Landmark

By; Al Humphrey Onyanabo The rich customs and time-honoured traditions of the ancient Kalabari kingdom came alive in Buguma, Rivers State today, February 28, 2026 as Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari, Dabaye Amakiri 1, Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari ( The Source) formally presented his son, Briebibo Dienyefa, to the Kalabari nation as a chief. The ceremony marked the culmination of over two months of meticulous traditional processes — a demanding journey rooted in ancestry, honour and communal validation. In Kalabari land, chieftaincy is neither symbolic nor automatic. It is earned through a rigorous rite of passage that requires the candidate to be presented before chiefs of various houses and families with which he has paternal affiliation. At each stage, Briebibo Dienyefa was introduced,scrutinised and affirmed. The chiefs examined not only his lineage but also his character, reputation and conduct. In keeping with tradition, he had to be accepted as worthy and with...

The Ogun State Executive Council has approved a raft of major infrastructural projects and traditional leadership appointments aimed at accelerating development and strengthening governance across the state. The decisions were taken at the  Executive Council meeting  on Friday held at the Executive Chamber and presided over by Governor Dapo Abiodun. Top on the list of approvals is the rehabilitation and construction of seven roads across the three senatorial districts to improve connectivity and stimulate socio-economic activities. The approved roads include: • Molipa Expressway Roundabout to Ibadan Garage along Ejirin–Folagbade Roundabout, Ijebu-Ode – 2.3km, 10.3m width • Bible College Road, Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area – additional rehabilitation works • Ajaka Road via Awolowo Market, Sagamu – 870m, 8m width • Gbadebo Street, Hospital Road, Ayegbami, Sagamu – 900m, 8m width • Okenla Street, off Imoru Road, Ijebu-Ode – 0.53km, 10m width • Yem...

By Kayode Akinmade  “We turn not older with years, but newer every day,” wrote Emily Dickinson, one of America’s most distinctive poets. That timeless reflection perfectly captures the spirit surrounding the birthday of Oladapo AbdulRahman Okubadejo, Ogun State Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, as he marks another milestone on Saturday, February 28. Birthdays are moments of celebration, but they are equally occasions for reflection, gratitude to the Almighty, and deeper bonding with family and friends. Coming during the holy month of Ramadan, this year’s celebration offers even greater reason to give thanks for life, faith, and divine grace. A proud son of Ogun State, born in Ijebu-Ode, Okubadejo—fondly called Dapo by friends and associates—stands today as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished technocrats in public service. A man of deep faith in Allah, profound intellect, and an unblemished record of service, he exemplifies excellence in governance ...

The Ogun State Government has approved the award of a contract for the construction of a complex to house the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal. The approval was granted at the State Executive Council meeting held today. The contract, valued at ₦6,118,098,154.70, provides for the development of the court complex on a 2.6-hectare parcel of land adjoining the existing State Judiciary Complex in Olipakala Village via Kobape area of Abeokuta, within the Judiciary Cluster along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway. This milestone represents a significant step in the State Government’s sustained efforts to deepen access to justice and bring appellate adjudication closer to the people of Ogun State. A review by the Ministry of Justice showed that a clear majority of appeals currently heard by the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal emanate from Ogun State. The absence of a division within the state has, over the years, increased the financial burden on litigants and legal practitioners an...

In a landmark shift for Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals will supply between 60 and 65 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily to meet national demand, effectively positioning the country for sustained fuel self sufficiency while exporting up to 20 million litres in surplus. President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the development in Lagos, confirming that a structured offtake agreement has been concluded with selected marketers to ensure nationwide distribution and eliminate supply instability. “We have agreed an offtake framework to supply up to 65 million litres daily for the domestic market,” Dangote said. “Any surplus, estimated at between 15 and 20 million litres, will be exported.” Nigeria’s average daily petrol consumption stands at between 50 and 60 million litres. The refinery’s output therefore exceeds current domestic requirements, marking a decisive break from decades of fuel import dependence and...

L–R: Construction Head, Arise IIP, Mr. Manoj Kumar; Business Head, Arise IIP, Mr. Prasad Sane, and Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, during an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing work at the IPR Industrial Platform, Remo Free Zone — a public-private partnership between the Ogun State Government and Arise IIP — on Thursday. Cargo operations are set to commence at the Gateway International Airport within the next 30 to 45 days, with the first cargo aircraft from Europe expected to land at the facility. Governor Dapo Abiodun made this known during an on-the-spot assessment of work at the Industrial Platform, Remo Free Trade Zone, located along the Sagamu–Ijebu-Ode Expressway on Thursday. The Industrial Platform, Remo, is the Special Agro-Processing Zone project situated between Iperu and Ilishan. Conceived toward the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative is designed to drive agro-industrial development and position Ogun State as a leading processing and export hub. Abiodun d...

The APC Professionals Network has applauded the appointment of Dapo Abiodun as Chairman of the Venue Committee for the forthcoming All Progressives Congress National Convention. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Khalid Abdullahi, the group described the appointment as a clear demonstration of the confidence reposed in Governor Abiodun by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to the group, the terms of reference of the committee are critical to the overall success of the convention. These include preparing the convention venue(s), overseeing layout and branding, coordinating staging and seating arrangements, ensuring provision of utilities, guaranteeing accessibility, and confirming readiness for all convention activities. The APC Professionals Network noted that the sensitive and strategic nature of these responsibilities demands “a person of considerable experience, sophistication, and proven organisational capacity.” “The appointment of Governor Dapo ...

L-R: Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr Dapo Okubadejo; former Deputy Governor and Renewed Hope Agenda Coordinator for Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya; Chairman, Ijebu-North Local Government, Hon. Foluso Badejo; the Oliworo of Iworo, Oba (Dr.) Adebisi Onafuwa; and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, during the commissioning of the 5.2km Iworo–Ogbogbo–Igbeba Road in Ijebu-North-East Local Government Area of the state on Thursday. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commissioned the 5.2-kilometre Iworo–Ogbogbo–Igbeba Road in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area, pledging to construct two additional roads in the council area before the end of the year. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Abiodun said the project provides critical access to farmlands and fulfils a campaign promise he made during his second-term re-election bid in 2023. ...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commissioned the 5.2-kilometre Iworo–Ogbogbo–Igbeba Road in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area, pledging to construct two additional roads in the council area before the end of the year. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Abiodun said the project provides critical access to farmlands and fulfils a campaign promise he made during his second-term re-election bid in 2023. “I want to promise you that between now and the end of the year, I will construct two more roads in this local government. Let me assure you that the Central Mosque–Ilese to Benin–Sagamu Expressway, for which you have made a case, will be prioritised,” he said. The governor noted that the road links Ijebu North-East with Ijebu-Ode, enabling farmers to transport their produce to markets with ease. He described it as a continuation of the Igbeba Road in Ijebu-Ode, commissioned last year. “We are being intentional about this. I will describe it as our own infra...

Union Bank of Nigeria has issued a statement reaffirming its steadfast position in the course of ongoing regulatory engagements in response to recent media queries at the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) 304th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) press briefing. The bank's affirmation comes in the wake of Governor Olayemi Cardoso's clarification on the regulatory framework governing institutions under intervention while speaking on the complexities and structural considerations influencing the recapitalisation timeline. According to the CBN Governor, institutions currently under regulatory oversight are subject to unique circumstances that necessitate a differentiated approach, distinct from those institutions that have had an extended period to prepare for recapitalisation. This clarification was made in direct response to queries raised by journalists seeking insight into the operational status of banks under intervention. Union Bank's Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs...

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced the launch of the second edition of its flagship women-empowerment initiative, the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 (HAP 2.0). Designed to equip women with practical, income‑generating skills and structured pathways to entrepreneurship; HAP 2.0 will build on the success of its inaugural edition held in 2023. Speaking with journalists at a media chat to herald the launch of HAP 2.0, the Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede, explained that the initiative has been enhanced to deliver greater impact. “HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 reflects our commitment to continuous improvement. Having evaluated feedback from the first edition, we have returned with stronger partnerships and deeper mentorship programmes to ensure that women acquire not just skills, but sustainable economic opportunities,” he said. “At the heart of the programme is guided, real‑world learning. Participants will...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, on his distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation, following the acceptance of his resignation by President Bola Tinubu. The governor also congratulated the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tunji Disu, expressing confidence in his ability to provide focused and result-oriented leadership at a critical time in the country’s security landscape. In a statement personally signed by him, Abiodun described Egbetokun as a proud son of Ogun State whose decades of dedication, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening internal security remain a source of pride to Ogun indigenes and Nigerians as a whole. He commended the former IGP for his selfless service and wished him well as he attends to pressing family responsibilities. While congratulating Disu, the governor urged the new police chief to prioritise intelligence...

The Youth Forum of Ojomu Royal Family of Ajiran Town in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, has written a petition against the Commissioner of Police in the state, Moshood Jimoh, over the accusations levelled against Hammed Tajudeen. Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the counsel to the Forum, (Adedotun Ajulo, Esq.), said the Lagos State Police Command cannot embark on a media trial in an alleged murder case. The Forum said the police accused Tajudeen of sponsoring multiple murders without investigation. It stated that at no time was Tajudeen invited by the police for questioning.  It said: "At no time did he refuse or fail to honour any police invitation. At no time was any warrant of arrest issued against him by a court of competent jurisdiction.  "At no time was any judicial authorisation or order obtained to declare him wanted. Despite these concerns, on 20 February 2026, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, convened a press briefing during which...

Nigerian corporate pilot, Captain Susan Ekpoh, has formally demanded the immediate withdrawal of an article published by Apple Bite International Magazine, alleging that the publication misrepresented her personal social media post regarding a landing at Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport in Ogun State. Captain Ekpoh clarified that her post, made on February 21, 2026, was a reflection of her personal flying experience upon landing at the airport. She stressed that it was neither a political critique nor a regulatory assessment, and did not constitute commentary on the Ogun State Government or aviation authorities. The article in question, titled “Nigerian Pilot Faults Dapo Abiodun’s $800m Gateway International Airport, Says Runway Undulates,” reportedly attributed statements to her that she insists she never made. According to her legal representatives, the publication suggested that she questioned the airport’s certification standards and publicly criticized the state government...

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced the launch of the second edition of its flagship women-empowerment initiative, the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 (HAP 2.0). Designed to equip women with practical, income‑generating skills and structured pathways to entrepreneurship; HAP 2.0 will build on the success of its inaugural edition held in 2023. Speaking with journalists at a media chat to herald the launch of HAP 2.0, the Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede, explained that the initiative has been enhanced to deliver greater impact. “HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 reflects our commitment to continuous improvement. Having evaluated feedback from the first edition, we have returned with stronger partnerships and deeper mentorship programmes to ensure that women acquire not just skills, but sustainable economic opportunities,” he said. “At the heart of the programme is guided, real‑world learning. Participants will...

By Gbeleyi Emmanuel  In Nigeria, groups emerge as political desperation dictates. And that's a why it is no surprise that something called Human Global Resource Initiative has approached the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court, seeking a restraining order against INEC, SSS, and APC from fielding Governor Dapo Abiodun for any elective office in 2027. Pray when did the DSS start fielding candidates for elections? But that's by the way. The group, an outgrowth of the leprous fingers of a drowning senator, alleges that Abiodun submitted fake academic records and made false declarations on his INEC forms. This, then, is the basis for its quest for a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from considering Abiodun as a candidate, and a declaration that Abiodun's contradictions amount to false declaration and violations of the Constitution and Electoral Act. Given that these are issues already decided by the courts, it is not hard to see that this is gross abuse of the court pr...

The Akure Youth Democratic Vanguard (AYDV) has commended what it described as the measured, factual, and constitutionally grounded response of the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, to the recent article authored by Newspaper columnist Festus Adedayo, which sought to discredit the one-year achievements of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state.  In a press statement signed by its Coordinator, Abayomi Segun, in Akure, the youth group described Dr. Ajulo’s intervention as “a courageous defence of truth against orchestrated falsehood,” noting that his presentation of verifiable facts and figures laid to rest what they termed “a sensational and outdated narrative that bears no resemblance to the Ondo State of today.” According to AYDV, Dr. Adedayo’s article betrayed a troubling disconnect from the realities on ground, particularly in Akure, the state capital he claims as home. “It is shocking that a son of Akure would paint a gloomy and imagi...

By Dr. Abayomi Obasola When I read the February 22, 2026 piece by Festus Adedayo in the Sunday Tribune titled “Aiyedatiwa’s Years of the Locusts,” I was not struck by its literary flourish. I was struck by its bitterness. Dr. Adedayo has, over the years, worked alongside and around politicians whose records were, at best, underwhelming and, at worst, abysmal. Yet, never did we read from him the kind of apocalyptic metaphors he now deploys with theatrical relish. It is therefore difficult to ignore the growing public perception that his current crusade against Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is less about governance and more about grievance, less about facts and more about fresh sponsorship. It is fashionable in certain circles to recruit media attack dogs when political battles heat up. The language is usually the same, locusts, vultures, blood, greed. What is often missing is evidence. Let us address the issues.  Dr. Adedayo attempts to tie Governor Aiyedatiwa to violence at ward congre...

Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has applauded the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, saying that the party's strong showing represents wide acceptance of the party by Nigerians. In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, Abiodun described APC's strong performance as an endorsement of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. Abiodun, who congratulated President Bola Tinubu; the chairman of APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and the APC candidates in the elections for the great outing, said the party's superlative performance at the polls is a precursor to its impending victory in the 2027 general election. He said: "No doubt, the outcome of the area council polls at the FCT has shown clearly that Nigerians are fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu and the APC, and will again demonstrate this durin...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has rewarded Mr. Solanke Francis Taiwo, a primary school teacher at Ansa-Ur-Deen Main School I, Kemta Lawa, Abeokuta, with a brand new car for emerging as Nigeria’s Overall Best Primary School Teacher. The Governor presented the car keys to Mr. Solanke at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, in the presence of the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbagbu, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Oloko. Speaking on the development, Prof. Arigbagbu described the teacher’s achievement as a validation of the Governor’s sustained investment in the education sector and the reforms introduced to revitalise it. “When you do things consistently and efficiently, you will continue to record results. We have been winning the Best Teacher Award back-to-back. This same teacher won in October and has now emerged as the overall best teacher in Nigeria. “This shows that once you put sound policies in place—such as the Og...

L-R: The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Governor Dapo Abiodun; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, during the commissioning of the Lantoro-Oke-Yidi-Isale Ake Junction Road in Abeokuta South Local Government on Wednesday. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on Thursday commissioned the Lantoro–Oke-Yidi–Isale Ake Junction Road in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, describing the project as part of a deliberate infrastructure drive aimed at deepening connectivity and economic growth across Ogun Central Senatorial District. With the latest commissioning, the governor said his administration has now completed 29 roads in Ogun Central over the past six years, adding that 10 additional road projects currently under construction would be unveiled in the coming weeks — bringing the total to 39. He announced that work would also commence immediately on the rec...

The local government chairmanship aspirants in the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) have petitioned President Bola Tinubu over none refund of their nomination and expression of interest fees.