The Nation Newspaper

Category: News

  • Tinubu, wife to visit UK in March on state invitation from King Charles III

    Tinubu, wife to visit UK in March on state invitation from King Charles III

    • …First Nigerian leader to pay UK state visit in 37 years
    • …King Charles, Queen Camilla to host President, First Lady at Windsor Castle

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will pay a state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19, 2026, following an invitation by King Charles III.

    The visit, which will take place at Windsor Castle, will be the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years.

    The confirmation was made public on Sunday by the British Royal Family via its verified X handle, @RoyalFamily, and later echoed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on his verified account, @aonanuga1956.

    In its announcement, the Royal Family stated: “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from Wednesday, 18th March to Thursday, 19th March 2026. The King and Queen will host the State Visit at Windsor Castle.”

    Onanuga, confirming the development, described it as a historic milestone in Nigeria-UK relations.

    “First state visit of a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years confirmed. President Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu to be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla from 18th March to 19th March 2026,” he wrote.

    The United Kingdom Mission in Nigeria has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will undertake a State Visit to the UK from March 18 to 19, 2026, marking the first such visit by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.

    In a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, the UK Mission disclosed that President Tinubu, will be accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.

    “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from Wednesday, 18th March to Thursday, 19th March 2026.

    “This historic visit provides an opportunity to further strengthen the enduring partnership between our two nations.

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    “The King and Queen will host the State Visit at Windsor Castle,” the UK Mission in Nigeria wrote.

    The announcement signals a major diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and is expected to further strengthen ties between both countries, particularly in areas of trade, investment, security cooperation, and cultural exchange.

    State visits are regarded as the highest form of diplomatic engagement between nations, typically involving formal ceremonies and high-level bilateral discussions.

    Further details of the itinerary and official engagements during the two-day visit are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

  • Governor Uba Sani mobilises clerics, media on peace drive ahead of Ramadan

    Governor Uba Sani mobilises clerics, media on peace drive ahead of Ramadan

    Governor Uba Sani has mobilized Islamic clerics, media organizations, and digital platforms to deploy the coming Ramadan as a force for peace, tolerance, and national cohesion.

    Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Dr. Mu’azu Meyare, at the 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Meeting organised by Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) at its National Headquarters in Kaduna, stressed that Nigeria’s prevailing economic, security and social challenges have heightened the responsibility of religious leaders and the media to guide public discourse with wisdom, restraint, and compassion.

    The Governor urged Ulamas to ensure that Tafsir sessions and other Ramadan enlightenment programmes consistently promote unity, peaceful coexistence, social justice, and care for the vulnerable.

    He noted that Ramadan, a sacred month of mercy, discipline, and renewal, offers a unique platform to reinforce values of sadaqa, patriotism, and prayers for the nation and its leaders, adding that sincere supplication during the holy month remains vital to national healing.

    The Governor further appealed to radio, television, and social media platforms to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in the transmission of Tafsir and religious content, cautioning against messages capable of inciting tension or division. He reminded participants that service to humanity remains one of the highest forms of worship in Islam.

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    Highlighting Kaduna State’s commitment to inclusive governance, the Governor said the administration’s interfaith framework has helped sustain relative peace and understanding among people of different religious beliefs.

    He reaffirmed government support for religious education and dialogue and pledged continued partnership with JNI and other faith-based institutions.

    The Kaduna State Government reiterated its readiness to work closely with religious leaders and the media to deepen tolerance, strengthen unity, and ensure a peaceful, spiritually enriching Ramadan season.

    The meeting was chaired by His Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Abba Kiyari El-Kanemi, who led deliberations focused on responsible preaching, religious harmony, and the preservation of peace during and beyond Ramadan.

    The JNI Pre-Ramadan Meeting drew eminent personalities from across the country, including traditional rulers, respected Islamic scholars, and community leaders, underscoring the national significance of the forum in shaping religious discourse ahead of Ramadan.

  • Senate committee commends Tinubu on launch of National Halal Economy strategy

    Senate committee commends Tinubu on launch of National Halal Economy strategy

    The Senate Committee on Finance has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for launching Nigeria’s National Halal Economy Strategy, describing it as a bold and strategic move to position the country within the lucrative global halal market, estimated at $7.7 trillion.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Senator Sani Musa, the committee praised the initiative as timely and aligned with international best practices.

    Several countries—including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Brazil, Thailand, and Singapore—have successfully used halal frameworks to boost manufacturing, agricultural exports, financial markets, and foreign investment.

    The committee highlighted Nigeria’s strong advantages for success in this space, including its vast agricultural resources, large domestic market, youthful population, growing manufacturing sector, and expanding services industry.

    It noted that the strategy fits seamlessly into the Tinubu administration’s broader economic reforms, such as boosting non-oil revenue, diversifying exports, creating jobs, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and increasing foreign exchange earnings.

    President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, officially unveiled the strategy on Thursday, February 6, 2026, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The framework, developed in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) following a bilateral agreement signed in February 2025 at the Makkah Halal Forum, aims to enhance quality standards, certification processes, and competitiveness across sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism, and ethical finance.

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    The committee described the strategy as inclusive, market-driven, and globally oriented, while fully respecting Nigeria’s diverse and pluralistic society.

    It is projected to contribute significantly to the economy, with estimates suggesting it could add around $1.5 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2027 and unlock billions more in domestic value over the coming decade through expanded exports and investment.

    Senator Musa pledged full legislative support, oversight, and cooperation to ensure smooth implementation, regulatory clarity, and long-term fiscal sustainability in the national interest.

    “This decisive step reinforces Nigeria’s readiness to adopt proven international models, unlock new economic frontiers, and establish itself as a competitive player in the evolving global economy,” the statement concluded.

  • Police probe alleged defilement of six-year-old girl by 65-year-old man in Ibadan

    Police probe alleged defilement of six-year-old girl by 65-year-old man in Ibadan

    The Oyo State Police Command said it has begun a probe into the alleged defilement of a six-year-old girl (name withheld) by a 65-year-old man, Ibrahim Raheem, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    A statement by the spokesman of the Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, said operatives of the Command are currently investigating the distressing case of the attempted defilement.

    According to the report, the victim was allegedly coerced and indecently assaulted multiple times throughout December 2025 while she was hawking at Onikeke, Ayegun area, Ibadan.

    The police spokesman said, “The alleged perpetrator, identified as 65-year-old Ibrahim Raheem, has been apprehended and has since confessed to indecently abusing the child, though he denied engaging in carnal knowledge.

    “Following the discovery of these acts, the victim was immediately taken to a hospital for comprehensive medical examination and socio-psychological care to address the trauma of the ordeal.

    Read Also: Police arrest suspect over alleged killing of nursing mother, baby in Katsina

    “Recognizing the gravity of the offense, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, Femi Haruna, has directed that the case be transferred promptly to the Command’s specialized Gender Desk for a discreet and professional investigation.

    “This move ensures that the matter is handled with the sensitivity required for crimes involving minors and sexual violence.

    “The Oyo State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous acts are brought to justice.

    “Consequently, members of the public are encouraged to continue providing credible information that aids the Police in safeguarding lives, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining a secure environment for all residents of the state.”

  • Edo APC chair dismisses rift with Oshiomhole ahead of party congresses

    Edo APC chair dismisses rift with Oshiomhole ahead of party congresses

    The acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, has dismissed claims of discord between him and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, as well as other party leaders in Edo North Senatorial District.

    Tenebe said there were no divisions within the party leadership ahead of the forthcoming APC congresses, stressing that the party remains united.

    Speaking in an interview in Benin City, he said the Edo APC would retain its current leadership structure at the congresses, describing it as a winning team.

    According to him, the only disagreement he had with Senator Oshiomhole was during the party’s 2024 governorship primaries, noting that both leaders later worked together during the campaign and secured victory at the polls.

    He described reports of a rift between him and Oshiomhole as false, adding that preparations for the congresses were progressing smoothly.

    “Our congress is coming and it will be seamless. After that, there will be a national convention, and the APC will come out stronger,” he said.

    Tenebe also said his working relationship with Governor Monday Okpebholo remains cordial, adding that the administration’s performance has earned broad support within the party.

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    He disclosed that all local government chairmen elected on the platform of the Labour Party, as well as 16 chairmen from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had indicated interest in defecting to the APC within the week.

    According to him, the planned defections reflect growing confidence in the APC and signal a weakening of opposition parties in the state.

    Commenting on Governor Okpebholo’s leadership style, Tenebe said the governor had succeeded in uniting stakeholders across political divides, noting that inclusiveness was essential for sustainable development in Edo State.

    “Some party members want to create conflict between the governor and party leaders because division creates camps, and camps create opportunities for personal gain. But the governor is smart and focused. His goal is unity so that the dividends of democracy can be delivered easily to the Edo people.

    “It is not the duty of the ruling party to protect the opposition. It is the responsibility of the opposition to be formidable. The Constitution guarantees freedom of association. If anyone wants to associate with us, we will accept them. I am not bothered even if all political parties collapse into the APC. If all journalists and even INEC collapse into APC, I will be happy.”

  • APM urges Adeleke to allow reinstated council executives operate freely

    APM urges Adeleke to allow reinstated council executives operate freely

    The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to allow reinstated local government executives to carry out their duties without hindrance, amid the ongoing council leadership crisis in the state.

    The party urged the governor to avoid actions that could inflame public sentiment or deepen political tensions surrounding the dispute.

    The call followed recent developments in the state, including reactions to a coalition of civil society groups that had demanded the declaration of a state of emergency over the situation in local governments.

    Reacting to the matter on Sunday, APM governorship candidate, Hon. Adewale Adebayo, faulted the governor’s stance on the crisis, warning that the situation could escalate if not properly managed.

    “As a democrat and governorship candidate of the APM, I oppose any attempt to obstruct democratic governance under the guise of political conflict,” Adebayo said.

    He also cautioned against calls for a state of emergency in Osun State, describing such moves as potentially harmful to democratic processes.

    According to him, political leaders should focus on maintaining stability and ensuring that democratic institutions function without disruption.

    “Governor Ademola Adeleke should not ruin the democratic system Osun people are enjoying ahead of the 2026 election because of narrow and selfish political interests.

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    “It is a matter of public record that since February 2025, democratic governance at the grassroots has been suspended through political manoeuvres after the governor rejected the court-recognised APC local government executives.”

    He lamented that rather than Adeleke and his government complying with binding judgments, his administration deployed cronies to frustrate local government administration and paralyse council operations across the state through strikes and the use of the Osun Assembly under the leadership of Adewale Egbedun.

    The APM gubernatorial candidate disclosed that “Governor Adeleke instituted no fewer than 14 court actions on this issue and lost 13 of them. Yet, instead of respecting the authority of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, his government continues to manipulate and misrepresent those judgments through selective interpretations that suit its political agenda.

    “This deliberate distortion of court rulings has created confusion, instability, and lawlessness at the local government level. Tragically, it also created the climate that led to the gruesome murder of the Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Hon. Remi Abass. While the law must take its course, leadership must also take responsibility for the environment it creates.

    “We have consistently maintained that Governor Adeleke is relying on local government funds to finance his re-election project. Funds meant for teachers, health workers, and rural development are now being trapped in political battles instead of serving the people.

    “Rather than accept responsibility, the governor has chosen to harass and externalise blame against President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and other federal actors for crises that are entirely of his own making.”

    “This is not about APC versus PDP. It is about democracy versus desperation, and the Osun people deserve democracy.

    “We warn Governor Adeleke to stop these dangerous shenanigans and allow the court-recognised APC local government executives to function freely. Democracy at the grassroots must not be sacrificed for political survival.”

  • Police recover suspected illicit drugs from hideout in Ibadan

    Police recover suspected illicit drugs from hideout in Ibadan

    The Oyo State Police Command has recovered various quantities of suspected illicit drugs from a criminal hideout in Ibadan.

    The Command said the seizure followed credible intelligence provided by a strategic partner, which led operatives to the location.

    In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the information indicated that an apartment on Abanise Street in the Academy area of Olomi, Ibadan, was being used to store a large consignment of suspected illicit drugs.

    According to the statement, the apartment was allegedly linked to one Oluwadamilare Adedayo, a male resident of the address, who was believed to be using the premises for illegal activity.

    The Command said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and curb the circulation of illicit substances.

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    “In response, detectives were promptly deployed to the location to verify and act on the information.

    “Consequently, a thorough search of the apartment and its immediate surroundings was conducted. During the operation, nine (9) bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, one hundred and one (101) wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Canadian Loud, as well as other hard and illicit drugs, were recovered and duly secured as exhibits, thereby disrupting a suspected drug distribution network within the area.

    “In view of the suspect’s absence at the time of the operation, intensive surveillance and a coordinated manhunt have been launched on the express directive of the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Femi Haruna, to apprehend the suspect who is believed to have concealed the exhibits before police intervention.”

    The Command, however, reassured residents of the State of its unwavering commitment to sustaining the fight against crime in all its ramifications and urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information, as security remains a collective responsibility.

  • Uzodinma urges APC in Abia to intensify grassroots membership drive

    Uzodinma urges APC in Abia to intensify grassroots membership drive

    Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State to embark on an aggressive grassroots membership drive across the 17 local government areas of the state.

    Uzodinma, who also serves as Director-General of the Renewed Hope Agenda, a pro-President Bola Tinubu group, gave the charge during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

    Represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the governor reminded party members and the ambassadors of the tasks ahead, particularly as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.

    He said the Renewed Hope initiative reflects the president’s commitment to restoring confidence and delivering on governance priorities.

    According to Onyejeocha, the ambassadors would be responsible for grassroots mobilisation across all local government areas to strengthen support for the administration.

    She urged them to serve as a bridge between the people and the government by ensuring effective communication of community needs and aspirations.

    “You must listen to the needs and aspirations of your communities and relay them to the government for appropriate action,” she said.

    She also encouraged the ambassadors to be proactive, innovative and responsive in their engagement with residents.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the APC chairman in Abia State, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, commended President Tinubu for initiatives he said were aimed at developing the Southeast.

    He cited the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission, the approval of an airport project in Abia, and plans for a modular refinery, among other projects in the region.

    Ononogbu described the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors as the beginning of a new phase for the party in the state and a reaffirmation of support for the president’s leadership.

    The State chairman tasked the new Ambassadors to bridge the gap between the party and the people through advocacy, civic engagement, political education, and constructive dialogue.

    “The message of the Renewed Hope agenda focuses on evangelizing achievements and milestones, which is not an evangelism of lies but of truth, facts, and figures.

    He also praised President Tinubu for his sterling performance since he assumed office in 2023 through major infrastructural, social, and economic reforms that have put the country on the right track.

    The State coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Chief Henry Ikoh, during his remarks, stated that the renewed hope Ambassadors are now working in conjunction with the Abia APC with the sole mandate of re-electing the president in 2027.

    “Go to the grassroots and preach the gospel of President Tinubu’s performance, APC flag will continue to fly in Aso Rock, the 184 wards and 17 local government Areas in the state.

    He also commended Tinubu for increasing allocation given to the state and local government, which has translated to development.

    Prince Paul Ikonne, alongside Sen Nkechi Nwogu, the former senator representing Abia central in their separate remarks, labeled the renewed hope ambassadors as foot soldiers of Tinubu in the local governments of the state, with the mandate of mobilizing grassroots support for the president’s re-election.

    “We’ll massively vote for President Tinubu in 2027 because of his great achievements. Abia will no longer be left behind in the scheme of things, and therefore, all hands must be on deck to re-elect the president in 2027.

    Highlights of the event include the formal inauguration of the renewed home Ambassadors by Chief Henry Ikoh, the state coordinator, and the commissioning of the Renewed Hope Ambassador’s office, Umuahia, to the admiration of all and sundry present.

  • China-bound auto parts dealer arrested at Kano airport for ingesting 95 wraps of cocaine

    China-bound auto parts dealer arrested at Kano airport for ingesting 95 wraps of cocaine

    …NDLEA intercepts meth consignments in yogurt packs, Mp3 speakers

    …raids Colos factory in Ibadan, arrests kingpin

    A 62-year-old Lagos-based businessman, Nwabueze Nicholas Izueke, has been arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) while heading to China with 95 jumbo-sized wraps of cocaine weighing 1.589 kilograms buried in his stomach.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

    Babafemi said Nwabueze was arrested on Saturday, 31st January 2026, at the Kano airport during the outward clearance of passengers going to China via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940.

    According to the statement, when taken for a body scan, he tested positive for ingesting an illicit drug and was promptly placed under observation.

    Babafemi said while under observation, the suspect, who claims he’s into the clothing and auto spare parts business in Lagos, expelled a total of 95 pellets of the class A drug in seven excretions.

    In his statement, he claimed he decided to engage in illicit drug trafficking to raise enough money to complete the country home he’s building in his village, Iwollo, Enugu state, Babafemi said. 

    The spokesman said while a total of 627.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, were recovered from a makeshift warehouse within Fums Plaza in Kubwa, FCT, attempt by Ebube Okeke, Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze and Friday Michael to smuggle consignments of methamphetamine concealed in Mp3 speakers from Enugu to Abuja and Kaduna was on Friday 6th February foiled by NDLEA operatives in Abuja who intercepted the consignments in a bus.

    Babafemi said a follow-up operation in Zuba, FCT led to the arrest of Ebube Okeke who is the owner of one of the parcels containing 173grams of meth, while the trio of Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze, and Friday Michael were nabbed on Saturday, 7th February, in Kaduna when they showed up to collect the second consignment weighing 28grams of meth.

    The statement reads, “In a similar development, NDLEA operatives at Dan-anacha patrol point, Gassol local government area of Taraba state, on Friday, 6th February, intercepted a suspect, Yusuf Abubakar, 32, conveying packs of Hollandia Yogurt from Lagos heading to Mubi, Adamawa state.

    “Acting on intelligence, the NDLEA officers searched the yogurt packs, some of which were used to conceal wraps of white powdery substance that tested positive to methamphetamine, weighing 1.8 kilograms.

    “In Oyo state, NDLEA officers on Thursday, 5th February arrested a Beninoise Shuaibu Abdulrahman, 29, at Ibudo-Igboho village, Sooro Kishi, where they recovered 149.6kg

    Skunk concealed in rice shafts. In a separate operation in Ibadan, a suspect, Adeniyi Adeola (a.k.a Prince) was nabbed at Foko, Agbeni market on Wednesday, 4th February. Recovered from his truck marked BDJ 767 YC include: 10,820 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 117,820 capsules of tramadol.

    “Also in Ibadan, a drug kingpin, Jimoh Nurudeen, 40, who owns a facility where he produces Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, was on Saturday, 7th February, at Badeku area of Ibadan, along with his accomplice Ogundipe Yusuf, 27. Recovered from them include: 8 litres of precursor chemical; 14 grams of skunk and other paraphernalia of Colos production, as well as a monetary exhibit of ₦7,408,400.00 and two vehicles: a Mercedes-Benz SUV marked ABC 832 AZ and a Toyota Highlander with registration number RBC 243 BS.

    “In Kwara state, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, 7th February, intercepted a fuel tanker conveying petrol from Lagos to Maiduguri, Borno state. A search of the truck led to the recovery of 395,400 capsules of tramadol concealed in parts of the petrol-laden truck, while the driver was taken into custody.

    While a couple, Izuchukwu Azubuike, 37, and Ifunaya Mmadueke, 32, were arrested at Umuaka, Njaba, Imo state, with 203kg skunk on Saturday, 7th February, operatives in Ondo state on Friday, 6th February, recovered 420kg skunk in a bush at Ikun Akoko.

    “No fewer than 31 wraps of cocaine hidden in a hand bag were seized by operatives of the Marine Command of NDLEA from a suspect, Eze Nodebechi Austin upon his arrival from Cote D’Ivoire in a passenger’s boat at Yekeme, Badagry, Lagos state on Friday 6th February.”

    Babafemi said a suspect, Adekunle Oluwatosin Olajide, was on Wednesday, 4th February, at Lagos Island by NDLEA operatives who recovered 3.6 kilograms of Canadian Loud and Colorado from him.

    He said in Enugu, a drug dealer, Emeka Okeke, 37, was nabbed in his hideout at Akuruka street, Asata, Ezeagu, where various quantities of skunk, meth, cocaine, and molly, as well as N457,700 monetary exhibit were seized from him.

    “Meanwhile, across all Commands and formations of the Agency nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, in the past week.

    “These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Agulu Awka Community Secondary School, Awka, Anambra; Okeodo Community High School, Igboora, Oyo; and Wisdom Foundation Secondary School, Ado, Lagos, while the Niger State command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to the Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Mohammed Auwal Ibrahim, among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of the MAKIA, Marine, FCT, Taraba, Oyo, Kwara, Imo, Ondo, Lagos, and Lagos Commands for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to maintain the current level of professionalism and commitment in all their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities,” it reads.

  • Oyo moves to resolve disputes in hire-purchase vehicle scheme

    Oyo moves to resolve disputes in hire-purchase vehicle scheme

    The Oyo State Government has begun implementing measures to address challenges surrounding vehicles acquired through hire-purchase agreements, particularly those affecting transport operators across the state.

    The intervention is aimed at resolving disputes in the popular “work-and-pay” arrangement, where operators use income from daily operations to gradually pay for vehicles.

    The development was disclosed during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry in Ibadan over the weekend.

    The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi, said the meeting was convened following a resolution by the Oyo State House of Assembly calling on the government to intervene and promote fairness, sustainability, and transparency in hire-purchase operations.

    Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Okesade, the commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to people-centred governance.

    He said the engagement was designed to gather practical insights that would guide the development of a balanced policy framework capable of protecting livelihoods while encouraging responsible business practices.

    The meeting was attended by representatives of the Motor Dealers Association of Nigeria (MODAN), the Automobile and Motor Dealers Association of Nigeria (AMDON), the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS), the State Intelligence Department (SID), and other key stakeholders.

    Speaking at the session, the chairmen of MODAN and AMDON, Captain Oluwole Odeleke (retd.) and Asiwaju Olurinde Kolawole, noted that hire purchase, popularly known as “work-and-pay,” remains a widely used model for acquiring income-generating assets such as tricycles, motorcycles, and vehicles.

    They stressed the need for clearer operational standards, improved documentation, and realistic repayment structures to reduce disputes and strengthen trust among all parties involved in the system.

    Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Park Management System, Tajudeen Jimoh, highlighted the socio-economic pressures faced by many youths who depend on hire purchase arrangements for economic empowerment, describing the engagement as timely and necessary.

    Officers of the State Intelligence Department (S.I.D), Eleyele Police Station, sensitised participants on the provisions of the Hire Purchase Act, urging all parties to embrace transparency, written agreements, and lawful procedures in resolving disputes.

    Other stakeholders at the meeting agreed that outcomes of the discussions would be harmonised into formal recommendations for legislative consideration and subsequent policy action, aimed at establishing a humane, structured, and sustainable hire purchase system in Oyo State.

    In another development, the Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic development, enterprise growth, and youth empowerment through strategic initiatives focused on agricultural export promotion.

    This was made known during a two-day Human Capacity Training on Agricultural Exportable Produce organised by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan.

    The Commissioner, Adeniyi Adebisi, explained that the initiative was designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers and exporters, improve agricultural value chains, and promote compliance with international export standards.

    He added that the programme was built upon earlier export cluster development training held in July and August 2025, noting that the Makinde administration recognises agriculture as a strategic driver of economic growth, small-scale entrepreneurship, and foreign exchange earnings.

    He assured participants that the state government would continue to provide enabling policies and capacity-building programmes to support farmers, exporters, and young entrepreneurs in positioning Oyo State as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural export economy.