The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • The rebirth of Edo Line

    The rebirth of Edo Line

    In the heart of Nigeria’s South South region lies a state uniquely positioned as a transit and gateway corridor—Edo State. For decades, its strategic location made it a pivotal hub for movement across the country, linking the South East, South South, South West, and even Northern Nigeria. It was this geographical advantage that inspired visionary leaders of the past to establish an indigenous, state-owned transport network to serve both the people and the nation. One of such visionary projects was the creation of Edo Line, an iconic symbol of mobility, enterprise, and progress, birthed by the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia.

    Edo Line was more than just a transportation firm—it was a symbol of Edo pride, a public utility that once stood tall among transport networks in Nigeria. From the 1980s through the early 2000s, the company offered efficient inter-state services and provided hundreds of jobs for Edo youths. However, by 2010, this once-reliable system began to crumble under the weight of neglect, poor maintenance, and policy inconsistencies. Successive administrations tiptoed around its revival without meaningful commitment.

    In 2017, the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki finally closed that chapter by shutting down Edo Line indefinitely. The directive came with the relocation of remaining staff to the Ministry of Transport, and the company’s facilities were abandoned. Buses and courier units were left to rot; offices became dilapidated shells of their former selves. With a mounting debt of over N1.5 billion, the company seemed destined for liquidation rather than rehabilitation. Edo Line joined the list of public utilities choked by the dust of time and government inaction.

    But history, as it is often said, is kind to leaders who confront problems head-on. In just a few weeks after his inauguration, Governor Monday Okpebholo demonstrated that leadership is not just about grand promises but timely action. Accompanied by his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the Governor visited the ruins of Edo Line along Mission Road, Benin City. What he met was a graveyard of lost dreams—but he saw more than decay; he saw potentials.

    By February 2025, a flurry of activity began: the Governor approved the purchase and commissioning of over 100 new Toyota Hiace buses—a fleet that signaled not only revival but modernization. Unlike previous efforts that were trapped in bureaucracy or lip service, this intervention was swift, strategic, and structured. The New Edo Line was reborn—not as a recycled version of its former self—but as a rejuvenated model ready to compete and serve.

    Read Also: Ijaw protest poor infrastructure in Edo community

    Now, with operations set to begin on June 27, 2025, the once comatose Edo Line will roar back to life after 15 years of abandonment. For a state that sits at the crossroads of national commerce and travel, this is not just a return; it is a renaissance.

    The implications of this revival go beyond intra-state travel. With the new fleet and improved infrastructure, the New Edo Line is poised to become the heartbeat of public transportation in Southern Nigeria. As a transit state, Edo serves travelers from Lagos heading to the East, from the North seeking access to the ports in the South South, and from neighboring states like Delta, Kogi, and Ondo.

    This means more than movement—it means commerce. It means safer travel, job creation, digital ticketing systems, courier revival, and the resurgence of Edo’s logistical power. Moreover, this move aligns with regional integration plans within the Southern Governors’ Forum and opens up Edo for greater collaboration and investments in the transport and logistics sector.

    The ripple effect? With increased mobility comes urban development, stronger inter-state business ties, and enhanced accessibility for rural communities who rely on efficient public transport for survival and economic activity.

    That such a transformative initiative was accomplished within the first 100 days of Governor Okpebholo’s administration is not just commendable—it is historic. In a political climate where even basic infrastructure can take years of planning and politicking, this swift execution underscores the Governor’s hands-on leadership, sense of urgency, and love for the people.

    In a time when cynicism about government action runs deep, the New Edo Line rebirth rekindles hope. It is proof that with the right leadership, public utilities can be resuscitated; that legacies can be preserved and modernized; and that the government can still work—fast and effectively—for the people.

    The buses may be new, but what is truly new is the vision steering the wheels. The New Edo Line stands today as a testament to the power of political will, the relevance of Edo as a regional mobility hub, and the necessity of investing in infrastructure that moves people, goods, and ideas.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo has done in 100 days what took others more than a decade to ignore. And as the engines of the New Edo Line hum back to life this June, Edo people—and indeed Nigerians—can be assured that this journey is not just about buses. It is about destination. It is about dignity. It is about a government in motion, driven by purpose.

    Edo Oyeeeee!

    • Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State
  • Yayi: Beyond the Ojude Oba exclusion

    Yayi: Beyond the Ojude Oba exclusion

    By Kunle Somorin

    The recent exclusion of Senator Solomon Adeola from chairing the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival is a calculated political move that speaks volumes beyond the immediate event itself. It is a manifestation of power struggle, a testament to the ever-dynamic interplay of influence, ambition, and resistance within the complex theatre of Ogun State politics. Beneath the veneer of tradition and palace deliberations lies an orchestrated manoeuvre, designed to curb the momentum of a man whose political trajectory threatens to upend existing power structures.

    The Ojude Oba Festival, with its grand confluence of people, tradition, and authority, provides a potent platform for the subliminal endorsement of leadership. To have Adeola preside over the event would have been to reinforce his acceptability, to confirm his place in the consciousness of the people as the natural choice for the state’s future. It was a moment his detractors could not afford, for they understood all too well that political ascendancy often begins with perception.

    Adeola’s emergence at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s residence shortly thereafter stands as the ultimate repudiation of the strategy deployed against him. In stepping into the nucleus of national political power, he has reinforced the notion that his relevance is dictated by forces far beyond the provincial calculations of Ogun State politics. His presence alongside Tinubu is not a moment of mere social engagement; it is an assertion, a declaration that his political future remains untouched by the manoeuvrings of a threatened few.

    The implications of this re-emergence are profound. Firstly, it solidifies his standing within the hierarchy of power, affirming that his trajectory is shaped at the highest levels of governance rather than by the machinations of local operatives. While his adversaries sought to diminish his presence within Ogun State, his presence in Tinubu’s inner circle demonstrates that his influence extends far beyond the boundaries of regional contestation.

    In Nigerian politics, proximity to power is as consequential as policy itself, and Adeola’s positioning within the presidency’s orbit speaks volumes about his enduring relevance. Secondly, this episode dismantles any perception of political diminishment. For all the effort invested in excluding him from Ojude Oba, the conversation surrounding his gubernatorial viability has only intensified, fuelled in part by the very forces that sought to silence him.

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    Adeola’s appearance at Tinubu’s residence serves as a counterweight, obliterating the illusion of marginalisation and asserting instead that his trajectory is beyond the confines of localised resistance. Those who sought to obscure his visibility have inadvertently amplified it, ensuring that his name remains dominant in discussions of Ogun State’s political future.

    Thirdly, the re-emergence underscores the futility of attempting to regulate the rise of political figures through exclusionary tactics. The power calculus within Nigerian politics is complex, governed not merely by local contestations but by overarching strategic alliances that dictate outcomes far beyond immediate appearances.

    Adeola’s ability to recalibrate his positioning within the space of two hours demonstrates a political dexterity that is invaluable in contests of this nature. His detractors, in seeking to dictate his fortunes through restrictive measures, have been confronted with the reality that genuine political resilience is impervious to transient obstruction.

    In truth, Senator Solomon Adeola’s exclusion from chairing the Ojude Oba Festival has ultimately served to amplify his political presence and reinforce his position as a leading figure in Ogun State politics. The attempt to undermine his momentum has instead galvanized his supporters and highlighted the organic support he commands among various constituencies.

    As Ogun State looks to the future, it is clear that Adeola’s trajectory is shaped by forces beyond the control of local operatives. His emergence at President Tinubu’s residence underscores his national relevance and solidifies his standing within the hierarchy of power. The lessons from this episode are clear: attempts to suppress a political force often result in the opposite effect, fortifying rather than diminishing its relevance.

    Adeola’s resilience and determination have demonstrated that his political strength is undeniable, and his trajectory is unalterable. As the state prepares for its next political transition, one thing is certain: Senator Solomon Adeola will be a dominant force in the conversation. His exclusion from Ojude Oba has become a moment of unintended validation, and his presence will continue to shape the political landscape of Ogun State for years to come.

    •Somorin writes from Crescent University, Abeokuta

  • Ahmed Aliyu: Leveraging vision, lifting Sokoto

    Ahmed Aliyu: Leveraging vision, lifting Sokoto

    By Louis Achi

    According to the legendary organization expert and pioneer of modern leadership principles, Warren Bennis, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” Visionary leaders execute strategies that transform ambitious goals into tangible outcomes.

    Bennis’ insight highlights the imperative for leaders to inspire, guide, and act on their ideas to achieve real-world results. This encapsulates the story of northwestern region’s Sokoto State under the administration of youthful Governor Ahmed Aliyu who has leveraged bold visioning to transform the ‘Seat of the Caliphate.’

    From the outset, it’s important to state that the massive development changes that Governor Aliyu has accomplished in his two years in office came without borrowing a kobo, a scourge many governors cavalierly indulge in.  This clearly stands him out as a frugal, strategic thinker and innovative problem-solver. His innate ability to navigate complex, tough governance environments and make bold decisions also clearly recommends him for future higher leadership responsibility.

    Youthful Governor Aliyu also covets knowledge-driven innovations, proactive, inclusive engagement with stakeholders, relevant institutions, policy makers and more importantly, sure-footed action. These dimensions have been boldly mirrored in actualizing his nine-point SMART agenda despite the overarching challenges.

    Governor Aliyu’s nine-point SMART agenda include – education, health, water, agriculture, security, youth empowerment, local government autonomy, religious affairs, and economy. He significantly recognizes the necessary complementarity and synergy between his administration’s first agenda – education – and the imperative transformation of Sokoto State.

    For instance, Sokoto State’s 2025 budget of “Transformation and Infrastructural Sustainability,” notching N526,882,142,484.39 targets consolidation of achievements of the 2024 budget. The state’s 2025 budget has a recurrent expenditure of N176,295,602,130.14 billion and a whopping N349,386,540,354.25 billion for capital expenditure, a 34:66 percent recurrent to capital ratio.

    As in the 2024 budget which gave education over 30 per cent, next year’s budget also unapologetically prioritises education. According to the former Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Sambo Bello Danchadi, “Some key areas of focus for the 2025 budget include: Education: with 25% allocation; devoting substantial portion of the state’s budget to education is a significant commitment to improving the sector. This move will help address infrastructural deficits, fund educational programs, and ensure the effective delivery of teaching and learning.

    By surpassing UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15-20%, the administration has demonstrated its priority for education, which is critical to achieving sustainable development.

    From the basic to tertiary levels in the state, the governor’s premium on education is obvious from the re-accreditation of several courses in its tertiary institutions and the massive construction of schools, renovation of dilapidated buildings, provision of furniture, and instructional materials, the prompt payment of examination fees for students writing the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations, and the payment of outstanding scholarships for students undergoing various degree programmes.

    Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s vision for educational transformation is mirrored in various specific interventions. His APC-led administration has prioritized education as a cornerstone of societal progress.

    A significant highlight of his tenure is the intervention for 88 Sokoto State medical students affected by the crisis in Sudan. Rather than allowing these future healthcare professionals to languish in uncertainty, his administration facilitated their transfer to Usmanu Danfodiyo University Medical College, ensuring their education remained uninterrupted.

    This bold initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to nurturing human capital and fostering resilience in the face of challenges.

    Moreover, the government has invested heavily in educational infrastructure and teacher training programmes. By creating enabling environment for both students and educators, the administration is building foundation for a more enlightened and competitive youth population in Sokoto State.

    Hon. Danchadi also revealed that over 800,000 children in the state have been enrolled into basic education schools, marking a drastic increase in the number of enrolments into public primary schools and attributes the increased enrolment to the efforts of the state governor to improvement of education infrastructure across the state.

    Significantly, the administration accomplished these feats without borrowing a kobo from any bank or financial institution within or outside the country.

    More, there is little debate that within two years of Governor Aliyu’s administration, there have been several viable projects executed under the State Universal Basic Education Board, Sokoto, with the help of its Executive Chairman, Alh. Umar Nagwari Tambuwal who assumed office along with his lieutenants on 28th May 2024.

    As part of strict commitments to revive the state’s basic education sector, within two years, huge amount of resources were injected in the provision of infrastructures and other necessary facilities to 2,115 pre-primary and primary and 296 junior secondary schools across the state.

    From March, 2024 to January, 2025, the State UBEC Board, Sokoto constructed 161 blocks of 2, 3, and 4 Compartment classrooms, offices, children’s restrooms, and veranda across the state.

    There was also construction of 128 modern toilets, drilling and reticulation of 32 boreholes as well as procurement of 35,369 furniture and renovation of 169 blocks of 3, 2 and 4 Compartment the classrooms with office and verandah across the state.

    In the meantime, the abandoned UBEC/SUBEB Smart Model School Maituta Road was successfully completed on the approval of N90,981,433 and construction of new primary school with construction of Blocks of 2 and 3 classrooms toilet verandah office and children restroom at Bada Bada village in Kware Local Government.

    Two months ago the administration initiated a digital training programme designed to transition participants from digital illiteracy to digital literacy and provide extensive training in computer literacy, graphic design, video editing, social media marketing, and AI for productivity. This critical project is anchored by the State’s Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy (MIDE) flagged-off by the Commissioner, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo.

    Governor Aliyu further announced the state government’s plans to train further 10,000 individuals across the state, aimed at enhancing digital skills and promote self-sustainability. Participants, drawn from all 23 local government areas in Sokoto State have reported significant improvements in their digital skills since the program’s inception.

    The training covered essential courses, including Digital Computer Literacy, Social Media Marketing, Graphic Design, Video Editing, and Artificial Intelligence for Productivity.

    This initiative is a key component of Sokoto State’s proactive strategy to prepare its citizens for digital transformation. MIDE remains dedicated to advancing digital literacy, technological advancement and fostering innovation across all sectors of the economy of Sokoto State.

    By its deliberate, heavy investment in educational infrastructure and teacher training programmes, the government is creating enabling environment for both students and educators. The administration is in effect building foundation for a more enlightened and competitive youth population in Sokoto State.

    As Sokoto ‘weaponizes’ the crucial tool of education to achieve accelerated transformation in a development-hungry milieu, Governor Aliyu has also scaled-up the place of technology to explore diverse development models in the world and settle for the best “Next-Level” option. Technology unquestionably is a key development facilitator.

    Governor Aliyu’s administration’s fiscal discipline which has significantly enabled it execute numerous developmental projects besides education without resorting to loans as well as maintaining a debt-free status with contractors. This circumspect approach ensures long-term sustainability and reflects a governance model rooted in accountability and financial responsibility.

    In conclusion, three agenda arenas of Sokoto State’s current administration must be touched – agriculture, security and workers’ welfare – although they don’t exhaust the wide scope of Governor Aliyu’s governance play-book.

    Read Also: Nigerian democracy more threatened than acknowledged

    Agriculture certainly grabbed the governor’s attention. Agricultural production was boosted through the provision of very affordable inputs – fertilizer, farming equipment, improved seedlings, chemicals such as herbicide pesticide and other items for irrigation.

    The governor is also working on the rehabilitation of dams for dry season farming. Water supply has also improved, with the completion of several water projects. The governor’s determination is regular supply of water to projects.

    While many states curiously struggle with dealing with basic human imperatives, Governor Aliyu would have none of that. His dedication to workers’ welfare, particularly retired civil servants, is unmatched. Pensioners in Sokoto State, for years, endured hardship due to unpaid gratuities and pensions.

    Sokoto’s current humane administration took decisive action to address these issues, clearing arrears and ensuring timely payments. This commitment has resonated positively with his statewide constituency and restored dignity and financial stability to thousands of suffering retirees neglected by the previous administration.

    Like most states in the North-Western zone, Sokoto State is faced with insecurity ranging from terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and others. The need to confront the challenges of insecurity with the seriousness it deserves did not escape Governor Aliyu’s attention. In this connection, about 150 well-equipped security patrol vehicles were procured and donated to the security personnel to ease their task in fighting the disruptive enemies of the state.

    Additionally, Governor Aliyu also established Community Guard to assist the conventional security in tackling the challenge by providing intelligence to them. As a local entity, the Community Guard knows the locality more than the conventional security personnel.

    Just two years in the saddle, unassuming Governor Ahmed Aliyu has certainly altered the development trajectory of the conservative North-Western Sokoto State. And without borrowing a kobo.

    That is the difference quality governance vision makes.

  • Ogun Rep lauded for grassroots impact, authentic leadership

    Ogun Rep lauded for grassroots impact, authentic leadership

    A member of the House of Representatives representing Abeokuta North/Obafemi Owode/Odeda Federal Constituency of Ogun State, Honourable Olumide Osoba, has been lauded for people-centered leadership and impact at the grassroots.

    In a personal statement made available to journalists, a constituent, Muritala Sanyaolu of Owode Ward 3, Obafemi Owode Local Government, said Osoba’s character, approach to politics, and service delivery stood him out in a political environment often dominated by empty rhetoric and self-promotion.

    The lawmaker was described as an authentic leader, whose quiet but consistent contributions continue to make a difference across the state.

    “Honourable Olumide Osoba is one of the few public officeholders who prove that purposeful leadership still exists. Though I’ve never met him personally, his track record, humility, and dedication to his constituents resonate even beyond the borders of his federal constituency,” Sanyaolu said.

    He noted that while many politicians rely heavily on their family name or political lineage, Osoba has deliberately chosen to define his own legacy through sincerity, inclusivity, and service. 

    “Born into a respected political family, he could have easily remained in the shadows of those before him. But he chose to earn his own respect through hard work and genuine connection with the people,” he added.

    Sanyaolu highlighted Osoba’s legislative focus on core development issues such as rural electrification, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. 

    “In an age where politics is often about noise and showmanship, Osoba has stayed focused on substance. His interventions reflect a deep understanding of grassroots realities,” he said.

    He also praised the lawmaker’s personality, describing him as calm, approachable, and devoid of the airs many public officials carry.

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    “There is a dignity about him that commands respect, but not fear. For young people like myself who are passionate about public service, he shows that one can be ambitious without being arrogant, and successful without losing touch with the people,” he said. 

    He said Osoba’s leadership style is defined by “quiet impact,” where achievements are recorded without unnecessary fanfare. 

    “It is this type of leadership, silent, steady, and sincere, that is often the most enduring. Honourable Osoba embodies that.”

    He said Osoba, who has served in the House of Representatives across multiple terms, has been lauded for several constituency projects, including solar street lighting, health centre upgrades, classroom rehabilitation, and youth and women empowerment schemes. 

    “He is also known for supporting legislative efforts that strengthen national unity and enhance development outcomes at the grassroots.

    “From afar, I’ve come to admire his way of doing things. He leads by example, and that kind of leadership leaves an impression even without direct contact,” Sanyaolu said.

    He urged other lawmakers and public officeholders to adopt similar standards of service, noting that Nigeria’s development would be more assured if more leaders mirrored Osoba’s focus, humility, and commitment to progress.

    “Honourable Olumide Osoba is not just doing his job, he is redefining what it means to serve,” he said. 

  • Akpabio lauded for strategic leadership, national consensus building

    Akpabio lauded for strategic leadership, national consensus building

    President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been lauded  for strategic, inclusive, and results-driven leadership since assumption of office in marking two years since June 13, 2023.

    The Special Assistant, Media to the President of the Senate, Jackson Udom, in a commemorative reflection titled “Akpabio: Diary of a Legislative Czar in the Red Chamber,” lauded Akpabio’s commitment to national consensus building for the development of the country.

    Udom chronicled the achievements of the Senate President over the last 730 days, highlighting his role in stabilizing the Red Chamber, strengthening the legislative institution, and contributing to key national reforms.

    “Senator Akpabio has demonstrated exceptional leadership, navigating complex legislative terrain with finesse and clarity of vision. His ability to balance competing interests, unite political factions, and drive forward the agenda of national development is a testament to his strategic insight,” Udom said.

    He noted that from the outset, Akpabio’s emergence was not without challenges as he faced resistance from within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and skepticism from the opposition. 

    However, he said, backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership, Akpabio built the consensus needed to clinch the Senate presidency and immediately swung into action to reconcile various camps.

    He pointed out that one of the most contentious issues facing new Senate leaderships, the sharing of committee positions, was deftly handled. 

    Udom noted that Akpabio oversaw an inclusive process that ensured equitable distribution of chairmanships and deputy roles across party lines, preempting the friction that had undermined previous sessions.

    “With deliberate strategy and tact, he ensured that no senator or bloc felt left out. That spirit of inclusion has engendered stability and unity in the Red Chamber,” Udom noted.

    He said under Akpabio’s leadership, the Senate has passed several impactful legislations, including the 2025 Appropriation Act. He also played a key role in rallying legislative support for the removal of fuel subsidies, a policy long considered necessary but politically risky.

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    Udom described Akpabio’s role in the subsidy removal as a reflection of his courage and clarity in governance

    “Rather than shy away from the policy, he stood with the executive, articulating the economic rationale and bringing the Senate along in support,” he said.

    He added that beyond that, Akpabio’s Senate has prioritized laws and policies that promote economic growth, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and national security. 

    His leadership style, Udom said, has helped improve budget performance and foster accountability across government agencies.

    Recognizing the country’s complex security landscape, the Senate under Akpabio approved significant budgetary increases for the military, police, and intelligence community. 

    These moves, Udom said, underscore the Senate President’s commitment to national stability and security.

    “Akpabio understands that a secure Nigeria is the foundation for development. His support for security reforms and funding demonstrates this understanding,” he said.

    He said in terms of oversight, the Senate has adopted a more proactive stance, demanding efficiency and transparency in public spending. 

    Udom credited Akpabio for pushing the Senate to go beyond rubber-stamping to meaningful engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

    One hallmark of Akpabio’s leadership, Udom said, is his openness to the public and the media. 

    He said through regular briefings and statements, the Senate President has kept citizens informed about the Senate’s priorities and positions on critical issues.

    “Akpabio has made efforts to demystify the Senate and restore trust in legislative processes. This is vital in bridging the gap between citizens and their representatives,” he noted.

    According to Udom, what has emerged over the last two years is “The Akpabio Model” which is a framework built on four pillars: strategic vision, inclusive leadership, transparency, and effective communication.

    He said future presiding officers and legislative leaders would do well to study and emulate this model.

    “Senator Akpabio has shown that with vision, patience, and tact, a Senate can be both productive and peaceful. He is not just presiding over lawmakers; he is managing a national institution in the service of democracy,” Udom stated.

    He said as Akpabio’s tenure progresses, attention is shifting to what legacy he will leave behind.

     For now, Udom said, the Senate President remains committed to deepening democratic values, promoting good governance, and delivering legislative backing for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “The last two years have shown what is possible when leadership rises above politics and focuses on nation-building,” Udom said.

  • You lack good taste, Wike replies critics, defends ₦39bn conference centre renovation

    You lack good taste, Wike replies critics, defends ₦39bn conference centre renovation

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has justified the ₦39 billion spent on the renovation of the International Conference Centre in Abuja, asserting that the transformation was comprehensive and befitting of Nigeria’s status as the “Giant of Africa.”

    Speaking on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed Left-Hand Service Carriageway in Abuja, Wike explained that the only part of the conference centre untouched was the block work.

     He emphasised that the original ₦240 million cost in 1991 cannot be compared to today’s figures due to inflation and currency depreciation.

    “The only thing in that International Conference Centre that was not changed is just the block work. Everything in that Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre was changed,” Wike said in a pointed response to critics.

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    He added: “They said we did not name the International Conference Centre after someone who built it. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikiwe. Moshood Abiola International Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola.”

    Wike also addressed concerns about the project’s cost, saying, “What was the exchange rate in 1991? Compare the exchange rate to what we have in 2025.”

    Brushing aside criticisms over the centre’s renaming and the ₦39bn price tag, the minister stated: “We have taste, we want the best for the country and the president has given the best for the country.”

    He further defended his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, under whose administration the centre was renovated and renamed.

    “If you did not do well to defend your boss when you had the opportunity, it is your business. I am here and I will defend my boss. I have done it and I have no regret at all,” Wike said.

    The renovated centre, now named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, was inaugurated by the President on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

  • Ex-Minister Ohanenye launches grassroots movement for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

    Ex-Minister Ohanenye launches grassroots movement for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

    Former Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy Ohanenye has declared her unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Ohanenye announced the relaunch of her nationwide grassroots campaign, “Naija Save Naija 2027,” aimed at mobilizing 10 million Nigerians to back the President. 

    The initiative revives the political network she previously led to secure support in the 2023 elections, particularly among persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups.

    Speaking through her spokesperson, Musa Abdulrahaman, Ohanenye described her commitment to Tinubu as a “deep-seated conviction” inspired by his leadership style, reform-driven policies, and national development agenda.

    “My commitment to President Tinubu is not merely political,” she said, “it is rooted in observing his visionary leadership and genuine efforts to uplift every Nigerian.”

    She credited the Tinubu administration with making significant strides in economic reform, national security, and social welfare, despite inheriting numerous challenges from past governments.

    “He has responded with courage, strategic foresight, and unwavering resolve to create a better Nigeria,” she added.

    The Naija Save Naija 2027 campaign will focus on grassroots mobilization across all 36 states and the FCT, targeting women, youth, farmers, traders, professionals, and the vulnerable, in a bid to build broad-based support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

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    “Our target of 10 million Nigerians is not just a number; it represents a collective voice of support, a resounding affirmation of confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, and a clear mandate for him to continue steering Nigeria towards prosperity,” she said.

    The former minister called on “all well-meaning Nigerians” to support the continuity of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which she described as “a living document of progress.”

    Details of the campaign’s official relaunch and nationwide activities are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

    Ohanenye, known for her advocacy and grassroots influence, reaffirmed her resolve to work “tirelessly” to secure another term for Tinubu, positioning herself as a key ally in the President’s 2027 political calculus.

  • Group advocates hail executive-legislative synergy under Tinubu administration

    Group advocates hail executive-legislative synergy under Tinubu administration

    The Renewed Hope Advocates have commended the growing collaboration between Nigeria’s executive and legislative arms, describing it as a catalyst for effective policy implementation and national development.

    The group’s coordinator, Comrade Prince Miaphen, said the organisation has adopted the theme “Executive-Legislative Synergy: A Foundation for Sustained Democracy and Development” for its 2025 Democracy Day celebration. He noted that the theme underscores the importance of unity, mutual respect, and cooperation between the arms of government in advancing the country’s progress.

    Miaphen hailed the Tinubu administration for ushering in a new era of executive-legislative cooperation, particularly between the Presidency and the Senate, which he described as unprecedented in Nigeria’s recent political history.

    He praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for providing what he called “patriotic, mature and visionary leadership” to the 10th National Assembly. 

    According to Miaphen, this leadership complements President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and has been instrumental in ensuring political stability and rapid policy execution.

    “There is no doubt that the current synergy between President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has contributed significantly to the stability of governance and the swift implementation of key reforms,” Miaphen said. 

    “Unlike previous administrations marked by inter-arm rivalry, we are now witnessing a unified and coordinated drive towards national development.”

    He lamented that in the past, friction between the executive and legislature often resulted in legislative gridlock, delayed budgets, and failed reforms, which eroded public trust in democracy. 

    In contrast, he said, the cooperative approach of the current administration has enabled faster passage of executive bills and stronger legislative oversight of reforms critical to reviving the economy.

    Miaphen cited the timely passage of the national budget, economic reform support legislation, tax reforms, investment protection measures, and infrastructure bills as key milestones made possible through this executive-legislative synergy.

    He also credited the Tinubu-Akpabio alliance with enabling bold economic reforms—such as the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of foreign exchange rates, and the rollout of social investment programmes designed to cushion the effects of these policies.

    “These reforms would have faced far greater resistance under a divided government,” Miaphen added, stressing that sustained collaboration remains vital for achieving Nigeria’s long-term development goals.

    He stated, “The Senate under Akpabio has shown tremendous cooperation with President Tinubu’s government without being subservient. They have remained faithful to their legislative duties of scrutinising, amending, and passing laws while constructively engaging the Executive to ensure Nigerians reap the dividends of democracy.”

    Read Also: Alausa lauds Tinubu on national honour

    Miaphen described Senator Akpabio as a man of deep political experience and vision, whose understanding of governance has contributed greatly to maintaining the balance between independence and collaboration. He said Akpabio’s leadership style had turned the Senate into an engine of national unity and progress.

    “The Renewed Hope Agenda was President Tinubu’s social contract with the people, and today, that hope is not just being renewed—it is being fulfilled step by step. We have Senator Akpabio and his colleagues in the Senate to thank for ensuring that this vision is not held back by legislative bottlenecks,” he stated.

    He said that the example of the Tinubu-Akpabio model of cooperation should be studied and emulated across the states, where Executive-Legislative rivalry still persists to the detriment of the people.

    Comrade Miaphen called on lawmakers at all levels to follow the leadership example set by Senator Akpabio by focusing on national interest, prioritising oversight, and fast-tracking legislative actions in line with the vision of President Tinubu.

    He added that the group remained committed to defending the gains of democracy and standing with the Tinubu-led administration in its journey toward a stable, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.

  • National award a testimony of Gov Uba Sani’s fight for democracy – Aide

    National award a testimony of Gov Uba Sani’s fight for democracy – Aide

    Counsellor on Infrastructures to Governor Uba Sani, Honourable Samaila Suleiman, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s conferment of the National Merit Award on the Kaduna State Governor.

    In a statement, Suleiman described Governor Sani’s conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) as well-deserved, noting that it reflects his unwavering struggle alongside other pro-democracy advocates to restore democratic governance in Nigeria.

    He added that the honour also recognizes the Governor’s tireless contributions to the growth of democracy and national development.

    Read Also: Uba Sani: Upholding the ideals of June 12

    “Governor Uba Sani, widely recognized as one of Nigeria’s heroes of democracy, was detained multiple times during Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance. His decades-long commitment to justice and civil rights has made him a respected figure in Nigeria’s democratic history.

    “Notably, he is the only serving governor included in this year’s national honors list, as announced by President Tinubu during a joint session of the National Assembly. This recognition underscores his unwavering dedication to the good people of Kaduna State and to the progress of the Nigerian nation,”Suleiman stated.

    He congratulated the Governor, expressing optimism that the award would propel the Governor to do more for country and humanity.

  • Osun women group promises Tinubu, NIWA boss one million votes

    Osun women group promises Tinubu, NIWA boss one million votes

    A women group in Osun State on Thursday endorsed President Bola Tinubu for second term in 2027.

    The under the auspices of All Progressives Congress(APC) Iron Ladies also vowed to deliver one million votes to the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, if he gets the party’s guber ticket for Osun 2026.

    The group through its State Coordinator Deaconess Adesola Ayangbile, during a programme at Tinubu/Shettima campaign office, Osogbo said: “We have started door-to-door mobilization for APC ahead 2026 and 2027 elections to garner one million votes across the state towards actualising our aspirations.”

    Read Also: NASS to Tinubu: Make State of Nation Address to Nigerians from parliament yearly

    She added: “The endorsement of Oyebamiji’s candidacy was based on personal and collective conviction of every member of the group in appreciation of his outstanding feats in both private and public sectors as manifested in his immense contributions to the growth and development of Osun while serving in different capacities.

    “We reiterate our solidarity, unalloyed support and endorsement for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, resourceful leadership and good governance in the last two years.”

    Ayangbile urged members of the group to remain steadfast and unrelenting in their collective efforts to propagate the party and ensure victory for Oyebamiji come 2026.

    Osun ex-Speaker,Timothy Owoeye eulogised APC women folk, describing them as political pillar, lifewire and engine room of Osun politics.