The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

PDP crisis assume new dimension, staff backs Turaki leadership

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Tuesday as the party’s staff and management declared their support for the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led leadership, rejecting a Federal High Court ruling in Ibadan that constituted a caretaker committee.

In a statement signed by 76 staff members—including Acting Director of Administration Gambo Isa Guade, Director-General of the Peoples Democratic Institute Dr. Edward Ugbada, and other senior directors—the group affirmed that the Turaki-led leadership remains the legally recognised National Working Committee of the party.

The staff argued that, under the party constitution, only the National Executive Committee has the authority to set a date for the National Convention, a process they said was duly executed at the party’s 101st NEC meeting in July.

The statement reads, “The Management and Staff of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) have noted the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Ibadan on the issue of the leadership of our great party and as critical stakeholders of the Party, state as follows.

“That the entire Management and Staff of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reaffirm our recognition, loyalty and allegiance to the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN-led National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, which was duly and legally elected at the Party’s National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15-16, 2025.

“That we stand by the election of the National Working Committee and all other resolutions reached at the Ibadan National Convention as they are in the general interest of our party in the exercise of its supremacy over its internal affairs in line with the Constitution of the PDP and extant judgments of the Supreme Court.

“That the staff of the PDP, as custodians of the PDP Secretariat, will not align with or recognize any other unauthorised leadership apart from the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN-led National Working Committee (NWC) because the leadership was validly elected at the National Convention sanctioned by all the legitimate organs of the Party.

Read Also: PDP crisis: Why I rejected expulsion of Wike, others, by Mutfwang

“That, it is already established in a plethora of judgments of the Supreme Court that issues of membership, leadership, congresses and Conventions of a political party are entirely the internal affairs of the Party requiring only the Party internal mechanism to which the courts have no jurisdiction to interfere or interrogate.

“That there was no legal encumbrance whatsoever against the conduct of the National Convention in Ibadan to elect new National Officers of our party, as it was legally convened by the National Executive Committee at its 101st meeting of July 24, 2025 pursuant to its powers under Section 31 (2) (a) of the PDP Constitution.

“That our Party fulfilled the statutory requirements of the law as stipulated in Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022, by notifying INEC of the National Convention, which was convened with them (INEC) in attendance.

“Similarly, on the just delivered Supreme Court Judgment in the case of INEC vs SDP & Ors, the Apex Court, while admonishing INEC, reaffirmed its longstanding position that what is required of the Political Parties is to “Notify” the Commission as required by law; and this our Party has done.

“We are also aware that, according to the Electoral Act, the only time a Convention, Congress, or Meeting would be voided under the law is if notice of such events were never given to the Commission, which is not the case in this instance.

“Under Section 31 (3) of the PDP Constitution, the decision of the National Executive Committee (in this case to hold the Convention to elect a new leadership of the party) is binding on all organs and members of the Party; a provision which rendered the litigation by the two former members of the party and the consequential judgments against the Convention by Justice Kolawale Omotosho and Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court Abuja surprising.

“In the case of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, it is clearly inconsistent with the extant judgment of the Supreme Court on the party’s internal affairs, especially as the subject matter is before an appellate court on the ground of want of jurisdiction of the trial court.

“It is of particular concern that Justice Agomoh accused our party of conducting the Convention in disobedience to the order of the court when, actually, the judge was made aware of the ruling by the Oyo State High Court, which ordered our Party to conduct the exercise.

“It is equally surprising that Justice Uche Agomoh, in her Judgment turned the law on its head by granting reliefs that were not sought against our Party to the extent that she attempted to create a Caretaker Committee with the intention to foist the same on our party outside the limit of her jurisdictional power.

“There is no provision in our Party’s Constitution empowering any unelected individual or group to arbitrarily form committees and allocate positions to themselves.

“As custodians of the National Secretariat of the PDP, we are very much aware that the immediate past NWC is “funtus officio” since their tenure has ended by effluxion of time, and therefore, no member of that NWC can lay claim to any office under any guise whatsoever.

“We commend the leadership of our Party for swiftly filing an appeal and Stay of Execution, which puts the judgment by Justice Uche Agomoh in abeyance and retains the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee, which was duly elected at the Ibadan Convention, legally intact, valid, and fully operational.

“We are optimistic that the appellate Court will set aside these judgments that are intended to reverse the gains we have made in our democratic journey as a Nation.

“As critical stakeholders in the democratic process, we urge the National Judicial Council (NJC) to caution judges who are complicit in delivering judgments or issuing orders that make them appear as willing tools in the hands of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to cripple opposition and destroy our hard-earned democracy.

“The action of these judges is of particular concern because it is eroding the confidence of Nigerians in the judiciary. We fear that when such confidence is eroded, citizens have the tendency to resort to self-help, a recipe for crisis in the country.

“We call on members of the PDP not to be fazed by the Judgment but remain resolute as our party takes firm steps to surmount all the huddles and reposition on the path of victory ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

February 3, 2026
Senate urges mandatory stocking of antidotes, emergency medicines nationwide

The Senate on Tuesday called for the urgent and mandatory availability of life-saving antidotes and emergency medicines in all public and private hospitals across Nigeria, in response to increasing incidents of snakebites, poisoning, drug overdoses, and other medical emergencies.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule (APC, Lagos West), who highlighted what lawmakers described as “dangerous gaps” in the country’s emergency healthcare preparedness.

During proceedings, the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of Miss Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly died in Abuja after a snakebite—a death lawmakers said was preventable and indicative of systemic failures in emergency response and antidote availability.

In his remarks, Sen. Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) described Nwangene’s death as “needless,” stressing that hospitals should always be equipped with essential antidotes. “We have to be proactive as a government. I don’t see why medical centres should not have antidotes,” he said.

Sen. Ekong Sampson (APC, Akwa Ibom) echoed the call, noting that the motion underscores the need for clear healthcare policies and consistent implementation to strengthen the nation’s emergency medical response.

“We don’t have to wait until there’s a fatality through snakebites. This is a lesson for us to be proactive, and we must take healthcare very seriously.

“It is tragic that the deceased went the way she died. The fatalities that are caused by snakebites can be very painful.

“We must protect the health of our people. My heart bleeds for the family of the deceased who have done well for this country. It is one loss too many. But this is avoidable,” he said.

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said Nwangene was a very promising Nigerian, adding that her death was a great loss to the country and her family.

He thereafter moved for a minute’s silence to be observed for the deceased.

Read Also: Senate okays Justice Oyewole for Supreme Court

Leading the debate, Senator Adebule noted that medical emergencies such as snakebites, scorpion stings, and poisoning require immediate access to specific antidotes, warning that delays during the critical “golden hour” often result in preventable deaths or irreversible complications.

“The tragic death of Miss Ifunanya Nwangene exposes the grave consequences of inadequate emergency preparedness in both public and private hospitals,” she said. “No Nigerian should lose their life simply because a hospital lacks basic, life-saving antidotes.”

She recalled that the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies snakebite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease and has repeatedly stressed the importance of timely access to safe and effective antivenoms, particularly in countries like Nigeria, where such incidents remain prevalent.

She further cited constitutional provisions, including Sections 14(2)(b) and 17(3)(d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandate government at all levels to prioritise the security, welfare, and access to adequate medical facilities for all citizens.

She expressed concern that many hospitals, both public and private, either do not stock essential antidotes such as antivenoms and anti-toxins or keep them in insufficient quantities, forcing patients to move from one hospital to another in emergencies.

“This practice of shuttling victims between hospitals in search of antidotes is unacceptable and deadly,” she said. “It increases mortality rates and erodes public confidence in our healthcare system.”

In its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through relevant agencies, to develop and enforce national guidelines prescribing minimum stock levels of essential antidotes and emergency medicines in designated public and private hospitals.

It also called on the Ministry, in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to ensure the procurement, quality assurance, proper storage, and nationwide availability of safe, effective, and affordable antivenoms, with priority given to high-risk regions.

The Senate further urged state governments, through their ministries of health and hospital management boards, to immediately audit hospitals within their jurisdictions to assess compliance with approved antidote-stocking and emergency preparedness standards.

In addition, relevant professional and regulatory bodies were mandated to strengthen emergency response standards and ensure periodic training of healthcare personnel on the administration of antidotes.

Lawmakers also called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and all state governments to establish coordinated emergency referral and response systems linking public and private hospitals to guarantee timely access to life-saving medicines.

The Senate resolved that the stocking of essential antidotes should become a mandatory condition for the licensing, registration, and renewal of accreditation of private hospitals, while adequate budgetary provisions and supply mechanisms should be ensured for public hospitals.

It also directed the Federal Ministry of Information and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to embark on nationwide sensitisation campaigns on the dangers of delayed medical treatment following snakebites and other forms of poisoning.

In a related measure, the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to strengthen building regulations by making the installation of Non-Return Valves (NRVs) mandatory under the National Building Code, to prevent rodents and snakes from entering buildings through drainage systems.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, said the resolutions reflected the Senate’s commitment to protecting lives. “The welfare of Nigerians must remain paramount. No life should be lost because of avoidable lapses in our healthcare system,” he said.

February 3, 2026
Lagos Assembly orders halt to Makoko waterfront demolition

The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed the immediate suspension of the ongoing demolition exercise at the Makoko community waterfront.

The announcement was made by Hon. Noheem Adams, chairman of the ad-hoc committee set up by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

Adams, who is also the Leader of the House, read the committee’s resolution following a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja.

The decision followed protests by hundreds of displaced Makoko residents at the Assembly last week against the demolition, which had heightened tensions and led to the arrest of some activists who are now undergoing trial.

The state government had stated that the demolition was necessary to ensure safety, as structures were being built beneath high-tension electricity cables.

Adams said, “On behalf of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa and on behalf of all 40 members of the House, we are directing that all ministries henceforth should stop work with all demolitions, I repeat, all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities should stop from today, all demolitions will start until further notice.

“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting.

“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensation for all those whose properties have been demolished.”

The leader went on to ask the audience, “So are you satisfied with the committee’s work or are you not satisfied?” And there was a thunderous reply of “We are satisfied.”

Read Also: Lagos earmarks $2m to build water city from Makoko

Earlier, in the course of interrogating the chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Hon Bayo Adefuye, a member of the Committee who is the chairman of the House committee on Information and Strategy, Hon Stephen Ogundipe said, “The most important point is that there should be communication even if you are not going there physically. Those you want to help must know the plan you have for them.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Renewal, Dr Babatunde Olajide, who also presented, had said on Monday during a press briefing that the State government would compensate residents of Makoko whose properties had been demolished.

Dr Olajide further disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu had set aside $2 million since 2021 for the redevelopment of the Makoko waterfront to meet international standards.

He stated that the State government is already working on a large water city project to redevelop the community, adding, “We have to do it with a human face. We have been working on this since 2021.

“All those people who have been affected have to be compensated, and we have the task force. We are in the process of enumeration, but the first thing to do is to save the people. It is better to be wary than to be late.”

Some of the leaders of the communities who were present maintained that they were no longer interested in NGOs interfering in their affairs.

They agreed that they were capable of handling their issues, especially now that the State House of Assembly had intervened.

In his comment, Baale of Makoko, Shogunro, Iwaya LCDA, High Chief Yusuf Sagra said, “We are here to explain to you our petition to members of the House on what is happening in our communities, and we are happy that they have given us a word of peace, and we are satisfied.”

Also, Chief Orioye Ogungbure said, “I’m happy about this deliberation. I didn’t expect it. If the government continues to go this way whenever people have grievances, it will be okay. This is democracy; our government should continue to listen to the people.”

February 3, 2026
Why we embark on road infrastructure revolution, by President Tinubu
- …Why we embark on road infrastructure revolution, by President Tinubu
- …As government emphasises road abuse, maintenance, sustainability
The federal government has explained why it is ramping up investments in road infrastructure, citing the sector’s critical role in linking farms, industries, and citizens to economic opportunities nationwide.

President Bola Tinubu noted that the step becomes inevitable considering that road infrastructure is the backbone of Nigeria’s socio-economic life, with over 90 per cent of passenger and freight movement in the country relying on roads.

“The condition, reliability, and sustainability of our federal road network therefore have a direct bearing on economic productivity, national integration, road safety, and the overall quality of life of Nigerians,”

The President spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the 2026 FERMA Roads Summit, themed ‘Sustainable Road Infrastructure for National Growth’, where he highlighted a few flagship interventions that reflect this renewed focus.

“The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, spanning approximately 750 kilometres, is designed to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy, enhance connectivity along our coastal corridor, and stimulate tourism, trade, and industrial development.

“Complementing this is the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, a historic 1,068-kilometre north-south corridor that will connect the far northwest of our country to the Atlantic coast, opening new economic frontiers and strengthening national integration.

“Those that are currently being driven on Abuja-Kaduna, Zaria-Kano Road, Abuja-Lokoja-Benin road, Benin-Asaba-Superhighway, and Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe.

“Those that have been completed or nearing completion include Lagos-Ibadan expressway; Bodo-Bonny road; Oyo-Ogbomoso Road; 9th Mile- Oturpo-Makurdi Road; and Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.

“Together, these highways redefine Nigeria’s road transport architecture and symbolise our determination to build infrastructure that unites and grows the nation.

“In addition, the completion of major bridges, most notably the Second Niger Bridge and the rehabilitation of critical assets such as the Third Mainland Bridge, Eko Bridge, and Carter Bridge in Lagos, as well as strategic links across the Niger Delta and other regions, demonstrate this administration’s resolve to close connectivity gaps and preserve existing assets.

“Importantly, these projects are being executed with a new emphasis on engineering excellence, climate resilience, and long-term service life, with design lives of 50 to 100 years in mind”.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President stressed that building new roads is only half the task; maintaining them is equally critical.

“Sustainable road maintenance is not an option; it is a compelling necessity. Without it, today’s investments become tomorrow’s liabilities,” Tinubu said, emphasising FERMA’s mandate in routine audits, post-failure assessments, and data-driven maintenance.

He further noted that a comprehensive, geo-referenced database of federal roads is being developed to track failures, causes, and interventions, allowing Nigeria to shift from emergency repairs to predictive and preventive maintenance.

The President also outlined key pillars for sustainable road governance, including clear institutional mandates, predictable funding, enforcement of axle-load regulations, use of durable, climate-resilient materials, and public-private partnerships.

“This administration has demonstrated immense political will to achieve the desired objectives.”

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, who represented the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said road abuse, such as overloading, reckless driving, and unauthorised use, was shortening the lifespan of federal roads and draining public resources, calling for stronger measures to protect infrastructure investments.

Noting that while the government continues to invest heavily in road construction and maintenance, misuse of roads is undermining those efforts, the Minister described tackling road abuse as essential to safeguarding public funds and ensuring long-term value for citizens.

“Road abuse remains a critical challenge. Practices such as overloading, reckless driving, and unauthorized road use shorten the lifespan of our investments. The consequence is a heavy drain on lean government resources, forcing repeated repairs instead of allowing us to expand and modernize our network,” Goronyo said.

Commending President Tinubu for prioritising road infrastructure and backing FERMA’s mandate, Goronyo emphasised that the administration had repositioned infrastructure as a pillar of economic stability and national security.

“Mr. President’s mandate is clear, we are building a $1 trillion economy, and that economy cannot run on failed roads,” he said.

He said the administration was pursuing reforms in infrastructure financing despite fiscal constraints, including a shift from annual budget dependence to alternative models.

“This administration has made bold choices despite fiscal constraints. We are accelerating legacy projects, focusing on vital corridors, and moving beyond annual budgets toward Public Private Partnerships, life cycle costing, and innovative resource management,” Goronyo said.

He added that the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund was being used to close funding gaps, stressing that there would be “zero tolerance for waste.”

Outlining the government’s approach to sustainability, the Minister said it rested on modern construction standards, technology-driven maintenance, and climate resilience.

“Sustainability today means three things: adopting modern construction standards, including concrete pavement technology to extend road life; transitioning to technology-driven maintenance, with FERMA leading a proactive, data-driven model; and building climate resilience and local capacity, using materials that withstand changing rainfall patterns while empowering indigenous contractors and Nigerian professionals,” he said.

However, Goronyo noted that sustainability also required institutional and behavioural changes, including predictable funding, stronger coordination among agencies and the private sector, and a shift in attitude towards routine road maintenance.

“Our roads represent a social contract with the Nigerian people. When we build sustainably, we lower food prices, improve healthcare delivery, enhance competitiveness, and unite our nation,” he said.

Read Also: APC targeting landslide wins for Tinubu, Oborevwori in 2027

Goronyo also acknowledged the National Assembly Committees on FERMA for what he described as sustained oversight and budgetary support, as well as Minister Umahi, for guiding the sector.

Earlier, FERMA Managing Director and Chief Executive, Dr Emeka Agbasi, identified deteriorating road assets, funding constraints, climate-related damage, and safety risks as major threats to Nigeria’s economic growth.

He said Nigeria’s dependence on road transport made the challenges urgent, noting that roads carry most passenger and freight movement nationwide.

“Despite their importance, we are all aware of the persistent challenges facing our road sector: deteriorating assets, maintenance backlogs, climate-induced damage, funding constraints, and road safety concerns,” he said.

He warned that the problems increase transport costs, lengthen travel time, reduce competitiveness, and endanger lives.

Agbasi said sustainable road infrastructure required a shift from short-term repairs to long-term, lifecycle-based planning, backed by data-driven asset management, predictable maintenance funding, and stronger institutional coordination.

He said the summit was timely, stressing that well-maintained roads were critical to trade, job creation, rural development, and national cohesion.
February 3, 2026
Oyetola distributes free JAMB forms to 1,000 Osun admission seekers

No fewer than 1,000 admission seekers have received free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) from the social intervention of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

The initiative tagged ‘Ileri-Oluwa Hands of Fellowship’ was facilitated by the Executive Director of Marine and Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. Olalekan Badmus.

Speaking during the distribution of the forms to beneficiaries, Badmus stated that in a bid to complement the Federal government’s efforts by increasing enrolment of students in tertiary institutions, the former governor embarked on the initiative.

He stated that, “This initiative, which is the 6th, is aimed at underprivileged youths who are willing to go to school. We put this together in the name of the Minister of Marine, Oyetola, who is our mentor. This initiative is about ensuring education is affordable and accessible for all,” he said.

“Students who excel in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) would qualify for additional scholarships.”

Chairman of the Ilerioluwa JAMB Scholarship Committee, Hon. Femi Adejumo, described the 6th edition as the largest so far.

He said four designated centres, Oja-Oba, Ayetoro, Igbona, and one other in Osogbo, were opened to serve applicants from the Osogbo Federal Constituency and surrounding communities, including Ikirun and Iragbiji.

Adejumo revealed that 1,200 forms were printed, out of which 1,000 would be fully sponsored for qualified candidates.

February 3, 2026
Edo political appointees begin three days re-treat for effectiveness

Political appointees in the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo have begun a three-day retreat of orientation and capacity building.

The three-day orientation and strategic leadership retreat for top government officials is the first that Governor Okpebholo is organising for his appointees and top public servants since he was sworn-in in November 2024.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Udomi, Esan Central local government area, Governor Okpebholo said the retreat was to reposition his administration for effective service delivery, strengthen collaboration across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and deepen understanding of governance processes.

Governor Okpebholo charged civil and public service leaders to embrace discipline, teamwork, and measurable results.

He said his administration was driven strictly by performance and accountability.

The governor reminded them that the gathering was not a social event but a serious engagement aimed at strengthening governance in the state.

He said good governance required collective responsibility, noting that no ministry or appointee could succeed in isolation.

“We are gathered here today not for a jamboree, but for a purpose. This retreat is designed to serve dual purposes — orientation and capacity building for top government officials.

“Our administration is driven by a clear vision of the SHINE Agenda. This vision is practical governance that delivers results.

Read Also: Edo PDP faction hails judgement nullifying party’s convention

“Good governance is teamwork, and no single appointee or agency can succeed in isolation. We must work as a team and strengthen collaboration across MDAs,” Okpebholo said.

Governor Okpebholo warned appointees against using public office for personal enrichment and insisted that service must remain the guiding principle of leadership.

He said the retreat marked a fresh beginning in the way his administration would be run, with renewed emphasis on discipline, accountability, and performance monitoring.

“I want to repeat my warning to you… Public office is a call to service, and not for profit-making or personal gain. Every naira we spend must deliver value, and every policy must produce measurable results.

“Your performance will be measured. Tangible results and excellence will now determine your status in this administration,” Okpebholo declared.

He urged participants to take the retreat seriously, participate actively, and remain committed to delivering quality governance to the Edo people.

“I charge you to participate actively, think boldly, and commit fully to the collective success of this administration. Edo people are watching, and they deserve nothing less than excellence,” he said.

Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, explained that the philosophy behind the retreat was “Edo is building Edo.”

He said the transformation of the state must be driven by the Edo people themselves.

February 3, 2026
Expert warns against fake products ahead of business exhibition

An Ibadan-based pharmacist, Abiodun Ajibade, has raised concerns over the proliferation of fake and substandard products in Nigerian markets, warning that they pose serious risks to public health and safety.

Ajibade made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, ahead of a week-long business exhibition and empowerment summit.

The event is designed to promote Nigeria’s productive economy by showcasing authentic local products across sectors such as healthcare, beauty, renewable energy, and arts and crafts.

As Team Lead of Gleanforte Academy Limited, Ajibade said the exhibition will provide local manufacturers with increased visibility and patronage while helping to curb the spread of counterfeit goods.

He noted that the summit will also facilitate connections between producers, buyers, and consumers, with the overarching goal of strengthening local business ventures across Nigeria.

He said, “GleanForte Academy is hosting Genspark 2026, a week-long business exhibition and empowerment summit, at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, from March 17-21, 2026.

“The event aims to boost Nigeria’s productive economy by showcasing genuine local products, including healthcare, beauty, renewable energy, and arts & crafts. The exhibition will provide visibility and patronage for local manufacturers, combat fake products, and foster connections between producers, buyers, and consumers.

“The exhibition strives to establish a direct relationship between the consumers, the buyers, and bulk breakers with the producers. The organizer harped that the prevalence of fake products in the market space is alarming, and at the Ibadan business exhibition, genuine products from the manufacturers would be brought closer to the genuine businessmen, women, and the general public.

“The manufacturers’ desire to also compete with imported products is expected to be given better momentum as the exhibition will be attracting over two thousand guests daily, drawn from within Ibadan and the neighbouring states of Southwest Nigeria. This will help the good distribution of their brands, networking with new business contacts, and sustained business interests.

“The need to give productive engagement more visibility is at the base of the Ibadan business exhibition, and everyone involved in different productive endeavours is expected to use the platform to take their products to the marketplace.

“The summit intends to showcase local products from all sectors as a way to enhance the business endeavours of Nigerians. We are trying to bring people’s products to the fore.”

February 3, 2026
FG to councils: ‘No bank loans without clearance’

The federal government has warned state and local governments across the country not to take loans from banks or other financial institutions without first getting a Certificate of Proof of Compliance from the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.

It said such borrowing is against the law and can attract serious legal action.

This warning was directed especially at the 23 local government chairmen in Kaduna State by the Director of Legal Services, Investigation and Enforcement at the Commission, Barrister Charles Chukwuemeka Abana, who spoke at a financial management workshop in Kaduna.

A statement from the Commission, signed by its Director of Strategic Communication, Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, said Abana represented the Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Victor Muruako, at the event organised by the Kaduna State Fiscal Responsibility Commission.

Abana told the council chairmen that under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, governments are only allowed to borrow for projects that build long-term value, such as infrastructure and human development, and not for everyday running costs.

He warned that any bank or financial institution that gives loans outside the law is also breaking the rules, while public officers who ignore the law could face serious consequences.

He strongly criticised the practice of spending public money without approval in the budget, calling it “fiscal haram,” and said such actions damage public trust and slow down development.

“Every kobo spent must have value for money. Public resources must be planned, budgeted for, properly appropriated, and disbursed towards the execution of projects that positively impact the lives of the people,” Abana said.

He cautioned local government leaders against giving out public funds to friends, supporters, or political loyalists, and against adding names of people who are not properly employed to their payrolls.

According to him, all spending must follow what has been approved in the budget and must be tied to real work and real benefits for the people.

Abana urged council chairmen to run open and transparent administrations, manage funds carefully, and think about how their decisions today will affect future generations.

He said the Commission is ready to offer technical support to help local governments put proper fiscal responsibility laws in place at the council level to build a strong and disciplined financial system.

He also praised the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for supporting reforms that promote transparency and accountability, saying this has helped institutions like the Kaduna State Fiscal Responsibility Commission to work better.

In his speech to open the workshop, Governor Sani condemned the misuse and theft of public funds and called on all elected officials and political appointees to act with honesty and openness in carrying out their duties.

He said his administration remains committed to reforms, financial discipline, and responsible leadership, adding that the trust of the people can only be earned when public money is managed properly and used for their benefit.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Sani Rabiu Bako, described the workshop as an important step towards improving how public funds are managed at the local level.

He welcomed the support of agencies such as the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Bureau of Public Procurement, and the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity.

Bako said the programme aimed to teach public officers and financial managers the importance of getting value for money, being open in their dealings, and staying accountable, especially at the grassroots, where government services directly touch the lives of citizens.

He added that strong public financial management is key to lasting development, leading to better roads, cleaner communities, improved schools, and overall economic growth.

He noted that other agencies at the workshop presented papers on ethical leadership, proper procurement, and fighting corruption, all geared towards ensuring that public funds are used wisely at every level of government.

February 3, 2026
National convention: APC pegs national chairman nomination form at N10m

The All Progressives Congress has fixed the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for aspirants seeking the position of national chairman at ₦10.1 million ahead of its national convention scheduled for next month.

Details are contained in an adjusted timetable for the party’s congresses and national convention released on Monday in Abuja by the APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu.

According to the schedule, the nomination form for the National Chairman costs ₦10 million, while the expression of interest form for National Working Committee positions costs ₦100,000.

Aspirants for the offices of Deputy National Chairman (North and South) and National Secretary are required to pay ₦7.5 million each for nomination forms, while other national offices attract a fee of ₦5 million. Nomination forms for National Executive Committee members are pegged at ₦250,000.

At the state level, nomination forms for State Chairman cost ₦1 million, while aspirants for State Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer will pay ₦500,000. Other state offices also attract a nomination fee of ₦500,000, in addition to an expression of interest fee of ₦50,000 for all positions.

Read Also: APC Delta North coalition calls for inclusion of pioneer members in governance

For zonal offices, nomination forms are priced at ₦200,000, with expression of interest forms set at ₦100,000.

At the local government level, the nomination form for Local Government Chairman costs ₦100,000, while other positions attract ₦50,000. Expression of interest forms at this level are priced at ₦10,000 for all aspirants.

Ward Chairman nomination forms cost ₦20,000, while aspirants for other ward offices will pay ₦15,000. The expression of interest form at the ward level is pegged at ₦5,000.

In line with the party’s inclusivity policy, female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities are required to pay only the expression of interest fee and 50 per cent of the prescribed nomination fee for any position.

Argungu also disclosed that all forms will be completed online, with access granted only after payment verification and validation by the APC National Secretariat.

He added that all payments are to be made directly into the designated party bank accounts.

February 3, 2026
ABUAD partners Chinese firm on breast cancer treatment

The Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) has entered into a partnership with a leading Chinese firm, Cherami-PV Group, to deploy artificial intelligence-driven solutions for early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by the two parties in Ado-Ekiti, on Tuesday, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, said that the partnership was aimed at addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health challenges.

Prof. Olarinde said the partnership would leverage the AI-enabled breast imaging to improve early diagnosis, enhance accuracy, and expand access to quality screening, stressing that technology would complement, not replace, medical expertise.

The VC who described the partnership as a model for impactful collaboration between academia, healthcare, and industry noted that the pilot phase of the project would ensure ethical compliance, capacity building, and evidence-based implementation.

She expressed confidence that the partnership would deliver measurable benefits to Ekiti State, serve as a model for similar collaborations across Nigeria and Africa, and ultimately contribute to saving lives, advancing knowledge, and strengthening global partnerships.

The CMD of ABUAD Hospital, Dr. Akinola Akinmade, described cancer as one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria, with breast cancer posing a particularly grave threat to women.

He disclosed that about 32,000 women are diagnosed with the disease annually, while no fewer than 16,000 die each year, and 42 women die every hour.

Akinmade said early detection remained critical to reversing the ugly trend, noting that the partnership between ABUAD and Cherami-PV group would deploy artificial intelligence to enable rapid and accurate diagnosis.

Read Also: ABUAD partners Chinese firm on breast cancer treatment

The CMD added that the initiative would also provide telemedicine support to complement ABUAD’s existing manpower, improve clinical decision-making, and strengthen capacity building for healthcare professionals.

He said that the collaboration would further lead to the establishment of a standard cancer treatment centre at the hospital, positioning ABUAD as a leading hub for cancer care and research in Nigeria and beyond.

The co-founder of Cherami Investment, Prof. Wei Xiaolin, expressed delight over the partnership, describing ABUAD as one of the most outstanding academic and medical institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.

He said that the decision to partner with ABUAD was informed by the university’s unparalleled reputation for innovation, research excellence and its consistent delivery of world-class healthcare services.

He added that the partnership between Cherami Investment and ABUAD was anchored on shared values and a collective resolve to address critical health challenges, especially cancer.

He said that the collaboration would combine ABUAD’s strong clinical capacity with Cherami’s technological expertise to deliver innovative solutions that would not only benefit Nigeria but also serve as a model for Africa and the global health community.

Prof. Xiaolin, who hailed Babalola, whom he described as a rare visionary and a hero of Africa, noted that his life story and accomplishments in law, education, healthcare, and philanthropy stood as a source of inspiration beyond Nigeria.

In his remarks, Babalola declared that the university was fully committed to conquering cancer, describing the deadly disease as one of the greatest health challenges confronting humanity.

He said that ABUAD was established to tackle impossible problems through cutting-edge knowledge, research, and innovation, stressing that cancer would not be an exception.

Babalola said that ABUAD hospital had, over the years, recorded notable medical breakthroughs, recalling its significant role in researching and producing a drug approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He expressed confidence that cancer, like other complex diseases, could be defeated through sustained research, collaboration, and determination, saying whatever it takes, we are ready. With this partnership, we believe a cure for cancer is achievable”.

February 3, 2026