The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Abia denies budget inflation, clarifies photocopier allocation

    Abia denies budget inflation, clarifies photocopier allocation

    The Abia State Government has dismissed claims that it inflated the 2026 budget, describing reports of irregularities as misleading.

    The clarification followed rumours that the state government increased certain allocations after the budget was signed into law.

    One of the claims centred on an alleged provision of ₦250 million for the purchase of a photocopier for the state’s liaison office in Lagos.

    However, the Abia State Ministry of Budget and Planning, in a statement issued on Sunday, said the figure was a technical error that occurred during the final compilation of the 2026 budget.

    The ministry explained that the actual amount earmarked for the photocopier and other office equipment for the Lagos liaison office was ₦12 million.

    It also stated that all procurement processes under the administration of Governor Alex Otti must comply with existing laws and financial regulations, and are subject to strict approval procedures.

    The ministry maintained that the government remains committed to transparency and accountability in the implementation of the 2026 fiscal plan.

    “The 2026 Budget was duly published on the Ministry’s official website on January 31, 2026, in the spirit of transparency and public access.

    “On Page 60 of the said document, the correct and intended provisions are clearly stated as follows: N210,831,142.00 was provided for the “rehabilitation/repair of residential building/staff quarters for Lagos liaison office.

    “N12,000,000.00 was provided for the procurement of 1 Sharp copier, etc., being every other sundry equipment for the liaison office.”

    “A technical error occurred during the final compilation of the voluminous document. On Page 289, a misalignment of text and values took place, which inadvertently flipped the descriptions against the figures. This presented an incorrect reading. The relevant Agency has since been notified of the correction.

    “The N250,000,000 figure that appeared beside the copier item on Page 289 is not the provision for a copier.

    “It is, in fact, the value for a different, larger capital project elsewhere in the budget, which was displaced by the formatting error. The budget for the copier and sundry office equipment remains N12,000,000 as correctly stated on Page 60.

    “We categorically state that there has been no inflation of the cost for the procurement of a copier. The error was purely clerical and presentational.

    “Most importantly, the Ministry wishes to educate the public on the budget process:

    “The published budget contains estimates and intentions. It is a planning document that authorizes spending up to specified limits. No funds can be disbursed for any procurement based solely on these estimates.

    “Every procurement in the Abia State Government must, by law and financial regulations, pass through rigorous approval processes. These mandatory guardrails include: Scrutiny and approval by the Departmental Tenders Board.

    “Further review and approval by the Ministerial Tenders Board. Final approval and due process certification by the Finance and General Purpose Committee (F&GPC) and the State Executive Council

    “These layers of scrutiny are designed specifically to ensure fiscal responsibility, value-for-money, and the transparent use of taxpayers’ funds. Any procurement that does not justify its cost or follow due process will not be approved, regardless of the initial budgetary provision.

    “The Ministry regrets the confusion caused by the formatting misalignment and assures the public that our commitment to transparency remains unwavering.

    “We encourage citizens to always have confidence in the established financial control systems that govern all our expenditures.

    “This administration remains committed to transparent budgeting and prudent use of public funds and welcomes public scrutiny as part of its established accountability structure.

  • Borgu leaders urge Tinubu to establish Military base in Agwara

    Borgu leaders urge Tinubu to establish Military base in Agwara

    Religious and community leaders from Borgu Kingdom in Niger State have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and federal security chiefs to establish a military base in Agwara Local Government Area, citing persistent bandit attacks in the area.

    The leaders made the appeal during a press conference in Minna over the weekend, where they described the security situation in Agwara and parts of Borgu as a humanitarian concern requiring urgent federal attention.

    Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said the communities had continued to experience attacks that had resulted in deaths, displacement, and disruption of economic and educational activities.

    He acknowledged previous directives by President Tinubu to security chiefs but expressed concern over what he described as a limited military presence in the affected communities.

    “Our people are seeking help. We are appealing for increased security presence in Agwara, especially in Papiri town, to protect residents and key institutions serving surrounding communities,” he said.

    Yohanna warned that the continued insecurity could undermine agricultural production in the area, which has traditionally been known for food production.

    The appeal comes days after an attack on the Agwara Police Station, during which the facility was set ablaze. The incident also affected a church and reportedly led to abductions.

    A community advocate and member of the Borgu royal family, Murtala Dantoro, said several communities had suffered attacks, resulting in loss of lives and disruption of livelihoods.

    He also highlighted security concerns along the Mokwa–Bussa federal highway and in forested areas around the Kainji National Park, which he said posed challenges for security operations.

    The leaders called on the Federal Government to designate Agwara and Borgu as security priority zones, deploy additional troops, and establish a fully equipped military base to improve response capacity.

    They also urged the Minister of Defence to consider establishing forward operating bases for sustained presence, while calling on the Inspector-General of Police to rebuild the Agwara Police Station and deploy more personnel and equipment.

    In addition, they appealed to the management of Kainji National Park to enhance security measures within the park, conduct joint patrols, and clear roadside vegetation to reduce the risk of ambushes.

    Bishop Yohanna also called on the National Assembly to push for better weapons and ammunition for the military, while urging Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, and Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, to intervene swiftly.

    The leaders also stressed the human cost of these attacks, which include families torn apart, children denied education, farmers unable to access their lands, and entire communities living in constant fear, noting that Borgu had historically been peaceful until men of the underworld infiltrated the area.

    Dantoro urged residents to support vigilantes, provide intelligence, and maintain unity across religious and ethnic lines while remaining hopeful.

    “Borgu Kingdom believes in Nigeria. We believe in your leadership. We believe that our cries will not fall on deaf ears.”

  • Early detection, healthy living key to beating cancer, Uzodimma tells Nigerians

    Early detection, healthy living key to beating cancer, Uzodimma tells Nigerians

    Cancer is not a death sentence. Regular screening, early medical check-ups, healthy lifestyles, and collective action can save lives, the First Lady of Imo State and Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), Barr. Chioma Uzodimma has said.

    She urged Nigerians to pay attention to warning signs, seek medical help promptly, and spread cancer awareness within their families and communities, stressing that survival is possible when the disease is detected early and properly treated.

    Uzodimma gave the charge in Owerri during a public health walk to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day, themed “United by Unique.” According to her, defeating cancer requires unity, awareness, prevention, and sustained investment in healthcare.

    “Let us promote early detection and prevention, support patients with dignity and strengthen our collective resolve against cancer,” she said.

    Leading thousands of participants through the streets of the state capital, the First Lady described the walk as a message of hope for millions battling the disease and a reminder that early diagnosis saves lives.

    The walk, which began at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre and ended at the Imo State Specialist Hospital, drew government officials, health professionals, students, civil society organisations, and community leaders, who carried placards promoting routine screening and healthy living.

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Adino Kennedy, speaking on behalf of the First Lady, emphasised that early detection remains the strongest weapon against cancer and urged participants to become health ambassadors in their communities.

    Chairman of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Imo State chapter, Dr. Okechukwu Duru, called for intensified public enlightenment, noting that ignorance and late presentation continue to cost many lives.

    Stakeholders at the event stressed the need for stronger collaboration, wider screening programmes, and improved investment in cancer care to ensure that quality treatment is accessible and survival rates improve across Nigeria.

  • Uzodinma urges APC in Abia to intensify grassroots membership drive

    Uzodinma urges APC in Abia to intensify grassroots membership drive

    Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State to embark on an aggressive grassroots membership drive across the 17 local government areas of the state.

    Uzodinma, who also serves as Director-General of the Renewed Hope Agenda, a pro-President Bola Tinubu group, gave the charge during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

    Represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the governor reminded party members and the ambassadors of the tasks ahead, particularly as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.

    He said the Renewed Hope initiative reflects the president’s commitment to restoring confidence and delivering on governance priorities.

    According to Onyejeocha, the ambassadors would be responsible for grassroots mobilisation across all local government areas to strengthen support for the administration.

    She urged them to serve as a bridge between the people and the government by ensuring effective communication of community needs and aspirations.

    “You must listen to the needs and aspirations of your communities and relay them to the government for appropriate action,” she said.

    She also encouraged the ambassadors to be proactive, innovative and responsive in their engagement with residents.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the APC chairman in Abia State, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, commended President Tinubu for initiatives he said were aimed at developing the Southeast.

    He cited the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission, the approval of an airport project in Abia, and plans for a modular refinery, among other projects in the region.

    Ononogbu described the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors as the beginning of a new phase for the party in the state and a reaffirmation of support for the president’s leadership.

    The State chairman tasked the new Ambassadors to bridge the gap between the party and the people through advocacy, civic engagement, political education, and constructive dialogue.

    “The message of the Renewed Hope agenda focuses on evangelizing achievements and milestones, which is not an evangelism of lies but of truth, facts, and figures.

    He also praised President Tinubu for his sterling performance since he assumed office in 2023 through major infrastructural, social, and economic reforms that have put the country on the right track.

    The State coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Chief Henry Ikoh, during his remarks, stated that the renewed hope Ambassadors are now working in conjunction with the Abia APC with the sole mandate of re-electing the president in 2027.

    “Go to the grassroots and preach the gospel of President Tinubu’s performance, APC flag will continue to fly in Aso Rock, the 184 wards and 17 local government Areas in the state.

    He also commended Tinubu for increasing allocation given to the state and local government, which has translated to development.

    Prince Paul Ikonne, alongside Sen Nkechi Nwogu, the former senator representing Abia central in their separate remarks, labeled the renewed hope ambassadors as foot soldiers of Tinubu in the local governments of the state, with the mandate of mobilizing grassroots support for the president’s re-election.

    “We’ll massively vote for President Tinubu in 2027 because of his great achievements. Abia will no longer be left behind in the scheme of things, and therefore, all hands must be on deck to re-elect the president in 2027.

    Highlights of the event include the formal inauguration of the renewed home Ambassadors by Chief Henry Ikoh, the state coordinator, and the commissioning of the Renewed Hope Ambassador’s office, Umuahia, to the admiration of all and sundry present.

  • China-bound auto parts dealer arrested at Kano airport for ingesting 95 wraps of cocaine

    China-bound auto parts dealer arrested at Kano airport for ingesting 95 wraps of cocaine

    …NDLEA intercepts meth consignments in yogurt packs, Mp3 speakers

    …raids Colos factory in Ibadan, arrests kingpin

    A 62-year-old Lagos-based businessman, Nwabueze Nicholas Izueke, has been arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) while heading to China with 95 jumbo-sized wraps of cocaine weighing 1.589 kilograms buried in his stomach.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

    Babafemi said Nwabueze was arrested on Saturday, 31st January 2026, at the Kano airport during the outward clearance of passengers going to China via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940.

    According to the statement, when taken for a body scan, he tested positive for ingesting an illicit drug and was promptly placed under observation.

    Babafemi said while under observation, the suspect, who claims he’s into the clothing and auto spare parts business in Lagos, expelled a total of 95 pellets of the class A drug in seven excretions.

    In his statement, he claimed he decided to engage in illicit drug trafficking to raise enough money to complete the country home he’s building in his village, Iwollo, Enugu state, Babafemi said. 

    The spokesman said while a total of 627.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, were recovered from a makeshift warehouse within Fums Plaza in Kubwa, FCT, attempt by Ebube Okeke, Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze and Friday Michael to smuggle consignments of methamphetamine concealed in Mp3 speakers from Enugu to Abuja and Kaduna was on Friday 6th February foiled by NDLEA operatives in Abuja who intercepted the consignments in a bus.

    Babafemi said a follow-up operation in Zuba, FCT led to the arrest of Ebube Okeke who is the owner of one of the parcels containing 173grams of meth, while the trio of Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze, and Friday Michael were nabbed on Saturday, 7th February, in Kaduna when they showed up to collect the second consignment weighing 28grams of meth.

    The statement reads, “In a similar development, NDLEA operatives at Dan-anacha patrol point, Gassol local government area of Taraba state, on Friday, 6th February, intercepted a suspect, Yusuf Abubakar, 32, conveying packs of Hollandia Yogurt from Lagos heading to Mubi, Adamawa state.

    “Acting on intelligence, the NDLEA officers searched the yogurt packs, some of which were used to conceal wraps of white powdery substance that tested positive to methamphetamine, weighing 1.8 kilograms.

    “In Oyo state, NDLEA officers on Thursday, 5th February arrested a Beninoise Shuaibu Abdulrahman, 29, at Ibudo-Igboho village, Sooro Kishi, where they recovered 149.6kg

    Skunk concealed in rice shafts. In a separate operation in Ibadan, a suspect, Adeniyi Adeola (a.k.a Prince) was nabbed at Foko, Agbeni market on Wednesday, 4th February. Recovered from his truck marked BDJ 767 YC include: 10,820 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 117,820 capsules of tramadol.

    “Also in Ibadan, a drug kingpin, Jimoh Nurudeen, 40, who owns a facility where he produces Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, was on Saturday, 7th February, at Badeku area of Ibadan, along with his accomplice Ogundipe Yusuf, 27. Recovered from them include: 8 litres of precursor chemical; 14 grams of skunk and other paraphernalia of Colos production, as well as a monetary exhibit of ₦7,408,400.00 and two vehicles: a Mercedes-Benz SUV marked ABC 832 AZ and a Toyota Highlander with registration number RBC 243 BS.

    “In Kwara state, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, 7th February, intercepted a fuel tanker conveying petrol from Lagos to Maiduguri, Borno state. A search of the truck led to the recovery of 395,400 capsules of tramadol concealed in parts of the petrol-laden truck, while the driver was taken into custody.

    While a couple, Izuchukwu Azubuike, 37, and Ifunaya Mmadueke, 32, were arrested at Umuaka, Njaba, Imo state, with 203kg skunk on Saturday, 7th February, operatives in Ondo state on Friday, 6th February, recovered 420kg skunk in a bush at Ikun Akoko.

    “No fewer than 31 wraps of cocaine hidden in a hand bag were seized by operatives of the Marine Command of NDLEA from a suspect, Eze Nodebechi Austin upon his arrival from Cote D’Ivoire in a passenger’s boat at Yekeme, Badagry, Lagos state on Friday 6th February.”

    Babafemi said a suspect, Adekunle Oluwatosin Olajide, was on Wednesday, 4th February, at Lagos Island by NDLEA operatives who recovered 3.6 kilograms of Canadian Loud and Colorado from him.

    He said in Enugu, a drug dealer, Emeka Okeke, 37, was nabbed in his hideout at Akuruka street, Asata, Ezeagu, where various quantities of skunk, meth, cocaine, and molly, as well as N457,700 monetary exhibit were seized from him.

    “Meanwhile, across all Commands and formations of the Agency nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, in the past week.

    “These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Agulu Awka Community Secondary School, Awka, Anambra; Okeodo Community High School, Igboora, Oyo; and Wisdom Foundation Secondary School, Ado, Lagos, while the Niger State command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to the Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Mohammed Auwal Ibrahim, among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of the MAKIA, Marine, FCT, Taraba, Oyo, Kwara, Imo, Ondo, Lagos, and Lagos Commands for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to maintain the current level of professionalism and commitment in all their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities,” it reads.

  • Oyo moves to resolve disputes in hire-purchase vehicle scheme

    Oyo moves to resolve disputes in hire-purchase vehicle scheme

    The Oyo State Government has begun implementing measures to address challenges surrounding vehicles acquired through hire-purchase agreements, particularly those affecting transport operators across the state.

    The intervention is aimed at resolving disputes in the popular “work-and-pay” arrangement, where operators use income from daily operations to gradually pay for vehicles.

    The development was disclosed during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry in Ibadan over the weekend.

    The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi, said the meeting was convened following a resolution by the Oyo State House of Assembly calling on the government to intervene and promote fairness, sustainability, and transparency in hire-purchase operations.

    Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Okesade, the commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to people-centred governance.

    He said the engagement was designed to gather practical insights that would guide the development of a balanced policy framework capable of protecting livelihoods while encouraging responsible business practices.

    The meeting was attended by representatives of the Motor Dealers Association of Nigeria (MODAN), the Automobile and Motor Dealers Association of Nigeria (AMDON), the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS), the State Intelligence Department (SID), and other key stakeholders.

    Speaking at the session, the chairmen of MODAN and AMDON, Captain Oluwole Odeleke (retd.) and Asiwaju Olurinde Kolawole, noted that hire purchase, popularly known as “work-and-pay,” remains a widely used model for acquiring income-generating assets such as tricycles, motorcycles, and vehicles.

    They stressed the need for clearer operational standards, improved documentation, and realistic repayment structures to reduce disputes and strengthen trust among all parties involved in the system.

    Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Park Management System, Tajudeen Jimoh, highlighted the socio-economic pressures faced by many youths who depend on hire purchase arrangements for economic empowerment, describing the engagement as timely and necessary.

    Officers of the State Intelligence Department (S.I.D), Eleyele Police Station, sensitised participants on the provisions of the Hire Purchase Act, urging all parties to embrace transparency, written agreements, and lawful procedures in resolving disputes.

    Other stakeholders at the meeting agreed that outcomes of the discussions would be harmonised into formal recommendations for legislative consideration and subsequent policy action, aimed at establishing a humane, structured, and sustainable hire purchase system in Oyo State.

    In another development, the Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic development, enterprise growth, and youth empowerment through strategic initiatives focused on agricultural export promotion.

    This was made known during a two-day Human Capacity Training on Agricultural Exportable Produce organised by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan.

    The Commissioner, Adeniyi Adebisi, explained that the initiative was designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers and exporters, improve agricultural value chains, and promote compliance with international export standards.

    He added that the programme was built upon earlier export cluster development training held in July and August 2025, noting that the Makinde administration recognises agriculture as a strategic driver of economic growth, small-scale entrepreneurship, and foreign exchange earnings.

    He assured participants that the state government would continue to provide enabling policies and capacity-building programmes to support farmers, exporters, and young entrepreneurs in positioning Oyo State as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural export economy.

  • IMO Council win: Fed Govt lauds NIMASA DG’s strategic leadership

    IMO Council win: Fed Govt lauds NIMASA DG’s strategic leadership

    The federal government has commended the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, for his strategic role in securing Nigeria’s election into Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the 2026–2027 biennium.

    According to a statement by the Agency’s spokesperson, Osagie Edward, obtained by The Nation at the weekend, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, acknowledged Mobereola’s instrumental leadership and effective campaign coordination in a letter dated January 28, 2026.

    The statement indicated that the commendation letter addressed to the Director General highlighted his pivotal role in Nigeria’s victory at the IMO Council elections held in London.

    According to Edward, the minister noted that Mobereola’s strategic engagement with IMO Member States and effective campaign management were pivotal to Nigeria’s resounding success, reflecting a high level of dedication to advancing the nation’s maritime interests.

    “Your strategic engagement with IMO Member States and effective campaign management were pivotal to Nigeria’s resounding success at the election, showcasing your steadfast dedication and unrelenting commitment to advancing Nigeria’s maritime interests,” the minister stated.

    Oyetola further praised the NIMASA DG’s role in demonstrating the country’s maritime potential and reform initiatives to the international community, thereby enhancing the country’s standing in global maritime governance.

    “The Ministry commends your pivotal role in demonstrating Nigeria’s maritime potential and reforms, thereby bolstering the nation’s standing in the global maritime community. As a key member of the Inter-Ministerial Bid Committee, your contributions reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives of the IMO and strengthened international maritime cooperation,” Oyetola said.

    The statement quoted the minister as conveying the federal government’s appreciation for the Director General’s outstanding service and expressing confidence in his continued contributions toward advancing Nigeria’s maritime ambitions.

    The NIMASA spokesperson disclosed that Mobereola, in his response, expressed deep appreciation to Oyetola for the leadership and guidance provided throughout the IMO Council election process.

    Osagie quoted the NIMASA DG as attributing the electoral success to collective efforts, emphasising the dedication of the agency’s staff and the strong support from maritime stakeholders.

    “This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and the strong support of stakeholders, and it further challenges us to remain focused and committed in delivering on NIMASA’s mandate,” Mobereola said.

    The statement further revealed that the DG called for renewed dedication across the agency to justify Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council by strengthening efforts in maritime safety, security, marine environmental protection, and capacity development.

    Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to deliver on the expectations that come with Nigeria’s IMO Council membership, according to the statement.

    Edward noted that Nigeria’s election into Category C of the IMO Council is considered a strategic gain for the country and aligns directly with NIMASA’s statutory responsibility as the nation’s maritime administration.

    The IMO Council, he said, serves as the executive organ of the International Maritime Organisation between sessions of the Assembly, overseeing the implementation of maritime conventions and regulations that govern global shipping, maritime safety, and environmental protection.

    Category C membership specifically, he noted, represents countries with special interests in maritime transport and navigation, positioning Nigeria to influence policy decisions affecting African maritime trade, shipping routes, and the broader international shipping industry.

    Maritime industry analysts have noted that the election victory enhances Nigeria’s capacity to participate in shaping global maritime policies, particularly those affecting developing nations and regional trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

    Stakeholders in the sector have expressed optimism that Nigeria’s presence on the IMO Council will provide opportunities to address longstanding challenges in the domestic maritime sector, including effective cabotage implementation, port efficiency improvements, and enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

    Industry experts further argued that the IMO Council seat positions the country to attract increased foreign direct investment in maritime infrastructure, shipbuilding, and allied services, while also strengthening the country’s negotiating power in international maritime trade agreements.

    The election comes at a crucial time as Nigeria pursues ambitious reforms under its blue economy agenda, with the maritime sector projected to contribute significantly to the country’s efforts to diversify its GDP beyond oil and gas revenue.

    With the country’s maritime domain covering approximately 853 kilometres of coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone of about 200 nautical miles, stakeholders believe the IMO Council membership will enable the country to better its maritime assets for economic development and regional leadership in West Africa.

  • Pro-Tinubu group appoints Oyebanji’s aide Ekiti Director

    Pro-Tinubu group appoints Oyebanji’s aide Ekiti Director

    A pro-President Bola Tinubu group, the City Boy Movement, has appointed the Special Assistant on Media to Ekiti State Governor, Asiwaju Kasali Oluwafemi, as its Director in Ekiti State.

    The appointment, which took effect from January 1, 2026, was conveyed in a letter dated February 5, 2026,  by the Director-General of the group, Shoga Francis Oluwatosin.

    According to the letter, Oluwafemi was appointed based his competence, loyalty and commitment to the vision and core values of the movement, as well as the leadership’s confidence in his capacity to mobilise support and provide direction in the state.

    The movement stated that the new state director is expected to drive impactful change across the 16 local government of Ekiti State, including the  strategic mobilisation of support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    It added that Oluwafemi would provide visionary, strategic and administrative leadership at both the state and local government levels while building strong, disciplined and committed structures across constituencies.

    It explained that the appointee would serve as its principal representative in Ekiti State and is required to act in line with directives and strategic guidance from the National Secretariat.

    The movement disclosed that the appointment was made under the leadership of the Grand Patron of the City Boy Movement, Seyi Tinubu, and aligned with the national vision, policies and reform agenda of President Tinubu, which the group supports through youth engagement, civic participation and electoral mobilisation.

    Reacting to the appointment, Oluwafemi expressed appreciation to the leadership of the movement for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to justify the trust by strengthening the group’s structures and deepening grassroots mobilisation across the state.

    “I am honoured by this responsibility and remain committed to advancing the ideals of the City Boy Movement in Ekiti. We will work collectively to mobilise  support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections”, he added.

  • Motherly applause for retiring Fountain University Bursar

    Motherly applause for retiring Fountain University Bursar

    By Raheemat Adeniran

    February 3, 2026 was a memorable day at Fountain University, Osogbo. Members of the University Management, staff of the Bursary Department adorned in elegant blue Aso-Ebi Adire, and colleagues from across the institution gathered at the newly built 600-seater hall. The occasion was the end-of-tenure celebration of a remarkable woman who had overseen the University’s finances since its inception, the retiring pioneer Bursar, Hajia Silifat Ali-Balogun (FCA).

    Widely admired for her humility, gentleness, and unwavering commitment to service, Hajia Ali-Balogun devoted eighteen years of her professional life to ensuring the financial stability of Fountain University. Her dedication made it possible for the University to function smoothly and pursue its academic mission with confidence.

    One aspect of her service that staff members can readily attest to is the prompt payment of salaries. Indeed, I must confess it was a primary consideration for me when I decided to leave my alma mater, the Lagos State University where I had built my academic career for 16 years. I was weary of falling into pitfall of working in a university that perpetually defaults on monthly salary payment.  Alhamdulillahi, to the glory of Allah, salaries at Fountain University are consistently paid on or before the 24th of every month, an achievement that speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the Bursary under Hajia Ali-Balogun’s leadership.

    In a heartfelt tribute, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayinka Ramota Karim, described Hajia Ali-Balogun as a “woman of faith, humility, and distinguished service,” whose commitment to the University’s vision remained unwavering throughout her tenure. She eulogised the retiring Bursar as a leader guided by faith, quiet strength, and genuine concern for others, irrespective of status or circumstance. 

    According to the Vice-Chancellor, these virtues shaped a leadership style marked by composure, fairness, and excellence, one that commanded respect not merely through authority, but through character.

    Professor Karim further noted that during her service as Head of the Bursary Unit, Acting Bursar, and two-term substantive Bursar, Hajia Ali-Balogun displayed exceptional work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and an unrelenting commitment to quality service delivery. Her calmness under pressure inspired confidence, while her prayers and goodwill uplifted many within the University community.

    These attributes were vividly brought to life in a short drama performed by members of the Bursary Department. The engaging and entertaining performance mirrored a typical day in Hajia’s office, highlighting her habit of first asking about staff welfare before assigning urgent tasks. Her deep affection for her colleagues was reflected in the endearing names she fondly coined for them, such as OluwaFatimah, Hamzatullah, gestures that endeared her to many.

    The event was not all laughter and praise. It also featured a reflective lecture delivered by one of the University’s Imams and Deputy Registrar, Mr AbdulRauf Mumini. Titled “A Successful Tenure: Gratitude to All, Service to Humanity,” the lecture reminded those in positions of authority of the transient nature of leadership. Mr Mumini emphasised that all positions are temporary, for only Almighty Allah reigns forever. He urged leaders to reflect on how they wish to be remembered after leaving office and to see leadership as a responsibility rather than a privilege, noting that all actions will be accounted for in the hereafter.

    Commending Hajia Ali-Balogun, whom he fondly referred to as a mother figure, Mr Mumini encouraged her to remain grateful to Allah for a tenure that ended with honour, joy, and widespread admiration. “Our mother,” he said, “this is a time to reflect on Allah’s grace. Not everyone who desires a position attains it, and not everyone who attains it completes it.” He concluded by leading the audience in a popular Yoruba song of gratitude, “Oye káà dúpẹ́…”, which had the hall singing along in joyous unison.

    In a creative summary of her career, the cleric crafted an acronym from her first name, SILIFAT, describing her service as one marked by Sincerity, Integrity, Leniency, Institutional trust, Financial prudence, Accommodation, and Truthfulness. He encouraged her to continue serving humanity through mentorship and charitable initiatives, while deepening her devotion to Allah.

    Friends and family members also took turns celebrating Hajia Ali-Balogun, offering glimpses into aspects of her life beyond the University. A longtime friend, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Bisi Akanni, spoke of her humility and religiosity, traits that long predated Fountain University. He noted that despite being born into affluence as the daughter of a renowned motor dealer, the CEO of Owodunni & Sons Motors, who gifted her a car annually, Hajia Ali-Balogun remained modest, disciplined, and service-oriented.

    Representing the University’s proprietor (Nasrul-Lahi-il-Fatih Society, NASFAT), Alhaji Shamsudeen Dele Afunku (FCA) recalled his insistence that she be appointed head of the Bursary Unit at the University’s inception, citing his firm belief in her professionalism and competence. He also reminisced on the intrigues that surrounded her appointment. 

    Yet, beyond the accolades and professional accomplishments, she remains, above all, a devoted mother. As one of her sons poignantly expressed in a tribute, at home she is simply “the best mother we could ever have imagined.”

    Dr. Raheemat Adeniran, a Journalism and Media Studies scholar, is Ag. Dean, College of Management and Social Sciences, Fountain University, Osogbo.

  • Delta Govt moves to protect workers, tightens payroll controls

    Delta Govt moves to protect workers, tightens payroll controls

    The Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has ordered an immediate halt to the approval of staff loans for civil servants whose salaries are already heavily burdened by deductions.

    The directive, described as part of decisive measures to protect workers from financial distress and restore payroll integrity, was issued recently during an unscheduled inspection of the Delta State Computer Centre, Asaba.

    Dr. Oseji, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Wilson Chukwuka, said the government would no longer tolerate payroll practices that financially strangle workers.

    During the inspection, she frowned upon cases of staff absenteeism, absconding, lateness to work, the prolonged retention of casual staff beyond approved limits, and excessive salary deductions.

    She reviewed staff time books and conducted random salary checks using the payroll system, uncovering what she described as troubling inconsistencies.

    To improve transparency, the HoS directed an immediate adjustment of the payroll format to reflect “Gross Salary” rather than “Total Allowance.”

    She also directed the Permanent Secretary to formally caution Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), especially Directors of Finance and Accounts, against excessive and unjustified deductions from workers’ salaries, warning that further infractions would attract sanctions.

    She also instructed the Director of Computer, Mr. Tuoyo Eweto, to ensure the prompt monthly submission of the state’s wage bill and warned staff of the Computer Centre against soliciting inappropriate gratifications from financial institutions and other organisations handling salary deductions.

    The visit, which featured the Head of Service personally reviewing payroll data, was aimed at strengthening audit verification, transparency and fraud control.

    The visit also served as a follow-up to the two-day workshop on audit verification and fraud control held in November last year.