P12 million vape products seized in Cavite

Illegal vape products worth P12 million were seized in Bacoor, Cavite on Thursday afternoon as authorities intensified the crackdown against smuggling.

Agents of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) confiscated 15 boxes and 40 master cases containing assorted vape products in a raid in Barangay Molino III.

Two people identified only as Dante and Juliana were arrested for selling the illegal items, according to CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II.

Authorities said the vape products were hazardous to health as these contained toxic and addictive substances.

Acting Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. warned smugglers to stop their illegal activities as the PNP has intensified operations against crimes involving economic sabotage.

Uba Sani, Umahi move to fast-track Abuja-Kaduna expressway completion

Determined to end the prolonged delay on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, Kaduna Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has again met with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Abuja to push for the speedy completion of the project’s critical Abuja-Jere-Kaduna section.

The meeting, at the Federal Ministry of Works, was part of the Governor’s sustained engagement with key federal stakeholders to ensure quick delivery of one of Nigeria’s most strategic transport corridors.

Sani described the highway as a ‘national artery’ vital to Nigeria’s economic integration, trade, and mobility. He said the expressway connects millions of Nigerians across states and should no longer suffer avoidable delays.

‘This road is not just a route between two cities; it is an economic corridor linking people, markets, and opportunities across northern Nigeria and beyond,’ he said, reaffirming Kaduna’s readiness to partner with the Federal Government to remove all implementation bottlenecks.

Umahi commended Sani’s proactive follow-up on federal projects in the state and assured that the Tinubu administration was fully committed to delivering the expressway within record time.

He disclosed that contractors had been directed to adopt double shifts to fast-track construction without compromising quality.

Umahi also revealed that the use of reinforced concrete pavement technology would ensure durability, reduce maintenance costs, and guarantee long-term sustainability of the highway.

Sani emphasised that the project’s completion would symbolize renewed hope, unity, and national development, reflecting the joint resolve of federal and state authorities to deliver infrastructure that drives growth and improves citizens’ lives.

Serve with heart: Filipino way of moral public service

Historically, Filipino public service has been deeply rooted in religious and moral beliefs, evolving from pre-colonial traditions to a system founded on nationalism and love. Before the arrival of the Spanish, pre-colonial Filipinos had their own religious beliefs centered on deities like Bathalang Maykapal. The babaylan or katalonan, who were priestesses and healers, held a highly regarded position and their beliefs influenced political and social life. The practice of trial by ordeal during this time is an example of the strong religious influence on policy.

The Spanish introduced a new belief system that led to the conversion of many Filipinos. This period, known as the Frailocracy, saw an incomparable amalgamation of the Church and State, where friars had significant influence over political and economic affairs. Despite the abuses of the Frailocracy, Filipinos never lost their core sense of morality.

The American occupation brought religious impartiality and forbearance, which allowed Filipinos to practice various religions. This value was later reinforced in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which recognizes the establishment and practice of religion.

The Philippines now observes a submissive secularism, meaning the state is neutral toward religion and acknowledges the church’s role as the core of Filipino moral values. The Constitution even begins by ‘imploring the aid of Almighty God,’ demonstrating the enduring moral and spiritual foundation of the nation.

The culture of Filipino public service is a direct product of this historical evolution, encompassing the pre-colonial, colonial and republican eras. Public service is not just about meeting people’s essential needs; it’s about making people understand its ways. Holding a public office is seen as a privilege and a public trust, which is a duty to serve the public rather than a right. As per the 1987 Philippine Constitution, this public trust requires public servants to be conscientious, prioritize the common good and public interest above all and avoid conflicts of interest.

Additionally, public servants must observe values such as equity and justice, accessibility for all, national growth and patriotism. The delivery of public service must be founded in love, which is intrinsically linked to nationalism.

Filipino nationalism in public service can be regarded as a unique language of morality because it embodies the religious, humanist and nationalistic spirit that reflects love for the country, fellow citizens and God. This moral foundation ensures that government actions and policies are directed toward the common good.

Although there is a separation of Church and State under what is called passive secularism, it does not mean opposition to religion; rather, it allows the church to participate by offering moral perspectives in policymaking. This kind of relationship, as expressed in the Panatang Makabayan, reflects the high level of democratic values among Filipinos.

Ultimately, the standard of genuine public service lies in whether it is rooted in nationalism and love – a spirit that endures through time and is deeply embedded in the nation’s history and culture.

Presidency releases comprehensive list of 175 beneficiaries of Tinubu’s clemency, pardon

The Presidency on Saturday released a comprehensive list of the beneficiaries of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential pardon, clemency and commutation of sentences to 175 convicts and former convicts, which was released on Thursday after the National Council of State meeting.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave an exhaustive breakdown of the categories of the President’s prerogatives, comprising full pardons, posthumous pardons, clemency, sentence reductions and commutations from death to life imprisonment.

The exercise of mercy for the 175 convicts and former convicts, including military officers, public officials, remorseful drug offenders, illegal miners, and foreigners, followed the recommendation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi.

The committee’s report, as presented by Fagbemi, recommended various forms of reprieve: pardon for 17 persons (including 11 posthumously), clemency for 82 inmates, commutation of sentences for 65, and conversion of death sentences to life imprisonment for seven others.

According to the statement, President Tinubu granted mercy to many of the convicts for reasons including remorse, good conduct, old age, and enrolment in reform programmes such as the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

Those granted full presidential pardon are Nweke Francis Chibueze, Dr. Nwogu Peters, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaoba, Barrister Hussaini Alhaji Umar, Ayinla Saadu Alanamu and Hon. Farouk M. Lawan.

President Tinubu also issued posthumous pardons to nationalist Sir Herbert Macaulay, whose 1913 colonial conviction has now been set aside; Major-General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, executed in 1986 over an alleged coup plot; and to the Ogoni Nine-Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawa, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel and John Kpuine-who were executed in 1995.

The Presidency separately honoured the victims in the Ogoni case-Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobaru, Chief Samuel Orage and Chief Theophilus Orage-while making clear they are not beneficiaries of the clemency or pardon.

Eighty-two inmates received presidential clemency after demonstrating remorse, reform or other qualifying circumstances, among whom was and Maryam Sanda, who was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging by Justice Yusuf Halilu at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in November 2017.

Sanda’s sentence was later upheld by the Court of Appeal on December 4, 2020.

Others who received presidential clemency included Aluagwu Lawrence; Ben Friday; Oroke Michael Chibueze; Kelvin Christopher Smith; Azubuike Jeremiah Emeka; Akinrinnade Akinwande Adebiyi; Ahmed Adeyemo; Adeniyi Jimoh; Seun Omirinde; Adesanya Olufemi Paul; Ife Yusuf; Daniel Bodunwa; Fidelis Michael; Suru Akande; Safiyanu Umar; Dahiru Abdullahi; Hamza Abubakar; Rabiu Alhassan Dawaki; Mujibu Muhammad; Emmanuel Eze; Bala Azika Yahaya; Lina Kusum Wilson; and Buhari Sani.

Others are Mohammed Musa; Muharazu Abubakar; Ibrahim Yusuf; Saad Ahmed Madaki; Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa; Richard Ayuba; Adam Abubakar; Emmanuel Yusuf; Edwin Nnazor; Chinedu Stanley; Joseph Nwanoka; Johnny Ntheru; John Omotiye; Nsikat Edet Harry; Jonathan Asuquo; Prince Samuel Peters; Babangida Saliu; Adamu Sanni; Abdulkarem Salisu; Abdulaziz Lawal; Abdulrahman Babangida; Maharazu Alidu; Zaharadeen Baliue; Babangida Usman; Zayyanu Abdullahi; Bashir Garuba; Imam Suleman; Abbeh Amisu; Lawani Lurwanu; Yusuf Alhassan; Abdulahi Isah; and Zayanu Bello.

Habeeb Suleman; Jubrin Sahabi; Shefiu Umar; Seidu Abubakar; Haruna Abubakar; Rabiu Seidu; Macha Kuru; Zahradeen Aminu; Nazipi Musa; Abdullahi Musa; Habibu Safiu; Husseni Sani; Musa Lawali; Suleiman Lawal; Yusuf Iliyasu; Sebiyu Aliyu; Halliru Sani; Shittu Aliyu; Sanusi Aminu; Isiaka Adamu; Mamman Ibrahim; Shuaibu Abdullahi; Sanusi Adamu; Sadi Musa; Haruna Isah; and Abiodun Elemero also received presidential clemency.

The Presidency disclosed that Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis signed an undertaking to be responsible for the rehabilitation and empowerment of all the convicted illegal miners who were granted clemency.

In addition, sixty-five inmates had their terms of imprisonment reduced for reasons such as remorse, good conduct, educational attainment, age or ill-health.

Those whose sentences were reduced are Yusuf Owolabi; Ifeanyi Eze; Malam Ibrahim Sulaiman; Shettima Maaji Arfo; Ajasper Benzeger; Ifenna Kennechukwu; Mgbeike Matthew; Patrick Mensah; Obi Edwin Chukwu; Tunde Balogun; Lima Pereira Erick Diego; Uchegbu Emeka Michael; Salawu Adebayo Samsudeen; Napolo Osariemen; Patricia Echoe Igninovia; Odeyemi Omolaram; Vera Daniel Ifork; and Gabriel Juliet Chidimma.

Others are Dias Santos Marcia Christiana; Alhaji Ibrahim Hameed; Alhaji Nasiru Ogara Adinoyi; Chief Emeka Agbodike; Isaac Justina; Aishat Kehinde; Helen Solomon; Okoye Tochukwu; Ugwueze Paul; Mutsapha Ahmed; Abubakar Mamman; Muhammed Bello Musa; Nnamdi Anene; Alhaji Abubakar Tanko; Chisom Francis Wisdom; Innocent Brown Idiong; Iniobong Imaeyen Ntukidem; Ada Audu; Bukar Adamu; Kelvin Oniarah Ezigbe; Frank Azuekor; and Chukwukelu Sunday Calisthus.

Also affected are Professor Magaji Garba; Markus Yusuf; Samson Ajayi; Iyabo Binyoyo; Oladele Felix; Rakiya Beida; Nriagu Augustine Ifeanyi; Chukwudi Destiny; Felix Rotimi Esemokhai; Major S. A. Akubo; John Ibiam; Omoka Aja; Chief Jonathan Alatoru; Umanah Ekaette Umanah; Utom Obong Thomson Udoaka; Jude Saka Ebaragha; Frank Insort Abaka; Shina Alolo; Joshua Iwiki; David Akinseye; Ahmed Toyin; Shobajo Saheed; Adamole Philip; Mathew Masi; and Bright Agbedeyi.

Seven inmates on death row had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment on account of good conduct and remorse. They are Emmanuel Baba; Emmanuel Gladstone; Moses Ayodele Olorunfemi; Abubakar Usman; Khalifa Umar; Benjamin Ekeze; and Mohammed Umar.

The Presidency explained that the exercise covers a wide range of offences and circumstances-from narcotics and economic crimes to unlawful mining and homicide-and is intended to balance justice with compassion while acknowledging genuine efforts at reform.

It added that, beyond correcting individual cases, the exercise also addresses historic grievances such as the colonial conviction of Sir Herbert Macaulay and the 1995 executions in Ogoniland, even as the victims in that episode were formally honoured without being listed among the pardon or clemency beneficiaries.

Trouble in the TRAC

The Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College (TRAC) has a long history of leadership issues. Its quality of education has also been problematic.

For decades, the institution struggled with instability and weak governance. It is an SUC Level 1 institution, the lowest classification for state universities and colleges.

This is the reason why I decided to take over as chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of all public universities in the BASULTA region in 2022. I wanted to help the Sulu State College and Basilan State College become full-fledged state universities. I also wanted to contribute to improving the quality of education in TRAC.

The realities on the ground shocked me. Faculty members were teaching agriculture subjects even if they did not pass the PRC Agriculture Licensure Examination (ALE). Not surprisingly, the TRAC passing rate for the ALE over the past years has been very low.

The recruitment and promotion of faculty were also suspect. Many professors became permanent without vertically aligned academic credentials or lacked research publications.

As a result, all of its degree programs had no Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC). The deadline of COPC compliance under the PRC-CHED Joint Circular No. 1 has passed, and the students may be unable to take their licensure examinations.

But things were starting to turn around. For the first time, TRAC had a president who retired honorably and with a clean slate – a rare milestone in its institutional history. The BOT initiated a serious review of the appointment of new faculty members in compliance with CHED and civil service rules. The UPLB College of Agriculture included TRAC in its PHASE II ALE Review project and will explore a capacity-building project for the TRAC faculty.

Unfortunately, that momentum now appears to be stalling as the college finds itself once again entangled in allegations of nepotism, unethical leadership practices and questionable governance procedures.

I have been informed that several stakeholders have already lodged complaints before the Ombudsman for Mindanao seeking accountability on these issues.

The complainants reportedly accuse the newly-elected president of grave misconduct, dishonesty, malversation of public funds and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

At the heart of the controversy are appointments allegedly made by the president. Instead of selecting faculty who meet the standards of the CHED, relatives were reportedly appointed to positions for which they lacked the necessary qualifications.

The complainants claim that these appointees were installed despite the existence of more qualified faculty members with advanced degrees and professional eligibility. These acts, according to the complaints, not only show blatant nepotism but also put TRAC’s acquisition of the COPC in jeopardy. Students were further dismayed to discover that some classes were being handled by stand-ins, with appointed instructors failing to attend sessions.

Equally troubling are allegations that the Office of the President had been converted into a private residence. Photographs showing the president and the vice president for academic affairs in sleeping attire inside the office are now circulating. The complaints allege that this misuse of government property inflated electricity and water bills, turning a public office into a private convenience.

There were also complaints of students being compelled to pay an additional P800 during enrolment, with only P600 accounted for as the cost of a school shirt for the school’s founding anniversary. No official receipts were issued, contrary to government requirements on the collection of funds.

The complaints claim that this collection was not authorized or discussed in the BOT meetings, but was imposed solely upon the instruction of the college president through the VP for academic affairs.

The complaints also point to a drainage project beside the gymnasium that was constructed without Board approval or compliance with procurement laws. Instead of a transparent bidding process under RA 9184, a Memorandum of Agreement was supposedly entered into with a favored contractor. Stakeholders allege that this amounted to misuse of public funds, malversation and violations of anti-graft statutes.

Equally troubling is the contention that the president unilaterally replaced the TRAC Board secretary without complying with CHED guidelines. The Board secretary was reappointed during the first quarter TRAC Board meeting. Under CHED rules, Board secretaries serve the Board, not the president, and are coterminous with the newly elected president.

The recent events highlight the fragility of public trust when leaders are perceived, rightly or wrongly, as poor stewards of education and resources. For the students, faculty and parents who invested their hopes in the college, these accusations, if not resolved, will cast a long shadow that will affect the credibility of TRAC as an educational institution.

The public expectation is always simple: accountability, transparency, compliance with government rules and a return to the values that make higher education a public trust.

These grievances must be investigated with dispatch by the ombudsman, the TRAC Board of Trustees and CHED. The president’s side on the accusations must be heard to ensure that due process is observed.

Until these matters are resolved, the story of TRAC will not be one of improving academic quality but of more troubles – troubles that undermine its mission and jeopardize the dreams of students to complete their education and have a better life.

We will give Nigerians a working constitution, says Reps Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has stressed the need to have a Nigerian Constitution that work for all segment of the society.

Speaking at a retreat of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu who is Chairman of the committee said Nigerians want a Constitution that empowers local governments to deliver services, streamlines electoral justice, strengthens fiscal federalism, guarantees women’s full participation in governance, and enhances accountability at all levels.

He said as part of the resolve of the House to give Nigerians the Constitution they deserve, it assembled a distinguished panel of constitutional lawyers, scholars, and policy analysts who will guide our deliberations, provide comparative perspectives, and help us navigate complex legal and political terrain.

He said: ‘the work we do here in Enugu over the next few days will define the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy for the next generation.Will we be remembered as the Assembly that empowered local governments, thereby bringing governance closer to the people? Will we be remembered as the Assembly that shattered the glass ceiling and guaranteed women’s full participation in public life? Will we be remembered as the Assembly that restored public confidence in our electoral system?

‘These are not rhetorical questions. They are moral and political imperatives that demand our immediate and decisive action. Therefore, as we commence our deliberations, I urge us all to be guided by three principles’.

He maintained that in discharging its responsibilities, the Committee must have a unity of purpose; legislative discipline and national interest as guiding principles, saying ‘We represent different constituencies, different parties, and different ideologies.

‘But on the issue of constitutional reform, we must speak with one voice. The amendments we propose must command broad, bipartisan support if they are to succeed. Let us focus on what unites us, not what divides us.

‘Constitutional amendments are not ordinary bills. They require meticulous drafting, rigorous scrutiny, and careful sequencing. We must resist the temptation to overload the amendment agenda with contentious or politically divisive proposals. Our focus must be on achievable, high-impact reforms that enjoy widespread public support.

‘Every decision we make here must be guided by one question: What is best for Nigeria? Not what is best for our party, our region, or our personal ambitions, but what is best for the over 200 million Nigerians we were elected to serve.

‘The Constitution we are reviewing is the social contract that binds us together as a people. It is the promise we make to each other about the kind of country we want to build.

‘Let the work we do here in Enugu reflect our commitment to that promise. Let us leave Enugu with a clear, actionable roadmap for constitutional reform: one that empowers local governments, guarantees women’s representation, strengthens electoral integrity, and deepens our federal democracy.

‘Let us leave Enugu ready to build the consensus necessary to secure passage of these amendments in the National Assembly and in State Houses of Assembly across the Federation.And let us leave Enugu inspired by the knowledge that we are engaged in a historic endeavour: one that will shape Nigeria’s destiny for generations to come’.

Enugu Governor Peter Mbah emphasised on the need to have a diligent Judicial, police and other reforms that will attend to the needs of the Nigerian people for speedy justice delivery.

Represented by the Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, the Governor said if implemented, reforms intended in the proposed amendments and new bills in the ongoing exercise, will go along way in addressing the socio-political, security as well as economic challenges affecting the country.

He stated that whenever Nigerians discuss inclusive governance, a few thoughts run around what they discuss event among parliamentarians, in media, politicians, those in the academies and almost all classes of Nigerians.

ERC OKs P14 billion grid link for world’s largest solar farm

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved the P14.2-billion grid integration of Pangilinan-led Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN)’s MTerra Solar, which is poised to become the world’s largest integrated solar farm.

MGEN, through Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (TSPI), received the green light to build and own dedicated point-to-point limited transmission facilities to connect the project to the Luzon grid.

On an interim basis, the solar farm will be linked to the grid through a bus-in connection to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP)’s Nagsaag-Marilao/San Jose 500 kiloVolt (kV) transmission line.

It will be then transferred to the NGCP’s proposed San Isidro 500 kV substation for its final connection scheme.

The ERC has assigned the NGCP to operate and maintain the transmission assets to ensure the reliability, security and stability of the national grid.

Given this, TSPI was ordered to submit a copy of its executed operation and maintenance agreement with the grid operator within 30 days from its execution.

‘In case the subject assets shall be required for competitive purposes, the ownership of the same shall be transferred to NGCP as contribution-in-aid of contribution,’ the ERC ruled.

Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, a generation firm may develop, own and operate dedicated transmission facilities, provided that such assets are required only for the purpose of connecting to the country’s electrical superhighway.

According to the ERC, the grid integration of the MTerra Solar project is expected to help address the country’s growing energy demand, particularly in Luzon.

Luzon’s peak demand reached 13,839 megawatts as of April, while its dependable capacity stood at 19,778 MW.

Spanning across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, MTerra Solar consists of a 3,500-MW solar farm equipped with a 4,500-MW-hour battery energy storage system.

Once completed, the project’s generation output will be dispatched through a power supply agreement with energy utility giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

Any excess power generated will be offered to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the centralized venue for electricity trading.

MGEN, the power generation arm of Meralco, took over MTerra Solar in 2023 after acquiring a controlling stake in TSPI parent SP New Energy Corp.

With a capital investment of around P200 billion, the project will be completed in phases, with the first phase by 2026 and the second phase by 2027.

North-Central APC backs Tinubu on Amupitan’s appointment

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing him as the right choice to deliver credible and transparent elections.

In a statement on Saturday by its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 elections, the Forum also commended the National Council of State for approving Amupitan’s appointment.

‘The North-Central APC Forum welcomed with a sense of pride, the appointment of one of the region’s illustrious sons, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

‘This development is further attestation of the calibre of human resources in the North-Central, which are readily available to be deployed in various critical and sensitive roles for the development of the nation.

‘We commend President Bola Tinubu for appointing Professor Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and also thank the National Council of State for approving the appointment,’ the Forum stated.

Zazzaga noted that Amupitan’s track record as an accomplished legal scholar and practitioner, university administrator and illustrious academia shows that he has the capacity for the job, especially as he is coming on board at a time Nigerians are getting set for crucial elections.

‘Having followed Professor Amupitan’s career over the years and taking special note of his distinguished role at the University of Jos, where, as a Professor of Law, he has lectured and mentored generations of lawyers and academics for over three decades, we can assure President Tinubu and Nigerians that Professor Amupitan will deliver credible, free and fair elections all through his tenure as INEC chairman.

‘We are certain that Professor Amupitan is the right choice, a round peg in a round hole and we call on all Nigerians, particularly stakeholders in the electoral system, to give him all the necessary support to succeed in this crucial national assignment.’

Aryna, Novak sail on World No. 1

Aryna Sabalenka raced into a fourth consecutive Wuhan Open quarterfinal Thursday, having revealed she spent time on holiday last month practicing with Novak Djokovic.

‘We went for dinner. We practiced a couple times,’ Sabalenka told reporters.

She was joined by Iga Swiatek, who reached her 25th WTA 1000 quarterfinal with a hard-fought 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 win over Belinda Bencic, and Coco Gauff, who ended the inspired run of Chinese wildcard Zhang Shuai 6-3, 6-2.

Sabalenka, in contrast to her rusty start against Rebecca Sramkova the day before, came out firing from the get-go to blow away Russia’s world No. 20 Liudmila Samsonova 6-3, 6-2.

Meanwhile, Djokovic said he was ‘concerned’ about his physical state, but still dispatched Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-3, 7-5 to set up a Shanghai Masters semifinal against tournament surprise package Valentin Vacherot.

Why I mingle with politicians – Saheed Balogun

Seasoned actor Saheed Balogun has explained why he has recently been seen mingling with politicians, saying his involvement stems from a desire to better understand Nigeria’s governance system and promote political orientation among citizens.

Speaking during an interview on TVC News’ Saturday Breakfast, Balogun said he was one of the first actors to openly associate with politicians during the 2023 elections, adding that his support for President Bola Tinubu was driven by trust and conviction.

‘In 2023, I’m one of the first actors that mingles with the politicians because my late sister, Suleymane Adediji, and Laiba Lugmu, they’re into politics. But when I did for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in 2023, I did it for, well, all these people are seen. Who do you know? Who do you trust? I said, let’s go. Thank God he won,’ Balogun said.

He explained that after the elections, he realised that Nigeria’s major challenge was a lack of proper orientation among citizens.

‘We need to know about a lot of things. Who is the government? You are the government. I am the government. We need to ask questions. If we have orientation about this country-what led to our problem, and if the man trying to fix it is doing the right thing-not just looking for a miracle worker,’ he said.

Balogun added that his interaction with politicians was part of his personal effort to understand national issues, including subsidy removal and its impact.

‘I saw a graduate, and I was discussing subsidy. He doesn’t even know what subsidy is all about. Once they remove subsidy, the money made, how it’s going to be spent, he doesn’t know. All he knows is, ‘I am hungry. Rice last year was ?50,000; this year is ?80,000.’ We need to know about our country and what is going on,’ he noted.

When asked whether he plans to venture into politics, Balogun said he would only do so if it is his divine calling.

‘If it is my calling, I will,’ he concluded.