Landmark

The United Democratic Coalition (UDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, citing worsening insecurity and a breakdown of democratic order in the state. The demand was contained in a statement on Friday signed by Abdulrahman Danladi, President of the coalition. Danladi described Zamfara as “a state under siege,” accusing the state government of abandoning its constitutional duty to protect lives and uphold democratic principles. “The situation in Zamfara has gone from troubling to terrifying. Armed groups operate freely, citizens are at the mercy of bandits, and yet those elected to speak up are being silenced,” the statement read. He was referring to the recent suspension of 10 lawmakers in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, whom he said were punished for raising concerns about insecurity and illegal mining in their constituencies. “What we are witnessing is not just lawlessness — it is executive tyranny. These lawmakers were el...

All is now set for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State as Governor Dapo Abiodun on Thursday embarked on another tour of the facilities meant to host the event. The Governor, during an assessment of the work done on the facilities being prepared for athletes participating in the sports festival, including the MKO Abiola International Stadium, the Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and handball court behind the main bowl, as well as the Alake Sports Centre, all in Abeokuta, said Ogun State is ready for the festival. According to the Governor, the facilities put in place will not only be used for the upcoming festival but also other competitions, national and international. Abiodun added that the MKO Abiola International Stadium, which is being renovated in preparation for the National Sports Festival has already been picked by the African Athletics Federation to host the Under-20 athletics competition in 2026. The stadium, when completed in p...

Ogun State Ministry of Justice has warned members of public against the activities of land grabbers on Government Acquired land in the Odogbolu Local Government area of the state. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), in a statement on Thursday, stated that the Ministry of Justice had uncovered a " fraudulent and Improperly - obtained Customary Court judgement" ,with which the land grabbers intend to use in deceiving members of the public. Ogungbade said: " The Ogun State Ministry of Justice is impelled by recent developments to issue this urgent notice.  "A few months ago, the Ministry received a petition from persons representing lineages and descendants of one Oba Alli Ogunnaike Fibiwoga ("Fibiwoga Family").  The ministry added that " They claimed that they were properly adjudged owners of a family land within Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State but were being disturbed in possession of that land by ...

The Coalition for Accountability and Good Governance has condemned the decision of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to declare notable businesswoman and philanthropist, Mrs. Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, wanted. Speaking at a press conference, the publicity secretary of the coalition, Ademola Adegoke, said the unlawful invasion of Achimugu's home and the mistreatment of her aged mother is unwanted. Adegoke called on the EFCC to retrace its steps and uphold due process, fairness, and the principles of justice in the execution of its duties. He said: "As an organization that has consistently supported anti-corruption efforts and the rule of law, we are, however, constrained to express our deep dissatisfaction with the manner in which the EFCC is demonstrating its desperation to clamp down on Mrs. Achimugu and her household. "We are fully aware that on the 4th of March 2025, the EFCC, through its Port Harcourt zonal office, sent an invitation to Mrs. Achimugu. ...

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...