Landmark

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed confidence that all the 36 State Houses of Assembly will simultaneously approve the constitutional amendment bill seeking the creation of state police, describing the initiative as a landmark step towards strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture. Speaking at an Arise Television Town Hall Meeting on state policing, Governor Abiodun said the proposal had attained an unprecedented national consensus, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for transmitting the Executive Bill to the National Assembly and applauding lawmakers and other stakeholders for advancing the legislation. He described June 24, 2026, as a historic day in Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that it marked the transmission of the Executive Bill on state police to the National Assembly and its swift consideration by the Senate. According to him, previous administrations had attempted to establish state police without success, making the current progres...

The Centre for Citizens Right Protection (CCRP) has called on the Inspector-General of Police to order a fresh, independent and comprehensive review of the investigation into the deaths of two persons in Ajiran Community, Lagos State, which led to the ongoing trial of Alhaji Tajudeen Akanbi. Addressing journalists at a press conference, Abe Emmanuel Kolawole and Isijola Samuel, who spoke on behalf of the group said its call was aimed at ensuring that justice is served through a thorough, impartial and evidence-driven investigation, rather than being influenced by speculation or public sentiment. The organisation stressed that it was neither seeking to shield anyone from criminal responsibility nor advocating the prosecution of any individual without credible evidence. According to the CCRP, while the deaths remain a tragic incident and the families of the deceased deserve justice, the accused is equally entitled to a fair trial and the constitutional presumption of innocence until prov...

By Christopher Okoro  The appointment of General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.) as Honourable Minister of Defence was greeted with cautious hope. Here was a retired Army General with deep operational experience, stepping in at a time when the country desperately needed further security direction. The narrative was simple and compelling: the “magic wand” to confront insecurity had been found. Yet the narrative has shifted. Instead of measurable relief, communities continue to count casualties, farmers are abandoning land, and troop morale remains under strain. As insecurity deepens and public frustration grows, the central question is no longer about potential, but about performance: what has changed under Gen. Musa’s watch at the Ministry of Defence? Months into his tenure , the gap between promise and reality is widening. What was sold as a new era of decisive, intelligence-led security management is yet to translate into lived relief for Nigerians. On paper, there have been sever...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has described the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola, as an accomplished public servant, development strategist, and visionary leader whose contributions to national development have earned him widespread respect. Governor Abiodun gave the commendation in a congratulatory message marking Dr. Akinola’s 70th birthday, describing the occasion as a celebration of a life dedicated to selfless service, visionary leadership, and institutional development. The Governor noted that Dr. Akinola’s distinguished career, spanning over three decades across government, international development, and the private sector, has been defined by excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives. He observed that the pioneering leadership being provided by Dr. Akinola at the South West Development Commission has laid a solid foundation for regional integ...

Former senator representing Imo North Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume, has distanced himself from what he described as false, unauthorised and mischievous publications circulating on various media platforms and allegedly issued by him. Particularly, Araraume denied authorship of a statement titled, "A Message of Gratitude, Unity, and a Clarion Call to Rebuild Okigwe Zone," insisting that he neither authorised nor approved its release. In a statement issued by the Office of Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume, PhD, the former lawmaker described the publication as a complete fabrication designed to mislead the public, distort his position and create unnecessary tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State. Araraume reaffirmed his status as a committed member of the APC, stressing that his loyalty to the party, its leadership and ideals remains unwavering. According to him, he has consistently conducted himself in line with the c...

Photo caption: L – R: Mr. Abolore Solebo, Executive Director, Corporate Bank; Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (both of Fidelity Bank Plc); Mr. Ronald Adams, Managing Director; Mr. Tunde Oduwole, Group Finance Director (both of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, SNEPCo); at the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between SNEPCo and Nigerian banks for a $3bn contract finance facility aimed at improving access to credit for indigenous oil and gas contractors executing projects for the company in Lagos recently. Fidelity Bank Plc has reinforced its commitment to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector through its participation in the $3 billion Contractor Finance Facility launched by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, SNEPCo, in partnership with nine leading banks. The facility, unveiled in Lagos, is designed to provide credit support to indigenous oil and gas contractors executing projects for SNEPCo. The financ...

Ogun State has recorded another significant investment milestone as Presco PLC, one of Nigeria’s foremost integrated oil palm companies, has concluded plans to establish operations in the state with an initial investment of about $100 million, further affirming the confidence of local and international investors in the investment-friendly policies of the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration. The Group Chief Executive Officer of Presco PLC, Mr. Adewale Arikawe, disclosed this after a meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Monday. Arikawe said Presco, a fully integrated oil palm company with operations spanning plantation development, processing, refining and the production of finished consumer products, chose Ogun State after a careful assessment of the state’s enabling business environment, strategic location, robust infrastructure and the deliberate policies of the present administration aimed at attracting and sustaining investments. Accord...

L-R: Rasheed Bolarinwa, Group Head, Brand Management & Corporate Communications, Polaris Bank Limited; Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika of Mass Communication Dept, University of Lagos; Olufemi Awoyemi, mni, Chairman, Pros-hare; and Sheriff Adekoya, Lead Strategist, Edgeforth Business Solutions, at the 12th Polaris Bank Annual Media Capacity Seminar in Lagos over the weekend. Polaris Bank Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing ethical journalism and strengthening media professionalism with the successful hosting of the 12th edition of its Annual Media Capacity Seminar, themed “Rebuilding Trust and Reinventing Storytelling in the Age of AI.” The virtual seminar, held via Microsoft Teams, brought together more than 650 journalists, editors, publishers, media executives, and communication professionals from across Nigeria for engaging discussions on the future of journalism in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. With this year’s edition, Polaris Bank’s A...

As the political atmosphere in Oyo State gradually shifts toward the 2027 governorship election, conversations across political circles, professional bodies, community associations and among ordinary citizens are increasingly revolving around one central question: who possesses the experience, competence and character required to sustain the remarkable developmental momentum established under Governor Seyi Makinde? Among the names frequently mentioned, one individual continues to command increasing attention, not merely because of political endorsements, but because of a career built on competence, fiscal discipline and administrative excellence. Honourable Abimbola Adekanmbi has steadily emerged as one of the most formidable personalities in the unfolding race for the Agodi Government House. Unlike conventional politicians whose public appeal is built on rhetoric, Adekanmbi's credentials have been forged in boardrooms, financial institutions, international consulting firms and the...

By Patrick Yakubu  As 2027 approaches, the political reality confronting the Tinubu administration is stark and unforgiving: no amount of campaign messaging, infrastructure projects or policy explanations can outweigh the daily fears of citizens living under the shadow of insecurity. Nigerians are tired of condolences after attacks. They are weary of promises after every massacre and increasingly frustrated by official assurances that fail to translate into safety on the ground. Communities under siege are not asking for more speeches; they are asking for protection. Families mourning loved ones are not interested in rhetoric; they want justice and security. This is why the  Minister of Defence must now move from symbolism to substance. The responsibilities of that office are too sacred and too consequential to be reduced to public relations exercises, courtesy visits and ceremonial engagements. The higher expectations from people  is now eroded and they feel he has only ...

By James Ezema When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.) as Minister of Defence, many Nigerians received the decision with optimism. Given his distinguished military career, there was broad expectation that his experience would help reinvigorate the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats. Nearly seven months later, however, many citizens are asking difficult questions. The concern is  General Musa’s credentials  which he is expected to bring on board ,Yet despite the high expectations that accompanied his appointment, insecurity remains a major concern in many parts of the country. Insurgent attacks, banditry, and kidnappings continue to affect communities across the nation, deepening public anxiety about the country’s security outlook.  Some people from Kaduna State Christian community said that they are disappointed,  that he is just making noise everywhere and no visible action.  Sinc...

Panic gripped residents of Rock Garden City Estate in Jikwoyi, popularly known as Dangbana, in the early hours of Sunday after suspected bandits engaged security operatives in a fierce gun battle, killing a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and escaping with ransom money allegedly meant to secure the release of a kidnapped victim. The incident, which allegedly occurred between about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, is the latest in a series of violent attacks linked to growing kidnapping activities across the satellite communities of Jikwoyi, Orozo, Kurudu and Karshi within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to residents, the attackers had earlier abducted two women from Phase 4, Jikwoyi, and reportedly took them toward the rocky terrain near City College, an area locals believe serves as a hideout for criminal gangs operating in the axis. The kidnappers were said to have subsequently contacted the victims' families and demanded a ransom of ₦...

London, United Kingdom – July 1, 2026: Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group hosted a private reception at Tate Modern, London, to celebrate the enduring legacy of Nigerian Modernism, one of the most significant presentations of African art in the gallery’s recent programme.  The Nigerian Modernism exhibition, in partnership with Tate Modern from October 10, 2025, to May 8, 2026, brought together nearly 300 works by more than 50 artists spanning five decades of Nigerian artistic production. Through painting, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, and works on paper, it traced the evolution of modern Nigerian art from the 1940s through the post-independence era, offering fresh perspectives on the political, social, and cultural forces that shaped modern African expression.  During its run, the exhibition attracted more than 180,000 visitors, while its reach extended far beyond the gallery through international media coverage, digital engagement, educational programming, and scholarl...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the appointment of six new Permanent Secretaries in a move aimed at strengthening the leadership capacity of the state’s Civil/Public Service and sustaining ongoing public sector reforms. The appointments, announced on Friday by the Head of Service, Mr. I.O. Saka, fill vacancies created by the statutory retirement of former Permanent Secretaries. The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are Dr. Solomon Oluseyi Sokunbi, Mr. Abiodun Oladunjoye Akinwunmi, Mr. Adedeji Akanbi Sowunmi, Mr. Olumide Olusola Ogunbo, Mr. Dolamu Isaiah Idowu-Agida and Tpl. Musinat Abiola Ayodele. According to the Head of Service, the appointments were made by the governor in line with Section 208(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), following due consideration of merit, professionalism and inclusiveness. He explained that all six appointees successfully completed the Ogun State Pipeline Leadership Development Programme...

Justice A.T. Muyideen today ordered that Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi be returned to the hospital to continue his medical treatment following his arraignment on charges of conspiracy and murder. Akanbi, who was brought to court in an ambulance and wheeled into the courtroom in a wheelchair, was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder. He pleaded not guilty to both counts. The court recalled that on 25 June 2025, Justice Muyideen had ordered that Akanbi be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. However, the correctional authorities reportedly declined to admit him because of his critical health condition. Justice Muyideen expressed displeasure over the correctional authorities’ failure to comply with the court’s order. The judge explained that, upon realizing the severity of Akanbi’s medical condition and learning that he had allegedly been abandoned in an ambulance by both the police and correctional authorities, the court issued a subsequent order directing that he be r...

A Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere on Friday deferred ruling on an application seeking to have defendant Ahmed Tajudeen remanded in police custody for medical treatment, extending an earlier order remanding him at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.   The case, presided over by Honourable Justice Muyideen in Court 7, commenced at about 10:30 a.m. with two of the three defendants present. Ahmed Tajudeen was initially absent from the courtroom.   Lead defence counsel, Barrister Olalekan (SAN), who appeared alongside Barrister Ajulo and six other lawyers for Tajudeen, informed the court that his client was on his way and requested that the matter be stood down. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) announced his appearance for the prosecution, and the court granted the application.   When proceedings resumed at about 11:23 a.m., Tajudeen was brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair. The charges were read to all the defendants, and each pleaded not guilty.   During ...

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ordered the immediate release and handover of the crude oil aboard the FPSO Tamara Tokoni to General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL), bringing the legal dispute over the asset to a decisive conclusion. In a unanimous judgment delivered on Friday by a five-member panel of justices, the apex court directed the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal and the Admiralty Marshal to immediately hand over the crude oil aboard the FPSO Tamara Tokoni to General Hydrocarbons Limited. The Supreme Court held that the suit instituted by First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) was contractual in nature and did not constitute an admiralty matter. Consequently, the court ruled that both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case. Allowing the appeal filed by General Hydrocarbons Limited, the apex court set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal in its entirety, describing the decision as perverse. The lead judgment was delivered by Jus...

By James Ezema When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.) as Minister of Defence, many Nigerians received the decision with optimism. Given his distinguished military career, there was broad expectation that his experience would help reinvigorate the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats. Nearly seven months later, however, many citizens are asking difficult questions. The concern is  General Musa’s credentials  which he is expected to bring on board ,Yet despite the high expectations that accompanied his appointment, insecurity remains a major concern in many parts of the country. Insurgent attacks, banditry, and kidnappings continue to affect communities across the nation, deepening public anxiety about the country’s security outlook.  Some people from Kaduna State Christian community said that they are disappointed,  that he is just making noise everywhere and no visible action.  Sinc...

For many children, the biggest barrier to success is not talent; it is access. Across parts of Nigeria and other underserved communities, the absence of basic educational resources continues to limit what is possible for thousands of young people. Access Bank UK Polo Day has, over the years, positioned itself as a platform designed to address that gap. Scheduled for July 4, 2026, in Windsor, the event will convene a global audience of business leaders, philanthropists, royalty, and high-net-worth individuals. While it remains one of the most anticipated fixtures on the social calendar, its focus is clear: to mobilise resources and partnerships that support education for vulnerable children. What sets the Polo Day apart is how it converts visibility into impact. The event brings together a network of influence and directs it towards practical outcomes, funding classrooms, supporting learning programmes, and enabling children to stay in school. Through its collaboration with UNICEF and l...

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his Lagos State counterpart, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for their decisive response to the menace of banditry and kidnapping in both states. The organisation also lauded the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as well as the Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Lagos States, Bode Ojajuni and Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, for their coordinated efforts in tackling criminal activities along the Ogbere-Sagamu-Ore corridor. In a letter titled “Afenifere Commends Security Chiefs and Governors for Decisive Action Against Banditry and Kidnapping on the Ogbere-Sagamu-Ore Road”, signed by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, the organisation praised the Inspector-General for providing strategic leadership and intelligence-driven policing that has strengthened the fight against organised crime. According to the group, the unwavering political commitment demonstra...