₦airaland Forum

OUTRAGE IN NASARAWA NORTH: AGARA CAMPAIGN CONDEMNS ‘MANUFACTURED’ SENATORIAL PRIMARY RESULTS AFTER FLAGRANT VOTOR FRAUD IN WAKAMA WARD

The campaign organization of former Deputy Governor and frontline senatorial aspirant, Silas Agara, has strongly condemned the alleged manipulation and outright falsification of results in the Nasarawa North Senatorial District primary election, accusing Governor Abdullahi Sule of using state machinery to subvert the will of the people.
The brewing crisis reached a boiling point following the collation of results from Wakama Ward in the Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, where actual votes cast at the polling units were allegedly discarded and replaced with fabricated figures to hand an artificial victory to the Governor.
According to certified agents and eyewitnesses on the ground, the internal democratic process was smoothly executed at the ward level, delivering a resounding victory for Silas Agara. However, the final official result sheets reflected a completely inverted reality.
> "The reality on the ground is clear, verifiable, and documented," a spokesperson for the Agara Campaign stated. "In Wakama Ward, after the transparent counting of valid votes, Silas Agara scored over 300 votes, while Governor A.A. Sule managed approximately 150 votes. Yet, in a shocking act of political desperation, the final result sheet allocated a mere 5 votes to Agara. The Governor did not win this election; he simply wrote the results."
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The Agara Campaign describes this development as a direct assault on democracy, a mockery of the party’s guidelines, and an insult to the people of Nasarawa North who stood in line to vote for leadership change. The campaign alleges that the figures were altered at the collation center under heavy security presence to shield the manipulation from public scrutiny.
The campaign team is calling on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and the Electoral Committee to immediately intervene, review the original duplicate result sheets held by agents, and halt the announcement of any tainted results.
"We are urging our teeming supporters across Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, and Wamba Local Governments to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding. We will not allow this brazen day-light robbery to stand. We will use every legal and administrative avenue within our party’s constitution to reclaim the mandate freely given to Silas Agara by the delegates," the statement concluded.

By: Dr. Taiwo Akerele

Wrapping up an intense week in Pretoria focused on public finance and fiscal reform, I leave with mixed emotions—intellectual stimulation on one hand, and deep concern on the other.

This has been a sobering week. Beyond policy conversations, there is a troubling social reality unfolding—one where fellow Africans are increasingly told to “go back to their countries.”
This is not the South Africa I once knew.

Eighteen years ago, as a postgraduate student at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, I experienced a country defined by openness, inclusion, and promise. Today, that memory feels distant.
A convergence of leadership deficits, economic strain, inequality, and migration pressures has created a fragile social fabric—not just here, but across many African states.

When economies fail to deliver opportunity, frustration often turns inward.
But decline is not destiny.
Africa must recommit to democratic accountability and elect leadership that is competent, visionary, and people-centered.

We must build resilient economies, invest in skills, strengthen institutions, and create real opportunities for our youth.
The promise of South Africa can be restored.

Soweto can thrive again as a global cultural destination. Johannesburg can reclaim its cosmopolitan identity. The warmth and openness of Cape Town can be rekindled.

Above all, this is about reclaiming a vision—one championed by Nelson Mandela: an Africa that is united, inclusive, and prosperous.

As I return to Nigeria, I reflect on the immense sacrifices made by many African nations in the struggle against apartheid. That investment was rooted in shared dignity and collective hope.

The question remains: will that sacrifice lead to renewed purpose—or quiet regret?
Africa can—and must—choose wisely.

Dear President William Ruto,
I recently came across a widely circulated video in which you asserted that Kenyans speak better English than Nigerians. For full disclosure, I am Nigerian; however, I will not respond from a purely nationalistic standpoint. Rather, I will frame my reflections along three dimensions—political, economic, and national identity—while maintaining a rhetorical posture.

First, one must ask: how would Africa’s founding fathers—those who fought tirelessly for independence—interpret such a statement? Would they find pride in the fact that, over six decades after liberation from colonial rule, an African leader appears to valorize linguistic proximity to former colonial powers as a marker of distinction? More troubling is the implicit derision of a fellow African nation on the basis of accent. What, then, becomes of the ideological legacies of figures such as Julius Nyerere, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Walter Sisulu, Albert Luthuli, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, Kwame Nkrumah, Kenneth Kaunda, and indeed Jomo Kenyatta? These leaders advanced visions of dignity, cultural confidence, and intellectual sovereignty. It is worth reflecting on whether such remarks align with those foundational principles.

Second, from a development policy perspective, proficiency in the English language is neither a sufficient nor a necessary condition for economic advancement. If it were, non-Anglophone powers would not occupy their current positions in the global economic hierarchy. China—one of Kenya’s largest creditors, with exposure estimated at approximately $6.69 billion—did not attain its economic stature through English linguistic dominance. Similarly, Germany, Europe’s largest economy, operates primarily in its native language. Within Africa, major economies such as Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco—whose combined GDP approaches $785 billion—are not English-speaking nations. Even India, whose professionals are prominent in global technology and medical ecosystems, deploys English largely as a functional working language, while maintaining strong linguistic and cultural identities. Development, therefore, is driven by productivity, institutional capacity, innovation, and human capital—not accent or linguistic mimicry.

Finally, speaking now as a Nigerian, the empirical record does not support any inference of intellectual or professional inferiority. Nigerians have demonstrated global competitiveness across disciplines—medicine, engineering, law, economics, academia, and the creative industries. Figures such as Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and literary giant Chinua Achebe underscore Nigeria’s intellectual contributions to global discourse. Likewise, leaders of international standing—including Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Akinwumi Adesina, Amina Mohammed, and others—reflect a longstanding tradition of excellence in global governance and development practice.

Beyond individual accomplishments, Nigerian professionals constitute a significant share of the skilled diaspora across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Middle East. Their integration into highly competitive labour markets is not predicated on accent, but on competence, training, and adaptability. It would be reductive to assume that their contributions are mediated by linguistic performance rather than substantive expertise.

In conclusion, Africa’s strategic priorities must transcend superficial comparisons. Our collective focus should be on accelerating technological transformation, addressing poverty and inequality, strengthening trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), advancing climate resilience, and investing in human capital development. Kenya’s debt-to-GDP ratio—estimated at 68.9%—raises legitimate concerns about fiscal sustainability, just as similar challenges confront many African economies. These are the issues that warrant the attention of leadership in the 21st century.

It is therefore disheartening that public discourse is diverted toward linguistic competitiveness rather than substantive development challenges. Africa’s progress will not be defined by how closely we approximate colonial languages, but by how effectively we solve our structural economic problems.

Yours sincerely,
Taiwo Akerele Phd, Head, Policy House International
Written on the margins of the Spring Meetings, Washington, DC
Email: taiwo.akerele@policyhouse.org

By Dan D Kunle

As usual, I am an ordinary citizen, and like many Nigerians, I remain naturally optimistic and hopeful about the possibilities of a better tomorrow, even if such hopes are not always realised. Hope is part of our national character. We endure setbacks, yet continue to believe renewal is possible.
But optimism must never become a substitute for reality. It must be tested against evidence, performance and outcomes. It is from that standpoint that I reflect on the future of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and what it means for Nigeria.
Few institutions matter more to the Nigerian state.
Recent developments underscore just how strategic energy institutions can be when they are properly conceived and executed. The emergence of the Dangote Refinery, despite its well‑known challenges and controversies, has already altered Nigeria’s energy calculus. At a time of heightened global supply disruptions, volatile geopolitics and constrained refining capacity across multiple regions, the commissioning of a large, integrated domestic refinery has begun to reduce Nigeria’s exposure to external shocks, ease pressure on foreign exchange and improve fuel availability. Its impact, even at partial operations, illustrates what competent capital mobilisation, clarity of purpose and scale can achieve for national energy security. It also serves as a reminder that institutional performance, not intent, is what ultimately reshapes outcomes.
NNPC Ltd sits at the centre of public finance, foreign exchange earnings, energy security and investor confidence. For decades, petroleum revenues have sustained federal and state budgets, financed imports and provided the fiscal oxygen on which government depends. Agriculture no longer carries the economy as it once did. Manufacturing remains weak. Non‑oil exports are still too small. In practical terms, Nigeria remains heavily dependent on hydrocarbons.
That is why the future of NNPC Ltd is inseparable from the future of Nigeria.
When the current leadership team, led by Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari and the board chaired by Musa Ahmadu‑Kida, assumed office, many expected a decisive break from the past. The hope was that a commercially run company, backed by the Petroleum Industry Act, would finally emerge from the ruins of bureaucracy, opacity and political patronage.
I shared that hope.
After observing developments over the past year, however, I have become less optimistic and more cautious.
The issue is not personalities. It is structural.
Nigeria has attempted to create a modern national energy company while preserving an old political control model. That contradiction lies at the heart of NNPC Ltd’s difficulties.
In theory, NNPC Ltd belongs to Nigerians. In practice, Nigerians can only exercise ownership indirectly through the state. Effective governing authority rests largely with the presidency, which appoints ministers, directors and senior executives. The result is layered ownership, centralised power and diffused accountability.
Such a model rarely produces transformational institutions.
Boards struggle to exercise independent authority when ultimate political power lies elsewhere. Management teams find themselves constrained by political calculations, competing interests and administrative caution. Commercial logic often yields to state expediency. Decisions that should take weeks can take months. Problems that should be solved commercially become prolonged disputes.
No serious company can thrive under those conditions.
This helps explain why many of the operational weaknesses associated with the old NNPC remain visible in the new NNPC Ltd.
Joint ventures remain less effective than they should be. Technical and financial service agreements are not always managed with sufficient urgency. Asset optimisation remains slow. Internal coordination appears weak. Cost discipline is uneven. A culture of delay still competes with the need for delivery.
The greatest tragedy is that Nigeria is not suffering from a lack of resources. It is suffering from underperformance.
Several producing assets continue to illustrate this failure. OML 18, OML 24, OML 42, OML 123 and OML124 are examples often cited in industry discussions as assets whose potential has not been fully realised. Some remain constrained by evacuation challenges, unresolved commercial disputes, infrastructure limitations or management bottlenecks.
These are not geological failures. They are governance failures.
An oil‑producing nation with Nigeria’s reserves should not be struggling to maximise already discovered and producing assets. Such matters ought to be resolved through competent negotiation, decisive leadership and disciplined execution.
Instead, opportunities are delayed while national needs grow.
The economic cost is immense.
Every barrel not produced is lost revenue. Every gas molecule not commercialised is lost industrial power. Every delayed investment decision weakens confidence. Every unresolved dispute signals risk to international capital.
Investors do not wait indefinitely. Capital flows to jurisdictions where rules are clear, governance is predictable and execution is credible.
Nigeria today competes for investment not only with Angola and Guyana, but with the United States shale sector, the Middle East and emerging producers across Africa. Sentiment alone will not attract capital. Performance will.
Without deep reform, external investment will remain cautious. Joint ventures will continue to perform below potential. Oil and gas production will remain under‑optimised. Leakages will persist. Revenue pressures will intensify. And when the country’s most strategic commercial institution underperforms, the wider economy eventually pays the price.
This is why the debate around NNPC Ltd must move beyond personalities.
No chief executive, however competent, can fully succeed inside a structure designed to dilute authority and multiply interference. Likewise, no board can deliver exceptional governance if it lacks the power, autonomy or political backing to enforce standards.
Systems matter more than individuals.
It is against this backdrop that the appointment of Mr Fola Adeola to lead a presidential energy task force must be understood. The very creation of such a body is itself an admission of the depth and persistence of failure across Nigeria’s energy sector. A task force is rarely convened where systems are working; it is convened when normal structures have proven inadequate. Yet the composition of the task force raises difficult questions about continuity of reform thinking. Many of the individuals who played defining roles in Nigeria’s foundational oil and gas reforms of the early 2000s, figures such as Mallam Nasir El‑Rufai, Dr M. M. Ibrahim and Professor Yinka Omorogbe, SAN, are noticeably absent. Institutions do not reform themselves through goodwill alone; they require memory, precedent and hard‑won experience. How this task force will navigate the full breadth of Nigeria’s energy value chain, reconcile competing interests and translate diagnosis into execution remains unclear. For now, it is an experiment that warrants close observation rather than premature judgment.
Another concern is continuity of reform thinking. Many of those associated with earlier oil and gas reform efforts are no longer present in the current architecture. That is not to suggest reform belongs to any one generation, but institutions need memory. They need continuity of purpose, accumulated learning and consistency of execution.
When reform becomes episodic, progress becomes fragile.
Nigeria should by now be targeting materially higher crude production over time, while aggressively expanding gas supply for domestic power, petrochemicals, fertiliser and exports. With one of the world’s largest gas endowments, the country should be building an industrial economy around energy abundance.
Yet ambition without institutional capacity is merely rhetoric.
What then is required?
First, governance must be clarified. Ownership and accountability cannot remain blurred.
Second, the board must have genuine authority to govern, not symbolic responsibility without power.
Third, management must be empowered to act commercially within clear performance targets, insulated as far as possible from routine political intrusion.
Fourth, stranded and underperforming assets must be urgently reviewed, restructured and commercialised.
Fifth, transparency, procurement discipline, digital accountability and cost efficiency must become non‑negotiable.
Above all, national interest must prevail over internal turf battles.
To conclude, I am not an incurable pessimist. Nor am I hostile to the current leadership. I remain hopeful that course correction is still possible. But hope must be earned through measurable outcomes.
From all available records and information within the sector, one year is too short a period to fairly and objectively assess the full performance of Bayo Ojulari and his team. The scale of dysfunction inherited, particularly across the upstream and downstream value chain, means no serious transformation could have been completed within such a short time.
To his credit, there are signs of pragmatism. The willingness to move away from endlessly funding troubled refineries and to confront the burden of stranded downstream assets suggests a more realistic reading of Nigeria’s energy challenges.
Yet realism alone is not enough.
The progress visible so far is insufficient to justify stellar pass marks. But it is also too early to pronounce failure. What is clear is that the harder phase of reform still lies ahead.
My greater concern is whether the approaching political cycle will deny management the policy focus, institutional backing and difficult decisions required to succeed. Reform in Nigeria often slows when politics intensifies.
That must not happen again.
NNPC Ltd remains too important to be trapped between old inefficiencies and new distractions. Its success will strengthen public finance, investor confidence, energy security and national stability. Its failure will deepen pressures already facing the country.
For now, judgment should remain reserved, expectations should remain high, and performance should remain the only true measure.

The future of NNPC Ltd, and in many respects the future of Nigeria, will be decided not by promises, but by what happens next.

Dan D Kunle writes from Abuja.

Coalition condemns call for decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance contract, Passes Vote of Confidence on PINL



The South-South Coalition of Civil Society Organizations has condemned the call for decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance contract.

Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, Emmanuel Abe, Joshua Atani and Princess Ebiwanno Elizabeth, said the pipeline surveillance contract is not a community development intervention fund, nor is it a social welfare platform for political appeasement.

It noted that the contract is a highly technical national security assignment supervised under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and other relevant national security agencies

The Coalition said: "After a careful review of the facts, consultations with stakeholders across the region, and assessment of operational realities on the ground, we hereby state clearly and unequivocally that calls for so-called decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance contract, as presently being canvassed by certain interests, are largely built on ignorance, misinformation, and a poor understanding of the technical, strategic, and security architecture governing crude oil asset protection in Nigeria.

"Let it be clearly stated that the pipeline surveillance contract is not an empowerment programme. It is not an amnesty package for ex-agitators.

"It is not a community development intervention fund, nor is it a social welfare platform for political appeasement.

"This contract is a highly technical national security assignment supervised under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and the relevant national security agencies, including the armed forces and intelligence institutions.

"The contract deals directly with the protection of strategic national economic assets, particularly crude oil pipelines, export lines, and associated infrastructure critical to Nigeria’s survival as an oil-producing nation.

"Such a responsibility cannot and should not be reduced to political patronage or fragmented distribution merely to satisfy sectional demands.

"The present arrangement, involving a limited number of qualified major surveillance contractors, is based on rigorous selection standards, technical competence, financial capacity, field intelligence capability, and operational investments.

"These contractors have committed enormous resources to technology deployment, including surveillance drones, marine security vessels, speed boats, communication systems, operational camps, rapid response platforms, and logistics infrastructure necessary for difficult terrain operations across creeks, swamps, and riverine corridors.

"It is therefore far easier, more efficient, and more accountable to manage three competent lead contractors that have undergone strict vetting than to create a fragmented structure that may weaken command coordination, compromise accountability, and expose critical infrastructure to renewed sabotage.

"We must also correct the false narrative suggesting that the current arrangement constitutes monopoly. The present system is far from a monopoly.

"The lead contractor merely functions as a major project manager within a highly regulated framework. Every subcontractor under the arrangement is approved through processes involving the National Security Adviser, the NNPCL, and Defence Headquarters. Subcontracting is not arbitrary; it is structured, monitored, and regulated by government institutions.

"This means that the pricing, operational responsibilities, payment structures, and deployment terms are all subject to approval by the relevant authorities. There is no room for exploitation, and certainly no room for the kind of misleading claims suggesting that major contractors collect huge sums while subcontractors receive insignificant allocations.

"The figures and rates paid to subcontractors are scrutinized and approved to ensure fairness, transparency, and operational effectiveness.

"Those currently agitating loudly for decentralisation without understanding these mechanisms are, in many cases, already beneficiaries within the subcontracting framework. Many of them are being carried along under the same contract they publicly criticise.

"This is why we strongly submit that much of the agitation is driven not by policy understanding, but by what can best be described as an Oliver Twist mentality, an endless appetite for more without sufficient regard for national interest, technical realities, or security implications."

The Coalition said the current arrangement in the contract is work particularly in the eastern corridor where Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited has demonstrated outstanding results.

"We also urge the Federal Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and all relevant security institutions to remain focused on performance indicators and national interest rather than pressure from sectional agitators who may not fully appreciate the implications of destabilising current gains.

"We also call on stakeholders across the Niger Delta to resist divisive narratives capable of undermining hard-earned progress in oil asset protection.

"The region has suffered too much from crude theft, environmental degradation, and insecurity to return to failed experiments.

"Our position remains firm: Performance must remain the basis for confidence, and on that basis, PINL has earned public endorsement."

INEC Ceases Recognition of David Mark-Led Caretaker Committee, A Case of Political Suicide and “Bad Market”

By: Dumebi Kachikwu

Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), issued a scathing response today following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to withdraw recognition from the Senator David Mark-led caretaker committee.

Following a recent court ruling, INEC announced it will no longer recognize any faction within the ADC until all pending legal matters are resolved. Kachikwu described the development as a predictable consequence of "political suicide" by established elites who attempted to hijack the party’s structures.


Kachikwu traced the current crisis back to August 2022, following the expiration of Ralph Nwosu’s tenure as chairman. He alleged that the party was "sold" to political actors—described as "geriatrics"—who had previously exhausted their influence in other platforms and were seeking a vehicle for a "grudge match" against the current administration.

"How did hundreds of so-called political giants get sucked into this quicksand?" Kachikwu questioned. "These men, who have held sway over Nigeria for forty years, jumped from the SDP to the ADC in the middle of the night. They have no ideology, no belief system, and stand for nothing except the notion that power is their birthright."


The statement highlighted a fundamental clash between the party’s original grassroots base and the incoming "political giants." Kachikwu pointed to plans by the now-unrecognized committee to hike party congress forms from ₦50,000 to ₦500,000—a move he claims was designed specifically to disenfranchise the poor.

"They claim to seek office to better the lot of the masses, yet they cannot tolerate being in a party where the masses hold sway," Kachikwu remarked.


Addressing those who joined the ADC under the David Mark-led faction with hopes of contesting the 2027 general elections, Kachikwu was blunt:

He warned that the actions of these "old men" have rendered any political aspiration through this faction a "nonstarter."

With numerous cases headed for the Supreme Court, Kachikwu asserted that the only way for the faction to prevail would be for the court to "change Monday to Saturday."

He rejected the "one-party state" narrative, urging genuine contenders to look to other established parties, such as the PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, and others, rather than a hijacked ADC.

Kachikwu concluded by suggesting a deeper, more cynical motive behind the chaos, hinting at a potential conspiracy with the ruling APC to destabilize the opposition.

"I have now accepted that these old men are masters of the game.

To enter the ADC knowing there is no legal pathway suggests a conspiracy to make a fool of us all," Kachikwu stated. "My consolation is that you can fool man, but you can’t fool God. God wins."

By: Olufemi Lawson


For many retired civil servants in Ondo State, the years preceding the current administration were marked by anxiety, prolonged waiting, and painful uncertainty. Pensioners who had devoted the most productive years of their lives to public service often found themselves trapped in endless queues of verification, delayed gratuities, and financial hardship, while many battled age-related health challenges without the comfort of receiving their lawful entitlements.

In several instances, retirees openly lamented that gratuity arrears had become a recurring burden rather than a guaranteed right, with some sadly passing away before receiving what they had earned after decades of service. The backlog of pension obligations accumulated over the years became one of the most sensitive welfare issues confronting successive administrations in the state.

It is against this difficult background that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s recent disbursement of ₦2.466 billion to 733 retirees who left service in 2018 and 2019 stands as more than a fiscal exercise; it represents a deliberate moral intervention aimed at restoring dignity to senior citizens who had waited too long for justice.

At the flag-off ceremony in Akure, the governor made it clear that retirement should never translate into abandonment, but should instead be a period of honour and peace after years of sacrifice. That message resonates deeply because it addresses a long-standing emotional and social wound among pensioners in the state.

What makes this intervention particularly significant is that it is not an isolated gesture. Since assuming office, Governor Aiyedatiwa has steadily built a record of structured gratuity payments. In October 2025, his administration released about ₦2.396 billion to clear gratuity arrears for 2016 and 2017 retirees, an exercise widely acknowledged as one of the largest bulk payments made to state retirees in recent years.

Before that, his government had also sustained monthly releases estimated at ₦180 million specifically targeted at gratuity arrears, while regular pension payments continued at both state and local government levels.

The January 2026 payment of ₦1.013 billion covering gratuities for 2015, 2016 and 2017 Batch B retirees further reinforced that this administration had chosen consistency over rhetoric. That intervention ensured that beneficiaries who had waited for years began to receive long-overdue relief, while confidence gradually returned among retirees that government promises could still be trusted.

Now, with the fresh ₦2.4 billion disbursement covering 2018 and 2019 retirees, Governor Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated a clear sequence: clear one backlog, move deliberately to the next, and maintain transparency in the process.

This continuity explains why the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners has repeatedly acknowledged the administration’s responsiveness. Their public commendation is rooted not merely in speeches, but in visible interventions — including the earlier presentation of an 18-seater bus to pensioners and the sustained engagement with retirees’ welfare needs.

Beyond the figures, the governor’s most important political statement may be his insistence that workers’ welfare will not be politicised. In a country where pension payments are sometimes deployed as political bargaining tools, that declaration signals a governance philosophy anchored on obligation rather than convenience.

His assurance that all outstanding arrears will eventually be cleared is therefore significant because it comes with visible evidence of phased implementation already underway.

Of course, challenges remain. Some categories of retirees, including certain institutional pensioners, still await full settlement of older entitlements, and isolated complaints continue to emerge from specific agencies. Yet even within that reality, the broader policy direction under the present administration shows measurable movement compared to the stagnation many pensioners endured in previous years.

The true measure of leadership often lies in how government treats those who no longer occupy productive economic space but whose past labour built the institutions society now depends upon. In this regard, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s approach to gratuity payments has introduced a human face into fiscal administration.

By choosing to honour retirees amid competing financial pressures, his administration is sending a powerful message: service to the state will not be forgotten.

For pensioners across Ondo State, that message is not merely political, it is personal, timely, and deeply reassuring.


Comrade Olufemi Lawson is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State on Public Enlightenment.

By Taiwo Akerele PhD

The 2026 National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja is a highly significant political event in Nigeria’s democratic calendar, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

With thousands of delegates estimated at over 7,000 from across the federation converging in the Federal Capital Territory, the convention represents not just a routine party gathering but a strategic moment that could shape the political direction of the ruling party and the broader national political landscape.


Importance and Significance

First, the convention is important because it serves as the highest decision-making gathering of the party, where major leadership and structural decisions are taken. At the event, delegates elect or confirm members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC)—the body responsible for managing the affairs of the party nationwide. This process helps consolidate internal democracy and determine who will guide the party’s political strategy in the coming years.


Second, the convention is significant because it comes at a time when the ruling party is preparing for the 2027 Nigerian general election, which will determine the presidency, National Assembly, and state governments. As such, the gathering acts as a political rallying point where the party aligns its leadership structure and messaging ahead of a major electoral contest.

Third, the convention is also a test of unity and internal cohesion within the party. What might normally be routine party administration has become a defining moment that could influence the party’s electoral prospects and stability.

Expectations from the Convention


Several expectations surround the convention:
Election or affirmation of party leadership:

Delegates are expected to vote on key national officers who will drive the party toward the next elections.

Strategic political alignment:

Stakeholders—including governors, legislators, and party leaders—are expected to use the convention to consolidate alliances and clarify political directions.

Strengthening party structures:

Outcomes from earlier ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses will be ratified at the convention.

Policy and constitutional review:

The convention may consider amendments to parts of the party’s constitution to align with current political realities.

Key Highpoints of the Convention
Some of the major highlights likely to define the event include:
Large national participation:

Thousands of delegates and party leaders gathering in Abuja demonstrates the APC’s organizational capacity and national reach.

Leadership contests and negotiations:

Positions within the party structure often attract strong political interests from influential stakeholders.

Strategic messaging ahead of 2027:

The convention will likely showcase achievements of the ruling party and set the tone for campaign narratives.

Institutional coordination: Multiple committees have been established to manage logistics, security, and accreditation, reflecting the scale and importance of the event.

Key Issues Likely to Dominate Discussions
A few issues are expected to shape debates and decisions during the convention:
Zoning arrangements and power balance within the party’s leadership positions.

Influence of key political actors, including governors and national leaders, in determining the party’s direction.

Preparation for the 2027 elections, including mobilization, party membership expansion, and campaign planning.

Maintaining unity and managing competing interests among party factions across states.
Overall Outlook
In summary, the APC 2026 National Convention in Abuja is more than a party meeting—it is a strategic political milestone that will shape leadership decisions, strengthen party organization, and set the tone for Nigeria’s 2027 elections.

The scale of participation, the leadership stakes involved, and the political timing make it one of the most consequential events in the ruling party’s internal calendar and in Nigeria’s evolving democratic process.

Ondo AG Fires Back with Measured Fury: Labels Festus Adedayo’s Piece “Intellectual Terrorism” and “Cyberbullying” Laden with “Malicious Lies”


In a rare and forceful public intervention, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, has issued a blistering, intellectually rigorous rebuttal to veteran columnist Festus Adedayo’s opinion article “Aiyedatiwa’s Years of the Locusts,” published February 22, 2026.

The Attorney-General, who has long maintained a posture of restraint befitting his high office, explained that he had previously been constrained by the dignity and impartiality required of his position not to engage in public banter or respond to partisan commentary. However, he stated unequivocally that what he read from Adedayo—whom he described as a writer for whom he harbours “tremendous respect”—was not journalism as he knows it, but rather “intellectual terrorism” “cyberbullying” and “a deliberate cocktail of malicious lies” that carries “precarious liabilities.”

Ajulo declared that the piece had crossed into territory that could no longer be ignored; “When a decorated and senior writer descends into calling a democratically elected leader a ‘vulture with talons soaked in blood and greed,’ fabricates a ‘third-term ambition’ likened to Sani Abacha, and peddles the outrageous falsehood of ‘retarded and arrested development’ despite verifiable, monumental achievements, the line has been crossed from opinion into actionable libel per se. This should not be dignified with silence by every man of conscience.”

Presenting what he termed an “irrefutable dossier of facts and numbers,” the AG dismantled the central claims of the article with forensic precision:

• Infrastructure: Over 190 kilometres of quality roads commissioned and advanced across the three senatorial districts in the first year of the elected mandate (February 2025–February 2026). Key projects include the 6 km Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road (long abandoned by previous administrations), which the Olubaka of Oka, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, publicly praised as one “previous administrations failed to accomplish,” stating that “Governor Aiyedatiwa has written his name in the hearts of our people.” Other named roads: 5.5 km Igoba Township Road, Alagbaka Extension, Gbangbalogun–Odole–Odiolowo, Lao–Oke Padre–Odopetu, Ecobank–Oke Arata, Ajegunle, Oja Oshodi, SK Bright Street, Ayeloro Street, and Owo clusters (Falodun, Kajola, Iselu–Isuada spanning 3.5 km).
• Healthcare: 112 primary healthcare centres renovated or newly constructed across all 18 LGAs and now operational; massive expansion of the Orange Health Insurance Scheme; commissioning of the 100,000-litre solar-powered Omi Irorun O’Datiwa Water Project at FUTA Teaching Hospital serving over 6,000 residents; recent commissioning of new centres in Adegbola (Akure) and Surulere (Ondo).

• Education: 280 classrooms constructed or renovated, plus perimeter fencing of numerous schools while over 2000 teachers have been employed.

• Economy: Revalidation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence and advancement of refinery and petrochemical projects with strategic partners.

On the tragic APC ward congress violence in Idanre (February 18–19, 2026), Ajulo reiterated that “Governor Aiyedatiwa immediately and publicly condemned it in the strongest terms, distanced his administration completely, directed security agencies to investigate and prosecute all perpetrators without fear or favour (13 suspects already arrested), and has cooperated fully with federal authorities, including a meeting with President Tinubu and various stakeholders; an act of transparent accountability, not orchestration”

He described any imputation of criminal acts by miscreants and political opportunists to the Governor as “only reckless but potentially seditious.”

Ajulo categorically rejected claims of a “third-term ambition,” affirming the Governor’s focus solely on the four-year “OUR EASE” mandate renewed in November 2024. He dismissed allegations of misuse of state funds for personal legal matters as “baseless rumour,” stating: “Under my watch as Attorney-General, not a kobo has been expended on legal matters where Governor Aiyedatiwa is sued privately or personally.”

Invoking Sections 373–381 of the Criminal Code Act and the common-law tort of libel, Ajulo warned that the false imputations of criminality, corruption, and gross incompetence constitute libel per se and carry “precarious liabilities.” He placed Adedayo and any sponsors on formal notice of intent to pursue full legal redress.

In closing, the Attorney-General portrayed Governor Aiyedatiwa as “a tested, compassionate, divinely positioned servant-leader” who has delivered stability, empathy, and accelerated progress while honouring past legacies and adding bold new strides. “The resilient people of Ondo know the truth—they walk the roads, access the healthcare, and see the difference,” Ajulo concluded. “The sun of Ondo State shines brighter than ever. No amount of sponsored vitriol from merchants of falsehood can dim it.”

The statement, personally signed by the AG, on February 23, 2026, has sparked intense discussion across political and media circles in Ondo State and beyond.

Reps Aspirant Igbinovia hails Okpebholo over 54 construction equipment for councils
……Welcomes Wike to Edo

An aspirant for the House of Representatives, Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency, Hon. Felix Osaze Igbinovia, has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over the acquisition and distribution of 54 road construction equipment to local government councils across the state.

Describing the move as unprecedented, Igbinovia said Governor Okpebholo has set a new benchmark in grassroots infrastructure development by equipping local councils with payloaders, tipping trucks, and other heavy-duty machinery to strengthen road rehabilitation efforts.

In a statement issued in Benin City on Sunday, the aspirant noted that the governor’s decision was commendable and a deliberate commitment to decentralizing development and empowering local governments to directly address infrastructural challenges within their communities.

His words, “The acquisition of 54 construction equipment shows the seriousness Governor Okpebholo attaches to infrastructure development. This intervention will significantly boost road rehabilitation at the grassroots and accelerate economic activities across the state,” he said.

Igbinovia also called on Edo residents to come out en masse to welcome the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, who is expected in the state for the official commissioning and distribution of the equipment to the local government councils.

According to him, once deployed and put into use, the equipment will stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance commerce and trade across all 18 local government areas.

According to him, “With this bold step, Governor Okpebholo is not just paving roads, he is paving solutions. The impact of these construction equipment will be visible in improved road networks, faster project delivery, and measurable development outcomes within a short time,” he added.

He further described the initiative as one of the most strategic infrastructure investments by any state government in recent times, particularly as it directly strengthens local government capacity where development is most urgently needed.

OUR EASE: Celebrating Ondo State’s Bold Judicial Reforms under Ajulo, A Worthy Appointment for the Office of Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice


..... by Olufemi Lawson


In a move that clearly defines visionary governance, the Ondo State Governor’s decision to appoint Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, CON, and Mayegun Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, as the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, deserves commendation. The governor’s foresight in selecting a custodian of justice with a track record of reform, advocacy, and public service signals a deliberate redefining of the leadership of the Ministry of Justice in Ondo State. Under Dr. Ajulo’s stewardship, the judiciary in Ondo State has witnessed a series of transformative interventions that speak to accountability, accessibility, and the rule of law, hallmarks of a modern, people-centered justice system.


A track record of reform and modernization Ajulo’s tenure is associated with a deliberate program to modernize and digitize justice administration, improve access to justice for all residents, and strengthen the integrity of the system. The governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's administration is recognized for adopting reforms that align with contemporary best practices in governance, with Ajulo at the helm of the justice ministry as both strategist and implementer. The result, it is argued, is a more responsive, transparent, and efficient ministry that can better serve the needs of Ondo State’s diverse communities.


At the moment, a state-of-the-art aspiration becoming a reality One of the most visible markers of reform of the ministry, under Ajulo is the ongoing construction of a Judiciary Village. This ambitious project is designed to provide a state-of-the-art accommodation and functional hub for the judiciary in Ondo State. The envisioned complex promises modern courtrooms, stable judicial facilities, and integrated spaces for administrative operations, training, and public engagement. When completed, the Judiciary Village will be a tangible symbol of the state’s commitment to delivering timely justice, safeguarding the environments in which judges and court staff operate, and fostering an atmosphere where the public can have confidence in the administration of justice.


Also, is the Ondo State Modern Law Library. It is a known fact, that knowledge as the engine of justice Complementing court infrastructure is the modernization of Ondo State’s law library. The remodeling initiative, paired with the provision of contemporary research materials and an information system, is designed to enhance the capabilities of state law officers. A robust law library serves the backbone of informed judicial decision-making, enabling prosecutors, defense counsel, and judges to access authoritative resources quickly. The modernization project is widely viewed as a critical step toward elevating the quality of legal research, training, and professional development within the Ondo State justice ecosystem.


Another important achievement, is the determinatio of the ministry, in strengthening definitions, deterrence, and punishment for offenders. The Ajulo’s leadership has supported and overseen legal reforms aimed at addressing crime comprehensively. This includes amendments to key anti-crime statutes, anti-kidnapping, anti-cultism, rape, and other serious offenses, to ensure clearer definitions, broader coverage, and more stringent penalties for convicted offenders. These reforms are positioned as essential components of a modern public safety framework, designed to deter criminal activity, protect vulnerable populations, and provide clearer pathways for prosecution and punishment that reflect contemporary societal norms and the gravity of offenses.


In the areas of Community justice reform, the Ondo state Ministry of Justice, is empowering grassroots administration A further pillar of reform under Ajulo is the expansion of community justice through the appointment of additional customary court judges. By strengthening grassroots justice administration, the state seeks quicker access to justice for ordinary citizens and more culturally attuned dispute resolution mechanisms. The initiative is framed as a pragmatic approach to reducing backlogs, delivering timely decisions, and enhancing community trust in the justice system, while maintaining respect for Yoruba cultural institutions and customary law traditions where appropriate.


In the area of Civil society engagement and democratic accountability Dr. Ajulo’s long-standing involvement in Nigeria’s civil society, notably as a leading figure in the pro-democracy movement, is seen as a strength in his current role. There is no doubt, that his background supports a governance model rooted in transparent engagement with civil society, robust monitoring, and accountability mechanisms. Under the incumbent administration of Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo State government is framed as maintaining cordial engagement with civil society to ensure governance is properly monitored and held to account. Ajulo’s network and experience are presented as valuable assets in sustaining this dynamic.


Considering the Outlook and expectations under the OUR EASE agenda As the state continues to implement its OUR EASE agenda, the role of Kayode Ajulo, in this administration, is seen as instrumental in repositioning the judiciary to align with the administration’s reform priorities.

That said, Stakeholders expect the Attorney General to advance policy directions that deepen judicial efficiency, empower citizens with greater access to justice, and sustain the momentum of reform across infrastructure, legislative updates, and civil society collaboration.


Even as an insider, I consider this as a call, for continued leadership and accountability. I expectDr. Ajulo to continue leveraging his experience, reformist energy, and legal acumen to push the Ondo state justice ministry toward greater achievements. The practical expectations are clear: complete the Judiciary Village, finalize and equip the modern law library for full operational capacity, implement the anti-crime reforms with robust oversight, and sustain community justice programs that expand access to fair adjudication at the grassroots level. Equally important is sustaining constructive collaboration with civil society to uphold accountability, transparency, and good governance across Ondo State.


Finally, as a recommitment to justice as a public trust In acknowledging Dr. Kayode Ajulo’s appointment, Ondo State signals its commitment to a justice system defined by modern facilities, rigorous legal standards, and accessible justice for all residents. The governor’s choice embodies the aspiration to harmonize reform with tradition, ensuring that the state’s justice administration remains responsive to the needs of a dynamic society while upholding the rule of law. As the OUR EASE agenda moves forward, the onus is on the Attorney General to translate expectation into measurable reform, continuing the positive trajectory and positioning Ondo’s judiciary as a model for robust governance and transparent accountability.


Comrade Olufemi Lawson is the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Ondo Stay on Public Enlightenment.

Elites Attempt Hijack, ADC Jigawa Stands Firm for True Party Democracy

By: Dr. Musa Isa Matara

The Jigawa State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious concerns over recent actions by some individuals within the national leadership of the party, describing such actions as unconstitutional, undemocratic and capable of undermining party unity, internal democracy and grassroots confidence in Jigawa State and beyond.

In a media statement released in Dutse, the ADC Jigawa State Secretary, Dr. Musa Isa Matara, said it had become necessary to set the record straight for the benefit of party members, supporters and the general public on the true nature of the crisis affecting the party in Jigawa State.
According to him, the ADC structure in Jigawa State is solid, functional and highly formidable, with duly constituted leadership and membership structures from polling units and wards through local governments, zones and up to the state level. He explained that before the coalition arrangement, ADC Jigawa had already built a strong grassroots base and an internally accepted leadership structure.
Dr. Matara recalled that following the unveiling of the ADC-led coalition, the coalition team from Jigawa State joined the party through a proper, transparent and constitutional process. He noted that a series of meetings were held involving ADC leaders and coalition partners, during which structures were harmonised, responsibilities were shared and leadership roles were distributed in a manner that reflected inclusiveness, balance and mutual respect.
He stressed that from the first day of the coalition to date, there was no crisis in Jigawa State, as both long-standing ADC members and coalition entrants worked together harmoniously. According to him, activities were jointly carried out, decisions were collectively taken and party growth remained steady across the state.
He further explained that this unity was also demonstrated when Jigawa State was allocated national positions within the party. Stakeholders unanimously agreed that Hon. Bashir Adamu Jimbo Matawallen Kazaure should represent the state as National Chancellor of Policy and Special Duties, while Hon. Ali Tukur Gantsa was endorsed as Assistant National Organising Secretary. He described this consensus as a reflection of ADC’s commitment to dialogue and collective decision-making rather than imposition.
Dr. Matara stated that the present crisis only emerged recently following undue interference by some actors at the national level, particularly regarding the Membership Registration, Mobilisation and Revalidation (MRMR) Committee. He explained that Jigawa stakeholders duly submitted a list of ten committee members in line with party procedure, out of which Dr. Yau Balarabe Musa was appointed chairman and AMB Basira Yahaya was appointed secretary.
According to him, this list enjoyed broad acceptance among party leaders, coalition partners and grassroots members across the state.

However, he revealed that pressure was later mounted from certain quarters at the national level to alter the list and impose a different MRMR secretary linked to elite interests and external political camps.
Dr. Matara stated categorically that ADC Jigawa has rejected the imposed MRMR secretary and any form of imposition engineered by elite deal makers within the national leadership. He emphasised that ADC is a grassroots party built on participation, consultation and constitutional order, not secret agreements reached by a few individuals and forced on states without their consent. He warned that Jigawa State will not accept decisions taken over its head by people who neither built the party structure in the state nor invested the time, resources and sacrifices required to sustain it.

Addressing speculations surrounding the possible entry of Sule Lamido into the party, Dr. Matara clarified that ADC Jigawa has no problem with Lamido joining the coalition. He described Lamido as a respected elder statesman and former leader in Jigawa State whose political experience is widely acknowledged. However, he insisted that any such entry must follow due process, beginning with proper membership procedures and engagement with existing party structures, rather than attempts to impose leadership or dismantle established arrangements from the top.

He warned that imposing individuals or structures in Jigawa State under the guise of coalition politics could weaken ADC’s credibility as a national opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Drawing lessons from the internal crises that weakened other major political parties in the past, he cautioned that ignoring internal democracy has historically led to divisions, defections and electoral decline.
Dr. Matara concluded by calling on the ADC national leadership to exercise restraint, respect the autonomy of Jigawa State and immediately reverse all imposed decisions relating to the MRMR committee. He reaffirmed that ADC Jigawa remains loyal to the party and committed to its growth, unity and success, but will firmly resist any attempt to hijack its structure, undermine its dignity or invalidate the collective will of its members.

Ondo State, fondly celebrated as the Sunshine State, will clock 50 years on February 3rd, 2026, with a rich sense of history, pride in collective achievement, and renewed optimism for the future. Created on February 3, 1976, out of the old Western State during the military administration of General Murtala Mohammed, Ondo State was conceived as a home for a people renowned for industry, intellect, cultural depth and an unyielding commitment to progress. Fifty years on, the state stands tall as one of Nigeria’s most culturally endowed and human-capital-rich sub-national entities.

The creation of Ondo State marked a defining moment for its people, bringing governance closer to the grassroots and providing an opportunity for focused development. From its early days, the state leveraged its agricultural potential, vibrant civil service, strong traditional institutions and an educated population to lay the foundations for growth. Towns and communities across the state contributed to building a sense of shared identity anchored on hard work, integrity and communal values.

Over the last five decades, Ondo State has recorded notable milestones in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and human capital development. The state has consistently produced some of Nigeria’s finest professionals, academics, jurists, technocrats, artists, entrepreneurs and public servants, many of whom have distinguished themselves nationally and internationally.

Agriculture has remained a backbone of the state’s economy, with cocoa production placing Ondo State at the forefront nationally, while investments in education have sustained its reputation as a cradle of learning. Despite challenges common to developing societies, the resilience and enterprise of the Ondo State people have continued to drive progress.

The return to democratic governance in 1999 ushered in a new era of participatory development and institutional strengthening. Successive administrations, with varying philosophies and priorities, have contributed to shaping the modern Ondo State. Democracy expanded civic engagement, enhanced accountability, and enabled long-term planning in key sectors such as education, health, road infrastructure and social welfare.

This democratic journey has not been without challenges, but it has reinforced the people’s belief in dialogue, constitutionalism and collective responsibility as pathways to sustainable development.

The commemoration of Ondo State’s Golden Jubilee under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is deeply symbolic. It presents a historic opportunity to reflect on the past, assess the present, and chart a clear, people-centered path for the future.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has articulated the OUR EASE Agenda, a development blueprint focused on Opportunity, Unity, Resilience, Economic growth, Security and Education. As Ondo State marks 50 years, this agenda represents a commitment to inclusive governance, economic revitalization, social stability and improved quality of life for citizens.

The Golden Jubilee is therefore not merely a celebration of age, but a reaffirmation of purpose, a moment to consolidate gains, correct gaps, and mobilize the collective energy of the people towards accelerated development.

At the heart of Ondo State’s success story are its people, those at home and in the diaspora. Ondo indigenes across the world continue to excel in diverse fields, projecting the state’s values of excellence, diligence and integrity. Their remittances, investments, advocacy and expertise remain invaluable to the state’s development journey.

This Golden Jubilee is a tribute to farmers, teachers, artisans, traders, professionals, traditional rulers, youths and women whose daily contributions sustain the state’s progress.

As Ondo State looks beyond 50 years, the road ahead demands unity, shared sacrifice and unwavering support for purposeful leadership. Now more than ever, citizens must rally around the incumbent administration to actualize the OUR EASE Agenda and unlock its expected gains, economic diversification, job creation, improved infrastructure, enhanced security and human capital development.

The next chapter of Ondo State’s story must be written with collective resolve, civic responsibility and a renewed social contract between government and the governed.

Ondo State at 50 is a celebration of heritage, resilience and hope. It is a moment to honor the past, appreciate the present, and boldly embrace the future. With visionary leadership, an engaged citizenry and sustained unity of purpose, the Sunshine State is well-positioned to shine even brighter in the decades ahead.

Happy Golden Jubilee, Ondo State!



Comrade Olufemi Lawson is the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, on Public Enlightenment. He sent in this piece from Akure.

Stakeholders Slam Okpebholo Over "Dehumanizing" Sacking of Party Loyalists in Government



A wave of resentment and "loud grumblings" has gripped the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as party stakeholders, led by the prominent grassroots mobilizer Famous Oboh, have raised an alarm over the incessant and public dismissal of core party members serving in the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.


The group expressed deep concern that the Governor’s penchant for relieving officials of their duties via press statements—often citing corruption and financial negligence without fair hearing—is causing irreversible reputational damage to individuals who sacrificed their resources and safety during the eight years of the previous administration.
A Pattern of Isolation and Betrayal
Speaking on behalf of the concerned stakeholders, Famous Oboh noted that in the last 12 months, no fewer than 10 high-ranking APC members have been unceremoniously sacked. These dismissals, often signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Musa Umaru Ikhilor, are being described as a "set-up" designed to isolate the party rank and file from the government they worked hard to install.

"It is dehumanizing," a recently dropped Commissioner lamented. "You can have dinner with the Governor, and before you even reach your house, a press statement announcing your sack is already viral on social media. We are being denied the basic right to defend ourselves."

The stakeholders highlighted several cases of "political heartlessness," including:

Dr. Maureen Ekhoragbon: A PhD holder who was reportedly convinced by the Governor to serve, only to be sacked while sitting at her desk without prior notice.

Barr. Damian Lawani and Alhaji Ahmed Musa: Noted for their roles in wooing delegates during the primaries, yet discarded without a "blink of an eyelid."

Mr. Fred Itua: A renowned journalist and former Chief Press Secretary whose sudden removal and "purported redeployment" sent shockwaves through the media community.

The list of affected officials includes:
Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie PhD – Commissioner for Justice & Attorney General

Alhaji Ahmed Musa – MD, Edo State Erosion Management Agency (NEWMAP)

Barr. Damian Lawani – Executive Director, Local Govt. Service Commission

Dr. Maureen Ekhoragbon PhD – Executive Chairman, SSEB

Ms. Tinyan Otuomagbe PhD – MD, Edo Line Limited

Barr. Felix Isere – Special Adviser on Oil and Gas

Tony Ikpasaja PhD – MD, EDO-GIS

Mr. Fred Itua – Former Chief Press Secretary (CPS)

Osayomon Aiguobasinwin – MD, State Signage Agency

Allegations of Sectional Bias
The Oboh-led group further alleged a disturbing trend of "selective justice." They observed that while officials from Edo North and Edo South are publicly disgraced and sacked, officials from Edo Central (the Governor’s home district) facing similar allegations are reportedly given a "pat on the back" and quietly reprimanded behind closed doors.


A former Commissioner and current House of Representatives aspirant from Edo North warned that the uncertainty surrounding tenures has reached a breaking point. "Many serving cabinet members are now considering voluntary resignation to pursue elective positions rather than wait for the 'guillotine' of a midnight press release," he stated.

Famous Oboh and the concerned stakeholders are calling on the national leadership of the APC to intervene before this internal disenchantment destroys the party’s cohesion ahead of future elections.

"The credibility of our members is being auctioned for cheap political points," Oboh concluded. "Time shall tell how this ends, but the brewing storm cannot be ignored."

NDPHC’s Engr. Jennifer Adighije Led Management, Exceeds 2025 Goals Beyond Expectations


By Emma Isa
Public Affairs/Policy Analyst
donelliot3@gmail.com


The year 2025 stands out as a defining chapter in the transformation of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC). Under the focused and results-driven leadership of Engr. Jennifer Adighije, the management team not only met its operational and financial targets but exceeded expectations in ways that have strengthened Nigeria’s power sector and delivered significant value to government and citizens.


One of the most remarkable achievements of the year was the restoration of about 750 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity across NDPHC’s fleet of gas turbines. This intervention significantly improved the availability of power assets and reinforced NDPHC’s role as a critical stabiliser in the national grid.


In a major demonstration of accountability and asset recovery, the company successfully retrieved 110 containers that had been abandoned at the ports for over a decade, saving the organisation and the Government over ₦20 billion. This bold action underscored the management’s zero tolerance for waste and institutional neglect.


On the human capital front, Engr. Adighije’s leadership prioritised staff welfare and operational efficiency, with the conversion of 180 third-party contract staff to full-time direct hires, the move which boosted morale, enhanced productivity, and ensured better continuity in operations.


Financial recoveries also featured prominently in the 2025 scorecard. NDPHC secured over $10 million in insurance claims from underwriters on long standing pending cases, while also recovering more than $12 million in legacy debts from bilateral customers. Funds that directly improved the company’s liquidity position.


Equally significant was the resolution of a long standing dispute in gas supply agreements, which led to contract amendments that saved the Government millions of dollars and ensured more sustainable gas supply arrangements for power generation.


Operational discipline yielded further dividends, with the company recording an impressive 75% reduction in Operations and Maintenance (O&M) costs, reflecting improved processes, prudent expenditure, and better asset management.


Perhaps most symbolic of NDPHC’s revival agenda was the commencement of restoration works at the Gbarain Power Plant in Bayelsa State, a 225MW facility that had been dormant for five years. Its revival signals renewed hope for host communities and contributes to the broader goal of expanding reliable power supply.

In Conclusion

These achievements illustrate a management team driven by competence, transparency, and national interest. Engr. Jennifer Adighije’s leadership in 2025 has repositioned NDPHC as a more efficient, financially responsible, and impact oriented institution, setting a strong foundation for sustained improvements in Nigeria’s power sector beyond 2025.

How Not to Defame a Saint: Gbenga Komolafe’s Unblemished Record in the Nigerian Oil Sector


In the age of instant narratives and social media-driven outrage, few things are as dangerous as unverified allegations leveled against competent public servants. Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, former Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has recently been subjected to a torrent of claims alleging corruption, asset manipulation, and revenue concealment. Yet, a careful examination of the facts reveals that these allegations are not only unfounded but also reflect a troubling pattern of targeting individuals who are effective reformers in Nigeria’s critical oil and gas sector.

Komolafe’s tenure at the NUPRC coincided with a transformative period in the Nigerian petroleum industry. The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), signed into law in 2021, established a robust legal framework for regulating upstream operations, enhancing transparency, and modernizing revenue management. As CEO, Komolafe applied his extensive knowledge of petroleum law and regulatory best practices to ensure that the agency fulfilled its statutory mandate. His focus on compliance, due process, and legal integrity naturally ruffled the feathers of individuals accustomed to the old ways of doing business, and it is within this context that the recent allegations must be understood.

One of the most striking aspects of the claims against Komolafe is their audacious scope. Petitioners have accused him of controlling dozens of bank accounts, concealing billions in oil and gas revenues, and orchestrating the unlawful reduction of multiple oil mining leases. Verified records, however, demonstrate that Komolafe maintains only two bank accounts. There is no evidence to suggest that these accounts were used for illicit purposes. Such inaccuracies underscore a fundamental flaw in the allegations: they are based on conjecture and selective interpretation rather than documented proof.

It is also important to consider the behavior of the petitioner, who initially approached the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to request an investigation. Once scrutiny began, he went underground, apparently seeking a settlement that never materialized. This pattern strongly suggests that the allegations were motivated more by personal gain or retaliation than by genuine concern for regulatory compliance. Komolafe, on his part, did not kowtow to these pressures, choosing instead to operate transparently and within the bounds of the law.

Throughout his tenure, Komolafe emphasized regulatory integrity, transparency, and accountability. Any suggestion that he could single-handedly manipulate Nigeria’s upstream assets without detection ignores the complex checks and balances embedded in the PIA framework. These include multi-agency oversight, audits by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), monitoring by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and scrutiny by international partners. Claims that billions were “concealed” or that strategic oil and gas assets were mismanaged do not withstand scrutiny when the systemic regulatory and institutional safeguards are considered.

*Facts Over Fiction: Debunking Misleading Claims*

Another central allegation pertains to Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 227 and its supposed conversion to OML 146, allegedly reducing the acreage drastically. Here again, the claims misrepresent both the law and the operational reality. Regulatory approval processes under the PIA require thorough documentation, technical verification, and alignment with existing lease agreements. Any lawful conversion or adjustment is subject to board approval, ministerial ratification, and public disclosure. Komolafe’s involvement in overseeing these processes was purely administrative and statutory, consistent with his legal obligations as the NUPRC chief executive. There is no evidence of personal enrichment or unlawful action.

Similar accusations were made regarding OMLs 33, 46, and 74, purportedly reduced without proper justification. However, independent assessments reveal that all regulatory decisions during Komolafe’s tenure were conducted under the established legal framework. Assertions that portions of these leases were misappropriated or that revenues were diverted are not supported by verifiable documents or audits. They reflect a narrative constructed for maximum sensational impact rather than a factual account.

Equally misleading are claims about the operation of Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) and alleged underreporting of wells. While SEEPCO’s operations are indeed licensed, any discrepancies in reporting fall under the remit of multiple regulatory bodies, and there is no evidence that Komolafe personally facilitated any illicit operations. The insinuation that he orchestrated financial opacity or laundered proceeds through multiple bank accounts is categorically false and inconsistent with both public records and his documented professional conduct.

*Preserving Integrity and Justice*

Komolafe’s career exemplifies the highest standards of public service. His commitment to legal compliance, transparency, and institutional reform was evident in every decision taken at the NUPRC. Allegations rooted in hearsay, unverified documents, or personal vendettas not only threaten his reputation but also undermine broader governance reforms. When reformers are targeted without due process, it signals to the nation’s bureaucracy and private sector that compliance, professionalism, and integrity may be punished rather than rewarded.

It is also essential to consider the principle of proportionality in accountability. Public servants must be evaluated on the basis of evidence, not conjecture or political expediency. Komolafe’s resignation from office should be viewed within the normal course of administrative transition, not as an admission of guilt. He acted within his statutory powers, and there is no credible evidence linking him to corruption or fraudulent manipulation of assets.

Civil society organizations, media professionals, and regulatory stakeholders must recognize the dangers of perpetuating unverified claims. While oversight and accountability are non-negotiable in a democratic system, the deployment of inflammatory allegations without substantiation amounts to character assassination. Nigeria’s petroleum sector, already complex and strategically critical, cannot afford the destabilizing effects of misinformation and false narratives.

In this context, Komolafe’s example is instructive. He navigated an era of major reform, applying his expertise to safeguard national interests while maintaining professional integrity. His conduct demonstrates that effective regulatory leadership is possible without succumbing to personal enrichment, nepotism, or corruption.

The path forward for Nigeria’s extractive industry lies in institutional strengthening, transparency, and evidence-based oversight. Petitions and claims should be rigorously investigated, but the presumption of innocence must be maintained. Komolafe’s record should remind policymakers, journalists, and civic actors alike that constructive reformers are assets to the nation, not targets for defamatory campaigns.

In conclusion, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe’s tenure as NUPRC chief executive reflects dedication, legality, and reformist zeal. To defame a public servant without evidence is not only unfair to the individual but detrimental to national development.

Civil Society Faults Dangote’s Public Claims Against NMDPRA, Calls for Due Process


The League of Civil Society Groups has criticised recent public comments by President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, calling for a probe of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, describing the move as unnecessary and contrary to due process.

Speaking in Abuja, Ambassador Akoshile Mukhtar, President of the League of Civil Society Groups, said while the right to seek accountability is fundamental, raising allegations in the public space without first approaching the appropriate statutory authorities was “rather low” and potentially damaging to institutional stability.

Mukhtar noted that if Dangote or any corporate entity had genuine concerns regarding regulatory conduct, the proper channels were available, including formal petitions to oversight bodies such as the National Assembly, the Code of Conduct Bureau, or other relevant anti-corruption agencies.

“Civil society believes in accountability, but accountability must follow due process. If there are issues, they should be presented to the appropriate authorities with evidence, not turned into public accusations that undermine confidence in national institutions,” Mukhtar said.

The League argued that the NMDPRA, established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), has a clear mandate to regulate Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors in a transparent and competitive manner, including issuing import licences when domestic supply is insufficient to meet national demand.

According to Mukhtar, importation of petroleum products remains a legal and necessary stop-gap measure to prevent shortages, noting that no single refinery, including the Dangote Refinery, has yet met Nigeria’s full daily fuel consumption requirements.

The civil society group also questioned public price predictions attributed to Dangote, including claims that petrol prices could drop below ₦740 per litre, describing such projections as speculative and dependent on multiple variables such as foreign exchange rates, crude oil prices, supply volumes, and distribution costs.

Mukhtar further cautioned against what he described as “personal narratives and insinuations” being introduced into public discourse, stressing that allegations touching on personal conduct must be backed by evidence and handled by competent authorities, not tried in the media.

“Civil society stands for transparency, not rumor. Public discourse must be guided by facts and law, not sensationalism,” he added.

The League urged industry players, regulators, and stakeholders to engage constructively, warning that public confrontations between major investors and regulators could unsettle the sector and discourage investment at a time when Nigeria is still stabilising its post-subsidy petroleum market.

It reaffirmed its support for institutional dialogue and evidence-based engagement, calling on all parties to prioritise national interest over corporate or personal disagreements.

Dr. Taiwo Akerele on New Defence Minister: General Musa’s Military Experience Sparks Hope for Nigeria’s Security Turnaround


The recent appointment of General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence has ignited a renewed sense of optimism, with Dr. Taiwo Akerele, Executive Director of Policy House International, asserting that the move signals a crucial shift in Nigeria's defence strategy.
Speaking in a recent podcast, Dr. Akerele highlighted the profound need for change, noting that previous security sector appointments had often fallen short of public expectation. He stressed that General Musa's extensive two-decade-long military background is precisely the seasoned leadership required to effectively combat the rampant insurgency and banditry, particularly in the northern regions.

Dr. Akerele expressed strong confidence that General Moussa possesses the experience to effectively lead the fight, citing his previous commitment and capability as Chief of Defence Staff.

The Minister’s display of expertise during his confirmation hearing was described as crucial for rebuilding the military’s morale and the public’s confidence in the government's capacity to protect its citizens.

Dr. Akerele drew a vital link between improved security and economic growth. Enhanced safety for farmers and businesses is essential to boost agricultural production, reduce food inflation, and facilitate the trade needed to achieve Nigeria's ambitious one trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

Dr. Akerele urged the new leadership to prioritize investment in technology and intelligence-sharing with neighboring countries to modernize military operations and effectively address security challenges.

"The appointment of General Christopher Musa brings with it a wave of optimism," said Dr. Akerele. "The hope is that under his professional military leadership, Nigeria can finally begin to turn the tide against persistent insecurity, allowing for essential economic stability and growth."

The discussion underscores the widespread expectation that General Moussa will work collaboratively to restructure Nigeria's security architecture and implement meaningful change.

The Tinubu Support Group (TSG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hon. (Engr.) Magaji Da’u Aliyu as Deputy Director General (North). This appointment reflects his proven capacity for leadership, his deep grassroots reach, and his long-standing commitment to national development and democratic governance.

A seasoned political figure with decades of experience in public life, Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu has played a significant role in Nigeria’s political landscape. Widely respected across party lines, he is known for his strategic leadership, strong administrative skills, and his consistent advocacy for reforms that directly impact citizens’ welfare.

Hon. Aliyu served two consecutive terms in the House of Representatives, representing Birnin Kudu/Buji Federal Constituency of Jigawa State. During his time in the legislature, he became one of the most influential voices in the 9th Assembly, driven by his passion for effective governance and national progress.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Power (2019–2023), he provided direction on one of Nigeria’s most sensitive and complex sectors. He championed major oversight activities, convened critical stakeholder engagements, and spearheaded interventions aimed at strengthening electricity generation, transmission, and distribution nationwide. His work earned commendation from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the leadership of the House.

Beyond the power sector, Hon. Aliyu was deeply involved in legislative debates, national policy reviews, constituency development, and political mobilization. He is widely recognized for building consensus among diverse stakeholders and maintaining strong grassroots connections—qualities that elevated his effectiveness as a representative and political leader.

Confirming his appointment, Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai, the Director General of TSG, said:
“Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu is a man of proven integrity, dedication, and capacity. His political experience, strategic insight, and commitment to national development make him an invaluable addition to our leadership. We are confident that his contributions will further strengthen the Tinubu Support Group, especially across the northern region.”

While Hon. Aliyu’s academic credentials—including a Ph.D. in Sustainable Development and multiple professional qualifications—underscore his intellectual depth, it is his political influence, governance experience, and strategic leadership that uniquely position him for this role.

TSG congratulates Hon. (Engr.) Magaji Da’u Aliyu on this well-deserved appointment and looks forward to the vision, energy, and political experience he will bring to the organization.

The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASBIFI) is teetering on the brink of an unprecedented internal crisis as furious members have leveled explosive accusations of misconduct and blatant ethnic favoritism against the outgoing executive council.
Confidential sources within the association who spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing fear of "victimization" claim that ASBIFI has been systematically corrupted by a long-standing pattern of ethnic engineering, which has allegedly rendered the body’s core values and aims obsolete.


The 30-Year Monopoly Allegation
According to the dissenting members, the association's leadership history paints a damning picture: "Since the history of the association, a certain ethnic group has always produced a successor, disregarding all other qualified members," one source asserted.
This alleged ethnic monopoly, the sources claim, has been interrupted only once in the association's history. The brief, seven-year period between 1998 and 2004 saw the election of Comrade Princewill Ojay, who defied the pattern by winning and serving two consecutive terms.

"The organization has lost its value and aim. It has become a tool for advancing private, ethnic agendas instead of professional excellence," stated a veteran member.


While the focus remains squarely on the ethnic bias in succession planning, the accusations are compounded by general claims of misconduct against the current outgoing executive. Details regarding the specific nature of this misconduct remain vague, but the prevailing sentiment among the aggrieved is that the current leadership has failed to uphold the integrity and purpose of the association.


The developing scandal threatens to engulf ASBIFI at a critical juncture, raising serious questions about the transparency of its electoral processes and the future direction of one of the nation’s prominent industry bodies. ASBIFI’s outgoing executives have yet to issue a public statement addressing the damning allegations.

Former African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Candidate, Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, today fiercely defended Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, calling the public outrage against him "unrighteous righteous indignation" fueled by hatred for the Minister and the government.


In a press briefing held today in Abuja, Kachikwu recounted his own recent interaction with Minister Wike over a "stop work" order on a construction site, which Wike quickly reversed, saying, “I am sorry, but my people gave me a wrong information.” Kachikwu used this incident to illustrate what he sees as a targeted attack on Wike.


Kachikwu strongly condemned the backlash against the Minister regarding the recent confrontation with an FCTA official (Officer Yerima). He argued that the public outcry is driven by "hatred" for Wike, who is "perceived to be a bully and the President’s bulldog," rather than by the facts of the situation.


The former candidate also noted the double standard, pointing out the lack of similar public outrage when police officers are allegedly assaulted by the military.


Kachikwu concluded his address by lamenting the current state of affairs, stating, "I weep for Nigeria because we are becoming a nation of people fuelled by hate," and described the country as "this Animal Farm called Nigeria."

A Year of Progress: Hon. Felix Osazee Igbinovia Praises Governor Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa’s Vision for Edo State

The Member representing Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area on the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), Hon. Felix Osazee Igbinovia, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on the occasion of their one-year anniversary in office.
In a statement issued in Benin City on Tuesday, Hon. Igbinovia lauded the administration of Governor Okpebholo and Rt. Hon. Idahosa, describing their leadership and administrative style as “a blessing to Edo State.”
Hon. Igbinovia noted that within just one year, the Okpebholo–Idahosa administration has successfully initiated key developmental projects and policy reforms that are already yielding positive impacts—particularly in the oil and gas producing areas of the state. He highlighted the Governor and Deputy Governor’s inclusive approach to governance, which, according to him, has fostered unity, peace, and steady progress across all senatorial districts.
“It is with immense pride that I congratulate His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on this significant milestone,” Hon. Igbinovia stated. “In just one year, they have demonstrated an unshakeable commitment to grassroots development, peace, and infrastructural renewal. Their visionary leadership has laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth, ensuring that the resources of our state are efficiently utilized for the common good.”
The EDSOGPADEC representative further called on the people of Ikpoba Okha and all stakeholders to continue supporting the administration’s vision, reaffirming that the developmental trajectory set by Governor Okpebholo and Rt. Hon. Idahosa promises a prosperous future for every citizen of Edo State.

A Year of Progress: Hon. Felix Osazee Igbinovia Praises Governor Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa’s Vision for Edo State

The Member representing Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area on the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), Hon. Felix Osazee Igbinovia, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on the occasion of their one-year anniversary in office.
In a statement issued in Benin City on Tuesday, Hon. Igbinovia lauded the administration of Governor Okpebholo and Rt. Hon. Idahosa, describing their leadership and administrative style as “a blessing to Edo State.”
Hon. Igbinovia noted that within just one year, the Okpebholo–Idahosa administration has successfully initiated key developmental projects and policy reforms that are already yielding positive impacts—particularly in the oil and gas producing areas of the state. He highlighted the Governor and Deputy Governor’s inclusive approach to governance, which, according to him, has fostered unity, peace, and steady progress across all senatorial districts.
“It is with immense pride that I congratulate His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on this significant milestone,” Hon. Igbinovia stated. “In just one year, they have demonstrated an unshakeable commitment to grassroots development, peace, and infrastructural renewal. Their visionary leadership has laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth, ensuring that the resources of our state are efficiently utilized for the common good.”
The EDSOGPADEC representative further called on the people of Ikpoba Okha and all stakeholders to continue supporting the administration’s vision, reaffirming that the developmental trajectory set by Governor Okpebholo and Rt. Hon. Idahosa promises a prosperous future for every citizen of Edo State.

CSNGG URGES FIFA, NFF, AND NSC TO PROTECT NIGERIA’S WORLD CUP AMBITIONS AMID SOUTH AFRICA CONTROVERSY


The Civil Society Network for Good Governance (CSNGG) has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) to take proactive steps in ensuring that FIFA’s decision on the ongoing disciplinary case involving South Africa does not unfairly jeopardize Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign.

In a statement released in Abuja and signed by its National President, Barrister Kamal Adefila, CSNGG described the unfolding developments as a “calculated distraction” engineered by certain disgruntled elements within and outside the football ecosystem, warning that the same pattern of internal sabotage contributed to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

According to Adefila, “At what point did Peter Obi or any of these alarmists approach the NFF to get the real state of affairs of our stadiums or football administration before peddling false narratives? CAF and FIFA are high-standard organizations with world-class auditing and compliance systems. The NFF has consistently earned a clean bill of health from both bodies, so the sudden wave of criticism is not only unfounded but also suspicious.”

The group expressed concern that the FIFA disciplinary ruling involving South Africa’s use of an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their March 2025 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho, has been politicized and could affect the balance of Group C — where Nigeria, South Africa, Benin Republic, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe are all vying for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

CSNGG noted with alarm that while Lesotho, whose home stadium failed CAF inspection, was allowed to play its “home” games in South Africa, Benin Republic, facing the same situation, was forced to host theirs in Côte d’Ivoire — even though Nigeria was their closest and most logistically convenient neighbour.

“These inconsistencies raise legitimate questions about fairness and equity,” Adefila said. “Nigeria must not be treated as a bystander in decisions that directly affect its qualification chances. We are all federating units of FIFA, and South Africa cannot be used to determine our football destiny.”

The statement further revealed that CSNGG has credible intelligence indicating that some discredited figures in the football administration space are attempting to weaponize the issue to destabilize the NFF and sow division ahead of the decisive qualifiers in early 2026.

“These are the same self-serving individuals who, like spoilt children, would rather destroy the house than be denied toys. Football administration is a serious business for serious people, not a survival strategy for failed actors,” Adefila added.

He stressed that FIFA’s prolonged silence on the final implications of South Africa’s sanction has created unnecessary uncertainty that could affect preparations and player morale.
“We cannot afford another déjà vu of the 2022 cycle. Then, we had the players, the support, and the potential — but noise and confusion from within became our undoing. This time, everyone must plough in the same direction,” Adefila said.

CSNGG commended the NFF leadership under President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi for “steadying the ship” and building competitive teams across all categories, noting that recent CAF and FIFA audits have recognized Nigeria’s compliance and development strides.

The group also urged the National Sports Commission, recently reinstated by the President, to assert its coordinating role in safeguarding Nigeria’s sports interests at the global level.
“It is imperative for the NSC to step in, engage FIFA diplomatically, and ensure that Nigeria’s rights as a footballing nation are not compromised under any guise,” Adefila said.

The CSNGG president announced that the organization will soon host a civil society policy forum and press conference to mobilize public support for the NFF and raise awareness about the dangers of politicizing football administration.

“Our advocacy will continue until all stakeholders understand that national football development is not an arena for chaos or ego wars but a vehicle for unity, youth empowerment, and global rebranding,” he concluded.

Eghosa Asemota Agbonifo, a dynamic entrepreneur with roots firmly planted in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, is sharing a no-nonsense look back at his path to global recognition. Forget the motivational posters; this is a story of grit and smart growth.

Agbonifo started small, right where many successful journeys begin in the thick of it. He honed his business skills by sourcing and selling second-hand goods, including clothing and household items, at bustling local markets in Cotonou's Misebo and Tokpa. This hands-on, day-to-day work laid a powerful foundation.

Today, that foundation supports a burgeoning international enterprise. Agbonifo’s dedication and clear vision have paid off, resulting in major fashion brands now actively seeking him out for collaboration.

"When I started at the market, the goal was simple make a living. The idea that global brands would eventually be calling was a distant dream, but a dream I kept working toward," Agbonifo stated. "My biggest takeaway is this: every dream is valid. It doesn't matter where you start. With genuine focus and relentless persistence, success isn't just possible, it’s absolutely attainable."

Agbonifo’s story is a straightforward testament to the power of hard work, proving that a sharp eye for opportunity and a commitment to quality can bridge the gap between a local market stall and the global fashion stage.

Coalition of Civil Rights Organizations has hailed President Bola Tinubu for rekindling hope in the Nigerian people through purposeful leadership and the appointment of competent ministers, with particular reference to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The Coalition in a statement by its leaders, Chisom Ochiaga and Obaseyi Ogunrinde,
emphasized that the President’s Independence Day address resonated with Nigerians not only because of its frank assessment of the nation’s challenges but also because it showcased tangible progress already recorded in critical areas of governance.

The group described the mention of Hon. Tunji-Ojo in the President’s speech as a “classical example of what Nigeria gains when competence, dedication, and vision are placed above politics in leadership appointments.”

According to the coalition, Tinubu’s recognition of the Interior Minister’s stellar performance has further confirmed that the administration’s reformist agenda is on the right track.

“The President’s acknowledgment of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s achievements in the Interior Ministry is a reflection of how the government’s bold reforms are resolving the nation’s long-standing challenges. Nigerians now see how effective governance can transform institutions once regarded as stumbling blocks,” the coalition stated.

The group cited sweeping reforms championed by the Ministry of Interior under Tunji-Ojo, including the digitization of passport application and processing systems, the drastic reduction in bureaucratic bottlenecks within immigration services, and a renewed efficiency in the handling of correctional facilities.

These reforms, it noted, have restored public confidence in the ministry and demonstrated the tangible benefits of President Tinubu’s commitment to appointing the right people into leadership positions.

The coalition further noted that Tunji-Ojo’s drive to sanitize the operations of agencies under his ministry, ensure transparency, and deploy technology in service delivery has endeared the Tinubu administration to even its staunchest critics.

“The Interior Ministry has become a model of reform, efficiency, and innovation, thanks to the leadership of Hon. Tunji-Ojo.

"This is why Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, including those once skeptical of the administration, are beginning to rally behind the President’s vision,” the coalition remarked.

Reaffirming its stance, the Coalition of Civil Rights Organizations pledged unrelenting support for the progress of Nigeria under President Tinubu.

“As far as the policies of this administration remain pro-people, we will continue to stand firmly behind President Tinubu and the reformist ministers like Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

"His example must be replicated across other sectors to deepen the dividends of democracy,” the statement concluded.

The coalition’s endorsement reflects growing acknowledgment within civic spaces that Tinubu’s reforms, as exemplified by the Interior Ministry, are rekindling faith in governance and opening a new chapter of hope for Nigeria.

FUAMB RECEIVES DONATION OF ADVANCED PRINTING EQUIPMENT FROM VAMITHA Resources UNLIMITED

The Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi (FUAMB), has received the donation of printing equipment comprising a LaserJet MFP M234sdw Wireless Printer designed to streamline various office tasks from Vamitha Resources Limited Wuse Zone 3 Abuja.

The multifunctional printer offers capabilities in printing, scanning, and copying is recognized for its fast operation and user-friendly setup which is expected to enhance the efficiency of office activities at FUAMB, providing better support to the administrative work of the university.

The Vice Chancellor of FUAMB, Professor Bitrus Dawi Tarfa, expressed appreciation for the donation, highlighting the importance of such contributions in facilitating the university's operations and improving service quality and service delivery of members of staff.

He also encouraged more support from the communities among other organizations, recognizing that such partnerships play a crucial role in advancing the university's mission.

The Edo State Executive Council has approved a revised supplementary budget of N799.820 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, up from the initial N675.220 billion, representing an increase of approximately N125 billion, or 18 percent.

The approval followed an emergency executive meeting presided over by the Chairman-in-Council and Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Briefing after the meeting, the Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, explained the rationale behind the adjustment and emphasized the government's commitment to infrastructure development.

He explained: “Previously we have a budget of N675 billion with recurrent expenditure having about 33 percent and capital 67 percent. The new revised budget now has about 70 percent for capital expenditure as against 30 percent for recurrent expenditure. It shows the commitment of governor Monday Okpebholo in infrastructural development in Edo state."

Okoebor further explained the size and nature of the increment.

He said: "The increment in the budget is about N125 billion, which signifies about 18 percent of the previous budget. Recurrent increased with about N12 billion, while capital is about N113 billion from the previous one. Given about 25 percent increment in Capital expenditure and just 5 percent increment in recurrent expenditure.

"It clearly shows that the government is concerned about infrastructural development making Edo people happy. We have done about 254KM of road across the state, and many more construction works are ongoing.

"Recurrent expenditure has about 5 percent increment as the increase in minimum wage necessitated that increment including a lot of employment the present administration did in hospital management board for over 1000 and it needs to be captured.

"The budget has been increased by N125 billion, which is about 18 percent, and capita expenditure about 25 percent increment, from N450 billion to N563 billion."

According to the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohombamu, the revised budget is expected to be forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for legislative consideration and passage.

AKOSHILE MUKHTAR HAILS SUCCESSFUL NYCN CONGRESS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has successfully concluded its congress, which saw the reelection of Ambassador Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo as President of the Council.

In the spirit of peace, unity, and collective progress, Ambassador Akoshile Mukhtar, Vice President (North Central), chose to step down from the presidential race following series of meetings and passionate appeals from critical stakeholders. His decision, he stated, was a demonstration of his belief that the Council must remain united to effectively champion the aspirations of Nigerian youth.

As a result of the consensus process, Ambassador Akoshile Mukhtar emerged as Deputy President of the Council, a position he has pledged to use in advancing the cause of youth development across Nigeria.

“I want to sincerely thank my numerous supporters and stakeholders who honoured me with their trust, confidence, and encouragement throughout this process. I assure you all of my continued loyalty, dedication, and service. Our struggle has always been about the Nigerian youth, and that focus remains unchanged,” Akoshile said.

Beyond his new role within NYCN, Ambassador Mukhtar reaffirmed his continued service to the youth constituency at the continental level, where he represents Nigerian youth as the West Africa Coordinator of the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC).

He called on all Nigerian youth leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to work in unity and harmony with the newly reelected leadership of the Council, stressing that only through collective effort can the challenges of unemployment, insecurity, and underrepresentation be overcome.

It is high time Nigeria youths consolidate on the gains of "Renewed Hope" under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as it is obvious in his thorough engagement of youth in government cum policies to better the lives of young people.
As young people, we need to Identify with Hon. Ayowande Wisdom Minister of Youth Development his leadership dexterity and innovations are round peg in a round hole at this important phase of our history as a country.

Idris Usman, GCEO of FOAN Group, has launched a scathing critique of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial culture, calling it “a mirage sustained by photo-ops and political endorsements rather than genuine innovation.”

In a statement issued this week, Usman argued that the country’s business environment has drifted away from the global definition of entrepreneurship, which centers on solving problems, developing products, and delivering services that benefit consumers at scale.

“Entrepreneurship around the world is market-driven,” Usman said. “It is about creating, innovating, and serving. But in Nigeria, the word has been hijacked. Legitimacy is too often measured by who an entrepreneur poses with rather than what they build.”


Usman pointed to what he described as a culture of influence-chasing, where many Nigerian business figures present themselves beside former presidents, governors, or other political elites. According to him, such displays have become the yardstick of credibility, sidelining the real work of innovation, product development, and consumer service.

“This is not entrepreneurship it is a performance,” he said. “And in many cases, it is nothing more than a vehicle for money laundering. The energy that should be spent creating value is spent curating access.”

A contrast with global markets

Usman contrasted the Nigerian model with international examples, noting that in regions such as the United States, Dubai, and Asia, entrepreneurs rarely rely on political proximity as proof of success. Instead, he said, they are consumed with scaling businesses, refining services, and earning market trust.

“Real estate leaders in Dubai do not measure their achievements by photographs with rulers,” he said. “They measure it by the communities they build, the quality they deliver, and the innovations they introduce. Nigeria has inverted this logic, and it has left our market shallow.”

Consequences for development

According to Usman, the distortion carries heavy consequences for national development. He warned that when entrepreneurship is reduced to political visibility, the masses remain underserved, jobs are not created, and innovation stalls.

“When credibility is determined by endorsements rather than execution, entire sectors stagnate,” he said. “Nigeria deceives itself by mistaking access for achievement, visibility for value.”

Usman added that the country risks alienating its global reputation as a hub of resilience and talent if the culture of “influence over innovation” persists.


The FOAN Group executive called for a redefinition of entrepreneurship in Nigeria, one that returns to fundamentals. He argued that entrepreneurs should be judged by their products, their services, and the measurable impact they create in society.

“An entrepreneur does not have time for political photo-ops,” Usman said. “The market itself is endorsement enough. Success should be measured by what we build, the jobs we create, and the innovations we deliver. Until Nigeria realigns with this truth, we will remain trapped in self-deception.”


Under Usman’s leadership, FOAN Group has positioned itself as a champion of innovation-driven enterprises across Africa. The conglomerate has pushed for businesses that prioritize consumer value and long-term sustainability rather than visibility or political endorsement.

For Usman, the issue goes beyond semantics. It is about reshaping the country’s economic foundation.

“If we do not change the narrative, we cannot build the kind of ecosystem that drives lasting growth,” he said. “Entrepreneurship is about work, sacrifice, and service to the people not staged photographs and borrowed legitimacy.”

BTO Renewed Hope Media Team Commends President Tinubu’s Achievements, Hails Tunji-Ojo’s Transformative Impact




The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team has commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what it described as “bold, transformative reforms” that are repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a statement issued on Monday, the team noted that since assuming office, President Tinubu has demonstrated “exceptional courage and visionary leadership” through policies that are reshaping the nation’s economic, infrastructural, and institutional landscape.

The statement highlighted key reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange windows, which have freed up resources for national development and sent strong signals to investors about Nigeria’s commitment to fiscal discipline. It also cited the administration’s repayment of the $3.4 billion COVID-19 IMF loan and the ₦100 billion Sovereign Sukuk loan, describing these steps as evidence of responsible economic management.

The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team gave special commendation to the Ministry of Interior under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, applauding what it called his “transformative contributions” to effective governance. It particularly praised the ministry’s “historic feat” of clearing a backlog of 204,332 passports within just three weeks, a move it said has restored citizens’ confidence in government service delivery.

“Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has redefined efficiency and innovation in public service,” the statement read. “His leadership has not only eased the burden on Nigerians seeking passports but has also repositioned the Ministry of Interior as a model of modern governance.”

Beyond passport reforms, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has also spearheaded an unprecedented transformation of Nigeria’s correctional system. Under his dynamic leadership, correctional centres—once seen merely as punitive spaces for punishment and social exclusion—are being repositioned as hubs of reformation, rehabilitation, and empowerment. The recent inauguration of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Special Study Centre at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre, Ebonyi State, marks a significant milestone in these far-reaching reforms, offering inmates the rare opportunity to pursue quality education and rebuild their lives.

In line with the minister’s vision, correctional centres are no longer to be viewed as places where society condemns and abandons its offenders, but as platforms for personal transformation and national reintegration. Dr. Tunji-Ojo has repeatedly stressed this in his policy drive: “I don’t want our correctional centres to be places of condemnation. Correctional service is becoming transformational, rehabilitatory, and, of course, reformatory, and that’s what I want to see,” he said, reiterating his resolve to redefine the role of custodial facilities in national development.

The Abakaliki NOUN Special Study Centre embodies this philosophy in action. Inaugurated by the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ndidi Nwakuche, the centre was made possible through collaborative partnerships between government, private foundations, and development organisations. The building housing the facility was fully renovated and furnished by Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, while the Sudan Mission Foundation in the Netherlands equipped the centre with modern educational tools, ensuring that inmates have access to resources on par with regular university campuses.

During the inauguration, the Controller-General noted that the initiative signifies a shift in priorities for correctional management in Nigeria, emphasising that corrections should focus on redeeming lives rather than condemning them. He commended the Vice Chancellor of NOUN for sustaining the partnership that has so far established 15 correctional study centres nationwide, giving inmates across the country access to quality higher education.

The impact of this initiative is already evident in Abakaliki. Twenty-eight inmates have enrolled as pioneer students, 25 of whom are pursuing undergraduate degrees, while three are working toward their master’s programmes. The state controller of the correctional centre, Offem Bessie, described the development as “the opening of new doors of hope, opportunities, and transformation.” She highlighted that inmates now have the chance to upgrade their educational status and reshape their futures while serving their sentences, aligning with global best practices and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

Hon. Chinedu Ogah praised the determination and resilience of the enrolled inmates, commending them for embracing education despite their current circumstances. He pledged that his foundation would fully support the pioneer students by covering tuition, books, and other learning materials to ensure they complete their studies without financial obstacles. “Being an inmate should not deprive anyone of the right to education or personal growth,” he said, adding that education remains one of the most powerful tools for reform and reintegration.

Mrs. Modukwe Adesina, the National Coordinator of NOUN Special Study Centres, provided further insight into the scale of these reforms. According to her, over 2,000 inmates across Nigeria have benefited from NOUN’s scholarship programmes, with 207 graduating from various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across 12 custodial centres. With Abakaliki Correctional Centre now becoming the 15th facility approved by NOUN, more inmates than ever before will gain access to quality education, vocational training, and mentorship opportunities.

These strides in prison education are complemented by other innovative reforms introduced under Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership. One of the flagship initiatives is the establishment of a dedicated showroom in Maiduguri, where products handcrafted by inmates are displayed and sold to the public. Supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with funding from the German government and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the programme equips inmates with vital vocational skills, offering them a chance to contribute meaningfully to society while generating income.

The broader vision is clear: to create a correctional system that produces reformed, skilled, and responsible citizens capable of reintegration and positive contributions to the national economy. This approach has earned Nigeria commendation from international partners, who have lauded the ministry’s commitment to aligning correctional practices with global standards while upholding human dignity and promoting second chances.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s reforms reflect a deliberate shift from punitive incarceration to restorative justice. Rather than merely punishing offenders, the government is investing in programmes that equip inmates with education, vocational expertise, and entrepreneurial skills. The long-term goal is to reduce recidivism, combat societal stigma, and provide rehabilitated individuals with pathways to meaningful employment and self-reliance upon their release.

The synergy between the Ministry of Interior, NOUN, international partners, and local stakeholders has proven to be a catalyst for change. From transforming correctional centres into learning hubs to empowering inmates with practical skills, these reforms are reshaping the country’s justice and rehabilitation landscape. The Abakaliki study centre is a shining example of what is possible when reform-driven leadership is matched with collaboration and innovation.

For many inmates, the NOUN centre represents more than just classrooms and books; it symbolises hope, dignity, and the promise of a second chance. It underscores the government’s belief that every individual, regardless of past mistakes, deserves an opportunity to rebuild their life and contribute positively to society.

Beyond the Ministry of Interior, the team highlighted other landmark achievements of the Tinubu administration, including the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which grants zero-interest loans to tertiary institution students, the creation of new federal universities in Rivers, Osun, and Ekiti States, and the rollout of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Project to deliver 6,612 housing units nationwide.

It also pointed to major infrastructural projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and significant upgrades within the aviation sector, alongside President Tinubu’s legal victory over Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID) Ltd, which saved Nigeria a staggering $11.5 billion.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan; it is a reality unfolding before our eyes,” the statement added. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, and with dedicated public servants like Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigerians are seeing concrete results, improved services, and governance that truly delivers.”

The team concluded by expressing optimism that the administration would consolidate on its achievements and deliver even more transformative dividends to Nigerians in the years ahead.