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Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has explained that he accepted the renaming of the National Theatre after him because of its history, his personal nostalgia for the iconic edifice, and the recognition that ‘somebody has to carry the can’ for Nigerian theatre even though he has long criticised the practice of naming public monuments after individuals.

Speaking at the reopening and re-dedication of the refurbished complex in Iganmu, Lagos, now christened the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts by President Bola Tinubu, Soyinka admitted that the honour left him conflicted.

‘I accepted this honour with mixed feelings. First of all, I’m notorious for having criticised any appropriations, personal appropriations of public monuments by some of our past leaders, which would end up that everything is named after them,’ he said.

‘I have been guilty of saying other people do not merit this kind of monumental dedication, and then I had to stand up in public and watch my name being put up as yet another appropriator. It just didn’t seem well with me.’

Reflecting on pioneers of Nigerian theatre such as Hubert Ogunde and Adam Fiberesima, Soyinka said he eventually concluded that ‘somebody has to carry the can.’

He also recalled the building’s role in FESTAC ’77, noting his despair over its decay and his surprise at its transformation after renovation.

‘I took one look at it, and when the governor and his team wanted to come back to take a second look, I said you go without me. I said I would advise you, get somebody secretly, plant a bomb, and blow it up. It was irredeemable. I said it’s not just a desert, it was a slum,’ he said.

Soyinka praised its rebirth, adding: ‘If eating one’s word produces a morsel like this, then it’s a very tasty set of words.’

In his remarks, President Tinubu said the renaming was his personal decision and not influenced by any political agenda.

‘No conspiracy anywhere. I did it,’ the president said. ‘You are a gem and talent. You are one of the greatest assets of the world, the continent and the country Nigeria. So, it couldn’t have been anything else. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre. And I’m glad you are here to accept the honour.’

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has approved the full implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers in the state.

According to the directive announced in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Thursday by the State Head of Service, Dame Theodora Okwy Igwegbe, the 100 per cent salary structure takes effect immediately and applies to nurses, nurse anaesthetists, psychiatric nurses, community health technicians, dental therapists, medical laboratory technicians, radiographers, and physiotherapists.

The governor directed all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, including the Local Government Service Commission, the Office of the Accountant General of the State, and the Accountant General for the local government system, to commence immediate enforcement of the directive.

Authorities have been instructed to circulate the notice widely and ensure full compliance across all affected establishments.

Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, who represents the people of Kaduna South Senatorial District, has debunked rumours circulating on social media about his alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued by his media office and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Midat Joseph, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday, the Senator clarified:

‘We wish to state unequivocally and for the record that, as of today, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung is a committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).’

The statement further noted that he was elected on the platform of the PDP and remains dedicated to upholding the mandate given to him by the people of Kaduna South Senatorial District.

While acknowledging that the political landscape is dynamic, the statement stressed that any decision of such magnitude would be communicated officially and transparently by the Senator himself, not through clandestine speculation.

‘The current rumours are needless distractions from the Senator’s primary focus, which is effective representation, legislative excellence, and attracting developmental projects to Kaduna South Senatorial District.’

The statement therefore urged the media, constituents, and the general public to disregard the unfounded speculations.

President Bola Tinubu has said that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day military parade gave him the opportunity to rest well and enjoy a ‘nice breakfast’ on Wednesday.

The Federal Government had earlier announced the cancellation of the parade scheduled for October 1.

In a statement released on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, it was explained that the decision ‘is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary.’

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Speaking at the unveiling of the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre in Lagos, Tinubu said the cancellation gave him a break from the ‘monotony’ of the usual military parade.

‘I’m more than grateful for tonight. I enjoyed the evening. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. This has broken the monotony of military march-past, parade and everything.

‘By cancelling this programme, I was able to have a good sleep, have a nice breakfast and wait for this evening. And the evening is well spent,’ he said.

Tinubu arrived at the venue at about 6:24 p.m. for the reopening ceremony of the monument, which was funded and overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee.

The president had in July renamed the edifice after Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, describing him as ‘one of the greatest assets of the world, Africa and Nigeria.’

‘So, it couldn’t have been anything else and I know definitely you (referring to Soyinka) will not disobey this president. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre,’ Tinubu added.

The unveiling was attended by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Speaker Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; and Wole Soyinka himself, who was the host of the occasion.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially declared open the maiden Gombe Health Summit.

In her remarks, she commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his bold and visionary reforms, which, according to her, have repositioned the state’s health sector as a model for the nation.

The First Lady described the health policies of the Inuwa Yahaya administration as transformational and trailblazing.

She pointed to the expansion of primary health centres, the modernisation of hospitals across the three senatorial districts, and the innovative approach to tackling child malnutrition as clear evidence of the Governor’s commitment to building a workable and sustainable health system.

‘What I have learnt today is truly impressive. Even Bill Gates once attested to Gombe State’s problem-solving mindset and its commitment to results. We see that here again today, and we are proud of what Governor Inuwa Yahaya is doing. I believe Mr President is equally proud,’ she said.

Senator Tinubu also praised the Governor for his recent decision to improve salaries for health workers, describing the gesture as a mark of transparent and accountable leadership. She expressed hope that the Governor’s legacies in the health sector would be sustained for years to come.

In his keynote address, Governor Inuwa Yahaya recalled the difficult situation his administration met in 2019, when the health sector was underfunded, infrastructure dilapidated, personnel overstretched, and health indicators far below the national average.

He explained that at the time, only 3.5 per cent of the state’s budget was allocated to health, while the Abuja Declaration recommended 15 per cent.

According to him, access to healthcare was largely dependent on the ability to pay, and the absence of proper oversight and coordination left the system fragmented and ineffective.

Faced with these realities, he declared a state of emergency in the health sector in 2019, a step which marked the beginning of what he described as a new era of transformation.

He noted that the results of the 2023 National Demographic and Health Survey speak to the success of these reforms, with immunisation coverage rising from 18 per cent in 2018 to 49 per cent in 2023, DPT3 coverage increasing from 26 to 60 per cent, deliveries by skilled birth attendants improving from 21 to 38 per cent, and the use of modern contraceptives by women of childbearing age growing from 16 to 30 per cent.

The Governor further highlighted landmark achievements, including the revitalisation of 228 primary healthcare centres across the state, each equipped to provide 24-hour services with solar power, boreholes, and staff quarters; the recruitment and deployment of hundreds of health workers to underserved communities; the remodelling of general hospitals in Kumo, Bajoga, and Kaltungo; and the transformation of Gombe Specialist Hospital, which now trains house officers and residents in accredited postgraduate programmes.

He also pointed to the construction of a 200-bed ultra-modern hospital in Kumo, which has since been converted to a Federal Medical Centre by the Federal Government.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also spoke of institutional reforms, including the establishment of a Hospitals Management Board and the introduction of biometric attendance systems, which uncovered 440 ghost workers and saved the state over N4.5 billion.

He noted the establishment of the Gombe State Contributory Health Scheme, which has enrolled more than 380,000 residents and provided coverage to over 100,000 vulnerable people, and the creation of GoPharma, a pharmaceutical company designed to make quality medicines affordable and, in the long term, to produce drugs locally.

In a major announcement at the summit, the Governor approved the immediate implementation of the CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures for all health workers in Gombe State, effective November 2025.

He explained that this intervention, at a cost of N250 million monthly or N3 billion annually, represents a direct investment in the welfare of health professionals.

‘This commitment comes with a call to all health workers to match our efforts with renewed commitment, productivity, and professionalism in service to our people,’ he stated.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, commended the timing of the summit, describing it as aligned with the Federal Government’s current investments in the sector.

He said the reforms implemented in Gombe have already yielded measurable results in reducing maternal morbidity and child mortality, while strengthening infrastructure and manpower.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, described the summit as a reflection of the priority Governor Inuwa Yahaya places on healthcare.

He emphasised that the administration has successfully repositioned the sector to meet the health needs of the people in a sustainable and holistic manner.

Highlight of the opening session was the unveiling of the Gombe State Health Workforce Strategic Development Plan 2025-2030 by the First Lady.

The Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, witnessed a landmark moment recently as Gold Star Line’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered containership, the MV Sapphire, berthed at APM Terminals.

The vessel, built in 2024 and sailing under the Singapore flag, has a carrying capacity of 7,800 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Speaking at the event, Todd Rives, Managing Director of Lagos and Niger Shipping Agency Limited (LANSAL), which represents Gold Star Line in Nigeria, described the berthing as a historic milestone.

He recalled that Gold Star Line, incorporated in 1958, remains one of the oldest shipping agencies operating in Nigeria, with a longstanding commitment to customer service.

He stressed that the arrival of the MV Sapphire was more than just a routine docking, but rather a symbol of progress and partnership, designed to reduce voyage costs, promote operational efficiency, and reinforce environmental sustainability.

According to him, the vessel is the beginning of a new era in Nigerian maritime trade, and he expressed optimism that her sister ships would also call at the port in the near future.

Kayode Daniel, Commercial Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, described the moment as a significant achievement for the port and underlined the shared commitment to sustainable maritime practices.

He explained that shipping lines globally are working together to reduce emissions, in line with international sustainability targets.

He praised LANSAL for deploying LNG-powered vessels in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reaffirming that it was aligned with the global APM Terminals ESG goals, to move to cleaner sources of energy thereby reducing carbon emissions.

The Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex Apapa, Adebowale Lawal, represented by the Chief Port Security Officer, Bukar Kaumi, commended Gold Star Line and LANSAL for their foresight.

He noted that the maritime industry is evolving as larger vessels begin to berth at Nigerian ports and stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for such developments.

Lawal explained that LNG vessels are critical in addressing the challenges of climate change, while at the same time reducing costs and driving economies of scale.

He assured stakeholders of the Nigerian Ports Authority’s commitment to ensuring a viable and competitive environment for trade.

In his remarks, the Controller of the Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Osoba, represented by Deputy Comptroller Musa Sama, congratulated both the shipping line and the terminal operator for what he described as the dawn of a new chapter in maritime transportation.

He applauded the adoption of LNG technology as a bold step towards a cleaner and more efficient logistics chain, reaffirming the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to support and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure seamless trade facilitation and to enable businesses in Apapa to thrive.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has again restated its concern over the delay in the National Assembly’s review of the existing Electoral Act.

Chairman of the Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, expressed the electoral umpire’s apprehension on Thursday when he received the Head of the European Union Follow-up Mission, led by Mr. Barry Andrews.

Professor Yakubu maintained that uncertainty over the legal framework for next general elections is a big encumbrance for INEC.

He also told the EU team that some of its recommendations towards improvement on the electoral process in the country rest heavily on legislative intervention by the National Assembly.

He said: ‘As you are aware, an election is a process governed by law. Many of your recommendations require the review of our electoral laws. For this reason, the Commission had interfaced with our National Assembly, including a retreat with the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters (Senate and House of Representatives).

‘We appeal to the National Assembly for an expeditious consideration of the electoral reform proposal. An early passage of law is critical to our planning for the elections. Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the Commission as election draws nearer.’

The INEC Chairman, who commended the EU for its engagement with his Commission aimed at promoting the integrity of the electoral process, declared that his Commission would be willing to sustain the collaboration.

‘We look forward to the next EU EOM for the 2027 General Election. As you are aware, International Election Observation Missions are deployed on the invitation of the Commission. I want to reassure you that we will continue to engage with you.

‘Very soon, the Commission will send out invitations to the EU as well as the Commonwealth, the African Union, and ECOWAS for the 2027 General Election. We believe that the recommendations arising from your observation of our election and electoral process help to improve the quality of our elections and electoral activities.’

In his remarks, the Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission, Barry Andrews, who incidentally is a member of the European Parliament, said the focus of his team is to verify the response to the recommendations of the EU team that monitored the last general elections.

Andrews, who revealed that his team has been around in the last three weeks, applauded INEC’s genuine commitment to recommendations that would add value to the electoral process in Nigeria.

He said: ‘What we are here to do is to look at the recommendations that flowed from the overall mission, which were contained in the final report of the mission back in 2023, and we are very happy to see that there has been very significant progress against these recommendations. We recognise that there are certain time constraints, both in terms of judicial reform as well as administrative reform and, of course, constitutional reform.

‘INEC has obviously carried out its own review of the 2023 elections, and we’ll be looking forward to hearing what you have to report on the recommendations and the follow-up and implementation of those recommendations since 2023.

‘There are specific areas that require legislative action that I’ve referred to in my opening comments, and we would be delighted as a team to hear from you about what progress has been made and what concerns you have about obstacles in the future, and particularly around constitutional change, which is obviously a little bit more difficult.’

Other members of the visiting delegation were Mr. Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Mr. Ralph-Michael Peters, Election Expert and Team Lead; Ms. Eirini-Maria Gounari, Election Legal Expert.

Others were Mr. Maros Gabriel, Election Administration Expert, and Ms. Laolu Olawumi, Programme Manager, Democracy and Rule of Law, EU Delegation.

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, on Thursday said that the centrality of Abuja, coupled with its rich agro-allied potentials, is germane to strengthening NPA’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to continuously grow non-oil revenue by connecting local value producers in the non-oil value chain to identified international clusters of demand for their goods.

According to him, the position of Abuja as the centre of the country is strategic to the NPA’s renewed trade facilitation focus that places a high premium on port-hinterland connectivity, which Abuja’s centrality accentuates, presents a seamless linkage with the comparative advantages inherent in all regions of the federation that can be harnessed to sustain growth in the volume and value of Nigeria’s exports.

He said that as Nigeria’s foremost trade facilitation platform, the authority is always proud to be associated with the noble cause the Abuja International Trade Fair represents, especially seeing that trade remains the most veritable tool for actualising most of Nigeria’s economic aspirations.

The NPA MD used the opportunity of the occasion of the ‘NPA Special Day’ to invite the entire trading and investing public to explore the tailor-made simplified export processes and other vistas of opportunity present at the Nigerian Ports Authority.’

He said, ‘As some of us are aware, in our bid to contribute to the strengthening of the domestic economy through the promotion of balance of trade, we established the Export Process Terminal (EPTs) to simplify the hitherto burdensome process of exporting Nigerian goods.’

Dantsoho explained that the EPTs were conceptualised to serve as a one-stop shop for cargo consolidation, stuffing, documentation, packaging, certification and onward shipment through electronic call-up to the ports in a quick turnaround time, thus eliminating the duplications and bureaucratic overlaps that previously rendered Nigerian exports uncompetitive in the international marketplace.

He said to facilitate the port-hinterland connectivity and create pathways for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the export value chain, the EPTs have been structured to have a seamless handshake with the Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) in synergy with the Nigerian Exports Promotion Council (NEPC), as well as the Inland Dry Ports.

‘To align with the economic stabilization resolve of the Federal Government and the theme of the year’s fair ‘Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives and Taxation’ we are unifying our various operational channels into a singular transaction gateway known as the Ports Community System (PCS) which lays the groundwork for the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) which sustainably eliminates all forms of opacity and attendant delays associated with undue human interference,’ he stated.

Dantsoho further explained that the NSW is the global best practice for delivering the greatest value with the greatest ease by connecting all stakeholders in the trade value chain for seamless interaction at the push of a button, saying NPA has put measures in place to link value creators in the remotest part of the hinterland with the farthest clusters of demand anywhere on the globe.

He assured every stakeholder that the doors of NPA are always open for partnerships even beyond the trade fair, urging them to visit the NPA’s fully interactive online, real-time website www.nigerianports.gov.ng to access our growth offerings.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, flagged off the Light Up Abuja programme, encompassing Lots I and II.

Lot 1 will take care of Maitama, Central Area, Wuse, Asokoro and Airport Expressway while Lot 2 is comprised of Katampe, Katampe Extension, Jabi, Garki, Gudu, Mabushi.

The Light Up Abuja Project, includes supply and installation (retrofitting) of integrated Hybrid Solar Street lighting fittings of 300W Zolar Powered lights luminous flux ranging from 7,500lm to 17,500lm ongoing Streets and Expressways with necessary accessories. The project is to be completed within six months.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Minister stated that the light-up project was the most challenging one he has ever embarked upon.

He stated that there was, however, enormous sabotage against achieving a well-lit Abuja, stressing that many vested interests were constituting a front against the programme, vowing he would ensure the initiative worked. Wike revealed that some of the interests sabotaging efforts to keep Abuja well illuminated at night stemmed from criminals who prefer darkness, dealers in vandalized streetlight installation parts, contractors, and others who push files for the maintenance of streetlights, claiming huge sums of money.

The Minister explained that the streetlights to be installed are embedded with security features that will send signals to security agencies whenever tampered with, thereby preventing vandalism.

He also stated that the new streetlight project includes a five-year maintenance plan, which will be handled by the contractors.

His words: ‘Today’s event is a very difficult one -difficult in the sense that this is a very important project but has given us a lot of headache. Headache not in the conceptualization, but headache in how it will work, knowing that in this country, people are always sabotaging government efforts.

‘It has been a source of concern for me and my team. But we felt that we must take up the challenge. When we came on board in August 2023, one thing anybody who visits Abuja or resides in Abuja will identify is that almost 80 per cent of the entire city was in darkness.

‘Secondly, there was this issue of insecurity when we came on board. So, we are trying to see how we can tackle this issue. If we continue to leave Abuja in darkness, obviously, insecurity will increase.

‘So, we decided to do what we can with what was available. Every time, you will hear of sabotage -cables have been removed, poles have been vandalized. Every time, you see papers coming in for the maintenance of streetlights, making us keep spending money.’

The Minister decried that sometimes, while rushing to receive the President at the airport at night, everywhere would be dark.

According to the Minister, as one responsible for solving the problems, it became a nightmare, and he started having minor migraines thinking about the way out.

He revealed that the solution was arrived at when he accompanied the President to Beijing, where he entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CGC and CCECC to provide not only streetlights but also water supply.

Earlier, in a vote of thanks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, appreciated the FCT Minister for his ‘unwavering leadership and vision,’ saying it continues to drive sustainable infrastructural development across the Territory.

Dr. Mahmoud stated that the project was not just about lighting up Abuja streets but also ‘about safety, security, sustainability, and service to the residents.’

She added: ‘It will promote clean and renewable energy, thereby reducing the city’s carbon footprint. More importantly, it will support the Administration’s Smart City Agenda, making Abuja a model for sustainable urban living.’

The Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Dauda, while providing an overview of the project, stated that it would provide integrated and hybrid solar streetlights in the districts and expressways.

He also stated that the programme would ensure uninterrupted lighting to enhance navigation at night, surveillance to guard against theft, reduced electricity bills, improved aesthetics, and job creation for the people.

A crisis is looming at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), as members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over alleged unpaid salaries and arrears.

The union said it would join the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has been on strike since August over similar grievances, a development that has already halted academic activities on campus.

The Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in AAUA, Comrade Olutayo Ogungbeni, who addressed journalists on Thursday, accused the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration of failing to honour its June 2025 promise to clear salary arrears and increase subventions to state-owned universities.

Ogungbemi warned that ‘The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), AAUA, may commence industrial action if all outstanding salaries are not paid.

‘The last salary collected was in July, and now we are in October. Our members have been patient enough. We cannot continue to work without being paid.’

He lamented that the current subvention to the institution is ‘grossly inadequate,’ making it impossible to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage for university workers.

Ogungbeni further accused the state government of neglecting the university, saying the institution had been starved of funds for years.

According to him, SSANU’s outstanding demands include the payment of 54 months’ arrears dating back to 2019, 18 months’ arrears of the 25% and 35% salary increment, two months’ arrears of the 2024 minimum wage, as well as promotion arrears for 2022, 2023, and 2024.

He also demanded the immediate release of the August and September 2025 salaries, insisting that workers can no longer survive under the burden of unpaid entitlements.

‘This government promised to intervene, but we are still battling with old arrears, unpaid increments, and withheld promotion benefits. Staff are losing hope, and we are now left with no choice but to prepare for a showdown,’ he said.

The union leader stressed that while ASUU’s strike had crippled lectures and research, the looming SSANU action would shut down the heart of the university system.

‘If SSANU withdraws its services, all administrative and support operations, from the bursary to the registry and from health to security, will be grounded. Nothing will function,’ he declared.

Efforts to get the state government’s reaction were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, went unanswered at the time of filing this report.