The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Groups reject senator’s call for sack of Ribadu

    Groups reject senator’s call for sack of Ribadu

    Two groups, Oodua Peoples Network (OPN) and Niger Delta Stakeholders’ Forum (NDSF), have rejected the call for the removal of National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu by Senator Francis Fadahunsi because he is not a soldier.

    The senator, who represents Osun East in the Senate, said in a statement by his media aide, Sam Segun, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should “reorganise the nation’s security management team by appointing a retired military officer as the National Security Adviser (NSA).”

    Fadahunsi urged the President to redeploy the NSA to another area of national service where his competence would be better utilised.”

    But objecting to the suggestion, OPN said in a statement by its president, Chief Olasupo Bamidele, Secretary, Chief Emmanuel Adesokan, and Director of Organization, Kehinde Olasope, that the respected lawmaker ignored an appropriate channel for communication with the president.

    The group lamented that Fadahunsi threw up “our collective national security to the court of public opinion as against using his privileged position to communicate to the President where his position would have been given the desired attention.”

    OPN pointed out that “the position of the NSA is not the exclusive reserve of serving or retired military officers,” adding that “It is open to all competent Nigerians whom the president has confidence in.”

    The group added, “It’s on record that from its establishment in 1990, the Office of the National Security Adviser was piloted by Late Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta (a retired IGP) as the pioneer Coordinator, National Security (1990-1993) and Alh. Ismaila Gwarzo Nigerian high-ranking security and intelligence official (1993-1998), both performed creditably well and were adjudged the best. And yet, they were not military officers.

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    “Without prejudice, between 1999 to 2023, the office was occupied by 6 different military officers at various times, and yet our national security situation deserves a lot.

    “Therefore, to restrict the Office of the National Security Adviser to a retired military officer, portends a total lack of understanding of the national security concept by the Distinguished Senator.

    “If the Distinguished Senator had done a little diligence, he could have found that the most successful National Security Advisers in the USA, UK, and other advanced democracies were civilian citizens, while ironically, their military counterparts had the worst administration.

    “Looking at the events leading up to the unfortunate declaration of Country of Particular Concern by the US administration recently, President Tinubu appointed the NSA Mal Nuhu Ribadu to lead a Nigerian high-powered delegation to engage with the US team for peaceful resolution of the seeming impasse.

    “His appointment was due to his pedigree and global network outreach, as he commands respect within and outside the international intelligence family.

    “It’s on record that due to his acumen and diplomatic disposition, he has succeeded in attaining a mutually supportive position with the US administration to the relief of our country.”

    Also rejecting the senator’s suggestion, NDSF, in a statement by its President, Andrew Mene, Secretary, Chief Rowland Tamunopiri, and Publicity Secretary, Umukoro Erhimeyoma, said the call reflected a narrow view of national security leadership.

    According to the group, “modern security challenges-ranging from terrorism and cyber-threats to intelligence coordination-require not just military experience but strategic intelligence, inter-agency coordination, and policy depth, all of which Ribadu has demonstrated throughout his career.”

    NDSF said Ribadu’s track record as a former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman and his longstanding involvement in security and governance reforms showed that effective security leadership is not defined solely by military background, but by competence, integrity, and the ability to integrate intelligence with security operations.

    The group said, “Rather than distracting the nation with unnecessary politicisation of security appointments, leaders should support efforts already underway to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve operational synergy, and pursue lasting peace across the country.”

    It added, “What Nigeria needs is results, not recycled arguments rooted in outdated assumptions. Senator Fadunsi’s suggestion that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should replace Mallam Nuhu Ribadu with a retired military officer as NSA exposes a shallow and outdated understanding of modern national security leadership. The idea that only a soldier can manage national security belongs to the past.

    “Today’s security environment demands intellect, intelligence capability, strategic coordination, and integrity – qualities Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has demonstrated for decades.

    “Ribadu’s leadership is anchored in deep experience in intelligence, anti-corruption enforcement, inter-agency collaboration, and counter-terrorism and policy competencies that many retired officers do not possess.

    “Security is no longer about who can wear a uniform; it’s about who can analyse threats, dismantle complex criminal networks, and coordinate civilian and military structures effectively.

    “Senator Fadunsi should also be reminded that the world’s most successful democracies do not restrict the role of National Security Adviser to military officers.

    “In fact, they deliberately appoint seasoned civilians, technocrats, or intelligence professionals: These nations understand that modern security strategy is intelligence-driven, analysis-driven, and coordination-driven, not rank-driven.

    “President Tinubu’s appointment of Ribadu aligns with global best practice.  Leaders like Senator Fadunsi should focus on supporting the reforms already strengthening Nigeria’s intelligence architecture.

    Nigeria needs competence, strategy, and results, not old stereotypes disguised as advice. National modern security is driven by intelligence, strategy, and coordination, not by military rank.

    “Malam Nuhu Ribadu’s appointment as NSA is not a sentimental or political choice – it is a strategic, calculated decision grounded in the realities of modern security threats and what Nigeria urgently needs: integrity, intelligence, and actionable strategy.”

  • Education accountability network seeks EFCC update on NSCDC investigation

    Education accountability network seeks EFCC update on NSCDC investigation

    The Education Accountability Network has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to provide a comprehensive update on its investigation involving senior officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its convener, Tola Abegunde, the network said transparent communication on the matter is vital because the NSCDC plays a key role in school protection under the Safe Schools Initiative.

    Abegunde noted that the public deserves clarity on the progress of the probe, especially in view of recent security challenges affecting schools across the country.

    The group referenced reports that some senior NSCDC officers were invited and handed over to the EFCC following earlier directives issued by the commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to question officers and contractors linked to the case.

    “The EFCC must inform Nigerians about the current status of this investigation,” Abegunde said, adding that providing updates would strengthen public confidence in the process.

    The network stressed that concerns raised over procurement processes, contract approvals and financial management in the agency highlight the need for stronger institutional oversight.

    It noted that while schools in several regions continue to face security risks, it is important for all funds designated for safeguarding educational institutions to be properly utilised.

    Abegunde added that the network expects the investigation to be concluded and appropriate actions taken in line with the law.

    The group also called on the federal government to ensure due process is followed, saying that accountability remains essential to restoring public trust in security institutions.

    It further encouraged the Ministry of Interior and the National Security Adviser to strengthen oversight of the NSCDC to enhance procurement standards, financial controls and personnel conduct.

    Abegunde reaffirmed the network’s commitment to promoting transparency in education governance and supporting efforts to keep learners safe across the country.

  • New revenue system to eliminate leakages, boost transparency’

    New revenue system to eliminate leakages, boost transparency’

    The federal government has launched a new technology-driven revenue system, the Revenue Optimisation and Assurance Project (REVOP), an initiative designed to redefine how the nation tracks, collects, and manages its public finances.

    It also launched the Federal Treasury Receipt (FTR) a groundbreaking reform that provides a single, standardised, and digitally verifiable proof of all payments made into the Federal Government account.

    The FTR ensures that every government-issued receipt directly corresponds to funds received into government accounts.

    The initiative was championed by the Federal Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

    At the formal presentation during the 31st National Economic Summit in Abuja, Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthen fiscal responsibility through innovation and technology. 

    He described REVOP as a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, which focuses on stabilization, recovery, and growth.

    The minister noted that the imitative ‘represents a unified effort to safeguard every kobo of public revenue through innovation, automation, and accountability, by bringing all revenue under a single, technology-driven framework that promotes transparency and fiscal discipline’.

    Edun added that REVOP was created to ‘identify, collect, reconcile, monitor, and protect government revenues across all Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and Federal Government-Owned Enterprises (FGOEs)’. 

    He said, “It is our determination to make sure we bring in every single penny. There’s government money lying outside the TSA, lying outside of the Central Bank, and it requires enforcement, consensus, and the right use of technology.”

    Designed to implement the Central Billing System (CBS) of the government which became operational on October 1, REVOP allows for instant reconciliation of government payments, giving public finance managers real time visibility of transactions.

    Other aspects of the initiative include the Revenue Splitting Engine, Treasury Management System, and Revenue Monitoring Dashboard, which are designed to ensure that every transaction within the government’s revenue chain is visible, verifiable, and traceable.

    Aside from its technology-driven system, REVOP will also help to rebuild trust in public finance and empower policymakers with accurate financial intelligence and enable more effective decision-making.

    It will also strengthen fiscal transparency and ensure that every government revenue stream can be monitored in real time, representing a shift from a paper-driven, reactive system to a transparent, proactive, and technology-enabled model.

    “Our goal is simple but vital – every naira earned by the government must be visible, traceable, and used responsibly for the benefit of Nigerians. REVOP is a bold and practical step toward that vision, one that builds trust, strengthens accountability, and supports sustainable growth,” Edun added.

  • Stakeholders advocate improved interagency collaboration to curb terrorism, others

    Stakeholders advocate improved interagency collaboration to curb terrorism, others

    Security experts have renewed calls for stronger interagency cooperation as Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. 

    They argued that no single outfit has the capacity to address the scale of insecurity without sustained partnerships across the defence and law enforcement architecture.

    The position was canvassed at an inter-agency lecture and awards ceremony organised in Lagos by publisher of Razornews, Odita Sunday. 

    Themed “Institutional Collaboration as a Tool for Counter-Terrorism and Crime,” the event brought together senior personnel from the military, police and paramilitary institutions as well as private security operators.

    Speaking at the gathering, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the need for unprecedented institutional collaboration to achieve national security. 

    Egbetokun who was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh, noted how the command has leveraged onboarding all stakeholders to dismantle major criminal networks and lowered crime rates in the state. 

    The police chief specifically highlighted the need for joint planning, collaborative execution and intelligence sharing across agencies, bringing to the fore the clamour for a unified national biometric database. 

    “I am heartened by the level of cooperation and understanding that continue to pull among our security institutions. Our ability to safeguard our nation depends on our unity of purpose, our readiness to share knowledge, and our willingness to work together,” said Egbetokun. 

    In his keynote address, Commander, Miningarshal, John Attah Onoja, an Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), said the country’s security challenges demand coordinated action. 

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    He noted that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping have become complex threats that require intelligence-sharing, joint field operations and structured cooperation among agencies.

    Guest speaker, Dr. Bone Chinye Efoziem, highlighted the growing role of private security organisations and host communities in intelligence gathering, surveillance and early-warning systems. He said public-private partnerships were now critical in preventing attacks and closing security gaps.

    A communique issued at the end of the event stressed the need for stronger engagement with non-state actors, including vigilante groups, describing them as essential components of local security networks. 

    It called for promotion of patriotism and national interest over ethnic, political or religious sentiments, adding that insecurity threatens all categories of citizens.

    Traditional rulers were identified as pivotal to community policing, with participants urging government to entrust them with more responsibilities in conflict prevention and intelligence gathering. 

    It asked monarchs to discourage land-grabbing and avoid profiling non-indigenes, stating that isolated offences should not define entire groups.

    The communiqué listed unemployment, illiteracy, proliferation of arms, drug abuse and access to illicit funds as major drivers of violence.

    Participants also faulted weak political will in tackling illegal mining in the North West, describing it as a major funding stream for armed groups. 

    They called for stronger local and international cooperation, including joint task forces and enhanced engagement with global bodies like Interpol.

    To enhance operational effectiveness, the communiqué recommended a joint control centre for the military and police to support rapid decision-making and response. 

    It also pushed for improved police-community relations to strengthen intelligence gathering and early detection of threats.

  • ‘Ignore misinformation surrounding directive on withdrawal of police escorts’

    ‘Ignore misinformation surrounding directive on withdrawal of police escorts’

    Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised Nigerians to ignore the needless drama, misinformation and politically-motivated hysteria surrounding the recent directive on the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs.

    Spokesman Seye Oladejo in a statement yesterday in Ogba, Lagos, said: ‘’The matter has been blown out of proportion by those who thrive on sensationalism, rather than sober reflection.

    ‘’The truth is simple, clear and incontrovertible: this policy is neither new, strange, nor targeted at any individual or group. It is a routine administrative measure aimed at restoring professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force and reinforcing the primary mandate of the police – to protect the general population, not a privileged few.’’

    He said for years, stakeholders and security experts had lamented lopsided deployment of police personnel, where thousands of officers, who should secure communities, infrastructure and public spaces, were instead attached to individuals as status symbols.

    He added that the reform was, therefore, a long-overdue correction, not a controversy.

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    ‘’Unfortunately, opposition figures – ever desperate for relevance – have attempted to weaponise this issue, spinning false narratives to mislead the public. Their loud lamentations betray a mindset that sees public institutions as personal estates. Nigeria cannot continue to fund insecurity at the national level, while pampering VIP sensitivities.

    ‘’President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Inspector General of Police deserve commendation, not criticism, for championing a reform that prioritises the safety of millions of ordinary Nigerians. Lagos APC stands behind any policy that strengthens national security, improves community policing and restores discipline to the security architecture.

    ‘’We also wish to assure the public that the decision does not affect constitutionally-mandated security details for public office holders or those entitled to official protection by law. It merely curtails the abuse, excesses and frivolous deployment of police officers to private engagements, ‘’ the statement said.

    Oladejo said in the days ahead, citizens expected more policy adjustments in the security sector as the country accelerated its journey toward a safer, more efficient and more accountable policing system.

    He said those attempting to politicise ‘’this reform should be reminded that the era of impunity is over.

    ‘’In summary, the supposed outrage is unnecessary, the fear-mongering is baseless, and the attempts at politicisation are dead on arrival. This is a positive step toward national security revival – nothing more, nothing less.’’

  • 10 die, 21 injured in Lagos, Kogi, Enugu crashes

    10 die, 21 injured in Lagos, Kogi, Enugu crashes

    Ten persons have lost their lives and 21 injured in multiple accidents in Lagos, Kogi and Enugu states.

    In Lagos, a federal fire service officer stationed at the Trade Fair Complex died yesterday in an incident on the trade fair inward Abule-Ado service lane in Lagos. A police officer and a scavenger were killed in an accident at Ilubirin, inward Simpson on Lagos Island.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) spokesman, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the accidents, describing them as another painful reminder of the dangers of reckless driving on the roads. LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olaleken Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

    In Enugu, an accident involving no fewer than 10 vehicles at New Gariki on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

    The crash, which involved four trailers loaded with cattle and other goods, two commercial buses, two Sienna vehicles, and several smaller cars trapped the fallen articulated vehicles. “People were driving one-way with speed. Before we knew it, trailers and vehicles collided and everything scattered,” he recounted.

    In Kogi State yesterday, six indigenes died in a road accident on the Lokoja /Okene highway. Thirteen others sustained various injuries.

    The state Information and Communications Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, who confirmed the accident , said the victims were returning from an official function when it (the accident) happened.

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    Fanwo gave details of the accident in a statement to mourn the  victims and commiserate with  their families.

    The statement read: “The Kogi State Government regrets to announce a tragic accident involving a bus conveying some of our citizens who were returning from the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held earlier today (yesterday) at the Government House, Lokoja.

    “The unfortunate accident, which occurred along the Lokoja–Okene Road, claimed six precious lives. Thirteen others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at different health facilities across the state.

    “ This tragedy has brought profound sorrow to the Government and people of Kogi State. We mourn deeply with the families of the deceased and extend our heartfelt condolences to them during this painful and devastating moment.

    “The loss of any Kogite is a loss to us all, and we stand in solidarity with the affected families and communities. This is indeed a dark day in our history.

    “His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed that the State Government take full responsibility for the medical care of all injured persons until they fully recover.

    “Government officials have been deployed to the various hospitals to ensure that the victims receive the best possible treatment and to provide support to their families.

    “Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones, as we consider this a state tragedy of devastating magnitude.

    “ As we collectively grieve, we ask for prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the quick recovery of the injured. May God grant the bereaved families the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

  • Police officer, scavenger die in Lagos road accident

    Police officer, scavenger die in Lagos road accident

    A police officer and a scavenger were killed on Wednesday in a road traffic accident at Ilubirin, Simpson, on Lagos Island.

    LASTMA spokesman Adebayo Taofiq confirmed the incident, describing it as a reminder of the dangers of reckless driving on Lagos roads. 

    Preliminary investigations indicate that a Toyota Camry with registration number MUS 885 JA, reportedly travelling at excessive speed, lost control, veered off its lane, and struck both victims, who died instantly.

    LASTMA officers quickly secured the scene to prevent further accidents, and the driver, who allegedly attempted to flee, was apprehended and handed over to the Adeniji Adele Police Division for investigation and prosecution. 

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    The damaged vehicle was later evacuated to restore traffic flow.

    General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, visited the scene, offering condolences to the families of the deceased. 

    He urged motorists to comply with approved speed limits, highlighting that speed violations remain a leading cause of preventable deaths, and reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to ongoing road safety education.

  • Expert: Nigeria can cut smoking harm by 95% with science-led strategy

    Expert: Nigeria can cut smoking harm by 95% with science-led strategy

    Public-health experts have called on Nigeria to adopt a science-driven, risk-proportionate tobacco harm reduction (THR) framework as part of its national health strategy, warning that the country cannot significantly reduce smoking-related diseases without providing adult smokers with safer, regulated alternatives.

    The call followed new findings from the World Health Organisation’s Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2023), which show that 3.7 per cent of Nigerian adults still smoke despite years of anti-tobacco campaigns. Health analyst and epidemiologist Dr. Yusuff Adebayo said Nigeria must strengthen its traditional tobacco-control measures but complement them with scientifically validated harm-reduction tools.

    In a recent commentary, Adebayo described THR as “a pragmatic, evidence-based tool that complements, not replaces, traditional tobacco control efforts,” stressing that offering safer options is crucial for adults who are unable or unwilling to quit smoking.

    “Decades of global tobacco-control efforts have shown one clear reality: a segment of adult smokers will continue to seek nicotine. The goal should be to encourage them toward less harmful, scientifically substantiated products,” he said.

    Citing a 2022 review by Public Health England, he noted that vaping is considered at least 95 per cent less harmful than smoking because it eliminates combustion—the primary driver of tobacco-related conditions such as cancer, chronic lung disease, and heart illness.

    He also referenced several U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rulings authorising specific heated-tobacco and oral-nicotine products as Modified Risk Tobacco Products (MRTPs), meaning they expose users to significantly fewer toxicants than cigarettes. According to him, these decisions provide a scientific basis for Nigeria to develop its own risk-proportionate regulatory framework.

    Adebayo stressed the need for balanced policies that guide product standards, consumer safety, and industry conduct.

    He warned that excessive taxation or unclear rules could push smokers toward dangerous, unregulated products.

    “For THR to work in Nigeria, we need clear regulations, strong safety standards, transparent labelling, and fiscal policies that reflect relative risk. Non-combustible products should not be taxed at levels that discourage smokers from switching to safer options,” he said.

    He noted that harm reduction is already recognised in Article 1(d) of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Japan, he added, have significantly reduced smoking rates by adopting risk-proportionate approaches that make low-risk products more accessible than cigarettes.

    Beyond regulation, Adebayo highlighted the importance of building public trust and improving scientific communication.

    He cited a 2024 study in the International Journal of Medical Students showing widespread uncertainty among Nigerian medical trainees about applying THR principles. He said this underscores the need for updated curricula, professional training, and access to balanced information.

    He also recommended the creation of independent advisory bodies and post-market surveillance systems to monitor product use, track unintended consequences, and ensure long-term public-health protections.

    Industry observers believe that a well-structured THR policy could also yield economic benefits by reducing the flow of illicit tobacco products, attracting compliant manufacturers, stimulating innovation in low-risk nicotine technologies, and lowering healthcare costs linked to smoking-related illnesses.

    “With the right mix of science, regulation, and public education, Nigeria can meaningfully reduce the health impacts of smoking while empowering adults with safer choices,” Adebayo said, adding that the country stands at a critical inflection point.

    He concluded that Nigeria now has an opportunity to embrace “a balanced, evidence-based pathway to better health outcomes.”

  • Firm trains, empowers widows with grants through WiFIn project

    Firm trains, empowers widows with grants through WiFIn project

    The Hands of God Widows Support Initiative (HOGWIN) has commenced its Financial Literacy and Business Management Training under the Widows Financial Inclusion (WiFIn) Project, aimed at equipping widows with the skills and knowledge to transform small trades into sustainable businesses.

    Launched in August, the WiFIn Project seeks to promote economic independence, digital inclusion, and financial literacy among underserved widows across Nigeria. The programme will conclude with the empowerment of selected participants, each of whom will receive a micro business grant to support and expand their enterprises.

    Speaking at the launch, HOGWIN Executive Director, Phranklin Audu, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to long-term economic inclusion for widows.

    “We must have a mind shift from widows’ empowerment to widows’ investment. An investment in widows yields measurable returns that translate to reduced poverty, improved economic opportunities, and the promotion of gender equality in line with the Sustainable Development Goals,” Audu said.

    He explained that the Financial Literacy Training covers essential topics such as budgeting, savings, bookkeeping, business planning, and the use of digital financial tools—all designed to strengthen participants’ financial decision-making and ensure the sustainability of their microbusinesses.

    Audu expressed appreciation to Cashvance Investment Limited for funding micro grants for five widows, describing the support as a model of corporate social responsibility and a commitment to fostering financial inclusion, supporting vulnerable groups, and driving shared economic prosperity.

    He noted that Cashvance’s involvement reflects its dedication to strengthening women-led microbusinesses, reducing poverty, promoting responsible financial habits, boosting economic growth in low-income communities, and enabling long-term wealth creation through education and access to financial services.

    Audu also urged other financial institutions, private sector organisations, and development partners to join the WiFIn Project, stressing that such collaborations are vital to closing Nigeria’s financial exclusion gap and advancing community development.

    “Over the years, HOGWIN has recorded significant impact through its interventions, providing widows with business tools such as grinding machines, sewing machines, and other livelihood equipment. These contributions have helped widows support their households, pay school fees, and achieve economic stability,” he said.

    He added that the WiFIn Project aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

    Early beneficiaries of this year’s programme expressed gratitude. Caterer Mrs. Tokunbo Agboide said the grant arrived at the perfect time, enabling her to buy food items in bulk and reduce losses from middlemen. Street vendor Esther Okon said being able to purchase a full bag of corn would significantly boost her profit margins.

    HOGWIN, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering widows through financial inclusion, entrepreneurship support, and gender equality advocacy, has impacted more than 1,200 widows across Nigeria through skills development, business support, and sustainable livelihood programmes.

  • Insecurity: Tinubu needs our prayers to end banditry, kidnapping, says APC chieftain

    Insecurity: Tinubu needs our prayers to end banditry, kidnapping, says APC chieftain

    A stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Olabode Omoyele, has called on Nigerians to offer sustained prayers and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as his administration intensifies efforts to curb the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges bedevilling the country.

    Mr Omoyele said President Tinubu had shown enormous commitment through various security reforms, but stressed that the battle against violent crimes required both governmental action and collective spiritual support.

    He made the appeal on Wednesday at the empowerment programme organised for the residents of the 13 wards at Okitipupa in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.

    The APC chieftain expressed optimism that the insecurity bedevilling the country would soon be surmounted following the ongoing efforts of the President Tinubu-led administration at tackling the escalating activities of the bandits ravaging the North-East and North-Central parts of the country.

    “At this moment in our country, Mr President (Tinubu) deserves our support and prayers as he is making efforts to end the ongoing insecurity challenges in some parts of the country.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Group hails Tinubu’s order on police VIP security withdrawal

    “I will also urge our people to be security-conscious in their environments. Security matters should be a business for everyone, and I believe very soon this challenging time will be over,” Omoyele said.

    He observed that insecurity remained a nationwide issue that could not be resolved overnight, stressing that the government of President Tinubu had continued to invest in modern equipment, recruit more security personnel, and restructure command systems to strengthen intelligence gathering and rapid response.

    While commending President Tinubu for his various reforms in addressing the nation’s economic challenges, Omoyele asked Nigerians to be very vigilant in the environment.

    He explained that the empowerment initiative, with the disbursement of items worth N100 million to the beneficiaries, was born out of his utmost passion for community development and desire to create meaningful impact in the lives of people across Okitipupa LGA.

    Omoyele, who is also the founder of Olabode Humanitarian Foundation, added that the empowerment initiative was a strategic move to support the good work and laudable performance of President Tinubu and the Minister for Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    According to him, Tunji-Ojo has continued to work relentlessly via various platforms such as the Asiwaju Mandate Group and PBAT Continuity Project in Ondo state to ensure that the good works of the Mr President continue beyond 2027.

    “This initiative is driven by my commitment to making life better for our people, particularly the vulnerable. We must continue to support one another to build a stronger and more prosperous community. This is my personal project sponsored by me to give back to society,” he said.

    The major highlight of the event was the official launch of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Continuity Project in Ondo State, led by its Director-General, Pastor Femi Agagu, former Commissioner for Education and former Chief of Staff to the late Governor Olusegun Agagu.

    Some of the items distributed include 1000 10kg bags of rice and N10,000 cash presentation to 1000 widows, 1000 spraying pumps to farmers, 1000 bottles of herbicides to farmers, N50,000 cash presentation to 200 youths, N50,000 cash presentation to 50 men, and another N50,000 cash to 100 women. Over 1000 cutlasses were also shared with farmers, among others.