₦airaland Forum

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, on Wednesday, received a hero’s welcome, when thousands of Yewa indigenes, Ogun West senatorial district, trooped out to receive and endorse his 2027 bid.

The indigenes, including a huge crowd of PDP faithful in Yewa, said it is the PDP candidate or no one else.

They declared that they would rather wait for the right time to support "a true Yewa indigene for governorship of the state than a stranger".

Speaking at the event which took place at the Tetede Hall in Ilaro, a leader of the Believe Movement, from Imeko Afon Local Government, Chief Akinbami Lukman, said that members of the group decided to support the ambition of Adebutu in the interest of Ogun people for Ogun agenda.

Akinbami, who spoke on behalf of members of the group, who had pitched their tent with the PDP, assured Adebutu and PDP members present that the group had volunteered to work for his success to ensure that every vote would count.

Another leader of a youth organisation, the Door to Door Foot -Soldiers, Mr Jimoh Azeez, also said they would work for Adebutu’s emergence as governor.

He said Nigerian youths were more enlightened now and would talk loudly with their votes in 2027.

“We won’t allow anybody to write the results. We will mobilise, vote and stand by our votes. Our ruling class should know that it is a new dawn.

“They can continue to go round leaders and traditional rulers. We are the ones on the field. They will be shocked. We will protect Yewa’s turn for a true son of the soil with no controversy,” Azeez said.

Others, who spoke, said the Adebutu family had done so much for the poor masses even without public office, adding that, if he became governor, he would ensure the state’s resources worked for the people of the state.

The Awori indigenes also took turns to endorse Adebutu’s candidacy, saying they were neither affiliated to political parties nor district leaders.

They said they are supporting an individual that would protect the dignity of the state, noting that “the PDP governorship candidate is that person.”

Responding, the governorship candidate, Adebutu, thanked the crowd immensely for their support.

He said he was humbled by the display of love by the true indigenes of Yewa land, right from the streets of the town till his entourage reached the hall.

According to him, if Gboyega Isiaka, Abiodun Akinlade or any other candidate had emerged on other political parties' platforms contesting against the PDP, it would have been tough, noting that he had supported all true Yewa sons when they emerged candidates of PDP and APM.

He assured the indigenes of his commitment to the growth and development of the senatorial district.

“I am very happy with the determination that I am seeing here. These are the people and democracy is for the people. Talk with your votes. We only have one state and we must protect our heritage,” Adebutu added.

His entourage had stopped at the palace, where he was received by members of the traditional council.

By Oladipupo Akinfaye MSc, FCCA,FCA

Democracy is not measured merely by the conduct of elections, but by the maturity with which political actors manage their outcomes. Victory and defeat are both inevitable features of any democratic process, but what ultimately defines political leadership is the ability to place collective interest above personal ambition.

With the conclusion of the recent party primaries in Ondo State, our great party has once again demonstrated the vitality of internal democracy. I congratulate all aspirants who emerged successful. Their victories come with an enormous responsibility to justify the confidence reposed in them and to carry the aspirations of our people with vision, humility, and competence.

I also commend those who participated but did not emerge. Their contributions to the process remain invaluable. Democracy is strengthened not only by those who win, but by all who willingly submit themselves to the process in service of a greater cause.

Special recognition must go to His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his leadership and political maturity throughout this critical period. I also commend the National Working Committee of our party, under the leadership of the National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, for ensuring order, fairness, and institutional stability.

Expectedly, every political contest leaves behind emotions and disappointments. This is natural. But the primaries are over, and the greater task before us now is reconciliation.

This is the moment to heal, not to divide.

Ondo State needs political stability to sustain development. Our people are more concerned about governance, infrastructure, economic growth, and improved living standards than prolonged political disagreements. The responsibility before us is to unite and focus on the bigger picture.

At this crucial moment, I make a passionate appeal to Governor Aiyedatiwa to deliberately walk the path of reconciliation for the greater good of Ondo State. Leadership at this stage demands magnanimity, inclusiveness, and the courage to bring together all shades of political interests within our party. It is through reconciliation that trust is rebuilt, confidence restored, and collective energy redirected toward governance and development.

I urge the Governor, as the father of the state and the leader of our party in Ondo, His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to extend genuine hands of fellowship to those who may feel aggrieved by the outcome of the primaries. Political disagreements are temporary, but the consequences of division can endure far longer than any contest. Healing these wounds now will not only strengthen party unity but also reinforce the political stability necessary for sustainable development and electoral success ahead.

A united political front remains indispensable for effective governance in Ondo State. When a party is divided after a primary, governance often suffers from internal mistrust, weakened coordination, and competing centres of loyalty. Unity, on the other hand, ensures that government efforts are reinforced by a stable political base, enabling policies and programmes to be implemented without unnecessary friction or distraction.

Furthermore, a cohesive political structure strengthens the state’s bargaining power at the national level. With a united front, Ondo State can more effectively attract federal attention, resources, and strategic interventions. Division weakens influence, but unity amplifies it, ensuring that the interests of the state are advanced with clarity, consistency, and collective force.

History has shown that true leadership is not only about winning contests, but about uniting interests for the common good. This is the time for all stakeholders to close ranks, rise above bitterness, and work together for the progress of Ondo State.

The future of our state is bigger than any individual ambition. If we remain united, we can consolidate on the President’s gains and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and position Ondo State for greater development and prosperity.

This is the time for peace.

This is the time for unity.

This is the time for progress.

Oladipupo Akinfaye MSc, FCCA, FCA
Party Stalwart, Ondo City.

Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF), Ondo State Chapter, has empowered 18 widows and other less-privileged people with cash and items worth N3 million in the state.

Veracity reports that ZSF, an Islamic foundation, distributed sewing machines, grinding machines, deep freezers, refrigerators, among others.

Alhaji Abdulwasl’ Aliu, the foundation’s State Coordinator, at the distribution on Monday in Akure, said the gesture was to wipe out poverty in the society and country at large.

NAN reports that the theme of the event was “Zakat Social Responsibility: Strengthening Economic Security, Community Cohesion, and National Peace”.

Aliu said the foundation had been in existence for more than 25 years in the country and 10 years in the state.

The state coordinator appreciated the donors from Nigeria and diaspora.

According to him, the foundation as a charity organisation, collects zakat (alms) from those who have and give to the less-privileged in society.

“We collect from the people that have mercy for the less-privileged after we have conducted thorough interviews to know and identify their real needs.

“We have about 18 that benefitted. The widows take the largest percentage of the items and the cash to mark the their week celebration,” he said.

In his welcome address, Prof. Isiaq Amoo, ZSF State Grand Patron, urged the attendees to give their zakat and contribute to the development of the society.

Amoo, who said the cash and items distributed yearly was increased, called for more donors to enable the foundation do more for the people in the state.

“ZSF is not only giving out cash or items alone, they are doing numerous programmes including back to school, student scholarship, community support and many others, ” he said.

Similarly, Ustadh Abdulwasl’ Yusuf, Acting Imam, Government House Mosque, Akure, who delivered the lecture, admonished individuals, organisations, and philanthropists to support government through empowerment for the betterment of the country.

Yusuf, who described alms as protection and security for individuals, said it would also contribute to the economy of the society.

“It’s very important for philanthropists to understand that Allah gave them the resources, not for them alone but also to give out to the needy.

“Allah says we should take good care of those who are close to us, our families, co-workers, and neighbours. By the time you continue to do this, it will restore peace into the society.

“If you give back to the society, you are contributing to the betterment of the society, to the peaceful coexistence, economic stability of the society, and it will also provide security for you in terms of danger,” he said.

Meanwhile, Oba AbdulRaheem Adejoro Mustapha, Alafin of Afin-Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government of Ondo State, charged Muslim philanthropists to cultivate the Idea of giving back to the society.

Adejoro said Allah ordained the well-to-do in the society to reach out to the less privileged, saying ZKF was one of Allah’s obligations.

“Our wealth is not by our might, power, or wisdom. It is Allah that gives us whatever we have and we must not sit on it alone, rather to benefit others who are less-privileged,” he said.

The traditional ruler, therefore, called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the cash and items.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Morufat Adeola, an 8-year-old widow from Ijoka in Akure South Local Government, who was given a deep freezer, appreciated the foundation.

She said the gesture would go a long way to train her children and promised to become a good giver of charity to the others in future.

The Delborough Lagos has celebrated its Board Chairman and the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Agbogidi), with glowing tributes, particularly for his integrity and exemplary leadership, as he marked his 85th birthday.

The monarch was honoured at a grand dinner held on June 20, 2026, at The Delborough Lagos, where management, staff, and invited guests gathered to celebrate what many described as a life defined by honour, discipline and service to humanity.

The event came shortly after the hotel hosted Michelin-starred chef Sauro Bison, who led the DANI Restaurant experience, further reinforcing the brand’s push for global hospitality standards.

The well-attended celebration attracted prominent Nigerians, including former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senator Ita Giwa, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, among other dignitaries.

Speakers at the event praised the traditional ruler’s integrity, describing him as a moral compass whose leadership has contributed significantly to cultural preservation and national cohesion.

The atmosphere was filled with cultural displays, as various groups performed traditional dances in honour of the monarch, while staff of The Delborough Lagos staged a colourful reception to welcome guests.

In their tributes, the management of The Delborough Lagos commended Igwe Achebe’s principled leadership style, noting that his integrity has remained a defining feature of his public and traditional service over the decades.

The 17th prosecution witness in the ongoing alleged money laundering case filed against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others, said on Wednesday that the former governor was not involved in any of the property transactions before the court.

The witness, Shehu Bello Bala, told the court, while being cross-examined by the Defendant's Counsel, Paul Daudu, SAN, that the 2nd defendant did not also participate in any of the transactions.

He noted that one Farouk Bello served as the agent.

On cross-examination, he, however, noted that he was aware that the title documents - deed of assignment and power of attorney were returned to Efab Estate by Farouk Bello.

The witness had earlier said he was not in anyway related to Ali Bello and Farouk Bello, whom he had mentioned in his examination-in-chief.

He also confirmed that he was not from Kogi State, implying that he was not also related to the former governor.

The witness, a commodity trader, who said he was from Katsina State, noted that he met Ali Bello about 14 years ago.

"So you have known him long enough to know the kind of businesses he is into," the Defendant's Counsel said.

"I knew Ali Bello in the course of my business which is commodity trading. We have done quite a number of businesses like buying grains from the North .

"We buy ginger and other products from the North and sell it. This was around 2012-2013. I also know that he is into real estate," the witness responded.

The Counsel to the 2nd and 3rd defendants, A.M. Aliyu, SAN, asked the witness if he knew the 3rd defendant, he said no, noting that he did not also partake in the transactions.

He told the court that at the time the title documents were returned to Efab Estate, Farouk Bello, who was his father's friend, had passed on.

"Would I be correct to say that it was the children who said they wanted to collect the money on the property after the death of Dr Farouk Bello?" the Defendant's Counsel asked.

"Someone came to me with documents concerning the property that they wanted to sell the property but I cannot confirm if he was Farouk Bello’s son," the witness responded.

He confirmed that he took the documents back to the chairman of Efab Estate.

"That was when we realised that the property was being investigated," he said.

He said the second property that was not marked by the EFCC was the one bought by Farouk.

"Will I be correct to say that Ali Bello inherited that property from his mother?" The Defendant's Counsel asked.

The prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, interjected that the evidence the witness gave was not about inheritance.

But the Defendant's Counsel said he was entitled to lay foundation for his defence and that he could ask the witness within his capacity.

A cleared presidential aspirant of the Democratic Leadership Alliance, Mrs Abisayo Busari-Akinnadeju, has resigned from the party, alleging attempts to impose a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

Busari-Akinnadeju, a legal practitioner and chartered arbitrator, announced her resignation in Abuja on Friday, saying she could no longer remain in a political platform that allegedly denied its members the right to freely choose their candidate.

Her resignation, which was formally submitted on May 28 and acknowledged by the party, was made public on Nigeria’s Inauguration Day.

In a statement, the former aspirant said she decided to return to non-partisan civic engagement and continue her advocacy through the Dare Agenda and the #DareNigeria movement.

She alleged that despite paying the party’s presidential nomination fee in April and being cleared by the screening committee, her clearance later became tied to a disciplinary process over what she described as “a single word in a private WhatsApp message.”

According to her, the disciplinary process was initiated without adequate notice or details of the allegation.

The former aspirant further alleged that state chairmen of the party were instructed not to attend the presidential primary but instead forward figures to the party’s national secretariat to facilitate the emergence of a consensus candidate.

She argued that such a process violated provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires the written consent of all cleared aspirants before a consensus candidate can emerge.

Busari-Akinnadeju said, “On Inauguration Day, when Nigeria honours the right of her people to choose those who govern them, I cannot remain inside a party that has refused that same right to its own members.

“I joined to compete on the merits. I leave because the merits were never going to be the test. I will not put my name to a process I know to be wrong.”

She maintained that she never consented to the adoption of a consensus candidate and would not have done so under any circumstance.

Speaking on her next political move, she said, “The work of building a country that is fair to all of its citizens does not belong to any single party. It belongs to all of us, and it continues.

“What 2027 will require of me, I will decide with the Nigerians who have walked this road with me, and at the time it is right to decide.”

The lawyer disclosed that she would address journalists later on Friday at REL Libraries in Abuja, where she is expected to give further details on her resignation and political future.

Busari-Akinnadeju is a chartered arbitrator with over 17 years of experience in legal practice and governance. She is also the convener of the Dare Agenda, a civic platform focused on accountability, constitutional reform and internal party democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

House of Representatives aspirant for Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency, Hon. Seun Oluwashina Ajongbolo, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senatorial candidate Jide Ipinsagba, and House of Representatives candidate Gboyega Adefarati on their victories in the recently concluded primary elections of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ajongbolo, in a statement made available to journalists, described the outcome of the primaries as a significant moment in the democratic process of the party and a reflection of the collective will of party stakeholders.

While congratulating President Tinubu on emerging victorious, Ajongbolo expressed confidence in the continued advancement of the President’s vision for national development under the Renewed Hope agenda. He stated that the outcome further demonstrates the confidence reposed in the President’s leadership and direction for the country.

The aspirant also extended his congratulations to Senator Jide Ipinsagba on his emergence as the party’s candidate for the Senate, describing him as an experienced political figure whose victory represents another opportunity for quality leadership and representation.

Similarly, he congratulated Hon. Gboyega Adefarati on his emergence as the House of Representatives candidate, noting that the primary process has once again reaffirmed the importance of unity and democratic participation within the party.

“Democracy thrives when we place collective progress above personal interests. Elections may produce winners and others with different outcomes, but the greater victory remains the progress, unity, and future of our people and our party,” Ajongbolo said.

He urged party members, supporters, and stakeholders across Akoko South East and South West Federal Constituency to remain united and continue working together in the interest of the APC and the development of the constituency.

Ajongbolo further reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged his continued support for the party and its candidates, expressing optimism that unity among party members would strengthen the APC ahead of future political engagements.

Political observers have described Ajongbolo’s message as a move aimed at promoting reconciliation and reinforcing party cohesion following the conclusion of the primary election process.

…“We are raising a generation of talented and morally sound leaders” — Mrs. Funmi Bankole, Convener

Hundreds of pupils and students from more than 100 schools across Ondo State converged at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), today, Saturday 23rd, 2026 for the Ondo Central qualifying round of KIDSCON 2026, turning the institution into a vibrant arena of talent, creativity and intellectual excellence.

At the end of the keenly contested event, five secondary schools and three primary schools secured qualification for the grand finale slated for December.

Great Prints International School emerged first position among the secondary schools, followed by Fiwasaye Grammar School in second place, while Greater Tomorrow Secondary School took third position. Preston International College came fourth, and St. Louis Grammar School placed fifth, with all five schools securing qualification to the grand finale scheduled for December.

In the primary school category, Pathway Primary School emerged first position, followed by Lincoln Montessori School in second place, while Kinder School came third, all earning their places in the final stage of the competition.

Speaking at the event, the Convener of the programme, Mrs. Funmi Bankole, expressed gratitude to God for the success of the event and appreciated the support of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose backing she said has contributed significantly to the growth and wider reach of the initiative.

According to her, KIDSCON is an annual platform designed to celebrate children, showcase their talents, and promote moral values and character development among pupils across the state.

She explained that the initiative was created to give children a voice and a sense of recognition, noting that many young talents often go unnoticed despite their potential.

She emphasized that KIDSCON is not only a competition but also a platform for moral instruction and social integration, helping to bridge gaps between children from different social backgrounds.

Mrs. Bankole further noted that while the programme initially held once a year in a single location, it has now been expanded with the support and input of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, to ensure wider participation across all senatorial districts.

She added that the expansion will extend the programme to the remaining two senatorial districts, with special focus on inclusion for schools in hard-to-reach and riverine communities.

According to her, the initiative encourages unity, friendship, and shared learning among pupils while instilling discipline, confidence, and teamwork.

The climax of the event was the presentation of trophies to the winners as well as consolation prizes to winners of raffle draw.

Some of the participating students who later spoke with newsmen expressed appreciation to the organizers for consistently providing a platform that brings joy, encourages creativity, and gives them the opportunity for them to showcase their talents every year.

In a chat, the Principal of Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, one of the winning school, Mrs. Bolanle Ojoge, further applauded Kidscon while also celebrating excellence for which Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School is known for

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has mobilised All Progressives Congress (APC) members across Ondo State through a political movement known as BTOSeniyan, aimed at strengthening support for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The movement, according to organisers, has been actively engaged in grassroots mobilisation and consolidation of party structures ahead of Saturday’s presidential primary election.

On Saturday, BTOSeniyan recorded what it described as a strong turnout of APC members across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State, with supporters drawn from Ondo North, Ondo Central and Ondo South.

The group said the large mobilisation reflected growing confidence in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and appreciation for the leadership of Tunji-Ojo within the party structure in the state.

It further urged APC members nationwide to participate fully in the primary election and vote massively for President Tinubu, stressing that such support was essential to sustain ongoing policy direction and governance programmes.

According to the movement, the coordinated mobilisation underscores its commitment to strengthening party unity, projecting grassroots engagement and delivering electoral support for the ruling party.

BTOSeniyan added that the enthusiasm displayed across Ondo State signals loyalty, cohesion and readiness to secure renewed support for President Tinubu in the party’s presidential primary exercise.

House of Representatives aspirant for Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Seun Oluwashina Ajongbolo, has intensified mobilization efforts in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging his supporters and party faithful across the constituency to come out en masse and participate actively in the party process.

Ajongbolo made the call while addressing supporters and political associates, emphasizing that despite concerns and perceived irregularities surrounding aspects of the party’s internal process, members must remain committed to the broader vision and collective interests of the APC.

The aspirant stressed that party unity and loyalty remain critical to sustaining the gains of the administration and strengthening the progressive ideals upon which the APC was founded.

According to him, support for President Tinubu represents support for continuity, stability, and the advancement of the administration’s agenda aimed at transforming the nation.

“The Renewed Hope agenda is a project that must continue for the progress and future of our nation. While there may be concerns in internal processes, our commitment to the larger vision of development and national growth must remain unwavering,” Ajongbolo stated.

He further called on his supporters throughout Akoko South East and South West to remain peaceful, united, and focused, urging them to actively participate and demonstrate their support for the party and its leadership.

Ajongbolo also expressed confidence that the APC leadership would continue to address concerns raised by party stakeholders while ensuring fairness and strengthening internal democracy.

Political observers believe the move reflects Ajongbolo’s continued efforts to align his political structure with the broader vision of the APC while maintaining grassroots engagement within the constituency.

House of Representatives aspirant for Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Seun Oluwashina Ajongbolo, has intensified mobilization efforts in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging his supporters and party faithful across the constituency to come out en masse and participate actively in the party process.

Ajongbolo made the call while addressing supporters and political associates, emphasizing that despite concerns and perceived irregularities surrounding aspects of the party’s internal process, members must remain committed to the broader vision and collective interests of the APC.

The aspirant stressed that party unity and loyalty remain critical to sustaining the gains of the administration and strengthening the progressive ideals upon which the APC was founded.

According to him, support for President Tinubu represents support for continuity, stability, and the advancement of the administration’s agenda aimed at transforming the nation.

“The Renewed Hope agenda is a project that must continue for the progress and future of our nation. While there may be concerns in internal processes, our commitment to the larger vision of development and national growth must remain unwavering,” Ajongbolo stated.

He further called on his supporters throughout Akoko South East and South West to remain peaceful, united, and focused, urging them to actively participate and demonstrate their support for the party and its leadership.

Ajongbolo also expressed confidence that the APC leadership would continue to address concerns raised by party stakeholders while ensuring fairness and strengthening internal democracy.

Political observers believe the move reflects Ajongbolo’s continued efforts to align his political structure with the broader vision of the APC while maintaining grassroots engagement within the constituency.

The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State on Friday conducted its House of Assembly and governorship primary elections peacefully, with party stakeholders commending the exercise for its orderly and transparent process.

The primaries, supervised by the committee led by Rt. Hon. Taofiq Olawale Abdulsalam, witnessed large turnout of party members across several wards in the state as delegates and voters participated in the direct primary exercise.

Reports from different parts of the state indicated that the exercise was largely hitch-free, with adherence to the party’s guidelines and electoral procedures.

Members of the primary election committee monitored the exercise in parts of Ibadan, including the wards of Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Chief Bayo Adelabu, while receiving updates from other local government areas across the state.

The committee observed that voting processes were conducted peacefully, with security operatives maintaining order as electoral officials carried out their responsibilities without disruption.

Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Abdulsalam praised party members, security agencies and electoral officials for their cooperation and commitment to a peaceful process.

He said the smooth conduct of the primaries reflected the determination of stakeholders and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold credible and transparent internal party elections.

Abdulsalam assured aspirants and their supporters of fairness in the process, adding that the National Working Committee of the APC would officially announce the winners of the primaries.

Party leaders and observers also applauded the committee for what they described as professionalism and effective coordination during the exercise.

The Chief Executive Officer of Stanel Group and The Delborough Lagos, Dr Stanley Uzochukwu has completed a High Performance Leadership programme in one of World best institutions, Oxford University London in just months after completed multiple programmes in Harvard Kennedy School, United States.

Dr Stanley Uzochukwu stands out as one of Nigeria’s most consequential business leaders of his generation, exemplifying visionary leadership, disciplined execution and a sustained commitment to national and continental development. As Founder and Executive Chairman of Stanel Group, he has built a diversified indigenous conglomerate whose growth trajectory reflects the innovation, resilience and strategic foresight.

Committed to continuous leadership development, Dr Uzochukwu has pursued advanced executive education at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where he completed multiple programmes in 2025, including Emerging Leaders, Leadership Decision Making, Leading Successful Programs using Evidence, and Strategic Leadership for Personal Effectiveness. He also completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at UNIZIK Business School in December 2025, further strengthening the strategic and managerial depth that defines his leadership style.

Dr Uzochukwu founded Stanel Group in 2012, leading its transformation into a dynamic Nigerian conglomerate with investments spanning energy, hospitality and retail. Under his stewardship, the Group has expanded nationally, forged partnerships with multilateral institutions, strengthened local value chains and created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, even amid a challenging economic climate.

In November 2023, he further redefined Nigeria’s hospitality landscape with the launch of The Delborough Lagos, where he serves as Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most luxurious five-star hotels, The Delborough Lagos has hosted global dignitaries, including Prince Harry and Meghan, African presidents, prime ministers, diplomats and other global elite. In recognition of his exceptional leadership in hospitality, Dr Uzochukwu was honoured as “Seven Stars Man of the Year” and inducted into the Seven Stars Pantheon of Hospitality, affirming his influence in elevating African hospitality to global standards.

Beyond enterprise leadership, Dr Uzochukwu contributes meaningfully to institutional governance and policy engagement. The Oxford and Harvard trained strategist is currently the Chairman of UNIZIK Advancement Board. He is a member of the DRC–Nigeria Business Council, a Governing Council Member of Igbinedion University, Okada, and a Board Member of UNIZIK Business School, Awka. Notably, he remains the youngest individual appointed to the Governing Council of Igbinedion University, a testament to the confidence reposed in his leadership.

His professional credentials further reinforce his profile. Dr Uzochukwu is a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) of the Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria, a Certified Management Specialist of the London Graduate School, and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants. He is also a Doctorate recipient of Commonwealth University, United Kingdom.

His achievements have earned wide recognition, including the Commander of Anambra State (COA) honour, SUN Magazine Investor of the Year 2023, Guardian Newspaper Top 50 CEOs of Excellence in Nigeria 2023, and the Africa Achievers Award for Enterprise and Business Impact. He has also featured as a speaker at the 500 CEO Summit in the United States, reflecting his growing international profile.

Central to Dr Uzochukwu’s leadership philosophy is a strong commitment to social impact. Through the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation (SUF), he supports scholarships, housing for widows, youth entrepreneurship grants and community development initiatives across Africa. These interventions underscore a leadership model that integrates profit with purpose and enterprise with empathy.

Dr Stanley Uzochukwu attributes his success to faith, discipline, consistency and long-term thinking. From founding a business with modest beginnings to leading one of Nigeria’s most recognisable conglomerates, his journey embodies the strategic vision, ethical leadership, institutional impact and social responsibility.

A House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency, Hon. Seun Oluwashina Ajongbolo, has expressed concern over what he described as inconsistencies surrounding the party’s ongoing primary election process.

Ajongbolo, who spoke amid growing uncertainty over the timetable for the APC House of Representatives primaries, lamented the repeated changes in the election date, noting that the exercise was initially scheduled for May 15 before it was later shifted to May 16, marking the second adjustment within a short period.

The aspirant stated that the situation has created confusion among aspirants and supporters, while also disrupting campaign plans, consultations, and other political activities already scheduled in preparation for the primaries.

According to him, the delay in releasing the list of successful aspirants from the party’s screening exercise has further heightened anxiety within the ranks of party faithful and aspirants contesting various positions.

“As aspirants who have committed ourselves to the democratic process of our great party, we believe clarity, transparency, and consistency are essential to maintaining confidence in the process,” Ajongbolo said.

He called on the national leadership of the APC, the Ondo State Governor, and the state executives of the party to openly communicate the direction and activities of the party regarding the forthcoming primaries.

Ajongbolo stressed the need for fairness and equal treatment of all aspirants, urging party leaders to ensure a level playing ground capable of sustaining internal democracy and preserving the confidence of party members across the state.

“Our party remains a strong institution built on progressive ideals. It is important that every aspirant is given equal opportunity within a transparent and credible process that reflects the democratic values of the APC,” he added.

Despite the concerns raised, Ajongbolo reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and expressed confidence in the ability of the party leadership to address the issues in the interest of unity and fairness.

Political observers within the constituency believe the concerns expressed by the aspirant reflect the growing desire among party stakeholders for greater clarity and coordination as the APC moves closer to its primary elections.

The Member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Thomas Ereyitomi, has strongly condemned the circulation of a purported Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) membership card bearing his photograph and personal details, describing it as a malicious act of political forgery orchestrated by detractors desperate to tarnish his reputation.

In a strongly worded disclaimer issued from his office, the federal lawmaker categorically denied ever applying for membership in the NDC or authorizing any individual or group to register him in any political party outside the ruling All Progressives Congress.

He reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the APC, insisting that he remains a bona fide member of the party and has already been duly screened and cleared under its platform for the forthcoming elections.

Rt. Hon. Ereyitomi described the fake membership card as a calculated attempt to create what he termed a “false anti-party narrative” aimed at misleading the public and distracting constituents from the developmental and legislative strides recorded in Warri Federal Constituency under his representation.

According to him, no amount of fabricated propaganda or “Photoshop politics” can erase years of dedicated service, loyalty, and visible achievements delivered to the people.

The lawmaker further disclosed that relevant security and investigative agencies have already been alerted over the matter, adding that efforts are underway to trace and prosecute all individuals connected to the alleged cyber manipulation, forgery, and political sabotage.

He warned those behind the act that democracy must not be reduced to a theater of falsehood and criminal deception.

Calling on his supporters, party faithful, and constituents to disregard the alleged fake NDC card, Ereyitomi urged the public not to fall prey to political misinformation being spread by opponents he accused of operating through “the dark corridors of lies.”

He maintained that the bond between him and the people of Warri Federal Constituency remains strong, unshaken, and firmly rooted in trust, service, and political loyalty to the APC.

A few minutes ago, I came across a deliberately distorted report of what purportedly transpired at a stakeholders' meeting of the Ogun Central Senatorial District, which held at the Hilltop residence of former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

The tone of the particular report, published by one obviously biased blog, reveals nothing but a hatchet job by apologists of detractors on a "pull-him-down-at-all-costs" mission against the former governor.

To say that Amosun, who never arrives any event venue in Ogun State, much less Ogun Central, without a thunderous welcome not even accorded a sitting governor, was embarrassed by "a jeering crowd" outside the venue, connoted nothing but the glaring warped thinking of whoever the author was.

No matter the circumstances being portrayed by the sponsors, the former governor's political image has grown beyond such dirty attacks.

For the avoidance of doubt, no politician in the history of Ogun State politics, has close to Amosun's crowd and acceptance in Ogun Central.

The generosity of the former governor, popularly called Ajiri omo oye, even outside office, which has endeared him to his people, across religious divides, in a very special way, cannot be rivalled. I say this sincerely and firmly.

No matter how his detractors try to rewrite history, probably as a result of dementia-induced hazy memory, his footprints of achievements in Ogun Central and Ogun State at large are too significant to be erased.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not earn the accolade - master strategist - by chance. With his probably unmatched political sagacity, which has kept him strongly relevant in politics for 16 years without a specific portfolio, no one can misrepresent the political environment to him. He sees clearly and knows who can deliver.

Forget the noise, forget the imbecilic self-adulation, forget the propaganda and deliberate distortion of history by spineless political desperadoes, even the blind can feel Amosun’s intimidating capacity to deliver in any election.

I am not a member of the APC, and I have never met Amosun, one on one, but as a stakeholder in Ogun State and the central in particular, I don't have to rely on sponsored reports and social media posts. I write based on first-hand information and undiluted field assessment.

I find it hard to keep quiet when people deliberately try to rubbish the legacies of those who have paid their dues in any field.

Even the party’s consensus governorship candidate in the state, being a student of the Jagaban school of politics, knows better than discarding a political figure with strong name recognition and loyal voter base.

Anyone can be paid to do a dirty job against a paymaster's presumed political opponent, but even while at that, the contractor must execute the contract with sense lest he ends up embarrassing himself more than the target.

Amosun is not one to be pushed aside in Ogun State politics. He has paid his dues. I may not be his greatest fan but I know we don't have two of his kind in Ogun Central.

Just for the Senate 2027 ticket, and all these shenanigans and atrocious tantrums are being thrown at him? May be those orchestrating this have shielded themselves away from the grassroots because the public opinion favours the former governor, 100 per cent.

The first lesson taught in politics is that "there are no permanent enemies and no permanent friends, only permanent interests". So, why are ignoramuses and hatchet jobbers crying more than the bereaved?
Anyway, eyi o wu kawi, t'Ọlọrun l'aṣẹ".

*Mark Adebayo is a published author, public affairs analyst, newspaper columnist, and immediate past national spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP.

A High Court in Lokoja has awarded N1billion in damages against Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a defamation suit filed by former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello.

The order is contained in the Certified True Copy of the judgement, dated April 23 on Friday in Lokoja.

The court held that based on the preponderance of evidence or balance of probabilities, judgment was entered in favour of the claimant.

Justice Justice A. S. Ibrahim, while delivering his judgement in the suit marked, “HCL/16/2023”, held that upon the conclusion of the suit, the two issues formulated for determination were resolved in favour of the claimant.

“The interview granted by the defendant on 4/11/2022 on Arise TV programme of ‘The Morning Show’ is defamatory to the claimant’s character and reputation.

“The said interview of 4/11/2022 in which the defendant described the claimant as a murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi State was without justification.”

The court also gave “an order of perpetual injunction against the Defendant, [his] agents, privies or associates”, restraining them from further issuance of the defamatory statements or words against the claimant on TV or radio stations.

“The sum of one billion naira (N1,000,000,000) only (is) awarded as damages against the Defendant and in favour of the Claimant,” the court said.

Bello had sued Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan for defamation of character.

The Defendant’s Counsel, Johnson J. Usman, SAN, had, challenged the jurisdiction of the court, saying that the suit was an abuse of court process.

Bello’s Counsel, Friday Ekpa, however, countered that, saying that none of the cases before the FCT High Court was against the person of Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

After the High Court ruled that it had jurisdiction to entertain the case, Akpoti-Uduaghan appealed the ruling.

The Court of Appeal, in the appeal number, “CA/ABJ/CV/626/2024”, however, dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit and affirmed that the Kogi State High Court had jurisdiction to entertain the case.

https://www-vanguardngr-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2026/04/defamation-case-court-orders-sen-natasha-to-pay-yahaya-bello-n1bn/amp/?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17770346495736&csi=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanguardngr.com%2F2026%2F04%2Fdefamation-case-court-orders-sen-natasha-to-pay-yahaya-bello-n1bn%2F

An Owo-born legal practitioner, Ghani Rotimi Arobo, on Thursday declared his intention to contest the House of Representatives seat for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency of Ondo State under the All Progressives Congress.

The declaration, held in Owo, witnessed a large turnout of party leaders and supporters as the aspirant unveiled plans to reposition the constituency’s economy.

Arobo said his ambition was driven by a vision to transform the area into a self-sustaining industrial hub, promising to establish 100 cottage industries across key sectors.

“I enter this race with a blend of legal expertise and corporate experience. Representation is about identifying gaps and applying the right solutions to fix them,” he said.

“I do not seek to create something entirely new; I seek to unlock the latent power of the Owo/Ose people, our land and our heritage,” he added.

The aspirant also pledged to boost security through support for Amotekun Corps and advocated state policing, while outlining plans to leverage the Electricity Act to drive industrial growth.

“Through a Constituency Energy Hub, we will promote solar mini-grids and small-scale manufacturing to ensure our communities have reliable power,” he said.

Arobo further highlighted plans for youth development, women inclusion and improved water access, stressing, “My vision is to move Owo/Ose from a handout economy to a productive, industrialised constituency driven by its people.”

Pledges youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and global partnerships

A United States-based investment advisor, Hon. Seun Oluwashina Ajongbolo, has formally declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency in Ondo State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Ajongbolo made the declaration during a small gathering of party leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, market women, and other stakeholders from the constituency, where he outlined his vision for economic development, youth empowerment, and stronger federal representation for Akoko communities.

Addressing supporters, Ajongbolo said his decision to seek the legislative seat was driven by a desire to bring his international experience and knowledge back home to advance development in the constituency.

“I formally declare my intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency under the banner of our great party,” he said, adding that leadership must be rooted in service to the people.

Ajongbolo, who disclosed that he had spent the last decade in the United States working as a retirement investment advisor while pursuing doctoral studies, said the time had come to channel his global exposure into addressing the developmental challenges facing his constituency.

“For the past ten years, I have lived and worked in the United States, gaining exposure to global systems of development and innovation. However, despite the distance, my heart has always remained at home,” he stated.

He noted that although the constituency is rich in culture, talent, and hardworking people, several challenges persist, including unemployment among youths, poor road infrastructure affecting farmers, limited access to quality healthcare, and financial barriers preventing many students from achieving their educational goals.

According to him, stronger representation at the National Assembly would help attract federal projects and opportunities capable of transforming the area.

“At the National Assembly, my mission will be clear. I will work tirelessly to attract federal infrastructure development to our constituency and champion youth technology and innovation programmes that prepare our young people for the global economy,” he said.

Ajongbolo also pledged to support agriculture through initiatives aimed at empowering farmers, expand scholarship opportunities for students, and facilitate employment opportunities for young people within federal institutions.

In addition, he promised to pursue partnerships with international institutions, particularly in the United States, to create educational and economic opportunities for residents of the constituency.

Beyond policy proposals, Ajongbolo cited some community support initiatives he said he had previously undertaken across parts of the constituency.

He noted that these efforts included providing electricity transformers to communities experiencing prolonged power outages, offering financial assistance to students struggling with school fees, and supporting farmers, artisans, and market women in their economic activities.

“Leadership is not about promises alone; it is about action. Even before seeking this office, we have already begun the work together,” he said.

Ajongbolo further emphasized the need for a new generation of leadership capable of combining global exposure with grassroots commitment.

“I represent a new generation of leadership that believes experience from the world must serve the needs of our local communities,” he said, stressing the importance of transparency, youth empowerment, and inclusive development.

The aspirant also expressed support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his representation at the National Assembly would align with national efforts aimed at economic growth and national renewal.

“As a proud member of the APC, I am inspired by the progressive leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose vision continues to shape the future of our country,” he said.

Ajongbolo unveiled “SOA – The Soaring Eagle” as the symbol of his campaign, describing it as a metaphor for vision, courage, and resilience in overcoming challenges.

“The eagle rises above storms rather than hiding from them. With courage and determination, we can rise beyond limitations,” he said.

He urged residents of the constituency to support his candidacy and work collectively toward what he described as a new era of development for the Akoko region.

“Our constituency can become a model of progress in Nigeria if we stand together with shared purpose,” Ajongbolo said.

The Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency is one of the key constituencies in Ondo State, and political observers say the emerging contest for the House of Representatives seat is expected to attract considerable attention ahead of the next general election cycle.

A United States-based business consultant and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Akoko, Oluwaseun Ajongbolo, has congratulated the newly elected executive members of the party in Ondo State.

Ajongbolo also hailed the national leadership of the party, state leaders and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for working together to ensure a smooth and peaceful process that produced the new executives.

He particularly commended the emergence of Kolawole Babatunde as the new State Chairman of the APC, describing his election as a step in the right direction toward strengthening the party’s structure in the state.

In a statement issued to journalists on Thursday, Ajongbolo praised the leadership of Aiyedatiwa for creating a stable and inclusive atmosphere that made the emergence of the new executives possible.

According to him, the peaceful conduct of the party’s congress reflects the unity and growing strength of the APC in Ondo State.

“Let me heartily congratulate the newly elected State Executive Committee of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, on their emergence,” he said.

“The election of Hon. Kolawole Babatunde as State Chairman shows the confidence party members have in his ability to lead the APC to greater heights in Ondo State.”

Ajongbolo further commended Aiyedatiwa’s leadership style, noting that the governor had continued to demonstrate commitment to unity, stability and progress within the party and the state.

He added that the collaboration among the national leadership of the party, state stakeholders and the governor played a significant role in ensuring the successful conduct of the congress.

Tatum Bank has announced that it has fulfilled the capitalisation benchmark set by the Central Bank of Nigeria for financial institutions operating in the country.

In a statement released on Monday, the bank said the confirmation by the apex regulator marks a major milestone in its growth trajectory and reinforces its capacity to play a stronger role in Nigeria’s financial services sector.

According to the bank, the development strengthens its financial base and reflects its commitment to providing secure and dependable banking services to its expanding customer base.

The Managing Director of Tatum Bank, Niyi Adeseun, described the milestone as a testament to the institution’s solid foundation and long-term vision for sustainable growth.

Adeseun said the bank would continue to build on the achievement by prioritising efficient service delivery and creating a reliable platform through which customers can achieve their financial goals.

He noted that the bank remains focused on providing seamless and dependable banking experiences as it expands its operations.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the bank, Samuel Ologunorisa, said Tatum Bank would continue to deploy digital innovation to broaden access to financial services across the country.

Ologunorisa stated that the institution’s strategy is anchored on the use of digital banking solutions to deepen financial inclusion while supporting the growth of businesses and large-scale enterprises.

He added that the bank’s operations are guided by strong corporate governance principles, responsible environmental, social and governance practices, as well as a robust enterprise risk management framework.

According to him, these standards remain central to the bank’s goal of building a transparent, resilient and trusted financial institution within Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape.

Tatum Bank, which commenced full banking operations in May 2025, said the capitalisation milestone was achieved in less than a year of launching its services.

The bank added that the strengthened capital base positions it to expand innovation-driven services while maintaining high operational standards in the country’s banking sector.

Comrade Olaleye Olawale has officially declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency, pledging to champion youth employment and redefine representation in the constituency.

Olawale made his ambition known in a statement issued to newsmen, where he said his decision followed wide consultations with stakeholders, youths and community leaders across the constituency who, according to him, demanded a new direction in leadership.

The aspirant who hails from Supare Akoko, said his campaign would be driven by “fresh ideas” aimed at addressing unemployment, economic hardship and limited opportunities facing young people in the area. He vowed to change the existing narrative by promoting policies that encourage skills development, entrepreneurship and sustainable empowerment programmes.

According to him, effective representation must go beyond lawmaking to include direct interventions that improve livelihoods and open pathways for economic growth, especially for young people and small business owners.

Olawale stressed that youth inclusion would remain central to his agenda, noting that the constituency possesses enormous human potential that can be harnessed through deliberate investment in innovation, education and vocational development.

He also promised to pursue people-oriented legislation and attract federal projects that would improve infrastructure, boost local commerce and enhance social welfare across communities within Akoko South East and Akoko South West.

The aspirant called on residents of the constituency to support his vision, assuring them of transparent leadership, accessibility and a representation style anchored on accountability and grassroots engagement if elected into office.

A United States-based business consultant and APC chieftain from Akoko, Oluwaseun Ajongbolo, has called on stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State to embrace peace, unity, and constructive dialogue amid internal tensions within the party.

In a statement issued on Monday, Ajongbolo appealed to party leaders and members across the state to sheathe their swords and prioritize dialogue in the collective interest of progress and stability. He emphasized that internal harmony remains essential to strengthening the APC ahead of future political engagements, including the 2027 general elections and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Ajongbolo warned that prolonged infighting could tarnish the image of Ondo State and erode public confidence in the ruling party. According to him, political instability sends negative signals to investors and could undermine economic opportunities in the state.

“Especially now that Nigeria is at the center of the world’s attention with the kind of work this administration is doing to set our economy right,” he stated, stressing that unity within the party would reinforce investor/global confidence and support ongoing economic reforms.

The APC chieftain also strongly condemned acts of political violence, urging decisive action against perpetrators. He called on party leadership and relevant authorities to ensure accountability.

“I am calling on party leadership and authority at large to bring these criminals to book so as to serve as a deterrent to future political violence,” Ajongbolo said.

He further appealed to the Ondo State Commissioner of Police to ensure that individuals responsible for actions capable of threatening peace and stability are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Ajongbolo, who is also an aspirant for the House of Representatives seat representing Akoko South East and South West Federal Constituency, urged party faithful to place the overall interest of the APC above personal ambitions. He expressed confidence that the crisis within the party could be resolved through dialogue, mutual understanding, and genuine commitment to unity.

The 1983 set of African Church Grammar School, Oka-Akoko, Ondo State, has commissioned a renovated four-classroom block for the school amid celebrations marking their reunion programme.

The old students also donated books and writing materials to pupils, announced a ₦1m scholarship scheme for students, and pledged free JAMB registration forms for selected learners as part of efforts to support academic development.

Speaking at the event, the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko, HRM Oba (Dr.) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye (OON, JP), commended the alumni for giving back to their alma mater and urged members to sustain unity and cooperation within the association.

Represented by the Asemo of Iboje Oka, High Chief Matthew Ofosola, the monarch advised current students to properly maintain the renovated facility and avoid acts capable of damaging the project.

He noted that the school had earned recognition for positive achievements and encouraged students to pursue academic excellence so they could also contribute meaningfully to the institution in the future.

The General President of the Old Students’ Association, Mr. Ogidan, represented by Olori Taiwo, lauded the initiative and urged the 1983 set to maintain close collaboration with the national body to ensure proper documentation of their activities.

Earlier, the Chairman of the 1983 set, Prof. Henri Oripeloye, said the project was achieved through collective commitment among members, adding that the gesture was driven by a desire to restore pride and improve learning conditions in the school.

The Don also encouraged other successful alumni across the world to embark on impactful projects that would benefit students.

Chairman of the renovation committee, Oki Olusegun, attributed the successful completion of the project to the cooperation of members, while the commissioning committee chairman, Bishop Ologun Adebayo Thompson, assured that the set would continue initiatives aimed at improving the school’s standard.

In his remarks, the school principal, Mr. Aminu Olugbenga, appreciated the alumni for their intervention, describing the project as transformational and pledging that the facilities would be properly maintained.

He noted that the achievements of the 1983 set reflected the school’s legacy of producing leaders across various sectors.

As part of additional support initiatives, Prof. Oripeloye promised to assist deserving students in securing admission opportunities, while Dr. Adiji Ayodele pledged JAMB forms for 55 prefects and other students.

Bishop Thompson also distributed imported writing materials, and Prof. Gabriel Ehinola assured assistance for any student who gains admission into Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.

The 10th Prosecution Witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the ongoing alleged money laundering trial of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has maintained that the cash withdrawals by the individuals mentioned in his testimony were in line with the guidelines of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The witness, Olomotane Egoro,
a compliance officer with Access Bank Plc, said he had been working with the bank since May 2023.

He confirmed that one Aminu Jimoh Olanrewaju, who was earlier said to have made withdrawals from the Kogi State Government House Administration Account, was one of the signatories of the account.

He added, on cross-examination, that, from the details in the account opening package, Olanrewaju was a civil servant and Director Accounts in the Kogi State Government Administration.

The witness said, being an Access Bank official, he was not privy to the workings of the Kogi Government House Account and could not state what the funds that were withdrawn were meant for except for those that were detailed in the transactions.

He gave a similar testimony as the one before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court.

The banker admitted that the former governor was neither a local government chairman nor was his name linked to any of the transactions presented before the court.

He said this in relation to the transactions between the various Local Government Areas in Kogi and Fazab Business Enterprise, among others.

"Go to transaction of 6th May 2022, can you confirm to this Honourable court if you can see supply of reading material to Okene Local Government?" the Defendant's Counsel, Daudu SAN, asked.

"Yes my lord, I can confirm that it is for supply of reading materials to Okene Local Government and the amount is N14,453,900.84," the witness responded.

The purposes of other payments ranged from sporting equipment to agrochemicals, farm inputs and also medical consumables, according to the witness.

The witness specifically said a N10.6 million lodgement from Ibaji Local Government statutory revenue was for the purpose of Agrochemicals while the N7.3 million from Mopa Muro Local Government was for the supply of relief materials.

According to him, N9.9m (Ofu Local Government) was for the procurement of Agrochemicals, among others.

The court had, during the examination-in-chief, admitted in evidence, the subpoena signed by the Managing Director of Access Bank.

The subpoena contains the statements of account of Kogi State Government House Administration, from January 2016 to January 2024.

It also contains the statements of accounts of Westwood Motors Limited, Fozad Oil and Gas Limited, Bespoque Global Concept Limited, E-Traders International Limited, and Keyless Nature Limited, among others.

Counsel to the 2nd and 3rd Defendants, ZE Abbas, objected to the admissibility of the documents, saying that the certificate of identification did not comply with the Evidence Act.

He said he would provide full reason during his final written address.

The prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, described the objection as a fishing expedition, adding also that he would give his reason during his final written address.

Justice Maryann Anenih, however, admitted the documents, noting that
admissibility in evidence would be determined subsequently, when necessary, if the objection could be justifiably defended.

The Kogi Government House Account was marked Exhibit AH1 and AH2, while the other 11 companies' statements were labelled from AG TO AR.

The prosecution counsel told the witness to look at Exhibit AH1, Kogi Government House Administration Account, from December 2018 to August 2019, and confirm the credit inflows from Kogi State Government House.

He was also told to confirm that there were withdrawals by one Aminu Jimoh Olarenwaju and Abdulsalami Hudu, which he did.

"Can you confirm the cash withdrawals on the 24th December 2018? What is your evidence in relation to those withdrawals?" Pinheiro SAN asked.

The Access Bank staff said there were multiple cash withdrawals from the account, noting that the bank filed Suspicious Transaction Report with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, in line with standard practice.

He noted that there were multiple withdrawals of N10 million each between 15th and 16th January 2018 by Aminu Jimoh Olanrewaju, and on 8th March by Abdulsalami Hudu.

The Prosecution Counsel also told the witness to tell the court what the credit entry to Exhibit AP (Fazab Business Enterprise) was in May 2022.

He said there were several credit inflows from local government areas into the account and cash withdrawals by Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege.

The witness, however, said during cross-examination that no law was flouted in the transactions, reiterating that the withdrawals were in line with CBN guidelines.

Justice Anenih thereafter adjourned the case to 10th, 11th and 12th march, 2026 for continuation of trial.

Sam Maris University, Supare-Akoko, Ondo State, has admitted 413 newly enrolled students at its second matriculation ceremony, the highest number recorded by the institution since it commenced academic operations.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Gbore, described the exercise as a landmark achievement, saying it underscored the university’s gradual expansion and commitment to its founding ideals of quality education and sustainable development.

He revealed that 522 candidates applied for admission into the university for the 2025/2026 academic session, out of which 447 were offered admission, while 413 eventually met all academic and regulatory conditions to secure enrolment.

Gbore noted that the intake represented a 58.85 per cent rise compared to the previous academic session, setting a new record for student admission at the private university.

Speaking to the matriculating students, the vice-chancellor urged them to conduct themselves with discipline and integrity, while striving for academic excellence, adding that their journey in the institution came with the obligation to contribute positively to society.

He said the university was focused on producing graduates who are innovative, ethically grounded and globally competitive, in line with the theme of the ceremony, Sustainable Growth and Development.

Gbore further disclosed that the institution was broadening its academic scope and upgrading facilities, including plans to introduce foreign language programmes and strengthen its ICT capacity, to enhance students’ global exposure.

The vice-chancellor assured parents and guardians of adequate security on campus, noting that the management had intensified collaboration with security agencies to maintain a safe learning environment.

He commended the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chief Promoter, Mr Sam T. Ologunorisa, SAN, the Governing Council and other stakeholders for their support, while congratulating the new students and reaffirming the university’s commitment to continuous growth and academic excellence.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Joseph Daudu and Counsel to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, said at the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, that Bello was facing political trial and not money laundering charges.

He said this on Wednesday at the ongoing money laundering case instituted against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Daudu's clarification followed the remarks in the open court by EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN, that what happened in the mode of payments by Local Government Areas in Kogi state was stealing by disguise.

He said this just as the Seventh Prosecution Witness, Olomotane Egoro, a Compliance Officer with Access Bank, admitted in court that the former governor did not serve as local government chairman in any of the local governments in Kogi State.

The banker said this against the background that the contracts in question were awarded by local government chairmen for various purposes to contractors as stated in the bank accounts of some companies tendered and admitted as exhibits by the court.

The EFCC witness subpoenaed from Access Bank Plc, while being cross-examined by Daudu SAN, also reiterated that there was no mention of the name of the former governor in any of the local government transactions under investigation.

He said the name, 'Yahaya Bello' did not appear, either as sender or recipient of local governments funds.

He also admitted that, on the face of Exhibit 33(11), the entries in the transactions between the local governments and Keyless Nature Limited were consistent with normal banking transactions.

The Defendant's counsel said, "You drew my lord's attention to a litany of payments from the 21 local government areas, for example, 11th October 2022, into Keyless account.

"Do you know the purpose of those entries or transactions?"

"No, my lord," the witness responded.

He also admitted that he did not know from the record whether there was any business or contractual relationship between the local governments and Keyless Nature Limited.

The witness noted also that a customer had the right to spend his money anyhow he liked unless there was an issue of fraud.

"Confirm that in respect of transactions in Exhibit 33(11), your bank was not under court order and you have no report of fraud," Daudu SAN told the witness.

"That is correct my lord," he responded.

On payment made into one Fayzade Business Enterprise, the Defendant's Counsel told the witness to look at the transaction of 6th May 2022, the 6th column.

The witness said it was an inflow from Okene Local Government Area.

He added that the purpose as stated was for the supply of reading materials.

He listed the purposes of payments from Ogorimagongo, Okehi, Omala and Yagba LGAs as education materials (N4.4 million); medical items (N7.5 million); Sporting equipment (N10.8 million); and medical consumables (N12.2 million), respectively, among others.

The purposes of other payments ranged from agrochemicals to farm inputs and also medical consumables, according to the witness.

Daudu, SAN then asked, "Do you know if this defendant (Yahaya Bello) is a local government chairman and which local government in Kogi state?"

"No, the defendant wasn’t a local government chairman," he responded.

Justice Emeka Nwite thereafter adjourned the case to 5th and 6th February, 2026 for continuation of trial.

Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, the oldest institution of higher learning in Ondo State, is begging for sustaining aid to enable the institution to justify the dreams of its founding father, late Chief Adekunle Ajasin.

It is lamentable that today the age-long institution is administered without recourse to its edict.

This vice has brought serious damage to the visionary dream of the late sage.

For instance, today it is the only institution in the Sunshine State where all its management staff are in acting positions, contrary to the edict. The Rector has been in acting capacity for almost three years and has no Deputy Rector. The Registrar is in acting capacity, the Bursar has been in acting capacity for almost five years, and the Coordinator of the institution’s library has been in acting capacity for some years.

This trend is dangerous to the effective growth and development of the institution, and nobody is speaking against the menace.

The Governing Council is as good as non-existent, and no one is in doubt that the body is no longer representing the mandate of the Visitor to the Polytechnic. The institution needs help.

It is good to recall that the current Commissioner for Education in Ondo State, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, was once a Rector of this institution with enviable records, and after his exit, the legacies he left behind have almost gone into the grave.

There is smiling and suffering in the institution. The workforce is in pain due to unpaid backlog of salaries amidst the harsh economy and market forces.

The Polytechnic is growing in age without corresponding noticeable development. Its impact is not felt by the host community, not even in the State, but it is always begging for funding.

It was never magic for Prof. Ajibefun to survive during his tenure. He knew what a technical institution could do to bring development to its environment. He generated ideas on internal revenue, and in complementing government subvention, salaries were paid on time.

Prof. Ajibefun was creative and established the Artisan Centre, with trainings organised on skill acquisition and spread across the entire State for mutual benefit.

The student body enjoyed exposure, which put an end to incessant riots in the school.

The only pride in the institution today is propaganda and issues based on sentiments to impress the government that all is well.

All is not well, and the Visitor knows that all is not well. The combined convocation address of His Excellency showed that all was not well, as often presented by previous and present managers of the institution.

The Governor made a promise to pay the outstanding three months’ arrears and said that the dark days of RUGIPO would be over.

This promise, ever since, is yet to be redeemed, and the dark days keep lingering.

One needs to commend the Governor for reducing the unpaid salary arrears to three months and should sustain the tempo to bring smiles to the faces of the workers.

A political will is needed to restore the glory of the oldest institution.

The founding father carved a vision and a mission for the technological institution, with a mandate to drive the institution and make it a Silicon Valley. This spirit is yet to be realised. The institution needs help.

Today, and for a new year, one of the unions embarked on an industrial action demanding urgent attention to several demands, ranging from unpaid salary arrears, promotions, and balance payment of wage benefits as instructed by government to cushion the effect of economic hardship. The best that came out of the several demands was only a ₦15,000 payment.

My appeal to the Visitor of this noble institution is to honour his promise to the workers as made during the combined convocation and set a target for both the Governing Council and Management of the institution to realise the good vision of the institution.

It is not tidy and never in the spirit of the edict of the institution to keep all management staff in acting capacity. When regulations are not followed, disorder will surface.

The hope of pensioners is in danger. Little attention given to gratuities is on a selective basis. This is unjust. Management and government should see to the plight of the institution.

The student hostel is unhealthy and more of a slum. The initiative for investors is dead. The vast land is wasting and untapped. The institution needs urgent help.

For the restoration of glory to thrive, the government, management, alumni, unions across levels, and retirees of the institution should come together and make RUGIPO live up to the dreams of her founding father.

RUGIPO is waiting for restoration to create a new dawn for the progress of the Polytechnic, free from silent management cronies and marauders who are milking the institution to the detriment of others in the Polytechnic community.

It is hoped that something positive will be done in this direction before calling on EFCC and ICPC.

RUGIPO must not die. The welfare of the workforce must not suffer. The academic life of the institution should not be stunted. Those whose efforts have made the institution great must not go to waste.

S. O. Ojo (JP)
A Public Affairs Analyst

The Ewatomilola Cares Initiative on Tuesday brought festive relief to widows, widowers and other less privileged residents of Iwodi community in Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti State, as part of its annual Christmas outreach.

The outreach, held at Fagbayide quarters, was initially planned to cater for 200 beneficiaries but recorded a larger turnout, with more than 500 residents receiving support from the initiative.

The event drew a large crowd of community members who turned out to welcome the team led by the founder of the initiative, Ewatomilola Emiola-Owoeye, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Research and Documentation.

Beneficiaries were given various food items, including bags of rice, oloyin beans, spaghetti, semovita, garri, seasoning cubes, groundnut oil, toiletries and salt, while many also received ankara fabrics to enhance their Christmas celebrations.

Speaking at the event, Emiola-Owoeye expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to impact lives, describing the outreach as an annual gesture aimed at supporting vulnerable members of society, especially during the festive season.

She urged the beneficiaries to celebrate Christmas peacefully and responsibly, noting that the initiative was driven by a desire to put smiles on the faces of those who often struggle to meet basic needs.

The beneficiaries, in turn, expressed appreciation for the gesture, offering prayers for Emiola-Owoeye and the sustainability of the initiative, which they described as timely and impactful.

December 2022

When Patrick Okare speaks about data quality, he doesn’t describe things in a vacuum.

“In every pipeline I’ve ever built,” he says, “quality is not an afterthought; it’s the backbone. Without that data, even the best analytics platform falls apart.”

Okare, a Canada-based data engineer with five years in the financial domain and nine years in the tech industry, has done work for tech companies, including Dayforce in Canada.

His career has involved building systems that ensure data is reliable, auditable, and ready for enterprise use.

His roots stretch back to Abuja, Nigeria, where he remotely worked for UK consulting company Infor-Tech Limited, enduring long hours of code, late-night calls, and power cuts.

“I loved the rhythm, but I wanted a bigger canvas,” he says.
That quest eventually took him to Toronto in 2021, following a Master’s in Software Engineering at Robert Gordon University in Scotland.

“Global teams work differently, and are typically more data-driven and disciplined,” he says. “Coming to Canada wasn’t just about relocating.”

In Canada, Okare founded KareTech Analytics, a consulting firm that helps organizations modernize their analytics infrastructure.

“We help companies move from reports to intelligence and intelligence to trust,” he says.

The Cost of Bad Data
“Garbage in, garbage out,” Okare says, echoing one of the oldest truths in data. In finance, he has witnessed how faulty inputs can distort reality: duplicated transactions, delayed reconciliations, and reporting deadlines that miss the mark.

“If the numbers don’t add up,” he says, “trust erodes quickly within an organization and externally too.”

On one of his data engineering projects, he developed a data quality framework that automatically computed running totals for transactional records within the data warehouse, cutting manual reconciliation times from several hours to weeks. “It wasn’t just about building a more efficient process,” he explains.

“But seeing how possible it was to rebuild confidence in the numbers that we extract from the source system.”

Turning Data into a Product
For Okare, today’s analytics systems need to treat data like a product with owners, quality control, and SLAs.

“Every stage is a chance to lose integrity in a pipeline,” he says.

His model integrates validation layers, schema validations, and reconciliation between source systems and warehouses. He combines metadata-based pipelines for scalability, completeness, and timeliness, and employs rule-enforcement tools like Great Expectations and dbt tests.

“Don’t get it wrong if your engineers don’t see why accuracy is important, automation won’t save you,” says Okare.
Building for Scale
As data volumes explode, Okare argues that scaling quality requires rethinking architecture itself. “You can’t bolt on quality after deployment. You bake it into ingestion, transformation, and consumption.”

His work with Databricks and Azure Synapse has shown that aligning governance, lineage, and observability can turn reactive fixes into proactive assurance.

He points to a recent migration project where implementing continuous quality tests reduced downstream model errors by 41.7%.

“When executives stop questioning reports,” he smiles, “you know your pipelines are finally doing their job.”

Artificial Intelligence VS. Trustworthy Intelligence
To Okare, the next frontier isn’t more data; it’s better data.

“AI can’t be intelligent if its foundation is flawed. The next era of analytics will be powered not by big data, but by trustworthy data,” Okare says.

For enterprises racing toward AI maturity, his message is clear: operationalize trust first, insight second. “Because,” he adds, “once your data becomes something people can rely on, that’s when it truly becomes an asset.”

The Dimensions of Data Quality
Okare often reminds his team that before writing a single line of code, they should keep six dimensions in mind: the pillar of trustworthy data.

Completeness: Every record matters. Missing values lead to half-truths, and half-truths lead to wrong conclusions.

Uniqueness: Duplicates are silent saboteurs. “If one customer exists twice,” Okare says, “you’ve just doubled your problem.”
Accuracy: Data should reflect reality, not assumptions. Validation at the source ensures decisions stay grounded.
Cleanliness: Remove noise early. Inconsistent formats and misspelled entries might seem harmless until they break downstream systems.

Validity: Every data point must conform to business rules: the right type, the right format, and the right context.

Timeliness & Consistency: “Fresh data builds trust,” Okare says. “Stale data destroys it.” Synchronizing pipelines and ensuring uniform definitions across systems keeps the entire ecosystem in harmony.
Together, these principles form what Okare calls “the developer’s moral compass,” a mindset that transforms pipelines from functional code into reliable systems of truth.

In an era where AI models and business dashboards dominate headlines, Okare believes the real innovation lies beneath in the unseen layers of clean, dependable data. “You can’t automate trust,” he says. “You can only earn it by engineering it into every dataset.”

And as enterprises race toward intelligent automation, his message remains simple: start with quality, scale with discipline, and lead with trust.

Patrick Okare is a Toronto-based Lead Data Platform Engineer at a global technology company and the founder of KareTech Analytics, a data consulting firm focused on modern analytics platforms.

He specializes in cloud data engineering, lakehouse architecture, and enterprise-scale data modelling, helping organizations transform complex data into reliable, real-time insights. His work spans large financial and analytics systems across North America and Africa, with a strong focus on scalable design, data quality, and platform reliability.

A foremost Nigerian real estate company, Leisure Court, has unveiled plans to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for one of its newest projects in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

In a statement issued on Saturday by one of the company"s Director and coordinator of the Akure branch, Oluwaseun Adeojo Esq. the firm disclosed that the Akure project, known as Omoluabi Estate and Golf Resort, will be officially launched on December 10, 2025, at Ondo Road, Olokuta, Akure. The event is scheduled to begin at 10am.

The statement reads, “Leisure Court is a firm built on honesty, integrity, and professionalism. We have never been involved in any shady dealings, nor are any of our clients currently facing litigation over properties acquired through us. Our land are processed with requisite approval with government authorities as this further affirm our reputation as a credible and reputable real estate company.

“In addition, we maintain offices in various parts of Nigeria and lawfully acquire all our lands with complete and verifiable documentation. This is the fact that our activities are legitimate and not designed to defraud the public in any way. Having operated successfully for about 10 years, we are now appealing to the populace of Akure, its environs and sons and daughters of ondo indigenes in diaspora

“At our Omoluabi Estate and Golf Resort in Olokuta, plots are available at the following prices:
300sqm – ₦1.5 million, 450sqm – ₦2.2 million, 600sqm – ₦2.8 million

“Our Akure office is located at No. 3 Albert Lane, Behind Wema Bank, Off Oyemekun Road, Akure.
For enquiries, please call 08066876555.”

The statement added, “We hereby call on the general public to join us at the ground breaking ceremony.”