Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

In a dramatic escalation of long-simmering tensions, the unified leadership of the ancient Ugborodo community has issued a stark, seven-day ultimatum to International Oil Companies (IOCs) and a key regulatory body, threatening to halt all oil operations within its territory.

The threat was delivered on Wednesday during a tripartite press conference at Ode-Ugborodo, the community’s global headquarters in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The well-attended event was convened by the Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC), the Ikpere Alemeje Women Traders Association, and the Ugborodo Community Youth Development Body (UCYDB), who together represent the community’s recognised administrative organs.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the coalition, Mr Emmanuel Onuwaje, Chairman of the UCMC, stated that the community’s patience had been exhausted after ‘five decades’ of neglect.

‘We cannot be by the river and soap is gradually blinding us,’ he declared, using a local proverb to illustrate their plight amidst vast oil wealth.

The Delta community leaders presented a litany of grievances, accusing IOCs, particularly Chevron Nigeria Limited and the newly renamed Renaissance Africa Energy Company, of systemic marginalisation.

A representative of the community leadership detailed the employment issues, stating, ‘There is an ongoing direct Chevron staff employment exercise. Several qualified Ugborodo indigenes and other Itsekiris applied and have gone through the aptitude tests.

‘While many applicants from other parts of the country have been employed in this process, not a single Ugborodo indigene or Itsekiri from other communities has been employed. This is most unacceptable.’

A central demand is the immediate implementation of a report by the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which delineates host communities within a 500-meter coastal buffer zone.

The leadership, in a statement signed by Messrs Onuwaje, Eyengho Samuel Besidone (UCMC Secretary), Wilson Ejeh (UCYDB Chairman), David Mamah (UCYDB P.R.O.), Madam Helen O. Nuco and Madam Paulina Omagbe (Chairlady and Secretary of the Women Traders Association), expressed grave concern over the NUPRC’s delay.

‘We have waited for too long. Our patience cannot remain indefinite,’ the statement read. ‘The communities are becoming restless, and as leaders, it is becoming increasingly difficult to hold back the frustration of our people.’

The community also raised the alarm over an existential threat from the Atlantic Ocean, highlighting the ‘persistent ocean surge gradually washing away our communities’ and the ‘urgent need for a world-class shore protection.’

Further adding to the tension, the leadership condemned a recent meeting in Warri where a rival ‘Governing Council of Ugborodo Community Trust’ was formed. The unified bodies labelled the act a ‘laughable and dead-on-arrival’ attempt by ‘self-exilees’ to destabilise the community.

Concluding their statement, the signatories issued a final warning. ‘Let it be on record that failure of these IOCs, NUPRC and other relevant government agencies to act within a reasonable time frame of seven days, will leave us with no other option but to put a complete stop to all International Oil Companies’ operations within our communities.’

The ultimatum sets the stage for a potential major confrontation in one of Nigeria’s most critical oil and gas-producing regions.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has held a closed-door meeting with the Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, at his Bodija residence, promising to intervene over Igboho’s challenges.

This disclosure was made in a statement released by Igboho’s media office, which was forwarded to journalists on Wednesday.

According to the statement, ‘the meeting held on Monday lasted for about 40 minutes and issues ranging from insecurity in the South West and the emerging threats by bandits in some parts of Kwara State were discussed.’

A source who was privy to the meeting hinted that Oba Ladoja, who welcomed Igboho alongside his teeming supporters, also promised to intervene in the current challenges faced by Igboho regarding his declaration as a wanted person by the Federal Government and the embargo on his bank accounts.

It will be recalled that the former administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari had declared Igboho wanted and frozen his bank accounts over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition.

On 1 July 2021, operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS), backed by some personnel of the Nigerian Army, invaded the residence of Igboho, located around Soka, killing two of his aides and arresting 13 others.

However, while speaking during the meeting, Igboho, who congratulated Oba Rashidi Ladoja on his ascension to the throne, described him as ‘a leader deeply loved by people across Ibadan, Yorubaland, and beyond.’

He expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure effective security of the South West region, noting that without peace and a secure environment, no meaningful development can thrive.

‘Olubadan has been a father figure to me since his days as the former Governor of Oyo State. I commend Kabiyesi’s leadership qualities, humility, and enduring influence.

‘I have always seen Oba Ladoja as a father figure. His reign as Olubadan will no doubt further promote peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland and the entire Yorubaland,’ Igboho stated.

The Labour Party (LP) has extended warm congratulations to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, describing it as a moment for reflection, recommitment, and collective resolve.

In a statement released from the Labour Party Secretariat in Abuja and signed by its national secretary, Hon. Umar Farouk Ibrahim Mairakumi, hailed the resilience of the Nigerian people and emphasised the urgent need to deepen democratic values, promote social justice, and build a nation that works for all.

‘October 1st is not just a date-it is a symbol of our shared struggle, our triumph over colonialism, and our enduring hope for a better Nigeria. At 65, we must ask ourselves: are we living up to the promise of independence?’ he said.

The statement reiterated the Labour Party’s commitment to the principles of equity, transparency, and people-centred governance. He called on leaders across political divides to prioritize the welfare of citizens and uphold the dignity of every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social status.

‘True independence is not merely political-it is economic, social, and moral. It means ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality education, healthcare, security, and opportunity. It means lifting millions out of poverty and restoring faith in our institutions,’ he added.

He also praised the growing political consciousness among Nigerian youth and urged them to remain engaged in shaping the future of the country through active participation and civic responsibility.

‘The youth are not just the future-they are the present. Their voices, their energy, and their vision are essential to building the Nigeria we all dream of.’

As Nigeria marks this milestone, Hon. Farouk called for unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that the country’s diversity should be a source of strength, not division.

‘Let us rise above the politics of hate and embrace the politics of progress. Let us build bridges, not walls. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and together, we can make it thrive.’

He concluded by wishing all Nigerians a joyful Independence Day celebration and reaffirmed the Labour Party’s unwavering dedication to the ideals of social democracy and national renewal.

As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as courageous efforts to reposition the country despite longstanding social and economic challenges.

In a statement signed by its North Central Coordinator, Dr. Sani Ahmad, the group acknowledged that Nigeria has continued to grapple with insecurity, inflation, unemployment, corruption, poor infrastructure, and erratic power supply.

However, it noted that the Tinubu administration has taken bold steps to confront these obstacles.

‘Under your leadership, we have seen courageous steps to confront these challenges and chart a new course for development. ‘Your commitment to improving security across our regions, tackling inflation, supporting agriculture and industry, as well as expanding opportunities for the youth, are commendable’ Ahmad said.

While celebrating the nation’s independence, Ahmad stressed the importance of consolidating gains in security, particularly in the northern region, urging the President not to relent despite criticisms.

‘I still plead with my two knees down to continue without minding those that never understand the burden of leadership among us and make sure that we are all safe not only in the northern region, but all parts of the country,’ he said.

He prayed for God’s wisdom, strength, and good health for President Tinubu to continue steering the nation towards peace, prosperity, and improved well-being for all citizens.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Wednesday carried out his first official function with the inspection of the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

Oba Ladoja, who had earlier met with the Council members, was conducted round the palace by his aides.

Tribune Online gathered that the inspection was carried out to ascertain the state of infrastructure in the palace.

One of the palace aides, who craved anonymity, said the inspection of the state of infrastructure in the palace by the Kabiyesi was in order.

According to him, ‘Baba embarked on the familiarisation tour of the various departments in the palace shortly after the Council meeting this morning.

‘Baba expressed satisfaction over the state of infrastructure at the palace.’

On the Council meeting, he said it was a normal routine meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council, even though it was the first of its kind since Baba ascended the throne of his forbears as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

‘I am not sure of the time that Kabiyesi will move to the palace, but I can assure you that everything is set.’

Meanwhile, the Special Jumat service, as part of the activities marking the coronation ceremony of Oba Ladoja, will be held at Oja’ba Central Mosque on Friday, while the activities will be rounded off with the Isese tradition on Saturday.

Wife of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Ayaba Mutiat Ladoja, has stressed the need for the government at all levels, corporate organisations and other categories of people to be more sensitive to the plights of persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in society.

Ladoja, while presenting cash donations of N100,000 to 15 Homes and other gift items to PLWDs as part of the activities marking her 70th birthday in Ibadan, submitted that this category of people needs attention, love and care.

She submitted that rather than looking down on them, people should explore the abilities in their disabilities.

Olubadan’s wife stated that many of them have the potential to be greater in life if they are assisted either through the award of scholarships or by other means.

According to her, ‘I started associating with persons living with disabilities 30 years ago. I have been using the little resources that God blessed me with to assist.

‘They deserve our attention, love and care. Rather than looking down on them, we should identify their potential and build on it.

‘We should let them have a sense of belonging. They are part of society. The government at all levels, corporate organisations and individuals should intensify their efforts towards them.

‘Disabilities can come in any form. It comes with age. It can come through accidents and in many other ways; hence the reason we must not look down on them. We all have our disabilities.

‘When they want to cross the road, assist them instead of making a mockery of their situation. Also, assist them with the little that you have. Don’t wait until you have millions of naira in your account.

‘I started what we are witnessing today 30 years ago. It has become my way of life, and I thank the likes of Babs Oduyoye for sharing the vision.

‘Today, I will be giving N100,000 to 15 Homes, two wheelchairs, two bags of rice each, two cartons of Indomie each, and cartons of soap.

‘Also, five vulnerable persons will be assisted with deep freezers and grinding machines to start their businesses.

‘My message to us is that we should show them love, attention and care.’

As Nigeria marks its Independence Day, the nation is celebrating homegrown leaders who are advancing the economy. Among them is Temitope George Ijibadejo, a Lagos-born forex trader and consultant who has become ‘an award-winning Forex fund manager’ with over 15 years of experience.

A recent Tribune profile praises his contributions as part of those who have positioned Nigeria as a force in Forex’s global market. As founder and CEO of Sure-Fire Investments Ltd and Africa Regional Director of the international broker SquaredFinancial, Ijibadejo exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit transforming Nigeria’s financial landscape.

Before Ijibadejo entered the scene, forex trading in Nigeria was widely misunderstood and often carried a negative reputation. Many early practitioners plunged into the market without adequate preparation, losing money and in some cases mismanaging funds entrusted to them. The core of the problem was not merely the volatility of the market but the absence of strong business development skills and sound investment management strategies.

Recognizing this gap, Ijibadejo, a self-taught trader, began charting a new path. By combining technical expertise in forex with the discipline of business development and fund management, he consistently delivered superior results. More importantly, he committed himself to training others, using workshops and structured mentorship programs to equip a new generation of Nigerians with the tools to trade responsibly, manage investments prudently, and build sustainable careers in the financial sector.

Pioneering a Hybrid Financial Model

Ijibadejo has built a unique model that fuses forex fund management with business development consulting. Ijibadejo did not only begin a disruptive model by empowering people with knowledge in the business, but also by introducing a new combo that has largely been adopted by many of his peers. He argues that combining these fields creates ‘a powerful synergy’ in wealth creation.

In his vision, business leaders should use forex not as an isolated gamble but as an integral tool for corporate growth. ‘Just imagine that in Nigeria’s business ecosystem, Forex isn’t an isolated platform; instead, it’s a central tool for business planning,’ he says. By treating forex trading as part of broader business strategy, he says, Nigeria can reshape its economy. As he told a Tribune interviewer, this hybrid approach ‘is not just a pitch; it’s a feasible approach at transforming Nigeria’s financial and economic standing’. Under his leadership, Sure-Fire Investments was among the first indigenous firms to put this theory into practice, designing forex training programs alongside corporate advisory services.

Educating and Empowering Nigerians

A key to Ijibadejo’s strategy has been education. He insists that ‘without education, you can’t grow in Forex,’ and has built training into his business model. Indeed, Tribune reports that Sure-Fire has trained ‘over 5,000 individuals in Forex,’ reflecting his mission to raise financial literacy across Nigeria. Through workshops, webinars, and mentorship, Ijibadejo has reached a diverse audience of traders, entrepreneurs, and even government-sponsored youth.

For example, in 2014 he partnered with XM International to run a five-week free forex course for over 500 NYSC corps members in Lagos. In that program, fresh university graduates joined hands-on training with expert instructors, gaining both trading skills and entrepreneurship guidance. These initiatives – many of which tie into national programs like the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition scheme – have spawned a new generation of Nigerian traders and consultants. Alumni of his courses often credit them with launching their careers, helping the country add skilled financial professionals and small business founders.

Global Partnerships, Local Impact

Like every industry, the full potential of the global forex trading sector in Nigeria could not be realized without foreign investment and collaboration. Although many international players recognized the Nigerian market as promising, concerns over local competence and expertise often held them back. Ijibadejo addressed this gap through his unique approach and practice, forging strong international partnerships that brought both expertise and capital into the country. As he often emphasizes, ‘global partnerships open doors for new markets and technologies that lead to development.’ Guided by this principle, he collaborated with leading global brokers and fintech firms. Early in his career, he served as a Master Partner with XM International, helping the Cyprus-based broker host seminars and expand operations in Nigeria.

In 2017, he partnered with Hantec Markets, a Hong Kong-headquartered broker, to introduce its services locally-an initiative that reportedly generated millions of naira in trading volume. More recently, Ijibadejo became Nigeria Country Director, and later Africa Regional Director, for SquaredFinancial, a Cyprus-based online broker. In this role, he established SquaredFinancial’s Lagos office and expanded its client network across Africa, proving that Nigerian entrepreneurs can successfully lead major international firms. These collaborations have not only attracted foreign capital to Nigeria’s economy but also transferred global best practices, strengthened local expertise, and boosted confidence in the country’s financial sector.

Driving Economic Empowerment

The effects of Ijibadejo’s work go beyond trading floors; they touch the wider economy. He believes that a thriving forex and financial market can help solve Nigeria’s chronic unemployment problem. Tribune quotes him urging traders and investors to collaborate, arguing that they can ‘solve the country’s unemployment challenge and champion emerging self-employed individuals’. In practice, his initiatives have helped thousands of young Nigerians earn livelihoods. Graduates who might once have struggled to find jobs are now working as analysts, traders, and consultants – or starting their own fintech ventures – thanks to the skills they gained. By attracting reputable international brokers and hosting high-profile training events, he has also drawn foreign investments into Nigeria’s economy. Industry observers note that every major seminar or joint venture introduces more capital and creates ancillary jobs (for example, local training coordinators, analysts, and media teams). In all, Ijibadejo’s focus on education and partnership is credited with expanding Nigeria’s financial services capacity, raising standards for practitioners, and encouraging the next wave of economic growth.

A Legacy for Nigeria’s Future

On this Independence Day, Mr. Ijibadejo’s journey reflects the promise of Nigeria’s economic independence. He often reminds peers that the goal is more than personal success. ‘It should be more than an individual success; it should be an effort to build a legacy that strikes as tenacious for the next generation to leverage,’ he has said. In other words, his vision is for lasting impact: a Nigeria where each trained trader or consultant multiplies into many, and where global financial platforms integrate seamlessly with local businesses. By promoting innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, Ijibadejo is helping to build a generation of empowered professionals who can drive the economy forward.

As Nigeria celebrates its independence, it is fitting to honor leaders like Temitope Ijibadejo – innovators who bring global finance to bear on local development. Through his hybrid model of forex fund management and business consulting, his mentorship of thousands of young Nigerians, and his partnerships with major international brokers, he is strengthening the country’s financial sector and creating jobs. Such homegrown achievement, recognized by both national media and global industry partners, sends a powerful message: Nigeria’s future is in the hands of entrepreneurs and professionals whose success uplifts the whole nation.

In commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Osun State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has granted Independence Day amnesty to 36 convicts currently serving sentences at the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife.

The Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, who made this known in a statement in Osogbo, stated that, ‘Governor Adeleke’s decision reflects the spirit of compassion, justice, and renewal which Nigeria’s Independence Day represents.

‘As a government of the people, we remain committed to upholding justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens. This amnesty is not only a gesture of freedom but also a call for true rehabilitation, reintegration, and a fresh start for these individuals.’

He stressed that the gesture, made in line with the powers conferred on the Governor under Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended), follows the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

In a proclamation issued under his hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, dated 24 September 2025, Governor Adeleke declared:

‘WHEREAS, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria has granted amnesty to the convicted persons listed and attached hereto, who are subject to the jurisdiction of Osun State.

‘NOW KNOW YE THAT I, Senator (Dr) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Paragraph (a) Subsection (1) of Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and acting in accordance with the Advisory Council of State designated under Subsection (2) of the said Section, am graciously pleased to extend my mercy to the said thirty-six (36) convicts.

‘By this act, I remit and release unto them all pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever that may have accrued from their convictions, and I hereby require all to whom it may concern to take due notice thereof.

‘AND FOR SO DOING, this shall be a sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Nigeria, this 24th day of September, 2025.’

The beneficiaries of this Independence Day amnesty include men and women convicted mostly of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy, many of whom had served substantial portions of their sentences.

List of convicts granted Independence Day Amnesty from Ilesa Correctional Centre are: Kehinde Ganiyu, Isiaka Mohammed, Oluwatosin Femi, Adebisi Adeniyi, Rotimi Paul, Oyewole Sunday, Ojo Adewale, Tajudeen Ridwan, Jokotola Quadri, Akinola Taofeek, Onibukun Adebisi, Azeez Afeez, Abdulgafar Quadri, Udoh Monday O., Babawale Saheed, Olasunkanmi Wasiu, Adetoro Toheeb, Mudashiru Lawal, Ismaila Wahab, Yinka Oyeniyi, Olaniyan Taofeek, Sheu Mumini, Ololade Bashit, Musibau Abdulkareem, Jamiu Sulaeeb, Jeremiah Ayuba, Abimbola Samad, Oladeji Tosin and Mathew Samuel.

Also, those granted amnesty from Ile-Ife Correctional Centre are: Yusuf Ola, Oyedeji Sunday, Ojo Olaoluwa, Ogunola Rafiu, Ayomide Amos, Usman Adefisan and Adedigba Abiodun,’ he concluded.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country is making significant progress in the fight against insecurity.

In a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday, the president stated that the armed forces and other security agencies have intensified operations against terrorism, banditry and violent crimes, stressing that their resilience is yielding positive results.

He noted that peace has returned to many previously troubled communities in the North-West and North-East, with thousands of displaced persons now resettled in their homes.

Tinubu described the sacrifices of security personnel as central to safeguarding the nation, adding that the government remains committed to strengthening national security as a foundation for economic recovery and development.

He also linked improved security to the administration’s broader reforms, saying that a safer environment was already contributing to stability and growth in key sectors of the economy.

The president assured that his government would continue to prioritise support for the military and security agencies in order to consolidate the progress made so far.

He said, ‘We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe.

‘They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram Terror in North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in South East and banditry and kidnapping.

‘We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation. Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in North-West and North-East, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes.’

Former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose has showered encomiums on his longtime associate and political ally, Lere Olayinka, describing him as a ‘man of wisdom, loyalty and relevance’ in a heartfelt birthday tribute.

In a voice note made public in a WhatsApp group on Wednesday, Fayose praised Olayinka’s journey from modest beginnings in Okemesi to becoming a respected public figure and household name in Nigerian politics and media.

‘To a great man; young, diligent, submissive and determined whom God has raised from Okemesi. A man of stature and relevance. A man of wisdom who knows his onions,’ Fayose said.

The former governor, known for his outspoken political style, described Olayinka as a loyal aide and dependable defender who has consistently stood tall in the face of challenges.

‘From humble beginnings, you have expanded your coast, protected your name and risen to become a respected figure, all to the glory of God,’ he added. ‘There is no regret in working with you.’

Fayose also highlighted Olayinka’s role as a shining representative of the Osoko Political Family, acknowledging his service, resilience and faithfulness.

‘Your name has become a household name in Nigeria and there is no going back,’ he said. ‘This is only the beginning. The future is indeed bright.’

He concluded the message with a personal and symbolic endorsement, referring to Olayinka as ‘my boy, my son, my follower, my brother, my defender,’ and extended warm birthday wishes on behalf of the entire Osoko Political Family Worldwide.

‘Happy birthday and many happy returns,’ Fayose said.

Lere Olayinka currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He has long been a prominent media figure and political strategist, both in Ekiti State and across Nigeria’s political landscape.