The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

Adebule seeks early passage of Lagos Innovation Bill
- By Sherifdeen Amusa
A senator representing Lagos West District, Dr Idiat Adebule, has urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to fast track the passage of the Lagos Innovation Bill.

This, she said, would provide a legal framework to anchor research that will facilitate collaboration between the industry and academics.

She said this on Wednesday while delivering keynote address at the Lagos State University (LASU) 7th Research Trade fair, themed, “Promoting the Quadruple Helix Collaboration: Government, University, Industry and Community” at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Ojo.

She added that the bill when signed into law “will create a research and innovation fund to cater for innovation hubs, technology parks and provides incentives for doctoral and post-doctoral research activities.”

She also said the determination of Lagos and Nigeria’s future will be by innovation and collaboration, not natural resources.

She said: “The future of Lagos and Nigeria will not be determined by our exhaustible natural resources, but by how well we can innovate, collaborate and scale solutions using our resources”.

Adebule urged the government, industry captains, academics and community stakeholders to seize the opportunity of the event to build an innovation ecosystem that will not only make Lagos and Nigeria not just Africa’s economic hub, but it’s knowledge and innovation capital.

She said research findings must be used to solve societal challenges; else, they will only remain trapped within the institutions.

She gave an example of how the Bell Lab’s Research Institute churned out laser, solar cell, mobile communications and internet.

Read Also: State pardon for Herbert Macaulay, Vatsa , Ogoni leaders, Lawan, others

This, she said, shows that those who embraced research, innovation and creativity rise to prominence while those who ignored them fade into obscurity.

LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, in her welcome address, said the annual fair is more than just an academic exercise.

She said: “It is the manifestation of our deepest institutional commitment: to move beyond theoretical knowledge and translate our research into tangible solutions that drive development. We will showcase groundbreaking work across engineering, medicine, the humanities, and the sciences projects, designed to solve real-world problems facing Lagos, Nigeria, in pursuit of our vision.

“This year’s theme is particularly poignant. It is recognition that no single entity can tackle the complexities of sustainable development alone.”

She said that in LASU, it is understood that research only achieved its maximum impact when it is grounded in the needs of the community.

“The community is the ultimate beneficiary, the source of vital data, and the final adopter of innovation. The university generates knowledge and talent. Industry commercialises the innovation and creates jobs. Government provides the enabling policy, regulation, and funding environment, and the community provides the context, demands the solution, and validates its utility,” she said.
October 10, 2025
Customs seizes N1b goods

The Nigeria Customs Service has smashed a trans-border smuggling ring operating along the Seme border axis of Lagos State.

The gang, which specialized in smuggling expired rice, flour, vehicles and other prohibited items into the country, was ambushed by Customs officials attached to the Seme border command and goods worth over N1 billion were said to have been seized from the gang.

The Area Controller of the Seme Command, Wale Adenuga, said this yesterday, while showcasing the seized items to reporters.

Customs officials, Adenuga said, monitored the gang for over two weeks before the clamp down resulting in the seizure of 10,000 bags of expired flour and several other prohibited items from the gang.

The Seme Customs Command, he said, had to deploy more officers in dealing with the large consignment of prohibited goods seized from them.

He said the massive haul, valued at over N1 billion, was the result of weeks of intensive surveillance and coordinated enforcement along the Seme axis.

According to Adenuga, officers of the command intercepted not only the expired flour but also a variety of other contraband, including smuggled vehicles, bags of foreign parboiled rice, drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), bales of used clothing, and consignments of Indian hemp.

He explained that the expired flour, which had been carefully concealed in trucks and warehouses, posed a significant public health risk had it entered the Nigerian market.

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“We will not allow expired or substandard goods to find their way into our country and endanger our citizens,” he declared.

The Comptroller stated that the seizure aligns with the Service’s broader mission of curbing smuggling activities that undermine national economic growth and public safety.

He emphasised that the fight against economic sabotage remains a top priority for the Service.

Adenuga, who described smuggling as an act of sabotage against the nation’s economy, warned that those who continue to indulge in the illicit trade will face the full weight of the law.

“Smuggling is not only a crime; it is an assault on our economy and on legitimate businesses that pay taxes and abide by the law,” he said.

He also commended the synergy among various security agencies, crediting inter-agency cooperation for the success of the operation.

According to him, the collaboration between the Customs Service, the Nigerian Navy, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) played a vital role in tracking, intercepting, and confiscating the illegal consignments.

October 10, 2025
Firm delivers flats to subscribers

The Managing Director, Brass & Castles Homes, Peacemaker Afolabi, has said that about 28 million Nigerians lack shelter.

Afolabi said this while handing over 16 units of flats to individuals in Ilasan, Ikate, Lekki as part of its contribution to reducing housing deficits.

The units were the fourth in the last three years in the series of affordable homes to be delivered by the company.

Afolabi added that the flats which were purchased by individuals based on down payment of a token and subsequent installment payment policy will reduce housing deficit in Lagos.

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He said 52 units had been delivered in the last three years, adding that there is ongoing construction of another 18 units which will allow more Lagosians to have access to affordable homes.

“Today we are handling the units purchased from us. For us, we are here to solve the housing deficit. We know there is a shelter deficit in Nigeria to the tune of almost 28 million but as a company, we can only add our own quota to reduce it whether at advisory level or advocacy level or by building more units,” he said Nigeria, there should be collaboration between government and the private sector.

October 10, 2025
Lagos: Zero tolerance for unapproved developments non-negotiable

The Lagos State Government reiterated its zero tolerance for illegal and unapproved developments within the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, pending full compliance with planning regulations and the attainment of a safe, orderly, and sustainable physical environment.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Dr. Oluyinka Olumide

Said over time, the Trade Fair Complex has degenerated into an enclave of haphazard and unsafe structures, posing grave risks to public safety and emergency response.

In line with Sustainable Development Goal 11 — “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” — and the State’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, the Lagos State Government is acting strictly within its constitutional and statutory mandate, as derived from the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act 1992, as domesticated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019, and reinforced by the Supreme Court Judgment of 2003 (Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation).

These legal instruments, Olumide said, empower states to regulate physical development within their territories, including federal lands, except for areas under exclusive federal use such as military formations.

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He said: “For clarity, land ownership and title are not in contention at the Trade Fair Complex. The ongoing enforcement focuses solely on the approval status of physical developments, as every structure in Lagos State must obtain a valid planning permit from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in accordance with the law. The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to attempts by certain political actors, particularly of South-East extraction, to misrepresent facts and discredit the ongoing enforcement at the complex. Such actions are populist, ill-motivated, and aimed at scoring cheap political points, rather than advancing the cause of public safety and sustainable development.

“The administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains firmly committed to promoting an orderly, inclusive, liveable, and sustainable physical environment. This commitment underpins urban renewal and redevelopment efforts across the state, which have necessitated the removal of illegal structures in several locations, including:

Pelewura and Bombata markets on Lagos Island, LSDPC Low-Cost Housing Estate, Ilasan in Eti-Osa, Otumara market in Ebute Metta and Oluwole Market, Lagos Island (predominantly occupied by Yoruba) and Alaba Rago, occupied by Hausa traders.

“Furthermore, it is on record that several states in the East such as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo have also embarked on demolition of identified illegal structures for the purposes of flood control mitigation efforts, urban renewal or master plan enforcements. All carried out by the respective governors without taints of ethnic coloration attached. Why should that of Lagos State be different?

“It is, therefore, disingenuous and divisive for anyone to resort to ethnic sensationalism whenever enforcement actions involve structures owned or occupied by individuals of Igbo extraction.”

Olumide said Lagos State Government will not be drawn into political grandstanding and urged those fanning ethnic sentiments to desist and instead focus on addressing the pressing socio-economic issues within their constituencies.

“The actions of the Lagos State government are always guided by the Law. All developers and occupants of structures within the Trade Fair Complex are hereby given a two-week ultimatum to approach the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to regularise the approval status of their buildings in line with extant regulations,” he said.

October 10, 2025
Accountability and policy monitoring: Tinubu is doing the talk
- By Bamidele Atoyebi
In many African democracies, political accountability often ends with rhetoric. Elected leaders promise transparency, integrity, and reforms, yet when confronted with scandals, they tend to defend the indefensible.

Nigeria, however, appears to be rewriting that script under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has made it clear that misconduct in public service will not be tolerated.

Unlike the era when political office holders could weather scandals and remain comfortably in power, the present government has allowed no room for impunity.

The president’s actions have begun to enforce a culture of consequence in governance.

A clear example emerged just yesterday, October 7th, with the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology. His exit followed public outrage over alleged irregularities in his academic credentials.

Though the official explanation described his departure as voluntary, the timing and circumstances reflected the Tinubu administration’s firm position on ethics in public office.

This event adds to a growing list of cases where public officials have been compelled to step aside after their integrity came under question.

Earlier in the administration, Dr. Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, was suspended in January 2024 following revelations that ₦585 million of ministry funds had been transferred into a private account.

The president’s swift directive for her suspension, followed by her eventual removal during the October 2024 cabinet reshuffle, sent a clear message that even close allies are not immune to disciplinary action.

Similarly, Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, faced suspension and prosecution over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office.

His removal demonstrated the president’s readiness to subject top government figures to the rule of law, an approach rarely seen in Nigeria’s political history.

In 2024, Tinubu also ordered leadership changes within the nation’s intelligence and security agencies, following public criticism of performance lapses and administrative irregularities.

Another example is Ajuri Ngelale, who served as the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, as well as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action. In September 2024, Ngelale announced an indefinite leave of absence to attend to family health matters. However, credible media reports indicated that his exit came after internal conflicts and performance-related concerns.

Read Also: Nnaji: Tinubu not aiding corruption, cover ups – Onoh

Regardless of the underlying cause, his quiet departure rather than a public standoff aligns with the administration’s preference for discipline over drama, a contrast to what Nigerians were accustomed to in previous governments.

For the first time in decades, Nigeria’s political climate is witnessing something unusual. Senior government officials voluntarily resign or are compelled to do so when embroiled in controversy.

In the past, such figures would cling to power, deflect blame, and deploy political influence to silence critics.

The current trend indicates a deliberate shift in governance ethics, one that prioritizes reputation, integrity, and public confidence over personal loyalty or political convenience.

This culture of accountability aligns with President Tinubu’s early commitment to restore discipline in public institutions.

It also reveals the crucial role of monitoring and enforcement mechanisms in sustaining reforms.

While critics may argue that some of these actions are politically motivated, the pattern suggests a consistent principle, one where allegations of misconduct trigger prompt administrative response, rather than endless denial or cover-up.

Nigeria’s journey toward full transparency is far from complete, but the signs are promising.

By allowing public scrutiny to influence official accountability, the Tinubu administration is gradually institutionalizing a governance model where every appointee understands that misconduct has consequences.

This evolving standard not only enhances Nigeria’s global image but also inspires renewed faith among citizens who have long demanded a cleaner government.

As an organization committed to promoting integrity in public service, we recognize this administration’s ongoing efforts to match its words with action. Accountability is no longer a slogan, it is becoming a system.

To sustain this progress, Nigeria must strengthen its monitoring frameworks, protect whistleblowers, and ensure that every resignation or dismissal translates into due process and justice.

Corruption is not just a moral issue; it is a matter of national development. The more a country advances, the more its citizens demand transparency, and the less room there is for impunity.

As systems strengthen and institutions mature, contract frauds diminish, police extortion declines, and governance becomes more responsive.

Gone are the days when we would hear tales of missing funds swallowed by “snakes,” or when public recruitment exercises would end in tragedy with no accountability.

Those were times when officeholders under investigation could simply collapse in front of law enforcement agencies, and that would mark the end of the inquiry.

President Tinubu’s example has proven that leadership by enforcement, not just by speech, is possible.

By “doing the talk,” his administration is setting a standard that future governments will find difficult to reverse. And that, in itself, is the foundation of lasting reform.

– Bamidele Atoyebi is the Convener of BAT Ideological Group, National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy monitoring, and a publisher at Unfiltered and Mining Reporting
October 9, 2025
Lagos builds 10,000 homes in six years
- 24th Housing Estate opened in Badagry
Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu yesterday said the state has constructed over 10,000 housing units in the last six years.

The governor made this known during the inauguration of the first phase of the Lagos State Housing Estate in Ajara, Badagry, marking the 24th housing project completed under his administration.

The estate was renamed by Governor Sanwo-Olu in honour of the late former Head of Service, Sunny Akinsanya Ajose.

He described the 420 new homes as a major milestone, which underscored his administration’s continued commitment to providing decent and affordable shelter across all income levels, with a specific focus on decentralising development outside the city centre.

“As we near the end of this administration, our commitment to closing the housing gap remains strong, focusing on smart infrastructure investments that push development beyond just the city center. We are also working to complete four additional housing schemes across the state, which including, Lagos State Housing Estate, Ibeshe Phase II (192 units), Egan–Igando Mixed Housing Scheme, Clusters 2 & 3 (587 units), Epe Housing Scheme, Ita Marun (112 units) and LagosHOMS Sangotedo Phase II, Eti-Osa (524 units). Each of these developments highlights our strong belief that every Lagosian, no matter where they live or their income level, deserves a place they can truly call home,” he said.

The governor said Badagry has reaped the benefits of targeted investments in road infrastructure, public hospitals, schools, and other vital facilities.

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He said: “These initiatives have opened up this historic town to the world, positioning it as a rising hotspot for eco-tourism, culture, and commerce. This particular project has created over 1,300 jobs, both directly and indirectly, during its construction phase. Even more jobs will come from managing the facilities and other estate services once everything is fully occupied. Although this initiative was started by the previous administration, we have breathed new life and purpose into it — transforming the gateway to this great city and enhancing the newly expanded Lagos–Badagry Expressway.”

To further bridge the housing deficit, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the groundbreaking for Phase II of the Ajara project. This new phase will feature high-rise buildings of at least seven stories, a strategic move to “maximize our land resources” and accommodate more families.

‘We take pride in aligning our efforts with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda, aiming to provide affordable and sustainable homes for our citizens. We’re also in talks with financing organizations eager to partner with Lagos State to deliver mass housing and introduce innovative solutions that make home ownership more attainable and accessible. To enhance affordability, we plan to subsidize the selling prices of the housing units. Twenty percent of the homes will be set aside for members of the Medical Guild, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (Lagos State Chapter), and other public and private sector unions. Additionally, public servants will receive rebates as a token of appreciation for their dedicated service to our state,” he stated.

Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said the Ajara housing project was a major step toward the state’s housing goals under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda.

According to him, the estate, which occupies 18.9 hectares of land, consists of 35 blocks of 12-flat buildings, making a total of 420 units.

He added that each block included one, two, and three-bedroom semi-furnished apartments with kitchens, cabinets, wardrobes, and lighting fixtures.

Akinderu-Fatai explained that “the estate also has roads, drainage systems, car parks, external electrification, water and sewage treatment plants, and landscaping.”

He said: “Mr Governor, Sir, this is indeed another milestone in our collective journey towards increasing the quantum of modern, affordable, and sustainable housing for the good people of Lagos State. This moment is both a celebration of progress and a promise for the future — a beacon of hope for families and a symbol of our unwavering commitment to improving lives. The project commenced in the year 2013 by the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) and was later transferred to the Ministry of Housing for completion in the Year 2017. The present administration under your leadership directed that the project should be resuscitated and that the ministry must ensure its completion. We are happy to carry out your vision of not living this project the way you met it, Sir.

“Mr Governor Sir, your vision is to make Lagos State livable and sustainable. This dream needs to be energized with a plea to further intervene on behalf of the low income earners. It has been tough sustaining the infrastructure and maintaining common areas in our estates. This is majorly due to the increase in energy cost to power the sewage and water treatment system. The cost has been huge and most residents have found it difficult to pay. We, therefore, plea for urgent realization of plans to install solar system to power estate infrastructure and take them off the national grid. We acknowledge your love for low income segment of the society and especially your beloved workers and on their behalf we seek for the construction of more schemes. The ministry is ready to immediately commence work on Ajara Phase 2, The Epe phase 2, Ipaja Command scheme as well as Imota. This will help to further put your legacy on affordable housing development on solid ground.

Mr Governor, Sir, history will definitely be kind to your leadership for the provision of liveable and serene environment to those that you have been able to get to the housing ladder at prices that a far below the construction cost. We thank you on their behalf,” the commissioner said.
October 9, 2025
Army neutralizes nine terror-suspects, rescues 37 kidnap victims in Borno

The Nigerian Army has recorded another major success in the ongoing onslaughts against terrorists and other non-state actors across the country.

In coordinated ground and joint operations the troops neutralized nine terrorists, including five Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad (JAS), a Boko Haram splinter group, in Borno.

They also neutralized two terrorists in a border between Ekiti and Kogi state, and one in Delta State.

A military source told The Nation yesterday that troops recovered several weapons and logistics items from criminals in the operations that were conducted between October 2 and 6.

Providing details on the operations, the source said 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed ISWAP/JAS terrorists at Dipchari in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, and in the firefight that ensued five terrorists were killed.

“Similarly, 148 Battalion operating around the Iyemero community on the Ekiti–Kogi border neutralized two insurgents and recovered two new AK-47 rifles.

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While 3 Battalion repelled a large-scale attack on its location, inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists, with one confirmed killed and several others escaping with gunshot wounds,” the source said, adding “Troops also arrested eight criminal suspects for various offences including terrorism, kidnapping and illegal possession of weapons across Borno, Katsina, Imo and Plateau States. Among the arrests were an ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno, a suspected terrorist collaborator in Kukawa in Borno State, a wanted IPOB/ESN kingpin in Imo State, and a suspected gunrunner in Plateau State.”

According to the military source, troops rescued 37 kidnap victims across Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, Delta and Kebbi States, in ongoing clearance operations.

“Notably, 28 locals were freed from terrorist captivity in Sakaba, Kebbi State, including a pregnant woman who gave birth during the rescue,” the source said.

“In separate missions, troops in Kaduna and Delta States rescued a total of seven kidnapped civilians, while another two victims were freed in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following a swift response by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE.”

The source said troops have continued to intensify anti-smuggling and anti-oil theft operations in the South South, noting that in Imo State, combined forces of 34 Artillery Brigade and Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered multiple illegal refining sites, and destroyed over 20,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products.

“Troops equally recovered one dane gun, one fabricated pistol, three AK-47 magazines, 12 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 93 belted rounds of 7.62mm NATO and several motorcycles used for criminal activities,” he said.

October 9, 2025
CAN urges govt to protect Christians

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday urged the Federal Government to end attacks against Christians and bring perpetrators to justice.

The umbrella Christian body said this in a statement by Archbishop Daniel Okoh.

CAN said the association had followed the recent discourse with “deep concern,” emphasising the need to “speak clearly, truthfully, and with compassion” at such a critical time.

“CAN affirms, without hesitation, that many Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, have suffered severe attacks, loss of life, and the destruction of places of worship,” Okoh said.

He described the situation as a painful reminder of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen.

Okoh detailed the association’s sustained and multi-year efforts to draw international attention to the persecution, including establishing mechanisms to document religiously-motivated killings, engaging with global partners, and writing to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

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He expressed frustration that the efforts have yielded little result from the authorities.

“Our concern remains that these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial.

“We therefore renew our call on government and security agencies to take urgent, transparent, and equitable action to end the killings, safeguard vulnerable Christian communities from displacement, and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law,” he said.

Okoh, who stressed the human tragedy behind the violence, stated that the pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics.

Acknowledging the government’s existing efforts in tackling the nation’s security challenges, the CAN leader said they should be redoubled towards equitable protection for all, calling for perpetrators to be brought swiftly and transparently to justice.

He said: “Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage: the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities. Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace.”

October 9, 2025
Fed Govt urges ASUU to shelve planned strike
- ‘We’re addressing your demands’
The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to shelve its planned strike. The union has slated the industrial action to begin next week.

The government said there was no need for the union to embark on a strike as it was committed to addressing all outstanding demands the union had so far raised.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa made the appeal yesterday in Abuja while addressing reporters on the progress of ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and university-based unions.

ASUU has threatened to go on a strike at the end of its 14-day ultimatum, which it issued on September 28 and which will expire on October 12.

Alausa listed several steps the government has taken to demonstrate commitment, including the release of N50 billion for earned academic allowances and the provision of N150 billion in the 2025 budget for the revitalisation of tertiary institutions.

He said: “The President has kept his promises. We have addressed promotional arrears, and the issues of wage awards and allowances have been resolved. By next year, all arrears will be fully cleared, including the 2025 wage award. The government is sincere and committed.”

Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Alake at 69, describes him as loyal ally, patriot

Alausa stated that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed-led Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee had been reconstituted and inaugurated to fast-track talks with both academic and non-academic unions in the universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

He said: “We are finalising

the components of the condition of service that ASUU has proposed. Our counterpart committee is also working to conclude its response, and hopefully, by the end of today or tomorrow, the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Committee will present the Federal Government’s counteroffer to ASUU.”

The minister explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given clear directives that all efforts must be made to avoid another disruption in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

Alausa said: “The President has mandated us to do everything humanly possible to avoid a strike. People at the highest level of government have been working several hours behind the scenes to come up with a robust but affordable response to the unions’ demands. These issues have dragged on for over 10 to 15 years, but this administration is determined to resolve them once and for all.”

The minister announced that the government had adopted a unified approach to resolving issues in all tertiary institutions to ensure efficiency and cohesion in the process.

He added: “In the past, we had three different committees working: one for universities, one for polytechnics, and one for colleges of education. But that was not an efficient way to negotiate.

“Now, we have one expanded negotiating committee that engages all tertiary institutions and all unions – both academic and non-academic – to ensure a holistic understanding of their needs.”

According to him, about 80 per cent of the unions’ requests are similar across the tertiary subsectors, while the remaining 20 per cent relate to peculiar career and institutional needs.

“We have seen all the requests, and we understand their peculiarities. The new committee has started work already and will continue to engage the unions expeditiously to reach a mutually beneficial agreement,” Alausa said.

The minister also urged ASUU and other unions to embrace dialogue as a first option, rather than resorting to industrial action.

He said: “We know you have been patient, but please, don’t use a strike as your first resort. These are issues that have lingered for decades. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown genuine political will and benevolence towards education. We will resolve this matter comprehensively, respectfully, and in a way the government can afford.”

Alausa assured ASUU and other unions that discussions on the new conditions of service would soon be concluded, stressing that this was the final component of the ongoing negotiation process.

He said: “We have resolved most of the concerns raised by the unions, and we are now at the final stage of the conditions of service.

“We are pleading for patience. The government is truthful and genuinely interested in resolving this crisis once and for all.”
October 9, 2025
Alake gets U.S. lawmakers’ outstanding award

The House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina in the United States has honoured the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, with African Leadership Public Service Excellence Award for Solid Minerals Development and Sectoral Reform.

The U.S. lawmakers said the award was in recognition of his exemplary contributions to governance, public service, and reforms in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The honour was conferred on him during the African Leadership Public Service Excellence Awards, organised by Africa Leadership Magazine at the Proshansky Auditorium, City University of New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, said Dr. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, a member of the parliament who presented the award, applauded the minister’s transformational leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s mining industry for global competitiveness.

The statement noted that the organisers of the award also announced that the South Carolina legislature had passed a formal motion of recognition, signed by the Speaker, G. Murrel-Smith Jr., and Clerk, Charles Reid, acknowledging Alake’s distinguished record as a journalist, strategist, and public administrator.

Presenting the award, Henderson-Myers said: “We, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, commend you on your contributions to Nigerian politics and wish you success in all your future endeavours “

Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Alake at 69, describes him as loyal ally, patriot

In the citation presented by Aaron T. Manaigo, former Republican State Senator from New York, the lawmaker chronicled Alake’s four-decade journey across journalism, politics, and public administration.

“Dr. Alake began his professional journey as a writer and columnist before serving as Adviser on Information to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

He later worked with the pro-democracy movements that birthed Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and served as the Special Adviser on Information to then-Governor Bola Tinubu, now President of Nigeria Today, as Minister, he has redefined leadership in the solid minerals sector,” Manaigo said.

Receiving the award, Alake thanked the organisers and the South Carolina legislature for the recognition, promising not to lower the standards of governance and accountability that earned him the honour.

“This recognition further strengthens our resolve to continue transforming Nigeria’s solid minerals sector through transparency, innovation, and value addition,” he said.

October 9, 2025