The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Why I was banned alongside co-actors in 2005 – Actress Omotola

    Why I was banned alongside co-actors in 2005 – Actress Omotola

    Actress and director, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has shared her experience of being banned by movie marketers in 2005, along with other top actors like Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, and Jim Iyke.

    Speaking on Yanga FM, Omotola said the ban was due to the group’s push for better quality and higher standards in filmmaking, which didn’t sit well with some industry stakeholders.

    Omotola revealed that the restriction lasted longer for her, likely because she didn’t attend a reconciliation meeting.

    During this period, she said she explored other creative outlets, releasing her first music album, and focused on business ventures, including property investments.

    According to her, the experience was a turning point that pushed her to grow and explore new paths, despite the setback in her acting career.

    Read Also: Omotola clarifies alleged ‘feud’ with Genevieve Nnaji

    Recounting the incident, she said, “The phase started 2005 when we were banned. Marketers banned us saying our ‘wahala’ was too much and we were a bad influence on the industry because we were pushing for standards. The first 8 were me, Genevieve, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus, RMD, Nkem Owoh, and one other person.

    “We were 8, they just banned us. One year after they released some people because they called for reconciliation meeting and I refused to go, so they released others and extended my own. I like to direct than act, it was during that period I realised that acting all the time is not my passion, I will act because I really like the script”.

  • Teenage sensation Muyeez releases new single “17”  

    Teenage sensation Muyeez releases new single “17”  

    Teenage Afrobeats sensation Muyeez has released a new single titled “17”, further reinforcing his position as one of Nigeria’s most exciting young voices in contemporary music. The single is released under NSNV Inc in partnership with EMPIRE.

    At just 17 years old, the fast-rising artist continues to capture attention with his authentic approach to songwriting and relatable storytelling. Produced by Larry Lanes (Enta), “17” is a reflective record that explores themes of growth, self-belief, and personal responsibility, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a teenager navigating early stardom with remarkable clarity.

    Speaking about the single, Muyeez said, “At 17, I’m learning what it means to grow in public and stay true to myself. This song is about that journey, choosing focus over noise, believing in your path even when it’s not always clear. I’m still learning, and I know a lot of us are, it’s okay to take your time and trust the process.”

    The release follows Muyeez’s recent project, “Mortal Kombat,” which showcased his growing artistic range and maturity. The project marked a notable step in his evolution, highlighting his ability to balance relatability with a disciplined and evolving sound that connects strongly with younger listeners.

    Read Also: Why I was banned alongside co-actors in 2005 – Actress Omotola

    Born Moshood Abdulmuiz, Muyeez first gained widespread recognition in 2023 with the release of “Instagram” featuring Seyi Vibez, which reached No 1 on the Apple Music Nigeria chart. Since then, he has recorded steady growth across streaming platforms, building a dedicated Gen-Z following through consistent releases, digital engagement, and messaging centered on focus and self-belief.

    Beyond music, Muyeez represents a new generation of Nigerian creatives whose influence spans youth culture and digital communities. His ability to connect with young audiences while maintaining artistic credibility has positioned him as a teenage sensation to watch.

    As Muyeez continues to expand his reach, he is currently preparing for a high school and campus tour across Nigeria and West Africa, bringing his music directly to core audiences. 

    He is also working on his debut album, which promises to further showcase his sound and perspective as one of the defining voices of his generation.

    The single “17” is now available across all major streaming platforms.

  • Fed Govt records 2.5m metric tonnes of food output under NAGS-AP in four years

    Fed Govt records 2.5m metric tonnes of food output under NAGS-AP in four years

    The Federal Government has revealed that more than 2.5 million metric tonnes of food were produced nationwide under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP) Project over a four-year period, with an estimated economic value of N2.31 trillion.

    Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi stated that the programme recorded a cumulative output of 2,536,184 metric tonnes of agricultural produce across four planting seasons, describing the outcome as a significant boost to food supply and a key factor in the gradual stabilisation of food prices across the country.

    According to him, the NAGS-AP Project was launched as part of the Federal Government’s Food Security Emergency Support Programme to close food supply gaps and ensure sustainable food and nutrition security nationwide.

    The minister explained that the initiative targets six major staple crops such as wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, soybean and cassava and has played a critical role in improving food availability.

    “Food prices are already showing signs of decline, while efforts are ongoing to address the high cost of agricultural inputs,” the minister said.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to revitalising the agricultural sector, noting that the declaration of a state of emergency on food and nutrition security demonstrates the government’s determination to make nutritious and affordable food accessible to Nigerians.

    Senator Abdullahi further disclosed that preparations were nearing completion for the rollout of additional interventions, including a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) loan project and the National Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS 2.0).

    He explained that the JICA-backed initiative would concentrate on rice, maize, soybean and cassava production, while NAGS 2.0 would focus on wheat and rice cultivation beginning from the 2026 wet season.

    For the 2025/2026 dry season, the minister said the programme would support the production of rice, maize and cassava across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    He added that the workshop was organised to assess lessons from previous implementation phases, identify challenges and adopt innovative approaches to enhance efficiency, transparency and overall impact. This, he said, would be achieved through a revised operational framework developed in partnership with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).

    Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the strong participation of stakeholders underscored the relevance and success of the NAGS-AP Project.

    Ogunbiyi noted that the workshop was aimed at thoroughly reviewing the strengths and shortcomings of earlier implementation cycles, while validating a new framework designed to strengthen collaboration between the NAGS-AP Project Secretariat, the BOA and other key stakeholders.

    He disclosed that an integrated ICT-driven platform had been introduced under the new framework to clearly outline roles and responsibilities and enhance coordination among all parties involved in executing the project.

    “The Ministry expects stakeholders to provide candid contributions that will help build a system that works for everyone and delivers sustainable results,” he said.

    The two-day workshop is expected to generate practical recommendations that will shape future implementation of the NAGS-AP Project and related programmes.

    If you want it shorter, more formal, or headline-ready, just say the word.

  • INEC’s recognition will restore stability in PDP – Wike-backed faction

    INEC’s recognition will restore stability in PDP – Wike-backed faction

    • …as Turaki group kick

    The Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the National Caretaker Committee over the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee, describing the move as a step towards restoring stability and constitutional order within the party.

    In a statement, the National Publicity Secretary of the caretaker committee, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said INEC’s decision to respect and uphold a valid court order was commendable, noting that it demonstrated the commission’s commitment to the rule of law and internal party democracy.

    The statement read, “The recent decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the leadership of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) represents a decisive and commendable intervention toward restoring stability, order, and constitutional governance within our great party.

    “This recognition comes at a critical moment in the life of the PDP, particularly as preparations gradually begin for the party’s National Convention and the strategic task of positioning the party to effectively field credible candidates for the 2027 general elections.

    “By affirming a lawful leadership structure following the Federal High Court Judgement, INEC has helped to remove uncertainties capable of undermining the party’s organizational processes and electoral readiness.

    “The National Caretaker Working Committee commends the Commission for its steadfast commitment to due process and the rule of law. Such institutional courage strengthens Nigeria’s democracy and reassures party members and supporters that legality, not arbitrariness, remains the guiding principle in electoral matters.

    “This development should serve as a rallying point for all loyal party faithful. The time has come to set aside differences, embrace reconciliation, and channel our collective energy towards strengthening the PDP ahead of 2027 Elections. 

    Read Also: Wike applauds President’s support for Judiciary, other arms

    “Nigerians look to our party for responsible leadership and a credible alternative, and we must not allow internal disputes to distract us from this historic responsibility.

    “We therefore urge stakeholders across all levels of the party to support the recognized leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed as it works towards organizing a successful convention, restoring cohesion, and laying the groundwork for the emergence of competent candidates who will carry the banner of the PDP to victory in the next electoral cycle”.

    Meanwhile, the group has given indication that may take over the national Secretariat of the party which was closed down in November by the police on Monday.

    Efforts by the Turaki led leadership to get the court to compel the police to open the secretariat has been unsuccessful.

    The Nation learnt however that the Turaki faction are not backing down as they have warned against any unlawful takeover of the secretariat by those they call none members.

    As at the time of this report, INEC were yet to list members of the caretaker committee on its website as the recognised leaders of the party.

    The Tanimu Turaki faction had described the INEC decision said it was prepared to challenge the INEC decision in court.

    The statement said, “We are aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission invited the leaders of political parties to a meeting today and extended the invitation to some former members of our party who are purporting to lead a so-called National Caretaker Committee, to represent our party, whereas there is no such provision in our constitution.

    “This action, though ordinarily vexatious and capable of causing widespread breach of peace, will be met with all possible legal response. Though not unexpected of this current INEC leadership, but it is expected that an impartial umpire would have taken notice of the pendency of the matters in the Court of Appeal (including the judgment which they are relying upon),which when decided, will effectively affect the subject under consideration; and exercised restraint, therefrom. We can assure that INEC will not choose a leadership for our party.

    “Consequently, we urge all our members to remain calm and hopeful that soonest the Court of Appeal will hear and determine all the cases concerning the leadership of our party. 

    “We assure that the Rebirth movement of our party, under the able leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN is steady and secure, and will ultimately surmount all these challenges, to present a stronger and more united party to Nigerians, as a credible alternative to the ruling party that has brought untold sorrows, tears and blood to Nigerians.”

  • Fear in Rivers as gunmen behead youth leader, kill aide 

    Fear in Rivers as gunmen behead youth leader, kill aide 

    Gunmen suspected to be cultists in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have murdered a youth leader and his aide.

    The bloody attack sent shockwaves across the entire state and unsettled Omoku community and its environs.

    It was gathered that while the aide identified as Chigozie Oluwu was shot and killed on the spot, his principal and President of Omoku Youth Federation, Ifeanyi Azuazu, was abducted and later beheaded with his headless body dumped in a forest.

    It was gathered that the gunmen numbering seven stormed a popular drinking joint along Ogolo street, off Palace Road on two vehicles.

    Read Also: Rivers targets handball gold at Niger Delta Games

    The assailants sighted the youth president, pointed a gun at him and ordered him to enter one of their two vehicles.

    But Oluwu, said to be a personal guard to the youth president, tried to stop the gunmen from attacking his boss, but was shot dead by the attackers.

    The incident created confusion and sent people running to different directions for safety.

    The ONELGA Security and Planning Advisory Committee (OSPAC) was said to have recovered the headless body of the Youth President at a forest in Omuku on Friday afternoon.

    The Spokesperson for OSPAC in ONELGA,Godnews Nkem confirmed the incident but explained that Oluwu was shot dead at the youth president’s house while the lifeless body of Azuazu was found in a forest hours after his abduction by gunmen.

    He advised residents of Omoku to remain calm and allow the police and other relevant security agencies carry out their investigation with a view to arresting the culprit.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident.

    She said the killings were cult-related and that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju had ordered an investigation into the incident.

  • Stakeholders urge youths to take advantage of student loan, other govt programmes

    Stakeholders urge youths to take advantage of student loan, other govt programmes

    Stakeholders have urged Nigerian youths and small business owners to actively utilise government programmes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, education, and national development.

    The call was made during the People’s Roundtable (TPR) Dialogue in Abuja, which brought together representatives from government agencies, private sector leaders, and youth development platforms.

    Participants highlighted the need to bridge the gap between policymakers and citizens, particularly young Nigerians seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth.

    Ms. Adeola Ademokoya, speaking on behalf of the convener, Emmanuel Ayantayo, said the workshop was designed to foster stronger collaboration between government institutions and the public, while increasing awareness of available empowerment initiatives.

    She also commended the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), led by Charles Odey, for its proactive role in providing training, business support services, and strategic partnerships to strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises.

    According to Ademokoya, many entrepreneurs remain unaware of the numerous government portals, grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities available to support business expansion and innovation.

    “If you are a small business owner, take advantage of available platforms and visit relevant offices to ask questions. There are opportunities for scholarships, grants, and funding support,” she said.

    She further explained that while some government agencies may not directly sponsor businesses, they often facilitate partnerships with organizations capable of providing financial support and technical assistance.

    Ademokoya stressed that the People’s Roundtable initiative seeks to go beyond discussions by facilitating direct engagement between policymakers, business leaders, and citizens, adding that an upcoming web application would centralize information on government opportunities and empowerment programmes.

    She urged Nigerian youths to become more proactive in seeking information and participating in development initiatives rather than remaining passive observers.

    “You cannot remain at home and complain without making efforts to explore available opportunities. Hard work and informed participation remain critical to personal and national progress,” she stated.

    Also speaking, the Director of Administration, Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Zino Ugboma, encouraged students and young Nigerians to access the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, noting that the programme has been expanded to accommodate more beneficiaries.

    Ugboma, who represented the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, assured participants of government readiness to support students through accessible education financing and urged eligible youths to apply.

    Entrepreneur and entertainment executive, Ubi Franklin emphasised the importance of youth involvement in governance and policymaking, describing political participation as a critical foundation for sustainable national development.

    Franklin noted that national policies and development programmes are more impactful when young people actively contribute to shaping them.

  • Borno CJ urges lawyers to embrace technology for effective justice delivery

    Borno CJ urges lawyers to embrace technology for effective justice delivery

    The Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zannah, has called on lawyers, particularly young practitioners, and other professionals to adopt technology as a vital tool for efficient justice delivery in the modern era.

    Speaking at the National Executive Council Meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association in Maiduguri on Thursday, Justice Zannah emphasized that sound legal knowledge alone is no longer sufficient in an age increasingly driven by artificial intelligence.

    He noted that while mastery of the law remains essential, legal practitioners must integrate and understand technological tools to enhance efficiency and ensure justice is properly administered.

    “Technology is now an essential part of the tools for a lawyer and indeed every other profession. It is good to be sound and grounded in law, but you must embrace technology and acquire the basic knowledge required to function effectively in this AI age,” he said.

    The Chief Judge also challenged senior members of the Bar to play a more active role in safeguarding the independence of the judiciary, particularly in their engagements with political leaders.

    Read Also: Borno swears in six new High Court Judges, deepens judicial reforms

    Justice Kasim advised “old lawyers,” Justice Kashim whom he  noted many of them serve as legal advisers to politicians across the country and therefore have a responsibility to educate their clients on the importance of a strong and independent judiciary.

    “I have already given them a charge. They are lawyers to almost all the politicians in Nigeria. They should tell their clients that having an independent and well-respected judiciary is not for the benefit of judges, but for the benefit of the citizens of Nigeria,” he stated.

    He pointed to Borno State as a practical example of judicial independence in action, urging skeptics to witness it firsthand.

    “Here in Borno State, we have seen an example. It is no longer theory. They can invite their clients to come to Borno and see for themselves if they want,” Justice Kashim added.

    The Chief Judge’s remarks underscore growing calls within the legal community for reforms that strengthen judicial autonomy while equipping legal practitioners with modern technological skills to meet contemporary justice demands. 

  • Delta CP visits NIS, NDLEA, FRSC to boost security synergy

    Delta CP visits NIS, NDLEA, FRSC to boost security synergy

    The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, on Friday, continued his familiarisation visits to sister security agencies across the state as part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and coordinated security operations.

    Accompanied by members of the Command’s Management Team, the CP paid courtesy visits to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS 5.2 Delta Sector Command.

    During the visits, CP Adesola emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing, and operational synergy among security agencies to enhance effective security management across the state.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the Delta State Police Command to working closely with sister agencies in addressing crime, drug-related offences, migration-related security concerns, and road traffic management challenges, in line with national security objectives.

    The heads of the respective agencies appreciated the visits and assured the Commissioner of Police of their continued support and cooperation in safeguarding lives and property.

  • Tinubu’s newly established varsity in Ogoni admits 1,004 pioneer students 

    Tinubu’s newly established varsity in Ogoni admits 1,004 pioneer students 

    • …launches N500m research fund 

    The Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) recently established in Ogoniland by President Bola Tinubu has conducted its first matriculation admitting 1,004 pioneer students.

    Tinubu had on February 3,2025 signed into law the bill establishing FUET in Tai as part of his efforts to address years of environmental degradation and injustices in the area.

    It was gathered that right from its inception, the first university in Ogoniland had made continuous progress especially with the appointment of Prof. Chinedu Mmoh as its pioneer Vice-Chancellor.

    The matriculation, which held at the university’s campus in Tai Local Government Area, was reportedly designed to coincide with the first anniversary of FUET’s establishment by President Tinubu.

    During the ceremony, N500m Research and Development Endowment Fund was established for thr university.

    FUET located in Koromo/Saakpenwa warned against any form of students’ exploitation such as extortion and sex-for-grades.

    The Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Don Baridam, who issued the warning said any lecturers or non-teaching staff engaged in acts capable of bringing the name of FUET into disrepute would face expulsion.

    He urged the lecturers to see the undergraduates as their children and  give them required guidance to enable them attain excellence.

    He said: “To the lecturers and non-teaching staff: I advise you to take these pioneer students as your own children and guide them to succeed in their career choices. You must refrain from extortion, the sale of handouts, and demanding sexual gratification.

    “Lecturers who are not visible on Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and those local scholars who do not publish indexed articles will not be tolerated in this University, certainly not under my watch as Chairman of Council. The ball is now in your court”.

    The Pro-Chancellor said that the matriculation marked the beginning of a new chapter in the students’ academic and personal development congratulating them for scaling the hurdles to be admitted as pioneer students of FUET.

    Addressing the students, he said: “You are not only here to acquire knowledge, but also to build your character, identity, and prepare yourselves to play responsible leadership roles in a society that will expect so much from you. I welcome you to this new academic family of students and lecturers united in their quest for specialised knowledge that would transform society for good.”

    In his address, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedu Mmom said 1, 246 students matriculated and completed registration formalities.

    Mmom said academic activities had started in the six faculties of Agriculture, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Environmental Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences and Management Technology.

    He said: “I am certain that the pioneer students we are matriculating today will share the University’s goals and aspirations and intentionally strive to contribute to its continued institutional growth and well-being.

    “As students at the University of Environment and Technology, you are uniquely positioned to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time – such as climate change, resource depletion, and sustainable development.

    “This auspicious event marks a defining moment in the life of each matriculant, and for this University, which occupies a special place in the educational, social, and development history of Ogoni land, Rivers State, and indeed the Federal Republic of Nigeria and beyond.”

    Mmom appealed to the students to shun all forms of social vices such as cultism, exammination malpractices and indecent dressing, which he said had been carefully outlined in the students handbook.

    He said: “Let me state this in unequivocal terms: The Federal University of Environment and Technology will not tolerate the distasteful practice of students’ involvement in cult-related activities, examination malpractice, sexual harassment, drug abuse, offering grades for money, sale of handouts and unapproved books or manuals, especially through the so-called Faculty or Departmental Representatives.

    “Indecent dressing, and all other forms of misconduct that are listed in our rules book. I wish to assure you that the first student to plant the evil seeds of cultism in this University will be uprooted with the force of energy and legal backing.

    “Remember that you can only be allowed to participate in semester examinations conducted in this University if you attain no less than 75 percent class attendance and Continuous Assessment. This standard practice will be non-negotiable.”

    Part of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of a statue of late environmentalist and playwright, Ken Saro-Wiwa in front of the university auditorium by the Oba of Ogba Land, His Eminence, Nwachukwu Nnam-Obi. 

  • Aggrieved Ondo varsity workers demand full budget implementation, begs Aiyedatiwa over unpaid salary 

    Aggrieved Ondo varsity workers demand full budget implementation, begs Aiyedatiwa over unpaid salary 

    • …threaten action over arrears
    • …Ondo poly workers still earn N18,000 as minimum wage – Union cries out 

    The Joint Action Committee of Ondo State-Owned Tertiary Institutions (JAC-ODSTI) has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to fully implement the 2025 and 2026 budgetary allocations to tertiary institutions in the state, warning that continued delays could worsen the crisis rocking the tertiary institutions sector of the state. 

    The committee made the appeal in a communiqué issued after its first-quarter congress held at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa, on Friday. 

    The communiqué was jointly signed by the Committee’s Chairman, Comrade Tayo Ogungbeni, and Secretary, Kunle Akinwonmi.

    JAC-ODSTI comprises the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SANU) Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANP), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). 

    The affected institutions include OAUSTECH, Okitipupa; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, (UNIMED) and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO). 

    The committee said the congress reviewed critical issues affecting staff welfare and the sustainability of tertiary education in the state, noting that unresolved financial and administrative challenges were undermining the effective running of the institutions.

    The unions, however, commended the governor for paying the last tranche of the wage award and releasing the outstanding January 2017 subventions to state-owned institutions, describing the steps as encouraging.

    Read Also: Ondo at 50: River Basin chief lauds Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to state

    They, nonetheless, demanded the immediate and full implementation of the 2026 approved budget for all tertiary institutions to enable them meet their financial obligations to both staff and students.

    The committee also lamented that the 2025 budgetary allocations earlier acknowledged by the state government were not fully implemented, urging the governor to take swift corrective action to avert what it described as further institutional decline.

    The workers specifically called for the release of three months’ salary arrears owed to staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, saying the payment was earlier promised during the institution’s 2025 convocation ceremony.

    They also demanded the immediate implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage for RUGIPO workers, alleging that staff were still earning N18,000.

    The unions further expressed concern over the delay in releasing the report of the staff verification and audit exercise conducted across the institutions in 2025, urging the government to make the findings public without further delay.

    They noted that the eight-year tenure of the governing councils of the state-owned institutions would expire in March and called for their urgent reconstitution.

    The committee warned that failure to constitute new councils within the stipulated time might compel it to withdraw recognition of the affected councils.

    “We demand the full implementation of the 2026 approved budget for all state-owned tertiary institutions to enable them to meet their financial obligations to both staff and students. Congress recalled that the governor’s earlier acknowledgement over the 2025 budgetary allocations was not fully implemented and urged immediate corrective action to avert further institutional decline.

    “Congress calls on the state government to urgently release the three months’ staff salary arrears to the staff of RUGIPO, earlier pronounced during the 2025 convocation ceremony of the institution. Congress also demands the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for staff of RUGIPO, as against the current N18,000 being paid.

    “Congress also expressed deep concern over the continued delay in the release of the report of the staff verification and audit exercise conducted across the various tertiary institutions in 2025; we urge the state government to make the report public without further delay,” the communique read.

    “Congress calls on the state government to urgently release the three months’ staff salary arrears to the staff of RUGIPO earlier pronounced during the 2025 convocation ceremony of the institution,” the communiqué read.

    Despite the grievances, the aggrieved workers reaffirmed their commitment to the stability and development of tertiary education in the state and congratulated the government and residents on the successful celebration of Ondo State’s golden jubilee.