The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Why education financing should be diversified, by Shettima, NGF

    Why education financing should be diversified, by Shettima, NGF

    • Minister seeks more synergy between federal, sub-national govts

    Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, have urged relevant stakeholders to evolve new ways of diversifying sources of funds for the education sector.

    They noted that with the growing complexity and demands of modern education systems, it is no longer sustainable to rely solely on government’s funding.

    Shettima and AbdulRazaq spoke yesterday in Abuja at the opening session of to the maiden edition of the Nigeria Education Forum (NEF 2025) organised by the NGF, the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), the Committee of States’ Commissioners of Education in Nigeria (COSCEN) and other partners.

    The Vice President, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, said: “The country can no longer depend exclusively on traditional models of government-only funding.

    “There is no doubt that we must transition towards a system that is collaborative, innovative, and resilient.”

    Highlighting the current administration’s efforts to raise funding for the sector, the Vice President noted that in the past three years, “this administration has shown clear and steady commitment to education financing”.

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    He added: “Allocations rose from N1.54 trillion in 2023 to N2.18 trillion in 2024, and now to N3.52 trillion in 2025 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope plan.

    “This growth reflects our belief that education is the foundation of national stability, progress, and prosperity. We strengthened this investment through key agencies.”

    Shettima listed some challenges currently plaguing the education sector. These, he said, include the rising population of out-of-school children, inadequate infrastructure ill-equipped teachers.

    “Our needs have grown from classrooms to laboratories, from basic literacy to digital competence, from theoretical instruction to industry-aligned skills.

    “These needs demand a diversified and sustainable financing model, one robust enough to carry the aspirations of a new generation,” he said.

    Shettima stressed that Nigeria cannot rely solely on the government’s funding of the sector.

    He added: “We must enlist private sector actors, industry leaders, alumni networks, philanthropists, and communities to co-invest in laboratories, research centres, vocational hubs, innovation clusters, and endowment funds.

    “Since education begins in the community, local governments and traditional institutions must take responsibility for infrastructure development, school maintenance, security, and teacher welfare.

    “Industry must work closely with tertiary and vocational institutions to shape curricula that reflect real labour-market needs.

    “Our universities, in turn, must cultivate a sustainable endowment culture, mobilise alumni support, and establish professorial chairs that strengthen academic excellence and global competitiveness.”

    The Vice President said the sector requires sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to address its challenges.

    He added: “Through sustained financing, shared responsibility, and meaningful collaboration between town and gown, we can reshape the educational landscape of Nigeria and prepare our young people for a world defined by innovation and skills.

    “So, I call upon every stakeholder here today to commit to this shared vision of sustainable education financing and impact at scale.”

    AbdulRazaq, who is also the Governor of Kwara State, said the event, with the theme: “Pathways to Sustainable Education Financing: Developing a Synergy Between the Town and Gown in Nigeria,” aimed to reimagine education financing and strengthen town-and-gown collaboration for national and sub-national sustainable development.

    Represented by NGF’s Director General, Abdulateef Shittu, Governor AbdulRazaq described the NEF 2025 as “both a national conversation and a national commitment to rethink how to engage stakeholders on education financing, deliver learning, and equip Nigerian youths for a rapidly evolving world”.

    The Kwara governor acknowledged the challenge of inadequate budgetary allocations to the education sector.

    But he noted that while most states have improved in their allocations to the education sector, they have faltered at the level of project execution.

    He added: “We are projecting two-thirds of the states to meet the 15 per cent global benchmark in the 2026 fiscal year.

    “We are hopeful of addressing the debt servicing challenge, which exceeds total education expenditure in some states.

    “This reality limits the capacity of a few states to invest in teachers, improve foundational learning, modernise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and strengthen higher education systems.

    “However, modalities have been put in place to address these critical needs of the education sector at the state and local government levels.”

    To move forward, the NGF Chairman said: “We must close the financing and execution gaps, and modernise teaching, learning, and skills acquisition in the school system.

    “We must strengthen accountability for results and deepen partnerships across governments, academia, industry, and development institutions, including agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and subnational governments and ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of circumstance, can thrive in the 21st-century knowledge economy.”

    The Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Alausa, stressed the need for states and local governments to align their educational policies with that of the Federal Government.

    Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, the minister urged all governors, commissioners, and other stakeholders to accelerate alignment of state education reforms with Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) priorities.

    He also urged them to build more junior secondary schools (JSS) and senior secondary schools (SSS) to close access gaps; strengthen data reporting for full Nigerian Education Data Initiative (NEDI) integration.

    The minister also urged the governors and education commissioners to scale up teacher training and digital adoption, as well as partner with the private sector to grow Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM).

  • NAF: why our aircraft made precautionary landing in Burkina Faso

    NAF: why our aircraft made precautionary landing in Burkina Faso

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has explained why its C-130 aircraft landed at Bobo-Dioulassoin airfield in Burkina Faso.

    NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, clarified a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    The statement explained that the NAF C-130 aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal on December 8 when it developed a technical problem a few minutes after take-off from Lagos.

    The statement said the aircraft had to make a precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield.

    This is contrary to reports in some sections of the media that Burkina Faso’s military authorities seized the aircraft and 11 Nigerian military officers, due to alleged violation of its airspace.

    It said the landing at the Bobo-Dioulasso airfield was in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. 

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on December 8.

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    “Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.”

    It stressed that the NAF crew are safe and that they received cordial treatment from the host authorities.

    “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” it said.

    The NAF expressed appreciation for the support it received during the period, and assured the public that it remains “professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate”.

  • UNN VC calls for increased budgetary allocation

    UNN VC calls for increased budgetary allocation

    The Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, has called on the Federal Government to increase the budgetary allocation next year to accommodate agribase digital innovations, scale up farming in state levels, notably Enugu, Ebonyi and other pilot centres in various parts of the country and Africa

    The VC made this call at the end of the meeting of Accelerating inclusive green growth through Agri-based Digital Innovation in West Africa, AGriDi in UNN, a European Union (EU), funded project by icipe (International) in Abuja.

    He explained: “Our appeal is that AGriDi should be included in the 2026 budget. This will help the team not to depend on foreign donors. Just last week the Enugu State government presented a budget of N1.6trillion. This is encouraging because agriculture has a good share of the budget, but the inclusion of AGriDi will help in the research project.

    “The European Union and other partners are simply trying to support the efforts of the federal government with respect to agriculture. The UNN is the pilot centre for the aggregate project expecting the aggregate to come back as there will be other pilot centres in other African countries too.’’

    Project Team Leader AGriDI, UNN,Prof.  Antonia Achike, stated that the team had developed a digital app that will support rice farming especially during the dried season in Nigeria and across Africa, assuring that it has been tested in the field and is working.

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    The professor of Agricultural Economics  noted that 65 per cent of Nigerians are into agriculture, yet there is hunger, adding that statistics show that something is wrong which needed be fixed. She added that the Kampala declaration shows that every government in Africa is expected to allocate at least 10 per cent of its budget to agriculture and that Nigeria allocates eight per cent.

    Achike said the focus is to look at what has been done in the past 15 months, and get a buy-in more from international funders and governments across all levels.

    This will upscale the good result the team has from other pilot programmes.

  • First Lady’s RHI lifts 9,500 PWDs with N1.9b

    First Lady’s RHI lifts 9,500 PWDs with N1.9b

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 250 people with disabilities (PWDs) in each state of the federation with N50 million.

    Each of the beneficiaries will receive N200,000 cash support to recapitalise their existing businesses and strengthen their means of livelihood.

    Represented by the wife of the governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the First Lady announced that a total of 9,500 persons with disabilities across Nigeria will benefit from the programme, amounting to N1,900,000,000.

    “This programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked.

    “It is worth noting that over the past two years, the Renewed Hope Initiative has supported over 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, with direct financial grants to grow their businesses.

    “Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare, aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country.

    READ ALSO: Rewarding Amuka

    “Our Social Investment Programmes (SIP) have provided financial and material support to victims of floods, communal clashes, and disasters, as well as to the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes.

    “Through the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, we have so far delivered food items to 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). We also provide food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable communities. We remain committed to doing even more to uplift lives and bring hope to those in need.

    “In recognition of our shared responsibility to promote inclusion, the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has resolved to make the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities an annual event, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

    “To all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity. Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family.”

  • Education budget has risen by N1.98tr under Tinubu, says Vice President Shettima

    Education budget has risen by N1.98tr under Tinubu, says Vice President Shettima

    • VP warns: out-of-school children now ‘national emergency’

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria’s education budget rose from N1.54 trillion to N3.52 trillion in 2025 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The upward swing is in tandem with the current administration’s renewed national commitment to human capital development.

    Shettima spoke yesterday at the opening of this year’s edition of the Nigeria Education Forum in Abuja.

    The Vice President warned that the growing number of out-of-school children now poses “a national emergency” to the country.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President called for urgent partnership between government and private-sector stakeholders to reverse the trend.

    Represented by the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, also in the Office of the Vice President, Aliu Umar, Senator Shettima noted that the sharp increase in funding demonstrated the administration’s resolve to build an enlightened and globally competitive population.

    READ ALSO: Rewarding Amuka

    “Nothing threatens a civilisation more than an uneducated generation. Nations rise when the people, regardless of circumstance, are equipped with the knowledge to imagine a better future and the skills to build it,” he said.

    The annual forum, organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF)  in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Committee of States’ Commissioners of Education, focused on “Pathways to Sustainable Education Financing: Developing a Synergy Between Town and Gown in Nigeria.”

    Shettima argued that Nigeria has reached a critical “inflexion point,” noting that traditional government-only funding models can no longer sustain Nigeria’s national education needs.

    “The burden cannot rest on government alone. We must enlist private sector actors, industry leaders, alumni networks, philanthropists, and communities to co-invest in laboratories, research centres, vocational hubs, innovation clusters, and endowment funds,” he stated.

    According to the Vice President, several education agencies have recorded historic budget increases under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He noted that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) budget rose from N320.3 billion in 2023 to N683.4 billion in 2024 and now stands at N1.6 trillion in 2025.

    He added that the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has distributed N92.4 billion in matching grants to 25 states and the FCT, while N19 billion has gone into teacher development programmes in 32 states and the capital. Over N1.5 billion, he said, has supported more than 1,147 communities.

    The newly established Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), created under the Students Loan Act of 2024, has already disbursed ₦86.3 billion to more than 450,000 students across 218 tertiary institutions.

    “This Fund signals a new era where no Nigerian is denied tertiary education for lack of money,” Shettima said, insisting that lasting solutions to Nigeria’s learning crisis depend on safe, well-equipped schools and adequately trained and supported teachers.

    The Vice President urged stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, stressing prompt counterpart funding, transparent resource utilisation and strict adherence to agreed action plans.

    “Since education begins in the community, local governments and traditional institutions must take responsibility for infrastructure development, school maintenance, security, and teacher welfare.

    “We are here today because we do not treat education as just a line item in the national budget. We treat it as the foundation of our national identity, the engine of our economic transformation, and the shield of our collective security,” Shettima said.

  • Tinubu hails T.Y. Danjuma at 88

    Tinubu hails T.Y. Danjuma at 88

    • ‘He’s pillar of national unity’

    • President salutes Akpabio on 63rd birthday

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and elder statesman, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.), on yesterday’s celebration of his 88th birthday.

    The President also eulogised Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who also celebrated his 63rd birthday yesterday.

    President Tinubu described General Danjuma as a distinguished patriot whose life has shaped Nigeria’s history.

    In a goodwill message he personally issued yesterday in Abuja, President Tinubu said the former Defence Minister remains a “statesman, soldier and gentleman” who served Nigeria with total loyalty both in wartime and peacetime.

    According to the President, General Danjuma’s life mirrors the nation’s own journey through challenging seasons, noting that he stood firm during difficult periods when Nigeria’s unity was fragile and the country’s future uncertain.

    “General Danjuma’s story is tied to our country’s story. He served Nigeria at a time when our young nation faced severe trials. He stood firm when unity was fragile and the path ahead uncertain,” the President said, adding that his dedication remains a reference point for discipline, honour and patriotism.

    President Tinubu also highlighted the former defence minister’s continuing influence in national discourse, praising his readiness to offer guidance on national issues with “clarity and an unwavering belief in Nigeria”.

    He noted that many leaders, including himself, have benefited from Danjuma’s counsel at crucial moments.

    Beyond public service, the President commended the octogenarian’s philanthropic work through the T.Y. Danjuma Foundation, describing it as one of Africa’s most respected charity institutions whose humanitarian impact “will remain long after all of us have left the stage”.

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    He added: “At 88, he stands as an elder whose life has helped shape the direction of our nation. He has lived with purpose and served with courage.”

    President Tinubu prayed for continued health and strength for the revered military figure, wishing him peace and fulfilment in the years ahead.

    In another goodwill message he personally issued yesterday, President Tinubu described Akpabio as “a patriot and a dedicated servant of the people,” whose commitment to the Nigerian project has remained unwavering across decades of leadership.

    The President said Senator Akpabio, who served as governor of Akwa Ibom between 2007 and 2015, left an indelible mark on the state through far-reaching infrastructural development and a bold transformation agenda that earned him the popular moniker “Uncommon Governor”.

    “He made Akwa Ibom a top competitor in the national economy, providing infrastructure and building one of the most iconic stadia in the country,” the President noted, adding that the achievements remain reference points years after his tenure.

    From the Akwa Ibom Government House, Akpabio transitioned to the Senate and later served as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, where, according to the President, he prioritised development of the oil-producing region.

    The President applauded the Senate President’s efforts to strengthen executive–legislative relations and promote initiatives that advance national peace, security and development since assuming leadership of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023.

    “As co-labourers in the service of our nation, I have always admired his strength of character and ability to remain undaunted even in the face of challenges,” President Tinubu said.

    The President saluted Akpabio’s “unwavering belief in Nigeria and commitment to its progress”.

    He prayed for continued health, strength and impactful leadership for the Senate President, as friends, associates and members of the National Assembly joined in celebrating his 63rd birthday.

  • Senate invites Keyamo over rising airfares

    Senate invites Keyamo over rising airfares

    The Senate yesterday summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), alongside key industry stakeholders for an urgent meeting.

    The summons followed widespread public outcry over the sharp rise in domestic airfares.

    During plenary yesterday, the senators decried the rise in the prices of airfares on major routes, including Abuja–Lagos, Abuja–Enugu, and Abuja–Ilorin, saying these have surged to between N400,000 and N650,000, a range many Nigerians can no longer afford.

    In its resolutions, the Senate: “Condemned the sudden and excessive rise in airfares nationwide, mandated the immediate summoning of all relevant aviation stakeholders.

    “Called for urgent measures to prevent exploitation and ensure affordable travel during the yuletide season.

    “Directed aviation committees to present recommendations at the next plenary”.

    Presenting the motion, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), stated that preliminary investigations indicated a growing number of Nigerians were unable to travel due to the drastic fare hikes.

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    “Mr. President, from Abuja to Lagos is now between 400,000 and 650,000 naira. Abuja to Enugu is about 500,000. Even Abuja to Ilorin is around 450,000,” he told the chamber.

    The committee chairman noted that with Christmas fast approaching, it had become necessary for the Senate to intervene to ease the financial burden on citizens.

    He added that while it had begun informal engagements with airline operators, no formal meeting had yet been held.

    The committee urged the Senate to summon all major aviation stakeholders, including airline owners and regulatory agencies, to explain the fare increase and propose immediate relief measures.

    Senator Peter Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) said a flight which previously cost N150,000 to Enugu had jumped to N500,000, while another ticket from Lagos to Abuja was purchased at N560,000.

    Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West) noted that airline operators had already received multiple concessions, particularly on spare parts, and should therefore be held accountable for the current price surge.

    While Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) attempted to justify the increases, citing rising operational costs, inflation, expensive spare parts, and forex challenges, many other lawmakers insisted that the fares represented exploitation.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio said: “The minimum wage is N70,000. A civil servant would need to save six months’ salary to afford a one-way ticket. This is glaring exploitation.”

    Akpabio added that no corresponding increase in airport levies or aviation service charges could justify a 200–300 per cent spike in airfares.

    Following an extensive debate, the Senate resolved to summon all key stakeholders in the aviation sector, including the Minister of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and airline operators, for an emergency meeting this week.

    The Red Chamber also urged the Minister of Aviation to “rise to the occasion” and curtail what it called an “unwarranted extortion”.

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation was instructed to notify all stakeholders and ensure the emergency meeting is convened without delay.

  • Adamu is military pensions board’s chair

    Adamu is military pensions board’s chair

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Idris Adamu (retd.) as the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), effective December 1.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen, said the appointment forms part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency in military pension administration.

    AVM Adamu, from Borno State, is described as a seasoned financial expert and senior officer of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) with extensive experience in military budgeting, finance, and institutional management.

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    He previously served as Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC); Deputy Director of Budget at the Defence Intelligence Agency; Principal Staff Officer, Finance, at the Air Warfare Centre; and Commander of 081 Pay and Accounting Group.

    Adamu also held the positions of Director of Finance at NAF Headquarters, Managing Director of Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL) and the NAFIL Group of Companies, as well as Directing Staff at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

    President Tinubu urged the new chairman to uphold integrity and patriotism while deploying his financial expertise to improve the welfare of military veterans and ensure effective management of pension resources.

  • Fubara joins APC as Adeleke picks Accord party ticket

    Fubara joins APC as Adeleke picks Accord party ticket

    • Why we changed parties, by governors

    Two major developments involving two governors that will shape the political firmament took place yesterday.

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on whose platform he was elected in 2023.

    Fubara explained that he left the PDP for the APC as a mark of appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who contributed to his survival in office.

    His defection trailed Monday’s exit of 17 Rivers House of Assembly members from PDP, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

    They crossed the aisle to the APC.

    Following Fubara’s defection, the number of APC governors increased to 27.

    It also altered the configuration in the Southsouth where all the governors of the six states – Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom – belong to the ruling party.

    In the Southwest, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who last month resigned from the PDP, is set to pick the ticket of the Accord Party to seek re-election next year.

    Adeleke will be the sole aspirant in today’s primary.

    He will be handed the ticket at an event slated for Osogbo, the state capital.

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    Ahead of today’s event, Adeleke, who announced yesterday his membership of the party, which he claimed to have joined since November 5, posted a video of himself wearing a cap with the party’s logo, singing and dancing in his characteristic manner.

    The Accord flag was hoisted in front of the Osun State Government secretariat in Osogbo yesterday.

    The governor received national and state officials of his new party at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, saying he moved over to the Accord because of the uncertainty in the PDP.

    Fubara made known his defection during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

    The governor, who was in Aso Villa on Monday to consult with the President, said the visit was not personal, but in the interest of Rivers.

    Fubara said he briefed President Tinubu about the development in the state, assuring that he would act on it.

    He said President Tinubu was the reason he remained in office as the governor, insisting that without the President, he would have become a former governor.

    He emphasised that he decided to move his supporters to the APC to demonstrate gratitude and give full support to the President.

    Fubara said: “I know you have been waiting to hear from me. I have to arrange this meeting so urgently. I know it will end on a good note.

    “You are aware that I went to see Mr President yesterday (Monday), and the reason I went for that visit is not just personal, but a state interest consultation.

    “I don’t want to make any mistakes this time around. I also don’t want to step on any landmine that anyone is laying for us.

    “So, I was with Mr. President to brief him on the situation of things in our state, which I believe he has taken note of, and he is going to act swiftly on it.

    “The most interesting part of the meeting is what you all have been waiting for, and you have been asking me, the signal has finally arrived.

    “We have the full support and the positive nod to leave where we are because we didn’t get any protection, to go to the place that is the reason we are still standing.

    “The truth is, without Mr. President, there won’t be any His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara; it would have been ‘the former governor’.

    “So, we have every reason. Let no one be fooled in this state; we have the people and the supporters as well as the numbers.

    “Our only thank you to Mr. President is to support him. We can’t support Mr. President in isolation, and we can’t show that support if we don’t fully identify with him, not backyard support.

    “So, we have taken that decision today. Everyone here who has followed and suffered with me, our decision today is that we are all moving to APC.

    “Now that our position has been made clear, every other formal process will commence. Let me thank you all for your support. I have not let you down before, and I won’t let you down now.

    “The message is simple. We are the ones that will give that support, and we will give that support with a loud voice, because we know that the people of Rivers State are with us.”

    Why I joined Accord, by Adeleke

    Adeleke explained that he joined Accord because the party’s mission of welfarism aligned with his focus on public welfare.

    In a video on social media, the governor, holding the party flag, adorned the cap of Accord with the inscription:  ‘Imole’ – his political slogan.

    He said: “Today, we unveiled the Accord Party, our new platform for the good people of Osun State.

    “From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.

    “I  joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely, on 6th November 2025, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026.

    “This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.

    “Stakeholders and residents of Osun State are aware of why we are taking this important decision.

    “We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.

    “Since I joined, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party.

    “The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well-being of the people.”

    Jubilation in Rivers Government House

    There was jubilation in Rivers Government House after Fubara announced his defection to his supporters.

    The governor led the excited supporters in singing the anthem composed by Asiwaju Tinubu’s fans: ‘On your mandate we stand.’

    After Fubara’s speech, someone in the audience went close to his seat, folded the flag of the PDP and took it away.

    The dismantling of the PDP flag ended the uninterrupted 26-year reign of the party in the Rivers Government House.

    Former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri and a chieftain of the APC welcomed the governor to the party.

    He said: “It is better late than never. I hope he will be able to manage all interests. As a governor, he should be able to manage all the concerns.”

    Former Chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government, Ezebunwo Ichemati, said the defectors would stand on the mandates of Tinubu and Fubara.

    He said Rivers would now enjoy peace and progress. 

    Also, the former chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government, Chijioke Ihunwo, congratulated Fubara for leaving the PDP.

    He said: “Your bold move marks a pivotal moment in the political future of Rivers State. I want you to know that the people of Obio/Akpor LGA stand firmly with you as you embark on this new political path.

    “We trust that with this shift, you will continue working for the welfare, development, and prosperity of our local government and the State at large. 

    “May your tenure under APC bring renewed hope, unity, and progress for all residents of Rivers State.”

    The accused the APC of pushing an agenda for a one-party state.

    But, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said in a statement that the defection of opposition members to the APC was shrinking the democratic space and putting democracy in danger.

  • EFCC quizzes ex-AGF Malami over alleged terrorism financing

    EFCC quizzes ex-AGF Malami over alleged terrorism financing

    • ‘My public record unblemished’

    The immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) is undergoing interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of terrorism financing.

    He was still in custody as at 10pm last night, having failed to meet bail conditions.

    The ex-minister has been asked by the anti-graft agency to clear himself of issues relating to money laundering, especially operation of suspicious accounts.

    Malami has also been told to account for his investment of about N10 billion in Kebbi State, whereabouts of $322 million Abacha loot recovered from Swiss account and about $22 million from Island of Jersey.

    But the ex-AGF said his public record in office stands in direct contradiction to any insinuation of complicity in terrorism financing.

    A top EFCC source said the allegations against Malami were many and will therefore require some days to go through.

    The source said: “We have detained the ex-minister for terrorism financing and the whereabouts of Abacha loot recovered from Switzerland and Island of Jersey in the UK.

    “His sudden investment of N10 billion in Kebbi State is under investigation. We may attach some of these assets.

    “We are likely to interrogate one of his wives on her role on N4 billion Anchor Borrowers cash advanced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “He has a lot to clarify, but he has not been able to meet bail conditions.”

    Malami has rejected allegations of terrorism financing.

     He cited his key roles in Nigeria’s AML/CFT Reforms and FATF Grey-List exit to dismiss the terrorism financing insinuations.

    In a statement on X, Malami said: “My attention has been drawn to a recent publication in which my name was mentioned in connection with allegations of terrorism financing and so-called “links” to persons described as terror suspects or alleged financiers.

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    “I consider it necessary, in the interest of truth, justice and public record, to make the following clarifications.

    “First, I state clearly and unequivocally that I have never at any time been accused, invited, interrogated, investigated or charged by any security, law-enforcement, regulatory or intelligence agency—within or outside Nigeria—in respect of terrorism financing or any related offence.

    “Secondly, even the retired military officer cited as the principal source in the said publication categorically admitted that he was not accusing me, or other named individuals of financing terrorism.

    “His own account, as reported, was limited to a vague assertion that certain suspects allegedly had some form of “business” or “institutional” relationship with various persons.

    “That important clarification was, unfortunately, overshadowed by a headline and framing capable of misleading well-meaning members of the public into drawing inaccurate and damaging conclusions which was unfortunately politically manipulated by my political opponents to create mischievous insinuations implying my involvement in terrorism financing.

    “Terrorism financing is a grave crime with devastating consequences for national security and human life. Any attempt—whether by direct allegation or indirect innuendo—to associate an individual with such an offence must be grounded in verifiable facts, due process, and lawful findings, not in conjecture, speculation, or guilt by association. To suggest that lawful professional or institutional engagements can, without more, be read as evidence of terrorism financing is both mischievous and unjust.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, my public record in office stands in direct contradiction to any insinuation of complicity in terrorism financing. During my tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, I worked with other arms of government and relevant institutions to strengthen—not weaken—Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.”