Group Accuses Oyebanji of Neglecting Healthcare, Infrastructure

Group Accuses Oyebanji of Neglecting Healthcare, Infrastructure

. Oluyede vows to oust  Ekiti Gov, says PDP not dead

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Ekiti Progressives Assembly has accused the Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration of abandoning critical infrastructure and social services in the state despite reported growth in internally generated revenue (IGR).

This is just as  a  leading governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in Ekiti state, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has vowed to unseat Oyebanji,, using the party, PDP that is currently being underestimated in the state. At a press conference held yesterday, the group said while government figures show that Ekiti’s IGR rose from about N650 million to N2.3 billion monthly in three years, placing the state among the top performers nationally,  the increase was not backed by sustainable economic growth.

According to the Assembly, the surge was driven largely by “intensified taxation” as 80 per cent of the revenue reportedly comes from personal income tax, leaving residents to bear the burden without commensurate benefits.

The Convener of the group, Mr. Babajide Alofe, and Secretary, Kehinde Oni Oloke, cited abandoned health centres in Iropora-Ekiti and Igede-Ekiti, and the poor state of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, as evidence of government neglect.

According to them, “Symbols of broken promises lurk across the state. Citizens still lack access to functional health care, while communities are left with unroofed and dilapidated structures that were meant to serve them under this administration.”

The group also criticised the government’s handling of road projects, noting that while some projects were inaugurated, vital routes such as the Ado–Aramoko road remained in deplorable condition.

On education, the Assembly claimed that schools remained poorly equipped despite budgetary allocations. It also accused the government of favouring multinational agricultural interests in land disputes, particularly the controversy surrounding Agbeyewa Farms in Ikole, at the expense of local farmers.

The group dismissed government assurances of plans to renovate 100 health facilities in 2025 under the World Bank–supported IMPACT programme, insisting that many health centres remain non-functional.

“Ekiti deserves empowerment, not crumbs. This administration celebrates taxation as progress, while our children sit in broken classrooms and our hospitals remain locked,” the Assembly declared.

It urged youths, women, civil servants, and the media to hold the administration accountable, stressing that Ekiti State is at “a critical crossroads and must reject façade development backed by hollow rhetoric.”

Meanwhile, a  leading governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in Ekiti state, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has vowed to unseat Oyebanji,, using the party, PDP that is currently being underestimated in the state.

Oluyede, who was received by a massive turnout  yesterday  in his ward at Ugele Arokun, Ikere Ekitia ahead of  2026 gubernatorial election in the state, insisted that PDP in Ekiti is alive and ready to challenge any political force and claim victory come 2026 Guber poll.

According to  him, “Every party has people leaving, that is politics. Political parties are free entry and free exit. If you disagree, you leave.

“But PDP is very much alive in Ekiti. I remember some people saying a few months ago that PDP is dead. Does it look like a dead party now? I told them, you should be careful of a deep, sitting or moving stream, you don’t know how deep it is.

“Our party in Ekiti has no problem. The people who have left PDP are those who couldn’t find their footing. They are very few and we know them. It doesn’t shake the foundation of PDP.

“I hereby declare my intention to run. PDP’s presence in Ekiti is clear, the deaf can hear, the blind can see. We’ll get to Oke-Ayaba in 2026. Ikere is ready to take its rightful place in Ekiti politics.”

The former Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Kola Oluwawole, equally urged the youths, aged and women to support  aspirant, saying only a positive transition can make Ekiti reclaim its leadership role among the subnationals in the country.

Also speaking at the rally, a former PDP national chairman in South-west, Chief Makanjuola, described Oluyede as the right choice for Ekiti, saying Ikere has the voting capacity to oust the incumbent Governor,  Oyebanji from office.

A leader of the PDP, Sehinde Daramola, also urged party members to desist  from running after incentives from the aspirant, saying this would not only taint their integrity but also affect Oluyede’s victory at the pool.

He lamented the deceit and dishonesty among members, stressing that it’s the major factor that has contributed to the division within PDP, urging them to play politics as it’s supposed to be.

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. Oluyede vows to oust  Ekiti Gov, says PDP not dead Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja The Ekiti Progressives Assembly has accused the Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration
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In Japan, Tinubu Salutes Nigerian Military’s Momentum Against Insecurity

In Japan, Tinubu Salutes Nigerian Military’s Momentum Against Insecurity

•Says success of armed forces will spur national development and stability
•Japan’s PM promises $5.5bn support for Africa
•Seeks Continents support towards tackling problem of declining population

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, in Japan, saluted Nigeria’s current momentum against general insecurity, saying the success of the armed forces would serve as springboard for national development and stability.

Tinubu, who spoke extensively on the war against insurgency and criminality, emphasised his administration’s commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity through strengthening government’s security apparatus and ongoing economic reforms.

The president made the remarks yesterday during his intervention at the plenary session on Peace and Stability at the 9th meeting of the Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) holding in Yokohama, Japan.

Reaffirming that inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law remained Nigeria’s greatest strengths, the president described the current momentum in the Nigerian Armed Forces as a springboard for national development and stability.

“Nigeria’s brave armed forces can win any number of battles, but we do justice to their heroism only when we, as government, are courageous in tackling not just terror, but also the underlying causes,” the president said.

Tinubu, who spoke after the opening ceremony of the three-day conference, emphasised the ongoing investments in infrastructure, institutional reforms, and collaboration with civil society and international partners to improve the living standards of all Nigerians.

He stressed the essence of peace and stability to meaningful development, lamenting that conflicts were still ongoing in many African countries despite some progress.

He however, highlighted recent peace pacts brokered in the Congo as evidence that a new model of mediation and economic considerations could yield success.
“We should be under no illusions about the scale of our task. But neither should we underestimate the successes we have had. In the past, competition for resources has weakened states and triggered conflict.

“Now, we see mediators directly linking outcomes to investment in Congo. It is working and underlines the need for fresh thinking in everything we do to deliver peace and stability.

“Nigeria understands this process well. We believe inclusivity and diversity under the rule of law are our strengths. We have argued for this vision, and we have fought for it. We are still fighting for it today.

“We have learned that our brave armed forces can win many battles. But we can do justice to their heroism and sacrifice only when we, as governments, display the courage to be tough, not only on terror, but on the causes of terror,” he said.

Tinubu also appealed for market-driven cooperation and partnerships across nations rather than the hackneyed appeals for aid and handouts.
He seized the opportunity to call on the Japanese government to support the campaign for reforms in the United Nations’ organs, especially the United Nations Security Council, to give African countries a greater voice.

His words: “It is the view of Nigeria that Africa’s quest for fair and equitable representation in the UN Security Council is a just and fair demand. Indeed, Africa deserves two seats in the Permanent Category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the Right of Veto.

“Africa also deserves additional seats in the non–permanent seat category of the Security Council, as encapsulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.”

Addressing the role of information and technology, Tinubu called for international cooperation to ensure technology becomes a tool for peace and trust, not division and alienation.

Earlier, the Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, emphasised the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative efforts for Africa’s development.

He outlined Japan’s focus on private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.

Ishiba announced a collaborative economic framework between Japan and the African Development Bank that would see a maximum of $5.5 billion disbursed to Africa, utilising Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) private sector investment finance as a catalyst.

The Prime Minister emphasised that locally rooted solutions were essential for Africa’s development.

“Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa. So, in creating solutions together, this co-creation at the TICAD 9, we focus on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, Youth and Women, and Regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa.”

He appealed to African countries to assist Japan as it grappled with the challenges of a declining population and shrinking agricultural land.
According to him, “In 75 years from now, the population of Japan would have been halved. In the local communities, the population continues to decline; this is one big challenge Japan is facing. All agricultural land is being reduced, another major challenge for Japan.”

Ishiba, who underscored the positives of Africa’s youthful population added: “There is another potential in Africa. There is so much growing young population in Africa. But for the power of young people in Africa to flourish, you need to create a manufacturing industry and create employment, and that, I believe, is very important.

“In Africa, there is a primary industry, agriculture, forestry, and industries, and then it jumped over to the tertiary sectors and the services industries.
“There is a jump in economic growth that Japan and other Asian countries have experienced and they have tried to move from the primary, the agriculture, fisheries, forestry to the secondary, that is a necessary process because the power of the youth could be realised fully in the manufacturing industry to improve the productivity of Africa’s manufacturing sector,” the prime minister stated.

Meanwhile, the presidency has justified Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 in Japan.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, explained that the main objective of Nigeria’s participation was to focus on bilateral and multilateral engagements targeted at driving optimum performance in key sectors of nation’s economy especially in power, industry and agriculture.

The release also disclosed that in the course of the conference, Tinubu would hold talks with chief executive officers of Toyota Corporation, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP and International Finance Corporation.

It further stated that while the Power Minister, Adebayo Adelabu would, among other assignments, engage in pre-activation meeting to execute several power projects in Nigeria that were being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the goal of the Nigerian team did not include attending any trade expo.

The Presidency, in the release stated, “The trending social media narrative about an empty booth labelled ‘NIGERIA’ at the ongoing 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, totally misrepresented our country’s mission and activities at the conference.

“While we understand the urge by many social media users to seek clickbaits with many incorrect posts, we also recognise that the author may have acted out of patriotic concern. But it is a concern inspired by ignorance about Nigeria’s mission at the triennial conference.

“The Nigerian delegation to the summit, led by President Bola Tinubu, is laser-focused on its core objectives of achieving tangible outcomes from the scheduled lineup of bilateral and multilateral engagements targeted at driving optimum performance in key sectors of the economy, especially in power, industry and agriculture.

“The Nigerian official delegation working with Corporate Nigeria, represented by some of our leading business leaders, didn’t come to Yokohama and Tokyo to attend any Trade Expo, designed as an open forum for participating nations.

“The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) is scheduled to host an investment forum on Thursday, August 21, 2025

“The Nigerian ministers are busy with bilateral sideline discussions. At the same time, President Tinubu will lead meetings with the executives of Toyota Corporation, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and the International Finance Corporation. The delegation’s schedule does not include participation in an open forum trade exhibition.

“Specifically, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is leading the pre-activation meeting to execute several power projects in Nigeria that are being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“One of the projects is the Lagos-Ogun Power Transmission System Improvement, which is designed to improve the wheeling capacity and grid stability and enable the connection of industrial customers on the corridor.

“There is also the partnership between the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) and JICA to enhance Vocational Training Delivery for the power sector. The third power project is the Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-up, for which $190 million has been provided.

“The Minister of Power is scheduled to negotiate with notable Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as TOSHIBA and HITACHI.
“The Bank of Industry, led by its Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dr. Supo Olusi, is also in high-level discussions with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and other participating multilateral institutions for its annual global fund syndication.

“Social media posts are often sensational and do not tell complete stories, just as the trending video does not capture Nigeria’s participation at TICAD 9. Our country is fully and well represented and part of the essential conversations and negotiations that are going on at TICAD9.”

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•Says success of armed forces will spur national development and stability•Japan’s PM promises $5.5bn support for Africa•Seeks Continents support towards tackling problem of declining population Deji Elumoye in Abuja President
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Makinde Approves Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan, Installation Holds September 26

Makinde Approves Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan, Installation Holds September 26

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has officially approved the nomination of Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Following this official approval, the Olubadan-designate, Ladoja, would be formally crowned the 44th Olubadan at a coronation ceremony slated for Friday, September 26, 2025 at Mapo Hall in the ancient city.

A delegation by the state government, THISDAY gathered, met yesterday with Ladoja and other members of the Olubadan-in-Council at his Bodija, Ibadan residence.

A media aide to Ladoja, Chief Adeola Oloko, who confirmed the meeting said, “Ladoja will be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, 26 September, 2025.”

The former Oyo State governor had earlier on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with the kingmakers at his private residence on Ondo Street, Old Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government.

The meeting, the first since his return following the demise of the immediate past monarch, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, lasted for about two hours.
The former Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, joined his ancestors six weeks ago a few days after his 90th birthday celebrations.

But Ladoja, who had left town prior to the passing of the late Olubadan, returned to Ibadan Ibadan on Monday, preparatory to his official approval as the new Olubadan.

Ladoja, who described his journey to the throne as “bumpy and filled with trials”, attributed his emergence to the grace of God, Ladoja.
He spoke publicly for the first time on Monday since his official nomination, reflecting on the emotional and spiritual weight of his ascension following the death of his predecessor.

“When I heard about the transition of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, it hit me with a rude shock. I never imagined that destiny would call me at this moment,” he said, addressing a crowd at his residence on Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan.

He paid tribute to the late Olubadan, describing him as a traditional ruler who upheld Ibadan’s customs with dignity and honor. He extended condolences to the royal family, the Olubadan-in-Council, and the people of Ibadanland.

Recounting his path to the throne, Ladoja noted that his journey began over three decades ago when he was installed as Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland on October 1, 1993.

Since then, he has steadily risen through the 36 hierarchical steps of the Ibadan traditional chieftaincy system—one of the most structured in Yorubaland.
“It has been a journey of patience, perseverance, and divine favour. Many who started this journey with me are no longer alive,” he said emotionally.

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Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has officially approved the nomination of Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. Following this official approval, the Olubadan-designate, Ladoja,
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REA, Delta Partner on Off-grid Power, Plan to Raise State’s GDP By $2.9bn

REA, Delta Partner on Off-grid Power, Plan to Raise State’s GDP By $2.9bn

•Target 31,220 jobs, 471 unserved communities•Oborevwori: Delta won’t be left behind in renewables deployment

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Delta state government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the possible deployment of off-grid electricity to 471 unserved communities, leading to an addition of about $2.9 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Besides, when fully implemented, the agreement is expected to result in the creation of about 31,220 jobs in the renewables segment of the power sector to cut the growing unemployment rate.

Speaking in Abuja at the REA’s ‘State-by-State Roundtable Engagement’ themed: “Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State”, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori pledged the readiness of the state to fully take advantage of the suite of impactful programmes on offer by the REA.

During a presentation by the state government, it listed the immense potential for renewable energy, particularly solar power, with an annual average solar radiance of 4.53 kilowatts per hour, making it the highest in the South-south region.

On why the collaboration matters, the state government noted that electricity supply in rural areas is largely low, denying access to such basics as lighting and refrigeration for almost 70 per cent of the coastal rural areas of the state.

Despite the achievements of the government in rural electrification schemes, the state noted that on a regular basis, it is still inundated with requests from rural communities to either rehabilitate or reinforce existing dilapidated electricity networks or extend the electricity network as some communities do not have access to the national grid.

With an estimated 65 per cent of the rural communities in Delta State unserved and underserved, the government told the Renewable Energy Service Companies (Rescos) present at the event that huge opportunities currently exist for them in the state.

“I must emphasise that we view these programmes not only as energy access initiatives, but as powerful tools for inclusive economic growth, enterprise development, and rural transformation.

“Access to reliable energy is a cornerstone for unlocking productivity, attracting investments, and enhancing the livelihoods of our people, particularly in communities that have long been unserved and underserved. Delta State is committed to leveraging these programmes to accelerate the delivery of energy solutions that align with our medium-term development plan and the MORE agenda of Delta state.

“We believe that the outcomes of these initiatives will drive meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery, education, local industries, and job creation across Delta state,” Oborevwori stated.

Speaking on the advantages of renewables over traditional energy sources like fossils, Oborevwori highlighted that these sources remain critically volatile, environmentally unstable, non-renewable, and increasingly expensive.

On its part, he stated that Delta state will fully key into the federal government’s energy transition plan that ensures access to electricity, renewable energy means, and private sector collaboration as enacted in the State’s Power Sector Law (2024).

With an already established 8.5 MW embedded power plant, the governor said that this will be replicated in key public institutions in the state.

“As encapsulated in our electricity policy, Delta State is ready to widen its operations in the electricity sector. And therefore, we aim for the establishment of solar-powered mini-grids, solar farms for rural communities, hybrid solar wind systems, or any other renewable energy hybrid system for housing and coastal estates, and for businesses,” he added.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, while underscoring the need for mini-grids, stressed that on-grid power supply will not be cost effective for very far-flung communities.

“Here, we have identified 531 educational facilities that can be powered using the mini-grid. We also have identified 471 off-grid communities in Delta State. And we estimated that we can connect 120,000 connections using this mini-grid.

“Based on our analysis of this data, we have realised that if we address the electricity access target of all the communities within Delta state, we will boost the GDP of Delta State with at least $2.9 billion. This is based on factual data that we have written down.

“And we can create, in a very simple way, 31,220 job opportunities within the state and thereby attracting an investment of about $158 million,” Aliyu added.
In her presentation, the Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) of the agency, Doris Uboh, said that REF has successfully deployed 125 mini-grids, 25,000 solar home systems, and more than 200,000 electricity connections across 183 rural communities.

“We have connected 724 mini-grids with a total capacity of 16.6 megawatts. We have deployed 25,580 solar home systems. Our projects are all-encompassing, and we make sure it gets spread across the entire 36 states,” she stressed.

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•Target 31,220 jobs, 471 unserved communities•Oborevwori: Delta won’t be left behind in renewables deployment Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Delta state government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday signed
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NCC, Governors Forge Partnership to Boost Nigeria’s Digital Economy

NCC, Governors Forge Partnership to Boost Nigeria’s Digital Economy

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

In a significant step towards advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has commended Governors in the country for their openness to engage the commission in the management of the digital economy

In a statement, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Director, Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi, quoted Maida to have said, “The openness of the NGF to engage with us reflects a shared belief in the impact digital solutions can have on subnational development.”
Maida, emphasised the critical need for alignment between national and subnational digital infrastructure, describing it as a “game changer” for Nigeria’s digital economy.

According to the spokesman, a key focus of Maida’s address was the Right of Way (RoW) fees, currently set at N145 per linear meter, which he described as a significant burden on telecom companies.

Maida urged states to waive or reduce these fees to facilitate fibre optic deployment, stating, “The Right of Way is a critical element in opening up the digital economy, and this lies within the purview of the states.”

Echoing the call for collaboration, the NGF Director General, Mr. Abdulateef Shittu, highlighted the centrality of broadband and secure infrastructure to state development.

“Broadband and secure information infrastructure are no longer optional inputs to development,” he said.

He described them as foundational public goods. Shittu noted that while Nigeria has seen rapid growth in connectivity, national broadband penetration remains below the level needed for inclusive digital transformation.

To address this, he proposed four pragmatic areas for deepened partnership with the NCC: institutional alignment through State Broadband Coordinating Councils, policy harmonisation to standardise RoW rules, CNII resilience through state-level protection plans, and information sharing to enhance capacity building.

The Director General pointed to the World Bank’s SABER initiative as a model for success, citing states that have harmonised RoW fees, adopted coordinated trenching practices, and waived onerous fees to attract private investment.

“These policy choices have produced rapid increases in fibre kilometres and improved access to high-capacity networks,” he said, highlighting the socio-economic benefits, including improved productivity, job creation, and expanded access to education and health services.

Shittu and Maida emphasised the economic potential of enhanced connectivity, with Maida noting that that easing RoW barriers would enable telecom companies to create more value chains, benefiting citizens and increasing tax revenues for states.

Furthermore, Shittu said: “Expanded fibre coverage raises productivity, supports job creation, broadens access to education and health services, and enlarges the taxable base available to state governments.”

The NGF proposed leveraging the upcoming NCC Business Roundtable to convert commitments into concrete state-level pledges. “I further propose that the NGF and the NCC jointly convene a series of follow-up workshops to translate best practices from leading states into implementable toolkits for lagging ones,” the DG noted, advocating for measurable targets and clear timelines.

As Nigeria strives for universal, affordable, and resilient connectivity, the NCC-NGF partnership signals a collaborative path forward.

With states controlling critical administrative processes like land use and security, Shittu affirmed the NGF’s commitment, saying: “We will bring political will, coordination capacity, and the convening power of the governors to bear on this agenda.”

Maida, in turn, pledged the NCC’s technical leadership and regulatory clarity to ensure rapid and secure broadband expansion.
This landmark engagement sets the stage for a transformative push to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, with both the NCC and NGF poised to drive measurable progress in the nation’s digital economy.

Both leaders spoke when a delegation of the NCC paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat in Abuja.

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Chuks Okocha in Abuja In a significant step towards advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida,
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Tinubu Approves N45bn for FCT Water Projects

Tinubu Approves N45bn for FCT Water Projects

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has approved for immediate release the sum of N45 billion, which is 50 per cent of the contract sum of Bwari Township and Karu Water Supply projects, to CGC Nigeria Limited.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, disclosed this yesterday at the official flag off of Lot 1 of Bwari Township Water Supply project.
He expressed hope that the contractors would deliver the project for the President’s third anniversary in office in May next year.

“The president has mandated that the contract for this ought to be 18 months, but we discussed with the contractors and pleaded with them that they have to do all it takes so that by the third-year anniversary of Mr. President, we will be able to commission these projects.

“And when the contractors assured us that they will try as much as they could, if funds are made available. Based on that, Mr. President immediately approved the release of 50 per cent of the total contract sum to CGC Nigeria Limited. I hope, by the grace of God, knowing the commitment of this company, in whichever job you give to them, they will deliver on time,” Wike said.

The minister noted that the project would provide not less than 1,600 direct and indirect employments for the teaming youth.

He assured FCT residents that with the flag off of the project they would no longer need to dig bore holes to source untreated water for domestic consumption.
He also added that after the Bwari and Karu projects are commissioned, the administration will make appropriation for Kuje and Kwali in next year’s budget, while the Gwagwalada and Abaji water will be executed in 2027.

“So, by the time Mr. President’s full four-year tenure expires, we’ll have touched all the satellite towns by providing them clean, potable water.

“We have also agreed that we are going to bring water. When I come back to say we have performed, you too will perform. What President has done for you, when it is your turn too, you do for Mr. President. So, let us fulfill our own first,” Wike said.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary FCDA, Richard Yunana Dauda, described the construction and expansion of water supply in FCT’s satellite town project as a strategic infrastructure initiative that aligned with the FCT regional master plan, designed to improve access to potable water supply to FCT residents.

He said the scope of works for the project included site clearance, artworks, excavation works, supply and installation of about 198 kilometers of various types and sizes of pipes, ranging from diameter 60 millimeters to 600-millimeter diameter, different types of pipes.

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Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has approved for immediate release the sum of N45 billion, which is 50 per cent of the contract sum of Bwari Township and
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Ethiopian Airlines to Add Three Extra Flights to Abuja from October 28

Ethiopian Airlines to Add Three Extra Flights to Abuja from October 28

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Ethiopian Airlines has decided to add three extra weekly flights to the daily flights already operating out of Abuja.

The additional flights, the Airline noted, would be in the evening, while the daily flight would remain at midday.

A statement yesterday, by the Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines, Mrs. Firiehiwot Mekonnen, stated: “To support this growing trend, Africa’s biggest airline, Ethiopian will be adding extra flights to Abuja from the 28th of October 2025.”

Mekonnen said passengers from Abuja would have increased options, noting: “The extra flights will offer immediate connection to many African and Asian destinations that reduce the total hours of flight time for passengers.

“The extra flights from Abuja do not just offer more flights it comes with extra benefits.”

According to her, “The extra baggage allowance is for passengers going to some part of India, and Dubai.

“There will be three evening flights and the daily midday flight will not change. Only the additional flights will have different times.”

She disclosed that the airline, in collaboration with Meetings Incentives Conferences and Events/Exhibitions (MICE) would host the event in Abuja.

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Kasim Sumaina in Abuja Ethiopian Airlines has decided to add three extra weekly flights to the daily flights already operating out of Abuja. The additional flights, the Airline noted, would
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Access Holdings Expands Global Footprint with Trade Diplomacy, Social Impact in Zambia

Access Holdings Expands Global Footprint with Trade Diplomacy, Social Impact in Zambia

Nume Ekeghe

Access Holdings Plc has continued to deepen its pan-African ambition with a unique blend of global deal-making and grassroots impact, underscoring its evolving role as both a financial powerhouse and an agent of social transformation.

The bank in a statement revealed that last week, its Group’s Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, joined policymakers, investors, and private sector leaders at the AfriCaribbean Trade & Investment Forum (ACTIF) 2025 in Grenada, where discussions centred on building new economic bridges between Africa and the Caribbean.

Key focus areas included tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and digital trade sectors widely seen as critical to unlocking the full potential of both regions.
At the forum, Access Bank’s CEO for Caribbean Expansion, Sunmbo Olatunji, described the institution as a “bridge” enabling cross-continental partnerships.”
“We are building pathways for trade and investment that will outlast today’s market cycles,” she said, highlighting the Group’s commitment to sustainable long-term growth beyond immediate market opportunities.

No sooner had the conference concluded than Aig-Imoukhuede was in Lusaka, Zambia, where he met with President Hakainde Hichilema.

The discussions focused on Zambia’s economic transformation priorities, particularly in energy and agriculture.

Access Holdings pledged up to $100 million in financing towards strategic projects aimed at narrowing the country’s power generation and transmission gaps—an intervention the government hopes will accelerate industrial output, especially in the mining sector where copper production is projected to reach one million metric tonnes this year.

President Hichilema welcomed the financing commitment, stressing that improved power infrastructure would play a decisive role in unlocking growth and sustaining Zambia’s industrial competitiveness.

Beyond boardroom engagements, Access Holdings also reinforced its reputation for community-centred impact.

In Lusaka, Aig-Imoukhuede inspected the newly renovated Maternity Ward B03 at the University Teaching Hospital, an intervention delivered by Access Bank Zambia to improve healthcare outcomes for women and children. The Chairman also held discussions with Vice President Mutale Nalumango, who commended the Bank for backing social investments alongside its financial services expansion.

Access Bank Zambia’s Managing Director, Lishala C. Situmbeko, and Acting Board Chairperson, Mildred Kaunda, accompanied the Chairman during his visit.
They emphasised that the bank’s strategy in Zambia blends innovation in financial products with investments that directly improve livelihoods.

“Zambia is central to our pan-African vision. We are here to build enduring partnerships that unlock prosperity and improve lives,” Aig-Imoukhuede said, reflecting on the Group’s integrated strategy.

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Nume Ekeghe Access Holdings Plc has continued to deepen its pan-African ambition with a unique blend of global deal-making and grassroots impact, underscoring its evolving role as both a financial
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Bello: How I Got Donations, Sold My House to Build 540-Seater Auditorium for Students

Bello: How I Got Donations, Sold My House to Build 540-Seater Auditorium for Students

•Dedicates structure on his 60th birthday•Education minister unveils facility•Sanwo-Olu, Osoba laud initiative

Segun James

The Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Olatunji Bello, yesterday, disclosed how he reached out to friends for donation and also sold a property in Magodo area of Lagos State, to start and finish a 540-seater auditorium for students of the Lagos State University (LASU).

Describing the period as the toughest, Bello, a former Secretary to the Lagos State Government and ex-chairman, Editorial Board of THISDAY, who donated the structure to LASU to mark his 60th birthday, spoke at the Epe campus of the institution where the auditorium was built.

According to him, the cost of the project initially frightened him, but he later found creative ways to fund it.

“I appealed to friends and well-wishers to convert birthday gifts into donations for the project. One wealthy friend who had planned to surprise me with a Land Cruiser Jeep converted it to cash. With more donations and God’s grace, we started in 2021,” he said.

The former Commissioner for Environment revealed that rising inflation and the crash of the naira nearly derailed the project in late 2023, forcing him to sell his Magodo estate property to keep construction going.

“The toughest moment was when costs tripled, but our faith never wavered. To God be the glory, the rest is history,” he added.

He said he decided to build an auditorium for LASU as a way of sowing seed in the vineyard of knowledge, instead of spending lavishly on a birthday party when he clocked 50 in 2011.

Bello noted that the idea was in line with his belief that public purpose was served better by helping public universities fill the infrastructural gap.
“Without wishing to sound sanctimonious or all-righteous, one point I like to seize this moment to make is the consequential choice between transient enjoyment and posterity.

“Thus, by choosing to invest the money through sowing the seed in the vineyard of knowledge, I believe we are invariably preserving my 60th birthday cake in a way that it will be shared and savoured by many generations to come.

“Besides, this is my humble way of supporting the argument that public purpose is served better by helping public universities fill the infrastructural gap.
“Certainly, the government alone cannot do it. Private individuals who really have the means should invest in public tertiary education to create more opportunities as prevalent in several developed countries,” he said.

He had earlier on his 50th birthday in 2011, instituted annual prizes in five disciplines namely, Law, Mass Communications, Social Sciences, Engineering and Medicine at the same university.

“So, as my 60th birthday approached, in 2021, the concern was how I could do more. For me, the idea of throwing a big party to mark the occasion was completely off the table.

“My darling wife, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the very able Madam Vice Chancellor of this great university, is the one who initially mooted the idea of building something for LASU to mark my 60th birthday.

“She was not yet the Vice Chancellor then. I never gave much thought to her suggestion immediately until few days later,” he added.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, officially unveiled the multipurpose auditorium.

Alausa, who was the chairman of the occasion, expressed satisfaction over the initiative, and highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to raising the education standard in Nigeria and enhancing human capital development.

“LASU is the most subscribed university in Nigeria when it comes to JAMB. You keep the campus in the atmosphere of tranquility.

“You have a governor and a president who believe in education and human capital development. The President, in the last 30 years, has committed the largest amount of money to health and education.

“The president places education as the centre of national development. By this year next year, you will be having energy solutions. The president has committed that every university in the country will have a mini grid that will make them energy sufficient,” he said, commending the. VC.

The State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks said: “This iconic edifice, generously donated by one of our illustrious sons, Hon. Olatunji Bello, stands as a testament to vision, commitment, and the enduring value of giving back to society.”

He noted that Bello had over the years contributed immensely to the growth and development of Lagos. “Together with his wife, he has continued to leave a legacy of service and philanthropy, and today’s commissioning further cements that legacy.

“This modern facility is more than just a building; it is a beacon of knowledge, creativity, and intellectual engagement. It will serve as a hub for academic discourse, cultural exchange, and strategic gatherings, enriching the learning environment for our students and inspiring them to aim for excellence.

“As a government, we have consistently emphasised education as a critical pillar of our development agenda. Under the Education and Technology component of the THEMES+ Agenda, we remain resolute in our commitment to provide world-class infrastructure and opportunities that will produce globally competitive graduates and strengthen Lagos as a centre of excellence.

“What we are witnessing here today perfectly aligns with our vision for a greater Lagos, a Lagos where government institutions, and private citizens join hands to advance education and empower the next generation.”

On her part, the Vice Chancellor thanked the governor, stressing that the donation of the auditorium aligned with the third goal of the university, which has to do with developing lasting infrastructure.

“Your presence represents more than a ceremonial visit, it symbolises commitment to excellence. This is the first time a sitting Governor will set his feet on this campus in an official capacity,” she said.

Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, thanked Bello for the donation, praising him for his contribution to humanity.

The post Bello: How I Got Donations, Sold My House to Build 540-Seater Auditorium for Students appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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•Dedicates structure on his 60th birthday•Education minister unveils facility•Sanwo-Olu, Osoba laud initiative Segun James The Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Olatunji Bello,
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Two Years of Renewed Hope in Tunji-Ojo’s Interior Ministry

Two Years of Renewed Hope in Tunji-Ojo’s Interior Ministry

By Femi Salako

Rhere are many ways to look at visionary leadership, the capacity to translate vision into reality, as the American leadership expert Warren Bennis is justly famous for saying. Visionary leadership involves the ability to innovate and to create; which is why, according to Leroy Eimes, a leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others see; that is, one who knows, in the words of Alan Kay, that the best way to predict the future is to create it. Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts, it is about one life influencing another, says John C. Maxwell, and great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves. (Eleanor Roosevelt). If vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others (Jonathan Swift) and leadership is the art of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work (Seth Godin), then visionary leadership means creating a platform for revolutionary ideas that shape and change the course of human existence. As President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope leadership clocks two years in office, it is apposite to consider how far the country has come in terms of strengthening its internal security organs, and how this fits into a broad strategy.

To be sure, Nigeria still grapples with internal challenges—every country does—but a close analysis of the situation so far will reveal precisely why there is cause for cheer. Precisely two years ago when President Tinubu appointed Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as Minister of Interior, he was looking at security as the bedrock of national development. His focus is enhancing the capabilities of our security forces, promoting peace and stability, and ensuring that every Nigerian feels safe and protected, no matter where they reside. Recognizing the limitations of brick and mortar measures, the ministry deployed digitization looking at the capacity of advanced technology to detect and prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and human trafficking, streamline border crossing processes, reducing wait times and improving the overall travel experience.It aimed to reduce errors and inconsistencies in documentation and identification, making it easier to verify identities and track individuals; provide valuable insights and data analytics to inform policy decisions and improve border management, and reduce opportunities for corruption and bribery by minimizing human interaction and increasing transparency.

In the last two years, digital systems have enabled the immigration authorities to better manage and monitor the flow of people across borders. They have also facilitated legitimate trade and commerce by reducing delay and increasing the efficiency of customs procedures. They have led to improved compliance with regulations and laws and created a more efficient, secure, and effective border management system.

It is significant that in not more than a year, landmark achievements such as the clearance of a backlog of 204,332 passports within a record-breaking three-week period, restoring confidence in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), revolutionized passport processing within a two-week timeline for applications and introducing home and office delivery of passports, streamlined application process, and championing the rights of Nigerian applicants and ensuring that they receive just treatment abroad, were made. Regarding the welfare of paramilitary officers, the administration’s focus on equitable compensation and the unfolding of plans for a functional pension board to boost morale and productivity, and the alignment of paramilitary salaries with those of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to ensure fairness and equity attracted plaudits. But that was not all: there was, crucially, a focus on the criminal justice reform. This move saw to the decongestion of correctional facilities, clearance of fines and compensations worth N585 million for 4,068 inmates, and the transformation of correctional homes into centers of rehabilitation, fostering hope and redemption for inmates.

Today, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, security infrastructure has been modernized. Among other landmark initiatives, the ministry created a state-of-the-art Data Centre and Command and Control Centre supporting new visa and passport application policies and border management; and E-Gates at airports that enhance security and efficiency. It also saw to the rehabilitation of correctional centers, with the Interior Minister earning several awards, including the Public Service Person of the Year 2023 (Leadership newspaper) for the bold and exceptional reforms. Via the Ministry of Interior, President Tinubu has demonstrated transformative leadership, fortifying Nigeria’s security. Among other extremely innovative measures, there is Safe Haven, a means of enhancing national security and community safety through partnerships with law enforcement and community leaders; Smart Border, which relates to modernized border management with advanced technologies to enhance security and facilitate trade and travel; Disaster Response Unit, which coordinates emergency responses and preparedness for disasters, and E-Visa, which simplifies the visa application process to promote tourism and international collaboration. There is also Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS), a system for enhancing migration data management to inform policy decisions.

With a clinical focus on reforms and modernization, the Tinubu administration has emplaced the Immigration Service Reform Committee with a focus on modernizing the Nigerian Immigration Service to enhance efficiency, reduce corruption, and improve service delivery. It unfolded the Digital Case Management System, streamlining case handling in the justice system to enhance transparency and reduce delays. With specific reference to correctional services, reform has been built around rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society. A case study is the Kuje Medium Custodial Centre, where facilities have been modernized to create a more humane and effective correctional environment.

Take a look at the Centralized Interior Management and Administration System (CIMAS), a centralized platform that enhances oversight and decision-making across Ministry of Interior agencies. CIMAS facilitates secure inter-agency collaboration and intelligence exchange among security agencies, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. Nigerian travelers are now familiar with initiatives like Electronic Visa (e-Visa), Landing and Exit Cards (LEC), Advance Passenger Information (API), Migrant Information Management System (MIMS), Citizen and Business (C&B), Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), Temporary Work Permit (TWP), Guard Management System (GMS) and Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens.

Notable achievements include increasing patrols with over 30 patrol vehicles, launching contactless biometrics, enhancing security and efficiency, designing and developing a Tier 4, 8.3 petabyte Data Centre and automating the visa application process. Before Tinubu’s Renewed Hope government, the situation in the paramilitary agencies was characterized by demoralized workforce, career stagnation, spilled over promotion exercise and female gender disenfranchised with low recruitment profile. All of that vanished with the coming on board of the Tinubu administration, which ensured the recruitment of at least 35 percent females in all recruitment processes, approval of 30,000 recruitment, promotion of over 50,000 personnel in two years, approval of peculiar allowance, implementation of modernized immigration project, and approval of paramilitary academy.

In particular, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has witnessed the deployment of over 800 mobile enrollment devices, integration of NIN with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), revalidation of Front-End Enrolment Partner (FEP) licenses, inter-agency collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), launching of the Self-Service Mobile App and Web Modification App, and technological upgrades and monitoring and evaluation systems. Go to the Federal Fire Service and you see improved response time and emergency services, and decreased amount of property lost to fire incidents from 1.2 trillion to 1.9 trillion saved in 2024t. Take stock of the situation in the NSCDC and you will marvel. The launching of Mining Marshall to protect mining sites and the Special Female Squad to protect school environments; massive arrest of illegal miners, establishment of a Railway Command to protect railway infrastructure, and the security of all telecommunications installations nationwide is nothing short of revolutionary. The administration recently recruited 30,000 personnel to fortify the paramilitary agencies.

In particular, there is an evident commitment to accountability and transparency, instilling values of integrity and openness in governance. Another angle involves supporting educational programs, healthcare initiatives, and empowerment projects in communities. The overall Impact is transforming institutions and uplifting Nigerian society through effective leadership and innovation and demonstrating a proactive approach to governance and commitment to protecting lives and property. This is the ennobling state of affairs in the Ministry of Interior where, under President Tinubu’s guidance, Tunji-Ojo keeps recording milestones.

*Femi Salako is Media Consultant to the Minister

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By Femi Salako Rhere are many ways to look at visionary leadership, the capacity to translate vision into reality, as the American leadership expert Warren Bennis is justly famous for
The post Two Years of Renewed Hope in Tunji-Ojo’s Interior Ministry appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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