₦airaland Forum

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.

From Punishment to Empowerment: Tunji Ojo’s Vision for Nigeria’s Correctional System



For decades, Nigeria’s correctional centers have carried the heavy stigma of punishment and social exclusion. Inmates were often written off, condemned not just by the law but by society. But under the dynamic leadership of Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Minister of Interior, this narrative is changing dramatically and irreversibly.

Dr. Tunji Ojo envisions a correctional system where justice is not synonymous with despair and where offenders are given a genuine chance at rehabilitation and reintegration. His reforms are turning correctional centers into hubs of education, skills development, and empowerment, aligning Nigeria’s practices with global best standards.

A shining example of this vision is the newly inaugurated National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Special Study Centre at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre in Ebonyi State. The center gives inmates unprecedented access to quality higher education, enabling them to earn undergraduate and postgraduate degrees while serving their sentences. Already, 28 inmates have enrolled, 25 for undergraduate programs and three for master’s degrees.

For many, this opportunity represents more than academic advancement; it signifies hope, dignity, and the promise of a second chance. Dr. Tunji Ojo has been emphatic about his philosophy:

"I don’t want our correctional centers to be places of condemnation. Correctional service is becoming transformational, rehabilitative, and of course reformatory, and that’s what I want to see," he asserts.

His vision extends beyond education. Through skills acquisition programs and initiatives like the inmate-crafted products showroom in Maiduguri, supported by the UNODC, the German government, and the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, inmates are being equipped with practical income-generating skills to prepare them for life after incarceration.

These reforms are not just policy changes; they are human transformations. They reduce recidivism, combat societal stigma, and offer rehabilitated individuals a pathway to meaningful employment and productive citizenship. By shifting Nigeria’s correctional philosophy from punishment to empowerment, Dr. Tunji Ojo is reshaping the country’s justice landscape and reaffirming the government’s belief in second chances.

His work embodies the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, one where governance does not just enforce the law but uplifts humanity. In Dr. Tunji Ojo, Nigeria has found a reformer who believes that every life is redeemable and that justice is incomplete without rehabilitation.

Kachikwu Warns of Political 'Fraud' in ADC, Accuses Atiku of Power Grab


Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, has warned about what he calls a "fraudulent" takeover of his party. In a news conference today, Kachikwu accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a group of veteran politicians of hijacking the ADC to advance Atiku's 2027 presidential ambitions, claiming they are using deceitful tactics to secure control.


Kachikwu said he has been proven right that Nigerian politics are still dominated by "region, religion, tribe, and tongue." He warned that former presidential hopefuls like Peter Obi are being "duped" by this coalition, which he alleges is a "one-man power grab."


"Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a man who claims affinity and friendship with the South, does not believe any southerner deserves to be President of Nigeria," Kachikwu stated, pointing to former Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan as witnesses to this "uncomfortable truth."


Kachikwu presented documents, including forged signatures, which were used to procure a court judgment from the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt. He claimed the signatures of some ADC state chairmen were forged and presented to the court as a settlement to clear legal issues around the party's leadership. "I have here copies of said judgment and international passport copies of the chairmen whose signatures were forged," he told reporters. He added that lawyers have sent petitions to law enforcement agencies.


The former presidential candidate also questioned the legitimacy of former Senate President David Mark's appointment as ADC chairman, calling it a "comical performance" and a "fraud being perpetrated in broad daylight." He pointed out that the former chairman, Ralph Nwosu, had no legal power to make such an appointment, and that Nwosu himself signed a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on July 29, 2025, as the party's national chairman.


Kachikwu went on to accuse Atiku and other northern elites of trying to weaken the South by spreading "deliberate falsehoods" against President Tinubu and other southern aspirants. He alleged they are using regional and religious divisions to "convince millions of poor Northerners that a southern President Tinubu hates them and is the cause of their poverty."
He claimed that Peter Obi has been told he will never get northern votes and should instead accept to be Atiku’s running mate. Kachikwu also alleged that former President Jonathan has been drafted into the race and is offering Obi the position of coordinating Minister of the Economy in exchange for his support.


While acknowledging that he is now championing the cause of a southern presidency—something he previously opposed—Kachikwu urged all Nigerians to resist Atiku and his group. "We must all come to equity with clean hands and sincerity of purpose,"


He said. "We don't burn our houses because we want to kill rats and cockroaches; sometimes we just need to make our houses clean so that rats and cockroaches leave on their own."

NICO Meets National Youth Council, Affirms Accountability and Stakeholder Engagement Culture

In a commendable move towards fostering public service accountability, citizen engagement and institutional partnerships, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has held a strategic meeting with the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

This meeting, which took place today at the NICO headquarters in Abuja, comes on the heels of public concerns raised by the youth stakeholders regarding the recent recruitment exercise by the Institute. While questions were earlier posed to ensure transparency and accountability, today’s engagement successfully provided clarity on both parts, reinforcing the importance of dialogue in democratic settings.

At the end of the dialogue, the NYCN lauded the management of NICO for its continuous efforts in cultural preservation and youth empowerment across Nigeria. The Council expressed confidence in the institution’s commitment to responsiveness, equity and inclusivity. It particularly applauded NICO on youth development.

This development signals a turning point and affirmation that institutional criticism, when guided by good intent, can lead to stronger collaborations and better outcomes. The NYCN looks forward to future collaborations that prioritize common good and advancement of national development.

Indeed, with dialogue comes progress. With unity, we can build the future we desire.

Signed

Amb. Mukhtar Akoshile
Vice President NYCN (North Central Region)
Coordinator Afro-Arab Youth Council (West Africa Region)

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The Coalition of Civil Rights Groups (CCRG) wishes to alert Nigerians and the international community to a sinister and desperate plan by Mr. Omoyele Sowore a former Presidential Aspirant and his co-travelers to plunge Nigeria into chaos under the guise of a so-called protest scheduled for July 21, 2025.

Following credible intelligence and the outcome of a covertly held meeting on Thursday between Mr. Sowore and some of the architects of this plot, including a known Northern Nigeria ethnic chauvinist, Mr. Dan Bello, it is clear that this protest is not in the interest of Nigerians or the Nigerian Police Force as being falsely portrayed. Rather, it is a disguised campaign of calumny and sabotage aimed at undermining the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and destabilizing the peace and security of our country.

It is shameful and unacceptable that at a time when the Nigeria Police Force, under the focused and committed leadership of IGP Egbetokun, is making concrete strides towards reforms, particularly in improving the welfare, salaries, pensions, and operational capacity of serving and retired officers, some individuals would rather orchestrate unrest by mobilizing rented crowds to blackmail and distract the Police from its constitutional duties.

Let it be known that this so-called protest is not rooted in patriotism or genuine concern for the wellbeing of the men and officers of the Force. It is a continuation of Sowore’s long-standing and self-serving agenda to malign the Nigeria Police and incite disaffection among the citizenry, all in pursuit of political relevance and chaos.

We strongly condemn this ploy and call on all patriotic Nigerians to reject it in its entirety. Nigerians are not deceived. We know that this protest is not about justice or reform but about division, instability, and the hijacking of public sentiment by desperate elements who have failed in their democratic ambitions.

We reiterate our unshaken confidence in the leadership of IGP Kayode Egbetokun and the ongoing efforts of the Nigeria Police to engage the Federal Government on critical issues affecting personnel welfare. Under his watch, we have witnessed renewed engagements with stakeholders, increased responsiveness to the concerns of both serving and retired officers, and a commitment to institutional reform that prioritizes professionalism, discipline, and service delivery.

We, therefore, warn all those plotting to disrupt the nation’s peace through sponsored unrest to desist. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we shall not sit idly by while opportunists attempt to derail our hard-won stability.

The Coalition of Civil Rights Groups will continue to stand on the side of truth, peace, and justice, and we will resist any attempt by enemies of the state to plunge our nation into avoidable turmoil.

Strengthening Human Rights Compliance; The Nigeria Police Force under IGP Kayode Egbetokun

By: Olufemi Lawson

Since his appointment in June 2023, Inspector‑General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has steered the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) towards a more rights respecting institution. By prioritizing rule of law, due process and accountability, his leadership has worked to redress long‑standing issues of human rights violations and rebuild public trust.



In early 2025, IGP Egbetokun repeatedly admonished officers about unlawful and prolonged detentions. He reminded all personnel of the constitutional guarantees under Sections 34 and 35, emphasizing the need to detain suspects only within legally stipulated periods. Officers found breaching these limits face “serious consequences”

I also remember, that, at a major virtual meeting with senior strategic managers in February 2025, the IGP decried gross rights violations and misconduct, implementing directives against misuse of power, such as officers wearing civilian clothes with firearms, and against improper case transfers without written approval.

Through these efforts, IGP Egbetokun has signaled a zero‑tolerance stance: unlawful detention and procedural misconduct will not be tolerated, disciplinary measures follow complaints lodged through proper channels.



Under his tenure, the NPF has strengthened internal oversight mechanisms. IGP Egbetokun has empowered monitoring units and the “X‑Squad” to conduct unbiased investigations into erring officers and ensure sanctions are applied where due.

IGP Egbetokun has also prioritized professional development to shift institutional behavior. This year, IGP Efbi has ordered specialized training for all police personnel, focusing on human rights, community policing, ethical conduct, proportional use of force, and professionalism. Weekly lectures across all command levels were mandated to foster continuous learning and attitudinal change.

As part of this training rollout, special emphasis was placed on communication. A series of training workshops was held for Police Spokespersons, including the most recent one convened in Lagos, intending to improve the quality of public engagement and ensure transparent, rights‑aware messaging. These sessions strengthen the police’s ability to inform citizens clearly and responsibly.



Egbetokun’s leadership has also sought growing collaboration with civic actors. He backed initiatives like the 2024 Nigeria Police Youth Summit, held on International Youth Day in Abuja, to foster dialogue between police and young Nigerians, especially in the aftermath of #EndSARS protests. Engagement Needed

While notable, these initiatives are early steps in a larger reform journey. Greater transparency around individual disciplinary outcomes could strengthen accountability. Publishing data on complaints received, investigations completed, and sanctions applied would demonstrate tangible progress. Moreover, formalizing partnerships with civil society, can help ensure external scrutiny and victim representation in misconduct cases.

Expanding training to include town‑hall style public forums, community policing clinics, and open‑door dialogue with vulnerable groups (e.g. youth, minority communities, press) would drive deeper trust. Tracking and reporting improvements in community perceptions over time can also show results.


IGP Kayode Egbetokun has made visible strides in confronting key human rights challenges, curbing unlawful detention, enhancing officer training on legal and ethical standards, and reinforcing internal disciplinary processes. His engagement with youth and civil society signals a welcome turn toward more inclusive policing.

Still, sustained reform requires deepened collaboration: publishing outcomes of disciplinary cases, strengthening civic partnerships, and scaling dialogues with citizens. That way, the Nigeria Police Force can more credibly rebuild confidence, uphold human rights consistently, and earn back the trust of the communities it serves.

Egbetokun’s leadership has laid important groundwork. Now is the moment to accelerate, deepen, and institutionalize those gains, so that policing in Nigeria meaningfully reflects integrity, responsibility, and respect for all.



God bless Nigeria.



Olufemi Lawson is the Executive Director,

Centre for Public Accountability (CPA) Lagos.

On behalf of the Afro-Arab Youth Council (West Africa Region), the Coordinator, Amb. Mukhtar Akoshile, who also doubles as the Vice President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), North Central Region, expresses deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

In a message conveyed through his Special Adviser on Media, Amb. Abdullateef Saheed Opeyemi, the Coordinator described the late statesman as a symbol of discipline, national sacrifice, and leadership whose contributions to the progress of Nigeria both in uniform and in democratic governance will not be forgotten.

"This is indeed a great loss to Nigeria and Africa at large. President Muhammadu Buhari unwavering commitment to national unity, anti-corruption, and institutional development carved a distinct place for him in our nation’s history," the statement read.

He extended heartfelt prayers to the bereaved family, the government, and the people of Nigeria, praying that Almighty Allah grants him eternal rest and strengthens the nation to carry forward his legacy.

"May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Aljannah Firdaus," the statement concluded.

Signed:
Amb. Abdullateef Saheed Opeyemi
Special Adviser on Media to the Coordinator, AAYC West Africa Region

©️ AAYC MEDIA UNIT

Coalition Slams Sowore Over Call for Police Protest, Labels Action a Threat to National Security



The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance (CCSOGG) has condemned what it described as a "reckless and desperate" call by Sahara Reporters publisher and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Mr. Omoyele Sowore, urging members of the Nigeria Police Force to join his planned protest scheduled for July 21, 2025.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Lagos, the coalition criticized Sowore’s call as "irresponsible and politically motivated," accusing him of attempting to incite unrest within the nation’s security architecture under the guise of activism.

According to the statement signed by CCSOGG’s General Secretary Comrade Olalekan Johnson, the coalition described the invitation extended to police officers as a calculated attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian Police Force and destabilize the country.

“Sowore's action is not only unlawful and provocative, but it also constitutes a direct threat to national security. It is a desperate move by a man seeking political relevance through the back door,” the coalition stated.

The group expressed concern over what it described as a “growing trend of cyber-activism degenerating into open calls for insubordination and mutiny within the ranks of disciplined national institutions.”

They warned that no responsible democracy allows such incitement and urged the security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, to take decisive action against what they called “subversive plots wrapped in protest rhetoric.”

CCSOGG reaffirmed its support for the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the current leadership of the force, stating that the ongoing reforms under his tenure have contributed to national stability and institutional professionalism.

“Sowore has a long record of attempting to stir public disorder and discredit institutions of the state. His latest call for the police to abandon their duty posts and join a street protest is not activism, it is sabotage,” the statement added.

The coalition urged Nigerians to be wary of political actors “masquerading as human rights defenders” while working to destroy the foundations of democratic order.

They also called on the National Human Rights Commission and the National Orientation Agency to intensify public enlightenment on responsible civic engagement and the dangers of incitement.

BENUE CRISIS: PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS SECURITY CHIEFS TO IMPLEMENT EARLIER DIRECTIVE, TASKS GOVERNOR ALIA ON RECONCILIATION

President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to implement his earlier directive to bring lasting peace and security to Benue State.

President Tinubu renewed his order in the wake of the latest round of reprisal attacks that led to the death of many people.

On the president's directive, intelligence chiefs, the police and the military have arrived in the state to direct security operations and restore sanity.

President Tinubu has equally charged the governor of Benue State with convening reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties to end the incessant bloodshed and bring lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between farmers, herders, and communities.

Describing the killings and bloodletting as inhuman and anti-progress, President Tinubu called on political leaders and community leaders in conflict areas to stop fuelling the crisis through unguarded utterances and statements that could further inflame tensions.

They should also rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks.

"The latest news of wanton killings in Benue State is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough.

"I have directed the security agencies to act decisively and arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict and prosecute them.

"Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.

"This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue. Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice."

A coalition of 11 civil society organizations, led by Conscience Nigeria, has condemned the baseless allegations leveled against Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The groups described the accusations of Akume's involvement in an N80 billion fraud scandal as "entirely unfounded" and "devoid of credible evidence."

According to the groups, the allegations seem to be driven by malicious motives. "We consider the statement of the factional Afenifere group as repugnant, prejudicial, and in bad taste," the groups said in a joint statement signed by key representatives, including Micheal Stephen Babatunde, National Publicity Secretary of Conscience Nigeria; Joe Mesele, Executive Director of Policy Advocacy and Integrity; Adekola James of Northern Patriotic Front; and others. "The said publication, in an attempt to intimidate and stampede the EFCC, threatened the EFCC with a 7-day ultimatum and a nationwide protest."

The groups noted that the accused person, Mr. Uchi, is not an appointee of Mr. President, or on the payroll of the SGF, nor does he work in the office of the SGF, or is related to the SGF, beyond being an opportunistic hanger-on around who specializes in name-dropping, as against the claims in their statement.

The investigation being carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is at the instance of Senator Akume himself, after he noticed the extravagant lifestyle of Mr. Uchi, and has since publicly distanced himself from the suspect. The groups condemned the Afenifere group's attempt to manipulate the EFCC's findings or incite public opinion to cast aspersion on Akume's character.

"The surreptitious coercive attempt by the factional Afenifere group to manipulate the EFCC's findings or incite public opinion to cast aspersion on the character and person of the SGF with the intent to sway public opinion against him is a direct affront, discriminatory, offensive, obnoxious, distasteful, and disrespectful," the statement read.

The groups condemned in its entirety the call by the Afenifere group for the suspension of Chief George Akume from office and the threat to call for a nationwide protest. "We urge the group not to stampede, blackmail, or intimidate the EFCC and allow it to do its job, as the investigation into the matter is still ongoing," the statement added.

The civil society groups view Senator George Akume as a capable and loyal ally of Mr. President, working assiduously for the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. They made it clear that they will resist any attempt by the factional Afenifere group and their cohorts, or any other group or individuals, to denigrate, smear, or deride any of their leaders.

"This Coalition does not support, encourage, or aid any act of corruption or corrupt practices from any quarters, but will vehemently resist any attempt to coercively or manipulatively slander, smear, or surreptitiously assert our leaders with unprofessional conduct," the statement emphasized.

The groups called for a thorough, transparent investigation into the allegations, based on concrete evidence and guided by the principles of fairness and justice. "We also urge the public to remain cautious of unfounded allegations and to demand evidence-based reporting," the statement added.

The statement was signed by:

1. Micheal Stephen Babatunde, National Publicity Secretary, Conscience Nigeria
2. Joe Mesele, Executive Director, Policy Advocacy and Integrity
3. Adekola James, Northern Patriotic Front
4. Ali Abacha, Adopt A Goal For Development
5. Folu Martins, Empowerment For Unemployed Youth Initiative
6. Usman Shehu Tijani, Sustainable Peace Initiative
7. Delux Chukwuemeka, Guardians of Democracy and Development Initiative
8. Comrade Igwe Ude-umanta, Rising Up For A United Nigeria
9. Comrade Solomon Adodo
10. Nigeria Sustainable Initiatives for Nurturing Growth

These groups reaffirm their commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, good governance, and transparency, and will continue to resist any attempts to undermine these values.

THE EVOLUTION OF LEADERSHIP IN FRAGILE SOCIETIES: INSIGHTS FROM TOMPOLO’S ROLE IN NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT

By: Babangida Yunusa


I have watched an interview, from which I have extracted and attached a relevant portion featuring the comments of High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo. Upon reviewing his remarks, I am convinced and motivated to offer a written reflection on the issues he raised.

The progression of High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, known widely as Tompolo, offers profound lessons for leadership, development, and peacebuilding in Nigeria. In revisiting his recent reflections, it becomes clear that his journey embodies critical principles needed for the sustainable future of a diverse and complex nation.

Leadership in fragile democracies like Nigeria requires more than political correctness; it demands strategic loyalty. Trust is not a luxury, it is the very architecture that holds leadership together in volatile environments.

Throughout Nigeria’s history, from the First Republic to the present, betrayal and disloyalty have often derailed national progress. Leaders who ignore the strategic imperative of surrounding themselves with trustworthy people often find themselves sabotaged from within.

My emphasis on trust is thus a sober reminder that inclusion must never come at the cost of stability. Competence is important, but in the Nigerian context, trust is also foundational. Without it, administrative coherence collapses, policies are undermined, and public confidence erodes.

In contemporary Nigeria, the appointment of trusted allies by a leader is often misread as sectionalism or ethnic favouritism. This is a dangerous oversimplification. Nation-building requires patience, historical understanding, and critical analysis beyond ethnic lenses.

It is counterproductive to reduce leadership evaluation to "who got what" narratives. True development occurs when appointments are measured by merit, performance, and national impact, not just geographical spread. The early criticisms against President Tinubu, particularly from those feeling sidelined, reflect a deeper national weakness: the inability to prioritize collective progress over personal or ethnic interests.

Educating the citizenry on how modern governments function, including why trust and capacity are critical in appointments, is essential for Nigeria’s political maturity.

TOMPOLO’S EVOLUTION: A MODEL FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Tompolo’s transition from activist to advocate for peace demonstrates a crucial principle of conflict transformation: true leadership evolves. Freedom campaign, while a reaction to injustice, must eventually give way to dialogue, negotiation, and institutional building for lasting change.

Global examples abound, from Nelson Mandela’s armed struggle to his later reconciliation efforts, to Gerry Adams’ leadership of Sinn Féin after decades of conflict in Northern Ireland. Tompolo’s path mirrors this global pattern: legitimate grievances can give birth to legitimate institutions when visionary leadership is applied.

This evolution provides a clear message to conflict-prone communities in Nigeria: Violence alone can not deliver lasting justice; institution-building, education, and strategic engagement with the state are the ultimate tools of sustainable liberation.

MARITIME EDUCATION AS CATALYST FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University at Okerenkoko stands as one of Tompolo’s most visionary contributions. Beyond the Niger Delta, it signals a new frontier for Nigeria’s economy: the blue economy.

Globally, maritime industries contribute trillions of dollars annually. Nigeria, with a coastline stretching over 853 kilometers, is strategically positioned to benefit immensely from maritime trade, logistics, fisheries, tourism, and marine research. Yet, without skilled human capital, these opportunities will remain untapped.

The NMU is therefore not just an educational institution; it is a catalyst for national economic diversification. It prepares Nigeria to harness:

1. Maritime security and anti-piracy operations
2. Offshore oil and gas management
3. Fisheries and aquaculture development
4. Environmental conservation of coastal ecosystems
5. International shipping and logistics competitiveness

Educating youths in these areas will position Nigeria not only as a continental leader but also as a major player in the global blue economy.

THE NIGER DELTA QUESTION: BEYOND COMPENSATION TO STRUCTURAL EMPOWERMENT

The Niger Delta’s agitation has often been addressed through compensation — financial handouts, contracts, and political appointments. However, such short-term solutions have not addressed the underlying structural injustices: environmental degradation, exclusion from oil wealth, and lack of economic alternatives.

Tompolo’s shift toward institution-building — as exemplified by NMU — reflects a more sustainable solution: structural empowerment. True justice for the Niger Delta lies in:

1. Environmental clean-up and restoration (Ogoni clean-up as a litmus test)
2. Infrastructure development — roads, hospitals, schools
3. Direct community ownership and management of resources
4. Investment in industries beyond oil

Educating Niger Delta youth to become entrepreneurs, environmental scientists, engineers, and public policy experts is far more transformative than temporary financial compensation.

YOUTH AND THE POLITICS OF RESPONSIBILITY

A profound lesson from Tompolo’s journey is the need for the Nigerian youth to embrace responsibility over entitlement. While the grievances of unemployment, injustice, and marginalization are real, the solution does not lie in endless protest without vision.

Youth must:

1. Pursue education relentlessly, especially in areas of strategic national importance.
2. Engage in civic activities, including policy advocacy, community development, and public discourse.
3. Embrace entrepreneurship and innovation.
4. Demand accountability not through violence, but through democratic channels, elections, town halls, media engagement.

The future belongs to those who build, not those who merely complain.

In conclusion, Tompolo’s contributions to peace and development offer a blueprint for a new national consensus. Nigeria must move beyond the politics of division and grievances toward a politics of reconstruction and responsibility.

Trust must be restored, not blind loyalty, but strategic trust built on shared national goals. Education must be prioritized, not just certificates, but skills for the 21st-century economy. Peace must be sustained, not through force, but through inclusion, justice, and opportunity.

In the final analysis, Tompolo’s leadership journey challenges all Nigerians to reconsider what true patriotism looks like: not perpetual campaign, but the relentless pursuit of structures, policies, and systems that secure dignity for every citizen.

Nigeria’s future will not be shaped by those who remember old wounds alone, but by those who heal them with courage, innovation, and a commitment to the generations yet unborn.

In light of the recent remand of certain members of the Akoko Youths Forum to the Olokuta Correctional Centre by court order, the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ondo State, finds it essential to clarify the facts and context surrounding this matter.

The individuals in question were arraigned following a police investigation into incidents that involve assault, conspiracy, actions aimed at breaching public peace, cybercrime, threats to life, and other related offenses that occurred at the State Secretariat, which houses both the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General. Such incidents fall within the normal remit of the police to maintain law and order in our State. The progression of this case to court exemplifies the lawful process and reflects the State’s commitment to upholding civil rights, public order, safety, and institutional integrity.

It is important to recognise that the Ministry of Justice serves as a vital public institution grounded in professionalism, the rule of law, and collective service. This office operates within the jurisdiction of law enforcement and other security agencies, similar to any public institution. The Honourable Attorney General functions within this framework, with authority and responsibilities defined by the institution’s mandate.

While the Forum's leadership has extended conciliatory gestures and apologies, it is crucial to emphasise that the legal system is grounded in due process, which may not be truncated halfway to accommodate immediate resolutions. Any decision to resolve this matter must be based on the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for the law.

In response to these developments, the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who was out of the State, has returned to Akure and directed the Director of Public Prosecutions to formally take over the matter. The aim is to ensure a swift resolution while upholding due process, safeguarding the rights of all parties involved, and potentially including their release.

Additionally, the Honourable Attorney General has emphasized that any resolution will align with the principles of restorative justice, focusing not on criminalizing youthful engagement but on upholding the integrity of public institutions and fostering accountability.

We encourage the public to remain calm and allow the legal process to unfold, as we consider steps to resolve this matter in a manner that promotes peace, respect for the law, and mutual understanding.

By NDE Media Squad

Honourable Silas Ali Agara, Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, (NDE) has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wants all Nigerians to benefit from the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI).

He made the disclosure at a 2 day review meeting at the NDE Model Skills Acquisition Training Center, Kuduru, Bwari, Abuja on Monday.

According to him, "The President Tinubu's RHEI was launched in December 6, last year with over 93,731 enrollees and 5,532 have already graduated last month as the first batch.

"We have given them start-up packs to commence operations as self employed youths in ICT, fashion and design, solar installation, welding and fabrication amongst others.

"I want the beneficiaries to complete the payment of the cost of the working tools given to them as loans as at when due in six months." He said.

Hon Silas Agara thanks the states government for their support of the program in empowering the future generations.

The DG however calls on the management staff that are participants to brainstorm on how to adopt Internet Communication Technology, (ICT) in achieving international best practice of selecting, training, monitoring of beneficiaries seamlessly.

Hon Silas Agara said that he wouldn't relent in transforming NDE to an ICT compliant directorate in a short period of time through training, retraining and encouraging staff to be ICT professionals for the growth and development of the country.

In their remarks, Mr. Chimereze Noble Onyekachi, coordinator of FCT and Mrs Elizabeth Omoshola said that most of the youths cooperate with their trainers during the course of training and advice those in the next batch to emulate them.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq sends his hearty congratulations to the National Vice President of the National Youths Council of Nigeria Comrade Muktar Akoshile on his 40th birthday today, March 30, 2025.

Governor AbdulRazaq commends Akoshile for being a good ambassador of youths and of the state, saying his leadership qualities have earned him various recognitions within and outside Nigeria.

Apart from his role at the NYCN, Akoshile is the President of the Abuja Resident Youth Association and Coordinator of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, a platform to project the interest of young people across Africa and Arab world.

Governor AbdulRazaq wishes the Kwara-born youth leader many years of great accomplishments.

Kwara Speaker Congratulates National Youth Leader Akoshile on Birthday

The Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu felicitates Comrade Muktar Akoshile on his birthday anniversary.

Comrade Akoshile, a former acting National President of the National Youths Council of Nigeria is currently the National Vice President representing the North Central at the apex youth body in the country.

Akoshile is also the President of the Abuja Resident Youth Association and the West Africa Coordinator of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, a non-governmental organization promoting youth empowerment and development across Africa and the Arab world.

Rt. Hon. Engr. Danladi-Salihu praised Comrade Akoshile for his many exploits, especially his contributions to the empowerment and the well-being of youths in Nigeria, Africa, and the Arab world describing him as a good ambassador for the youth constituency.

The Speaker on behalf of Kwara Youths joins family, friends, and the Nigerian youths to celebrate Comrade Akoshile and wishes him a birthday filled with more life accomplishments.

Beyond the Noise: Unpacking the Petition on Benue and Zamfara Assemblies

By Toby Prince

The recent petition presented by Hon. Philip Agbese on behalf of some lawyers to the House of Representatives has sparked intense debate. But what's really at stake? Let's break down the key issues and concerns.

What's the petition about?

The petition, signed by over 200 lawyers, urges the National Assembly to take over the functions of the Benue and Zamfara state assemblies. This move is aimed at addressing the crises plaguing both states and preventing a potential constitutional crisis.

What's happening in Benue and Zamfara states?

In Zamfara State, 10 out of 21 lawmakers were suspended by the Speaker, allegedly on the instructions of the State Governor. This has crippled the Assembly's ability to perform its constitutional duties.

In Benue State, 14 out of 23 lawmakers were suspended for refusing to interfere in the judiciary. The directive to suspend them reportedly came from the Benue State Governor. In both cases, almost half of the assembly members were suspended, which could lead to a crisis.

Is it right to suspend 1/2 of lawmakers in a parliament?

Suspending 1/2 of lawmakers in a parliament is a highly questionable move that undermines the democratic process. When a representative is elected, they become the voice of their constituency, responsible for making decisions on their behalf. Suspending them essentially silences the voices of the people they represent, which is an assault on democracy. In the cases of Benue and Zamfara, the suspension has left many constituencies without representation.

Where has this happened before?

There have been instances of suspensions of lawmakers in Nigeria, but not almost half of the parliament. However, where this has happened was in countries in anarchy, most recently in Myanmar (2021) and Venezuela (2017).

Can parliamentary privileges be used to suspend lawmakers?

Parliamentary privileges can be used to discipline lawmakers, but the suspension of lawmakers must be fair, reasonable, and in line with constitutional provisions.

What are the implications of suspending a large number of lawmakers?

Suspending a large number of lawmakers can undermine the democratic process, stifle opposition voices, and create a crisis of confidence in the legislature.

What does the constitution say about National Assembly taking over the state assembly?

In Nigeria, Section 11(4) of the Constitution grants the National Assembly the power to take over the functions of a state assembly if it is unable to function.

Is the situation in Benue and Zamfara a crisis?

The suspension of lawmakers in Benue and Zamfara states has created a crisis in the parliament, with many arguing that it undermines democratic principles and the rule of law.

Did Agbese call for a state of emergency?

No, the petition called for the National Assembly to take over the functions of the state assemblies in Benue and Zamfara, not for a state of emergency. In fact, Agbese is seeking to avoid the Rivers debacle in the two states.

Is a state of emergency an option?

Yes. If the governors of both states fail to ensure the proper functioning of their respective assemblies, citizens may push for a state of emergency as a last resort. Like in Rivers, this would allow for the temporary suspension of certain constitutional provisions to restore order and stability, pending the re-establishment of fully functional democratic institutions.

***Prince is a Senior Legislative Aide in the office of the House of Reps Committee on Media and Public Affairs

The Ondo State Government has strongly refuted recent reports circulating on some online news platforms, alleging that bandits have sacked several communities in the state, killing 20 residents and forcing others to flee. Speaking to the media on Monday the Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Public Enlightenment, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, described the reports as misleading and capable of creating unnecessary panic among the people.

Comrade Lawson acknowledged that, like many states in Nigeria, Ondo State faces occasional security challenges. However, he emphasized that the security agencies in the state, particularly the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) and the Nigeria Police Force, have been working tirelessly to safeguard lives and property. He noted that security operatives have continued to make significant strides in combating crime, ensuring that criminal elements do not gain a foothold in the state.

He further clarified that several reported cases of kidnapping involving Ondo State residents actually occurred in locations that have been identified as parts of neighboring Edo and Kogi States. Comrade Lawson urged the media to verify facts before publishing reports that could misrepresent the security situation in Ondo.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration, He revealed, has placed a high premium on security, as reflected in the state’s 2025 budget. Nearly ₦5 billion has been allocated to the operations of Amotekun, with additional funds earmarked to support other security agencies. This commitment, according to Lawson, signifies the government’s resolve to protect citizens and foster a safe environment for residents and investors alike.

“The government of Governor Aiyedatiwa remains determined in its effort to rid the state of all criminal elements. We will continue to work in close collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety of our people and further open up Ondo State for foreign direct investment,” he said.

The Senior Special Assistant reassured the people of Ondo State of the administration’s continuous efforts to enhance security and improve their welfare. He reiterated Governor Aiyedatiwa’s consistent commitment to making Ondo State a secure and prosperous place for all.

The government urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies while also calling on journalists and media organizations to exercise due diligence in their reporting to avoid unnecessary panic and misinformation.

Tax Reform: How Hon James Faleke’s committee is winning the hearts of the people

By Yakubu Dati

“The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax” says
Albert Einstein.

That was the case with the Tax Reform Bills in Nigeria until it got to the National Assembly where more people were made to understand the nitty-gritty of the bills as opposed to relying on speculations by those who did not understand what the bills were all about.

One can say without equivocation that the dust raised by the initial introduction of the Tax Reform Bills is gradually settling down as the grey areas and concerns raised by Nigerians are being addressed through a legislative process.

After receiving the bills, the National Assembly got down to brass tacks taking holistic and unbiased views at the bills to establish the grievance of people and determine the issue that engendered fears and apprehensions.

One of the ways the National Assembly achieved this was through the conduct of public hearings where members of the public were allowed to air their views and make inputs into the bills.

The House of Representatives organized a 3 days public hearing on the Tax Reform Bill by the House Committee on Finance ably led by Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke.

The forum provided a veritable platform for key stakeholders to air their views and contribute to strengthening the bills while the chairman made the session lively and participatory by his mature interventions and democratic posture.

This led to a successful public hearing after which the House of Representatives Committee on Finance began analyzing the various submissions it received regarding the Tax Reform Bill.

Stripped of the misconceptions and initial assumptions, the bills, the committee pointed out, were meant to foster economic growth and investment through lower Corporate tax rates, encouraging business expansion as well as attracting foreign and domestic investors.

This is in cognizance of the fact that the tax incentives it will accord small businesses will boost entrepreneurship, lead to job creation and economic diversification as the simplified tax processes reduce administrative burdens, allowing businesses to focus on productivity rather than compliance complexities.

At the public hearing, while observations raised by participants were duly noted, the overriding benefits of Increased Government Revenue for Development through a broadened tax base that ensures more people and businesses contribute to national revenue and reducing over-reliance on oil and external borrowing were factored in.

The process made it possible for people to see that the bills were about efficient tax collection mechanisms which would minimize evasion and leakages, ensure funds are available for infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

It also opened the eyes of people to the other advantages which include the reduction of income Inequality through progressive taxation policies that ensure higher earners contribute more, while low-income earners get relief through exemptions.

Now, most people are clear that VAT exemptions on essential goods and services protect vulnerable populations from increased living costs and that tax reforms engender Inflation Control and Economic Stability.

It was also established through the deliberations that balanced tax policies help manage inflation by preventing excessive consumer price hikes while fiscal responsibility through improved revenue mobilization reduces government borrowing, stabilizing the economy.

As observed by experts, a revised VAT revenue-sharing formula promotes equity in resource allocation, ensuring that all states benefit and puts a lie to the claim that only Lagos and Rivers states would benefit.

People have come to appreciate the fact that reforms empower states to generate more revenue locally, fostering financial independence and reducing reliance on federal allocations and that a well-designed Tax Reform Bill is more than just a policy but a tool for sustainable progress.

By making taxation fair, efficient, and growth-oriented, people have come to accept that these reforms create an environment where businesses thrive, public services improve, and economic stability is achieved.

As the committee spends sleepless nights fine tuning the Bills, Hon Faleke expresses confidence that at the end of the exercise, more people would come to appreciate the genuine intentions of the bills and give kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his initiatives towards improving the economy of the country.

Yakubu Dati, a former Hon Commissioner from Plateau State can be reached on Yakubudati@gmail.com

*POLITICS: IF YOU CANNOT BEAT THEM AND YOU CANNOT JOIN THEM, PLEASE WATCH THEM FROM YOUR STAIRS.*

*By: Shehu Bashir Esq.*

On the 18th of February, 2025, I wrote an article which I titled “The Exfoliating Game of Politics”. My allusion was to argue that political end is endless for as long as the game is still on.

I suggested then that people should be patient, watch and observe as the game unfolds, so that they will not be making premature alliance based on interlude scenarios.

This instant message is alao applicable political followers and “table tennis” social media analysts who are always quick to condemn others while they cover their own rotten wound in sanctimony. Their hypocrisy stinks. They live on the platform of ignorance even though they know not that they are ignorant.

Loyalty is not dogmatism. Loyalty is an asset of assertion of principle which gives one the gut to defend a cause in good conscience. It is also a weapon for fortification against any attack on one’s principle. Where loyalty becomes a servility, any campaign of decency becomes an indecent exposure of hypocrisy.

Despondency, absence of self awareness, self honour, generally applicable principle and desperation for continuous access to “economic perks”, directly or indirectly, influences or encourages irritating lack of integrity to stand by the truth. The anxiety to survive is making people to be confused even in their own principle.

Politics may be all weather but consistency does not necessarily diminish anyone’s value. The pattern of subjective play has made some people lose the sense of their judgment.

These days, people don’t know what to support or oppose just as they don’t know where to go and not to go. They often resort to “body language therapy” to feel the pause of their boss in order to know which bus to board. If there is any such public display of error of judgement, they either quickly retract in shame or be silent in shame. It is a classic show of hypocrisy and sycophancy.

There is no need to write anything too much about the scenarios that just played out in both Lagos and Rivers State, as we may be experiencing similar things in other states across the nation. They are normal broad day paradox in Nigeria political power play. It is a survival of the fittest showmanship.

In Osun, the governor does not even know the “mortal to pour the fat” to grind. He has been scrambling for way out of his committed illegality without any hope. Kwara political landscape may be retained or redesigned. The architects are still on the drawing board, trying to draw out the right plan to construct a befitting legacy house. No room for error. A careful step is being taken in order not to slip. It is all politics. And it is lawful. It is open for anyone to take.

The beginning and the end of any political game will have an outcome of a winner and a loser. There is no draw in political game.

What determines your loss or your win depends largely on the strength of your political muscle - your financial capacity, demographic popularity, powerful godfathers, and persuasive personality. All these must be combined, atleast.

The flexibility of your weapon to attack and/or defend yourself is also important.

The caveat is that - if you don’t have the right weapon, don’t fan the embers of war. The first strike is rarely the last hit especially if the contender has a backbone to absorb the ferocity of the attack and launch a counter attack.

Laugh very loudly when you are beating your opponent to a defeat but do not cry too much when he wrestles you to the ground and punches you on your face. The game of politics does not end in the first strike, it goes on and on and with different emerging dynamics as the day goes by.

It needs no emphasis that politics is a career (for some people) in many respect. The urge to stay in politics does not necessarily mean the quest to be in power for life but with power. Yo be with power means to be eternally relevant in politics. Where a political power player is even in power, losing political relevance is what many player do not want to risk. It comes with assertive display of might.

In politics, rules of engagement is rarely the rule of law, strictly speaking. The contest comes with roller coasters of paradox. What is sauce for the geese is not always sauce for the gander.

Political rules are meant to change based on prevailing circumstances. Nothing is sacrosanct about and in politics. The application of “rule of law” may be based on prevailing strength of upper hand in political play. When you make the wrong service, you may get the wrong return of service.

Do not blame politics and politicians for taking the best advantage of their strength to get what they want, anyone who had chosen to be in the game is out to outsmart the other side. So, when you are outsmarted, don’t bring down the wall of Jericho for losing out. Nigeria-state industry will not produce lubricant for anyone to rub their egos.

The road to political victory may not always be morally smooth and may not necessarily be the way of the law. The winner of any such “manipulation” may feel proud for the victory. It will however be hypocritical for the followers of such opinion or the admirers of a politician to define political ethical standard based on the interest of their idol.

Whatever that is used as weapon against your opponent today, if they use it against you tomorrow, make no noise about it unless you want the author of noble book to erase your name from the book responsible people.

The game is just starting. As it is now, the best form of participation, until further notice, is to sit like a spectator and allow the politicians do their thing. The value of effort is seen in the outcome of the effort. If you can’t beat them, and you can’t join them, please, watch them from the stairs, tomorrow is still unfolding.

*GOD IS HERE.*

I have observed and seen how Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochineyere a disgruntled politician and member of the House of Representatives from Imo State, turned Rivers State into his private company where he earns a huge living by always misinterpreting court judgements and misleading the Governor of Rivers State and his supporters.

It is a general knowledge that Mr. Ugochineyere is mute about the things happening in his home, Imo state because of the warning of Gov Hope Uzodinma who chased him into his shell.

It is sad that Mr Ugochineyere have refused to learn and know when to put a stop to the games he Is playing with Rivers State Government.

It is right to tell the people of Imo to warn their son to stay clear Rivers State issues or else the Youths of Rivers State will lead a harmless army against him. There must be limit to this rascality and exploitation of the Rivers State political imbroglio.

Mr Ugochineyere should know that Enough is Enough and the money of Rivers people will never be used to service his cheap and constant misinterpretation of Court judgements.

Enough is enough.

Emmanuel, C.G

****Carpets Former Sokoto Governor On Remarks About President Tinubu’s Administration.

RE: OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR BOLA AHMED TINUBU, PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA



Dear Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa,



I extend my warmest and most sincere greetings to you, accompanied by heartfelt wishes for your continued good health, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Like you, I am deeply invested in the progress of our nation and in the success of the democracy we have worked so hard to build. It is in this spirit of constructive dialogue and patriotic commitment that I write to you today, not out of malice, but out of a firm belief that your recent open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu contained several misrepresentations, misjudgments, and misplaced expectations that require a careful examination and clarification from a neutral and patriot respective.



I respect your decades of political experience and your service to Nigeria, and I acknowledge your right to express concerns about the current state of our dear country. However, as an elder statesman, your role ought to be one of guidance based on fairness and objectivity, rather than engaging in narratives that do not align with the realities on the ground. Unfortunately, your letter to the President veers into the latter, as it ignores the efforts, policies, and significant progress made by this administration in less than two years despite your foreknowledge of its power transition.



I would like to begin with your implicit suggestion that President Tinubu’s government is somehow stifling opposition or tilting towards authoritarianism. This assertion, with all due respect, is not only misleading but also dismissive of the political inclusivity that has defined his administration from day one.



For the record, no Nigerian democratic President in history has demonstrated as much commitment to inclusivity as President Tinubu. This is evident in his carefully assembled cabinet; a diverse representation of the country, not just in terms of geography, but in professional expertise and competence. From the appointment of ministers to key agency heads, Tinubu has broken from the past by prioritizing capacity over blind loyalty or ethnic considerations.



Unlike previous administrations that leaned heavily on sectional interests or partisan allegiances, President Tinubu has set a standard that ensures that the best hands—regardless of political, ethnic, or religious backgrounds, are given the opportunity to contribute to national development. If there was ever a government that embraced the principle of Nigeria first, this is it.



This inclusivity is also reflected in his economic policies, security initiatives, and diplomatic engagements. I strongly believe that a man who governs with such broad-based participation cannot be accused of intolerance towards the opposition. The very foundation of your argument collapses under the weight of this simple and obvious truth.



The Nigerian economy we knew, was not merely “battered”; it was on life support. The fiscal policies of the past administration left the country with unsustainable debt levels, a crippling subsidy regime, and a foreign exchange system that encouraged arbitrage and corruption. Insecurity, which you rightly highlighted, had become a hydra-headed monster, with banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping reaching unprecedented levels. However, you fail to afford him the patience required to systematically address these deep-rooted issues. No sincere observer of Nigeria’s governance landscape would dispute that the country was in dire straits when President Tinubu took office. These are not excuses but facts that must be acknowledged to appreciate the magnitude of the task before President Tinubu.



The insecurity that has plagued Nigeria, which ranges from terrorism in the North-East to banditry in the North-West, IPOB insurgency in the South-East, and oil theft in the South-South did not begin under President Tinubu. The previous administration, despite its best efforts, struggled to fully contain these threats. Insecurity had become deeply entrenched, requiring a more strategic and long-term approach to dismantle its structures.



Moreover, since assuming office, President Tinubu has undertaken crucial reforms to strengthen the nation’s security architecture. He has revitalized the leadership of the military and intelligence agencies, provided them with improved operational capabilities, and encouraged regional collaborations to curb cross-border criminal activities. The fight against insecurity is ongoing, but significant progress has been recorded. Attacks have been repelled, terrorists have been neutralized, and territories once under siege have been reclaimed.



I would boldly say that It Is disingenuous to expect Tinubu to eradicate a decade-long security crisis in less than two years. Such an expectation is not only unrealistic but also undermines the collective patience required from all Nigerians to allow these reforms to take full effect. If you, an elder statesman, cannot provide this patience, how do you expect the average citizen to?



You also touched on the economic hardships facing Nigerians today. Again, while you acknowledge that President Tinubu inherited a battered economy, your letter fails to give due credit to the bold reforms he has implemented to put Nigeria on the path to long-term economic stability.



The removal of fuel subsidies, for instance, was not an easy decision, but it was a necessary one. The subsidy regime had become a black hole of corruption, benefiting only a few while draining national resources that could have been channeled into infrastructure, education, and healthcare. By removing it, the President took a decisive step that previous administrations lacked the political will to take.



Had previous administrations undertaken these difficult but necessary decisions, Nigeria’s economy would not be in the fragile state it was when President Tinubu took office. Instead, those before him kicked the can down the road, leaving him to bear the burden of unmaking years of economic mismanagement. Criticizing him for making tough choices is what I believed to be both unfair and shortsighted.



Your Excellency, as a senior politician with decades of experience, it is crucial that you take off the lenses of political bias and embrace a stance of neutrality. President Tinubu’s fight is not against opposition figures like yourself; it is against corruption, nepotism, incompetence, insecurity, and those who have looted Nigeria’s commonwealth for too long.



Rather than casting unnecessary aspersions, this is the time to rally behind the government’s efforts to rebuild Nigeria. Constructive criticism is welcome, but it must be grounded in fairness and a recognition of the challenges at hand. If we truly desire a better Nigeria, we must be willing to endure short-term difficulties for long-term gains.



You have spoken of democracy and the need to protect the opposition. Yet, in your own political history, you have benefitted from and participated in opposition politics without facing suppression. Tinubu himself rose to power through opposition politics. The insinuation that he is now attempting to stifle the opposition is a contradiction that does not stand to reason.



One of the most striking claims in your letter is the insinuation that President Tinubu is scheming to establish a one-party state in Nigeria. This assertion, with all due respect, is not only baseless but also a disservice to the democratic credentials of President Tinubu. Let us not forget that President Tinubu is a product of opposition politics. He has fought tirelessly for the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria, often at great personal cost. To suggest that he would now seek to undermine the very system he helped build is both ironic and unfounded.



However, the All Progressives Congress (APC), under President Tinubu’s leadership, has not taken any steps to muzzle the opposition or stifle dissent. On the contrary, the administration has maintained a firm commitment to the rule of law and the principles of democracy. The opposition parties in Nigeria today enjoy the same freedoms that the APC enjoyed when it was in opposition. If anything, President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a level of tolerance and inclusivity that is rare in our political history.



Your reference to the United States as a model of two-party democracy is apt, but it is important to note that the strength of a democracy is not determined by the number of political parties but by the vibrancy of its institutions and the commitment of its leaders to the rule of law. President Tinubu’s administration has shown a clear commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, and this is evident in the reforms being implemented across various sectors.



I believe that the real enemies of democracy are those who, rather than contributing to national progress, constantly seek to create discord for personal or political gain. If you wish to offer counsel, let it be constructive. If you seek to criticize, let it be fair, and if you desire the best for Nigeria, please let your voice be one that encourages nation-building, but that which undermines the sincere efforts of a government striving hard and tirelessly to reposition the country.



I implore you to reflect deeply about Nigeria’s current situation. It will take more than a magic wand to fix the massive problems Tinubu inherited. But by taking them on head-on, he has demonstrated incredible dedication, foresight, and bravery.



Your role, at this stage in your life, should be to guide younger politicians with wisdom, not to stoke unnecessary division. Let history remember you as a statesman who stood for truth, not as one who sowed seeds of discord when the nation needed unity the most.



Nigeria is on a path to full recovery, and while the journey may be difficult, the destination is worth the effort. President Tinubu is undoubtedly leading that recovery with bold and necessary reforms. It is time to support, not sabotage, these efforts.



May Almighty God guide us all and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



Yours sincerely,



Rep. [Chief] Dr Philip Agbese

The Okanga 1 of Agilaland.


The Honourable Member, Representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.

In a bold declaration, Hon. James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, announced that the hardships faced by Nigerians are now a thing of the past.

Faleke made this statement during a grand rally organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State, where thousands of enthusiastic supporters gathered to show solidarity with Governor Nasir Idris.

Faleke attributed this significant turnaround to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's unwavering determination to move the country forward.

“I am happy to be here and see the people of Kebbi State happy because of the governor’s performance. If a country must progress, the people must endure some hardships, but those hardships are now over. Our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is determined to move the country forward and will not disappoint you,” Faleke stated.

He praised the President's leadership, saying, "Our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is determined to move the country forward and will not disappoint you."

Governor Nasir Idris, who has been in office for one and a half years, was hailed for his impressive achievements in infrastructural development and security stability. He attributed these successes to his strong relationship with President Tinubu, saying, "The President's support has been instrumental in our progress."

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network (RHAN) has commended the exemplary leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and its Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

The group, consisting of loyalists of President Bola Tinubu, praised Komolafe's tireless efforts in driving reforms in the petroleum industry, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to RHAN's assessment report, the NUPRC has made significant strides in implementing the PIA, which has led to improved operational effectiveness, reduced misconduct, and increased revenue generation for the government.

The report highlighted the commission's efforts in streamlining regulatory processes, enhancing transparency, and promoting a more investment-friendly environment.

Speaking at a press conference, the national secretary of the group, Dr. Opialu Fabian specifically praised Engr. Komolafe's leadership style, which he says,has brought about a strong commitment to regulatory excellence, innovation, and transparency.

He noted that Komolafe's initiatives, such as technology-driven regulation, review of crude oil handling agreements, and commitment to local content development, have helped to curb oil theft, promote gas utilization, and attract investment in deepwater exploration.

RHAN also commended Komolafe's commitment to local content development, which has strengthened engagement with host communities.

According to Fabian, this has ensured that the benefits of oil production reach local populations, promoting socio-economic development and reducing conflicts.

Furthermore, the report acknowledged the challenges still facing the NUPRC, including oil theft, regulatory bottlenecks, and security threats.

However, RHAN expressed confidence that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria's oil and gas industry.

Fabian added: "Undoubtedly, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has undergone a dramatic transformation since the petroleum Industrial Act (PIA) was passed. It has contributed to the establishment of a well-organized regulatory environment with the goal of improving investment opportunities, efficiency, and transparency.

"In addition to ensuring that regulatory oversight is reinforced to support sustainable growth in the upstream petroleum sector, the establishment of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been crucial in advancing these reforms.

"However, with Engineer Gbenga Komolafe strategic foresight in increasing operational efficiency in NUPRC, it can be conclusively said that,  better than before, an atmosphere that is favorable to investment and economic expansion now exist.

"Despite putting policies like security enhancement, digitization, stakeholder engagement, and revenue optimization in place, challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, host community concerns, and oil theft, though now at minimal, still remain issues that require continuous attention and strategic interventions.

"We are convinced that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, ensuring it remains a vital contributor to national economic development."

A large crowd of supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu converged on the nation's capital on Friday for a meet and greet event, with Hon. James Abiodun Faleke leading the charge.

The event organized by the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), was to bring supporters together to celebrate Valentine's Day, while also gearing up for the "On the March Again" ahead of the 2027 elections.

The event, which took place at the TSG Campaign Office in Abuja, drew a large turnout of supporters from across the country. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, delivered a keynote speech, thanking everyone for their support and resilience.

"On behalf of President Tinubu, I thank everyone for their unwavering support and resilience," Faleke said. "We decided to call everyone to eat and celebrate our hard work during the last election and this mood will continue.

Faleke praised President Tinubu's leadership, saying that if God had not brought him to power, the country would have turned into something else by now. He highlighted the President's policies, which have resulted in more money for states, local governments and improved infrastructure across the country.

Faleke encouraged those who have received appointments to build relationships with everyone around them. "By God's grace, we will be alive to see the next election, and every APC member will win," he assured.

"All of President Tinubu's initiatives will improve education, infrastructure, and other sectors. The refineries, which were not working during the previous administration, are now operational. For the first time, there's no queue at fuel stations."

Faleke introduced Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai as the new Tinubu Support Group (TSG) Director General, describing him as a medical expert and a politician who is accommodating and poised to work tirelessly to bring everyone together in unity and cooperation.

"I have no doubt that Dr. Yakasai will lead our team to victory and ensure the success of President Tinubu's administration," Faleke said.

The event was attended by top government officials, including HE Silas Agara, Director General of the National Directorate of Employment; Hon. Baffa Dan Agundi, Director General of the National Productivity Center; Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, Executive Secretary, National Lottery Trust Fund; Hon. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation; Hon. Kolawole Raji, Director General of the National Board For Technology Incubation; and Hon. Henry Nwawuba, Executive Secretary, National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency

Also in attendance with sea of teeming supporters of the President were:
Hon. Shola Olofin: Chairman, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)
Mr. Saleh Abubakar: Director-General, National Agency for the Great Green Wall
Sen. Magnus Abe: Chairman, National Agency for the Great Green Wall
H.E Isa Yuguda: Chairman, Open University Governing Council
Hon. Duro Meseko: Member, National Working Committee (APC)
Aishat Alubankudi: Programme Manager
Grant for Vulnerable Groups: Programme Manager
Major General Abdulmalik Jibril: Secretary, Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Sen Grace Bent, Chairman governing council University of Jos, Chief Micheal Msuan , Chairman Governing Council Federal Polytechnic Wannue.

Other notable attendees included
Dr. Iyke Odikpo: Chairman, Abuja University Teaching Hospital
Hon. Ozo Obumreme Obodougo: Commissioner, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)
Chief Ekene Enefe: Commissioner, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)
Hon. Mathias Byaun: Executive Director Finance, Federal Housing Authority, Hon. Sarki Adar, Hon. Magaji Dau, Zack Orji: Nollywood Star, Hon Shehu Koko, Chairman, Governing Council of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic Birnin kebbi, former lawmaker, Hon Patrick Obiahagbon and Hon. Amuna Khadi among others.

The atmosphere was electric, with supporters feasting on delicious meals and enjoying thrilling performances by dancers from across Nigeria's diverse tribes.

16/02/2025