Landmark

Some Nigerians in the United Kingdom have expressed deep concern over the recent proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly. The Progressives Without Borders said the decision has severely damaged Nigeria's image, with the international community condemning it as an egregious overreach of executive authority. A statement co-signed by its President John Andrew, who is also the Chairman of the APC in South-East London, noted that the move has also contravened the fundamental principles of federalism and democratic governance, casting aspersions on the legitimacy of the Tinubu administration. "Nigeria's global reputation has suffered irreparable damage, with the country being perceived as one where the government disregards the rule of law and undermines democratic institutions," the statement said.  "The dubious interpretation of the Constitution that ...

The Good Governance Advocates of Nigeria (GGAN) has commended President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, for their efforts in transforming Nigeria's agricultural sector. In a statement signed by its national president, Comrade Gideon Unazi, the group hailed the administration's commitment to driving economic growth and positioning Nigeria as a key player in regional and global food markets. According to Unazi, the country's gradual shift from subsistence farming to a robust agribusiness ecosystem is a significant step towards empowering farmers and fostering private sector-led growth. He noted that the declaration of a state of emergency on agriculture, temporary suspension of tariffs on imported grains and essential food items and other reforms have yielded positive results.  Unazi added: "The collaboration with international development institutions such as the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and the Japanese Intern...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved N16.5 million to 33 sport associations in the state to prepare for the 22nd National Sports Festival scheduled to hold from May 16 to 30 in the state. The state athletes for the festival are also expected to commence closed-door camping with immediate effect. The Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, stated this on Wednesday at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta, during an engagement with athletes, coaches, chairmen of sport associations, and other stakeholders in the state. "I am delighted to announce that the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has graciously approved the payment of N500,000 as support to each of the 33 sport associations participating in the festival. "The Governor has sanctioned the implementation of a new structure and process to drive the development of sports," he said. The SSG noted that the subvention isn't a largesse to be shared by anyone but a...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved N16.5 million to 33 sport associations in the state to prepare for the 22nd National Sports Festival scheduled to hold from May 16 to 30 in the state. The state athletes for the festival are also expected to commence closed-door camping with immediate effect. The Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, stated this on Wednesday at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta, during an engagement with athletes, coaches, chairmen of sport associations, and other stakeholders in the state. "I am delighted to announce that the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has graciously approved the payment of N500,000 as support to each of the 33 sport associations participating in the festival. "The Governor has sanctioned the implementation of a new structure and process to drive the development of sports," he said. The SSG noted that the subvention isn't a largesse to be shared by anyone but a...

The senatorial campaign of Hon. Waliu Taiwo, Chairman of the Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission is gathering momentum. The former Ogun State Commissioner for Works is being prepared as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ogun West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections. This followed plans within the leadership of the APC that the current senator representing the district, Senator Solomon Adebola Olamilekan (popularly known as Yayi), would be the APC’s governorship candidate in Ogun State in 2027. Sources revealed that APC leaders and a significant number of members of the party in Ogun State are backing Waliu Taiwo based on his extensive political experience and track records. According to an insider, Hon. Waliu Taiwo is will emerge as the consensus candidate for the senatorial seat. "Hon. Waliu Taiwo is a man of the people. We trust his ability to step into Senator Yayi's shoes as the latter is poised to become the next govern...

The senatorial campaign of Hon. Waliu Taiwo, Chairman of the Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission is gathering momentum. The former Ogun State Commissioner for Works is being prepared as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ogun West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections. This followed plans within the leadership of the APC that the current senator representing the district, Senator Solomon Adebola Olamilekan (popularly known as Yayi), would be the APC’s governorship candidate in Ogun State in 2027. Sources revealed that APC leaders and a significant number of members of the party in Ogun State are backing Waliu Taiwo based on his extensive political experience and track records. According to an insider, Hon. Waliu Taiwo is will emerge as the consensus candidate for the senatorial seat. "Hon. Waliu Taiwo is a man of the people. We trust his ability to step into Senator Yayi's shoes as the latter is poised to become the next govern...

The Ogun State Governor's Elders Advisory Council (GEAC) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for adopting Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) as a federal tertiary institution. The Council also commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for initiating the moves that led to the federal government's takeover of the foremost institution. The Advisory Council made this known meeting held at the Valleyview Auditorium, Government House, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta, Ogun State. They also called on the federal government to retain the name of the institution as it is, stating that the name was carefully chosen to honor an educationist of high repute in the country. A motion to that effect was raised by Chief (Hon) Dipo Akingbade and seconded by Dr. Rasheed Adenusi. "I want to say that this honorable house commends Mr. President for this step. The President has done so well with the adoption of Tai Solarin University of Education by the federal government. "I also want to congrat...

The Energy Reforms Advocates (ERA) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decision to remove Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. In a statement on Wednesday, Abdulkadri Isah, president of ERA, described the move as a courageous step toward reforming Nigeria’s oil sector and tackling entrenched corruption. He said Kyari’s removal would allow a full investigation into alleged fraudulent refinery projects under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. “The dismissal of Mele Kyari signals a new dawn in our nation’s commitment to eradicating corruption in the oil and gas sector. We commend President Tinubu for demonstrating the political will to confront these challenges head-on,” Isah said. He urged the newly appointed leadership of the NNPC to prioritise an audit of past projects and ensure accountability in the sector. “The probe into fake refinery projects must be swift and thorough. Nigeri...

In a landmark move that sets a new benchmark for customer-focused  banking in Nigeria, Sterling Bank has championed the cancellation of bank transfer fees by major banks, announcing it will no longer take any money for itself for any local online transactions by its customers.  The announcement, made on April 1st, initially sparked widespread arguments, with many assuming it was a marketing prank tied to April Fools’ Day. However, Sterling has confirmed that this is no stunt: the zero-transfer-fee policy is real, and effective immediately. With this move, Sterling becomes the first major Nigerian bank to take a definitive stand against the long-standing practice of charging customers for everyday digital transfers, an issue that has grown increasingly contentious as digital banking adoption deepens. “We believe access to your own money shouldn’t come with a penalty,” said Obinna  Ukachukwu, Growth Executive leading the Consumer and Business Banking Directorate.  “Thi...

A coalition of Nigerians has expressed dismay and disappointment over President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a gross abuse of power and a blatant disregard for the Constitution, democratic principles, and the rule of law. In a letter to the African Union Commission, the coalition urged the commission to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure that democratic principles are upheld. See full letter below: *COALITION OF NIGERIANS* No. 24 Seriki Street, Off Odunsi Street, Bariga Shomolu Lagos, Nigeria. March 26, 2025 His Excellency, Alhaji Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, The Chairperson, African Union Commission, P. O. Box 3243, Roosevelt Street W21K19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Your Excellency, UNCONSTITUTIONAL DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE: A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA We are writing to express our utmost dismay, disappointment, and disillusionment over the recent declaration of a state of ...

Fourth from left, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ikoyi, Julius Ogueri; fifth from left, Author, Banker, and Pastor, Bayo Adeyinka (@Greaterbayo); flanked by family, friends and officers of the custodial center during a prison outreach facilitated by Adeyinka in commemoration of his 50th birthday recently. In a remarkable act of compassion, eight inmates at the Ikoyi Correctional Center, Lagos, regained their freedom after author, banker, and pastor, Bayo Adeyinka paid their fines as part of a prison outreach to commemorate his 50th birthday.   At a brief event held at the correctional center’s, catholic chapel on Saturday, 29 March 2024, Adeyinka, popularly known as “Greater Bayo” online, told a crowd of inmates, Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) officials, friends and family, that the outreach was borne out of the need to facilitate freedom of inmates in line with biblical injunctions. “According to the bible, ev...

  The Young Guardians of Accountability (YGA) has submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crime Commissions (EFCC) and the Independent Corruption Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate and prosecute the Minister of Defence and former governor of Jigawa State, Muhammed Abubakar Badaru, over abuse of office.   The group is accusing the minister of flagrantly contravening critical provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act (Cap C15, LFN 2004). The petition reads that: “Mr. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar actively maintains directorship in the following private companies, in violation of federal law prohibiting public officers from engaging in private business activities:   The companies listed below are the companies the group is accusing Mr. Badaru of running despite holding a public office.   TALAMIZ NIGERIA LIMITED TALAMIZ PETROLEUM NIG. LTD SOCARTALAMIZ LTD GULFSTREAM LOGISTICS LIMITED BABURA LINE LIMITED EGYPTIAN PHARMACEUTICALS AND HOSPITALS...

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, released its 2024 full-year Audited Financial Statements, reporting a 210% growth in Profit Before Tax to N385.2 billion.  According to the Bank's results released on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Friday, 28 March 2025, Gross Earnings increased by 87.7% to N1,043.4bn, driven by 106.9% growth in interest and similar income to N950.6bn. The increase in Interest Income was led by a combination of improved yield on earnings assets and 51.6% expansion in earnings base to N6.3tn. This led to a Profit After Tax of N278.1 billion, representing a 179.6% annual growth. Commenting on the results, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc said, “We are delighted with our 2024 full-year (FY) performance, which showed strong growth across key revenue lines, improved asset quality, and significant traction in our strategic business segments. Our impressive results led to a triple-digit increase (210....

As Nigeria Muslims join their counterparts across the globe in the celebration of the end of this year's Ramadan Fast, the Association of Ex-Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ASELGON) has felicitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, his Vice, Sen. Kassim Shettima, GCON and other Muslim faithful across the country for the successful completion of the annual religious obligation.  The message of felicitation was contained in a press release signed by the National President of the association, Hon. Albert Asipa and made available to journalists in Abuja. The Association congratulated, Nigerian leaders and the entire Muslim community in the country for the grace of seeing the end of the 30- day fast.  ASELGON remarked that the holy month of Ramadan, as instituted by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), is a period of self denial to share in the experience of the masses and the imperative of showing love by sharing with the less privileged out of one's endowment.  The association no...

When prophets warn nations, it is always advisable to listen because they speak not from their own intelligence but through divine signals received from God. God has placed prophets on earth to reveal his mind to mankind because the word of God explicitly explained that there is nothing that happens without the knowledge of prophets. God speaks to them before he does anything; even though they are humans, they are specially selected individuals closer to God than every other person. Therefore, whatever they say has to be taken serious because failure to follow their God-inspired instructions most times doesn’t end well. This is the analysis that best describes the situation recently faced by the Nigerian correctional service and the Nigerian army. Earlier in the week, it was reported that there was a jail break in Kogi state, which saw the escape of 12 inmates from prison. It was indeed a threat to Nigeria’s security. According to the reports, the escapees strangled one of the warders ...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has felicitated Muslim faithful on the conclusion of this year's Ramadan, saying that the period has enriched the country spiritually.  Abiodun, who commended Muslim faithful for committing the country into the hands of Almighty Allah (SWT) in prayers and supplications while undertaking acts of charity during the period, said that the benefits to the country have been massive. In particular, the Governor commended Muslim faithful in Ogun State for their unwavering support of his administration and commitment to the growth and development of Ogun State, saying that he would never take such support for granted.  The Governor, who acknowledged the challenges posed to Muslim faithful and other Nigerians by the economy and the security situation in the country, expressed hope that there will be positive changes with their prayers and renewed commitment to national development on the part of the political leadership. He added: "On behalf of ...

Nigerians have appreciated President Bola Tinubu for ensuring fuel price stability throughout the fasting period, crediting the efforts of the federal government and the Dangote Refinery for the availability of petroleum products. They say the situation is in sharp contrast to previous years when fuel scarcity and price hikes made Ramadan and Eid celebrations difficult. In a statement on Sunday, Charles Mbakwe, President of the Nigerian Citizens Rights Advocacy Network (N-CRAN), praised the Tinubu administration and the Dangote Refinery for shielding Nigerians from a potential fuel crisis. “For the first time in years, Nigerians did not have to battle fuel shortages during Ramadan or Eid-el-Fitr. This is not by accident. The federal government’s commitment to ensuring product availability and the efficient operations of the Dangote Refinery played a huge role in stabilising the market,” he said. He, however raised concerns over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) an...

Fresh facts have emerged on plans to extend the emergency rule in Rivers state by some vested interests from Rivers state and close to the corridors of power in Abuja. According to impeccable sources, it was stated that the move for an extension of the state of emergency was to ensure that the governor is frustrated by his long stay out of office to force him to come to the negotiation table. This much was corroborated by Aare Segun Komolafe, the president of the Yoruba Progressive and Democratic Forum. He stated that a series of plans have been hatched to extend the emergency rule in Rivers state to force the governor into submission to the whims and caprices of some vested interest in the state. “The political witch hunt of the governor of Rivers state has reached an alarming dimension. One of the first carrots dangled before the governor is that to return to office, he must cede the mandate of managing state government accounts to a team of select individuals, to whom he will submit...

The Rivers Mandate Group (RMG) has strongly discredited the claims made by George Nwaeke, former Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing them as a desperate and poorly executed political script aimed at falsely implicating the governor. In a statement signed by Pastor Godknows John, RMG’s president, the organisation dismissed Nwaeke’s allegations as a fabricated narrative designed to serve political interests. “A viral video that surfaced online has cast serious doubt on the credibility of Nwaeke’s claims. The footage showed the former Head of Service being handed a prepared script, with a voice in the background instructing him to ‘read from the script I wrote’, followed by the command ‘Action’—clear evidence that the so-called press conference was nothing more than a staged drama,” the statement reads. “This is not a whistleblower’s revelation. It is a staged performance by desperate political actors who want to destroy Governor Fubara’s...

The Ondo State Coalition of Democrats has issued a strong condemnation regarding the recent assault on the Ministry of Justice by a group of unidentified individuals reportedly affiliated with a faction of the Akoko Youth Forum. This unlawful invasion disrupted the official activities of the Ministry, raising serious concerns about the security of public institutions and the safety of officials fulfilling their duties. Comrade Obadeyi Samuel, the Publicity Secretary of the Coalition, expressed outrage at the incident, stating, “The individuals behind this attack, linked to a splinter group within the Akoko Youth Forum, have not only physically threatened the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, but have also engaged in a malicious smear campaign against him on social media. It is shocking that a group claiming to seek Dr. Ajulo’s support for their forthcoming summit would resort to such acts of intimidation and lawlessness.” Dr. Ajulo, a respected activ...

In a decisive statement, the Akoko Progressives Youth Vanguard has condemned the recent invasion of the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, OON, SAN. The group expressed its outrage over the actions of individuals posing as members of the so-called Akoko Youth Forum, labeling their behavior as a departure from the values upheld by true sons and daughters of Akoko. “This uncharitable and unbecoming act is a clear indication of the lengths to which unscrupulous elements will go to discredit perceived political opponents under the guise of youth activism,” stated Tolulope Bello, President of the Akoko Progressives Youth Vanguard. “It is regrettable that individuals who claim to advocate for the interests of Akoko youths have resorted to lawlessness and intimidation, bringing disrepute to our community.” The Vanguard highlighted that the invasion is part of a broader pattern of politically motivated aggression targeting notable polit...

Ogun State Governor,  Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the occassion of his 73rd birthday, describing him as a thought leader of inestimable value.  Governor Abiodun, in a congratulatory message  signed  in Abeokuta,  the Ogun State capital said the President remains an architect of reformed Nigeria, with exemplary courage and selflessness to change the old order and transform Nigeria to an enviable height. He added that Tinubu, through strong conviction and unassailable determination has achieved what many of his predecessors could not achieved for decades, noting that the President deserves accolades from all Nigerians. Prince Abiodun, therefore wished President Tinubu more fulfilled years ahead in sound health and functional mind to maximally achieve his renewed hope agenda. He said," I heartily congratulate our leader and architect of a new Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occassion of his 73rd birthday; obviously,...

The Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State in 2023, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR), has extended his heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday. Jandor said that President Tinubu's contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic landscape remain significant, with a legacy of leadership that has shaped governance at both state and national levels.  These were contained in a statement signed by Gbenga Ogunleye, spokesperson for Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, dated March 29, 2025.  As Tinubu marks this milestone, Dr. Adediran acknowledged his resilience, strategic vision, and dedication to public service. “I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today. His journey in leadership has been marked by courage and a commitment to nation-building.  "I wish him good health, divine guidance, and renew...

The Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum (SGF) and the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has extended deep condolences to his Katsina State counterpart, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda following the recent loss of his mother, Hajiya Safara'u Umaru Baribari.  The State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, representing Governor Abiodun as the Chairman of the SGF, conveyed the Forum's heartfelt condolences.  In his remarks, the NGF chairman emphasized the universal nature of grief and the importance of celebrating a life well-lived. "There is never a good time to lose a parent, but we take solace in the impactful life lived—a legacy that endures in family and society. "We pray that Almighty Allah accepts her righteous deeds, forgives her shortcomings, and grants her Al-Jannatul Firdaus. May He also grant us all long life in good health, enabling us to leave behind positive legacies for future generations," he said. In her separate remarks, the E...