The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Southwest governors hold emergency closed-door meeting in Ibadan

    Southwest governors hold emergency closed-door meeting in Ibadan

    Governors from the southwest states, under the Southwest Governors Forum, are currently holding a closed-door meeting at the Oyo State Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

    The governors began arriving around 1 pm while Governor Seyi Makinde was presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Oyo State House of Assembly.

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was the first to arrive, with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun being the last to join the session.

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke is represented at the meeting by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi.

    The arrival of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji coincided with Governor Makinde’s return from the Assembly, where he was received by the host governor alongside the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin.

    Those in attendance include: Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), represented by his deputy.

    The emergency meeting is believed to be convened to address rising insecurity and other pressing regional challenges.

    As of the time of filing this report, the governors are still in session and are expected to brief the press afterward.

  • Okechukwu urges Tinubu to convene special police constabulary unit to tackle insecurity

    Okechukwu urges Tinubu to convene special police constabulary unit to tackle insecurity

    A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently convene the Special Police Constabulary Unit (SPCU), rather than deploying 30,000 recruits into the existing police structure.

    Proposing a more targeted approach to rising insecurity, the former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) said it would be more effective to channel the recruits into the SPCU, as outlined in Sections 105–109 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

    According to him, “The immediate handgun is the urgent convocation of SPCU, recruited in line with the federal character principle to reflect local conditions, well-trained and equipped with a sophisticated arsenal to contain kidnappers, terrorists, and insurgents, because the recruits know their local terrain better.”

    Read Also: Tinubu battling political sabotage, not security failure — Kalu alleges

    Okechukwu cautioned that the SPCU should be a shared responsibility of the federal, state, and local governments, with funding and recruitment handled jointly and drawn from indigenes of each state, particularly community vigilantes.

    He added that the unit should operate with minimal federal constraints and be funded directly through the Federal Account Allocation Commission (FAAC), with contributions from all tiers of government.

    Noting that governors across party lines have failed to establish state police, Okechukwu argued that it is “more altruistic” for the president to urgently activate the SPCU to address local security challenges that have forced widespread school closures nationwide.

  • Court adjourns for final address in DSS’ N5.5b defamation suit against SERAP

    Court adjourns for final address in DSS’ N5.5b defamation suit against SERAP

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama has adjourned till February 19, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses in the N5.5billion defamation suit against a group, the Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

    Justice Halilu Yusuf chose the date on Monday after the defendants concluded their defence after calling their witness.

    Listed with SERAP as defendants in the suit, marked: CV/4547/2024, is its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

    In the suit filed in the names of two officials of DSS – Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele – the claimants accused the defendants of making a false claim that John and Ogundele invaded SERAP’s Abuja office on September 9, 2024.

    At the commencement of proceedings on Monday, Oluwadare, who testified as the defendant’s witness, adopted his statement on oath and gave further information about what he knew in relation to the incident of September 9, 2024.

    Oluwadare said SERAP is a registered non-governmental organisation that champions advancing transparency, accountability, and social justice in the country.

    The witness, who was led in evidence by the defendants’ lawyer, Oluwatosin Adesioye, admitted that SERAP operates with funding from local and international donor agencies.

    Under cross-examination by the claimant’s lawyer, Oluwagbemileke Kehinde, the witness said he made the publication complained about based on the information he got from one Vivian Amadi, a Front Desk Officer and Receptionist in SERAP’s Abuja office.

    The witness admitted that he was not present in the office, but was called by one Vivian Amadi to inform him of the presence of the DSS officials in SERAP’s premises.

    Oluwadare was handed two documents, including the publication complained about by the claimant, and was asked to read out the first paragraph to the hearing of everyone in court.

    In the publication posted on the SERAP website, the witness raised an alarm, claiming that the  DSS had invaded SERAP’s Abuja office unlawfully, intimidating and harassing its staff, and calling on President Bola Tinubu to call the DSS officials to order.

    After reading, the witness admitted using the words – unlawful, intimidating, and harassing – in the publications, but disagreed that the words used in the publications are serious allegations against the two claimants.

    The witness admitted not consulting with the DSS before making the publications, adding that while they were in SERAP’s office, the two DSS officials did not brandish any weapon.

    He also confirmed that throughout their presence, the two DSS officials did not seize or damage any property, nor was any staff of SERAP physically assaulted by the security agents.

    Oluwadare admitted that the DSS officials did not break down any door to gain entry into SERAP’s office.

    He said he was told that the first claimant (Sarah John) was making calls and asking other officials of the DSS not to come inside the SERAP office.

    The witness claimed to have the CCTV footage of the DSS officials’ entrance into the SERAP’s office.

    In the suit, the claimants stated, among others, that the alleged false claim by SERAP has negatively impacted their reputation and that of the two officials involved.

    They also stated, in their statement of claim, that, in line with its practice of engaging with officials of non-governmental organisations operating in the FCT to establish a relationship with their new leadership, it directed the two officials – John and Ogunleye – to visit SERAP’s office and invite its new leadership for a familiarisation meeting.

    The claimants added that in carrying out the directive, John and Ogunleye paid a friendly visit to SERAP’s office at 18 Bamako Street, Wuse Zone 1, Abuja on September 9 and met with one Ruth, who upon being informed about the purpose of the visit, claimed that none of SERAP’s management staff was in the country and advised that a formal letter of invitation be written by the DSS.

    John and Ogundele, who claimed that their interactions with Ruth were recorded, said that before they immediately exited SERAP’s office, Ruth promised to inform her organisation’s management about the visit and volunteered a phone number – 08160537202.

    They said it was surprising that, shortly after their visit, SERAP posted on its X (Twitter) handle: @SERAPNigeria, that officers of the DSS are presently unlawfully occupying its office.

    The claimant added that “on the same day, the defendants also published a statement on SERAP’s website, which was widely reported by several media outfits, falsely alleging that some officers from the DSS, described as “a fall, large, dark-skinned woman” and “a slim, dark skinned man,” invaded their Abuja office and interrogated the staff of the first defendant (SERAP).

    John and Ogundele stated that “due to the false statements published by the defendants, the DSS has been ridiculed and criticised by international agencies such as Amnesty International and prominent members of the Nigerian society, such as Femi Falana (SAN).

    “Due to the false statements published by the defendants, members of the public and the international community formed the opinion that the Federal Government is using the DSS to harass the defendants.”

    They added that the defendants’ statements caused harm to the claimants’ reputation because the staff and management of the DSS have formed the opinion that the claimants did not follow orders and carried out an unsanctioned operation, and are therefore incompetent and unprofessional.

    The claimants are therefore praying the court for the following reliefs:

    *An order directing the defendants to tender an apology to the claimants via the first defendant’s (SERAP’s) website, X (twitter) handle, two national daily newspapers (Punch and Vanguard) and two national news television stations (Arise Television and Channels Television) for falsely accusing the claimants of unlawfully invading the first defendant’s office and interrogating the first defendant’s staff.

    *An order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N5billion as damages for the libellous statements published about the claimants.

    *Interest on the sum of N5b at the rate of 10 percent per annum from the date of judgment until the judgment sum is realised or liquidated.

    *AN order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N50million as costs of this action.

  • Makinde’s 2026 budget proposal ambitious, people-centered – Oyo Speaker

    Makinde’s 2026 budget proposal ambitious, people-centered – Oyo Speaker

    The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has described the 2026 Budget Proposal presented by Governor Seyi Makinde as ambitious, people-centered, and strategically aligned with the development priorities of the state.

    The Speaker gave this commendation during the formal presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill at the Hallowed Chamber of the House in Ibadan on Monday.

    The Nation reports that Governor Makinde on Monday presented a total budget estimate of N891.98 billion, tagged “Budget of Economic Expansion”, with capital expenditure receiving the highest allocation of N502.6 billion, representing over 56% of the entire budget.

    Ogundoyin noted that the budget was a product of wide stakeholder engagements across all seven geopolitical zones of the state, showing the administration’s commitment to inclusive and responsive governance.

    Highlighting the priorities of the budget, the Speaker commended its strong focus on infrastructure (N210 billion), education (N155 billion), healthcare (N70 billion), and economic empowerment, describing them as pillars for sustainable growth and human capital development.

    “The 2026 Budget Proposal, as always, is the outcome of extensive stakeholder engagements across all seven geopolitical zones of Oyo State, ensuring that their voices, needs, and aspirations are genuinely reflected in the fiscal priorities for the year ahead.

    “The Budget Proposal, with a total outlay of Eight hundred and ninety-one billion, nine hundred and eighty-five million, seventy-four thousand, four hundred and eighty naira, seventy-nine kobo (N891.985,074,480.70) reflects a bold fiscal direction aimed at deepening development and human capital growth in our dear State.”

    He assured the Executive of the Legislature’s continued cooperation and legislative backing to ensure timely passage and effective oversight.

    “As the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly, we remain steadfast in our oversight responsibilities. We will ensure that every naira appropriated is accounted for and that every project delivers measurable impact. We will continue to work collaboratively with the Executive and other arms of government to implement policies and programs that uplift our people and transform our state.”

    Read Also: Oyo speaker advocates faith-driven leadership at YPF mega summit 2025

    Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin also used the opportunity to outline the 10th Assembly’s performance so far.

    “Permit me to highlight the strides of the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly in the last two years. We have passed 32 impactful Bills, received and deliberated on 110 Committee reports, moved 125 Motions, and considered 45 Matters of Urgent Public Importance.

    “Notably, we have adopted over 500 Resolutions addressing diverse socio-economic issues affecting our people. Significantly, Oyo State remains the first and only State Assembly in Nigeria to establish a Post Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) Unit, further reinforcing our commitment to accountability, transparency, and result-oriented legislation.”

    He, however, called Governor Makinde’s attention to the demands of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), urging prompt action on issues like CONLESS review, remuneration for deputy clerks, full legislative autonomy, upgrade and renovation of the House of Assembly Complex.

    The Speaker reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to transparency, service delivery, and ensuring that every naira spent in the 2026 fiscal year translates to meaningful development for the people of Oyo State.

  • First Lady donates sanitary pads to 10,000 school girls in Oyo

    First Lady donates sanitary pads to 10,000 school girls in Oyo

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative, on Monday donated 10,000 sanitary pads to school girls in Oyo State.

    She said the donations were designed to empower schoolgirls by promoting knowledge, dignity, and confidence in them.

    Speaking in Ibadan while handing over the pads to beneficiaries across the 33 local governments of the state, Mrs Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Tamunomini Makinde, maintained that no girl should have to miss school because of the inability to afford sanitary products in today’s modern world.

    She said, “It is unacceptable that our girls continue to face significant challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural communities who miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads.

    “Some of our girls are using unsafe and unhygienic alternatives, while others stay at home, falling behind in their studies, and in some cases even dropping out of school. This trend must end, and this intervention under the education framework of the Renewed Hope Initiative is aimed at doing so.

    “We will be distributing disposable sanitary pads to 370,000 school girls in communities across the nation at the end of this program.

    “All states and the federal capital territories will be receiving 10,000 pads each through the state’s First Lady and the Renewed Hope Initiative coordinator. This is to support our girls and those who are unable to afford sanitary pads.

    “Today, I will be handing over 10,000 sanitary pads. As you can see, all the girls seated in this auditorium already have them, and this is the one plus some others that we cannot bring all here. We’ll be going to all 33 local government areas for distribution.

    “So today, I will be handing over 10,000 pads of disposable sanitary pads for distribution. To 10,000 deserving girls across all your states. We choose disposable sanitary pads because they’re affordable.

    “It is because it offers a simple, hygienic option that offers better health benefits for women’s reproductive well-being. For us at the Renewed Hope Initiative, we believe that no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education. The success of Flow with Confidence programs depends on all of us.

    “I want to especially appeal to the executive chairmen of local government areas, given your critical position as the arm of government closest to the people and your role in delivering essential services.

    “It is crucial that you take ownership of this intervention. Scale it up and ensure these supplies get directly to the deserving girls in our rural communities.

    “The pads are not to be sold under any circumstances. Now, the Renewed Hope Initiative spent a total of 2,550,297,150 Naira to procure these customized disposable sanitary pads from a local manufacturing company.

    “Corporate organizations, our starters and agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians, to key into the Flow with Confidence program so that we can empower and reach as many girls as possible.

    Read Also: Nigeria won’t disintegrate, First Lady assures citizens

    “To our traditional religious and community leaders, we cannot do this without your support. I urge you to monitor the distribution exercise in your communities and ensure to support our girls to grow into responsible and informed adults. To our dear students and beneficiaries, this is for you.

    “All this is for you. Make the most of it and do not sell the pads. Stay in school, study hard, support one another, and never allow shame or stigma to take away your confidence.

    “Use this opportunity to pursue your dreams boldly because you are the future of this nation. And I believe in you. I charge you all to commit to the dignity, well-being, and the future of every Nigerian girl.

    “Today, let us keep this promise that our girls will always have the support they need to live, learn, thrive, and flow with confidence. At this juncture, to the glory of God and the benefits of our school’s wealth.”

    Dignitaries at the event include the Head of Service in the state, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, Commissioner for Education, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, and Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Joke Sanni, among others.

  • Tinubu prioritising security for national growth – Badaru

    Tinubu prioritising security for national growth – Badaru

    President Bola Tinubu is prioritising security as the foundation for the country’s economic growth.

    This has informed his commitment to strengthening interagency cooperation among security and intelligence agencies, as well as providing the welfare and infrastructure necessary for them to function effectively.

    The Ministry of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, said this in Abuja, on Monday, at the 2025 Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference, themed “Multi-Source Intelligence and Innovation in a Changing National Security Ecosystem.”

    The conference with the theme, “Multi-source Intelligence Innovation in a Challenging National Security Ecosystem”, was attended by senior defence intelligence officers, Nigeria’s Defence Attaches/Advisers in various countries, regional directors, and state coordinators.

    Badaru said Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the security and stability of the nation provided the strategic guidance to be “united in our resolve to reinforce our collective intelligence posture and safeguard the sovereignty of our dear country.”

    The Minister said the theme of the conference was both timely and compelling, as it spoke directly to the realities of Nigeria’s evolving security landscape, which he said has become increasingly dynamic and contested.

    According to him, Nigeria no longer confronts a single, predictable enemy, but faces adversaries who exploit technology, hide within civilian populations, manipulate communication networks, and operate across both physical and digital spaces with unprecedented speed.

    He said, “From terrorism, banditry and cybercrime to violent extremism and disinformation campaigns, today’s threats are multidimensional, rapidly evolving and often unpredictable. In this environment, technological superiority has become a decisive factor.

    “Threats are no longer defined solely by terrain or manpower, but by the speed, precision, and depth of actionable information. To stay ahead, our intelligence system must be driven by innovation, agility, and strategic integration.”

    He said that in line with the President’s interest, the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Headquarters have prioritized the development of a seamless intelligence operations integration framework, and will ensure real-time data flow between the DIA, the Service Headquarters, and operational theatres.

    While commending the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for the implementation of the Joint Intelligence Mission Data and Analytics System (JIMDAS), the integration of cognitive analytics, and the enhancement of cyber-monitoring capabilities, Badaru said these are not mere technological additions but true force multipliers.

    “When effectively synchronised, they strengthen operational responsiveness and empower commanders to make informed, intelligence-driven decisions that save lives and secure victories,” he said.

    The Minister said Nigeria would continue to maintain strong regional partnerships to enhance collective security in the West African subregion. He stated that this was because intelligence today transcends national borders, as adversaries coordinate internationally.

    He said, “As a leading nation in West Africa and the wider continent, Nigeria continues to advance defence intelligence cooperation with neighbours and allies.

    “We must persist in sharing intelligence on cross-border movements, collaborating on maritime security, and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

    “Our leadership in this space is both strategic and essential to regional peace and shared prosperity.”

    The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Lt.-General Emmanuel Undiandeye, said the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) is intentional in its efforts to harness the capabilities of technology and human intelligence resources for the attainment of national security objectives.

    Gen. Undiandeye noted that Nigeria’s contemporary security environment remains dynamic and complex, with insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and organised crimes persisting across various theatres.

    The CDI added that while security services continue to demonstrate courage, professionalism, and resilience, the modern security landscape requires a multi-dimensional and multi-agency approach to intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination.

    He said this underscores the need to deepen our understanding and integration of multiple intelligence sources – human, signal, open source, imagery, and data – to enhance institutional awareness and enable leadership decision-making.

    “Therefore, multi-source intelligence lies at the heart of our ability to anticipate, dictate, and neutralise emerging threats, integrating information from diverse domains: military, democratic, economic, technological, and socio-political, which enhances our capacity to generate actionable intelligence.

    “By leveraging innovations in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and interagency information sharing, we can achieve a unified national intelligence framework capable of supporting good strategies and operational-level decision-making.”

    According to the CDI, in line with this vision, the DIA has commenced several initiatives aimed at monitoring the intelligence landscape, which include: digitisation of the intelligence processes, enhancement of the special and cyber intelligence capabilities, and the establishment of specialised tax groups to foster collaboration with other intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

    These reforms, according to him, are designed to ensure that intelligence production remains timely, relevant, and comprehensive in addressing the demands of our national security.

    Gen. Undiandeye said the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics into intelligence work is proven to be a transformative force globally, as the volume of information generated daily across digital and physical domains far exceeds the capacity of manual analysis; hence, the DIA is committed to embedding such technologies across its operations to achieve decisive advantage in both peace and comfort.

    He said, “Furthermore, the Agency continues to promote interagency synergy and regional cooperation, recognising that national security cannot be achieved in isolation, our defence advances and attaches play a vital role in advancing intelligence diplomacy and fostering partnerships with allied nations through active measures, intelligence exchanges, and joint training, which can strengthen Nigeria’s strategic posture and contribute to regional stability.

    Read Also: Tinubu battling political sabotage, not security failure — Kalu alleges

    “The threats confronting Nigeria and the wider sub-region are not limited to traditional warfare. Transnational organised crime cyber threats, misinformation, and other security challenges that demand a holistic approach abound.

    “This is why our commitment to multi-source intelligence innovations extends beyond technology that encompasses human capacity development, institutional reforms, and the cultivation of trust among stakeholders. And this is why the Defence Intelligence Agency is investing heavily in the training and the training of each personnel to enhance analytical proficiency and ethical standards.”

    The CDI said the DIA had commenced the use of Defence Intelligence Agency Technology Centre (DIATC), established last year, noting that the centre is responsible for conducting operations, utilising the latest working-age technologies and innovations.

    “It will focus on five key areas to include cyber security, artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, and data analytics, all of which are evolving new technologies,” he said.

    Gen. Undiandeye said the conference offers an opportunity to examine the evolving nature of threats confronting the country, review operational experiences, and strengthen cooperation between the DIA, defence advisors, counterparts across national and international security institutions, and the people.

    He added that the gathering also provides an avenue to harness the collective expertise of participants who are developing sustainable strategies to save Nigeria’s national interests.

    The CDI noted that the conference was an annual forecast of events, which allowed the agency to evaluate the activities of our defence sections as well as regional and state services. 

  • NAICOM adopts OKR framework to strengthen performance culture

    NAICOM adopts OKR framework to strengthen performance culture

    The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has announced the adoption of the globally recognised Objectives and Key Results (OKR) framework as part of its drive to strengthen performance management, enhance regulatory efficiency, and deepen accountability within the organisation.

    The Deputy Commissioner (Technical), Dr. Usman Jankara, made the disclosure at a performance management workshop, where he explained that OKR is a results-oriented system that links qualitative objectives with measurable outcomes.

    He described it as a model that simplifies goal-setting by defining what an organisation intends to achieve and determining success through quantifiable indicators.

    “For NAICOM, adoption of OKR will promote alignment and transparency across teams, enable us to focus on outcomes, not activities, and most importantly, it is ideal for mission-driven, non-profit organizations like NAICOM because it emphasizes impact over profit,” he said.

    Dr. Jankara noted that the Commission’s shift toward the OKR model is expected to ensure that every staff member has clearly defined performance indicators that align with the broader objectives of their directorates and the Commission.

    According to him, staff may apply the SMART principles—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to guide measurable results and maintain global standards in scoring and evaluation.

    He clarified that the new system is designed to support growth rather than penalise anyone. “This is not about punishment; it is about clarity, accountability, and continuous improvement,” he stated.

    Speaking on the expected outcomes of the new framework, Dr. Jankara said the Commission anticipates full alignment between departmental goals and NAICOM’s strategic priorities, improved regulatory efficiency through risk-based supervision and digital transformation, stronger consumer confidence driven by prompt claims settlement, and increased insurance penetration to support Nigeria’s economic aspirations.

    He also outlined NAICOM’s five strategic goals, which include protecting policyholders and rebuilding confidence in the insurance sector; strengthening supervisory capacity; safeguarding financial stability; promoting innovation and sustainability in insurance operations; and expanding insurance penetration nationwide. He noted that these goals are supported by broader objectives such as digital transformation, governance excellence, and effective claims management.

    Describing the central role of personnel in the Commission’s success, Dr. Jankara urged leaders within the organisation to cultivate integrity, dedication, and discipline across their teams. “NAICOM is a service organization. People can make or mar it. Our success depends on the honesty, dedication, and commitment of every leader here, and of the teams you lead. There is therefore a need to instill these virtues among your subordinates. Without them, no strategy will succeed,” he said.

    Turning to the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, he described it as a major step forward for the insurance sector. “The Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 is a landmark achievement. Management will not rest until these reforms reposition the industry as a pillar of Nigeria’s financial system,” he said.

    Dr. Jankara concluded with a call to action, stressing the need for internal culture change to drive the objectives of the new system and broader sector reforms.

    “Reforms alone cannot deliver results. Culture eats strategy for breakfast. We must enthrone a culture of excellence and accountability,” he told NAICOM staff.

  • Makinde presents N891.99bn 2026 appropriation bill to Oyo Assembly

    Makinde presents N891.99bn 2026 appropriation bill to Oyo Assembly

    Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday proposed a total of N891.99 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year before the State House of Assembly.

    The figure was against the N684 billion approved by the lawmakers in the outgoing 2025 fiscal calendar.

    The presentation ceremony had in attendance prominent individuals and stakeholders, including foremost traditional rulers in the state: the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, among others.

    Makinde, in his presentation of the Appropriation Bill christened “Budget of Economic Expansion,” said out of these proposed figures, N389.34bn would be for recurrent expenditure and N502.65bn for capital expenditure.

    In a sectoral breakdown, the Infrastructure sector takes the lead with N210.02bn, the Education sector, N155.21bn, the Health sector, N70.81bn, the Agricultural sector, N19.99bn, while other multisectoral sectors are allocated N435.9bn.

  • EU unveils initiative to equip women with digital skills

    EU unveils initiative to equip women with digital skills

    The European Union has launched the Women Venture Studio Digital Innovation Hub aimed at boosting economic inclusion by equipping women with the digital skills, networks, and market access needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

    Positioned to transform the entrepreneurial landscape of northern Nigeria, the initiative is celebrated as a strategic milestone because it emphasizes digital capabilities, sustainable business models, and circular fashion.

    Speaking at the launch in Kano, Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, underscored the power of cross-sector collaboration in unlocking local potential.

    Stefanowicz noted that the initiative merges innovation with Kano’s long-standing creative traditions.

    She said, “The European Union is proud to be behind this initiative, but it is the local partners, like the Blue Sapphire Hub, the local women business association, academia, and many other women businesses and innovators, who are truly bringing this vision to life.

    “We are here to support, but it is you, the innovators, the entrepreneurs, and the communities, who will carry this work forward.”

    Stefanowicz noted Kano’s historical significance and its evolving role in technology-driven enterprise, saying, “Kano is a cultural melting pot, known for its creativity and now poised to become a centre for digital innovation.”

    She added, “The Women Venture Studio is an example of how we can bring together the richness of local heritage and the transformative power of technology to drive economic growth and women’s empowerment.”

    Also speaking, Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzoi, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women in technology.

    Gwarzoi said, “Empowering women is not just a policy for us. It is a catalyst for Kano State’s digital future. Our full support for the Women Venture Studio Digital Innovation Hub reflects our commitment to ensuring that women stand at the forefront of innovation, entrepreneurship, and lasting economic growth.”

    The deputy governor emphasized the state’s drive to enhance skills development across its 44 local government areas

    “We believe their ideas, resilience, and leadership will shape a more inclusive and technologically advanced Kano State. Initiatives like the Women Venture Studio and SheCode embody the future we are building, one where no woman is left behind,” the deputy governor added.

    Lead Partner, Women Venture Studio, Mariam Lawan Gwadabe, described the initiative as a product of persistence and belief in women’s economic potential.

    Gwadabe said, “Nothing truly worthwhile ever comes easily, and this is a lesson that has guided me throughout this journey. As we launch the Women Venture Studio today, it is a testament to years of dedication, collaboration, and the unwavering belief that we can create something transformative for women in northern Nigeria.”

    Gwadabe highlighted how the hub’s focus on circular fashion is rooted in Kano’s textile identity

    “Kano has long been known as the Manchester of textiles in West Africa. With the Women Venture Studio, our goal is to revive this legacy, using digital technologies and circular economy principles to empower women entrepreneurs in the fashion industry and create sustainable opportunities,” Gwadabe added.

    Also speaking at the event, Country Lead, Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria, Thuweba Diwali, described the hub as a targeted investment in inclusive growth.

    Diwali said, “With the establishment of the Women Venture Studio, we are proud to have taken another step towards a well-equipped supporting structure for MSMEs in Kano and the northwest region of Nigeria.”

    Represented by Daniel Ritter, he commended the partners for “never stopping driving and pushing to reach this moment today.”

    The Women Venture Studio marks a major addition to the EU’s broader agenda of supporting digital transformation and private sector development in Nigeria.

    Its long-term aim is to prove that targeted investment in women innovators can stimulate sustainable economic growth beginning in Kano and scaling across the country.

  • Tinubu has repositioned Nigeria’s economy, says support group

    Tinubu has repositioned Nigeria’s economy, says support group

    A pro-government organisation, the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), has lauded President Bola Tinubu for what it described as his transformative impact on Nigeria’s economy, urging citizens to support his re-election bid.

    Speaking during a media parley on Monday in Akure, the director-general of TSG in Ondo State, Ademola Adegoroye, highlighted key policy initiatives and economic reforms he said have begun yielding tangible results across various sectors.

    According to him, recent economic measures taken by the president have led to a noticeable reduction in food prices, revitalised critical sectors, improved fiscal stability, and boosted foreign investor confidence.

    “We are, as a nation, passing through tough times, but this is like the period before a new dawn, like the pain of a woman about to give birth.

    “The President has taken bold steps to reinvent the economy. His initiatives in agriculture are bringing down food prices, and he is frontally tackling insecurity. We must support him constructively and resist forces bent on taking us back to the old ways,” he said.

    Adegoroye also appealed to media practitioners to be objective, sensitive, and patriotic in their reportage of the Tinubu administration as Nigeria works toward peace, progress, and prosperity.

    He said journalists “must be duty-bound to factor in peace, the sanctity of life, objectivity, and patriotism.”

    Other speakers at the event – including Dr. Kola Ademujimi, Dr. (Mrs.) Morin Olanipekun, Pastor Segun Ayerin, and Erelu Modupe Martins highlighted federal projects under the Tinubu administration with direct impact on Ondo State.

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    These include ongoing construction on the Ore–Akure Road, Ado–Akure Road, Ado Ekiti–Ikare Akoko Road, and the Lagos–Calabar Super Highway, which covers more than 71 km within the state.

    They also referenced the empowerment programmes of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, from which many women in Ondo State have benefited.

    The group commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for complementary infrastructure efforts across the state, which they said are improving livelihoods and strengthening the APC’s appeal among voters.

    It, however, revealed that the official mobilisation activities by the TSG Local Government Coordinating Committees will kick off simultaneously across all 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State on Wednesday, November 26.