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The Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will lead the stakeholders at the rescheduled South-West stakeholders and the Federal Government engagement summit in Akure, Ondo State.

The summit, tagged ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future’, earlier scheduled for October 9 will now hold from October 29-30, 2025, in Akure, Ondo State.

The summit, which is jointly put together by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) and the pan-Yoruba Socio-cultural group, is aimed at assessing the impact of the government at all levels in the region.

The Chairman of the Steering Committee, Dr Akin Onigninde (SAN), disclosed in a statement made available to the newsmen that the decision reflects the committee’s commitment to ensuring that the summit provides a truly meaningful platform for engagement between citizens and government.

‘The additional time will enable us to conduct comprehensive consultations with all participating ministries, agencies, and stakeholders; ensure optimal logistical arrangements that facilitate substantive dialogue; and coordinate effectively with all six Southwest state governments and participating institutions,’ he said.

Onigbinde apologised for any inconvenience this postponement may cause and assured all stakeholders and the general public of its commitment to delivering an impactful, inclusive, and productive summit that will serve as a landmark platform for citizen-government engagement in the Southwest region.

The two-day event will feature stakeholder dialogues across six major thematic sessions covering: Fiscal Reforms and National Planning, Economic Development and Job Creation, Social Services and Social Development, Infrastructure and Transportation, Human Capital Development and Security and Governance.

The summit will bring together Southwest Governors, Federal Ministers and appointees of Southwest extraction, Federal legislators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, private sector representatives, youth students and women groups and other key stakeholders from across the six Southwest states.

Amid a wave of relentless bandit attacks, residents of Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto State have appealed to the Federal Government to grant them the right to bear arms for self-defence.

Their appeal follows fresh assaults by the deadly Lakurawa bandit group, which have left several people dead, many displaced, and entire communities living in fear.

Addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Sokoto on Saturday, the leader of the group, Alhaji Adamu Haruna Kebbe, said residents have lost confidence in the government’s ability to protect them.

‘We can no longer sleep with our eyes closed. Our people are being killed almost daily, and the government has abandoned us to our fate,’ Haruna lamented.

He accused the state authorities of failing to assess the worsening security situation or provide adequate support to local security volunteers battling the bandits.

The community leaders also demanded direct federal allocations to local governments to enable them to fund and equip local security operatives. They argued that empowering communities would help them defend themselves and curb further bloodshed.

Sokoto has been one of the epicentres of banditry in northern Nigeria, with new militant groups such as the Lakurawas and the notorious gang led by Bello Turji terrorising villages across Isa, Sabon Birni and Kebbe local government areas.

Although the state government has acknowledged the growing threat, residents insist that government efforts have been too little, too late.

Security analysts say the residents’ desperate call for self-defence reflects the erosion of trust in the state’s capacity to safeguard lives and property.

‘If the government cannot protect us, it should allow us to protect ourselves,’ another community leader said.

As the attacks persist, the people of Kebbe warn that they will no longer sit idly by while bandits destroy their communities. Their message to the government is clear: act now or give us the right to defend ourselves.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undoubtedly being used on all social media platforms to create and curate ideas, as well as monitor insights for efficiency and the reduction of human error-a quick fact: AI is here and here to stay.

Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter) is one of the leading social media platforms that is no longer just a place to share quick thoughts. It is now a full-blown platform for creators, businesses, and communities, where using the best AI Tools for posting, trends, visuals, and engagement can be seamless. That is why AI exists.

Have you ever wondered what the best AI tools are for X to keep you stress-free and enhance your participation? In this article, Tribune Online examines these ten best AI Tools and their functions.

1. Grok – X’s Own AI Chatbot

Grok is X’s built-in AI assistant developed by Elon Musk’s xAI. Unlike generic bots, Grok’s wired into the platform itself, which means that by tagging it @grok with a prompt on X, it can answer trending questions, transcribe video tweets, draft witty tweets, and even provide sarcastic comebacks. Think of it as a specialist who not only knows what is trending on X but also speaks the language of the platform. Grok ranks as the best AI tool for users due to its seamless features.

Meanwhile, in February, Tribune Online reports that Elon Musk has unveiled the latest version of his artificial intelligence company’s chatbot, Grok 3, to rival ChatGPT and China’s DeepSeek.

2. Tweet Hunter – Crafting and Scheduling Made Easy

Writing tweets that click or grip are not always easy. Tweet Hunter helps you brainstorm content ideas, write engaging threads, and schedule posts. It is one of the best AI tools in X. It also analyzes performance, so users would know what resonates with their audience and what bores them.

3. Jasper AI – Powerhouse for Writing Tweets and Threads

Jasper AI is a perfect Twitter thread-writing assistant that creates snappy one-liners, long-form threads, or even caption ideas tailored to the user’s tone.

It understands and generates natural language and can help in writing tweets that are both informative and engaging. It is one of the best AI tools that, whether a user wants to sound professional or playful, in sharing thoughts on a trending topic or promoting a product, Jasper adapts quickly. It’s like having your own virtual Twitter assistant, without any character limit.

4. Grammarly – Polish Without the Sweat

Undoubtedly, typos happen, but on X, they can cost you credibility. Grammarly is among the best AI tools, not only for X users. It makes sure posts are sharp, error-free, and clear. Plus, its tone suggestions help avoid sounding robotic or overly formal.

It is the AI communication partner that is trusted by over 40 million people, 50,000 organizations, and people at 96% of the Fortune 500.

5. Hypefury – Automation for Growth

If consistency has been your Achilles heel, Hypefury is the best bet. Beyond scheduling tweets, it automatically retweets your best-performing content so it keeps working for you. As one of the best AI tools for X users, the AI also throws in writing prompts to keep ideas flowing.

6. Tweetmonk – Smarter Threads That Stick

Ever read a thread that felt like a wall of text? Tweetmonk helps break long threads into bite-sized tweets that keep readers hooked. It also tracks engagement across each tweet in the thread, giving you insight into what really grabs attention.

Although the AI has recently been affected by the new Twitter API pricing. ‘Moving forward, only current paid subscribers will have access to log in to Tweetmonk. We are making every effort to resolve this.’

7. Buffer – Organized Posting Across Accounts

This is one unique AI tool for users who are managing multiple X accounts. Buffer is a secret weapon that does more strategy and less stress. It is one of the best AI tools that suggests the best posting times, offers analytics, and keeps everything tidy in one dashboard, and it consistently creates and shares social media content anywhere.

8. Canva AI – Visuals That Boost Engagement

Tweets with visuals perform better, without a doubt. Canva’s AI makes it simple to design eye-catching graphics, memes, or infographics, even if a user doesn’t have a designer’s bone in his or her body. It’s drag, drop, done.

9. Owlead – Smarter Follower Growth

On social media, more followers don’t always mean better reach, but the right followers. Meanwhile, Owlead uses an AI system to target and engage with accounts that actually care about your niche, helping you build an authentic, engaging audience.

10. Fireflies.ai – Capture and Summarize Conversations

If an X user hosts X Spaces or jumps on virtual meetings, Fireflies.ai is the best AI tool, a lifesaver. It records, transcribes, and summarises conversations so that the user can pull out highlights, quotes, or even create new content straight from your talks.

Instead of drowning in tasks at the end of a day, these best AI tools for X users: Grok helps you ride trends in real time, Jasper and Tweet Hunter give you words that work, Canva and Grammarly polish your content, and Hypefury or Buffer keep you consistent. Meanwhile, tools like Owlead and Fireflies help you grow smarter and repurpose your time.

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) has launched the 2025 edition of its Transparency and Integrity Index (TII), aimed at strengthening accountability and openness across Nigeria’s public sector.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by Mr. Aliyu Umar, Head of Strategic Communications at the BPSR.

Speaking during the launch, Mr. Dasuki Arabi, Director-General of the Bureau, described the Index as a critical instrument for measuring ethical conduct, transparency, and integrity within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

‘This annual event remains one of the most important platforms for promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity within our public institutions,’ Arabi said.

He explained that the Transparency and Integrity Index ‘is not just about numbers or rankings; it is about building a culture of openness and responsibility that inspires public trust.’

Now in its fifth edition, the Index assesses how government institutions comply with established transparency standards across five key areas – financial management, control of corruption, open procurement, citizens’ engagement, and human resource inclusion.

According to Arabi, the 2025 assessment was conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), marking another milestone in the Bureau’s drive to improve governance outcomes.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the National Strategy for Public Service Reforms (NSPSR 2021-2025), reinforces the Freedom of Information Act, and supports Nigeria’s commitments under the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

‘It also complements the work of anti-corruption agencies such as the ICPC and the EFCC, while reflecting Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC),’ Arabi added.

The Director-General praised the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, development partners, and other stakeholders for their continued collaboration in advancing public sector reforms.

‘Together, we are building stronger institutions for a more accountable and prosperous Nigeria,’ he said.

Since its inception, the Transparency and Integrity Index has served as a benchmark for measuring performance and guiding reforms within the public sector. It continues to provide valuable data that informs policy decisions, strengthens institutional accountability, and encourages MDAs to uphold higher standards of governance.

The Index, according to BPSR, remains one of the agency’s flagship initiatives, symbolising its commitment to ensuring that transparency, integrity, and ethical behaviour become integral parts of Nigeria’s public administration culture.

Community heads (Baales) in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, have thrown their weight behind the Osogbo Elders Council, insisting that the 2026 governorship ticket of major political parties must be zoned to Osogbo.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, August 8, 2026, for the state governorship election.

Speaking on Oroki Asala, a current affairs programme on Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) Radio, the Baale of Gbodofon and Chairman of the Council of Baales in Osogbo, High Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, emphasised that the town is now more united than ever on the demand to produce a governor.

He credited the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, for establishing the Osogbo Action Committee and the Osogbo Elders Council to end political divisions that had previously weakened the chances of Osogbo producing a governor.

Ibrahim stressed that the efforts of the Ataoja have already yielded results, with Osogbo speaking in one voice ahead of 2026.

‘The Elders Council has successfully united all Baales in Osogbo. As Chairman of the Council of Baales, I affirm that we stand solidly behind them in this call for an Osogbo indigene to emerge as governor. We will play our part to make it happen,’ he said.

Similarly, Prince Adeleke Oduola Ibiloye, Chairman of the Osogbo Elders Council, reiterated that Osogbo’s long-standing support for other towns must now be reciprocated.

‘We have stood firmly behind others in the past. It is now time for the rest of Osun to support Osogbo. The 2026 governorship slot should be ours, and we are determined to actualise it,’ he declared.

With prominent Osogbo indigenes already eyeing tickets in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), the community leaders expressed optimism that the era of Osogbo’s exclusion from the governorship seat will finally come to an end in 2026.

The Emir of Hadejia and Chairman of the Jigawa Council of Chiefs, Dr Adamu Abubakar Maje, has expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of primary schools within his domain, describing the situation as ‘worrisome and unacceptable.’

The royal father stated this after paying an unscheduled visit to several primary schools in Ayama District of Auyo Local Government Area, where he observed dilapidated classrooms, absence of desks for pupils, and shortage of teaching materials.

Maje lamented that many pupils were forced to sit on bare floors while learning in leaking or cracked classrooms. He urged Governor Umar Namadi to embark on similar surprise visits across the state ‘to see things for himself and boost the morale of hardworking teachers.’

He disclosed that the emirate council would compile a detailed report on the state of education in the area and forward the same to the government for urgent intervention.

The Emir of Hadejia also appealed to parents and guardians to play active roles in school monitoring and support, rather than abandoning everything to the government.

Responding to the concerns, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Haruna Musa, admitted that the challenges were ‘a product of decades of accumulated neglect’ which could not be fixed overnight.

According to him, the present administration under Governor Namadi has intensified efforts through massive construction and renovation of classrooms under both the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) intervention and state-funded projects.

‘Recently, over 300 projects were advertised for tender under the 2023 UBEC intervention. Tender opening was conducted last week, and contract awards are now in progress,’ he said, adding that preparations for the 2024 phase are already underway.

However, Musa decried what he described as the ‘unpatriotic attitude’ of some communities that vandalise school infrastructure.

‘In many places, people remove iron windows, doors, roofing sheets-even chairs. Worse still, when minor damages occur, instead of fixing them, communities wait for government intervention. By the time we become aware, the damage has escalated,’ he lamented.

The SUBEB chairman appealed for community ownership and protection of school facilities to complement the government’s investment in basic education.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has cautioned political critics and commentators against turning security matters into a political tool, warning that such behaviour could undermine efforts to restore peace across the state.

Aliyu gave the warning on Friday in Silame Local Government Area while concluding his first round of condolence visits to communities affected by recent bandit attacks.

‘Security issues are very sensitive and fragile, and therefore must be handled with utmost care,’ the governor said.

He condemned those using insecurity as a means of political point-scoring, describing the act as ‘dangerous and unpatriotic.’

Aliyu explained that his administration, in partnership with security agencies, had intensified operations in troubled areas and that the results were already becoming evident.

The governor also frowned at the activities of local informants aiding bandits, disclosing plans to forward a bill to the State House of Assembly prescribing severe penalties for anyone caught collaborating with criminals.

‘We will not fold our arms and watch a few individuals sabotage the collective peace of our people,’ he warned, urging residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence.

Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s continued logistical and operational support for security agencies, assuring that the government would sustain the effort until normalcy was fully restored.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Abubakar Bawa, the governor distributed ?66 million and 165 bags of rice to families of the 33 victims killed in the Silame attack – each bereaved family receiving ?2 million and five bags of rice.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has charged young people in the State to take advantage of emerging business opportunities provided by his administration to actualise their entrepreneurial dreams, warning that entitlement mentality and lack of prudence are obstacles to growth.

Governor Eno gave the charge on Friday, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 edition of Ibom Ignite Conference, themed ‘Ignite to Accelerate’, held at the Ibom-LED Centre, Uyo.

The Governor, who initiated the programme in 2017 while serving in church leadership, said Ibom Ignite was borne out of a desire to inspire young people towards self-development and enterprise.

He described the conference as a platform to challenge youths to break away from dependency and cultivate the discipline of business prudence.

Recounting his own experience, Governor Eno said he started the Royalty Group in 1995 with just five rooms and grew it into a thriving business empire, which he considers a model of the Akwa Ibom entrepreneurial spirit.

‘I am a true Akwa Ibom brand. When you talk of an Akwa Ibom brand, see me standing here,’ the Governor declared, while urging youths to emulate his example by starting small and nurturing their vision with consistency.

He recalled how his early passion led him to write the book ‘Wealth Creation: God’s Way’, which he used in mentoring youths on hard work and vision. He explained that the same drive birthed Ibom Ignite, which has since inspired a culture of entrepreneurship among young people in the State.

‘I was tired of seeing young people angry, entitled, and waiting as if the world owed them something. We must change that mindset. If you believe in a dream, live for it, avoid distractions, and don’t be discouraged by critics. Those who doubt you today will applaud you tomorrow,’ he said.

The Governor further stressed that passion remains the fuel for success, advising participants to develop clear goals and pursue them with courage.

‘You must have a passion for something. Something must be driving you, and if you are pursuing it, stay focused,’ he told the gathering.

Speaking on governance, Eno noted that while leadership is vital, responsible followership is equally critical for progress. ‘Everything rises and falls on leadership, but we must begin to look at followership too. A leader can have good intentions, but without the right followership, intentions will fail,’ he observed.

He urged youths not to waste the emerging business opportunities provided by his administration through Ibom-LED and other empowerment programmes, noting that his generation lacked such platforms and had to struggle without government intervention.

Earlier in his keynote address, Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services, Obafemi Banigbe, said Akwa Ibom has all it takes to become Nigeria’s hub for technology, sports, agriculture, and economic growth. He, however, emphasized that vision, investment in human capital, and deliberate action are necessary to unlock such potentials.

Banigbe charged young people to think beyond the cliché of being ‘leaders of tomorrow’ and instead position themselves as ‘builders of tomorrow.’ He advised them to focus on making impact rather than chasing headlines, and to embrace collaboration over unhealthy competition.

Also speaking, the General Secretary of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev. Godwin Akpan Amaowoh, encouraged participants to start small and grow steadily, while remembering those who supported them along the way. He cautioned against gambling with time and resources.

In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, described the 2025 theme as both symbolic and instructive, explaining that every great leap begins with ignition, a spark of passion, purpose, and possibility.

Other speakers expected at the two-day conference include Deputy Country Director of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Obinaju Uchenna; Senior Special Assistant on Digital and New Media to the Presidency, O’tega Ogra; Rector of Dakadda Skills Acquisition Centre, Prof. Enoidem Usoro; and CEO of Corporate Shepherd Ltd, Idorenyen Enang.

Also billed to speak are Ubotex CEO, Ubong Obot; Sole Administrator of Ibom Paints Ltd, Ime Uwah; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet; and Guinness World Records Holder, broadcaster and writer, George Iniabasi Essien.

The conference is expected to feature paper presentations, panel sessions, and networking opportunities designed to inspire Akwa Ibom youths to ignite passion, accelerate growth, and build enterprises with global relevance.

Flights have resumed at Munich Airport after drone sightings forced Germany’s second-busiest airport to suspend operations for the second time in 24 hours.

The airport said flights were stopped at 21:30 local time (20:30 GMT) on Friday, affecting around 6,500 passengers. At least 17 flights were grounded the previous day after drones were spotted near the airfield.

Munich Airport said on Saturday morning that operations had ‘gradually resumed’ but warned passengers of ongoing delays.

Travellers were urged to check flight updates before heading to the airport.

Authorities have not identified where the drones came from or who operated them. Reports in Belgium said 15 drones were seen above the Elsenborn military site near the German border before crossing into German airspace and being spotted by police in Dren.

Germany’s Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, said he would raise the issue of anti-drone defences at a meeting of European interior ministers and plans to fast-track legislation allowing police to request military help to shoot down drones.

The latest incident comes amid a surge in drone sightings across Europe. Airports in Copenhagen and Oslo have also suspended flights after drones were detected near restricted zones.

European leaders met in Copenhagen this week to discuss a coordinated response, including a proposed ‘drone wall’ to detect and destroy hostile drones.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the frequency of airspace incursions was increasing, calling it ‘reasonable to assume the drones are coming from Russia.’

Moscow has denied involvement, and Danish authorities say there is no evidence linking Russia to the incidents.

Speaking in Sochi on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the claims with a joke: ‘I won’t do it again. I won’t do it again – not to France or Denmark or Copenhagen.’

The 6th edition of the Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop (DELCOM 2025) is to be declared open in Asaba on Monday by the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

The workshop, which is expected to attract top government officials and academia, will highlight the importance of strategic communication in governance, enhancing effective media engagements by leveraging artificial intelligence and digital tools, and various techniques to project government policies and programmes in line with the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, the statement added.

A statement on Saturday by the State Coordinator of DELCOM and Director-General, Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Barr (Dr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, said Governor Oborevwori will deliver a keynote address that would resonate with the workshop theme, ‘Strategic Communication in the Digital Age: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Effective Leadership.’

According to the Bureau Chief, DELCOM 2025, in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM), is designed to equip media appointees, notable social media influencers, professional bloggers and media partners with the necessary skills to project the policies, programmes and achievements of the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, and his administration, leveraging digital tools for effective and result-oriented media engagements.

Dr Oghenesivbe further disclosed that the President of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM), Ambassador (Dr) Mrs Temile Uduogho Oritseweyinmi, will on Day 3 of the workshop induct some participants as members and fellows of the Institute, while certificates of participation duly signed by the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, will be presented to the trainers and all DELCOM 2025 participants.

‘Seasoned communication scholar and Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Professor Joyce Ogwezi, is the Chief Trainer, to be assisted by Professor Presley Obukoadata of Delta State University, Abraka, and Artificial Intelligence/ICT expert, Dr Monday Ashibogwu, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

‘DELCOM 2025 is partnering with the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM). The Institute’s Council Chairman and President, Ambassador (Dr) Mrs Temile Uduogho Oritseweyinmi, will be assisted by the Council Secretary/CIISM Registrar, Dr Adelanke Oyintoke, to induct new members and fellows of the Institute,’ Oghenesivbe said.