many of the teachers found themselves in the profession accidentally. The interest is not there. The government need to incentivise teaching to encourage more qualified hands into the profession.’

The principal of Ejigbo Junior High School, Shobowale, congratulated members of the old boys on their resolve to give back to the school that shaped and sharpened their academic teeth.

He expressed hope that the celebration would inspire everyone to aim higher while affirming the school’s commitment to building a brighter future for its students and the community at large.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has canvassed for the protection of the rights of the subnational governments as a deliberate strategy to deepen democratic practices and sustenance of democracy.

Delivering an address at the South West Summit organised by South West Development Commission in Akure, Governor Adeleke, represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, said party differences should not warrant unfair treatment of any subnational government, stressing that collaboration for development should be the operating norms.

Recalling the readiness of the Osun government for partnership with federal agencies within the framework of the constitution, the governor pushed for apolitical positive interaction between national and subnational entities.

Adeleke declared: ‘Federal projects and initiatives are now being routed through party structures instead of Osun State government machinery, especially. Nominations and access to federal opportunities are channelled through party organisations with official state structures deliberately excluded. The dynamics of interaction between national and subnational entities is not only undermined but threatened.

‘A troubling dimension was introduced earlier this year when the rule of law was replaced with the rule of the thumb. The issue here relates to handling of the state Security and local government matters. It is trite in every democratic order that rule of law within the ambit of the constitution is the regulatory framework for wielding of state powers.

‘In the case of Osun, federal power is being applied outside the regulation of the constitution as the public have known since the beginning of this year. Politicisation of federal power application poses serious threats to peaceful and productive Intergovernmental relations.

‘It would interest the audience to know that in Osun state ,some security agencies openly protect and defend ruling party operatives even when they act in ways and manners against the law and the constitution. In Osun today, federal party officials boast of powers to deploy security apparatus to witch-hunt state officials. On many occasions, officials of the federal ruling party have openly declared their readiness to hijack the state whether the people voted for them or not. Worst still, they have security cover when making such provocative declarations.

‘As if that is not enough, the Osun local government fund was seized without any court order from earlier this year. Duly elected local government officials were not allowed to assume office and those sacked by a subsisting court order were forced on the local government secretariats by federal power and security apparatus. All the facts are in the public domain.

‘I cite all above details to shed light on impunity and abuse of power as a major impediment to a virile national and subnational collaboration. As a government Osun State has demonstrated the willingness and readiness for productive partnership and interaction. Despite hostile posturing, Osun is always a top participant in federal peer review of the 36 states. In our engagements with the centre, several federal agencies have recognised Osun’ s positive records in governance delivery.

Osun won the first position in the area of access to primary health care across the South West. The challenge was organised by the Federal ministry of Health. Osun’ debt has been reduced by over 40 percent, according to a review by the Federal Debt Management Office. Osun’s ranking has moved from 33rd to 7th position in national examination ranking according to the federal agency, NECO. Osun state was recognised as a role model state in the school feeding programme by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian services.

Our state infrastructure deficit has reduced from 80 percent in 2022 to about 40 percent. In tech innovation, Osun is today the first state to domesticate the Federal Startup Act. In climate change ,Osun was just rated number 6 in the federation for proactive actions on climate change governance.

‘It is our position that the South West must elevate power applications beyond partisan considerations. There must be a strategic outlook having development of the region as a priority, irrespective of governing parties at subnational level. We must embark on the development of a circular cargo railway project for the South West in partnership with the Federal Government. The DAWN Commission has done a fantastic job in that direction.

‘South-West must additionally develop a network of dry ports across the zone, all linked with the circular railway project. Our region must in addition leverage on federal support to develop agro industrialisation with each state adopting a product in which it has relative strength. For security, we must enhance and strengthen Amotekun instead of current efforts to demonise the body based on partisan considerations’, the governor told the gathering.

The governor, who stated that Osun should have hosted the summit, said the Osun scenario manifests a subsisting infraction and trampling on the expressed rights of the subnational entity by the national authority.

‘There is an ongoing wilful breach of the constitution to deprive a subnational entity of its due rights simply because it does not belong to the same party with the ruling party at the centre, he stated.

The governor added: ‘If we are to study and review the state of engagements between the centre and the states, Osun therefore provides extensive data on how not to treat a subnational entity in a truly democratic environment.

‘Permit me to note that Osun right from the inception of my administration in 2022, designed a robust engagement agenda with the centre. I issued a standing instruction to all ministries and agencies to treat all correspondence from the federal government or its agencies under 24 hours. I further directed robust attendance of Osun state officials at all federal events.

‘All requests for data from federal levels are responded to within 48 hours even as Osun is deliberately involved in all peer review any federal agency organises. We set out as a government to deepen federal-state partnership across the real sector of the economy as well as in the soft areas, including fiscal governance.’

‘From 2022 till date, Osun holds the records of constant participation and mention in critical federal reports. Interestingly, our state won quite a number of medals in national sectoral review organised by the Federal government. I am happy to announce that our state is ever ready to host federal sectoral events. From 2022, we have hosted more than 12 of such events, all in our bid to demonstrate willingness for partnership with the centre.

‘In the area of real sector collaboration, our government took up reconstruction of some federal roads. Up till date, we are still struggling to get a refund. We sought to facilitate the take off of many federal abandoned projects; we met brick walls. Our olive branch to enhance collaboration is clouded by political partisanship actively promoted by operatives of the ruling political party at the centre. We discovered over time that partisan consideration has become the yardstick for federal interactions with Osun state, a development that threatens to fracture intergovernmental relations.’

He said some authorities of the Federal Government have condemned _________ play an adversarial role despite overtures from the state government.

‘Distinguished scholars and guests may want to note that Osun stands in a unique position among the South-Western states on the subject of this conference. Osun is the ancestral home of the head of the Federal Government. We have party differences with the party controlling the centre. Even with the best of positive reach out, it is sad to note that some operatives of the ruling federal party have adopted an adversarial approach to Osun State.

The Amalgamated Arewa Youth Group (AAYG), the apex umbrella body for youth organisations across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has counselled the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Josiah Amiputan, to discharge his duties with the fear of God.

In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the group, Comrade Victor Duniya, which was made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday, it was noted that his appointment was a clear commitment by President Bola Tinubu to strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions.

‘We view this nomination as a masterstroke, demonstrating the president’s unwavering commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions by appointing individuals of proven integrity, exceptional competence and unassailable character.

‘Professor Amiputan is a man of towering intellect and impeccable virtue, his credentials as an erudite scholar, seasoned administrator, and, most importantly, a God-fearing individual are well-documented and beyond reproach.

‘Throughout his career, he has been a beacon of integrity, a champion of due process, and a man whose word is his bond. His faith informs his every action, we have no doubt that he will lead the electoral body with the highest ethical standards.

‘We call on all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation or regional background, to throw their support behind the new INEC chairman following his confirmation by the Senate. The task of safeguarding our votes and ensuring the credibility of our elections is a collective national responsibility.

‘To Professor Amiputan, we say congratulations on this well-deserved nomination. The Amalgamated Arewa Youth Group, representing the vibrant and politically conscious youth of Northern Nigeria, assures you of our unwavering support and cooperation throughout your tenure,’ the statement read.