Landmark

L-R: Wife of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Olori Iyabo Adetona; former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; first son of the late Awujale, Prince Adedire Adetona; and representative of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Arc. Fari-Arole, during the final farewell ceremony and grand reception for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, held at the Dipo Dina Stadium on Saturday... President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring the relevance of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s governance structure, describing monarchs as indispensable partners in promoting peace, security, and grassroots development across the country. Tinubu stated this on Saturday during the final farewell and reception held in honour of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona at the Dipo Dina Stadium. Represented by Dapo Abiodun, the President said the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration had deliberately repositioned tr...

Mr and Mrs Maduka (middle) flanked by other dignitaries during the 7th edition of the 2026 OMAL organised by APWEN on Friday in Lagos...       By Grace Alegba     Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mitimeth, has urged the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) to mentor coastal communities and young innovators on commercialising waste into sustainable businesses.  

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kosofe Local Government area of Lagos State has condemned the recent endorsement statement credited to the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha Sego, concerning political representation within the Kosofe Constituency 2. Speaking in a statement signed by its Convener, Comrade Alex Omotehinse on Friday, the Coalition said that it considered it “both inappropriate and unacceptable for any individual or group, particularly one lacking direct residency or indigenous ties to the Kosofe community to attempt to exert undue influence on the democratic choices of our people.” They said that representation within Kosofe Constituency 2 must remain the exclusive prerogative of its residents and stakeholders, guided by informed consent, credible leadership evaluation, and constitutional democratic processes. “The reported circumstances surrounding this endorsement raise grav...

Osun Accord has condemned in the strongest possible terms the deliberate vandalisation of its candidate's billboards, vowing that the Osun APC must be held accountable for its unprovoked, premeditated criminal acts. In a statement issued at Osogbo by the state chairman of the party, Pastor Victor Akande said the Osun APC cannot deny or run away from the crimes committed by its hired thugs and warned that the law enforcement agencies should not treat the matter with levity. “Osun APC cannot run away from its shadows, from its crimes. Denial from Osun APC is an afterthought. The dastardly act is too obvious to ignore. “The destruction of billboards was perpetrated across major towns in Osun state. From Osogbo, Ede, Ila, Ilesa, Ile Ife and many other towns. It was a pre-planned evil conduct, leading to loss of millions of naira in materials. “ We take this infraction seriously and we have taken appropriate legal steps to remedy the situation. This illegality will not go unpunished. “I...

The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) is pleased to announce the official unveiling of the Imole Media Centre on Sunday, May 10, 2026. The Imole Media Centre is a highly structured and technologically driven media and communications hub established to provide strategic support for the media operations of the campaign and serve as a fully equipped coordination base for media professionals, digital teams, content creators, communication strategists, researchers, and campaign response units. Designed as a modern political communications facility, the Centre is equipped with advanced digital support systems, high-speed connectivity infrastructure, media production support facilities, workstations, strategic communication units, and recreational spaces to ensure a productive and creative working environment for members of the media and campaign communication teams. The facility is completely off-grid and independently powered by a dedicated solar energy system to guarantee uninterrupted operati...

The Ogun State Government has dismissed as false a media report alleging that Saudi airline, Flynas, rejected the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, for the transportation of Ogun pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise. In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government described the publication by The Punch titled “Pilgrims stranded as Saudi airline shuns Ogun airport” as misleading and a distortion of facts. According to the government, the relocation of the second batch of pilgrims from the Gateway International Airport was not due to any safety, operational, or infrastructural challenge at the facility. Rather, it resulted from the inability of Saudi aviation authorities to secure a landing slot for Nigeria’s designated carrier, Max Air, which had been engaged by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for Gateway International Airport (GIA) operations, necessitating an adjustment in flight arrange...

Governor Peter Mbah has reportedly emerged as the new Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), succeeding Hope Uzodimma. Sources disclosed that the decision was reached during an extraordinary meeting of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held on Thursday night in Abuja. The development came just hours after Governor Uzodimma spoke on behalf of APC governors during the submission of the presidential nomination and expression of interest forms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja. According to insiders, about 20 APC governors attended the closed-door meeting, including governors from Ogun, Bayelsa, and Enugu states. Governor Mbah’s emergence is seen as a significant political development within the ruling party, especially ahead of ongoing consultations and strategic alignments within the APC. Although official details surrounding the leadership change were still sketchy as of press time, party sources said the decision was part of eff...

Photo caption: L-R: Deputy President, Valorem Inductees Class, Fidelity Bank Plc, Olamide Wilson; Team Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Director, JKS Special Needs Academy, Abuja, Nifemi Ajileye; Team Lead, Human Resources Business Partner, Abuja and North, Fidelity Bank Plc, Aishatu Sambo; and President, Valorem Inductees Class, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ekeh Adaora; at the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP) CSR Outreach in Abuja recently... Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), has funded critical support for the JKS Special Needs Academy in Abuja to ensure continued shelter and care for vulnerable children. The intervention was facilitated by a group of the bank’s newly recruited employees known as Team Valorem, as part of their induction activities. Through the FHHP, employees are empowered to actively contribute to social development by dedicating their time, resources and...

The Idanre Development Assembly (IDA) has appealed to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to urgently approve the resumption and conclusion of the selection process for a new Owa of Idanre Kingdom. In a letter dated May 7, 2026, and addressed to the governor at the Government House in Alagbaka, Akure, the socio-cultural body expressed concern over the prolonged vacancy on the throne following the transition of the former Owa on July 31, 2024. The letter, jointly signed by the President-General of the IDA, Chief Dr. Anthony A. Omolola, and the Secretary-General, Prof. Oluropo E. Akinfala, noted that the situation had been worsened by the recent death of the Regent and Lisa of Idanre Kingdom, High Chief Christopher Oluwole Akindolire, on May 1, 2026. According to the group, the absence of a substantive monarch has created social and economic hardships across Idanreland, particularly affecting traders and market women whose trading locations were allegedly relocated to unsafe ...

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has submitted his nomination form at the National Headquarters of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja as the consensus candidate for Ogun East Senatorial District. Speaking after the submission, Abiodun described the development as more than a political process, saying it represents a renewed commitment to the growth and advancement of Ogun East Senatorial District. The governor expressed appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, and residents across the Ijebu and Remo divisions for their continued support, trust, and confidence in his leadership. According to him, Ogun East is a district endowed with rich history, enterprise, culture, and enormous potential that must continue to be harnessed for the benefit of the people. Abiodun pledged to sustain developmental initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, creating economic opportunities, empowering youths, and promoting prosperity across communities within the senatorial district. He also as...

Governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK), has celebrated media personality and celebrity journalist, Dayo Badmus, on the occasion of his 50th birthday, describing him as a loyal friend, media strategist and influential voice in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. In a goodwill message released on Wednesday, AKK praised Badmus for his professionalism, dedication and unwavering support for his political aspiration and media engagements. According to him, “Seeing you transition from a brilliant young mind into a formidable force in the Nigerian media space has been one of the great joys of my own journey. Your loyalty is not just a trait; it is a fortress, and I am honoured to call you my brother.” The Oyo governorship hopeful also commended Badmus for his role in promoting the “Realistic Tomorrow” vision, saying the veteran journalist handled the project with uncommon passion and commitment. “You have handled...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive power audit to determine the state’s actual electricity consumption and improve supply efficiency. The governor made this known during an unscheduled visit to the 4-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday. Speaking during the inspection, Abiodun said the audit would enable the government to track how electricity generated from the plant is distributed, while identifying and addressing leakages and energy theft across the system. He noted that the exercise has become necessary following the state’s expanded authority to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. Emphasising the importance of reliable power to economic growth, the governor described electricity as a key driver of industrialisation. He added that the 4-megawatt facility—part of the Ogun State Light-Up Project—would support the state’s ambition to achieve energy self-sufficiency and ensure n...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive power audit to determine the state’s actual electricity consumption and improve supply efficiency. The governor made this known during an unscheduled visit to the 4-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday. Speaking during the inspection, Abiodun said the audit would enable the government to track how electricity generated from the plant is distributed, while identifying and addressing leakages and energy theft across the system. He noted that the exercise has become necessary following the state’s expanded authority to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. Emphasising the importance of reliable power to economic growth, the governor described electricity as a key driver of industrialisation. He added that the 4-megawatt facility—part of the Ogun State Light-Up Project—would support the state’s ambition to achieve energy self-sufficiency and ensure n...

A coalition of oil sector reform advocates has criticised the latest agreement by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited with Chinese firms to revive Nigeria’s refineries, describing the move as a wasteful recycling of failed strategies and a troubling signal of weak accountability in the management of public resources. The group, the Centre for Energy Sector Transparency (CEST), made its position known in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its executive director, Dr Oghenetega Edafe, following the announcement of a new memorandum of understanding between NNPC Ltd and two Chinese companies for a proposed technical equity partnership. The agreement is aimed at completing rehabilitation work and restarting operations at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, assets that have remained largely dormant despite multiple rounds of government-funded turnaround maintenance. Edafe said the development raises serious questions about fiscal discipline, policy coherence,...

Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital retail and commercial bank, has proudly facilitated the launch of the NACCIMA Export Support Call Center, a vital initiative designed to provide comprehensive support to Nigerian exporters, especially those operating in the non-oil sector and enhance their ability to access global markets. This partnership marks a significant step in the Bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s export ecosystem. Chris Ofikulu, Executive Director of Polaris Bank, in his address, emphasised the Bank’s commitment to empowering Nigerian businesses for global markets. He highlighted the importance of the NACCIMA Call Center as a key resource for exporters, offering valuable information, knowledge, expert guidance, and advisory services to navigate the complexities of international trade. "Today, we are marking a pivotal moment in our mission to empower Nigerian businesses for global markets," said Chris Ofikulu. "Through this collaboration, we are e...

Rising political tension has engulfed Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State following allegations of financial inducements and backdoor negotiations involving key political figures lobbying to get the APC Ogun West Senatorial District ticket. According to sources within the local political circle, substantial sums of money reportedly up to ₦20million have been paid by Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele and Olanrewaju Bashorun respectively to influence the emergence of a preferred senatorial candidate through what insiders described as a “manufactured consensus.” The alleged transaction was said to have been facilitated by Segun Ojolowo Ojuko. The purported plan, sources claimed, was designed to present a fake candidate to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, potentially sidelining broader stakeholder input. Unconfirmed reports also suggested that the Ota traditional ruler, Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, was alleged to be engaging in political consultations beyond the customary expectat...

Nigeria’s emergence as host of a landmark global media institute has been hailed as a turning point in the country’s information governance trajectory, with the Association of Bloggers and Journalists Against Fake News (ABJFN) urging authorities to seize the moment by implementing sweeping reforms to combat misinformation. In a strongly worded press statement issued Tuesday in Abuja, the group’s National President, Comrade James Ezema, described the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) under the auspices of UNESCO as “a defining moment in Nigeria’s evolving information governance landscape.” ABJFN said the development represents “a strong global endorsement of the country’s potential to lead in advancing media literacy, digital responsibility, and information integrity,” noting that Nigeria now stands at the forefront of global efforts to address the rising threat of misinformation and disinformation. However, the association cautioned aga...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State to respect local government zoning arrangements and embrace consensus-building as the party prepares for forthcoming elections. The governor made the appeal during a strategic meeting in Abeokuta with House of Representatives and House of Assembly aspirants, alongside party leaders from the state’s 20 local government areas. Addressing the gathering, Abiodun stressed that while many party members are qualified to contest, only one candidate can emerge for each position. He urged aspirants to prioritise party unity through dialogue and compromise rather than engage in divisive contests. He said zoning arrangements across local governments would serve as a guiding framework to promote fairness, equity, and inclusion within the party, adding that grassroots leaders are best positioned to assess aspirants and recommend suitable candidates. “I am not a dictator and I have no...

Jim Ovia and Mustafa Bello    Banking wizard, Jim Over has retired as the chairman of Zenith Bank Plc following the expiration of his tenure in line with the guideline of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) The bank disclosed this in a corporate notice issued in Lagos on May 5, 2026. Ovia completed the mandatory 12-year tenure permitted under corporate governance guidelines for financial holding companies, non-interest banks, and payment service banks in Nigeria. As the founder of Zenith Bank, he has been a central figure in its growth trajectory and was credited by the Board for providing strong leadership, strategic direction, and effective oversight throughout his time as chairman. The Board noted that his commitment to governance standards and stakeholder value creation significantly enhanced the Group’s positioning and reputation in the financial services sector. To fill the vacuum created by the retirement of Mr. Ovia, Engr. Mustafa Bello a non-executive director in the ba...

The first batch of Muslim pilgrims from Ogun State has safely arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise, marking a historic milestone for the state’s aviation and pilgrimage operations. The pilgrims touched down at King Abdulaziz International Airport at about 4:15 a.m. (Nigerian time), following their departure from Gateway International Airport at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday. The contingent comprised 345 pilgrims—151 males and 194 females—alongside officials of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. Upon arrival, they were received by Saudi Hajj officials and airport authorities before undergoing immigration and security procedures in an orderly manner. They were thereafter conveyed in buses to their hotel accommodations in Medina, where they are expected to rest ahead of subsequent Hajj rites. The departure of the pilgrims from Gateway International Airport marked both the commencement of the 2026 Hajj operations and the airport’s first international flight. ...

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that Tony Elumelu, its group chairman, has divorced his wife. The lender described the claims as false, malicious and defamatory. In a statement on Sunday, Alero Ladipo, Group Head, Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communication, UBA, said that the publication and similar content were entirely fabricated and intended to mislead the public while damaging the reputation of its chairman. The bank confirmed that three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and dissemination of the reports have been arrested. UBA identified the individuals as Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem); Chigozie Success Ihebom and John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky). According to the statement “Investigations are ongoing and are expected to lead to further arrests and prosecutions of all persons involved in originating, amplifying or sustaining this defamatory campaign. “This notice serves as a formal notice to all i...

Dangote Group has dismissed as false and malicious a publication alleging that its President, Aliko Dangote, distanced himself from Tony Elumelu. Dangote Group has dismissed as false and malicious a publication alleging that its President, Aliko Dangote, distanced himself from Tony Elumelu, describing the report as entirely baseless. In a statement issued by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company said neither Dangote nor the Group made the claims attributed to them, stressing that the publication misrepresents both personal and corporate positions. The Group also rejected assertions that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was financed through personal borrowing from friends, describing the claims as inaccurate and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts. “As a matter of principle, Aliko Dangote neither finances his projects through personal borrowing from friends nor engages in lending arrangements of that nature,” the statement said, adding that...

Strong indications have emerged that former Ogun State governor and senator representing Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun, may be considering a strategic political exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as his chances of securing the party’s senatorial ticket continue to fade. Insiders within the Ogun APC revealed that mounting opposition against Amosun has significantly weakened his position ahead of the primaries. Once a dominant force in Ogun politics, the former governor now faces stiff resistance from party leaders and aspirants who have collectively rejected any attempt to impose a consensus candidacy in his favor. According to sources, this growing isolation has forced Amosun to explore alternative political options, with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) emerging as a possible destination. Political observers believe such a move could serve as a face-saving strategy, allowing him to remain relevant in the political space rather than risk a humiliating defeat at the AP...

Concerned stakeholders in the National Association of Nigerian Students, Ogun State Joint Campus Committee, has become aware of troubling developments suggesting undue interference in its forthcoming election process. As an independent student body, NANS remains committed to democratic principles, transparency, and the collective will of students across campuses in Ogun State. However, recent indicators point to attempts by the Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Students’ Affairs, Adeyemi Azeez Amoo, to influence the electoral process in ways that could undermine its credibility and integrity. Reports reaching stakeholders within the student community indicate that there are moves to improperly invoke the name and authority of the Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to sway outcomes and intimidate participants. Such actions, if allowed to persist, risk creating unnecessary tension among students and could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election. It is important to stress that the...