The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has rekindled optimism among proponents of the creation of Ibadan State, indicating that the long-standing demand may yet receive favourable consideration.
Akpabio gave the assurance on Sunday during a courtesy visit to the Bodija private residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where he addressed growing calls for state creation.
Accompanied by Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, Sarafadeen Ali, and other senior lawmakers, the Senate President assured that the issue of Ibadan State creation would be examined on the floor of the Senate.
“Ibadan is an incoming state, the only state in Nigeria seeking creation based on popular demand,” Akpabio said.
Speaking on the recent installation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Akpabio described the monarch as a blessing not only to Ibadanland but to the entire South-West region.
He said the people of Ibadan made the right choice in Oba Ladoja, citing his vast experience as a politician, entrepreneur, and seasoned administrator.
According to Akpabio, Oba Ladoja’s credentials as a nationalist would bring innovation and renewed vitality to the traditional institution in the South-West.
“His reign will witness a lot of progress. Ibadan people will benefit a lot during his reign.
“Oba Ladoja has served the Country as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and governor of Oyo state. His wealth of experience will be brought to bear in his new assignment as a monarch.”
In his response, Oba Ladoja thanked the Senate President and his entourage for the visit and restated his call for the creation of Ibadan State.
“My subjects have given me the mandate to represent their interests on all issues, including the creation of Ibadan State.
“I placed the request of my people before President Bola Tinubu during my installation ceremony. I am repeating the same thing today. My people want Ibadan state, and I want you to use your office to ensure its actualization.
“Another request that I want to place before you is the constitutional recognition of the traditional institution. If there is a need for the amendment of the constitution. Let it be done so that all this idea of removing the traditional ruler by the governor will stop forthwith.”
Edo State Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, has said that the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented by Governor Monday Okpebholo was a strategic shift from routine fiscal planning to impact-driven public finance.
Okoebor said the budget was designed to accelerate infrastructure renewal, expand employment opportunities, and strengthen social services across the state.
The Finance Commissioner, who spoke on Sunday while briefing journalists on details of the budget, said it aligned with Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritises Security, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education.
He said sectors capable of unlocking productivity, reducing inequality, and integrating underserved communities into the state’s economic framework were captured.
According to him, “Infrastructure dominates the budget, with ₦420.62 billion allocated to the sector. Of this amount, over ₦305 billion is earmarked for road construction and rehabilitation. Governor Okpebholo firmly believes that improved road networks will ease the movement of goods and people, reduce transaction costs, and improve access to healthcare, education, and markets, particularly in rural areas.
“Agriculture received ₦68 billion in targeted funding. The provision supports livestock development through a dedicated ministry, offering a structured and preventive response to farmer–herder conflicts while strengthening agricultural value chains.
“Job creation is another major feature of the 2026 budget, with ₦116.46 billion set aside for employment-related programmes. The allocation is expected to generate jobs through infrastructure development, agriculture, and expanded government activities.
“The budget also provides ₦8.9 billion for social welfare programmes targeting women, youths, children, and other vulnerable groups, as part of efforts to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity.”
The ancient Oyo town came alive again on Sunday as the son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi, was installed as the Okanlomo of Yoruba land by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
He was installed alongside a former Governor of Zamfara state, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, who was conferred with the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland.
The ceremony attracted eminent personalities and top political figures from across the country, who described the installation as historic and a significant step toward promoting national unity.
The colourful and culturally rich ceremony was held at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo Town.
Since Saturday, the city has been witnessing an influx of political figures and traditional rulers for the installation of new high-ranking chiefs by the Alaafin.
Tinubu and his wife, Layal, arrived at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo around 1: 30PM, where the installation ceremony was held at the
Throughout the elaborate rites, Tinubu’s wife, Layal, stood by her husband’s side, sharing in every moment of the historic occasion.
The ceremony transformed Oyo into a magnet for Nigeria’s political elite, evoking memories of the old Oyo Empire that once ruled vast swathes of the West African sub-region for centuries.
Governors, ministers, lawmakers, royal fathers and presidential aides streamed into the town, turning the installation into a symbolic convergence of power, culture and history.
The dignitaries in attendance included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, members of the Federal Executive Council, and traditional rulers from Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
The roll call also had the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu; the Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemo Adeniran; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun; Senator Teslim Folarin; and a former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, in attendance.
Others include Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu; Senator Aliyu Wamako; Minister of State for Works Mohammed Goronyo; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication Sunday Dare; and Minister of Labour and Employment Maigari Dingyadi.
Senators Tokunbo Abiru, Jimoh Ibrahim, Buba Shehu, Abdulfatai Buhari and Ede Dafinone; Leader of the Senate Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Olamilekan Adeola, among others, also attended the event.
The event created opportunities for petty traders around the venue, while Fuji musician Saheed Osupa provided entertainment.
The event also had a heavy security presence amidst the diverse assembly of political leaders, lawmakers, and traditional chiefs who witnessed the installation.
Dignitaries said the installation of the two eminent personalities is a focal point for Yoruba tradition and political symbolism, as the conferment of titles attests to the intersection of cultural heritage and contemporary leadership.
The dignitaries in the various remarks commended the new title holders, urging them to use it to foster unity and national cohesion.
Particularly, they charged the newly installed title holders to use their positions to foster unity, promote development, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growth and collective progress.
In a sideline interview, a former governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, urged Tinubu to use the new office to promote unity as someone who is known for building bridges already.
Others also spoke around using the office to promote unity and develop the country and make the country a better place, noting that it felt as though “the entire Senate, past and present,” had descended on Oyo.
The cultural flavour of the event was unmistakable.
At the palace grounds, renowned Fuji music icon, Saheed Osupa, thrilled guests with energetic performances, while Juju music legend King Sunny Ade later took the stage at the reception held at Oliver Baptist High School grounds.
Tinubu’s “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title translates to “the beloved child” or “the one dear to the hearts of all Yoruba people.”
The title is said to symbolise a custodian of Yoruba values, unity, and cultural heritage. The honour is said to depict a custodian of Yoruba values, unity, and cultural heritage.
The Senator representing Zamfara West and a former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdul’Aziz Yari, was also accompanied by a delegation of northern senators and political figures.
Yari, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, was conferred with the title of “Obaloyin of Yorubaland” on the same occasion by the Alaafin.
Both titles are said to carry responsibilities that include promoting Yoruba culture, advising the Alaafin, fostering unity, and advancing education and social welfare.
Adding to the spectacle was the conspicuous presence of northern guests, reflecting Yari’s influence, alongside intermittent appearances by the iconic Eyo masquerade from Lagos, symbolising Tinubu’s Lagos roots.
Together, the blend of northern colours and Lagos pageantry underscored the national reach of the two new Yoruba title holders.
By nightfall, Oyo had once again asserted itself not just as a custodian of Yoruba tradition, but as a living theatre where Nigeria’s politics, culture and history converged in grand style.
Congratulating Tinubu on his installation, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin described the honour as a well-deserved recognition of his rising profile, youth engagement, philanthropic efforts, and growing influence across Yorubaland.
He said, “This is not just a traditional title; it is a call to service and a recognition of leadership potential. I congratulate my dear friend, Barr. Seyi Tinubu, on his installation as the Òkanlòmọ of Yorubaland. This honour reflects his commitment to values that resonate with the Yoruba people — excellence, community, and legacy.”
The Speaker further praised the Alaafin of Oyo for preserving Yoruba heritage and upholding the cultural institution through the conferment of titles on deserving individuals.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin also called on Seyi Tinubu to use his new status to promote unity, cultural pride, youth development, and sustainable progress across Yorubaland.
High Chief Promise Lawuru, aka Ozigizaga, MD/CEO of Ozigizaga Security Network, has congratulated Barrister Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, on his investiture with the prestigious traditional title of ‘Okanlomo of Yorubaland’ by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.
The conferment, which took place on Sunday, is a significant cultural honor reflecting Seyi Tinubu’s profound impact on community development, youth empowerment, and the preservation of Yoruba heritage throughout Yorubaland.
In a statement by Chief Lawuru, he commended the conferment as highly deserved and emblematic of Seyi Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to service and his close affinity with the Yoruba people.
The title ‘Okanlomo,’ which loosely translates to “a beloved son of the land,” is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to the welfare and advancement of Yoruba culture and society.
Lawuru emphasised that the conferment is not only a mark of respect but also carries meaningful responsibilities. These include actively promoting Yoruba culture, serving as an advisor to the Alaafin, and fostering initiatives in education and social welfare, areas where Barr. Seyi Tinubu has shown tremendous passion and leadership.
Highlighting Seyi Tinubu’s humility, inclusive leadership style, and dedication to uniting youth across Nigeria, Lawuru praised him as a true inspiration to the nation’s younger generation.
He further noted that by receiving the Okanlomo title, Seyi Tinubu joins an esteemed lineage of Yoruba icons, including the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, whose legacy continues to inspire cultural pride and excellence.
The conferment by Oba Owoade serves as a public recognition of Barr. Seyi Tinubu’s efforts toward fostering cultural renaissance, building social cohesion, and driving developmental progress in Yorubaland and beyond.
It also underscores the importance of traditional institutions in contemporary Nigerian society as custodians of culture and champions of community advancement.
Lawuru further reiterated his confidence Seyi Tinubu will honour the responsibilities of his new title with the utmost diligence, dignity, and visionary leadership that befits the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has ordered the deployment of additional officers and tow trucks along the Abuja–Lokoja Road to ease the ongoing traffic gridlock and ensure swift removal of obstructions.
In a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Sunday, the Corps Marshal confirmed that the congestion was largely due to increased vehicular movement, ongoing construction points, as well as undisciplined and impatient drivers driving against traffic.
He urged motorists traveling within this season to cooperate with personnel on duty for smooth traffic flow.
The Nation reports that motorists plying the Abuja-Lokoja highway have been left stranded for the past three days following severe gridlock around the Koton Karfe axis.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for transparency following allegations that the tax law assented to by the Presidency differs from the version passed by the National Assembly.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC said clarity is necessary to safeguard the integrity of the law-making process and public confidence.
The organisation noted that tax laws have wide implications for citizens, businesses, sub-national governments and the economy, warning that uncertainty could affect investor confidence and accountability, especially as a new tax regime is set to take effect.
CISLAC recalled that the law emerged from extensive consultations involving civil society groups, professional bodies, the private sector, labour unions, local governments and technical experts.
It urged the Presidency to publish the version of the law it assented to alongside the copy passed by the National Assembly to allow verification.
The group also called on the National Assembly to exercise its oversight role to confirm that the assented law reflects legislative intent.
CISLAC said any discrepancy should be resolved through constitutional means, including re-transmission of the correct bill or judicial interpretation where required. It also recommended stronger safeguards such as digital tracking of bills and public access to enrolled legislation.
The organisation said it will continue to engage stakeholders to promote transparency, due process and the rule of law.
During the report evaluation period between 2018 and 2024, All On invested in over 50 clean energy businesses and provided grants and technical assistance to more than 80 enterprises.
These interventions enabled the connection of over 230,000 households, businesses, and public facilities to reliable energy solutions, while strengthening the operational capacity of energy providers and improving affordability and service reliability for end users.
The report highlights significant social and environmental outcomes arising from cleaner energy adoption.
Half of supported households reported improved air quality, enhanced safety, and reduced noise pollution, contributing to better health outcomes and improved quality of life, alongside measurable environmental benefits.
Prior to the commencement of All On’s operations in 2016, nearly half of Nigeria’s population lacked access to electricity and the sector faced an estimated 92 percent annual funding gap.
In response, All On adopted a bold, risk-tolerant strategy—deploying catalytic capital, innovative financing instruments, and ecosystem-building initiatives to unlock private sector participation and drive progress toward universal energy access.
Central to these achievements is All On’s holistic support model, which combines rigorous, tailored due diligence, deep sector expertise, and active ecosystem engagement.
This approach has positioned All On as a trusted partner capable of delivering both commercial viability and systemic impact. Flagship initiatives such as the Demand Aggregation for Renewable Technology (DART) programme have further amplified results by reducing procurement costs for supported businesses by up to 50 per cent, enabling developers to scale faster and pass cost savings on to consumers.
Commenting on the report findings, Caroline Eboumbou, Chief Executive Officer of All On, noted:“This report confirms that our approach is delivering real results. By combining patient capital, technical assistance, and ecosystem support, we are enabling scalable and sustainable energy solutions for Nigeria’s unserved and underserved communities.
“While the progress to date is encouraging, our work is far from done. As we look toward 2030, we remain committed to deepening our impact and creating even more meaningful connections across Nigeria.”
Beyond individual investments, All On’s work has contributed to broader market transformation. Since 2018, the number of active energy players in Nigeria has doubled, while total sector investment has nearly tripled, growing from $90 million to over $250 million.
Investee companies report that All On’s support has enhanced their visibility and credibility, unlocking additional financing and partnerships.
Looking ahead, All On plans to scale proven models, strengthen local capacity, and expand its reach—particularly in underserved regions such as the Niger Delta. With a strong track record and a clear roadmap, the organisation is well positioned to drive the next phase of Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
Nigeria and the United States have signed a landmark technical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), valued at about $5 billion to deepen bilateral health cooperation, strengthen health security and build a more resilient national health system capable of preventing and containing infectious disease threats.
Under the agreement, which takes effect from April 2026 to December 2030, the United States government will provide nearly $2b in grant funding, while Nigeria is committing to allocate at least six percent of executed annual federal and state domestic budgets to health, a pledge expected to mobilise close to $3b within the same five year period.
The funding framework has already been factored into the Federal Government’s proposed 2026 Appropriation, underscoring the administration’s intention to anchor the partnership within Nigeria’s domestic fiscal planning, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, said.
The MoU, signed by officials of both governments, according to a statement by the Minister on Friday, is designed to strengthen cooperation in the early detection, prevention and control of emerging, re emerging and existing infectious diseases in Nigeria, including HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
Beyond disease control, the agreement covers the enhancement of disease surveillance systems, improved safety procedures for pathogen sample collection, transportation, storage, testing and disposal, as well as support for primary healthcare, financial protection mechanisms and technical assistance across the health sector.
Under the framework, both countries will work more closely to prevent the spread of infectious disease threats, while simultaneously strengthening the foundations of Nigeria’s health system to respond more effectively to future outbreaks.
A central feature of the agreement is its alignment with Nigeria’s long term goal of health sector self- reliance.
While the United States will provide substantial grant funding in the initial years, Nigeria plans to progressively increase its health spending as a share of the national budget, with external financing expected to gradually decline by 2030.
The new partnership builds on reforms already underway in Nigeria’s health sector, when, in 2023, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare launched the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, affordability, quality, accountability and efficiency nationwide.
The initiative is being implemented through a Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) designed to align federal, state and local governments, agencies, civil society, the private sector and development partners under a unified sector plan, budget and reporting framework.
A young man, Abdulazeez, has allegedly stabbed his childhood friend, Abubakar Sadiq, to death following an argument during preparations for Maghrib prayer in Minna, Niger State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at Dutsen Kura Hausa, Yoruba Street, Minna.
According to eyewitness accounts, the two men reportedly had a disagreement over sachet water meant for ablution, which escalated into a violent confrontation.
It was gathered that during the altercation, Abdulazeez allegedly attacked Sadiq with a sharp object, inflicting injuries that led to his death at the scene.
Following the incident, both the suspect and the body of the deceased were taken to the local vigilante office to prevent a breakdown of law and order, as angry youths in the area had begun to mobilise, demanding immediate justice.
Members of the vigilante group reportedly appealed to residents to remain calm and allow security agencies to handle the matter, warning that mob action could lead to further loss of innocent lives.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the suspect had been arrested and was under investigation.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested a woman who faked a robbery report to conceal the sale of her two-month-old baby, a fake drink producer and suspected drug dealer.
The arrests were confirmed in a statement signed by SP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer.
The woman, identified as Rita Ughale of Kokori, in Ethiope East council area, had claimed her baby was snatched during a tricycle robbery and reported the matter at the Ekpan Police Division on December 15.
However, inconsistencies in her account led to further interrogation and the complainant later confessed that the robbery was staged and that she had sold her baby for N1.5 million to Osas Omijie (39) and Judith Omijie (30). The suspects were arrested and the infant rescued unharmed.
In a related development, operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad, Ughelli, on December 14, 2025, arrested a 67-year-old woman, Lydia Osanebi, at her residence in Otor-Edor, Ughelli, for allegedly producing counterfeit dry gin.
Items recovered included suspected methanol, formalin, cochineal, packaging materials, seals, stickers, super glue, and over 60 litres of adulterated dry gin. The suspect reportedly confessed to engaging in the illegal activity for over 20 years.
Meanwhile, operatives of the CP–Special Assignment Team arrested one Felix Africa, 44, in the Gana area of Sapele on December 18, 2025. Eight bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from his residence.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives, property and public health, urging residents to avoid illegal activities and report suspicious movements to the police through the Control Room contact: 0803 668 4974.
