The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Send subsidy funds to regional agencies, Eradiri urges Tinubu

    Send subsidy funds to regional agencies, Eradiri urges Tinubu

    A former Labour Party (LP) Governorship Candidate in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bypass the governors and send funds arising from the removal of fuel subsidy to development agencies across the country.

    Eradiri said routing the funds through development agencies would help the gains of subsidy removal get to the people faster and facilitate the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

    Eradiri, who spoke at the sidelines of the Alternative Conflict Resolution programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt, said the current practice of sending the subsidy funds to the governors had not achieved the desired impact.

    He argued that the development agencies were set up by the President to carry out some of the functions of the governors in the region and deserved to utilize the subsidy funds.

    Eradiri, a Fellow of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) suggested that if all the subsidy funds could not be sent to the development agencies, it should be split into two, with half disbursed to states and local government areas, and the remaining half should be sent to the agencies.

    Eradiri said, “I call on President Tinubu as part of actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda, to, as a matter of urgency, redirect the excess money from the subsidy removal to the development agencies covering the entire stretch of the country in all the geopolitical zones.

    “The Presidency can now supervise them to ensure that the subsidy gains get to the masses and solve their problems. When this excess subsidy is sent to the governors as is being done now, the President does not have control over how it is spent.

    Read Also: NIN enrolment: 126 million Nigerians captured in National Identity Database, says Tinubu

    “The President cannot monitor whether this money is being used judiciously, and that is why we are having many conflicts all over the country, and the people are complaining that they have not seen the dividends of democracy.

    “If the President cannot redirect all the money, he can divide the money into two. He can send 50 per cent to the governors and local government chairmen and the rest to the development agencies.

    “These agencies were set up to carry out some parts of the duties of the governors. If the subsidy windfall is redirected to the agencies, they will use it according to the dictates of the President. They can be supervised by the President to ensure the money gets to the grassroots. If the Federal government does that, there will be fewer complaints from the people”.

  • 2027: PDP clarifies zoning, says ticket open to all aspirants

    2027: PDP clarifies zoning, says ticket open to all aspirants

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified that its zoning arrangement will not prevent aspirants from other regions from contesting the party’s presidential ticket in 2027.

    PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, stated on Arise Television’s Morning Show that while zoning remains an important tool for equity, it cannot override the Nigerian Constitution, which grants every citizen the right to seek elective office.

    “Even if we zone our presidential candidate to the South, it will not stop anybody from any part of the country from showing interest. We cannot do things that will contradict the Constitution of Nigeria, which is the grand norm,” Ajibade explained.

    The clarification confirmed the position long championed by technocrat and politician Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, whose movement has consistently argued that zoning must not be used to exclude competent leaders.

    Read Also: 2027: We’re ready for Ibadan convention, says PDP

    Reacting to the PDP’s pronouncement, the South West Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, described it as “a major victory for democracy and a vindication of Dr. Hashim’s ideological politics,” noting that the party had chosen fairness and inclusivity.

    Olawepo-Hashim, a businessman-turned-politician, has gained recognition for his issue-based politics and efforts at bridging Nigeria’s North-South divide. His rising influence, particularly in Osun State, has fueled speculation about a possible 2027 presidential bid.

  • CSOs back service chiefs, urge Nigerians to shun destructive criticisms

    CSOs back service chiefs, urge Nigerians to shun destructive criticisms

    A coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of Campaign Against Injustice (CAI) has called on President Bola Tinubu to disregard mounting calls for the removal of the service chiefs, insisting that destructive criticisms could dampen the morale of the Nigerian military.

    In a statement signed by its convener, Abbey Jolaosho, the group argued that it was unfair to heap the blame for Nigeria’s security challenges solely on the service chiefs without critically assessing other factors.

    “Nigerians should encourage the Nigerian Army for the services they have rendered and continue to render. Many of them have paid the supreme sacrifice to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria,” the statement read.

    The group noted that terrorism is a global phenomenon, stressing that Nigeria’s armed forces have faced serious setbacks ranging from inadequate equipment to poor remuneration in the past. It added that governors and local government officials also have critical roles to play by ensuring good governance to reduce frustration and hardship, which often drive people into insurgency.

    READ ALSO: Six major markets in Lagos for buying cheap foodstuffs

    CAI particularly commended the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his leadership style, describing him as “leading from the front” and prioritising the welfare and motivation of troops.

    The group further hailed President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for improving welfare packages, citing the increase in soldiers’ daily allowance from N1,500 as a welcome step.

    CAI also urged governors and local government chairmen to support the President’s agenda by utilising increased federal allocations to improve governance and provide additional support to the military.

    “People’s scrutiny should be directed towards the governors and council officials who now receive more than triple allocation to make life easy for the people and also support the military, instead of transferring anger and aggression to the service chiefs,” the statement said.

    The group emphasised that while military action (kinetic method) contributes only about 25 per cent to defeating insurgency, good governance and non-kinetic approaches remain crucial in addressing the root causes.

    CAI warned that constant negative attacks on the military could lead to desertions and discourage prospective recruits, thereby weakening Nigeria’s security architecture.

  • Group alleges plot to forcefully hijack ADC in Kogi

    Group alleges plot to forcefully hijack ADC in Kogi

    • Says move poses threat to peace and security

    A group under the aegis of Concerned Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over an alleged plot by “powerful individuals” to forcefully hijack the leadership of the party in Kogi State.

    Speaking at a press conference in Kabba, the group’s spokesperson, Usman Lukman, described the move as unconstitutional and warned that it would be resisted with every legal and constitutional means available.

    “Credible intelligence available to us indicates that certain individuals, unknown to our structures and alien to our operations, are plotting to forcefully take over the leadership of the ADC in Kogi State,” Lukman said.

    He stressed that while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of association, no individual or group has the right to topple the party’s leadership through unlawful means.

    READ ALSO: Five fun ways to spark children’s love for reading

    “The ADC is governed by its constitution, values, and democratic ethos. Those who recklessly destroyed the PDP cannot be allowed to invade our party and subject it to the same fate. The ADC in Kogi was built painstakingly from the grassroots and nurtured with sacrifice, loyalty, and discipline. Any attempt to hijack it through unconstitutional means will be firmly resisted,” he added.

    The group reaffirmed its loyalty to Rt. Hon. Elder Leke Abejide, whom it described as the undisputed leader of the ADC in Kogi State. It dismissed those allegedly plotting to destabilize the party as “political opportunists and strange bedfellows” with no stake in the party’s growth.

    Calling on security agencies to urgently intervene, the group said the alleged plot poses a serious threat to peace and stability in the state.

    “Our democracy thrives on order, respect for process, and adherence to the rule of law, not on desperate power grabs by faceless interlopers. Thousands of our members across the state are already agitated and determined to resist any attempt by frustrated political wanderers to destabilise our party,” the statement warned.

    The group further advised security agencies not to recognize or provide security cover for any ADC meetings, gatherings, or activities not sanctioned by Elder Abejide or the constitutionally recognized State Chairman of the party.

    “Any such gathering by faceless impostors is illegal, illegitimate, and a calculated attempt to breach the peace and security of Kogi State,” the group insisted.

  • Jega, Mustapha urge Nigerians to support reforms

    Jega, Mustapha urge Nigerians to support reforms

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced many reforms across the sectors of the economy in his bid to reposition the country.

    Adjustment to some innovations  may have brought pains. But they are transcient. When the gains start to pour in, the temporary hardship would be over.

    Not many people are receptive to reforms. Thus, citizens also need enlightment about their utility and long term effects.

    Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development Prof. Attahiru Jega and Senator Saliu Mustapha tried to carry the message of reforms to Kwara State recently, where they urged support for the novel initiatives.

    READ ALSO: Six major markets in Lagos for buying cheap foodstuffs

    The University of Ilorin’s Main Auditorium was filled to the brim. It was not the usual convocation pomp, or the familiar convulsions of student union politics. It was a different kind of gathering – an intellectual festival and a policy town hall. 

    Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, who was honoured by the institution, called for collaboration between the town and the gown on national development.

    Jega delivered the yearly Distinguished Personality Lecture of the Faculty of Social Sciences, titled: “The Political Economy of Livestock Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects in honour Mustapha.

    He emphasised that transforming the industry is not just an economic ambition, but a national imperative, adding that modernising and commercialising the livestock sector is not a luxury but essential.

    He said the transformation of the livestock sector has the potentials of nourishing the population, stabilising fragile regions, unlocking economic value, and restoring dignity to rural livelihoods.

    Jega said the envisaged transformation will require the collaborative efforts of policymakers, researchers, traditional rulers, and private sector stakeholders.

    He urged legislators, academics, business executives, and community leaders to move beyond conferences and convert policy blueprints into visible actions across farms, markets, and legislative platforms.

    Jegs said:  “The time for half-measures has passed. What lies before us is the opportunity to transform a historically neglected sector into a beacon of resilience, equity, and prosperity”.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to national development,

    By the time the robes of academia gave way to the hush of the first speech, it was clear that this was not merely another distinguished lecture, it was a symbolic confluence of campus, parliament, and presidency, with agriculture as the bridge.

    Jega’s voice carried the same professorial authority with which he once taught political science, now marshalled in defence of goats, cattle, poultry and the fragile ecosystems they inhabit.

    He hailed UNILORIN as “a national pride,” an institution that had weathered storms to remain stable, and therefore a fitting host for a conversation about stability in a sector too often synonymous with conflict.

    At the heart of his lecture lay an inconvenient truth: Nigeria’s appetite for protein is racing ahead of its capacity to produce it. He said population growth and changing diets have turned livestock into both an opportunity and a looming crisis. Without reform, the country risks deeper rural poverty, worsening malnutrition, and protracted conflict over grazing and land.

    His prescription was not romantic. It was a call for modernisation: from subsistence to commercial systems, from open grazing to managed ranches, from informal trading to traceable supply chains.

    The former university don outlined a step-by-step glidepath — allowing existing practices to coexist with new systems while slowly transitioning to intensive, climate-smart livestock production. It was, in effect, a plea for pragmatism over polemics.

    The lecture gave an insight into President Tinubu’s reform intentions. By appointing Jega earlier as Special Adviser and Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform Initiative, the presidency elevated livestock from the periphery of agricultural policy to its centrepiece. The idea of a dedicated livestock ministry, once a footnote in committee reports, is now reality.

    The blueprint is ambitious: transform pastoralism into modern ranching, attract private capital into dairy and meat production, and tame the cycle of farmer-herder conflict. But ambition is easier announced than achieved. Jega’s roles are meant to give flesh to those bones.

    The University of Ilorin provided a platform for deseminating the message, being a campus that has built its reputation on consistency, relative peace, and a refusal to descend into the instability that plagues many others. Hosting the nation’s livestock debate was both symbolic and strategic: a university that embodies stability offering a stage for a sector that craves the same.

    For the university, there were material dividends too. Senator Mustapha pledged N10 million for immediate faculty support, alongside commitments towards a lecture theatre and an ICT centre. It was a reminder that ideas are best remembered when backed by tangible contributions.

    The Senator became the bridge. For him, the honour was doubly significant. As chairman of the Senate’s agriculture production committee, he is the legislative custodian of much of what Jega prescribes. His presence signalled that parliament is not a passive observer but a necessary enabler through budgets, oversight, and laws.

    It also cast him in a new light before his Ilorin constituents: a legislator not just distributing palliatives but convening ideas, attracting investments, and aligning with the president’s reform narrative. In a season where politicians are often defined by what they grab, the optics of Mustapha being defined by what he convenes are politically valuable.

    What lingered was not just the memory of a famous professor speaking on behalf of a sitting president, or the pride of a senator being celebrated in his academic city. What lingered was the sense that livestock policy, often dismissed as a rural footnote, now sits at the heart of Nigeria’s economic and political future.

  • The Ekiti rescue mission: Why Ojo is the leader needed

    The Ekiti rescue mission: Why Ojo is the leader needed

    By Kayode Akinyemi

    In the heart of Nigeria’s southwest, Ekiti State stands at a crossroads. Once celebrated for its intellectual vibrancy, cultural pride, and progressive politics, the state now finds itself mired in disillusionment, infrastructural decay, and political betrayal. As the 2026 governorship election looms, the people of Ekiti are not merely choosing a new leader—they are seeking redemption. And in this pivotal moment, one name echoes with growing resonance across the hills and valleys of Ekiti: Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo.

    A seasoned technocrat, accomplished businessman, and principled public servant, Engr. Kayode Ojo has emerged as the rallying point for a broad coalition of stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and beyond. His candidacy is not just a political aspiration, it is a rescue mission. It is a call to restore competence, integrity, and visionary leadership to a state that has been systematically undermined by the current administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

    The APC, a formidable force in Ekiti politics, now grapples with internal fractures and waning grassroots support for Governor Oyebanji, who rode to power on the back of party loyalty and grassroots mobilisation, and since turned his back on the very machinery that delivered his victory. His tenure has been marked by exclusion, neglect, and a disturbing preference for opposition figures over loyal APC members. Over one hundred key appointments, including commissionerships and localgovrnment top positions, have gone to individuals outside the party, leaving committed APC leaders sidelined and embittered.

    This betrayal has not gone unnoticed. Ward leaders, youth organisers, and community mobilisers who once formed the backbone of Oyebanji’s campaign now speak in hushed tones of abandonment and regret. Party meetings have become rare, perfunctory affairs. The once vibrant APC structure in Ekiti has been reduced to a shell of its former self, with morale at an all-time low among members. Verified party membership figures have mysteriously plummeted from 186,000 to just 114,000, a deliberate manipulation, many believe, aimed at shrinking the support base in anticipation of a planned defection to ADC by the governor if he looses the primaries.

    READ ALSO: Five fun ways to spark children’s love for reading

    The governor’s relationship with the State House of Assembly further underscores his disdain for democratic norms and party cohesion. Rather than empowering APC legislators as partners in governance, Oyebanji has systematically excluded them from decision-making processes. Lawmakers, elected to represent the people, have been rendered spectators in their own government. This erosion of legislative influence has weakened internal checks and balances and deepened the crisis within the party.

    Beyond the political missteps, Governor Oyebanji’s performance in office has been underwhelming at best and catastrophic at worst. His administration has failed to deliver on basic infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security. Instead of addressing the pressing needs of the people, he has diverted billions into endorsement jamborees, all in vain attempts to manufacture popularity through political theatre. Billions have been spent on these spectacles under different guises, while roads crumble, clinics remain unequipped, and schools struggle to stay open.

    One of the most glaring failures of the Oyebanji administration is its handling of federal roads in Ekiti State. The governor has consistently deflected responsibility, blaming Abuja for the deplorable condition of these roads. Yet, he found billions to rehabilitate, albeit shoddily, the Ado–Ifaki axis when it suited his political interests. This selective approach to governance reveals a troubling lack of commitment to the welfare of Ekiti citizens. In contrast, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State faced similar challenges but took decisive action, committing nearly N100 billion to fix critical federal roads. Leadership, after all, is about action, not excuses. In addition, and instead of being a responsible servant to his people, the governor hilariously designated some roads as alternative routes for people coming to Ekiti after citizens complained about the most secured and shorter roads. This action , is an attempt to disparage the federal government that has intervene may times on Ekiti finances to support infrastructure. The federal roads have been awarded, but because of bereaucratic protocols, there were delays. The governor is expected to provide palliatives on the roads to make it passable pending construction.

    Engr. Kayode Ojo offers a stark and refreshing contrast. As Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, he facilitated palliative repairs on the Ifaki–Ikole road, easing the movement of students and staff at a time when the state government looked the other way. His intervention, achieved without the resources of a governor, underscores his capacity for pragmatic leadership and his commitment to public service.

    But Ojo’s impact extends far beyond Ekiti. As Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), he inherited a deeply fractured institution grappling with leadership vacuums and administrative uncertainty. The absence of a substantive Vice-Chancellor had left the university in limbo, affecting academic calendars, staff morale, and student welfare. Through strategic consultations and principled leadership, Engr. Ojo facilitated a transparent process that led to the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor, an achievement that had eluded the institution for four years.

    His efforts at UNN have earned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu widespread respect and support across the Eastern region, with community leaders, academic unions, and student bodies acknowledging the President’s role in stabilising the university; thanks to Ojo’s diplomatic acumen. In a country where educational institutions often suffer from politicised interference, Engr. Ojo’s approach offers a model of principled leadership and institutional reform.

    Engr. Kayode Ojo’s blueprint for Ekiti is as ambitious as it is transformative. At its core is a commitment to functional human capital development, empowering citizens through education, vocational training, and entrepreneurial capacity. His agricultural reforms aim to shift the sector from subsistence to agribusiness, leveraging modern techniques and value-chain development to boost productivity and exports. In tourism, he plans to unlock Ekiti’s natural and cultural assets through strategic site upgrades, hospitality training, and global marketing initiatives.

    Infrastructure development will be pursued aggressively, with improved roads, energy, and digital connectivity laying the foundation for commerce and investment. Perhaps most visionary is his plan for a super-highway connecting Ekiti directly to Nigeria’s coastal seaports, a game-changing infrastructure project that will transform the state into a pivotal inland logistics hub. This dry port will streamline national trade routes, slash transit costs, and magnetise investment, positioning Ekiti as a powerhouse in Nigeria’s supply chain.

    In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Engr. Ojo is committed to ensuring total autonomy for local governments in Ekiti. Through international partnerships, diaspora engagement, and transparent governance, he aims to elevate Ekiti’s profile on the world stage, turning it into a model of inclusive, people-powered development.

    The stakes could not be higher. Ekiti is bleeding, politically, economically, and socially. The current administration has squandered goodwill, betrayed party loyalty, and failed to deliver on the most basic expectations of governance. The people are not asking for miracles; they are asking for roads that don’t crumble, schools that educate, hospitals that heal, and policies that uplift. They are asking for justice, opportunity, and development.

    Engr. Kayode Ojo represents the best hope for Ekiti’s future. His track record in business, education, and public service speaks volumes. His vision is bold, his leadership is principled, and his commitment to the people is unwavering. As the APC prepares for its gubernatorial primaries, the choice before the party is clear: continue down the path of exclusion, incompetence, and betrayal—or embrace a new era of competence, integrity, and visionary leadership.

    To fully capture the scope of Engr. Kayode Ojo’s emergence as the most viable candidate for the APC governorship ticket in Ekiti State, it is essential to examine his strategic manifesto. In a time when Nigerian states are clamoring for visionary leadership and strategic transformation, Ekiti State finds itself at a pivotal juncture. The manifesto of Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, a seasoned engineer and entrepreneur, offers not just a political promise but a comprehensive blueprint for a new era of innovation, prosperity, and global integration. His strategic master plan for Ekiti State, spanning 2026 to 2036, is a bold declaration of intent, one that seeks to reposition the state as a beacon of excellence in governance, infrastructure, and human capital development.

    At the heart of Engr. Ojo’s vision is a deep understanding of Ekiti’s historical identity as a land of honour, knowledge, and resilience. He invokes the legacy of pioneers like Chief Deji Fasuan and Chief Afe Babalola, whose dreams for the state were rooted in equity, merit, and sustainable development.

    Yet, as he rightly observes, that dream remains largely unfulfilled. What Ekiti lacks is not intellect or ambition, but leadership, competent, courageous, and committed to long-term prosperity. Ojo’s manifesto is a response to that void, crafted not as a populist document but as a strategic roadmap grounded in data, global best practices, and inclusive governance.

    His vision is to transform Ekiti into a globally competitive, economically vibrant, and technologically advanced region. This will be achieved through strategic investments, inclusive governance, and sustainable development. His mission is clear: implement a 10-year master plan that fosters innovation, drives industrial and agricultural growth, and builds world-class infrastructure. The plan is anchored on core values, integrity, inclusiveness, innovation, sustainability, and citizen-centricity, that reflect a governance philosophy rooted in transparency and accountability.

    One of the most compelling aspects of the manifesto is its emphasis on unlocking Ekiti’s latent potential. Ojo proposes a multi-sectoral approach that includes food security, industrialization, urban transformation, transport networks, and investment mobilization. Agriculture, for instance, will be modernized through agro-industrial parks in various locations in the state, featuring processing plants, cold-chain logistics, and training institutes. Smart irrigation systems along Rivers Ose, Ero, and Osun will ensure year-round productivity, while digital tools like drone mapping and fintech solutions will enhance efficiency. Youth engagement will be encouraged through AgriTech challenges and subsidized loans, positioning agriculture as a driver of employment and export revenue.

    Industrial development is another cornerstone of the plan. Ojo envisions Ekiti as an innovation-driven industrial hub, with special economic zones attracting agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, textiles, and light manufacturing. SMEs will be nurtured through access to finance, training, and diaspora engagement. Moribund industrial assets will be revived, and university research will be commercialized to fuel enterprise growth. By 2036, the plan targets 100 functional industries and 5,000 SMEs generating over 200,000 jobs. To drive the industrialization ambition, Ojo plans to invest in the energy sector through IPP and foreign partnership.

    Technology and innovation are central to Ojo’s strategy. The “Ekiti Knowledge and Innovation Corridor” to be positioned in strategic locations, will host incubators, research labs, and venture studios. Digital startups in fintech, edtech, AgriTech, and health tech will receive incentives, while bootcamps and fellowships will train 5,000 tech professionals. A Tech Export Policy will position Ekiti as a regional destination for software development and data services, with the goal of nurturing billion-naira startups and exporting tech services across Africa.

    Urban transformation will be driven by the development of smart cities and mega infrastructure. Ado-Ekiti will undergo major regeneration, featuring modern street lighting, CCTV surveillance, green parks, and energy-efficient mixed-use developments. Integrated fiber optics, smart meters, and a Smart City Command and Control Center will enhance service delivery and emergency response. Satellite centers will emerge and will host affordable housing with solar rooftops and smart utilities. A proposed Ekiti State Urban Renewal and Housing Authority will reserve 40% of new units for youth, low-income earners, and public servants.

    Transport connectivity will be revolutionized through the construction of the Ekiti-Lagos 4-Lane Expressway, a 150-kilometer highway linking Ekiti state directly to Nigeria’s seaport in Lagos, and establishing a dry port where containers due for northern parts of Nigeria, will be cleared. This effort will transform Ekiti from a landlocked state to a destination for all. In addition, urban mobility solutions, including light rail systems and Bus Rapid Transit corridors, will improve movement and reduce pollution. Rural roads will be modernized to ensure access to markets, schools, and health centers, while the Ekiti International Airport will be upgraded to support agro-cargo logistics and regional air connectivity.

    Ojo’s manifesto also includes a visionary proposal for the Jesus City Development Concept, a faith-based tourism hub located at the sacred triangle Erio Mountain and other similar places. The plan includes a pilgrimage center, heritage sites, an executive airstrip, and modern amenities to support both visitors and residents. This initiative aims to position Ekiti as a spiritual and tourism capital, generating jobs and enhancing revenue.

    Education and human capital development are central to the plan. Basic education will be upgraded with renovated schools, digital labs, and school meals, targeting 90% literacy by age 10. Tertiary institutions will receive infrastructure upgrades and research-industry partnerships, while vocational training centers will train 100,000 youths by 2030. Adult literacy programs aim to lift 200,000 adults from illiteracy, and teacher recruitment and professional development will enhance equity and quality. The goal is full enrollment, high digital literacy, and top national rankings by 2030.

    Sports development will be pursued aggressively, with modern facilities in all local government areas, sports academies, and grassroots competitions. Scholarships and training programs will support athletes, while public-private partnerships will fund infrastructure and programs. Judiciary reform will digitize court processes, establish fast-track courts, and expand alternative dispute resolution centers. Civil service reform will introduce merit-based recruitment, performance management systems, and citizen-centric service delivery.

    To fund this ambitious agenda, Ojo proposes a transformational funding strategy aimed at mobilizing over $5 billion. This includes public-private partnerships, diaspora investments, capital markets, and development finance institutions. The Ekiti Sovereign Wealth Fund will comprise a Stabilization Fund, Infrastructure Fund, and Future Generations Fund, financed through land premiums, royalties, and dividends. Innovative financing channels like green bonds, crowdfunding, and carbon credit programs will promote local participation and climate-resilient development.

    Implementation will be overseen by the Ekiti Project Delivery Unit, supported by Sector Delivery Teams and decentralized monitoring committees in all 16 LGAs. A digital procurement platform will ensure transparency, while annual strategic retreats will assess progress and recalibrate targets. A Strategic Master Plan Implementation and Governance Act will define roles, enforce budget compliance, and protect whistleblowers.

    Monitoring and evaluation will be powered by real-time dashboards, independent audits, and a Citizens’ Reporting App. Results-based budgeting will link allocations to performance, fostering efficiency and accountability. The manifesto aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, localizing its principles to meet Ekiti’s unique needs.

    Grassroots mobilization, youth and women empowerment, and party consolidation will ensure a disciplined, people-centered platform capable of sustaining progress.

    By the end of his tenure as Governor, the plan aims to have created over one million jobs, increase internally generated revenue by 50%, and reduce poverty by 40%. Ekiti will rank among Nigeria’s top five states in Human Development Index, with improved healthcare, education, and water access. The state will become a stable, investor-friendly environment, unlocking domestic and foreign capital, technology transfer, and global partnerships.

    In recent months, the agenda of Engr. Kayode Ojo has attracted growing attention, particularly his bold vision to reposition Ekiti through smart security and modern healthcare systems. For him, safety is not just about deploying more security personnel; it is about embracing technology to protect lives and property. His plan is to build a fully digital security architecture powered by surveillance cameras, real-time monitoring, and rapid response units. What sets his proposal apart is the mandatory biometric capture of all residents and the issuance of a unique social identification number. This, he believes, will drastically reduce crime, ease investigations, and create a database that supports smarter governance. With these measures, Ojo is confident Ekiti can evolve into one of the safest states in the country, capable of attracting investors and giving residents peace of mind.

    Equally ambitious is his healthcare agenda. Engr. Ojo is pushing for a total transformation of Ekiti’s medical sector by turning the state into a “medical tourism” destination. His blueprint includes upgrading hospitals with world-class equipment, building specialist centers, Ekiti Smart Hospital, and introducing digital patient management systems. Recognizing affordability as a major barrier, he plans to roll out a health insurance scheme that will guarantee access to quality care for all citizens. Beyond facilities, his approach also focuses on attracting and retaining skilled medical professionals by providing modern infrastructure and incentives. With these reforms, Ekiti would not only meet the needs of its people but also draw patients from across Nigeria and beyond, positioning itself as a trusted hub for healthcare excellence.

    Engr. Kayode Ojo’s manifesto is more than a political document, it is a pledge to shared prosperity, innovation, and global competitiveness. It calls for disciplined governance, stakeholder collaboration, and civic engagement, uniting government, private sector, diaspora, and citizens in a mission to build an inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking Ekiti. With political will and committed execution, the state will emerge as a model of progress and leadership in Nigeria and beyond.

    Akinyemi is a member of Team Kayode Ojo for Governor

  • Not-too-young to prostitute: Rhodes-Vivour makes it to ADC harem

    Not-too-young to prostitute: Rhodes-Vivour makes it to ADC harem

    By Seye Oladejo

    The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) wishes to remind Lagosians that the latest comic relief in our politics – Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour’s defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) – is nothing more than another desperate hustle by a man who has made political prostitution his career path.

    From his forgettable beginnings in the obscure Kowa Party, to his short-lived PDP romance, to his opportunistic hijack of the Labour Party’s ticket in 2023, and now to ADC, GRV has jumped more parties than a restless frog hopping from one lily pad to another. Each move leaves behind chaos, betrayal, and laughter from the people who see through his charade.

    Let us be clear: Rhodes-Vivour is not building a political career; he is on a political scavenger hunt. He is forever in search of the next platform to abuse and abandon, the next slogan to parrot, and the next crowd to mislead. His politics has no ideology, no direction, and certainly no loyalty – only the blind pursuit of personal ambition.

    READ ALSO: Five fun ways to spark children’s love for reading

    This is the same individual who famously confessed, “I don’t think in Yoruba.” No wonder he cannot think straight in politics either. A man who disowns his roots at the level of language cannot be trusted to honor commitments at the level of leadership. Today ADC, tomorrow who knows? Maybe the Nigerian Association of Town Union Criers – anywhere that will give him a microphone to shout slogans he doesn’t even believe in.

    The Labour Party now crying that his exit was “hasty” should be the last to complain. What else do you expect from a man whose only political strategy is haste – haste to jump ship, haste to cut corners, haste to claim what he has not worked for?

    For the avoidance of doubt, Lagos is not a laboratory for serial defectors and confused apprentices. Governance is serious business, not a reality TV show where Gbadebo can change costumes every season.

    The Labour Party needs not cry over a candidate who arrived on a night bus, snatched its gubernatorial ticket and left before dawn. We, however, emphatize if the party feels used, violated and dumped.

    The question to ask is how will Lagosians risk their mandate with a young man whose only claim to political experience is traversing four different political parties in a short but uneventful political career?

    He needs to be told that a rolling stone gathers no moss.

    However, he appears to have learnt from the best during his last sojourn.

    Rhodes – Vivour will do well to hasten to pay off the rented crowd for his last outing  who are protesting on various social media platforms about the failed promise for service rendered.

    History will not remember him as a statesman or a leader. It will remember him as a cautionary tale  – a classic case of “Not Too Young to Prostitute.”

    • Oladejo, is Lagos APC Spokesman  

  • Party chieftains cautioned against hate speech, fake news

    Party chieftains cautioned against hate speech, fake news

    A non-governmental organisation, the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), has called on political actors in Anambra State to refrain from hate speech and the dissemination of disinformation ahead of the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election.

    In a statement, the Executive Director of SIDEC, Mrs. Ugochi Agalaba-Ehiahuruike, stressed that inflammatory remarks and fake news pose a grave danger to democratic values, social cohesion, and the integrity of the electoral process.

    She particularly urged candidates of the governing All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre, and other political parties to embrace responsible and issue-based campaigns, focusing on the real concerns of voters such as security, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.

    READ ALSO: Six major markets in Lagos for buying cheap foodstuffs

    “Hate speech and disinformation undermine unity and trust in the political process. Politicians must recognise that their words and actions influence not just the electorate but also the health of our democracy,” the statement read in part.

    SIDEC appealed to political leaders to promote dialogue, tolerance, and inclusivity, noting that these values are essential for increasing voter participation, strengthening public trust, and ensuring peaceful elections.

    “As the governorship election draws near, Anambra must once again demonstrate leadership in democratic conduct. SIDEC remains committed to monitoring the political environment and supporting efforts to safeguard peace and inclusivity throughout the process,” Agalaba-Ehiahuruike added.

  • Ekiti community backs Oyebanji’s re-election bid

    Ekiti community backs Oyebanji’s re-election bid

    A socio-cultural group in Oke Ako Ekiti in the Ikole Local Government Area of the state, The Ako Indigenous Resolute Club of Oke Ako, has applauded Governor Abiodun Oyebanji for his giant strides in the development of the state in his first three years in the saddle.

    The group, also called Resolute Forum of Oke Ako, equally believes that due to Oyebanji’s sterling performance in his first term in office, the governor should be re-elected by the citizens of the state to conclude his landmark programmes in his second term.

    In a statement by the group’s Chairman, Mr. Olaiya Kehinde, and General Secretary, Mr Abayomi Adeleye, on Thursday, the Resolute Forum stated that Oyebanji had demonstrated uncommon capacity to bring development to all parts of the state in his first term in office.

    “In our community in Oke Ako and its environs, for instance, Oyebanji’s Midas touch has revolutionised agriculture,” explained the group to justify its call.

    “Access roads have been constructed to link Oke Ako with Iyemero Ekiti and Igbokoko farm settlement while another road is being planned in conjunction with the World Bank Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project.

    READ ALSO: Five fun ways to spark children’s love for reading

    “Also, the rehabilitation of the Aiyedun-Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele road is ongoing, and would soon be completed.”

    The Resolute Forum added that to further solidify the preeminence of Ekiti as a topmost agriculture base of the nation, the government allocated over 10,000 hectares of land to two agric investors, YSJ and Oodua/SWACO, for massive farming in the community.

    The group said, “YSJ employed about 1,000 youths in planting maize, soyabean, cassava and other crops through the Bring Back Youths to Agriculture initiative.

    “It is also noteworthy that the technical hub of the state’s agriculture programmes was established in our community where tractors and other farm tools are assembled.

    “Hundreds of community farmers whose land and farmlands were acquired for the massive farming by the investors were handsomely compensated, thereby empowering the local farmers.”

    Resolute Forum equally commended Oyebanji for restoring lasting peace to Oke Ako, which kidnappers and other criminals once turned to their hideouts.

    It said, “We are all living witnesses to the untiring and consistent effort of the governor to ensure peace in our community and other communities in the state when some criminals attempted to make the state their operational base.

    “The people of Oke Ako can now live and operate their businesses in peace due largely to the strategies put in place by our governor.”

    It added, “In the light of his landmark achievements in his first term in office, the Resolute Forum believes the governor should be supported for a second term in office in order for him to complete the good programmes he has started.”  

  • I cannot facilitate your resumption, CNA tells Akpoti-Uduaghan

    I cannot facilitate your resumption, CNA tells Akpoti-Uduaghan

    The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Monday, has told the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) he is not in a position to facilitate her resumption of legislative activities after the expiration of her six-month suspension by the Senate.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan had written a letter to the CNA requesting him to facilitate her resumption of legislative activities on or before Monday following the expiration of her six months suspension by the Senate.

    However, the CNA in his reply told Akpoti-Uduahhan that the Senate cannot take a decision on her matter because it would amount to sub judice since an appeal and cross appeal in the case in which she challenged the legality of her suspension were pending before the Appeal Court.

    Following the CNA’s reply to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s letter, her lawyer had written to the CNA accusing him of acting beyond his power while giving him an ultimatum to ensure that Akpoti-Uduaghan is urgently reinstated by the Senate of face legal consequences.

    However, the CNA in a statement in response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Jonathan Numa, signed by the Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, asked him to advise the Kogi Central Senator to direct her demand for resumption of legislative duties to the leadership of the Senate that suspended her.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has been drawn to widespread media reports and public commentary conceming the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, her attempt to resume legislative duties, and the subsequent correspondence from her legal representatives, M. J. Numa & Partners LLP.

    “In light of these developments, it is necessary to clarify the role of the Clerk to the National Assembly on this matter. The Clerk’s Office serves strictly as an administrative arm, providing support to the Senate in accordance with their resolutions, Standing Orders and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended).

    READ ALSO; Tinubu ends Vacation, returns to Abuja ahead of schedule

    The Clerk does not possess the authority to review, reverse or interpret Senate decisions. On the 6th March, 2025, the Senate passed a resolution suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. Though the matter was challenged in Court, the Federal High Court did not invalidate the Senate’s resolution, and no binding order has been issued to reverse or modify the suspension.

    “On the 4th September, 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan communicated her intention to resume legislative functions to the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly, though she has the option of writing the Senate President, which is in line with the established protocol.

    “In response, this office conveyed same to the Senate leadership, who noted that the matter remains before the Court of Appeal (subjudice), and that any change in status must either come from a fresh Senate resolution or a definitive court order.

    “This communication was what the Clerk to the National Assembly conveyed in the letter, no more, no less. The Clerk is therefore not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time.

    “To our dismay, the Office of the Clerk received a letter from the Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives (M. J. Numa & Partners LI.P,), accusing this office of overreach and threatening legal and disciplinary action.

    “While the office respects the right of all parties to seek legal redress, it must be stressed that the Clerk has at all times acted within lawful administrative limits, and in faithful observance of due process.

    “It must be emphasized that the determination of whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties as of right without any further or fresh resolution of the Senate following the expiration of her six months suspension lies solely with the Senate and not with the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly.

    “The Office of the Clerk remains guided by the principles of constitutionalism, institutional respect and the rule of law.

    “The public is urged to remain patient and allow the appropriate institutions – including the Senate and the courts – to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.”