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A huge crowd of stakeholders comprising students, alumni members and staff members of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) welcomed the substantive Vice-Chancellor Prof Abayomi Fasina on Tuesday when he resumed duty after a six-month accumulated research leave.

Stakeholders, especially the students and union leaders of NASU, NAAT and a large number of SSANU members sued for peace, saying it is only when peace reigns that Fasina would be able to deliver more developmental projects for the University.

This was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Wole Balogun, Special Adviser on Media Matters to the VC.

President of FUOYE Alumni association, Mr.Arogundade Temitope, according to statement by the Special Adviser on Media Matters to the VC, said Fasina has been greatly missed.

‘We are glad to welcome Prof. Fasina back to his lawful duty after a six-month leave. This man has performed admirably well before he went on leave and we are assured that he will bring more development to the University now that he is back.

‘Prof. Fasina is an enigma and that is why you have seen a huge members of staff, students and alumin members turned out in hundreds to welcome him back today. At this point, we appeal for peace. Let there be peace on the campus.’

Vice- President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South West zone, Comrade Owolabi Taiwo, said peace is non-negotiable as Fasina resumes.

He warned those who wish to foment trouble, especially some few members of SSANU to resign their appointment immediately and stop being trouble some.

‘This is our University and what ever happens on this campus, the student body is the greatest stakeholders and we suffer most in any mishap. We don’t want some union leader with selfish interests to disrupt our academic calendar and jeopardize our future.

‘We will resist any attempt to disrupt the peace that we are enjoying under Prof. Fasina. Prof. Fasina has been a great leader and caring father to the students. We love him for his great works and we would not allow any selfish union leader to disrupt his fruitful tenure.,’ Owolabi said.

NASU and NAAT chairmen, Comrade Ayeni Abraham and Comrade Babafemi Olusola, who spoke to newsmen why they chose to turn out in large numbers said that the welfare of their union members are germane to them and trust Fasina was up to the task.

Top ranking members of SSANU , Mr

Akinrope Olufemi and Owonsaye Wale urged the national body of SSANU to wade into the crisis rocking the Union’s local body in FUOYE.

They alleged that the current leadership of SSANU in FUOYE has compromised the general interests of the members.

They said over 50 members of SSANU in FUOYE have petitioned the national and South west zonal body for several months but it was yet to address such germane issues.

Fasina, who expressed great pleasure at the large crowd of staff, students and Alumni members who welcomed him, pledged to continue his good works for the University.

Suing for peace, he said he has barely four months more to stay to end his tenure and would concentrate on consolidating his milestone achievements for the past four years and seven months.

He assured students and staff members of more welfare packages, infrastructural development among other great works of peace is allowed on the campus.

Asked about the on going VCship race to usher in his successor in few months, he said though he has no power over the new helmsman election as he is just a member of the Council of the University.

He however, expressed confidence in the Council members to elect a new and capable successor who would carry on the great works he has been doing for the University.

A security expert, Dr Abayomi Mumuni, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to grant presidential pardons to some convicted Nigerians, a move that has sparked widespread criticism and debate across the country.

The pardons, which have generated public outrage, particularly over the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes such as homicide, have been described by many Nigerians as unjust and demoralizing.

Critics argue that the move undermines the justice system and sends a dangerous message that ‘anyone can commit a crime and later walk free.’

However, Mumuni, in a statement issued on Tuesday, urged Nigerians to look beyond sentiments and examine the broader context and purpose of presidential pardons.

He emphasised that such decisions are not unique to Nigeria but are part of established democratic practices around the world.

According to the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, a presidential pardon is ‘a legal forgiveness for an offense’ and a constitutional power vested in the president to promote justice, compassion, and rehabilitation, not an act of impunity.

He said, ‘A presidential pardon removes the penalties associated with an offense. It often recognizes factors such as remorse, rehabilitation, and the potential for reintegration into society. The president’s intention, therefore, is to balance justice with mercy, and not to trivialize crime or victims’ suffering.’

Speaking further, the APC stalwart listed several factors that could have informed President Tinubu’s decision. These include rehabilitation and reintegration of reformed inmates, overcrowding in Nigerian prisons, and the principles of restorative justice that emphasize forgiveness and social healing over perpetual punishment.

‘Many inmates have shown significant progress in their rehabilitation efforts. Granting them a second chance through a pardon allows them to return to society as productive citizens. Nigeria’s prisons are overcrowded, and this measure helps relieve pressure on the system while promoting humane correctional practices,’ he explained.

The security expert also highlighted the economic and social implications of prolonged imprisonment, especially for non-violent offenders. ‘Some prisoners’ continued incarceration affects families and communities economically. Pardons can help restore family bonds and reduce the socioeconomic strain on dependents,’ he added.

Addressing growing skepticism about the process, Mumuni acknowledged that concerns about transparency, fairness, and public safety are legitimate. He urged the federal government to communicate clearly about the criteria used in selecting beneficiaries and to establish robust reintegration and monitoring mechanisms for those released.

He stated, ‘The government must ensure that pardons are granted fairly and transparently,’ he said. ‘Public trust will only be strengthened when people see that decisions are based on justice and merit, not political or personal influence.’

While reaffirming his support for the president’s decision, Mumuni cautioned against a selective understanding of justice, drawing attention to similar debates around ‘repentant terrorists’ who have been reintegrated into communities after undergoing deradicalization.

‘We cannot celebrate deradicalized terrorists being reabsorbed into society and then reject the idea of pardoning reformed citizens,’ he argued. ‘If we truly believe in rehabilitation and national healing, we must be consistent’, he added.

He concluded by calling for balanced, informed discourse rather than emotional reactions, stressing that the goal of a functioning justice system should include reform, reintegration, and redemption, not just punishment.

‘It’s natural for citizens to question these decisions, but we must also strive to understand them. True justice combines accountability with mercy, and that is the spirit behind the President’s action’, he concluded.

Red Media Africa, communication and public relations agency, has won the title of Outstanding PR Agency of the Year at Marketing Edge Awards 2025. The company was honoured during the 13th Annual Awards at Balmoral Hall of Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.

This recognition celebrates the agency’s creativity, transformative storytelling, and results in the past year. By pushing the boundaries of strategic communications and brand building, Red Media Africa redefines how brand stories are told on the continent.

Chief Executive, Ayodeji Razaq, said: ‘This is a noteworthy recognition and proof of mastery and craftsmanship in our field. This affirms our role as custodians of narratives that matter. We see this honour not just as a celebration of past achievements, but as fuel to push the boundaries of what communications can do. It strengthens our resolve to set benchmarks of excellence, innovation, and impact, as we redefine how brands connect, engage, and thrive in Africa.’

Earlier this year, the agency was recognised for its marketing excellence at Advertisers’ Association of Nigeria Awards, clinching Public Relations/Corporate Communication Campaign of the Year for its work on Amstel Malta Sleek Can Launch. In 2023, it won Nigerian Marketing Awards Best Social Media Campaign of the Year and PR Agency of the Year, with Silver and Bronze awards at Pitchers Awards in PR and Reputation Management and Use of Insights and Strategy categories.

As the company marks 20 years, this stands as a celebration of resilience, creativity, and impact. For two decades, the agency has championed ideas, elevated brands, and redefined communications.

Today, it looks ahead, committed to weaving even more compelling brand stories, setting higher standards, and charting new frontiers for how brands connect, engage, and thrive in Africa.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oluseun Awonuga, has called on Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority, to recommit themselves to the rule of law, describing it as the foundation for a just and prosperous nation.

He stressed that adherence to the rule of law remains the bedrock of national progress.

Awonuga, Partner at Babalakin and Co, spoke at a reception in his honour by the firm to celebrate his conferment with the rank of SAN.

The night of elegance, celebration and reflection drew an array of distinguished guests from the legal community, the bench and the business world.

The evening celebrated not only Awonuga’s personal achievements but also the ideals of professionalism and integrity in the legal profession.

The SAN said: ‘We need to be more professional, more obedient as citizens, and simply obey the rule of law.

‘If we do that, even within our profession, we will continue to get better as a people and as a nation.’

On the role of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Senior Advocate defended the association’s contributions, stating that it has been instrumental to several developments in the legal profession.

‘It would not be fair to say the NBA has not been helpful. There is always room for improvement, but the current leadership is advancing the cause of lawyers and improving their welfare,’ he said.

Awonuga, who described his elevation as a privilege rather than a right, said the SAN rank is reserved for legal practitioners who have demonstrated excellence, integrity, and diligence in the practice of law.

‘It is a privilege and not a right. The rank is conferred on counsel who have contributed immensely to the development of the law and who have shown professionalism and hard work,’ he noted.

The newly elevated SAN also expressed gratitude to his mentors, colleagues and family for their support, singling out his wife for her encouragement throughout his professional journey.

‘I would not be here today if I had not met her,’ he said, acknowledging her unwavering support.

Senior Partner, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), commended Awonuga for his dedication to the legal profession, describing him as a determined advocate and a serious lawyer.

He said: ‘We started this firm 37 years ago with just two lawyers. Today, we have grown to offices in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, producing 10 Senior Advocates and over 80 lawyers. Oluseun represents the excellence we strive for.’

Babalakin also thanked the members of the judiciary for attending the event and expressed optimism that, with dedication and integrity, the legal profession will continue to make meaningful contributions to national development.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on governments worldwide to build stronger institutions and ensure the independence of their central banks.

At the IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, DC, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva spoke yesterday at the Civil Society Town Hall Programme, part of the pre-opening events at the ongoing World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings.

The IMF chief also played down the impact of US tariffs on many world economies, saying the effect of the tariffs has decreased compared with the position at the April 2025 meetings.

She added that the private sector is currently much stronger than it was in April, signalling improvement in global economic performance.

She further acknowledged the devastating impact of high debt levels on world economies, urging countries to pursue more growth to reduce the burden of debt on their economies.

‘The impact of tariffs is not as dramatic as we feared. US tariffs are lower today than they were last April.

‘Many countries have chosen not to retaliate and are avoiding tit-for-tat actions, which is protecting world trade.

‘There should be concerted efforts to bring debts down and support global economic recoveries, even as there is a need to identify pathways to resolving the debt crisis,’ she said.

Georgieva called on countries to grow out of debt and create more development opportunities.

Reflecting on global progress over the decades, she said: ‘The average person today is much better off than, say, 30 years ago, but the averages conceal deep undercurrents of marginalisation, discontent, and hardship.

‘Many people in many places-especially the young-are taking their disappointment to the streets: from Lima to Rabat, from Paris to Nairobi, and from Kathmandu to Jakarta, all are demanding better opportunities.’

She noted that the most important discussions at the Annual Meetings will focus on the global economic impact of these transformative forces and the policy turbulence we are experiencing.

‘How is the world economy coping? Short answer: better than feared, but worse than we need.

‘When we met in April, many experts-not us-predicted a U.S. recession in the near term, with negative spillovers to the rest of the world.

‘Instead, the U.S. economy, as well as many other advanced and emerging markets and some developing countries, have held up.

‘As our World Economic Outlook will explain next week, we see global growth slowing only slightly this year and next. All signs point to a world economy that has generally withstood acute strains from multiple shocks,’ she said.

According to her, the resilience of global economies is attributable to improved policy fundamentals, private sector adaptability, less severe tariff outcomes than initially feared-for now-and supportive financial conditions-as long as they hold.

Hamas has freed the last living Israeli hostages under a ceasefire deal, a big step towards ending two years of ruinous war in Gaza as U.S. President Donald Trump addressed Israel’s parliament, urging it to turn military success into peace.

The Israeli military said it had received all hostages confirmed to be alive after their transfer from Gaza by the Red Cross, prompting cheering, hugging and weeping among thousands waiting at ‘Hostage Square’ in Tel Aviv.

Some of the nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees freed by Israel as part of the accord, ahead of a summit in Egypt to cement the ceasefire, began arriving in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, some hoisted on the shoulders of delighted relatives.

‘The skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still and the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace,’ Trump told the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, saying a ‘long nightmare’ for both Israelis and Palestinians was over.

‘Now, it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East,’ he said before his planned trip to Egypt for the summit.

Also yesterday, world leaders gathered in Egypt for a summit aimed at supporting the ceasefire reached in Gaza.

Before the summit co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fatah el-Sissi and Trump began, el-Sissi hailed Trump as the ‘only one’ able to bring peace to the region.

The 20 world leaders, who attended the summit, include King Abdullah of Jordan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the French president and the British prime minister.

However, formidable obstacles remain even to a resolution of the Gaza conflagration, let alone to the wider, generations-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict or other longstanding schisms running through the Middle East.

The release of hostages and Palestinian detainees was pivotal to the first phase of the Gaza accord concluded last week in the Egyptian seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where Monday’s summit will take place.

Over 20 world leaders will weigh how to carry out the next steps under Trump’s 20-point blueprint for an end to the war.

The deal came two years after the October 7, 2023 cross-border Hamas assault that killed 1,200 people with 251 taken hostage, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

Israeli airstrikes, bombardments and ground offensives have since killed over 67,000 Palestinians, the enclave’s health officials say, and laid waste to much of the enclave.

A global hunger monitor said Gaza City and surrounding areas are suffering from a famine afflicting over half a million Palestinians, and most of Gaza’s 2.2 million people are homeless.

Aid supplies are meant to flow more smoothly into the enclave under Trump’s plan. U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher underlined the need to ‘get shelter and fuel to people who desperately need it and to massively scale up the food and medicine and other supplies going in.’

The war has also reshaped the Middle East through spillover Israeli conflicts with Iran, Lebanon’s Tehran-backed Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis.

Bodies of some of the 26 confirmed dead hostages, and another two whose fate was unknown, will also be released on Monday. A committee has been established to locate some bodies likely lost in the wreckage of Gaza.

But major questions remain over what happens next, raising the risk of a slide back into war. The gathering reflects the international will to follow through on the deal.

Israel has rejected any role in Gaza for the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, whose leader, Mahmoud Abbas, arrived in the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh before the gathering.

El-Sissi’s office said the leaders’ summit aimed to ‘end the war’ in Gaza and ‘usher in a new page of peace and regional stability’ in line with Trump’s vision.

Egyptian Air Force jets escorted Trump’s Air Force One for a spin above the resort before he landed and was received by el-Sissi at the airport.

In Israel, Trump urged the country’s lawmakers to work toward peace. To the Palestinians, he said it was time to concentrate on building.

Under the first phase, Israeli troops pulled back from some parts of Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza to return home from areas they were forced to evacuate. Aid groups are preparing to bring in large quantities of aid kept out of the territory for months.

The next phase of the deal will have to tackle disarming Hamas, creating a post-war government for Gaza and handling the extent of Israel’s withdrawal from the territory. Trump’s plan also stipulates that regional and international partners will work to develop the core of a new Palestinian security force.

Abdelatty said the international force needs a U.N. Security Council resolution to endorse its deployment.

Turkey, which hosted Hamas political leaders for years, played a key role in bringing about the ceasefire agreement.

Jordan, alongside Egypt, will train the new Palestinian security force.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged 20 million British pounds ($27 million) to help provide water and sanitation for Gaza and that Britain will host a three-day conference on Gaza’s reconstruction and recovery.

Speaking in Egypt, Starmer said Britain was ready to ‘play its full part’ in ensuring that the current ceasefire results in a lasting peace.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, European Union President António Costa and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also attended the summit.

A total of 1.3 million Nigerians were displaced in 2024 due to flooding out of 7.5 million displaced persons across 16 West African countries, the Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Omosehin has said.

He spoke yesterday at the ongoing 2025 WAICA Conference holding at the Eko Hotels and Suites Lagos. The theme of this year’s conference is, ‘The West African Insurer in the Face of Climate Change’.

Omosehin disclosed that in 2025, over 33,000 Nigerians were displaced, 3,800 homes destroyed, and 5,300 hectares of farmland submerged-threatening food security and economic stability.

Describing the evidence as sobering, he stated that the figures are not just statistics; they are stories of disruption, loss, and delayed development across the continent.

Yet, he said, within this crisis lies an opportunity to redefine the role of insurance as a force for resilience and sustainable development.

He however said that the Federal Government of Nigeria has responded decisively through the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

This landmark legislation according to him, modernizes their regulatory framework, enhances consumer protection, and reinforces the financial resilience of insurers.

Emphasising on the key provisions of NIIRA 2025 include, he said it provides a stronger capital base for operators; expands compulsory insurance classes, including agriculture and environmental risks; deeper integration of insurance into public-private partnerships for infrastructure and climate resilience; and strengthens public confidence in the insurance industry.

The commissioner called on West African Insurers across WAICA member states, reinsurers, and industry leaders to innovate boldly, developing parametric and microinsurance products tailored to our region’s climate realities; Invest in data and technology to improve climate modelling, risk assessment, and product delivery; Collaborate across borders, pooling risks and resources to build regional resilience; Expand inclusion, ensuring insurance reaches farmers, market women, artisans, and micro-entrepreneurs-the backbone of our economies; and Prioritize capacity building, investing in the next generation of insurance professionals

As a regulator, NAICOM is committed to enabling policies that foster collaboration between operators, regulators, and development partners, he said.

He stressed that strengthening climate resilience across West Africa demands a unified approach, one that blends sound regulation, market innovation, and strategic partnerships.

He urged the West African operators to ensure the conference mark as a turning point where insurance becomes central to their climate response and a driver of inclusive, sustainable development.

In a keynote address by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite the theme, ‘The West African Insurer in the Face of Climate Change,’ highlights a critical truth, noting that climate risk is now a financial and developmental risk.

The Minister who was represented by the Director, Home Finance, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Ali Mohammed added that for insurers and governments alike, it directly influences fiscal policy, national budgets, and the stability of our financial systems.

She said: ‘Across West Africa, floods, droughts, and coastal erosion are already destroying livelihoods, straining public finances, and threatening food security. Each disaster brings not only human tragedy but also heavy fiscal burdens. This reality makes climate risk a macroeconomic concern requiring proactive financial planning. Insurance therefore becomes indispensable, a mechanism to share and absorb shocks that governments alone cannot shoulder.

‘The Federal Government recognizes insurance as a pillar of our financial architecture – alongside banking, capital markets, and pensions. The Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA 2025) represents a bold step toward modernization. We must treat climate change not only as an environmental challenge but also as a financial imperative. Africa already loses billions annually to climate-related disasters. Traditional budgets can no longer cope.

‘Hence, Nigeria is advancing frameworks that combine sovereign risk insurance, regional disaster-risk pools, and public-private climate-finance mechanisms to ensure rapid response and fiscal stability. These tools strengthen preparedness and prevent disruptions to essential development programme’, she posited.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on South-East Development Commission, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, had said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will not rely on defections or sitting Governors to win the 2027 presidential election, stressing that the party’s growing strength in the South-East is the product of consistency, sacrifice, and hard work.

Speaking during TVC News Journalists’ Hangout anchored by Babajide Otitoju on Monday, Kalu, according to a statement by his media aide, Kenneth Udeh, recounted how he was ridiculed and called names when he joined the APC in 2016 as the only political leader from the South-East to identify with the party.

‘When I joined the APC in 2016, I was the only South-East leader in the party. People mocked me, called me names, and thought I was mad to have joined a party that had no governor or lawmaker from our region,’ Kalu said.

‘But I stood my ground and kept assuring the party leadership that it would be well. In 2019, I became the first senator elected on the APC platform from the South-East, and today the story has changed. We now have APC governors, senators, and House members across the zone.’

The former Abia Governor said the party will not depend on political defections or the influence of Governors to secure victory in the 2027 elections.

‘We are not relying on Governors or defections to win. We are relying on hard work. Politics is about commitment and results, not noise.

‘We are on the ground and determined to ensure that President Tinubu and all APC candidates perform well in 2027, especially in Abia and across the South-East,’ he stated.

Kalu expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will record significant success in the South-East during the next general elections, citing growing public confidence in the APC-led government and visible development projects across the region.

‘In 2019, President Buhari got over 60% of the votes in my constituency, Abia North. Tinubu didn’t do well in 2023 because we didn’t mobilise enough, but this time, we are ready. Our people are beginning to see the progress in roads and infrastructure. The President has opened up roads long abandoned, and he’s doing more,’ Kalu noted.

When asked if he still maintained his position he South-East has been marginalised, Kalu said the region has been ‘put out of the scheme of things’ since after the civil war.

‘I can always tell you that the South-East is not really marginalised, but we were put out of the scheme of things since after the civil war,’ he said. ‘I didn’t start the war, I didn’t fight in it, neither did I end it. What we need is sincerity and equity so that we can all move together and develop the country.’

On the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Kalu urged Nigerians to respect the judicial process.

‘Nnamdi Kanu’s case is before a competent court, and it would be unfair for me to comment on his release,’ he said. ‘Justice Omotosho is handling the matter, and we should allow the courts to do their work. Nigerians must learn to respect the judiciary.’

The former Senate Chief Whip expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s reform agenda, describing it as a necessary process that will yield positive results despite current hardships.

‘Reforms come with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Nigerians are feeling pain, yes, but these pains will lead to long-term gain. I’ve already sponsored a bill on social welfare and investment to reduce poverty, and I’ll meet the President to fast-track it. We must show Nigerians that we have them in our hearts,’ he said.

Kalu also highlighted ongoing infrastructure improvements in the South-East, including federal road projects linking Enugu, Lokpanta, Aba, Port Harcourt, Bende, and Arochukwu.

‘Before now, those roads were impassable. Today, they are being rebuilt. The President is doing a lot in our region, and I’m confident that the 2026 budget will reflect even more development for our people,’ he added.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has presented N80 million cheques to families of slain forest guards and vigilantes killed during encounters with kidnappers at Babanla, Oke Ode and Eleyin in Ifelodun and Isin local governments.

The governor also approved N100 million support for the families of brave men in Edu and Patigi, who died in an ambush in July by kidnappers, as they set out to confront the abductors in the wake of kidnappings in the area.

The governor saluted the bravery and patriotism of the victims and prayed to God for the repose of their souls.

‘We pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased. It was an unfortunate incident. They died in active service. Government cannot but sympathise with the bereaved families,’ the governor said in Ilorin while presenting cheques to the families.

He added: ‘We will do the needful by supporting them and making sure the state is safe, and our country is safe.

‘As you can see, the military has moved in with full force. We look forward to supporting Nigerian Army and other security agencies as they chase the criminals out of the state.’

The governor said his administration had supplied new logistics support, including fighting equipment and motorcycles, for the forest guards and vigilantes maintained by communities at flash points.

‘The new logistics have positioned the forest guards and vigilantes to better hunt down the kidnappers and defend their communities – a practical complement to the efforts of the conventional security forces,’ he said.

Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru has said insecurity in Kwara South could be reduced through coordinated local government action, adding that local councils had a constitutional duty to safeguard lives and property in their areas.

He spoke with reporters at Omu-Aran in Irepodun Local Government at an event organised by a group known as Kwara South G7.

Ashiru called on the state government to adopt a more hands-on approach, saying ‘security is everyone’s business. The state must empower local authorities and vigilante networks to strengthen grassroots intelligence and protection.’

‘Kwara South G7’ comprises seven local governments, including Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Offa, Ifelodun, Irepodun, Oyun and Insin.

The Labour Party (LP) candidate, Dr. George Moghalu, has promised to end insecurity in Anambra State within three months if elected governor.

Moghalu gave the assurance during his community-to-community campaign visits to Nnobi and Umuoji, where he addressed residents on his plans to restore peace and stability.

‘Within three months of my administration, insecurity will be brought under control,’ he declared.

He said his government would restore the dignity of the ordinary citizen by prioritising social welfare, infrastructure, and education, adding that good governance must have a human face.

‘We will reintroduce scholarships for our intelligent children up to university level.

Our elderly citizens from 65 years and above will enjoy free medical care, while those from 70 years will receive monthly stipends,’ Moghalu said.

The LP flagbearer also assured that the era of multiple taxation, insensitivity, and poor governance would come to an end under his leadership.

Acknowledging the cries of Okada and Keke riders, who expressed frustration over the heavy taxes imposed on them daily, he promised to drastically reduce levies to ease their burden.

Moghalu further condemned the poor state of roads across the state, describing it as a reflection of failed leadership.

‘Most of the roads being constructed don’t last one season. Funds meant for local governments are hijacked, leaving them with only ten percent. That will stop under my watch,’ he added.