₦airaland Forum

The National Association of Nigerian Youth in Development (NANYD) has commended the federal government's committee probing the deaths of 33 miners in Minna for submitting its report but has sharply faulted its recommendation for an overhaul of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) leadership, describing it as a contradiction and a witch-hunt.

In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Bukura Ahmed (Ph.D.), the association noted that the report's executive summary disclosed that the now-suspended Niger State commander did not inform NSCDC leadership of the operation, which was carried out without requisite approval. Yet, NANYD observed, the same committee recommended a complete overhaul of the leadership, directly contradicting its own findings.

"The committee deserves credit. Here is the contradiction and it is not a small one," Dr. Bukura said. "The same report that recommends a total overhaul and restructuring of the NSCDC leadership also finds in its own words that the arrest operation was carried out without the requisite approval from NSCDC National Headquarters. No proper planning, no involvement of the mining authorities, no involvement of the NSCDC leadership in Abuja or its Zonal Headquarters. The operation was conceived, executed and concealed at command level, far from the eyes of the Corps' leadership in Abuja."

He stressed that the commandant who ordered the operation had admitted as much the operation was hidden from the leadership that would ordinarily have ordered a thorough investigation, profiled the suspects, shared intelligence, advised on the mode of operation, and brought in sister agencies had the scale warranted it. "None of that happened," he said.

"The now suspended commandant acted on his own operational discretion and that discretion boomeranged with catastrophic consequences. If the report's own findings are true, then the National Headquarters is not the architect of this tragedy. It is a victim of its own subordinates."

The NANYD leadership argued that calling for the decapitation of the leadership is unfair when it has been established that it knew nothing about the operation that led to the miners' deaths.

"So why, then, does the same report call for the decapitation of that leadership? Why should the National Headquarters take the fall for an operation it was never told about?" he queried. "There are over thirty-six state commands, plus the FCT and the zonal structures and one of them chose to go rogue, to bypass every laid-down channel, to conceal an operation from the very leadership that exists to supervise it and the remedy the committee proposes is to overhaul the leadership? What of the Niger command that failed to consult the proper channel before mounting such an operation? What of the officers who planned the raid, who crammed fifty human beings into a cell, who ignored their cries for help? What should their fate be, if the leadership that knew nothing is to be overhauled? The report rightly recommends murder charges against those officers. It should have stopped there or at least been honest that the two recommendations cannot comfortably coexist."

While concluding, Dr. Bukura threw his weight behind the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, praising his leadership for repositioning the agency over the years and cautioning anyone leveraging the tragedy to underplay his pivotal role. He insisted that calls for the CG's removal are uncalled for and are based on pure sentiment from strong forces within the government.

"With the plenty of killings in Benue, Plateau and other killings across the country, we should as well recommend that all the service chiefs, the Police IG, Governors of the states who are the Chief Security Officers of the State, the Minister of Defence and also the President be overhauled because of the tragedies," he said. "Leadership is not a tea party and overhauling a system that has over the years done well in its core mandate but because of a mistake made by someone who didn't do his job diligently, making the leadership take the fall for that is just pure joke from the committee and those who recommended such."

"There is a witch-hunt here and it is aimed at a leadership that the report's own findings exonerate. Has this leadership ever been commended for the many good works it has done? Has any probe weighed the pipelines protected, the saboteurs stopped, the mining sites secured? But the committee is quick to recommend an overhaul knowing full well that the leadership was not complicit in the deaths of those thirty-three people. The motive behind a recommendation that contradicts the findings that precede it deserves to be unraveled as thoroughly as the deaths themselves. A committee that does good work in the findings and then undoes it in the recommendations has left the job half-finished and the half it left unfinished is the half that matters most."

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Audi Ahmed Abubakar mni, OFR, has charged officers of the Corps to embrace neutrality, professionalism and thoroughness as the country enters the general election season in 2027. He urged them to safeguard Nigeria's democracy and ensure hitch-free elections by providing adequate security for electoral materials, electoral umpires and other critical stakeholders.

Professor Audi made this remark on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Corps headquarters in Abuja while declaring open a three-day workshop for 216 officers and men drawn from the 36 State Commands, the Federal Capital Territory and 18 Zonal Commands. The participants were specially being trained on election matters alongside other critical stakeholders.

The CG noted that the Corps will not give room for laxity in the upcoming election, which is why it is taking time to train officers on the need to be vigilant and their ability to deescalate situations without using force or how to use force when the need arises.

During his remarks, he vehemently warned against voter intimidation, abuse of citizens, abandonment of duty posts and obedience to unlawful orders, stressing that national interest must remain paramount. He emphasized the need to ensure a smooth election and understand the legal framework, operational procedures, intelligence gathering and integration with sister agencies in ensuring free and fair elections.

"We must not wait till Election Day to familiarize ourselves with electoral rules. The rules of engagement help officers to protect the process, citizens and defend the democracy that we are currently enjoying," he said.

The workshop, organized in collaboration with Alnas Consulting Limited, is themed "Role of Security Agencies in the Conduct of the General Elections in Nigeria: Legal, Field Conduct, Supervisory and Operational Perspectives."

In his welcome address, the Chief Responsibility Officer of Alnas Consulting Limited, Prof. Nasirdeen Usman, mni, described the Corps as a critical component of Nigeria's security architecture and urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained to other personnel.

The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Controller-General of Corrections, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Ambassador Dr. Jake Ekpelle.

As the nation approaches 2027, the NSCDC reaffirms its commitment to peaceful elections, inter-agency synergy, and the protection of every Nigerian's democratic rights.

The suspended Niger State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) conducted the operation that led to the deaths of miners in custody without approval from the agency's National Headquarters, a ministerial panel of inquiry has revealed. The panel, set up by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior, submitted its detailed report to Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Tuesday.

The panel, chaired by Mr. Jonathan Kure, disclosed that the raids were conducted on September 15 and 16, 2026, following complaints about suspected illegal mining activities around the Mi-Washishi axis of Niger State. However, the panel's executive summary established that the operation was conducted without adequate planning, proper research, intelligence gathering or consultation with relevant mining authorities. The specialized mining marshals unit specially trained to handle operations relating to mining was not involved.

According to the report, the now-suspended commandant acted on his "discretional instinct," totally flouting the guidelines and rulebook governing operational functions, particularly regarding arrests of such magnitude. The operation was undertaken without an approved operational order and without the guidance of the National Headquarters. The committee further established that the mining sites targeted during the raids were actually licensed and operated by Ozan Consul and Services Limited and Prince Air Resources Limited.

During its investigation, the panel found that approximately 50 male detainees were confined in a cell measuring about 20 square metres, despite the facility's inadequate ventilation and limited capacity. The committee established that some detainees had been held beyond lawful detention periods, including one Emmanuel Emeka, who had been detained in connection with a civil debt dispute. The report also faulted the detention of minors alongside adults, describing the conditions as inconsistent with constitutional safeguards, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the Child Rights Act and accepted detention standards.

The committee concluded that the unlawful detention conditions, severe overcrowding and failure of officers to respond to repeated distress calls contributed to the deaths of 33 detainees between September 16 and 17, 2026. Medical and forensic experts who reviewed evidence indicated that the fatalities resulted from acute respiratory failure consistent with environmental asphyxia, aggravated by overcrowding, extreme heat, poor ventilation and dehydration. The investigation found that detainees repeatedly banged on cell doors and walls, shouted for assistance and pleaded for water as conditions deteriorated during the night. However, officers responsible for their welfare allegedly failed to provide timely intervention.

The committee concluded that the incident was a "preventable custodial tragedy" caused by severe overcrowding, unlawful and unsuitable detention conditions, failure of duty of care, disregard of repeated distress warnings, inadequate supervision and wider systemic deficiencies.

The panel recommended the dismissal of officers found principally responsible and prosecution for offences including murder, criminal negligence, torture and inhuman treatment where applicable. It also called for a comprehensive review of operational approval procedures, intelligence gathering, supervision, and coordination with relevant mining authorities. The committee emphasized that strict compliance with operational procedures and detention standards is essential to prevent security operations from resulting in further loss of life.

The Federal High Court, presided over by Honourable Justice Aluko, has granted an application by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc for substituted service of Form 49 on directors of Wempco named as alleged contemnors in the case of UBA v. Wempco.

The application forms part of proceedings seeking to determine whether the named individuals disobeyed an order of the court and whether they should be committed to prison for contempt.

The directors named as alleged contemnors are Lewis Shui Ngor Tung, Phillip Shui Chei Tung, M.A. Ola Yusuf, Tung Lawrence Blake, Aali Aare Hadji Tokunbo, Paul Shui Po Tung, Tung Robert, C.L. Ip and Taiwo Alli.

In advancing the application, counsel to UBA argued that service of Form 49 on the alleged contemnors was necessary to enable them to appear before the court and show cause why an order of committal should not be made against them.

He also argued that the Directors of Wempco and some members of staff took illegal steps in an attempt to disobey the Order of Court.

The court’s decision to grant substituted service provides a procedural step towards bringing the notice to the attention of the individuals concerned in accordance with the court’s directions.

Form 49 is a notice requiring an alleged contemnor to show cause why an order of committal to prison should not be made against them for alleged disobedience of a court order.

The Federal High Court had earlier made an Order of Mareva Injunction and appointed a Receiver/Manager over some of the Assets of Wempco following the indebtedness of Wempco to UBA in the sum of N61,445,695,993.76 (Sixty One Billion FourHundred and Forty-Five Million Six Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Three Naira, Seventy Six Kobo).

https://newsextra.com.ng/uba-moves-to-jail-wempco-directors-over-alleged-disobedience-of-court-order/

A Lagos State High Court, last Thursday, granted interim preservative orders of Mareva Injunction against Vitol SA – a Switzerland based Energy Trading company, and four other shipping companies in favour of United Bank for Africa Plc.



The bank alleged Vitol of wrongful release of cargoes of petroleum products which were consigned to the order of United Bank for Africa Plc in the Bills of Lading.



Addressing the Court, Bode Olanipekun, SAN, lead counsel for United Bank for Africa, urged the Court to grant the interim preservative orders against Vitol and the other shippers.



In a ruling on the application, the presiding judge, Honourable Justice K. A. Jose (Mrs.) granted three prayers in UBA’s application, including requests to restrain the dissipation of assets and dealings with funds up to the disputed amount by Vitol S.A.



“Prayers 1–3 are granted as prayed against the 2nd Respondent only,” the judge ruled.



The application was brought pursuant to Order 43 Rule 1 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the Lagos State High Court Practice Direction No. 2 of 2019.



UBA is seeking to contend in the substantive proceedings that Vitol SA and the owners of the vessels, are liable for alleged conversion, misrepresentation and negligence arising from the non-delivery of the petroleum products.



UBA also cited 34 financial institutions and public agencies, including commercial banks, merchant banks, microfinance banks, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigeria Customs Service, in connection with the application.



In an affidavit supporting the application, UBA’s Group Head of Recoveries and Remedial Management, Anthony Chilaka, stated that the bank issued a letter of credit for the benefit of Vitol SA to facilitate a petroleum products transactions.



UBA alleged that the cargo was transported to Nigeria and that the vessels’ masters issued several bills of lading.



The bank further alleged that Vitol subsequently endorsed the bills of lading “to the order of” UBA and handed over the original copies to it.



UBA maintained that the endorsement entitled it to take possession of the cargo upon completion of the voyage.



However, Chilaka stated that the bank had not received the gasoil despite the completion of the voyage.


“The applicant has not been given possession of the gasoil despite completion of the voyage,” the affidavit stated.



UBA alleged that the cargo was instead, applied to the use of another party, contending that the respondents’ failure to deliver it amounted to conversion and negligence.



The bank argued that the respondents had obligations arising from the transaction and the endorsement of the shipping documents, which it claimed were not fulfilled.



The bank alleged that the cargoes associated with those transactions were also diverted to the use of other parties after their voyages, rather than delivered to UBA.

https://newsextra.com.ng/uba-secures-court-order-against-vitol-over-alleged-242m-petroleum-cargo-diversion/

Prominent business mogul Chief Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun has been awarded the prestigious Hospitality and Leisure Business Leader of the Year at the 11th Annual London Political Summit and Awards (LPSA) 2026.

The grand event concluded on Wednesday, 14th October 2026, at the iconic Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington, London, gathering an elite audience of international diplomats, political figures, and global corporate leaders.

This year's summit convened under the profound theme: "Recognising Leadership, Creating Partnership and Advancing Peace, Trade and Sustainable Development."

The event was held under the distinguished chairmanship of Professor Kishan Devani BEM, FRSA, who highlighted the critical importance of honoring leaders who bridge the gap between economic growth, sustainable business practices, and international collaboration.

The "Hospitality and Leisure Business Leader of the Year" award recognizes Chief Egungbohun’s outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry.

His innovative business strategies, commitment to service excellence, and impactful investments have significantly reshaped the leisure sector, making him a standout recipient at this year's global summit.

While receiving the plaque, the Chairman of IBD Hotels International was commended for his resilience, visionary leadership, and dedication to fostering partnerships that drive cross-border socio-economic development.

In his remarks, Chief Egungbohun expressed profound appreciation to the management of the 11th Annual London Political Summit and Awards 2026 for their efforts in recognizing key stakeholders in the hospitality sector.

He promised to continue advancing his mission of providing world-class hospitality and service at its best.

The London Political Summit and Awards continues to serve as a premier global platform that benchmarks exemplary leadership and promotes sustainable peace, trade, and economic advancement worldwide.

The Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Modupe Oriyomi Ativie before Justice A. T. Muhammed of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for alleged fraud.

She was arraigned on a five-count charge, bordering on visa fraud, advance fee fraud and obtaining money under false pretence.

One of the charges reads: "That you, Modupe Oriyomi Ativie and Eudora and Aegle Management Consulting Limited, sometime in July, 2024 at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did obtain the sum of Eight Million, Five Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira (N8,580,000.00, only) from One Atamuotoru Dikiari Michael through his sister, Rita Chikeru Owhonda by false pretence under the guise of offering a visa sponsored employment to Canada for him, which pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) & (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related offences Act 2006 and Punishable under same section of the same Act".

Another reads: "That you Modupe Oriyomi Ativie and Eudora and Aegle Management Consulting Limited between 21st November, 2024 to 23rd January, 2025 at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did obtain the sum of Twenty-Two million, Four Hundred and Eighty-Two Thousand Naira (N22,482,000. 00, only) from one Augustine Olague by false pretence under the guise of offering a visa sponsored employment to Canada for him, which pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) & (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act".

She pleaded "not guilty," to charges, prompting the prosecution counsel I. Agwu to ask the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in Port Harcourt Correctional Centre, pending his trial, while the defence counsel, J. Kehinde applied for his bail to enable her prepare for her trial.

Justice Muhammed thereafter, ordered for the remand of the defendant in EFCC’s custody and adjourned the matter till October 16, 2026 for ruling on her bail application.

The defendant’s way to the court was paved by a petition from Michael Aiamunotorudikari, in which he alleged that he lost money in various currencies, together with other victims, to the defendant. He disclosed that his sister Rita Chikeru Owhonda introduced Eudora and Aegle Management Consultant to the defendant's company in June 2024, as an agency that was procuring Canadian visa and employment opportunities for travellers in the country.

He alleged that he initially paid the sum of $5,800 (Five Thousand, Eight Hundred United States Dollars) into the defendant’s Eudora and Aegle Travel Management Consultant account and additional sum of N8,580,000 ( Eight Million, Five Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira into another account of the the defendant

According to him, the defendant became incommunicado after the two payments and that all his efforts to recover his money proved abortive.

Investigation by the Commission revealed that the defendant received an aggregate sum of N31,062,000 (Thirty-one Million and Sixty Two Thousand Naira) from the petitioner and $3,600 (Three Thousand, Six Hundred Dollars) and €1,815,00 (One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifteen Euros) from other victims.


https://newsextra.com.ng/efcc-arraigns-modupe-oriyomi-ativie-over-alleged-n31m-3600-e1815-visa-fraud/

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering Nigerians through skills acquisition and sustainable livelihoods, as 700 beneficiaries graduated from a 10-day Federal Government vocational training programme in Oyo State.

Dr Abiola Arogundade, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (TVEE), stated this on Friday in Ibadan at the graduation ceremony.

The training was organised under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) to equip beneficiaries with practical, market-relevant skills for economic independence.

Arogundade said the initiative reflected Tinubu’s determination to bridge Nigeria’s skills gap and empower young Nigerians to compete effectively in the evolving economy.

She said the programme was designed to promote self-reliance, improve employability and enable beneficiaries to build sustainable livelihoods.

According to her, the 700 beneficiaries comprised 30 participants trained in artificial intelligence (AI) and graphics, 85 in makeup artistry, 85 in fashion design and 500 in digital economy-related skills.

“This project is very dear to my heart because I come from Aremo, Ibadan.

“But it is also very dear to the heart and vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose determination to close Nigeria’s skills gap is a major driver of the mandate we have been given.”

Arogundade said Tinubu believed young Nigerians needed opportunities, skills and tools to compete effectively and achieve economic independence.

She urged stakeholders to support initiatives that equipped young people with relevant skills and opened pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

Sen. Sharafadeen Alli, APC governorship candidate in Oyo State and representative of Oyo South Senatorial District, said the initiative would contribute to poverty reduction not just in Oyo but across the country.


Sen. Alli said the Tinubu administration had introduced measures to cushion the effects of petrol subsidy removal, adding that the empowerment programme was part of efforts to tackle poverty and unemployment.

Similarly, Sen. Yunus Akintunde (representing Oyo Central) commended Arogundade for facilitating the programme and urged beneficiaries to preserve and make productive use of the equipment provided.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by Shola Ladoja, also commended Arogundade and the Federal Government for the initiative, while expressing
optimism that the programme would contribute to poverty reduction and improve livelihoods.

The ceremony attracted youths, representatives of non-governmental organisations, politicians, traditional rulers, entrepreneurs and academics.

At the end of the programme, all beneficiaries were awarded certificates and provided with start-up kits to support their transition into self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpy08FnEYPs

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has made a fresh prophecy concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, suggesting that the Nigerian leader may face arrest if he wins the 2027 presidential election.

The prophet’s declaration adds to his series of political predictions ahead of the next general election, which is expected to generate intense political activities as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties prepare for the contest.

Primate Ayodele, who is known for making predictions about Nigerian politics and governance, has continued to speak about developments that could shape the country’s political future, including Tinubu’s re-election ambition and the possible outcome of the presidential election.

His latest statement about a possible arrest has raised questions about what he foresees for the president should he secure another electoral victory. However, the prediction remains a prophetic claim and should not be interpreted as confirmation that Tinubu will be arrested if re-elected.

The latest prophecy also brings renewed attention to Primate Ayodele’s earlier remarks about the possibility of the 2027 presidential election proceeding to a runoff.

In his previous prediction, the cleric suggested that Tinubu could lose the election if the contest eventually goes into a second round.

The statement presents another dimension to the prophet’s expectations concerning the forthcoming election, particularly as political parties consider their strategies and prepare to mobilise support across the country.

Under Nigeria’s constitutional framework, a presidential candidate must satisfy the applicable requirements for election as president. Depending on the results of the first round and the constitutional conditions, a further election may be necessary.

However, whether the 2027 presidential election will proceed to a runoff remains uncertain, and the outcome will ultimately depend on the electoral process and the decisions of Nigerian voters.

President Tinubu’s administration is expected to face scrutiny over key national issues as the country approaches the 2027 general election. Economic conditions, insecurity, the cost of living, employment and the impact of government policies are among the issues likely to influence public debate.

Against this background, political predictions concerning the president’s future are likely to attract attention from supporters, critics and other observers.

Primate Ayodele’s latest prophecy, alongside his earlier prediction about a possible runoff, adds to the growing discussion surrounding Tinubu’s re-election prospects.

Nevertheless, the prophet’s statements remain predictions rather than established outcomes. Whether Tinubu will win the election, whether the contest will proceed to a runoff, and whether any legal action could follow are matters that cannot be determined by the prophecy alone.

The Founder of the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation and Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, has challenged Ekiti State to move beyond its celebrated intellectual tradition and translate its enormous human capital into industrial growth, employment and sustainable wealth creation.

Olowolafe made the call on Wednesday at the Ekiti at 30 Future Summit held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, Ado-Ekiti, where he delivered the lead paper titled, “The Path to Ekiti’s Greatness: Opportunities, Choices, and Imperatives for the Next 30 Years.”

Speaking before an audience of government officials, academics, professionals, traditional and community leaders, Olowolafe said Ekiti’s first 30 years had demonstrated that the state could survive and build itself, but the next phase must establish its capacity to lead.

According to him, Ekiti possesses the essential ingredients for development, including a strong culture of education, highly skilled professionals, tertiary institutions and a disciplined workforce, but must now deliberately connect knowledge with productive power, vocational skills, enterprise, infrastructure and global markets.

He said the central question before the state was no longer whether Ekiti had intellectual capacity, but how that knowledge could be converted into practical solutions capable of lifting communities out of poverty and creating sustainable prosperity.

Olowolafe identified reliable electricity, practical vocational education and direct connections to industrial supply chains and global markets as three fundamental requirements for Ekiti’s industrial takeoff.

He proposed a ward-by-ward technical audit of the state’s 177 political wards with a view to establishing renewable energy-powered microgrids capable of providing electricity to schools, health centres, workshops and small businesses.

According to him, a solar microgrid of between 300 and 500 kilowatts could provide productive power to a cluster of essential facilities and businesses in many communities, describing the projects as bankable and within the state’s execution capacity.

He also called for a major expansion of vocational education in Ekiti, stressing that the future economy would increasingly reward practical competence in areas such as solar installation, welding, fabrication, machinery repair, food processing and other high-value technical trades.

While acknowledging the six government technical colleges already established by the state, Olowolafe argued that their present capacity was insufficient to meet the needs of the hundreds of thousands of young people across the state’s 16 local governments.

He advocated the recruitment of experienced vocational instructors from countries with strong technical education systems, including Switzerland, Germany, Canada and South Africa, to train teachers, modernise curricula and strengthen the connection between technical colleges and industry.

He further urged major industrial companies to become active partners in technical education by participating in curriculum development, sending engineers to teach and recruiting directly from technical institutions.

Olowolafe cited the practical training of Ekiti State University civil engineering students on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as an example of how industry and education could work together to produce graduates with practical experience.

He said the ultimate goal should be a situation where major industrial establishments routinely recruit certified welders, fitters and instrumentation technicians trained in Ekiti, thereby changing public perception of technical education and positioning skilled trades as high-value careers.

The medical doctor and corporate practitioner also highlighted the importance of infrastructure and global connectivity in Ekiti’s development strategy.

He commended the continuity of leadership behind the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, noting that different administrations had contributed to the development of the projects.

According to him, the Knowledge Zone, conceived under former Governor Kayode Fayemi and being implemented by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, would provide young Ekiti residents with an environment to build technology ventures and serve clients around the world without leaving the state.

He described the completion of the agro-allied international cargo airport as another example of what continuity in governance could achieve, tracing its conception to former Governor Segun Oni, the acquisition and clearing of the site to former Governor Ayodele Fayose, the commencement of construction to former Governor Kayode Fayemi and its completion under Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

Olowolafe also acknowledged the intervention of Governor Oyebanji and Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in securing the award and commencement of work on the Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole federal road, expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the development.

Turning to the importance of empirical knowledge and innovation, Olowolafe used a personal childhood experience involving a snakebite to illustrate the need for Ekiti to respect tradition while remaining open to scientific inquiry.

He recalled how his grandmother treated him with traditional medicine after he was bitten by a snake, while his late uncle, Professor Femi Elegbeleye, later took him to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital for clinical antivenom treatment.

The experience, he said, taught him that traditional knowledge should not necessarily be dismissed, but that when lives, health and livelihoods are at stake, society must be prepared to seek the best available evidence.

He said that same philosophy informed the work of the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation, particularly its interventions in education and technology.

In Are-Ekiti, he disclosed that the foundation had responded to the needs identified by the Are-Ekiti Progressive Union by supporting the establishment of the Gbemisola Olowolafe Memorial Community Secondary School.

The school, which was approved and is managed by the Ekiti State Government, opened in September 2025 with 100 students and had grown to more than 170 students.

Olowolafe said the ambition was to develop the school into a world-class institution with 600 students, with emphasis on science, technology, languages, arts and sports.

An ICT centre, GOMTECH, located adjacent to the school, is already providing training in artificial intelligence, coding, graphic design and Mandarin.

With characteristic humour, Olowolafe explained why he had not prioritised building a large personal residence in Are-Ekiti.

He said he would rather build a school where a child could discover his or her potential, expressing the hope that one of the school’s graduates would eventually become successful enough to build him a beautiful home in Are-Ekiti.

“That would be a return-on-investment worth waiting for,” he said.

At Ekiti State University, where he was appointed Chancellor in 2024, Olowolafe said the foundation was also supporting initiatives designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.

He disclosed that Project Digi-Teach EKSU was working to bring all 650 lecturers to full digital teaching proficiency, while the university’s Trading Room had evolved into a Senate-approved diploma programme in financial markets.

He added that high-speed Starlink internet had been installed at 12 locations across the university campus, including the library, faculties and ICT Experience Centre.

According to him, the objective was to ensure that EKSU graduates leave the institution with practical, digital and industry-ready skills.

Olowolafe also challenged Ekiti’s intellectual community to apply its knowledge to the state’s agricultural economy.

He recalled watching cocoa farmers dry their beans on roadsides as a child, with goats sometimes eating portions of the harvest.

But what was once amusing to him as a child, he said, had become a serious economic concern as an investor.

“Ideregbes are eating dollars,” he remarked, challenging Ekiti’s universities, engineers, scientists and artisans to develop affordable solar-powered cocoa dryers for cocoa-producing communities.

He disclosed that Ekiti produced about 4,500 tonnes of cocoa in 2025, according to the state Ministry of Agriculture, and called for a deliberate policy to ensure that cocoa is processed into chocolate within the state rather than exported as a raw commodity.

He equally advocated value addition to the state’s solid mineral resources, aligning with the national push to end the export of raw minerals and strengthen local processing capacity.

As part of that effort, he disclosed that the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation was collaborating with Ekiti State University to modernise the Department of Geology through the provision of solar power, high-speed internet, computer hardware and advanced field-testing equipment.

He said the foundation’s ambition was to help transform the department into the premier geology faculty in Africa within five years.

Looking beyond the 30th anniversary of the state, Olowolafe argued that Ekiti could achieve much of its long-term development ambition within the next decade if it remained focused and disciplined.

He proposed that the state should convene a progress review every two years to assess its achievements, identify gaps and hold itself accountable for its commitments.

Reflecting on the history of Ekiti State, he reminded the gathering that 30 years ago, the state’s founders did not wait for perfect conditions before beginning the work of governance.

They raised funds among themselves, moved teachers and government officials at short notice and commenced some government activities under the trees at Christ’s School.

For Olowolafe, that history should inspire the present generation to demonstrate the same courage and determination.

He subsequently announced three major commitments by the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation to the development of Ekiti State.

First, he said the foundation would work with the state government, on a case-by-case basis, to install and upgrade modern ICT centres in the six government technical colleges, modelled after GOMTECH, with each centre powered by solar energy and connected to high-speed Starlink internet.

Second, the foundation would recruit international vocational training experts to support teachers, train students and assist with curriculum reform, with success measured by the number of graduates who become certified, employed or establish their own businesses.

Third, the foundation would partner with leading mining schools in Canada and South Africa to help transform the Department of Geology at EKSU into the best in Africa within five years, while strengthening its curriculum and creating vocational certificate pathways for geological technicians and mine safety officers.

Olowolafe said the foundation did not intend to create a parallel system, but rather to strengthen existing institutions and build on what Ekiti already had.

He said the state had mineral resources, cash crops and excellent human capital, stressing that the first 30 years had proved that Ekiti could exist, while the next 10 years must prove that it could lead.

“The opportunities are before us. The choices are in our hands. The imperatives are not optional,” he declared, urging the people of Ekiti to make the right choices and begin the transformation immediately.

He expressed the hope that 30 years from now, the next generation would look back and acknowledge that the present generation answered the call of destiny.

Concluding his address, Olowolafe called for collective commitment to building an Ekiti where knowledge translates into innovation, innovation creates enterprise, and enterprise generates prosperity for its people.

“Ekiti has mineral resources, cash crops and excellent human capital. Our first thirty years proved that Ekiti could exist. The next ten must prove that Ekiti will lead,” he said.

The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State has taken a fresh dimension, with a governorship aspirant in the state, Abayomi Semako Hunye, declaring that only President Bola Tinubu can call for a dispute resolution process that he would be willing to listen to.

Hunye, a former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority, stated this on Saturday while speaking with journalists at his annual birthday celebration, organised by his supporters from across all the local government areas of the state.

The politician, who hails from Ogun West Senatorial District, said repeated attempts by party leaders to persuade him to step down for the sake of the APC had become unacceptable, insisting that he had made enough sacrifices for the party.

He said, “The reconciliation stage has passed. Only the President, the leader of the party and the father of the nation, can call me, and I will listen.

“Leaders in the party are afraid to reach out to me because they have asked me to step down several times for the sake of the party, which I have obliged. Why should I always be the one to step down?

“I am sure that if the President is to give a verdict in this case, it will be in my favour because he definitely won’t support impunity.”

Hunye’s comment comes amid deepening political tension within the Ogun APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

He also dismissed allegations that his political position was financially motivated, challenging anyone who claimed to have given him money in connection with his mandate to come forward and prove it.

“Quote me anywhere, I have never called anyone to negotiate my mandate or collected a kobo from anyone, not even Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly called Yayi. Please ask him and let him prove me wrong if I am telling lies,” Hunye said.

On his chances in the 2027 governorship election, particularly in the face of the financial strength of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Ladi Adebutu, Hunye expressed confidence in his ability to win.

He hinged his optimism on the agitation for Ogun West to produce the next governor of the state, as well as what he described as his popularity and acceptability across Ogun.

Hunye also referred to Adebutu’s reported statement that he would step down if Ogun West produced an “original son of Yewa” as its governorship candidate.

According to him, the growing demand for power to shift to Ogun West could translate into massive electoral support for him.

“The sentiment about citizens of Ogun State wanting Ogun West to produce the next governor is enough to make me win by a great landslide, coupled with the fact that I am popular and acceptable among the Ogun people,” he said.

Hunye also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and disciplined, warning them against insulting, threatening or attacking anyone in his name.

He said he would respect the eventual decision of the court, regardless of the outcome, but expressed confidence in victory, considering the nature of the case before the court.

A digital lending controversy has put FairMoney under fresh scrutiny after a Nigerian borrower challenged the calculation that turned an original ₦1.3 million loan into a repayment obligation of about ₦6.8 million following a ₦500,000 top-up.

The borrower, Chukwuemeka Peter Madunagu, is demanding clarity over how the revised obligation was calculated, raising questions that could require examination by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

Madunagu said he had already repaid ₦442,868 on the original facility before obtaining the additional ₦500,000.

But in its response to the complaint, FairMoney stated that the original loan attracted a monthly interest rate of 13.18 per cent, while the top-up carried a monthly interest rate of 20.14 per cent.

According to the lender, the restructuring resulted in a total repayment obligation of ₦6,814,076.



Madunagu, however, disputes the calculation, alleging that the restructuring effectively transferred the interest obligation attached to the original facility into the new loan arrangement.

The dispute raises questions over how digital lenders calculate outstanding principal, accrued interest, top-ups, restructuring charges and final repayment obligations.

It also raises the question of whether borrowers are given sufficient information to independently understand the financial consequences of accepting a revised facility.

Where is the APR?
Under the CBN’s consumer-protection framework, credit agreements are expected to provide customers with key information on interest, charges, repayment obligations and the method used to calculate them.

Customers are also entitled to relevant and truthful information about financial products and services, including information necessary to understand their contractual obligations.

Against that background, the disputed ₦6.814 million figure requires more than an explanation that it was generated by an automated lending system.

Among the questions requiring clarification are the outstanding principal on Madunagu’s original facility when the ₦500,000 top-up was approved, the amount of interest that had accrued at that point and whether any previously accrued interest was incorporated into the revised repayment obligation.

There is also the question of what annual percentage rate (APR) was presented to the borrower and whether the lender provided a repayment schedule showing how the final amount was derived.

An independent reconciliation of the loan ledger could establish how every component of the ₦6.814 million obligation was calculated.

Second borrower reports similar concern
The documents reviewed in connection with the complaint also contain another case involving a FairMoney customer whose repayment obligation rose significantly after an earlier liquidation figure.

In the correspondence, the customer was told that an earlier liquidation amount was ₦1.755 million, while the current outstanding balance stood at ₦2.675 million and the amount required for full repayment was ₦6.495 million.

The customer had received approved loans totalling ₦2.7 million.

FairMoney explained that the lower liquidation figure represented a temporary discount which had subsequently expired.

The lender also stated that its automated system determined the applicable interest and repayment terms and that the relevant information had been displayed before the customer accepted the loan.

But the dispute illustrates the difficulty borrowers may face when the final amount demanded differs substantially from an earlier liquidation figure.

The central issue is therefore not simply whether customers accepted the terms presented to them.

It is whether those terms and the consequences of accepting them were sufficiently clear, comprehensible and capable of independent verification.

Regulators urged to examine loan calculations
The cases have prompted calls for the CBN and FCCPC to examine FairMoney’s lending, top-up and restructuring practices, particularly where customers dispute the resulting repayment obligations.

A regulatory review could include examination of the original loan agreements, revised agreements, loan ledgers, repayment schedules, interest calculations, fees, discounts and disclosures presented to customers before and after top-ups.

Such an examination would also determine whether the lender’s calculations and disclosures comply with applicable consumer-protection requirements.

The FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 were introduced amid growing concerns about practices in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital lending market.

The regulatory framework seeks to address issues including transparency, consumer protection, lending practices and the conduct of digital lenders.

The commission has also maintained that consumers should receive clear information on the terms and financial obligations associated with digital loans.

Automated system cannot end the debate
For borrowers challenging their repayment figures, an explanation that the amount was generated by an automated system may not adequately resolve the dispute.

Digital lending platforms rely heavily on automated calculations, but the resulting figures still represent enforceable financial obligations for customers.

Where a borrower disputes a repayment amount running into millions of naira, the lender should be able to provide a transparent breakdown showing the original principal, payments made, accrued interest, fees, top-up amount, restructuring terms and remaining balance.

That breakdown would allow both the borrower and regulators to establish whether the amount demanded is consistent with the agreed terms.

The controversy also puts the spotlight on FairMoney’s management, including its chief executive officer, Laurin Nabuko Hainy.

As a major digital lending platform, FairMoney has the opportunity to address the dispute by providing a clear explanation of the calculations and the contractual basis for the amounts demanded.

If the figures are correct, a detailed loan ledger and amortisation schedule should demonstrate how the final obligations were reached.

If the calculations are found to be inconsistent with the agreed terms or applicable regulations, affected customers would be entitled to appropriate redress.

CBN, FCCPC face test
The cases present regulators with an opportunity to determine whether the transparency requirements governing digital lending are working effectively in practice.

The CBN could establish whether the interest and repayment calculations comply with its consumer-protection requirements, while the FCCPC could examine whether the lending practices raise broader consumer-protection concerns under its regulatory framework.

Any regulatory review should establish what borrowers were shown before accepting the loans, what changed when top-ups were granted and how the final repayment figures were generated.

The outcome would also provide clarity for thousands of Nigerians who rely on digital lending platforms for emergency financing and short-term credit.

Digital lending has expanded access to credit, but easier access to loans cannot come at the expense of transparency.

For Madunagu, the difference between a ₦1.3 million original facility and a ₦6.814 million repayment obligation is not a technical dispute over an automated calculation.

It is a multimillion-naira financial liability.

That is why the central question now confronting FairMoney and the regulators is straightforward: Can every naira in the disputed ₦6.814 million repayment be explained and reconciled with the terms the borrower accepted?

https://newsextra.com.ng/%e2%82%a61-3m-loan-%e2%82%a66-8m-repayment-fairmoney-under-cbn-fccpc-lens/

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has offered a significant reflection on the relationship between public policy and private enterprise, identifying Oando Group Chief Executive, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, among the Nigerian entrepreneurs who helped turn government policy into economic activity.


Obasanjo spoke last Wednesday, September 30 at the groundbreaking of Aliko Dangote’s proposed $16 billion East Africa Refinery in Lamu, Kenya, where he recounted how policy interventions during his administration helped stimulate investments in domestic industrial production.


The former President, while explaining Dangote’s emergence as a major industrialist, stressed that government policy could only achieve its intended objectives when entrepreneurs were prepared to respond with capital, enterprise and risk-taking.
His reference to Tinubu was particularly pointed.


“I made policies, but my policies would have failed if not for Dangote and others like Wale (Wale please stand up) and others that took advantage of them.” He commented.
The statement provides a useful lens through which to examine Nigeria’s economic development over the past two decades.

Policy, in itself, does not create factories, expand energy infrastructure or build globally competitive companies. Its impact depends significantly on how effectively private capital responds to the incentives and opportunities created.


Tinubu’s trajectory in Nigeria’s energy industry illustrates that intersection. Through Oando, he has been associated with the development of an integrated energy business spanning significant segments of the petroleum value chain.


Obasanjo’s intervention therefore goes beyond a personal commendation. It underscores a central lesson of economic policy: governments can establish frameworks, but entrepreneurs ultimately determine whether those frameworks produce productive assets, investment and jobs.


At a time when African economies are increasingly seeking to move from dependence on raw-material exports towards value addition and industrial capacity, that public-private relationship remains critical.


In Kenya, Obasanjo’s words placed Tinubu within that broader narrative, entrepreneurs whose willingness to invest helped give practical expression to policy ambitions.

...IBD Dende Congratulates Nigerians at 66, Calls for Collective Commitment to Nation-Building

As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Oluomo Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, popularly known as IBD Dende, has congratulated Nigerians at home and across the world, describing the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate the resilience of the Nigerian people and renew their commitment to building a better nation.

Oluomo Egungbohun, in his early-morning special greetings to Nigerians on the 66th anniversary, said the occasion was not only an opportunity to commemorate Nigeria’s independence but also a time for citizens to reflect on their individual and collective roles in moving the country towards the development they desire.

“I want to congratulate my fellow Nigerians, our compatriots and all of us who are alive today for our collective endurance, contributions, resilience and patriotism in building our dear country,” Egungbohun said.

According to him, the renewed hope being witnessed across the country is a product of Nigerians’ refusal to give up on the possibility of a better Nigeria.

“We are here witnessing renewed hope because we refuse to abandon hope for a prosperous nation. The hope we refuse to abandon is reshaping Nigeria,” he said.

The Chairman of IBD IMPEX LTD also called on Nigerians to recognise their individual responsibilities in the nation-building process, stressing that government and public institutions alone cannot deliver the development and progress the country desires.

“We cannot rely solely on government or public institutions for the development and progress we desire. Every Nigerian has a role to play — through honest work, responsible citizenship, respect for one another, service to our communities and a commitment to the common good,” he said.

Egungbohun further urged Nigerians to see the country's diversity as a potential source of strength rather than division.

“May this special occasion of Nigeria at 66 also serve as a reminder that our diversity need not divide us. Rather, it can be a source of strength when harnessed in the pursuit of shared national aspirations,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to the country's progress, stressing that the future of Nigeria requires the active contribution of its citizens.

“Our hope must not die. We must continue to believe in Nigeria, work for Nigeria and contribute to the Nigeria we desire,” Egungbohun urged.

As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, the message calls for renewed hope, responsible citizenship and collective participation in building a stronger and more prosperous nation.

Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria.

The Oloworo of Oworosoki, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, calling for unity, peace and collective commitment to the development of Nigeria.


In a goodwill message to mark the anniversary, the monarch extended his warm felicitations to Nigerians, particularly the people of Oworosoki and residents across Lagos State, while acknowledging the resilience and determination of citizens in building a stronger and more prosperous nation.


Oba Saliu urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to the progress of the country, stressing that sustainable national development requires the cooperation and support of citizens, traditional institutions, government and other stakeholders.


The monarch also called on the people of Oworosoki and Lagos State at large to support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing citizens’ participation and constructive support as important to the successful implementation of policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

The monarch also urged the people of Oworosoki and Lagos State at large to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, saying that continuity in leadership would provide an opportunity for the administration to consolidate its reforms and fully actualise the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.


According to him, the responsibility of building a better Nigeria should not be left to government alone, noting that citizens also have important roles to play through responsible conduct, peaceful coexistence, hard work and support for initiatives that promote economic and social development.


The Oloworo further called for continued prayers for Nigeria and its leaders, urging Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and mutual respect irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.


He said the 66th Independence Anniversary should serve as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s journey, appreciate its achievements and challenges, and renew their commitment to building a country where every citizen can aspire to a better future.


Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II wished Nigerians, especially the people of Oworosoki and Lagos State, a peaceful and memorable Independence Day celebration, expressing confidence in the country’s potential for greater development and prosperity.


Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Long live Lagos State.

Long live Oworosoki.

The Federal Government says it plans to lift
five million young Nigerians out of poverty through its skills acquisition and empowerment programmes aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods.

The initiative, being implemented under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant skills to enhance their economic independence and employability.

Dr Abiola Arogundade, Senior Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE), coordinator of the programme, disclosed this on Monday in Ibadan at the commencement of the programme’s Oyo State phase which will run from September 28 to October 9.

She said the training is part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to empowering Nigerians through technical, vocational and entrepreneurial education.

Arogundade said the programme, which commenced in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had moved to Oyo State and would be extended to other states and geopolitical zones across the country.

Under the Oyo State phase, 200 young Nigerians are being trained in Graphics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), makeup artistry and fashion designing.

Of the beneficiaries, 30 participants are undergoing training in Graphics/AI, while 85 each are receiving training in makeup artistry and fashion designing.

Arogundade said the initiative went beyond skills acquisition, adding that beneficiaries would be connected to organisations and business opportunities to support their transition into sustainable livelihoods.

“So with this programme, we are training 200 people. We will also be distributing 500 tablets during the grand finale of the programme as part of the Federal Government’s digital empowerment drive.

“We are directly empowering 700 people in this programme and there will be multiplier effect.

“We are not just training them for themselves but we are training them for their communities, for the population, and for all the states in Nigeria,” she said.

She urged participants to take the training seriously, maximise the opportunity and use their newly acquired skills to empower others within their communities.

“I want to just encourage them to do their best.

“I want to encourage them to know that President Bola Tinubu is thinking about all Nigerians, all young Nigerians in the country and ready to address their plights,” she said.

The presidential aide reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young Nigerians to become economically self-reliant through practical training and entrepreneurship development.

Earlier, the keynote speaker for the Graphics/AI training, Mrs Oluronke Shonubi, said the growing adoption of artificial intelligence presented Nigeria with opportunities to accelerate development, improve employability and prepare young people for emerging jobs.

One of the beneficiaries, Idowu Olalere, a 400-level student of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for providing young Nigerians with opportunities to acquire emerging digital skills.

Olalere said the training would help bridge the gap between existing skills and evolving labour market requirements.

Two other beneficiaries, Mrs Iyabo Ajayi, a makeup trainee, and Fatunbi Joshua, a fashion designing trainee, also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the opportunity.

They expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to reducing unemployment by equipping participants with practical skills and opportunities for self-employment.

At the conclusion of the training, participants will receive laptops, sewing machines and fully equipped makeup kits to support their entrepreneurial pursuits and facilitate the establishment of sustainable businesses.

The programme forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to promote inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty and expand opportunities for young Nigerians through technical and vocational education.

The battle for the soul of Kano may have entered a decisive political phase, with an emerging alliance between the camp of deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso raising fresh questions over the real political calculations behind the lingering emirate crisis. Findings by Kano Vanguard for Good Governance indicates that influential figures within Bayero's camp are increasingly signalling sympathy towards Kwankwaso's Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), amid growing hostility towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Although no formal political pact between Bayero and Kwankwaso has been publicly announced, the convergence of interests is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

A statement signed by Ahmed Dano, Chairman of Kano Vanguard for Good Governance, which was made available to newsmen on Wednesday noted that the latest confrontation came on September 27, when the Kano State Government restricted all Durbar processions and horse-riding activities across the Kano metropolis after its Security Council cited heavy mobilisation of supporters and the risk of confrontation. The directive came amid competing traditional programmes involving Bayero's camp and the Kano Emirate Council, with reports indicating that Bayero rode through parts of the city accompanied by a large crowd. The government maintained that the restriction was a security measure intended to prevent clashes, protect lives and property and preserve public order. But beneath the immediate security explanation lies a deeper political struggle over influence, loyalty and the future direction of Kano.
What has particularly caught political observers' attention is the conduct of sections of Bayero's supporters. During the mobilisation, supporters were reported to have pulled down posters, billboards and banners associated with President Tinubu and Governor Abba Yusuf, while chanting slogans suggesting that both politicians would serve only one term. Kano Vanguard has not established that Bayero personally authorised these actions, but their occurrence represents a striking departure from the traditional character of an emirate dispute and points towards a possible political mobilisation against the APC establishment. The question now being asked in political circles is whether the former emir's support base is gradually becoming part of a wider electoral strategy.

That question gained further traction following comments attributed to Aminu Babba Dan'agundi, a senior district head and prominent figure in Bayero's camp. In a local radio interview, Dan'agundi reportedly described Kwankwaso as his friend and indicated the possibility of supporting the NDC in 2027.

For political watchers, the significance lies less in the personal relationship than in the timing. Kwankwaso has already positioned the NDC as a vehicle for reclaiming political influence in Kano, with Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo emerging as the party's governorship candidate and Mustapha Kwankwaso, the former governor's son, selected as his running mate.
The emerging picture therefore suggests a potentially consequential political bargain: the Kwankwasiyya structure provides the electoral machinery, while elements sympathetic to Bayero could provide access to a traditional constituency opposed to the present political establishment. Such an arrangement could serve different interests simultaneously the NDC's ambition to capture Kano and the desire among Bayero's supporters to regain political leverage over the emirate question. Kano Vanguard stresses, however, that this is an assessment of the political signals emerging from Kano, not evidence of a signed or publicly declared agreement between Bayero and Kwankwaso.

The stakes are enormous. Kwankwaso is already deeply embedded in the NDC's Kano strategy; the party's governorship nomination process was conducted under his influence, while his son was subsequently unveiled as the running mate to Gwarzo. At the same time, Governor Abba Yusuf's movement into the APC has fundamentally altered the political alliances that previously linked his administration to the Kwankwasiyya camp. That realignment has left Kano with a three-way political contest involving the APC establishment, the Kwankwasiyya-backed NDC structure and the competing interests surrounding the emirate crisis.

For now, the most important unanswered question is whether the apparent convergence between Bayero's camp and Kwankwaso's political machinery will mature into an open electoral alliance in 2027. Kano Vanguard contacted persons on the Kwankwaso side for clarification on the reported political understanding and whether discussions had taken place with representatives of Aminu Ado Bayero regarding the NDC's Kano project. Text messages sent to Kwankwaso seeking his response had not received a reply as of publication. Until either side publicly confirms such an arrangement, the alleged alliance remains an emerging political narrative — but one that could significantly reshape the battle for Kano if the signals now coming from Bayero's camp translate into votes, mobilisation and an organised campaign for the NDC in 2027.

The Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI) has expanded from less than 10,000 students to more than 27,000 and increased its academic departments from 34 to over 100 programmes within four years of Dr. Mukail Aremu Akinde assuming office then as Rector.

Akinde assumed leadership of the institution, then the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, on September 27, 2022.
Four years on, the Institution is the best Polytechnic in Nigeria before transiting to a University of Technology.

The Institution has also expanded from six schools to eight specialised schools, adding School of Agriculture and School of Art and Design and Printing Technology alongside the growth in students' population, academic programmes, staffing; academic with increase in the number of PhD holders and non-teaching, infrastructure and research activities by wining more Institutional Based Research(IBR) and National Research Fund(NRF) Grants of TETFund.

The Institution is currently fabricating 11 electric and solar powered tricycles for transportation on campus to further support clean energy initiatives of the Federal Government ably led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Schools of Engineering and of Pure and Applied Sciences have also fabricated equipment for production line of Gari Processing, waste conversion for use in the farm and Printing Press as well as other patented machines awaiting interest from entrepreneurs to use as a commercial machines to help the host community.

The Institution presently use locally fabricated biometric devices by Computer Science and Computer Engineering Departments to take attendance at classrooms and Meetings, uses Python Codes to distribute students at random to write examination and mounted CCTV in some of the classrooms as test run to monitor students during examination.

The Institution is about automating students’ file and results from 1979 to date to have transcripts in less than 24 hours and fully automate registration online without use of files and papers.

The Directorate of Printing has started printing about 30% examinations booklets and 100% students’ files.

Specifically, the Institution has patented a 3-in-1 electric tricycle incorporating solar and CNG technology; an IoT-integrated solar egg incubator and hatcher with dynamic environmental control; an integrated mixer and extruder for mechanised kokoro production; a motorised digester for palm-oil extraction; a compact plastic-bottle shredder; and a customised biometric system for students and staff attendance and access control.

The Institution has started a lot of new departments to drive industrial growth of the country.
Some of these Departments and Divisions include Arts and Printing (Sculpture, Textile, Painting, Ceramics etc), Printing Technology, Metallurgical, Automotive, Auto-body, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Cement Technology, Welding and Fabrication, Renewable Energy, Agric Technology, Animal Health, Hoticulture, Crops and Agric Extension amongst many others were introduced.

The Welding and Fabrication and Cement Technology Programmes, according to the Rector and Acting Vice Chancellor were specifically designed to provide specialised manpowers for Dangote Cements PLC at Ibese and other cements companies and Dangote refineries for industrial developments of the country.

Despite the expansion recorded under his administration, Akinde has played down the achievements, saying the Institution still has much more to accomplish.

Reflecting on his 4th year period, he said: “We haven’t done anything, other than that we have to do more collectively with the Council, Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, Heads of Units, Staff, Students and the Unions.”

Akinde’s connection with the institution predates his appointment as its head to lead in an Institution where his late father was a vendor and, he started as a clerk.

According to him, he began his career here in 1987 as a clerk in the Bursary Department and subsequently worked across several administrative areas before becoming an Instructor on February 11, 1999.

He also studied at, and graduated from the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro with ND Accountancy in 1991 and HND Accountancy in 1994.

He added that he later became the Pioneer Head of Taxation Department in 2015 and was elected Dean in 2018 after a closely contested election in which he won by one vote, 28 to 27.

Recalling one of the individuals who supported his progression within the institution, Akinde said Alhaji Rilwan Egbeyemi, the then Registrar recognised his potential and gave him the opportunity to contribute more directly to the development of the institution.

“I must single out Alhaji Rilwan Egbeyemi, who saw that I could contribute to the development of the Polytechnic and employed me as an Instructor in 1999,” he said.

He also acknowledged the role played by his former Deputy Rector (Academics), now Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Dr. (Mrs.) Charlotte Bose Iro-Idoro, Registrar, Polytechnic Librarian whom he described as his “mother, DVC Administration,
Tpl. Lukman Lasisi and the Bursar, Dr. M. B. Akinola who are the obelisk through which the administration is standing.”

According to Akinde, government and TETFUND interventions have supported the Institution’s development, with high impact interventions, special interventions, agricultural farm grants, grants for Senate Building, Innovation Hubs, and capital expenditure rising from ₦400 million in 2022 to billions of naira presently.


The Institution’s electricity is improving with the ongoing 1.56 megawatts of solar energy generation through TETFUND intervention.

The Ogun Osun River Basin is also about completing the Dam in the Institution which had been a mirage since 1979 when the idea was conceived.

In addition, Senator (Aremo) Dr. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola FCA FCTI FPPI facilitated the Institution’s connection to the Papalanto feeder, and through TETFund Interventions, Management is about installing 126 in the markets, banks and other commercial buildings on campus.

Akinde also said his administration facilitated 43 projects through Internally Generated Revenue and has been able to construct a Squadron Mopol Police base for use of Mopols to enhance security of students and staff, on and off campus.

Akinde said the rise in students' population had generated economic benefits beyond the institution’s immediate academic environment.

According to him, transport operators, food vendors and traders, among others, have benefited from the increased population.

He also attributed the continued relationship between the Institution and its host community to cooperation with the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, HRM Oba (Dr) Esv Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, MFR, Asade Agunloye IV as well as the Polytechnic Ilaro Community Forum.

On the challenge of academic staff leaving the country for opportunities abroad, the Akinde-led administration intesified and ensured a strict compliance with a policy requiring staff sponsored for international studies to return and serve the institution and the country.

“We have resolved to ensure that any staff sponsored abroad for further studies must return home to serve his or her fatherland,” he said.

Akinde said the transition from the former Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, to Federal University of Technology, Ilaro was progressing, although the process was being handled strategically.

He said Committees headed by Professor Ramon Bello, a former VC of University of Lagos, and Dr. Charlotte Bose Iro-Idoro respectively had made steady progress on the respective aspects of the transition.

“Our people should know that the work of changing FPI to FUTI is progressing. Only that thing must be done strategically,” he reiterated.

He added that the institution was targeting the 2027/28 academic session for the commencement of the university education.

“God willing, we are targeting 2027/28 academic session as a start-off year,” he said.

With the institution preparing for National Universities Commission (NUC) verification, the administration is also working on an Academic Brief after which a new institutional Master Plan is expected to be finalised.

The Ag. DVC (Academics), Dr. (Mrs.) Charlotte Bose Iro-Idoro, said FUTI was preparing to commence with nine faculties, covering Engineering Technology, Sciences, Environmental Technology, Communication and Information, Administrative and Management Science, Social Science, Computing, Agriculture Technology and Visual Arts.

She added that the institution would also operate a Centre for General Studies.

The Registrar, Mrs. Aderonke Folasade Babatola, said the increase in students' population and academic programmes had created additional demand for manpower.

She said FUTI currently had at least 80 Ph.D. holders on its staff list, while 371 new staff members had been recruited in two batches of 146 and 225.

Babatola added that the institution was seeking waivers to enable it to recruit more professors.

Looking ahead, Akinde said the next phase of his administration would focus on strengthening the “Engineering Identity” of FUTI, with emphasis on hands-on technical skills, research and practical application of knowledge.

The objective, he said, is to create an environment where research can be replicated and applied to real-world industrial and societal needs.

For Akinde, however, the progress recorded over the past four years is not an endpoint.

As he put it: “We haven’t done anything, other than that we have to do more.”

The latest decision by the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to expel former Agege Local Government Chairman, Chief Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, and Agege Constituency II politician, Barrister Azeez Oladapo Yusuf, popularly known as Ninolowo, has triggered a fresh wave of debate within political circles in Agege, with residents and supporters questioning why the party chose expulsion instead of reconciliation.

The controversy is coming against the backdrop of the bitter dispute that followed the APC House of Assembly primaries in Agege Constituencies I and II, where Egunjobi and Ninolowo were initially reported as winners. Contemporary reports from the May primary put Egunjobi at 12,455 votes and Ninolowo at 8,299 votes, before subsequent changes in the APC candidate list altered the political equation.

For many of those sympathetic to the two politicians, the latest expulsion does not resolve the original dispute; rather, they argue that it deepens the question of how the party handled the grievances that emerged after the primaries.

Their argument is straightforward: if two prominent politicians who participated in the party’s internal process subsequently complained about the outcome, why was a reconciliation meeting not convened before the relationship deteriorated to the point of defection and expulsion?

That position is consistent with the account given by Ninolowo and Egunjobi themselves. In their response to reports surrounding their defection, the duo said they had independently decided to leave APC after what they described as “grave injustice” and the failure of party leadership to initiate meaningful reconciliation or provide what they considered a satisfactory resolution to their complaints.

The APC, however, has presented a fundamentally different account. In announcing their expulsion on September 23, State Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi said the two had violated party rules by seeking tickets on another platform after the APC primaries. The party cited Article 9(5)(II) of its 2022 amended constitution and described their conduct as anti-party activity and disloyalty.

That official explanation has now become another subject of discussion in Agege.

Those questioning the expulsion argue that the sequence of events matters. In their view, the story did not begin with the APM tickets; it began with the unresolved controversy surrounding the APC nomination process. They contend that a political party seeking cohesion ahead of a major election should have exhausted reconciliation and dialogue before resorting to the ultimate disciplinary measure of expulsion.

The dispute is particularly significant because Ninolowo and Egunjobi did not emerge from the APC process as unknown aspirants. Both had contested the party’s Assembly primaries and were subsequently announced as APM candidates for Agege Constituencies II and I respectively. Reports confirm that Ninolowo secured the APM ticket for Constituency II while Egunjobi emerged for Constituency I.

The development has therefore transformed what started as an internal APC nomination controversy into a wider electoral contest in Agege.

For Ninolowo's supporters, the central issue is now bigger than the APC platform. They see the APM candidacy as the continuation of a political journey that began with his attempt to secure the APC ticket and subsequently moved outside the party after the disputed nomination process.

The same narrative has been advanced around Egunjobi, whose political experience as a former chairman of Agege Local Government has given the wider controversy another layer. The two men have also rejected suggestions that their decision to join APM was orchestrated by Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, insisting that the decision was theirs and followed their experiences within APC.

However, the emerging political conversation in Agege appears to be taking an unusual form: some residents and political actors who remain favourably disposed toward the national and state APC structure say their support for candidates at other levels should not necessarily determine their choice in the House of Assembly race.

In the account presented by supporters of the Ninolowo movement, the emerging sentiment is that voters can distinguish between different electoral contests supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the presidential level, Governor-designate candidate Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat at the Lagos governorship level, Senator Idiat Adebule for the Senate and Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa for the House of Representatives, while supporting Ninolowo under the APM banner for the State Assembly.

That position should, however, be understood as a political claim by Ninolowo's supporters rather than an independently established voting pattern across Agege. Indeed, APC stakeholders in the constituency have publicly expressed the opposite view, saying the defections of Ninolowo and Egunjobi would not weaken the party's structure and pledging to mobilise votes for APC candidates across the ballot.

The contrast illustrates the unusual nature of the Agege contest. Rather than presenting itself simply as a contest between two parties, the Assembly race is increasingly being discussed in terms of individual candidates, their political histories, grassroots relationships and the unresolved memories of the APC primary controversy.

For the APC, the challenge is to defend its decision as an issue of party discipline. For Ninolowo and his supporters, the argument is that the controversy should be viewed through the lens of the mandate they say was obtained during the original primary and the subsequent failure of reconciliation.

That is where the politics of Agege becomes particularly interesting.

The APC has insisted that party members who lose nomination contests must accept the outcome or pursue available internal and legal avenues rather than contest against the party on another platform. Ninolowo and Egunjobi, on the other hand, maintain that they explored avenues for redress and were dissatisfied with the response they received.

The disagreement has now moved beyond the walls of the APC secretariat and into the electorate.

As 2027 approaches, Agege Constituency II voters will be confronted with a contest involving Ninolowo on the APM platform and Enimakure Akindele Sakiru on the APC platform. The political question will be whether the unresolved APC primary controversy remains influential among voters or whether the party can successfully move beyond it through its existing campaign structure.

What is already clear is that the expulsion has not ended the Agege controversy. Instead, it has added another chapter to it.

The question being raised by those sympathetic to Ninolowo is no longer simply why he left APC. It is why a dispute that began inside the party could not be resolved through dialogue before it culminated in expulsion.

With both sides now preparing for the electorate, the answer may ultimately be sought not in party statements, but in the political choices made by the people of Agege Constituency II at the ballot box in 2027.

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, alongside his management team and other selected officers, on Thursday, the 24th of September, visited Minna, Niger State, to observe the 7-day Fidau prayer for the deceased miners who died in the Corps' custody.

During the visit, the CG also met with His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, at his Minna Palace, the parents of the deceased and the family of the survivors. The visit was aimed at commiserating directly with the affected families during this period of grief. During the interaction, the CG strongly condoled with the families and gave a firm assurance that the Corps will not shield anyone found culpable, emphasising that justice and transparency will take precedence.

Speaking during the visit at the Emir's palace, the CG reiterated his unwavering stance on ensuring that justice is served in the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 37 suspected illegal miners. He stated that the Corps would not shield any personnel found culpable, emphasising that transparency and accountability would guide the entire process. "I want to assure you of my unwavering support for the investigative panel in unravelling the truth. I am here commiserating with you on behalf of the NSCDC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the Minister for Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The incident is quite unfortunate but I assure you that justice must prevail. Anybody found wanting in the course of the findings will be prosecuted in line with the laws of the land. We won't protect anybody and everyone found culpable will face the music."

The CG, who joined the bereaved families and community members in prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased, described the incident as a painful loss and assured the families that the Corps would stand by them throughout the period of mourning. He also condoled with the Emir of Minna, acknowledging the traditional ruler's fatherly role in the community and seeking his continued support and prayers.

Addressing the broader steps being taken to uncover the truth, the CG noted that the Federal Government, under the directive of the Presidency, has constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident. He assured the public that the NSCDC is fully cooperating with the panel, noting that relevant personnel have already been placed in protective custody to make them fully available for a transparent investigation process.

Highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the third and seventh-day prayers for the departed, the CG explained that his visit was also to join the Muslim faithful in offering prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased and strength for the bereaved families.

Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the families, His Royal Highness expressed appreciation to the Commandant General for the swift administrative actions taken, for cooperating with the Presidential committee, and for deeming it fit to personally visit and identify with the community in their moment of grief.

As a mark of mourning and accountability, the NSCDC flag has been ordered to fly at half-mast across all formations for three days. The Corps awaits autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death.

A Lagos-based lawyer, Chief George Bamidele Ogunjimi, has demanded an urgent investigation into alleged adulteration of palm oil being sold across Lagos State, urging regulatory authorities to test products, trace their sources and prosecute offenders where violations are established.


Ogunjimi, the Bamofin of Ojo Kingdom, made the demand in a letter to the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), following recent concerns raised by the agency over increasingly sophisticated methods allegedly being used to adulterate palm oil.


The lawyer also urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Lagos State Ministry of Health, Standards Organisation of Nigeria and other relevant authorities to launch a coordinated surveillance and enforcement operation across the state.


He said the reported use of potentially harmful colourants, including Sudan and Azo dyes, as well as the mixing of palm oil with recovered or recycled oils, warranted immediate laboratory testing rather than reliance on visual inspection.


Ogunjimi said the authorities should sample palm oil from markets, shops, distributors and other points across the supply chain and subject the products to appropriate laboratory analysis.


He called for the investigation to determine whether prohibited or harmful substances are present and whether unsuitable oils have been introduced into products being sold to consumers.


According to him, any palm-oil product confirmed through laboratory testing to be unsafe should be immediately withdrawn or recalled from circulation.


Trace source, prosecute offenders
Ogunjimi stressed that enforcement should not stop with retailers, arguing that authorities must trace the entire supply chain to determine whether adulteration, where established, originates from processors, wholesalers, distributors or retailers.


He said merely sealing shops without identifying the source of adulterated products could allow the practice to continue.


The lawyer urged LASCOPA to work with NAFDAC, SON, the Lagos State Ministry of Health and accredited laboratories on a state-wide operation covering sampling, screening, laboratory confirmation, traceability and enforcement.

He also called for proper preservation of evidence and chain-of-custody procedures to ensure that enforcement actions are based on verifiable laboratory findings.


Ogunjimi said where deliberate adulteration or the sale of unsafe food is established, the responsible persons or businesses should face appropriate sanctions or prosecution under the law.


He, however, emphasised that enforcement must be evidence-based and that businesses accused of wrongdoing should be given due process before liability is established.


Lawyer seeks public disclosure
The lawyer also demanded greater transparency from the authorities, urging them to regularly disclose the number of palm-oil samples tested, products found to be adulterated, substances detected and locations from which affected samples were obtained.


He further called for information on products withdrawn from circulation, businesses sanctioned, prosecutions initiated and measures being taken to prevent a recurrence.


Ogunjimi said residents who may have purchased or consumed suspected products should also have access to clear information and appropriate medical advice from public-health authorities.

He cautioned against creating unnecessary panic, stressing that government communication should distinguish between a confirmed adulterant, a potential health risk and an established disease outcome.
“Laboratory evidence should determine the affected products and the appropriate public-health response,” he said.

‘Warning not enough’

Ogunjimi said the recent concerns raised by LASCOPA should translate into concrete regulatory action rather than end with consumer warnings.


“The people of Lagos should not be expected to carry the entire responsibility for protecting themselves from adulterated food.

Consumers can exercise caution, but government agencies possess the laboratories, regulatory powers, inspection mechanisms and legal institutions necessary to identify dangerous products and stop their circulation,” he said.

He urged LASCOPA, NAFDAC, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the police and other regulatory bodies to treat the matter as a public-health and consumer-protection priority.

“A warning can alert the public. Testing can establish the facts. Enforcement can remove the danger. Prosecution can establish accountability. Prevention can save lives,” Ogunjimi said.

Youth Group Defends NSCDC Leadership, Urges Support for Ongoing Investigation

The National Association of Nigerian Youth in Development (NANYD) has issued a strong caution to Nigerian opposition political parties, urging them to refrain from exploiting the tragic deaths of 37 miners in Minna, Niger State, for cheap political points.

In a press statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Bukura Ahmed, Ph.D., the association called on political parties to stop using the pain of the deceased miners' families as a political tool and instead commend the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for its proactive response since the incident came to light.


"We are very disappointed that opposition political parties are using the demise of the youth to score political points and to campaign, instead of commending the administration for its commitment to unravelling the truth behind the shocking demise," the statement read. "This should not be a political play. Opposition parties can do better than what they are currently doing."

The association expressed concern that instead of offering condolences and supporting the grieving families, some political actors have chosen to politicise a tragedy that demands unity and sobriety.

Ahmed further cautioned so-called activists and social media commentators against making divisive statements capable of causing unrest in the country. "We have also witnessed a trend of some so-called analysts and social media influencers taking to social media to make unsubstantiated claims, preempting the outcome of the investigation. This is a growing act that we must all refrain from," he said.

"The government has set up a committee to investigate and get to the root of the matter. What we should do is support the government and all relevant security agencies to ensure justice is done and the truth comes to light—not making statements that can cause unrest at this time."

The body also pushed back against calls for the resignation or sack of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, describing such demands as politically motivated propaganda aimed at destabilising the nation's security architecture.

"For those calling for the sack of CG Audi, they are oblivious of the truth and how the structure of command works. The CG has done nothing wrong," Ahmed stated. "In fact, parading those involved is a sign that he is ready to get to the root of the matter."

The association highlighted what it described as unprecedented accountability measures taken by the Commandant General, including the directive that all NSCDC formations nationwide lower their flags at half-mast to mourn the deceased.

"This act shows seriousness and genuine intention. It shows a man who is accountable and ready to cooperate to ensure justice is done," Ahmed said.


NANYD urged all well-meaning Nigerians to support the government and the leadership of the NSCDC in its quest to unravel the truth, rather than falling into the trap of desperate politicians and social media activists seeking to exploit the tragedy for political or personal gain.

The association stated that it is closely monitoring the investigation process and will comment further as the panel constituted by the Federal Government makes progress.

As previously reported, the deceased miners were arrested during coordinated enforcement operations conducted by the NSCDC Niger State Command on September 15 and 16, 2026, along the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis. Following the deaths, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered a full-scale, transparent investigation.

In compliance, the Commandant General directed the Niger State Commandant and key officers to step aside and report to the National Headquarters, Abuja, to face a constituted panel of inquiry. A new Commandant has since assumed command of the Niger State Command. The remains of the deceased have been deposited at General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.

The NSCDC has refrained from speculation, stating that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.

The intervention by NANYD adds a new dimension to the national conversation, one that cautions against politicisation while defending the institutional response. However, it also raises important questions about the balance between supporting due process and ensuring that accountability is not diluted by calls for patience.

As the investigation continues, the coming days will reveal whether the panel's findings will satisfy a public hungry for answers and whether the calls for restraint will be heeded by all sides of the political divide.

The Centre for Justice for Common Nigeria, speaking as a member of the Coalition of Nigerian Civil Society Organisations, has issued a detailed rebuttal to the call by lawyer and human rights activist Hamza N. Dantani for the termination of the tenure of the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, insisting there is no legal, factual or moral basis for his dismissal and describing the demand as politically motivated, premature, misdirected and fundamentally at odds with the principles of natural justice, the presumption of innocence and basic organisational accountability.

The coalition said the tragic deaths of suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Minna, Niger State, were a matter of grave concern to every Nigerian, and that it mourned with the families of the deceased and demanded that justice be served. It, however, stressed that justice must be served correctly through proper investigation, identification of actual culpability and lawful sanctions against those directly responsible, and must not be reduced to a spectacle of scapegoating senior officials who are not directly linked to the issue to appease public outrage.

According to the coalition, the central fact that Dantani and others calling for the Commandant-General's removal consistently ignore is that Professor Audi neither ordered the operation nor was present during the arrests, nor did he have prior knowledge of the circumstances that led to the deaths until the tragedy struck. It explained that the enforcement operations in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna were conducted by the Niger State Command of the NSCDC on September 15 and 16, 2026, as state-level operations carried out under the authority and supervision of the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, who has since been suspended by the Federal Government and is currently under investigation.

The coalition argued that the Commandant-General, as the national head of the Corps, does not personally oversee every arrest operation conducted by state commands across the federation and that to suggest otherwise is to fundamentally misunderstand the structure and operational hierarchy of the NSCDC, since the chain of command places direct operational responsibility for such enforcement actions on state commandants and not on the national headquarters. It added that upon learning of the deaths, Professor Audi's first action was to order an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, constituting a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, with a clear mandate to examine the condition of the suspects upon arrest, the duration of their detention, the conditions of custody, medical attention provided and all other relevant circumstances, describing this as the response of a leader committed to accountability and not of someone complicit in wrongdoing.

It noted that the persons directly culpable for the Minna tragedy are being held to account through due process, with the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, under whose watch the operations occurred, suspended by order of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, pending the outcome of investigation, with the Minister stating clearly that it was an unfortunate incident and that a full investigation would be conducted while the commandant under whose watch it happened remained suspended. It added that twenty-one NSCDC officers have been identified and suspended in connection with the incident, being the personnel who conducted the arrests, supervised the detention facility and were directly responsible for the welfare of the detainees at the time of their deaths.

The coalition further noted that the Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee including representatives of the Minna Emirate Council, the Niger State Government, human rights activists and legal experts to investigate the incident, determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct, and recommend appropriate action, with the committee given two weeks to complete its work, while the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services have initiated separate investigations, meaning multiple layers of accountability are actively in motion. It maintained that the proper course of action is to allow these investigations to run their course and to sanction those found culpable based on evidence, and that demanding the dismissal of the Commandant-General before investigations conclude is precisely the kind of prejudgment that Dantani claims to oppose when he cites Section 36(5) of the Constitution on the presumption of innocence.

It accused Dantani of applying the constitutional principles selectively and inconsistently, arguing that if the presumption of innocence applies to citizens accused of crimes, as it unquestionably does, then it must also apply to public officials accused of administrative or supervisory failures. It stressed that Professor Audi has not been charged with any crime, no evidence has been presented linking him personally to the deaths, and no witness has testified that he ordered, sanctioned or had knowledge of unlawful conduct in Minna, adding that to demand his removal before any investigation has concluded is to treat allegation as proof, the very thing Dantani warns against when he says that arrest, detention or allegation must never become a substitute for proof before a competent court. It said the rule of law demands consistency and cannot be invoked to protect citizens from state power while simultaneously being discarded to destroy the career of a public official against whom no evidence of personal wrongdoing exists.

The coalition said a deeper principle was at stake, noting that security institutions function through hierarchical accountability and that when a failure occurs, responsibility must be traced through the chain of command to the specific individuals whose actions or omissions caused the harm, warning that accountability which skips levels to punish the most senior official regardless of actual involvement is not accountability but scapegoating. It listed the NSCDC's response to the tragedy as including the immediate suspension of the officers directly involved, the constitution of an investigative panel by the Commandant-General himself, cooperation with external investigations by the Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services, and a commitment to sanction any officer found culpable whether through administrative, disciplinary or criminal processes, saying this is how a responsible institution responds to a crisis and not by summarily dismissing its leader before a single finding of fact has been made.

It warned that if the Commandant-General were to be removed now, the message would be that any time officers under a leader's command commit wrongdoing, the leader must be dismissed regardless of their own conduct, and that public officials can be sacrificed to public pressure without evidence or due process, adding that such a precedent would be catastrophic for governance in Nigeria, incentivise scapegoating, discourage competent leadership and make a mockery of the very rule of law Dantani claims to champion.

The coalition said it must not lose sight of the human tragedy at the centre of the matter, as thirty-seven people died in custody and their families deserve answers, accountability and justice, but that the path to accountability runs through evidence, investigation and due process and not through political theatre, with the suspended officers, the ongoing investigations and the committee of inquiry being the proper mechanisms that must be allowed to work. It called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resist pressure to prematurely dismiss the Commandant-General and instead allow the independent investigations to conclude and be made public, on the Federal Government to ensure that the investigative committee is truly independent, adequately resourced and that its findings are published transparently, on the NSCDC leadership to continue cooperating fully with all investigations and implement whatever reforms are necessary to prevent such tragedies from recurring, and on Dantani and other activists to channel their energy toward ensuring that the actual investigation process is thorough, transparent and just rather than demanding the head of an official whose only sin appears to be that he leads the institution in which a tragedy occurred.

In conclusion, the coalition said justice must hold the actually guilty accountable and not the conveniently positioned, stressing that Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi did not order the attack, was not present and had no knowledge of it from what the suspended commandant said, that the persons who were culpable have been suspended and are facing investigation, and that the Commandant-General responded to the tragedy with transparency and decisive action. It declared that there is no basis for his removal and every reason to allow the investigations to proceed without political interference, urging all Nigerians to support the cause of genuine accountability, the kind that punishes wrongdoing based on evidence and not on the politics of outrage.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Olori Halima Tejuoso in connection with an alleged N600 million fraud involving Mrs Mary Oluwaseye Sholoye and Mallam Ibrahim Gidado.


Tejuoso was arrested on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, after allegedly failing to honour an invitation by the Commission following her release on administrative bail.


Confirming the development, EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said Tejuoso was arrested after she allegedly jumped the administrative bail earlier granted to her by the Commission.


According to Oyewale, Gidado, who is also linked to the investigation, had been arrested earlier and arraigned before a court.


Tejuoso was reportedly accused of obtaining about N600 million from Sholoye by false pretence in connection with Gidado.


She had earlier appeared before the EFCC, where she reportedly told investigators that Gidado had allegedly defrauded her of the money she was accused of collecting from Sholoye.


However, following Gidado’s arrest and subsequent invitation by the Commission, Tejuoso reportedly failed to appear and could not be reached.


The EFCC subsequently declared her wanted on April 27, 2026, as part of its investigation into the alleged fraud.


Her arrest on September 15 brings to an end several months during which the Commission had been seeking her whereabouts.


The latest development is expected to allow the EFCC to proceed with further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged N600 million transaction and Tejuoso’s relationship with the other parties involved.


The Commission’s position indicates that the matter involving Gidado has already progressed to court, while further legal steps concerning Tejuoso are expected to follow the completion of the ongoing investigation and necessary legal processes.


However, the allegations against Tejuoso remain unproven until determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.


All parties involved are presumed innocent unless and until found guilty by a court of law.

In a decisive move that underscores the Federal Government's commitment to accountability and the sanctity of human life, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command.

The directive, contained in a press statement issued on September 18, 2026, signals a significant escalation in the response to the tragedy that has drawn national attention and raised grave questions about detention protocols, oversight and the conduct of enforcement operations.

In immediate compliance with the Minister's directive, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, has ordered the Niger State Commandant to step aside with immediate effect. The Commandant is to report forthwith to the National Headquarters in Abuja, alongside his Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation, to face the constituted panel of inquiry.

The move represents a rare and pointed demonstration of institutional accountability senior officers directly linked to the operational chain that led to the arrests and subsequent deaths are now themselves subject to scrutiny.

In the same vein, the Commandant General has directed a new Commandant to proceed to Niger State and assume immediate command of the State Command. The transition is intended to ensure continuity of operations while preserving the integrity of the investigation and preventing any potential interference with evidence or witnesses.

The Commandant General has assured the Honourable Minister of Interior that no stone would be left unturned in the investigation process. In a firm statement of intent, he declared that any officer or personnel found to have acted contrary to the law, established procedures or professional standards will face appropriate administrative, disciplinary and where applicable criminal sanctions in accordance with extant laws and regulations.

The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody. It further pledged to continue ensuring that the enforcement of its statutory mandate including the fight against illegal mining and the protection of Nigeria's critical national assets is carried out in accordance with the law and established professional standards.

The panel of inquiry is expected to commence sittings immediately, with the Niger State Commandant and the identified heads of departments appearing before it at the National Headquarters, Abuja. The findings of the panel, along with the outcome of ongoing medical examinations at General Hospital, Minna, will determine the next course of action whether administrative, disciplinary or criminal.

The general public has been urged to remain calm as the investigative processes take their course.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed media professional and entrepreneur, Ayoade Oluwaferanmi Busayo, as a member of the New Media Directorate of the PBAT/KOH 2027 Lagos State Campaign Council.


Ayoade Oluwaferanmi, who has over eight years of experience as a reporter and photojournalist with City People Magazine, also worked with GoldMyne TV for more than three years before establishing her own media platform, BigAppleTV, where she currently serves as Chief Executive Officer.



Reacting to the appointment, Ayoade Oluwaferanmi expressed appreciation to the leadership of the 2027 APC Campaign Council and the Directorate of New Media for the confidence reposed in her.



She described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility, pledging to bring her experience, creativity and professional skills to bear in the discharge of her duties.


According to her, the New Media Directorate has an important role to play in strategic communication, digital engagement, effective information dissemination and media publicity, particularly in reaching citizens through various digital platforms.


She said she looked forward to working with other members of the campaign council in communicating the vision of the APC's Lagos State governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, ahead of the 2027 election.


Ayoade Oluwaferanmi said she accepted the responsibility with humility and a strong sense of duty, assuring that she would discharge her assignment with diligence, dedication, professionalism and integrity.



She also expressed optimism that the campaign team would receive the wisdom, strength and grace required to effectively carry out its responsibilities.


She wished the campaign council success in its engagements ahead of the 2027 election and prayed for the continued development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

As part of ongoing operational successes to safeguard Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) and eradicate crime, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested and paraded over 13 suspects involved in high-profile offenses, including cable vandalism, armed robbery, car theft and human trafficking.

National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, disclosed during a press parade at the National Headquarters in Abuja and at a crime scene in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council, that the arrests were executed by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS). The operations spanned the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna States.

Among the primary breakthroughs was the arrest of Isaac Zegbe, 25, a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). Zegbe, alongside his accomplices, vandalized over 15 kilometers of aluminum conductors running from Yangoji to Abaji, valued at over ₦350 million. The stolen cables were subsequently distributed to marketers across several FCT markets. Following a targeted sting operation, NSCDC operatives recovered a significant volume of vandalized electrical cables at Gudu Market and arrested suspected receivers, including Chijoke Christian, who confessed to knowingly purchasing the stolen cables. The Corps has secured a court order to seal off the shops of all merchants linked to buying stolen aluminum cables.

Intelligence-driven operations also dismantled a four-man car theft syndicate specializing in Toyota vehicles across the FCT and neighboring states. The suspects were identified as Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa (aka "Yellow", and Abdulsalam Isa (aka "Kada".

Additionally, an armed robbery gang comprising Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan, and Ganpyal Dul was apprehended. Operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle (Serial No. 3152097), 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition, and ₦70,000 in cash from the group.

In a notable human trafficking investigation, the CG's SIS successfully recovered Micaiah Nana the last of 16 children trafficked by Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026. The individuals who purchased the child have been detained and are assisting investigators.

Other suspects arrested in separate operations include Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf for power cable vandalism within the Abuja city center, and Theophilus Oche Oboii for the theft of 15 tractor batteries from the National Agricultural Seeds Council in Kwali, which he sold for ₦20,000 each.

Key items recovered during the multi-state operations include a stolen Toyota Camry (Reg No: YAB 163 EE), cut armored electrical cables, 15 tractor batteries, master keys, cutting tools, knives, and a stolen travel bag with clothing.

Assuring the public that the Corps will leave no safe haven for criminal elements, ACC Babawale Afolabi stated that all suspects will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations and the establishment of a prima facie case against them.

By ADEYEMI OBADIMU

In Agege Constituency I, Hon. Oluwagbenga Abiola, popularly known as Agbelebu, is gradually carving a niche for himself as a politician whose strength lies in his connection with the people. Since emerging as the House of Assembly candidate for the constituency, he has continued to demonstrate a keen interest in the affairs and wellbeing of his constituents.


Rather than keeping a distance from the grassroots, Agbelebu has remained accessible, approachable and attentive to the concerns of the people. His engagements have been characterised by efforts to foster understanding, promote reconciliation and bring people together, while making individuals and groups within the constituency feel recognised and valued.


His reputation as a grassroots mobiliser has also continued to endear him to residents and community stakeholders.

With a friendly disposition and an open-door approach, Agbelebu has built relationships across different sections of Agege, consistently showing a willingness to listen and lend support whenever the need arises.
For many who have followed his activities closely, his appeal goes beyond political calculations. It is largely rooted in his ability to relate with ordinary people, identify with their aspirations and contribute, in his own way, to the growth of the community.

His people-oriented approach has steadily strengthened his presence and visibility across Agege Constituency I.


As the political landscape continues to evolve, Agbelebu’s growing profile reflects the enduring value of grassroots engagement, genuine human connection and community service qualities that continue to shape his relationship with the people he aspires to represent.

By ADEYEMI OBADIMU


There is a side to Primate Elijah Ayodele that is often overshadowed by the prophecies, headlines and public conversations that have followed his ministry over the years. It is the side that quietly opens its doors to people in need, listens to their worries and, in many instances, sends them away with something more precious than words hope and practical support.


The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church has built a reputation for his prophetic ministry, but those within his circle and many beneficiaries of his generosity know him for another quality: his willingness to give.


For some who have approached him in difficult moments, the encounter has reportedly ended not with empty promises, but with tangible assistance capable of changing the course of their lives.


His interventions have taken different forms. From providing cars for some church members to empowering others with equipment to start or strengthen their businesses, Primate Ayodele has often appeared more interested in helping people stand on their own feet than simply offering temporary relief. For him, the greatest gift may sometimes be the opportunity to become self-sufficient.


Interestingly, his generosity has also extended to members of the media. Since 2021, his annual thanksgiving programme in February has provided an avenue for him to recognise journalists and acknowledge their contribution to society. More than 10 journalists are said to have received cars from him through such gestures, while several others, including journalists who are members of his church, have benefited from support with house rent, school fees and other pressing needs.


But perhaps what makes these gestures noteworthy is the personal element behind them. Primate Ayodele’s philanthropy appears to be less about the spectacle of giving and more about the human being standing before him. A person struggling with rent, a parent worried about school fees, a church member looking for a means of livelihood or a journalist facing a difficult season can all become the subject of his intervention.


It is a dimension of his personality that deserves attention because it speaks to a broader question about the place of faith in society. Beyond the pulpit, religious leadership can also be measured by how much dignity, opportunity and hope it helps create in the lives of ordinary people.


For Primate Ayodele, the story may therefore be bigger than prophecy. It is also about people the many individuals he has encouraged, empowered and supported along the way. And perhaps, if more religious leaders embraced the idea of turning compassion into practical empowerment, the church could become an even stronger refuge for people navigating the uncertainties of everyday life.


That, ultimately, may be one of the quieter chapters of Primate Ayodele’s public life: a man known widely for what he says about tomorrow, but whose generosity is helping some people build a better tomorrow for themselves.

By Ebere Agozie

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani has awarded scholarships to 11 students from Niger state in different universities.

Ndarani gave the scholarship awards through his Mohammed Ndarani Humanitarian Foundation when the Council of Students Union Government (SUG) Presidents, Niger state paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The learned silk who said he has adopted the students as his sons promised to sponsor them to degree and some at post-graduate levels.

He noted that the foundation is a platform for him to give back to the society, making life meaningful for the less privileged at the grassroots and adding value to nation-building which is a collective responsibility.

"Education is key to some of the nation’s challenges. If given the required attention and funding, education would provide the way out of the most of the country’s problems.

"The goal is to assist struggling students in the state and combat declining educational performance across the nation.

"My aim is to encourage our people to acquire education by easing the financial burden on students and parents.

"So, these scholarships are designed to benefit humanity and advance human capital development which will help the state grow."

The senior lawyer who has provided various forms of scholarships to students across the country noted that there is the need to continue to impact the lives of average Nigerians at the grassroots which is why he is giving back to Nigerians.

In his response, Comr. Baba Shehu, popularly known as ABS, who is also the Chairman of the SUGs said that they were aware of the numerous humanitarian gestures by Mohammed Ndarani Foundation and expressed delight with his philanthropic nature, urging him to maintain the tempo.

"We, the student union presidents from different schools in Niger axis under one umbrella came to present an Icon of Students Transformation and Character Building to the learned silk for his efforts in sustainable socio-economic development of the society and we are going home with scholarships.

"We are overwhelmed with gratitude for this generosity that will not only empower, but will also enable us to empower and uplift others across the country."

Shehu noted that Ndarani had sponsored his immediate past president to study law in Newgate University, Minna and also donated the sum of N100 million to Niger State students for scholarship which was why they came on the visit.

"Well, all I have to say is Alhamdulillah. What we came for was not what we met here. We only came to appreciate him for what he did for our colleague and he just did the same thing for us here now, " Shehu added.

The students who promised not to let the SAN down in any capacity they find themselves, added that they will remain good ambassadors of the state.

"As children emulate good characters of their parents, so from now henceforth, he is our father and we promise him that we are not going to let him down but work for humanity."

The Mohammed Ndarani Humanitarian Foundation targets interventions in agriculture and rural development, education, health, as well as youths and women empowerment.

A diplomatic expert and public Affairs Analyst Kingsley Chukwu has revealed that the £70 administrative fee charged during the ongoing special passport intervention exercise in the United Kingdom remains sacrosanct for applicants, contrary to widespread misinterpretation of recent public statements by the Minister of Interior.

The clarification comes as the Nigeria High Commission in London continues to manage the fallout from a controversial announcement that has led many Nigerians to refuse payment of any administrative charges, despite the fee having been approved by the President. The diplomatic expert, in detailed findings, revealed that the Minister's statement about no additional charges was never intended to nullify the administrative fee approved for the exercise, but to clarify that the standard passport fees remain unchanged.

"The Minister's statement has been taken out of context by many applicants who now believe the entire process is free. This is not the case. The President approved the £70 administrative fee, and it remains in force. It is not a new charge but a necessary contribution to cover the operational costs of the exercise," the expert said. The £70 fee, according to the High Commission, was introduced to cover expenses incidental to the exercise, including overtime allowances for deployed officers, transportation, estacodes, and other operational costs associated with conducting the intervention across four cities. The High Commission had also clarified that a standard £20 administrative charge for passport renewal at the Mission remains in effect, and that both fees were approved by the President.

However, Chukwu said the Minister of Interior's public announcement that there were no charges for the intervention created unintended consequences, with applicants refusing to pay even the reduced administrative fee and claiming that the process had been made entirely free. "The Minister needs to come out clearly and state that his announcement does not affect the payment of administrative fees already approved by the President. Anything short of this will continue to create confusion and undermine the exercise," the expert added.

The situation has been further complicated by unsubstantiated allegations of extortion levelled against the Nigeria Immigration Service and the High Commission, allegations that the Mission has described as damaging to the reputation of both institutions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chukwu noted that the confusion stemmed from a failure to harmonise public communication between the Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the High Commission before the exercise commenced, a gap that the Mission had flagged in its internal correspondence.

The Nigeria Immigration Service announced the special intervention without recourse to the High Commission and without harmonising key aspects such as cost implications and attendance modalities, leaving the Mission with insufficient time to prepare unlike the previous exercise held in December 2025. "The NIS announced without recourse to the High Commission. Key aspects such as cost implications and modalities for attendance were not harmonised. This is a serious coordination failure that should never have happened," the expert noted.

Chukwu emphasised that the High Commission should make requests to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including that the Minister of Interior desist from making sweeping announcements without recourse to the Ministry and the Mission for verifiable evidence and that he publicly clarify that his statement does not affect the payment of administrative fees approved by the President. The expert further noted that even Honorary Consuls are entitled to charge service fees and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should provide the necessary backing to withstand the social media onslaught directed at the High Commission and the Ministry.

"Even Honorary Consuls charge service fees. So why should the High Commission be vilified for charging an administrative fee that was approved by the President? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must provide the necessary backing for the Mission to withstand this social media onslaught," the expert stated. The first day of the exercise on September 7 saw a substantial number of applicants arrive from the early hours of the morning at both London and Manchester locations, resulting in overcrowding and delays in biometric capturing. The situation was worsened by the fact that only one camera and biometric capture machine were available for use by NIS personnel in London, a logistical shortfall that the expert attributed to the lack of proper coordination between the agencies involved. "Only one camera and one biometric capture machine for the entire London operation is unacceptable. This is a direct consequence of the NIS failing to harmonise with the Mission. The equipment and personnel deployed were simply not sufficient to manage the volume of applicants," He said.

According to sources within the Mission; they had to shoulder the full financial burden of the exercise after the Nigerian community, which had supported the 2025 intervention by providing venues and logistics, declined to do so this time. This forced the High Commission to cover accommodation and upkeep for three Immigration officers who arrived in London three weeks earlier as an advance party, a cost that the administrative fee was designed to offset. "In 2025, the Nigerian community provided venues and logistics, which lessened the financial burden on the Mission. But that arrangement ended in scandal when allegations of religious affiliation surfaced because the venues were mostly church properties. This time, the community did not support, and the Mission had to bear the full cost, including accommodation and upkeep of three Immigration officers who arrived three weeks ago," the expert explained.

Chukwu maintained that the £70 fee is not an arbitrary charge but a necessary contribution to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise, and that applicants who have already paid the standard passport fees are still required to pay the administrative charge unless the President directs otherwise. "The £70 fee is not arbitrary. It is a necessary contribution to ensure the exercise runs smoothly. Applicants who have paid the standard passport fees are still required to pay the administrative charge unless the President directs otherwise. This is the position, and it must be communicated clearly to the public," the expert emphasised. The expert urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take a firm stance on the matter and ensure that the Minister of Interior's statements are properly contextualised to avoid further confusion. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must take a firm stance.

The Minister of Interior's statements must be properly contextualised. Otherwise, the confusion will continue, and the exercise will suffer," the expert warned. As of the time of reporting, the exercise has commenced at the Mission's property on Fleet Street and is gradually picking up pace, while no challenges are reported at the Manchester centre. The High Commission has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and report any significant incidents. The events of the past two days have underscored the critical need for improved inter-agency coordination and clear, consistent public communication to ensure that well-intentioned initiatives are not undermined by avoidable administrative and public relations challenges.

By Adeyemi Obadimu


The Oloworo of Oworonshoki, Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II, has commemorated the fifth-year anniversary of the passing of his father and predecessor, the late HRM Oba Oloruntoyin Saliu, Elebo I, with a special remembrance ceremony at the Oloworo Palace.

The anniversary remembrance, held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, brought together traditional rulers, dignitaries, family members, community leaders, friends and well-wishers who gathered at the palace to honour the memory and celebrate the enduring legacy of the late monarch.

The gathering provided an opportunity for members of the royal family and the Oworonshoki community to reflect on the life, leadership and contributions of Oba Oloruntoyin Saliu, who was remembered for his commitment to the development, peace and unity of his people.

Speaking during the remembrance, Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II described the fifth anniversary as a significant moment for the royal family and the entire Oworonshoki community, noting that the legacy of his late father remains a source of inspiration to the present generation.

He said the values of peace, unity, service, respect for tradition and dedication to community development which characterised the reign of Elebo I would continue to guide the royal institution and inspire efforts towards the progress of Oworonshoki.

The monarch also expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, government representatives, community leaders, friends of the palace and other dignitaries for honouring the occasion and standing with the royal family in remembering the late monarch.

The event also featured tributes and moments of reflection as attendees paid homage to the late Oba and acknowledged his contributions to the growth and stability of Oworonshoki.

Five years after his passing, the memory of Oba Oloruntoyin Saliu, Elebo I, continues to live on through his family, the traditional institution and the people whose lives he touched during his lifetime.

The Oloworo Palace reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the values and legacy of the late monarch while continuing to promote peace, cultural heritage, unity and sustainable development in Oworonshoki.