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A support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, the Progressive Network for Tinubu (PNT), has dismissed concerns that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s possible return to the presidential race could threaten President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Although Jonathan has not declared his intention to run, speculation has continued to mount that he may be considering a comeback to Aso Rock after losing his re-election bid to the late Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

Speaking on Tuesday during the inauguration of the group’s local council coordinators across the 18 local government areas of the state, PNT Director-General, Olumide Obadele, said Jonathan’s possible candidacy would neither sway voters nor undermine President Tinubu’s prospects.

Obadele added that Nigerians still recall the controversies that characterised Jonathan’s administration under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that the APC remains unconcerned about any talk of his return.

‘The APC or Tinubu is not jittery about Goodluck Jonathan, and I can tell you that – take it from me. I’m sure Jonathan will not run at the end of the day. The constitution of Nigeria is clear about it, and there is no point trying to twist it,’ he said.

Obadele noted that those urging Jonathan to contest were only out to ’embarrass and rubbish’ the former president.

‘I think if he wants to be a true elder statesman, he should stay away from that attempt because he’s going to be embarrassed and rubbished. I don’t know which party – PDP or ADC – would even field him. Most of these opposition parties are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU); they are on life support,’ he added.

According to Obadele, President Tinubu’s re-election bid was already a ‘done deal’, with several support groups showing strong solidarity with the ruling party ahead of the 2027 polls.

‘I don’t think any party in Nigeria today can come up and say it wants to run against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. For me, 2027 is a done deal. In 2023, they said a lot about Peter Obi, but it surprised them,’ he said.

He also emphasized that political dynamics have changed since the last election cycle, stressing that the duo of Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar are still confused on which platform to run in the 2027 election.

‘As I speak with you today, neither Obi nor Atiku knows under which party they will contest. Eight months is too short for anyone to make up their mind about running for president,’ Obadele stated.

The PNT Director-General explained that the group was focused on mobilizing non-voting citizens and increasing voter participation across Ondo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘Under PNT, we are moving from units to local governments to canvass support for President Tinubu. We have voter apathy here in Ondo State. If only 28.6% voted in the last election, that’s not good enough.

‘We are targeting the remaining 70% – the elites who stay home on election day. We want to enlighten and educate them about what Asiwaju is doing and why he deserves our support, especially here in Yorubaland,’ he stated.

Earlier, the coordinator of the APC Elders’ Movement, Otunba Agboola Kelly, commended the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his unwavering support and commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Kelly described Tunji-Ojo as a ‘God-given and illustrious son of Ondo State’ whose efforts have significantly boosted pro-Tinubu mobilization activities across the state.

He added that the minister’s contributions had further strengthened the Ondo State APC Elders’ Movement for Tinubu 2027, which continues to expand in membership and influence.

The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL Plc) has facilitated over N70 billion in commercial financing for agribusinesses as of the third quarter of 2025, marking its strongest annual performance since inception.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the organisation said it remains confident of achieving its N150 billion target for 2025, reflecting renewed momentum in agricultural lending and investor confidence in the sector.

According to NIRSAL, since it began operations in 2013, the latest result accounts for nearly a quarter of its cumulative N270 billion facilitated for agriculture and agribusiness to date.

The institution said this milestone represents ‘an achievement that reflects the impact of NIRSAL’s revamped strategy under its new Board and Executive Management.’

The statement observed that this turnaround comes at a crucial time when bank lending to agriculture had been in steady decline.

‘Bank lending to agriculture fell from 6.18 percent of aggregate lending in 2022 to 4.82 percent in 2024, while sectoral growth slowed from 2.5 percent to 1.7 percent within the same period,’ it said.

NIRSAL noted that the application of its signature tools for value chain modelling, alongside targeted technical support and risk-sharing frameworks, has helped restore lender confidence in agribusiness financing.

‘By applying its signature tools for value chain modelling to address identified issues, providing technical support to agribusinesses and financial institutions, all while deploying its risk-sharing frameworks, NIRSAL has restored lender confidence, thus channelling fresh funds into key value chains, including grains, cocoa, shea, and livestock,’ the statement added.

On impact, the institution disclosed that the financing surge has led to a tangible rise in local production and improved trade performance.

‘There has been an improvement in local production across key commodities and a positive balance of trade for agriculture, with over 32 percent of the facilitated sum directly supporting value-added commodity export. Most notably, agriculture’s share of bank lending has risen again to 5.33 percent as of May 2025, reflecting renewed interest from financiers,’ it stated.

NIRSAL also revealed that two newly licensed banks have entered the agricultural finance space relying on its frameworks, contributing to the N70 billion already facilitated this year.

Commenting on the milestone, NIRSAL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sa’ad Hamidu, said the result demonstrates the viability of sustainable agricultural financing.

‘N70 billion may appear modest compared to the size of Nigeria’s agricultural financing needs, but the significance is profound. It proves that agriculture can be commercially and sustainably financed. With the right blend of capital, technical support, and risk mitigation, the sector can become more productive, resilient, and globally competitive,’ Hamidu said.

He noted that the organisation’s confidence in achieving its N150 billion annual target remains strong, given that the busiest period for agricultural financing is yet to begin.

‘This is not yet the peak of the harvest season when merchants typically seek credit for offtake and storage, and when super agro-dealers stock up on fertilisers and inputs ahead of the next planting cycle. Therefore, the opportunities still to come give us every reason for optimism,’ he explained.

NIRSAL stated that beyond facilitating loans, it is reshaping the entire agricultural lending ecosystem through an integrated model that covers prospect identification, deal structuring, business advisory, and credit guarantees.

The model, according to the organisation, ‘handholds agribusinesses from loan origination to disbursement,’ enabling them to transition from unbankable enterprises to sustainable borrowers.

The statement noted that several agribusinesses that once relied on NIRSAL’s intervention have now evolved into regular clients of commercial banks, with lenders gaining deeper understanding of agricultural value chains and greater confidence in financing them.

‘This proves that the NIRSAL model is a pathway to long-term sustainability in the agriculture sector,’ it said.

The N70 billion facilitated so far, NIRSAL explained, is the result of extensive capacity-building efforts across financial institutions. The organisation trained over 1,100 bank staff to improve their understanding of agricultural financing within NIRSAL’s risk-sharing framework, which has contributed to an increase in loan approvals. It also trained 450 agricultural value chain participants on feedlot management, commodity export, and climate finance – interventions that are expected to yield long-term benefits for sectoral growth.

Looking ahead, NIRSAL said it is developing a digital platform known as the NIRSAL LandBank Portal, designed to connect stakeholders across the agricultural ecosystem – from research and development to markets. The portal will provide data-driven insights to investors, policymakers, and development partners for identifying opportunities, reducing risk, and making informed decisions.

The organisation added that the LandBank portal would also serve as a project development hub, particularly in climate finance. It recently signed a partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to provide off-grid power to production and processing clusters in rural areas – a move NIRSAL believes will build resilience in agricultural value chains and support Nigeria’s vision of a $1 trillion economy.

Since its establishment, NIRSAL has maintained its mandate of de-risking agricultural lending, promoting access to finance, and proving that agriculture is both bankable and sustainable.

The 2025 performance, it said, signals ‘not just recovery, but a new era of confidence for Nigeria’s farmers, financiers, and the wider economy.’

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, has intercepted prohibited goods worth over N1.18 billion in the last six weeks and arrested four suspects in connection with the seizures.

Addressing reporters in Lagos on Tuesday, the Comptroller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, said the Unit intercepted 125 prohibited goods in Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, and Lagos states.

Displaying the seized goods at the Federal Government warehouse in Ikeja, the C, Shuaibu, highlighted the seizures to include 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to eight trailer loads; 15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles; 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 431.8kg and 460 jerrycans (25 litres each) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Others, according to him, are 143 bales of used clothing, two jumbo sacks of used shoes, and one sack of used clothing; 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol; 210 pieces of used tyres; and one 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate, intercepted for false declaration.

He added that the operations were intelligence-driven and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, protecting the economy, and ensuring consumer safety from hazardous and counterfeit goods.

Four suspects, he said, were arrested in connection with the seizures and would be handed over to the relevant agencies for investigation and prosecution

Shuaibu emphasised the unit’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, noting that the confiscated pharmaceuticals and cannabis would be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), respectively.

The Controller reiterated the enforcement of the 2016 Federal Government ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders, warning that ‘selfish and unpatriotic individuals’ who continue to flout the policy would suffer heavy losses.

Beyond enforcement, Shuaibu disclosed that the unit recovered N39.27 million in revenue through demand notices issued for import duty shortfalls between September 1 and October 7, 2025.

Receiving the drugs, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nasir Bungudu, commended officers of the NCS for their vigilance and intelligence in intercepting another shipment of Indian hemp believed to have been smuggled into the country through sea.

Bungudu also lauded the Customs’ sustained efforts in combating drug trafficking, describing their operations as ‘dogged and intelligence-driven.’

‘This is another Indian hemp that is not produced in Nigeria. It was brought in through the sea and the river. I thank the Customs for their ability to track and arrest the culprits. Their intelligence and timing in making such arrests are commendable,’ Bungudu said.

He assured that the NDLEA would continue to strengthen its collaboration with the Customs Service to curb the smuggling of illicit drugs into the country, especially through waterways and land borders.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has emphasised that cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the media is not a matter of convenience but a strategic necessity for national development and security.

Oluyede stated this on Tuesday while declaring open a three-day seminar organized by the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) for its officers, sister security agencies, and defence correspondents.

The seminar, themed ‘Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security,’ aims to strengthen collaboration and promote accurate reporting of military operations.

According to the army chief, synergy with the media plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding, mobilizing national support, and highlighting the sacrifices made by troops in defending the country.

He added that the seminar’s theme reflects the importance of accountability, balance, and responsibility in covering military activities-especially in a joint environment where effective cooperation among security agencies is essential.

Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Maj-Gen. Mohammed Abdullahi, Oluyede said in an era where the battle for hearts and minds was as critical as the battle in the field, responsible media reportage has become a key enabler of operational success, pointing out that the perception of the Nigerian Army, and indeed of all security agencies, ‘is largely shaped by the narratives carried in the media space.’

Oluyede said that with the rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the speed and reach of information – both genuine and false – have multiplied.

He added that fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes now pose real threats to national cohesion and operational integrity.

‘Therefore, our collective task is not only to counter misinformation but to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse.

‘Through initiatives such as this seminar, we seek to build a shared framework for responsible, conflict-sensitive reporting – one that amplifies truth, promotes professionalism, and safeguards national interest. It is our collective duty to ensure that the stories of our men and women in uniform are told accurately, respectfully, and in a way that strengthens the bond between the Armed Forces and the people we serve.

‘To the participants, I urge you to make the best use of this platform. Learn, share experiences, and build the capacity to navigate today’s complex media environment. The lectures and discussions during this seminar have been carefully curated to address the evolving challenges of defense communication, crisis reporting, and information management,’ he said.

He urged the seminar participants to learn, share experiences, and build the capacity to navigate the complex media environment as papers to be presented have been carefully curated to address the evolving challenges of defence communication, crisis reporting, and information management.

The Acting Director Nigerian Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, noted that in today’s dynamic security environment, the role of the media go beyond reporting events, extending to shaping public perception, rallying national support, countering misinformation and influencing the outcome of military operations.

She said that with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the rapid spread of information through digital platforms, narratives could be manipulated within seconds – fake news, doctored images and deepfakes now posed as much threat as enemy propaganda on the battlefield.

‘This reality underscores why fact-checking, verification and responsible journalism have become indispensable to both national security and public trust. No doubt, warfare is not fought solely with weapons but also in the information domain. Hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns and Artificial Intelligence-driven fake content are being weaponized to erode public confidence, discredit institutions and demoralize security forces.

‘To defeat these threats, we must counter falsehoods with verified facts, replace propaganda with truth, and ensure that the Nigerian public is accurately informed. This calls for professionalism, ethics and patriotism from all media stakeholders,’ she said.

Anele pledged the directorate commitment to ensuring access to timely, credible and verifiable information that would enable responsible reportage while safeguarding national security interests.

She added, ‘For participants at this Seminar, our role is not only to inform but to ensure that narratives surrounding security operations are accurate, constructive and supportive of national security objectives. Together, we must ensure that our troops win not only the battles in the field but also the battles of perception and information in the public domain. We must encourage and appreciate the huge sacrifices of troops, their gallantry sacrifice must be reinforced by responsible media reportage that amplifies their achievements, counters false narratives and fosters unity among Nigerians.’

ýýCommunity leaders in Ribadu, the birthplace of National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, have showered encomiums on him and the Federal Government over what they describe as high-impact projects that the community now enjoy.

ýýLeaders of the community, saying that now their development profile is fast changing for good, credit it to the projects that the NSA has been attracting from the federal government.

ýýA prominent leader in the community, Hon Mustapha Ribadu who is currently the Adamawa State organising secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC) and at whose birthday event the leaders spoke, said the federal government has awarded the over 60km Yola-Gurin federal highway and the Fufore-Ribadu-Dasin Hausa highway; and has constructed industrial boreholes and an ICT centre.

ýMustapha Ribadu who said he decided to use the auspicious occasion of his own birthday to extend support to 400 youths and women with N10,000 cash donation each as his own expression of goodwill to his people, added that the NSA has addressed insecurity in his homestead and provided support to farmers, youths and women.

ýAlso speaking, a respected traditional ruler and Waziri of Ribadu, Alhaji Yahya Buba expressed great joy in the purposeful leadership of President Bola Tinubu who he said made a great choice of Nuhu Ribadu as the NSA who he described as a champion both at home and outside.

ý’The people of Ribadu never had is so good. We cannot count the numerous interventions we got from President Bola Tinubu courtesy of our respected and patriotic son, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu,’ Buba said.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Dasin Hausa, the Jauro Dasin, Alhaji Shitu Ahmadu, hailed the interventions of the NSA across many development sectors in his area.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ad Hoc Committee on the rotation of statutory positions to uphold fairness, equity, and inclusivity in the distribution of positions among member states.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the appeal on Tuesday during the opening session of the committee’s meeting in Abuja.

The committee, comprising representatives from Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, has been tasked with reviewing and considering proposals for the allocation of statutory positions within ECOWAS institutions for the 2026-2030 term.

According to the minister, the committee’s work carries great significance due to the sensitivity and importance of the appointments.

The current appointees’ tenure, which began in 2021, expired in June 2025 after completing a non-renewable four-year term. The ad hoc committee is expected to submit its report by December 2025.

She said, ‘We are fully aware that the appointment of statutory positions within ECOWAS institutions remains a matter of considerable importance and sensitivity among Member States. This issue has become even more delicate in recent times, given the reduction in the number of statutory positions available following the implementation of the ECOWAS institutional Reforms.

‘In this context, our Committee must be mindful of the need to uphold fairness and inclusivity in the distribution of the statutory positions within the ECOWAS Institutions.’

She therefore warned that aspirations of all Member States, particularly those with smaller populations or limited resources, should not be trampled upon.

According to her, ‘It is also essential that the aspirations of all Member States, particularly those with smaller populations or limited resources, but who have nonetheless demonstrated unflinching commitment to the organization, are duly recognized and accommodated.

‘It is equally important to underscore that our membership in this Ad-hoc Committee should not be construed as a pathway to positions of leadership within the ECOWAS Institutions. Rather, our engagement should be guided by the principles of regional solidarity, prioritizing the collective interest of the Community above national aspirations. In doing so, we will contribute to fostering deeper unity, mutual trust, and a shared sense of purpose among our citizens.

‘As we prepare to commence deliberations on the Memorandum before us, I encourage us all to approach our discussions with unflinching commitment, open-mindedness, and a spirit of constructive dialogue. Let us remain focused on ensuring that the outcomes of our engagements are both meaningful and impactful for the future of our region.’

The Minister also assured the gathering that Nigeria will, as a traditional leader, engage with all member states to build consensus and ensure collective decisions for the future of the community.

‘We would also recall that Nigeria, as a long-standing and committed Member State, played a significant role in shaping and supporting the institutional reforms which culminated in the current and more streamlined structure. Excellencies, these reforms were aimed at reducing operational costs, optimizing administrative efficiency, and enhancing the effectiveness and impact of ECOWAS programmes across the region.

‘I want to, therefore, assure you that as part of our enduring commitment to the ideals of regional integration and solidarity, Nigeria will continue to assume its traditional leadership role by constructively engaging with all Member States to build consensus and ensure that our collective decisions reflect both equity and a shared vision for the future of our Community.’

The minister also commended the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and his team for the comprehensive and well-prepared Memorandum provided to guide the deliberations of the committee over the course of the two-day engagement.

‘The document thoughtfully reflects the relevant legal framework governing the allocation of statutory positions within the ECOWAS Institutions, and will no doubt serve as a valuable reference in facilitating our discussions,’ she said.

In his earlier remarks, Touray urged the committee to do its work with the broader interest of the Community at heart.

He reminded the gathering that the Council of Ministers was informed at the 94th ordinary session of the impending end of the mandate of the current management of ECOWAS Institutions by July 14, 2026, in compliance with the 2012 Supplementary Act on the Modalities for the Allocation of Statutory Positions in ECOWAS Institutions.

This, the ECOWAS Commission President said, culminated in the setting up of the six-member ad hoc committee.

He stressed that, ‘Article 14, paragraph 3 of the Supplementary Act mandated the Council to recommend the allocation of the positions to the ECOWAS Authority based on a proposal to be submitted by the President of the Commission.

‘To facilitate this process, Council, in June, established this six-member ad hoc committee, comprising the Republics of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, to review the proposed allocation of the Commission and submit it to Council for consideration, and ultimately to the ECOWAS Authority for decision.’

He also added, ‘During this meeting, the Commission will be presenting a memo setting out the framework for the allocation of the statutory positions for your consideration. The memo was prepared taking into account the provisions of the 2012 Supplementary Act and historical data on the allocations of the statutory positions of the institutions since 1975.

‘It is the expectation that the ad hoc Committee will review this proposal with the broader interest of the Community at heart.’

The Lagos State Government has honoured 750 Public Servants, including Permanent Secretaries, with Long Service Awards for their dedication and meritorious service to the State over the past 30 years and above.

The Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, announced this at the Year 2025 Long Service Merit Award ceremony held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa-Ikeja, on Tuesday, 7th October 2025.

The ceremony aimed to express the Government’s appreciation and gratitude to deserving members of the workforce who have served the State meritoriously for 30 years and above.

Agoro emphasized that the initiative would inspire awardees to continue excelling while motivating other Public Servants to strengthen their commitment and deliver more effective service to the State.

In his congratulatory message, Agoro urged the awardees not to rest on their laurels, encouraging all Public Servants to maintain a high work ethic and continue to perform their duties diligently.

He assured them that the State Government would provide a supportive and enabling environment to help them achieve their goals, prioritizing staff welfare.

Agoro also encouraged the awardees to prioritize their personal development, leveraging the latest ICT technologies to enhance their skills.

He, however, commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, for making the ceremony a reality.

The Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, congratulated the awardees and pledged the State Government’s continued support for Public Servants’ welfare.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Mrs. Abosede George, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu and his team, pledging their continued support for the State’s development.

Thousands of students and youths from the Southwest region under the aegis of Coalition of Yoruba Students and Youth Movement (COYSYM) on Tuesday staged a massive protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to tackle what they described as unpatriotic attacks and orchestrated blackmail against Dangote Refinery.

The students who commended President Bola Tinubu for the courage in the removal of fuel subsidy fingered trade unions in the oil and gas sector including Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) as been behind the attack on the nation’s private Refinery.

The group also said it has uncovered, through credible information, that PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN, in collaboration with certain international oil companies and traders, are deliberately instigating disruptions to frustrate Dangote Refinery.

It added that there are multiple attempts to obstruct its operations and undermine its credibility, noting that the acts of economic sabotage must not be tolerated.

COYSYM is a united front of all Yoruba Indigenous Youth and Student Organisations across Nigeria, including the National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS), Yoruba Council Worldwide, and the Coalition of Osun State Youth and Students Association (COSSYA), among others.

The protesters dressed in customised t-shirts and fez caps defied the early morning rain to assemble at the Iwo Road underbridge, carried banners, placards, and sang solidarity songs to enlighten members of the public on the threat against the benefit of the refinery in transforming the oil and gas sector.

Some of the inscriptions on the placards read, ‘Government supports Dangote Refinery Now. Support Dangote, Save Nigerians. Stop Sabotage. Support Dangote. Dangote Refinery is Nigeria’s Pride’, ‘PENGASSAN: Nigeria’s alpha and omega, stop holding Nigeria hostage. Free Dangote,’, Our oil, our right, support Dangote’.

Others read, ‘Don’t kill Dangote Refinery’, ‘Dangote Refinery is the pride of Nigeria’, ‘We kick against the anti-masses policies of PENGASSAN, DAPPMAN and NUPENG. Stop sabotaging fuel supply in Nigeria. Let the masses breathe’, ‘PENGASSAN, DAPPMAN and NUPENG: Stop causing problems in the oil sector in Nigeria’, among others.

The protest, which led to a heavy traffic jam at the Iwo Road end of the Ibadan-Ife Expressway, saw many commuters stranded for minutes.

Traffic officers, including officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police, among others, had a hectic time controlling traffic as commuters trying to use the road inward into the capital city suffered mild delays.

Addressing the massive crowd, the National President, Comrade Benedict Adetunji, urged the Federal Government to prioritise the allocation of crude oil to all Nigerian-owned refineries at fair and competitive rates.

He said the group embarked on the protest rally out of a deep sense of patriotism and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability.

He also called for the stoppage of crude to foreign refineries at cheaper prices than to local refineries, as well as an end to the importation of petroleum products, and support for domestic refining.

Reading the position paper while addressing the crowd, Comrade Adetunji said, ‘We bring you warm and revolutionary greetings from the Coalition of Yoruba Students and Youth Movement (COYSYM) a united front of all Yoruba Indigenous Youth and Student Organisations across Nigeria, including the National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS), Yoruba Council Worldwide, and the Coalition of Osun State Youth and Students Association (COSSYA), among others.

‘We are compelled by the negative and anti-national activities of PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN to present this position paper today, 7th October 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, the political headquarters of the Southwest, out of our deep sense of patriotism and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability.

‘First and foremost, we commend Your Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for your bold and visionary leadership, particularly your courage in the removal of fuel subsidy, which has brought remarkable improvement to fuel supply and market stability across the nation. Your steadfast drive for industrialisation and economic recovery remains commendable.

‘However, we express our deep concern over the recent unpatriotic attacks and orchestrated blackmail by PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN against the Dangote Refinery, a world-class facility that stands as the pride of Nigeria and the entire African continent. This refinery, situated within our Yoruba region, represents a symbol of industrial hope, self-reliance, and national rebirth. It deserves support and protection, not sabotage.

‘Your Excellency, the survival and success of Dangote Refinery is crucial to achieving your administration’s vision of making Nigeria a production-driven economy rather than one dependent on importation. No nation grows by importing what it can produce. The only path to true economic revival lies in increasing our export capacity and reducing unnecessary importation.

‘For decades, PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN have crippled Nigeria’s oil sector through incessant strikes, policy manipulations, and industrial sabotage. Their leadership has placed personal and corporate interests above national progress. These unions, often aligned with import cartels, have benefited from fuel importation at the expense of local refining. Their existence, in its current form, has done more harm than good to Nigeria’s economy.

‘As the sons and daughters of the Yoruba Nation, and as the hosts of the Dangote Refinery, we call on Your Excellency, our leader and father, to intervene decisively. Let us not allow these saboteurs to destroy what has taken decades and billions of naira to build. Dangote Refinery is not just a private investment; it is a national asset capable of providing employment, stabilizing fuel supply, and saving billions in foreign exchange.’

The group ‘urges the federal government to prioritise the allocation of crude oil to all Nigerian-owned refineries at fair and competitive rates.

‘Stop the sale of crude to foreign refineries at cheaper prices than to our local refineries.

‘End the importation of petroleum products and support domestic refining.

‘A historical lesson must guide us: in the past, Nigeria’s textile industry was the second-largest employer after the Federal Government, but reckless importation policies led to its total collapse. Even in advanced economies like the United States, President Donald Trump introduced high import tariffs to protect domestic industries and jobs. Nigeria must do the same to protect its strategic sectors.

‘We have also uncovered, through credible information, that PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN, in collaboration with certain international oil companies and traders such as Trafigura, Vitol, Glencore, BP, and Shell, are deliberately instigating disruptions to frustrate Dangote Refinery. Reports indicate multiple attempts to obstruct its operations and undermine its credibility. These are acts of economic sabotage that must not be tolerated.

‘Your Excellency, Alhaji Aliko Dangote must not be made to regret his patriotic investment in Nigeria. Rather, he deserves national protection and encouragement. His contributions toward industrialisation, employment generation, and economic diversification embody your Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘As Yoruba students and youth, known for our love, unity, and hospitality, we appeal passionately to Your Excellency and all Yoruba leaders, Royal Fathers, traditional rulers, and stakeholders to rise in defence of Dangote Refinery and reject all agents of economic regression.

‘Nigeria will only rise when Nigerians believe in and support Nigeria. No foreign power will build this nation for us. The time has come to reward patriotism and punish sabotage. We remain committed to a better, stronger, and self-sufficient Nigeria.’

The Commander-General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Wole Joshua Osatimehin, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assent to the bill establishing the NFSS, aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s forests.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the NFSS boss noted that Nigerian forests have become a safe haven for criminals and need an organization like the NFSS to complement the efforts of security forces in engaging them.

The Nation recalled that President Bola Tinubu had in May, 2025, approved the establishment of forest guards to protect Nigerian forests, many of which are occupied by terrorist groups.

The president, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, directed that the forest guards are to be well-trained and armed to perform their duties, which is essentially to flush out terrorists and criminal gangs hiding inside the forests for criminal activities.

The recruitment of the forest guards, which is a collaborative effort between the federal and state governments, and coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Ministry of Environment, is expected to employ thousands of young Nigerians.

Osatinehin said his personnel are already providing these services in several states across the country, citing Zamfara, Borno, Benue, Taraba, Oyo, Lagos, and Taraba as examples of places where NFSS personnel are complementing the efforts of security forces to protect forests against terrorists and bandits.

The Commander-General, however, lamented that the NFSS, with a strength of over 48,000 personnel, requires constitutional backing to effectively combat bandits and terrorists that have taken the nation’s forests as their hideouts.

He said, ‘The absence of federal approval has affected our morale and operational confidence. We appeal to the President to assent to the NFSS Bill to give us formal legal backing.’

Osatimehin said the organisation which began in 2016 has been operating selflessly since without adequate funding or mobility.

He said, ‘The NFSS evolved from community hunter associations to the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service, and now to the Nigerian Forest Security Service – a transformation that went through the National Assembly.

‘A bill was presented to the Senate seeking the establishment of the organization as part of Nigeria’s national security framework. During the public hearing, 103 memoranda were received; 102 supported the establishment, and only one was against it.

The bill has been passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and transmitted to the President for assent.’

Speaking further, he noted that the morale of its personnel has been low due to lack of welfare support schemes.

‘Many of our members are married and have families, yet receive no formal remuneration,’ he said.

‘This has caused low motivation and at times, harassment by other security agencies who dismiss us as unrecognized.

‘We call on the Federal Government to officially recognize the Nigerian Forest Security Service. Let President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also make history by signing the NFSS Bill into law.

‘We are not here to compete with existing agencies but to complement and strengthen national security within forested areas. Currently,our forests are unsafe and have become hideouts for criminals,’ he added.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Tuesday clashed with Arise TV presenter Rufai Oseni during a tense on-air interview on The Morning Show.

The heated exchange, which quickly went viral after clips surfaced on X, occurred when Oseni questioned Umahi’s use of the title Professor of Engineering and accused him of previously reporting him to President Bola Tinubu over his critical comments on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project.

Visibly irritated, Umahi rebuked the presenter, insisting on being addressed properly and defending his professional credentials.

The confrontation briefly disrupted the interview before it continued amid visible tension between both men.

The visibly angry minister fired back at the presenter, stating, ‘Keep quiet and stop saying what you don’t know. I’m a professor in this field. You don’t understand anything.

‘I understand engineering very well. You have no knowledge of what you ask. You have no knowledge of what you’re asking.’

He added, ‘You are too small for me to report to the President. Stop saying I reported you to the President, you’re too small.’

Oseni also refused to back down, stating, ‘Minister, it’s alright, keep dignifying yourself, and let the world know who you truly are.’

Weighing into the issue, Lere Olayinka, the Spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Minister, recalled schooling the presenter about ways and manners of addressing guests, especially in their official capacity.

Olayinka further accused Rufai of ‘self-pride’.

Olayinka wrote on X, ‘I listened to @ruffydfire addressing the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi as you guys.

‘I once lectured this man that in journalism, there are words you don’t use to address people, especially in their official capacity.

‘Obviously, self-pride won’t let Rufai Oseni do the needful.’

In a follow up tweet, Olayinka wrote, ‘You invited a Minister to your TV station to speak on issues, and you are telling him to keep quiet?

‘Only animal something something can do such.’