A building contractor, Leonard Tanuro Izobo-Martins, has raised the alarm over an alleged threat to his life following a deadly ambush in Ogun State.
Izobo-Martins said he narrowly escaped death on the afternoon of October 25, 2025, when he and a friend, Kuye Samuel, were ambushed while travelling to Ajilete town via Owode, Ogun State.
His friend was reportedly killed during the attack.
He explained that he initially believed the incident was a robbery or failed kidnap attempt but became alarmed weeks later after a threatening message was allegedly posted on the gate of his residence on November 12, 2025. The message warned that he “cannot be lucky all the time” and that his life had been “paid for.”
Speaking from his hideout, Izobo-Martins said the development left him traumatised and fearful, noting that he could not identify any motive or individuals behind the threat. He added that even before the incident, his wife and children were only occasionally at the residence due to work and school commitments.
The contractor, who is the Managing Director and CEO of Olleon Projects Limited and a member of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), confirmed that the matter has been reported to the Onipanu Police Station, Ota, and other security agencies, adding that investigations are ongoing.
He said the situation has forced him to abandon his home and significantly restricted his movements for safety reasons.
I was overwhelmed with joy when my principal, boss, mentor, and benefactor, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, PhD, FCNA, paid a visit to the media unit of his office, which I have the honour and privilege of heading by the grace of Allah (SWT) and the confidence of His Excellency.
His Excellency visited the media office at about 6:00 p.m. yesterday while on his way to a meeting at the old chambers of the National Assembly. The parliament had been on yuletide recess since December and is scheduled to resume on January 27.
Although I officially assumed the role of spokesperson to His Excellency on July 23, 2023, our relationship dates back to 2013, when we met at an event at the Kano Government House, during the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC). At the time, I was the Regional Editor of Daily Trust Newspapers in Kano.
Fondly known as Maliya, he was already a key figure in Kano’s political landscape even then. Over the years, our relationship blossomed in the form of a news hunter and a newsmaker.
In 2015, shortly after the election results were announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he called me and expressed his desire for the poll’s outcome to be published on the front page of the Daily Trust newspapers. I advised him to pay for an earpiece advert, and he bought the idea. Consequently, the results of the governorship election won by Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the three senatorial districts won by Senator Barau (Kano North), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano Central), and Senator Kabiru Gaya (Kano South) adorned the front page of Daily Trust, courtesy of Senator Barau.
In June 2015, the Eighth Senate was inaugurated, and Senator Barau was one of the 109 Senators who were sworn in. By providence, a month later, in July, the management of Daily Trust redeployed me from Kano to Abuja as the head of the company’s National Assembly team.
Upon my assumption of duties at the National Assembly, Senator Barau saw me and was visibly delighted, as I was. Holding my hands, he said, “You are going to be my press secretary.” I thanked him and responded, “Insha’Allah.” Since then, anytime we meet, he either calls me press secretary or editor.
Throughout the eighth and ninth Senate sessions, I served as his unofficial media aide. In 2016, when he became the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, he introduced me to the clerk, Mrs Ngozi Nkemdirin, as his media aide with a directive that all his adverts be routed through me. Mrs Nkemdirin is now the Special Adviser (Administration) to Senator Barau.
The relationship endured even after I was redeployed to the State House in 2018 and later to the headquarters of the Daily Trust newspapers in 2019, where I served as Group Politics Editor. There has been no break in our association since our first meeting in 2013.
When I was appointed Deputy General Editor of Daily Trust Newspapers, he phoned me and said, ” Place a full page coloured advert for me congratulating you.” I respectfully advised against it. He is always there for everyone, irrespective of their status, faith, ethnicity, and other differences.
Eight years later, I formally assumed the role of his media aide, a position I had, in essence, performed informally for eight years.
If being a workaholic, meticulous, and deeply committed to national development are qualities to be measured, then few can rival Senator Barau. He is a democrat to the core, a patriotic and pan-Nigerian par excellence, a man of his word and humility personified, who is committed to the plights of the masses; hence, he is always accessible. Come to the National Assembly or his residence, and you will attest to this fact.
Maliya Ikon Allah, Insha Allah, Sai Kayi Muradinka.
Mudashir, is the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity.
Popular comedian, Bovi Ugboma, has spoken out about the Super Eagles’ semi-final exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, emphasising that football is Nigeria’s sole unifying force.
In a viral video message, Bovi stated that football brings Nigerians together, unlike religion and politics, which often divide.
“If there’s anything that unites Nigeria as a nation, it’s football. Mark my words, it’s football,” the entertainer declared.
He added: “Religion stops this country from burning because we are very religious people. Politics divides this nation because self-interest comes into play. But football is the only thing that brings Muslims and Christians, North, South-East, and West together.”
He addressed players, particularly Samuel Chukwueze, urging them to approach games with focus and dedication, likening them to assassins who must eliminate opponents.
“You have to treat it like you are an assassin. I’ve never seen in my life where an assassin has an opportunity to kill somebody and chooses to go like this or like this while chewing gum. Chukwueze, I forgive him from the bottom of my heart, but you need to understand that the weight of the nation lies in your hand,” Bovi stressed.
Bovi warned players against prioritising individual glory over team success, citing past mistakes.
“If you go for glory before victory, more often than not, you will mess up. More often than not, you become the victim, Don’t let that ember come alive. We let an advantage sleep.
“I’m not blaming only Chukwueze. In 1994, those are my heroes, but guess what? They messed up at the most critical moment with two minutes to go. Nevertheless, they are still our heroes because it was literally our first time at the World Cup,” he said.
He also cautioned against social media distractions, citing Argentina’s disciplined approach in 2018.
“Social media will be messing you guys up real bad, not just from this tournament but previous tournaments. You get carried away by the praise. Guess what? They don’t like you. They like what you do. Don’t let the comments, don’t let the likes fool you. The tide can change anytime,” he warned.
“When Argentina had to play us, no member of the Argentine team was on social media. We were on social media posting all kinds of things. Stop going on social media during tournaments”, he added.
The comedian emphasised that representing Nigeria is beyond football, and players have the power to unite the country.
He urged them to rise above administrative challenges and be heroes.
“Dear Super Eagles and intending Super Eagles players, have this at the back of your mind when you are playing for Nigeria: regardless of how the NFF treats you, if you choose to say I will play for Nigeria, understand that you have the potential, the power to unite Nigeria.
“You guys have chances to be heroes, to write your name in history and never be forgotten. Don’t continue to mess this up. It’s very important. You guys are our potential heroes.
“When you wear the Nigerian jersey, it’s beyond football, beyond your salary, beyond your rights. You already know that your system is messed up when it comes to some of these things. You already know. So if you’re not ready to die, don’t play”, he concluded.
The Nation reports that Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday lost 4–2 in a penalty shootout to host nation Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense 0–0 draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) nationwide membership e-registration programme gathered strong momentum in Enugu State on Wednesday as prominent party leaders and stakeholders rallied members and supporters to embrace the exercise across the state’s senatorial districts.
At Orba Ward 2 in Udenu Local Government Area, former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, formally registered as a member of the APC during the flag-off for Enugu North Senatorial District.
Speaking after his registration, Ugwuanyi commended Bola Tinubu for what he described as bold economic, social and security reforms that are already yielding positive results across the country.
He particularly lauded the President for infrastructural interventions in the Southeast and Enugu State, citing the ongoing reconstruction and dualisation of the 9th Mile–Markurdi highway and other key road projects as clear indicators of the administration’s commitment to the region. On this basis, Ugwuanyi openly endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in office.
The former Governor also expressed appreciation to the President for finding him worthy to serve the nation in a diplomatic capacity, noting that Tinubu’s engagement with the Southeast has helped to strengthen national inclusion.
He urged residents of Enugu State to come out en masse to participate in the e-registration exercise, describing it as critical to strengthening the party’s base ahead of future elections.
On the political leadership of the state, Ugwuanyi described the re-election of Peter Mbah as “non-negotiable,” citing his performance in office and the convention of allowing governors a second term to consolidate their programmes.
At Amaechi Awkunanaw community in Enugu South Local Government Area, former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, led the flag-off of the APC e-registration for Enugu East Senatorial District.
Nnamani underscored the strategic importance of the exercise, recalling that the APC recorded only 4,776 votes in the state during the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, a stronger party membership base would naturally translate into improved electoral outcomes.
He explained that with a robust membership strength, the party would be better positioned to mobilise voters and significantly increase its vote tally in future elections.
He also stressed the importance of combining party registration with voter card ownership to maximise political participation.
Nnamani praised President Tinubu’s performance under what he described as challenging national circumstances, affirming that this was the basis for the growing support for the President in the Southeast.
He further expressed confidence in Governor Mbah’s political influence, particularly in Nkanu land, noting that closer collaboration between the Enugu State Government and the federal administration should reflect positively at the polls.
“What Governor Mbah has achieved in about two and a half years, many past governors could not achieve in eight years,” Nnamani said, adding that the enthusiasm displayed by residents toward the e-registration exercise exceeded expectations.
The exercise, coordinated in the state by Chief Flavour Eze, also featured goodwill messages from the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Paul Nnamchi, and the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Beloved Dan Anike, both of whom encouraged sustained grassroots mobilisation to ensure the success of the registration drive.
Reality TV star Adekunle Olopade has spoken out about the Super Eagles’ semi-final loss to Morocco, shifting the blame from the players to the match officials.
In a tweet on X, Adekunle claimed Nigeria was robbed of a win due to poor officiating by Ghana’s Daniel Laryea, citing several questionable decisions, including a yellow card to Calvin Bassey and ignored fouls on Nigerian players.
Olopade defended the Super Eagles’ performance, stating they had the upper hand and created many scoring opportunities.
He urged fans to consider the entire match, not just the penalty shootout, and called out CAF for not addressing the officiating issues.
He wrote: “While Chukwueze’s performance was absolutely terrible, we simply cannot reduce the entire match to just a penalty shoot out.
“First of all, the game WASN’T EVEN SUPPOSED TO GET TO PENALTIES. If you didn’t watch the match from start to finish, please don’t involve yourself in this. Nigeria had so many chances, yes it was a tough game but we had the upper hand. The Super Eagles player were ready. Probably even the best form they’ve all been in a while and we were ready. The country was ready.
“But Daniel Laryea with his intentional and terrible officiating robbed us of that match. The ref was whistle-happy, Calvin Bassey did not deserve the yellow card, he stopped a lot of our plays that killed the momentum, ignored Morocco’s one too many fouls on the Nigerian players, and it was clear to see that they played favoritism to the host country.
“This isn’t about country or banter, maybe it influenced his decisions but THERE WERE TOO MANY WRONG CALLS ON THE SUPER EAGLES PART AND CAF SHOUDLN’T BE QUIET ABOUT IT.
“Yesterday’s match felt like it was Nigeria against the whole of Africa and sentiments aside, Nigeria was robbed off the win”.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given approval for the full roll-out of Nigeria’s carbon market framework, a far-reaching climate policy expected to yield no less than $3 billion in annual revenue by 2030.
The decision was made public on Thursday by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media through his verified X handle, @DOlusegun, who described the approval as a decisive move to position Nigeria as a leading player in the global carbon trading space.
The framework is designed to stimulate large-scale trading in emission allowances across strategic sectors of the economy, unlocking fresh income streams for the country while reinforcing its climate action agenda.
As part of the policy, the Federal Government is set to establish a national carbon registry, mandate emissions reporting by companies, and introduce phased compliance measures consistent with Nigeria’s climate obligations.
These include interim emissions-reduction targets by 2035 and the long-term objective of net-zero emissions by 2060.
To spur investor confidence, the framework offers robust incentives, including up to 10 years of tax exemptions on carbon-credit earnings, accelerated capital allowances for investments in low-carbon assets, and research and development deductions linked to emissions-reduction initiatives.
The measures are aimed at dismantling structural bottlenecks that have historically constrained carbon market investments, while enhancing Nigeria’s standing as a climate-responsive economy capable of attracting green finance and driving sustainable growth.
The approval underscores the Tinubu administration’s broader push to diversify national revenue, align economic growth with environmental responsibility, and secure Nigeria a competitive footing in the fast-evolving global carbon economy.
Former Majority Leader of the Oyo House of Assembly and Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to Governor Seyi Makinde, Hon. Samuel Adejumobi, also known as Agbarapo, has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State for what he described as premature and illegal political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Agbarapo alleger the opposition party’s recent political activities across the state clearly reflects panic, desperation and a failure to respect electoral regulations, stressing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not authorised the commencement of campaigns.
In a statement on Tuesday in Ibadan, the former lawmaker described the APC’s actions as an insult to the political intelligence of Oyo residents, noting that early campaigning outside the legally approved period is a sign of insecurity rather than strength.
The APC has been on a series of tours across local government areas in the state under the Renewed Hope Agenda to drum up support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Agbarapo said such moves only expose a party that lacks confidence in its past performance, insisting that the people of Oyo State are no longer swayed by political noise.
He recalled the years of APC administration in the state, which he said were characterised by hardship and poor governance, and questioned what tangible legacy the party could present to the electorate.
According to him, the APC has already been rejected twice by Oyo voters in consecutive governorship elections, and there is no justification for believing that 2027 would produce a different outcome.
Agbarapo dismissed claims the party could return to power in the state, arguing that no level of federal backing would override the will of the people.
He said Governor Makinde’s record in office remains evident across sectors, adding that governance in the state has taken a different and progressive direction under the current administration.
He pointed to the recent presentation of a white horse to Governor Makinde by state pensioners during the annual interfaith prayer ceremony as a powerful symbol of public appreciation, particularly from a group he said had been neglected by previous administrations.
Agbarapo described the APC’s confidence about reclaiming Oyo as misplaced, stating that the party’s leaders are bound together by fear of being pushed out of relevance due to Makinde’s performance.
He accused the opposition of being more interested in regaining access to public resources than addressing the country’s pressing security and economic challenges.
According to him, the Makinde administration has demonstrated transparency, fiscal discipline, and accountability, ensuring that state resources are used strictly for the development of Oyo State.
He added the 2027 election would ultimately be a referendum between governance and regression, stressing that the electorate’s confidence in the current administration is grounded in experience rather than political propaganda.
Youth and gender advocate and Director General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Rinsola Abiola, has called on Governors and other leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support youth and women leadership, as doing so is key to securing the future of the party.
She urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise by the ruling party, and register as members of the party.
In a statement on social media platforms, Abiola, who commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing several young leaders into public office, stated that the active participation of young people in the political process is key to national development.
“Politics is not a spectator sport, and governance is not an abstract concept. It is the vehicle through which we determine the quality of our lives.
“For years, young Nigerians have advocated for a seat at the table, and under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that table is being expanded with the appointment of several young people into positions of authority. However, seats can only be occupied by those who are present.
“I hereby urge every young Nigerian who identifies with the APC and believes in a progressive, prosperous Nigeria to go to their ward and register to join the party.
“Sustained youth inclusion requires coalition building, and it is through our numbers that we will shape the affairs of our party and impact the course of national development,” she said.
Speaking to young members of the party, she urged them to revalidate their membership.
She also stressed the importance of young women’s participation, stating that it is essential to closing the gender gap in political leadership.
“To the Young Progressives, the ongoing registration exercise presents an opportunity to revalidate your membership of the APC; and to my sisters—young women who identify with the APC across the country: I have always maintained that “young women are youths, too”.
“We stand at the intersection of two vital demographics – women and youths – and our perspectives are indispensable.
“Do not wait for an invitation to lead; this is your chance to actively contribute towards bridging the gap in women’s representation in political leadership in Nigeria,” she added.
She further encouraged young party stalwarts to vie for leadership positions within the party, stating that even if they do not succeed, they might go on to secure other opportunities.
“To our young party stalwarts who wish to serve through various leadership positions: the upcoming congresses represent a golden opportunity.
“I encourage you to not only participate as party members and supporters of different aspirants, but to also vie for party leadership positions at varying levels.
“Reach out to the relevant stakeholders, elders and leaders in your various states. Articulate your vision, demonstrate your capacity, and seek their mentorship and support.
“Leadership is earned through strategic engagement, and signifying interest could also help greatly with securing opportunities in future,” she said.
She further called on Governors and other leaders within the party to support youth and women candidates in line with the President’s desire to see both groups better represented in leadership positions.
“To our Governors and party leaders, we are grateful for the President’s unwavering commitment to youth inclusion and his clearly stated desire to see women better represented in the party’s leadership.
“To actualise this vision, we look to you to serve as the catalysts for this change by supporting youth and women candidates.
“By empowering young, competent and dedicated members, we are securing the future of the APC,” she said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading national tributes to fallen heroes as Nigeria is marks the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, the National Arcade, Abuja.
Shettima is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is in the United Arab Emirates attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
The AFCRD, organised annually by the Ministry of Defence, is honouring officers and men of the Armed Forces who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
Those being remembered include personnel who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace support operations, and internal security engagements, particularly the ongoing fight against terrorism and other threats to Nigeria’s stability.
Beyond remembrance, the event is also celebrating living veterans and is serving as a platform to mobilise financial and moral support for their welfare, as well as for the families of fallen service members.
Although Armed Forces Remembrance is observed globally, Nigeria’s commemoration reflects its distinct historical experience.
As a member of the Commonwealth, the country previously marked Remembrance Day on November 11, in line with other member states, to honour casualties of the World wars.
The date, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marks the formal end of the First World War in 1918.
However, January 15 is now being observed to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War and to align the remembrance with national realities.
This year’s AFCRD holds special significance, coinciding with reported operational gains by the Armed Forces in the Northeast and other parts of the country.
The ceremony therefore serves as an occasion to acknowledge the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of officers and men confronting Nigeria’s security challenges to ensure peace and stability for citizens.
The Federal Government has reiterated its enduring gratitude to the Armed Forces and has called on citizens, organisations and the private sector to continue supporting service personnel, particularly the wounded and the families of fallen heroes, during the remembrance period and beyond.
…says she will restore investors’ confidence in upstream sector
The Centre for Energy Reforms (CER) has expressed confidence that the appointment of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) will enhance the Commission’s performance and reinforce its credibility within Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation’s executive director, Dr Michael Bulus, said Eyesan’s appointment comes at a pivotal period for the upstream sector, which requires steady leadership, regulatory clarity and improved investor confidence to achieve the full objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Bulus described Eyesan as an experienced industry professional whose expertise in strategy, regulation and commercial negotiations positions her to strengthen the NUPRC’s role as both a regulator and a catalyst for sectoral growth.
He added that Eyesan’s more than three decades of industry experience provide her with the institutional understanding and technical capacity needed to advance effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act.
“The Centre for Energy Reforms believes that Ms Eyesan brings the right blend of institutional memory, technical competence and strategic vision required to take the NUPRC to greater heights. Her background suggests a clear understanding of how regulation can support industry growth without compromising transparency, accountability or national interest,” Bulus said.
According to the Centre, the upstream sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability, and the success of the PIA largely depends on the capacity of institutions such as the NUPRC to implement the law in a predictable, professional and investor-friendly manner.
Bulus noted that Eyesan’s early emphasis on stakeholder engagement, efficiency and performance signals a welcome shift toward outcomes-driven regulation.
The Centre noted that Nigeria’s upstream industry faces persistent challenges, including declining production, underinvestment, infrastructure constraints and global energy transition pressures.
The think tank said addressing these issues requires leadership that understands both the commercial realities of the industry and the policy objectives of government.
“From her career trajectory, Ms Eyesan understands the language of investors, operators, policymakers and host communities. That ability to balance competing interests is essential if Nigeria is to unlock new investments, grow gas development and stabilise crude oil production,” Bulus said.
The Centre for Energy Reforms also welcomed the new chief executive’s focus on digitisation and operational efficiency, noting that regulatory delays and opacity have historically discouraged investment in the sector.
According to the think tank, improving regulatory processes and data-driven decision-making would significantly enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness among oil and gas producing nations.
Bulus further urged the NUPRC under Eyesan’s leadership to prioritise institutional capacity building, arguing that a strong regulator is defined not only by policies but by the technical depth and professionalism of its workforce.
“The commitment to staff development and internal collaboration is encouraging. A regulator that invests in its people is better equipped to enforce standards, resolve disputes and guide the industry through complex transitions,” he said.
The group also called on industry operators, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support the new NUPRC leadership, stressing that regulatory reform requires collective ownership to succeed.
“As expectations rise, so must cooperation. If all stakeholders engage constructively, the NUPRC can truly become a benchmark regulator in Africa, delivering both economic value and responsible resource governance,” he said.
The Centre for Energy Reforms noted that Eyesan’s appointment represents an opportunity to consolidate reforms under the PIA and reposition Nigeria’s upstream sector for sustainable growth, transparency and long-term resilience.
