The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Osun local govt crisis escalates as APC, PDP clash over 2026 budgets

    Osun local govt crisis escalates as APC, PDP clash over 2026 budgets

    The long-standing dispute over control of local governments in Osun State has intensified, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trading claims of legitimacy, as the ‘reinstated’ APC-backed council executives signal readiness to access and allocate 2026 fiscal year funds.

    The tussle dates back to February 10, 2025, when the Appeal Court reinstated APC council executives who had been sacked by the Federal High Court in 2022. A subsequent election saw PDP winning all local government seats, yet both parties continue to assert control over the councils.

    The Federal Government directed APC chairmen to open accounts on behalf of the councils, into which allocations were deposited. 

    The Osun State government opposed this, insisting that only civil servants, not the APC ‘sacked’ executives or appointed treasurers, should be signatories to council accounts.

    In a further twist, PDP council chairmen have presented their 2026 budgets to the Osun State House of Assembly, while APC executives submitted theirs to the Local Government Legislative Council.

    Hon. Abiodun Idowu, APC factional Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, maintained that there is no legal or administrative barrier preventing local government executives from accessing and utilising statutory allocations for 2026, independent of the governor’s approval.

    Attempts to reach Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, were unsuccessful at the time of filing. 

    A government source, however, described the situation as “peculiar,” noting, “The PDP chairmen are the legally recognised executives, and Governor Adeleke is ready to give them a free hand to operate, but APC illegality is affecting the implementation.”

  • We supported Tinubu when it was difficult – Wike

    We supported Tinubu when it was difficult – Wike

    …says we will keep supporting him now that is easy

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Saturday reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu.

    Wike recalled that during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State, he and his supporters openly and boldly supported Tinubu to win the Presidential election in 2023 when it was difficult in Rivers State.

    He vowed to keep supporting the President now that things are easy.

    The minister spoke in Ochigba, in Ahoada East Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, during a meeting with People Democratic Party (PDP), stakeholders, when he attended the end of the year thanksgiving service, organized by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche in his hometown.

    He assured the stakeholders that their struggle will never be in vain, urging them to continue to support Tinubu despite intimidation in the state.

    Wike said those who supported Tinubu before the 2023 presidential election, which later led to his victory are recognized, compared to those who are presently shouting ‘on your mandate we shall stand’.

    The minister said, “I want to say thank you for being there for us all through these years. We know those who are ungrateful. Thank you for standing with us. Remember in 2023, When it was tough. Nobody knows what will happen in that election. So many people were saying that it will be difficult for the President Bola Tinubu to win then. So many people were not able to come out openly and boldly to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “But we all met to say in politics you must take a stand, you must take a decision whether it will be good or bad, but we know at the end of the day it will be good. And now it is good. We did it when it was difficult to say on your mandate we stand. And to the glory of God, we stood today. You are the ones who made the President strong as far as Rivers State is concerned.

    “So, all these people now that you are seeing singing on your mandate we shall stand, that time when they were needed most, they couldn’t sing that and could not come out to say vote for Tinubu. Now that we stood and voted for him and River State won, I tell you all your struggle will not go in vain. We have come to let you know that we are still strong. Nigerians know us, when we take a decision, we have taken the decision.

    “We don’t make decisions based on what people have seen, we make decisions that we are convinced and we believe that this will happen. From January next year, let me inform you that we will start politics. You know me, I believe in ‘agreement is agreement’. Anything you know you cannot do, don’t say it. Nobody can use us. Whatever you have agreed in the morning, you must agree in the night.

    “So don’t worry yourself about those who are shouting on your mandate we shall stand. We have shouted when it matters most. If we did not shout then for him to have won, would they have shouted now? I have never hidden my position, Nigerians know and you can attest to it. After President Bola Tinubu, the next most abused politician is me. Why are they abusing me because they know that ‘agreement is agreement’. When we have agreed on something let us implement it. If we cannot implement it, then don’t let us talk about it.

    “For us we have said that we will continue to support Ahmed Bola Tinubu. That is the position you took and that is the position you are going to still take. I came to reassure you that no problem.”

  • Yuletide: Desmond Elliott spreads love, joy to constituents with ‘Santa on the Street’ initiative

    Yuletide: Desmond Elliott spreads love, joy to constituents with ‘Santa on the Street’ initiative

    The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Olushola Elliott (DOE), has urged Nigerians to celebrate Christmas by sharing joy with those around them.

    Elliott made the call on Friday as part of his “Santa on the Street” programme, which ran from December 24 to 26, marking the festive season with acts of generosity.

    The initiative saw the Santa DOE crew visiting hospitals, schools, churches, mosques, streets, and Christmas party spots across Surulere constituency, distributing gifts including bags of rice, toys, money vouchers, and live chickens to residents.

    Dressed in Santa costumes, Elliott personally handed out the items, leading the team to Saint Anthony Catholic Church Gbaja, Surulere Central Mosque, and Precious Stone Church (Ijo Okuta Iyebiye) on Ibidun Street, bringing smiles to passersby.

    Elliott encouraged Nigerians to spread love in small ways, saying, “This is a joyful time—joy to the world indeed, a king is born. In the heart of Surulere, Santa DOE is in town this Boxing Day, sharing love and preaching the gospel of love.”

    “Santa is sharing books,toys,chicken,rice and so many things that we are going to share to humanity and the people. 

    “Basically we are sharing love, we are trying to say that in the spirit of love it is not about the quantity it is about the sharing.

    “It doesn’t matter what you have please give to your neighbour. Make sure you share according to the gospel which was the reason for which Jesus was born in the first place.

    “That is why the song says- Joy to the world… We wish everybody a very merry Christmas and indeed a Happy new year in the year2026, that God will crown us with the spirit of grace, forgiveness for our incapability’s and mercy to our dear nation Nigeria.

    “It doesn’t matter whether Christian, Moslem, we are here to share the love of God as we are all one under God. 

    “We’ve been doing this over the years because we’ve seen that sometimes some of these largesse, do not reach down to the grassroots so why don’t we take it there ourselves? 

    “Besides it is a way of bonding, connecting with the people and the communities and that is why we are here. 

    He counsel Nigerians to preach the message of patience, love, peace.

    “There is nothing that conquers love, love conquers all as we move into the next year let’s learn to have the spirit of forgiveness for one another, what is live really, if we cannot forgive one another.

    “Basically that is what we are preaching and let this message go round the whole world.”

    One of the aged beneficiaries of the lawmaker’s largesse around Akerele Extension commended him for always reaching out to them during festive periods, giving bags of rice and groundnut oil, she noted that when they had challenge with electricity supply in their area, he was quick to come to their rescue to ensure the restoration of their power supply.

    She, however, charged the lawmaker to continue the good works, which in her words have endeared the people to him.

    At the Saint Anthony Catholic Church Gbaja Mr. Bennard one of the youths, who gathered to celebrate Christmas was quick to add that Santa DOE’s visit was an amazing experience which taught him that age is not a barrier in proclaiming the message of love.

    “It is a very nice thing seeing him sharing gifts and  joy we are very surprised. 

    “The message is about preaching love it is the season of Christmas, that is the essence of the period. It does not matter if you are young or old.”

    In a chat with newsmen the Director General of Honourable Desmond Elliott’s Campaign  Mr. Gabriel Omotosho disclosed that sharing of joy is a Surulere character which started since the Lawmaker assumption of office

    “It started way back since his joining the political terrain, we have been doing Santa Claus, giving out gifts to less privileged both food and children Items that befits the moment.

    “It is a period of giving, showing love, that is what he believes and have been doing over the years, so this year’s own is not an exception. If you go around you will see street carnivals here and there the lawmaker makes donations to all of them to ensure a joyful celebration, we are getting on well in Surulere. 

    “I will only urge our people that while we are rejoicing we should take caution, celebrate with modesty and not allow the joy of the moment to create problem within us.

    “I wish everyone a prosperous new year, it will be a year of blessing, breakthrough, success, upliftment and we will continue to experience positive impacts of our able honourables that we have elected in Surulere, who have been doing very well, we pray that the year will be a great year for us in Surulere.” Omotosho prays.

    The Medical Director of TopTee Medical Centre one of the facilitators Dr. Ototemi Oludayo who was part of the joy sharing Santa crew however, tasked Nigerians that as the year rolls by with all the festivities and merry making, they should be mindful of what they eat and drink so as not compromise their wellness.

    Dr. Ototemi averred that the essence of the visit to children Christmas party’s all around Surulere and especially at Alapafuja and other areas of Shitta where the youths are gathering is to give health tips and make them merry with gifts like toys and other good items for the children in the spirit of the season.

  • EPL: Arsenal regain top spot with win over Brighton

    EPL: Arsenal regain top spot with win over Brighton

    Martin Odegaard scored his first Premier League goal of the season as Arsenal survived a nervy finale to beat Brighton and return to the top of the table.

    The Gunners, who had dropped to second place after Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s early match, took the lead when Bart Verbruggen’s goal-kick was intercepted and Bukayo Saka teed up captain Odegaard to score from the edge of the area.

    Arsenal’s one-goal half-time lead did not match their first-half dominance as they produced 15 shots, five on target, and restricted Brighton to none.

    But they doubled their lead seven minutes into the second half when makeshift right-back Declan Rice’s corner was flicked into his own net by Georginio Rutter, the fourth own goal that has gone Arsenal’s way in their past four games.

    Arsenal seemed set for a comfortable victory but Brighton pulled one back with their first shot on target when Yasin Ayari’s effort bounced off the post and Diego Gomez hammered in the rebound. 

    Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler had introduced winger Yankuba Minteh at half-time and his pace caused problems.

    Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had to produce a magnificent save to ensure his side took all three points when he kept out Minteh’s curled effort that was heading towards the top corner.

  • CoAS pledges enhanced support for troops, vows relentless pursuit of terrorists in Sokoto

    CoAS pledges enhanced support for troops, vows relentless pursuit of terrorists in Sokoto

    Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed officers and men of the 248 Recce Battalion in Illela, Sokoto State, to relentlessly pursue terrorists and bandits “to hell,” promising additional gun trucks and operational equipment to strengthen their combat capacity.

    Addressing the battalion during a weekend operational visit, Waidi emphasised that the welfare of troops is a top priority, essential for effective performance.

    “We will not compromise your welfare as a morale booster for your operational successes,” he said, commending the soldiers’ resilience in the harsh operational environment.

    The CoAS, accompanied by the GOC 8 Division, Sokoto, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, and the Theatre Commander OPFY, Major General Idris Warrah, among other senior military officials, assured that the army would exhaust every effort to uphold its operational responsibilities against the nation’s enemies.

    “We will support you and make your stay here comfortable. Remember that Rome was not built in a day and you must show sacrifice, dedication and discipline with resilience against threats by the enemies. 

    “Above all, be proud of been part of the pioneer set to establish this battalion and urge the young Lieutenant leaders of the battalion to responsively design a training programme that would properly launch you to the battle field and enhance the structural linkage that defines your operations through professional briefings as soldiers with listening ears to your officers,” he added, stressing that the 2iCs must not fail to drive the course of action that reflects military core values of respect, discipline and loyalty.

    “We will also fix and ensure repairs of existing vehicles to be braced by additional duty trucks for enhanced operational capacity,” he assured.

  • Why I’m most abused politician after Tinubu by Wike 

    Why I’m most abused politician after Tinubu by Wike 

    …minister faults Fubara’s inaugurated projects 

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike, has described himself as the most abused politician in the country today after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    The Minister also declared on Saturday that from January 2026 politics will start in Rivers State. 

    Wike spoke during a special thanksgiving service organised by the Chairman, South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche at his Ochiba country home in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday. 

    The former Rivers state governor declared his unwavering stance in support for President Tinubu, insisting that he never reneged on any agreement he entered into.

    Wike used the opportunity of the thanksgiving to commend the people of Ahoada East and Ahoada West councils  for backing  him to support the President. 

    He said,  “This is the first local government we are coming to say thank you for being there for us all through these years

    “You know, like the pastor said today, God detaste those who are ungrateful. And so for what you’ve done for us, for standing with us, we say thank you. Thank you, and thank you.

    “You remember, in 2023, when it was tough, nobody knows what will happen in that election. Somebody was saying that it will be difficult for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win that election.

    “So many people were not able to come and vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But we all met, as leaders here, and you, to say in politics, we must take a stand and defend. That we must take a decision, whether it is good or bad.

    “But we know at the end of the day it will be  good. But we did it. When it was tough, for people to say, on your mandate we stand. We stood firm and said on your mandate we stand and to the glory of God, we stood.

    “And today he is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    He thanked the people for standing firm, saying, “So you are the ones who made the mandate to be strong as far as Rivers State is concerned.”

    Wike condemned persons, who could not stand on Tinubu’s mandate when it was tough to do so but suddenly defected to his party at rosy period to declare support for the president.

    He said, “So all these people you are now seeing singing on your mandate we stand, that time, when they were needed most, they couldn’t sing that. They couldn’t come out to say, vote for Ahmed Bola Tinubu 

    “Now that you stood and voted for him, and even said, woman, I tell you, all your struggle will not go in vain. So we have come to tell you to remain strong.

    “Nigerians know us. When we take a decision, we have taken a decision. We don’t take decision based on what people have seen.

    “We take a decision based on what we are convinced. We believe that this will happen. You stood firm even when you were not in power. You stood firm even when you were not in council.

    “You were harassed. You said, no, no despite the harassment, I will still stand where I am. So for us, it will be unfair that we cannot come and tell you, thank you.

    “You know me, I believe in agreement. Anything you know you cannot do, don’t say it, don’t even enter into it. From January next year politics will start. 

    “Nobody can use us. So let me say yes and agree later. No, I can’t do that.Whatever you have agreed in the morning, it was agreed in the night. So, don’t be worried yourself about who was shouting or your mandate will start. We have shouted when it mattered most.

    “If we did not shout it then would they shout now? Would they have shouted now? I have never hidden my position. Nigerians know. And you can attest to it.

    “We have never wavered in support of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. If you want to know after Bola Tinubu, the next most abused politician is me. Why are they abusing me? Because they know agreement is what? 

    “When we have agreed on something, let’s implement it. If you cannot implement it, don’t even come to reach it. So for us, we have decided before now, long ago, that we must make sure we continue to support Ahmed Bola Tinubu. 

    “That is the position you took. And that is the position we are going to continue to take. So on behalf of our team we want to thank you, our foot soldiers who have stood firm in spite of all provocations.”

    Wike said some politicians in the home front, who went to get something from the governor, resorted to abusing and casting aspersions at him. 

     He also said most of the projects inaugurated recently by his successor had reached advanced stage and handed over to him in the spirit of continuity

    He said, “At the appropriate time, we will talk. This project you commissioned who handed it over to you? We did it because we believe are a team. 

    “If we know that we will not be a team, we would not have done it. But we did it, and we have no regrets. I have no regrets

    “One thing you should know about Nigerian politics. You know, there is a universal state every time. How you can make money now for a universal state is like that. You go and say, this enough is enough for Wike.

    “Who deal with Wike, they drop (dish out money)  If you don’t say you will deal with Wike, you won’t get him. I hear we have about  N600billion somewhere. 

    “So just say we will deal with Wike

     The moment you pronounce that word, something will come down, ” the FCT said in a mocking tone. 

    Earlier,  Nwuche explained that the people of Ekpeye Kingdom would continue to support Wike, for  the numerous projects he attracted to the area while he was Governor.

    He said, “For the first time, Ekpeye had seven first-class stools. Before now, we only had one. Governors came and left. None of them agreed to elevate our stools. Only him (Wike) did that for us.

    “So, I’ve seen people who have used power wrongly. They forget that there’s karma. And that’s why I say Nigerians should be careful in choosing leadership. We know our leaders very well. Ask us about them. 

    “There are many of them who came into leadership by accident. They have no business being there because they have no human feelings.”

    He said people, who found themselves in power should use it to elevate the people and better their lots and “not to oppress them, to break their homes and go. “

    He said, “Nobody who follows Wike can say that he hasn’t been impacted on positively. Nobody. That’s why you see, no matter where he goes, we shall go there. “

  • Akwa Ibom backs Tinubu’s directive on direct funding for local governments

    Akwa Ibom backs Tinubu’s directive on direct funding for local governments

    The Akwa Ibom state government has said it is fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that funds should be paid directly to local governments.

    The Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, stated this on Friday, noting that Governor Umo Eno has consistently supported financial autonomy for local government councils.

    Umanah said that even before the Supreme Court judgment which affirmed direct allocation to councils, Governor Eno had never interfered with local government funds.

    He maintained that the governor is a strong advocate of grassroots development, a commitment he said has enabled local governments in the state to thrive.

    “Governor Umo Eno is a lover of grassroots development, and that is why he fully supports the President’s directive for funds to be sent directly to local governments,” Umanah said.

    “Local governments in the state are executing projects, awarding contracts and carrying out empowerment programmes at the grassroots because the state government does not tamper with their funds.

    “To the governor, President Tinubu’s renewed directive is not just an instruction, but a moral duty for all governors across the country to allow the third tier of government to be financially independent.

    “Visit any of the 31 local government areas of the state and you will confirm that this administration aligns with the President’s mandate to uplift local communities,” he added.

  • Olukoya urges women to embrace organ playing for evangelism, empowerment

    Olukoya urges women to embrace organ playing for evangelism, empowerment

    The General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Pastor Daniel Olukoya, has called on women to deliberately develop their musical talents, particularly in organ playing, describing music as a powerful tool for evangelism, self-actualisation and empowerment.

    Pastor Olukoya made the call at the Ladies on the Organ 2.0 programme organised by the Association of Nigerian Female Organists at the MFM International Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos.

    The event, themed Her Hymn, Her Organ, featured gifted female organists who took turns performing on a three-manual organ. One after another, they mounted the grand wooden console, filling the auditorium with rich classical hymns that drew admiration from the audience.

    Speaking as the Grand Patron of ANFO, Olukoya stressed that gender should never be a barrier to excellence in any field, including music ministry. He noted that encouraging women to play the organ goes beyond music, as it challenges stereotypes and creates opportunities for women to thrive.

    “What a man can do, a woman can even do better,” he said. “This initiative is a means of evangelism, confidence-building and a reminder that gender barriers should not restrict anyone, especially those with passion for music.”

    He disclosed that to sustain the vision, an organ school has been established at Mountain Top University to provide structured and professional training for aspiring organists.

    “That is why we created a platform and made teachers available to train more people,” he explained. “Together, we are breaking barriers and empowering the next generation of female organists. With time, this vision will continue to grow.”

    The cleric further encouraged women across denominations to seize the opportunity, noting that the initiative, which began with a maiden edition last year, has continued to expand without discrimination.

    In the same vein, the founder of ANFO and wife of the General Overseer, Mrs Folashade Olukoya, said her passion for empowering women through music was shaped by personal experiences and observations of societal realities.

    Recalling how her parents often intervened in resolving disputes, she observed that women frequently bear the brunt of challenges in marriage and society, a reality that inspired her to create a platform where women could discover and fully actualise their God-given potentials.

    “My husband believes strongly that people can actualise their potentials,” she said. “I decided that if everyone stays in their space and fulfils their God-given abilities, life will be better for all of us.”

    Describing women as solutions, Mrs Olukoya warned that any society that fails to create space for women risks stagnation.

    “A nation that does not give space to women will remain lonely. Women are needed to move the world forward. When women are denied space, they become unfulfilled and unable to actualise their potentials,” she said.

    She urged women to see themselves as the Eves of their time, encouraging them to identify their spheres of influence, raise their voices, pursue their passions and grow in wisdom.

    “Whatever we do, let us do it heartily, not unto men, but unto God,” she added.

    Also speaking, the ANFO Coordinator, Mrs Abiodun George, commended Pastor Olukoya and his wife for their unwavering support, highlighting the financial and technical demands of learning the organ, which she described as an expensive instrument beyond the reach of many.

    “Purchasing an organ is not affordable for most people,” she said. “But the General Overseer believed in us, provided professional trainers and created a safe space for us to grow. The training fees alone are beyond what many of us can afford, yet Pastor Olukoya made it accessible.”

    One of the standout performers at the event, 28-year-old Temitope Aina, expressed excitement after receiving a standing ovation from the audience. She said her passion for music began in childhood, nurtured by a father who is a pianist and a mother who is a choir leader.

    A first-class graduate of the University of Ibadan, Temitope currently teaches at a piano school, offers online music lessons to clients in the diaspora, and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Music at Mountain Top University.

  • Extend U.S–Nigeria military strikes against terrorists to northeast, Ndume tells FG

    Extend U.S–Nigeria military strikes against terrorists to northeast, Ndume tells FG

    Former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has called on the Federal Government to extend Nigeria’s joint military operations with the United States against terrorist hideouts to the North-East region of the country.

    Ndume made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday, while commending the recent military strikes carried out against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) cells in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    United States President, Donald Trump, had announced the attacks on his Truth Social platform, revealing that the Department of War executed what he described as “numerous perfect strikes” against terrorist targets.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, later confirmed the development, stressing that the U.S. military strikes were conducted with Nigeria’s full cooperation, approval and intelligence support. 

    He added that the operation did not violate Nigeria’s sovereignty and was not directed at any religious group.

    Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, said extending the joint military operations to the North-East would significantly weaken the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram insurgents operating in the region.

    “We welcome this cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in targeting terrorist hideouts,” he said. “I am calling on them to extend it to the North-East where ISWAP and Boko Haram have their three known black spots, Lake Chad, the Mandara Mountains and Sambisa Forest, which are exclusive strongholds of these groups.”

    He further urged that the military partnership with the United States should go beyond air strikes to include support for ground troops through training, intelligence sharing and logistics, as well as the deployment of attack helicopters to back ground operations.

    The federal lawmaker commended President Bola Tinubu for allocating what he described as the highest budgetary provision to defence in the 2026 Appropriation Bill but insisted on the need for accountability and transparency in the utilisation of the funds.

    Reacting to the recent suicide bomb attack at a mosque in Gamboru, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, which claimed five lives and left many others injured, Ndume expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

    “I sympathise with the victims of the bomb blasts in Borno State, where many people were killed and injured,” he said. “The incident at the mosque in Gamboru clearly shows that the terrorists do not care about religion. 

    “In this instance, which occurred on the eve of Christmas, all the victims were Muslims. 

    “The narrative of religious targeting does not exist. These terrorists are simply bent on making life unbearable for our people and are blind to religion.”

  • UI’s Communication and Language Arts Students launch Premier Insight magazine

    UI’s Communication and Language Arts Students launch Premier Insight magazine

    Students of the Department of Communication and Language Arts (CLA), University of Ibadan, have launched Premier Insight, a student-produced magazine developed under the course titled News Editing for Print Media (CLA 307).

    The magazine, produced as part of the course’s practical training programme, was taught and coordinated by the course instructor, Dr Ridwan Kolawole, who noted that the project was aimed at exposing students to the rigours of newsroom practice and professional print production.

    The Head of Department, who also doubles as Chairman of the Editorial Board, Dr Bisi Olawuyi, commended the students for their commitment, saying, “I have watched you work tirelessly from conception to production, and your dedication to the success of this magazine is evident. Under the leadership of the Editor-in-Chief, Oluwasegun Michael Ojo, and the Deputy Editor-in-Chief-cum-Managing Editor, Marvellous Ekebi, the team has demonstrated discipline and professionalism.”

    Dr Olawuyi specifically thanked Dr Kolawole for his efforts in midwifing the magazine production through the course. 

    He promised that the department would be responsible for the production cost of the magazine.

    “The department will henceforth fund this project, ensuring its continuity and growth for future students.”

    The event held at the HoD’s office was attended by Professor Beatrice Adeyika Laninhun, the department’s longest-serving lecturer, who performed the unveiling of the magazine.

    Unveiling the magazine, Professor Laninhun commended the course lecturer, Dr Kolawole and the students for their efforts.

    “When I joined the Department, there was a magazine, although not as beautiful as this. 

    “I would like to commend you for this effort, and I hope you continue with the efforts”, Professor Laninhun stated.

    In his remarks, the Editor-in-Chief, Oluwasegun Michael, described Premier Insight as a product of teamwork, discipline and editorial responsibility, adding that the magazine reflects the students’ understanding of news values, editing standards and ethical journalism.

    He noted that, “Dr Ridwan Kolawole’s commitment to practical teaching played a critical role in the successful production of this magazine, as he ensured that students adhered strictly to professional newsroom standards and editorial discipline throughout the process.”

    “The course, News Editing for Print Media (CLA 307), has equipped students with hands-on skills in news writing, editing and print production, preparing us for real-life newsroom demands beyond the classroom,” Akanni said.