It declared support for the leadership of its Zonal Chairman, Prince Bobby Dick.
In a communiqué issued after a meeting of depot unit chairmen held on Tuesday, the body dismissed attempts by some individuals and groups to create division in the association, describing such actions as self-serving and disruptive.
The resolution, signed by the chairmen of Aba, Calabar, Makurdi, Port Harcourt and Enugu depots, said IPMAN in Eastern Zone remained committed to peace and stability in the interest of its members and the society.
The leaders passed a vote of confidence in Dick and his zonal executives, hailing him as “the indefatigable chairman” of System 2E.
“We are not in support of individuals or groups promoting crisis within the Eastern Zone as a means of livelihood. Eastern Zone will remain united and peaceful in the best interest of our business and the society at large,” the communiqué said.
An expectant woman lost her life yesterday while seven others sustained various injuries in a bloody clash in Main Market, Onitsha, Anambra State.
The clash was said to be between traders and Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade, the state environmental law enforcement outfit.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident sparked panic and outrage among traders and residents who fled for safety.
“The operatives of OCHA Brigade had allegedly opened fire in the Emeka Offor Plaza axis, leaving four people injured, including the expectant woman, who died.
“This is heartbreaking. Four innocent people who left their homes this morning have been cut down in cold blood,” the witness said.
Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident.
He said the body of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue for autopsy and preservation.
He added that the Command has invited the management of the enforcement team to identify the suspects for prosecution.
He said: “The Command’s intervention followed a distress call reporting that personnel of the Ocha Brigade, an Anambra State Environmental Law Enforcement outfit, allegedly engaged in an altercation with some traders.
“Seven traders sustained gunshot injuries. The incident subsequently triggered unrest within the market.
“Upon receipt of the report in the early hours of September 9, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Ikioye Orutugu, deployed tactical teams and other security agencies led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations.
“The team went in company with the Area Commander Onitsha, the Divisional Police Officer Main Market, and Commander, Anti-Cultism Squad, to the scene.
“The operatives addressed and calmed the traders, restoring order and dispersing them back to their shops and lawful businesses.”
“The victims of the gunshots, identified as Mr. Ebuka Orakwe (M), Orum Oluebube (M), Anthony Kosisochukwu (M), Ifeoma Ezema (F), Chinwe Igwe (F, 22 years), and two others yet to be identified, were evacuated to hospital.
“Regrettably, one of the victims, Miss Chinwe Igwe, was confirmed dead on arrival. Her body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation. The other victims are currently receiving treatment and are responding positively.
“Meanwhile, the Command has extended an invitation to the management of the alleged local enforcement team to identify the suspects for prosecution and notes that normalcy has since been restored in the area, while patrols and monitoring continue to ensure sustained peace.”
Edo State Government has denied allegations that it has five per cent shares in Ossiomo Power, an indigenous electricity generation and distribution firm.
It said Ossiomo Power was a private firm and that it was one of its customers.
Ossiomo Power has been shut down since September 1, due to ownership tussle between Nigerian partners and Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology (CCETC).
It generates 95MW of electricity, which it supplies to government buildings, Edo Government House, Edo NUJ Secretariat, private organisations, streetlights, among others.
Already, 115 subscribers of Ossiomo Power have indicated interest to switch back to Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with Ossiomo Power subscribers, the Director General of Edo State Electrification Agency, Saturday Egbadon, said available records showed the state had no shares in Ossiomo Power.
He said 80 per cent of state government facilities had been migrated to a dedicated line provided by the BEDC.
He said management of Ossiomo Power was yet to officially inform the state government about troubles in the firm.
Egbadon insisted that the state government provided the 11kva lines Ossiomo subscribers were connected to.
According to him, “we cannot keep the state like that. We have to act quickly. Ossiomo did not consult the state government. We did not play any role in their crisis. We are just their customers. We were told the state government has shares in Ossiomo, but records show we are their customers. We don’t have any five per cent shares. They are using our facility. We pay over N200million monthly to vend.
“Before this crisis, we have given Ossiomo licence to operate in Edo Central. It is between the firm and the Chinese partners.”
Chief Technical Officer of BEDC, Kingsley Achengbu, said adequate power would be provided for Ossiomo subscribers.
A palpable sense of tension permeated the air as they trickled into the compound. Aggression stamped on their faces. Their countenances etched with the weight of prolonged pecuniary neglect. They had emerged from a street protest, looking more agitated and pugnacious for any eventuality. Months of unpaid fees for jobs done had ignited a cauldron of discontent, threatening to boil over into unbridled acrimony between them and the federal government. They looked determined, uncouth and unguided in both their utterances and action, clearly depicting the old aphorism that “a hungry man is an angry man”. In fact, showdown was the only word appropriate to define both their mood and intent.
Yet, through the deft facilitation of a visionary mediator, the atmospherics underwent a spontaneous profound metamorphosis.
Those were the members of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) who decried their months of upaid remuneration after project implementation. They had been invited to a meeting with the government stakeholders to find an immediate solution to the impasse.
Date was Thursday, September 4, 2025 and venue, Asokoro, Abuja.
Feelers at the meeting submitted that, at first, they had resolved to boycott any meeting that would be called, citing the failure of the previous ones to lift their confidence in the officials.
But on hearing that the intervention was coming at the instance of the House of Representatives with the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR presiding, the members, led by their National President, Comrade Jackson Ifeanyi Nwosu and the secretary, Babatunde Shehu who were at the time holding a peaceful protest at the main entrance of the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja, decided to give the meeting a shot.
Top government officials present at the meeting included the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamshudeen Ogunjimi, amongst others.
As the meeting got underway with the Deputy Speaker, Kalu giving a profound background and amplifying its solution-driven nature, one could read the minds of the contractors. And just as expected, their National President when called upon to speak, furiously stammerred into a culdesac, insisting on their payment or nothing.
His insistence found favour with his members who received it with the chants of “Injury to One, Injury to All”. This got the atmosphere even more tense.
At that juncture, every eye guess shifted on Kalu who himself clearly understood the situation. To calm the already frayed nerves down, the Deputy Speaker adopted high-pitched native intelligence quotient, activated his legal and legislative acumen, putting empathy and diplomacy to work. In fact, tact, mien and administrative finesse were at their lavish peak.
Exercising astute statesmanship, Kalu, an elected representative chose the popular route, pitching his tent with the people while skilfully affording the government negotiators a dignified way forward to facilite a mutually beneficial outcome.
His intermittent anecdotal narratives paid off as he gave more opportunities to the individual contractors outside their leadership to ventilate their feelings. Where he needed to beg and appeal, he wasted no time doing so. This, in no small measure, placated the people and the officials who commended his wisdom.
Perhaps, the best time during the meeting was when Kalu, working as the mediator, called on the Accountant-General to also speak to the issue of payment protocols and processes, touching on their accounting jargons amongst which was “finalization”.
The outcome of the explanation and the confirmation that funds to offset the debts have been “uploaded” and currently available at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) gladdened the heart of the contractors who later agreed with Kalu’s suggestion that a batch-by-batch formula was most suitable to clear the backlogs.
In that poignant vignette, one could witness the transformative power of diplomacy in action.
By the time, Ogunjimi said that payment had been initiated at the appropriate quarters, except for the public holiday on Friday which would potentially delay it till Monday for them to start receiving bank alerts, smiles started beaming on their faces.
Of course, the meeting, which began at about 3pm ended at about 7pm, lasting well over 4 hours.
But as the marathon drew to a close, it was not in doubt to everyone present that a remarkable transformation had taken place. Kalu’s diplomatic efforts had yielded a mutually beneficial accord, one that did not only address the concerns of the contractors and the government representatives but also revitalized a sense of trust and cooperation.
What had appeared like an irate assembly of men at the beginning later gave way to understanding and empathy in a manner that was aglow with renewed hope and optimism. The apparent indignation and frustration of the contractors suddenly disappeared. In the end, what seemed like an atmosphere of a fiery confrontation gave way to smiles and expressions of gratitude.
Leaving the meeting, Nwosu and the entirety of the membership of the Association of Indigenous Contractors of Nigeria expressed satisfaction with the resolutions reached, commending the Deputy Speaker for his intervention and pledging to discontinue the protest.
In his remarks thereafter, Kalu applauded all parties, announcing the date of a follow-up meeting to evaluate disbursements and report progress.
He said: “First of all, I want to thank the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, PhD, GCON, the leadership of the House for finding me worthy to be the Chairman of Budget Implementation Committee of the House. We met yesterday, cut down our holidays to be able to reconvene and look into this all important matters.
“We met on Wednesday with the Finance Minister, Minister of Budget and Planning as well as the Accountant-General of the Federation and we sat down for about four hours with representatives that cut across all the zonal caucuses of the House, including representatives of the Appropriation and Finance Committees of the House. Those are the core members of this new committee whose job is to make that in the implementation of the budget, the right things are done. And one of them happens to be the issue of non payment of contractors.
“They explained to us yesterday and today, we saw the protest and asked them to come, lets have a conversation. I want to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for appointing these gentlemen to occupy the positions they occupy. They have shown humility in service. They have shown dedication. They have shown diligence in the way this matter has been handled and as a parliament, we are happy with they way they came yesterday and all we discussed yesterday, they started implementing from today, the ability to engage with the people.
“They came in their hundreds. As you noticed they are just leaving here now. Once again, we had over 4 hours engagement and they left here smiling because we got a strategy in place. We gor their concerns sorted out and the implementation timeline was drawn and all them were happy. We are going to come back on the 21st of this month to review what we’ve done so far, how we’ve ticked the boxes, what needs to be done and the way forward.
“They are going to be focusing on the ones we have chosen now especially from February to May, 2025. Those backlogs, they are looking into uploading them and I am sure this will stipulate the economy once more and help to strengthen so many areas of our country’s economy once the contractors received their money. I want to thank the members of the association who put themselves together and were willing to communicate through dialogue and this is the Nigeria we are proud of”.
Lending his voice also, the minister of finance, Edun commended the Deputy Speaker for his intervention, assuring that the payment will commence next week.
“Under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, we did hold a marathon meeting today where all the issues were discussed and a timeline was put in place and a way forward was mapped out and all parties at the end of it left knowing that contractors would be paid for jobs done and we have an orderly and systematic way of dealing with the backlogs which had approved overtime.
“Once again, we commend the leadership of the House of Representatives and the contractors for their willingness to sit down and dialogue. The Accountant-General of the Federation made some commitments which helped us to chart the way forward.
“We had a peaceful solution. A timeline was put in place and everyone accepted that there are steps that need to be taken, approvals, finalization and orderly procedure for payments. After Friday’s holiday, the Central Bank will open again on Monday and payments will commence immediately”, he said.
The Accountant-General of the Federation, Ogunjimi corroborated the position of the minister of finance.
“This process is ongoing. We’ve been paying contractors and we will continue to pay. From Monday, payments will start dropping”, he said.
Kalu’s timely and cautious intervention ultimately showcased the transformative power of adept diplomacy and the boundless potential for resolution that lies within the realm of constructive dialogue. It lends credence to the fact that all the challenges of governance in the country can honestly be addressed with the right tone and strategy to deepen democracy and foster more economic development. Indeed, it is better to “jaw, jaw” than to “war war”.
Eze, a public affairs analyst who observed the proceedings of the meeting wrote in this piece from Abuja.
Peace and environmental advocate, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has called on the federal government to allocate a fair share of infrastructural projects to the Niger Delta’s coastal communities, particularly in the development of critical roads and bridges.
Reacting to the government’s planned N3.8 trillion upgrade of Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge, Mulade urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to channel similar energy and resources into the creeks.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, had recently announced the bridge’s overhaul to address deep structural concerns, coming months after N21 billion was spent on emergency repairs. Meanwhile, Julius Berger declared the Carter Bridge in Lagos beyond repair, recommending a N359 billion replacement.
Mulade lamented decades of oil and gas exploitation that have left Niger Delta communities impoverished, stressing that while the Third Mainland Bridge project is laudable, similar attention should be given to projects like the Warri-Gbaramatu-Escravos Bridge, the Forcados-Ogulagha Bridge, and the extension of the Ayakoroma Bridge to Burutu Forcados Terminal.
“These projects would open up most coastal areas, including Odimodi, Izon-Burutu to Agge, and Obotobo, to infrastructural and economic development,” he said.
He emphasised that while the Third Mainland Bridge funding will largely come from oil revenues, the host communities that generate the bulk of this wealth continue to be sidelined.
“If this amount can be invested in that project, what then is the fate of the Niger Delta people, where oil and gas are flared daily to generate not less than 80 percent of the funds?” Mulade asked.
“We agree Lagos has IGR that can run itself to a reasonable extent, but 80 per cent of the fund will come from the oil revenue, of course, from the FEC, to construct that bridge.
“And we have been clamoring for a single road to even connect Escravos Terminal in Gbaramatu Kingdom area, Delta State, which is an economically viable end, because of the Escravos Terminal, but nothing has been done. We also clamoured for Burutu hosting the Forcados Terminal and one of Nigeria’s first seaports, but still none. Even Brass, it is the Bayelsa State government that took the bull by the horns to construct that bridge, and we pray that he will be able to complete it.”
He further accused some governors of the South-South of deliberate marginalization.
“I feel the non-Ijaw governors in the region are deliberately depriving us of significant developmental projects which is our rights in Nigeria for now by refusing to positively impact on the people in the coastal areas with life transforming projects as they plan to lure investors to do business in their own areas (upland) while leaving our people shortchanged, forcing them to migrate to upland for education, business and development.”
The activist warned that continued exclusion of the region bearing the brunt of resource extraction will only deepen inequality and resentment.
He, however, appealed to President Tinubu to “change the narrative” and open up the coast for jobs, wealth creation, and long-overdue economic justice.
…as national woman leader launches senior citizens initiative
The women’s wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The endorsement was made at the 2025 APC Enugu Women Stakeholders’ Conference, held over the weekend with the theme “Progressive Woman Initiative: Empowering Women for Leadership, Policy and Nation Building.”
Barr. Mrs. Adanma Ode moved the motion for the endorsement, which was seconded by the Southeast APC Woman Leader, Hon. Uche Diyoke.
Both commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as steps in the right direction for Nigeria’s recovery.
Coordinating the endorsement process, APC National Woman Leader, Dr. Mary Alile-Idele, lauded the President’s leadership and commitment to renewing hope for Nigerians.
She urged Enugu APC women to take the message of support for Tinubu to every ward and polling unit ahead of 2027.
“You have done well by openly endorsing Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for a second term. Now the real work begins—carry this message door to door because this government means well for Nigerians,” she said.
Dr. Alile also commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, for sustaining the APC’s presence in Enugu State.
She further inaugurated the Enugu State chapter of the APC Senior Citizens Initiative, aimed at giving elderly Nigerians a stronger voice in party and national affairs.
“This initiative is not just a welfare scheme. It reintegrates senior citizens into our decision-making processes as part of Vision 2027 under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” she explained.
In his goodwill message, Chief Nnaji urged women to remain steadfast, noting that the president’s agenda has placed them at the centre of national transformation.
Also speaking, Hon. Chimaobi Atu, representing Enugu North/Enugu South Federal Constituency, said the APC-led government had already impacted lives in Enugu and across Nigeria through infrastructure and empowerment projects.
“This endorsement is not just about politics, but about consolidating on what has already been started. 2027 will be a chance to deepen these gains,” he said.
Enugu APC chairman, Hon. Ugochukwu Agballah, noted that the state chapter had been repositioned to lead the party’s resurgence in the state.
Similarly, State Women Leader, Prof. Amaka Onu, reaffirmed women’s determination to take a more active role in governance, stressing that women would no longer accept being sidelined in party and national affairs.
Former campaign spokesman of President Bola Tinubu in the south east, Dr Josef Onoh, has poured encomiums on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, arguing it’s better to make tributes on one while alive than in death.
According to Onoh, the former President is a living legend who resonates with the weight of legacy, the depth of sacrifice, and breadth of impact in the annals of Nigeria’s storied history.
Onoh in his accolade to Obasanjo said that it was with some deep sense of reverence, admiration and overwhelming pride that he penned the tribute of the former president whom he stressed is a “colossus, a titan of our time, a man whose life and contributions have shaped the very soul of our nation.”
To Onoh, Obasanjo is not merely a former President, a revered elder statesman, or a global icon but an Uncle Matthew, a cherished figure
whose warmth, wisdom, and enduring friendship with his late father has left indelible mark in his heart.
Onoh, in a statement, wrote: “Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s contributions to Nigeria are as vast as the savannahs of our land and as enduring as the rivers that course through it. As a military Head of State from 1976 to 1979, he demonstrated rare courage by voluntarily handing over power to a civilian government, a historic act that cemented his place as a beacon of democratic ideals. His return as a democratically elected President from 1999 to 2007 marked a pivotal era in Nigeria’s journey, where his visionary leadership steered our nation through turbulent waters toward stability and progress.
“Under his stewardship, Nigeria witnessed transformative economic reforms, including the liberalization of the telecommunications sector, which birthed the mobile revolution that connects millions of Nigerians today. His bold debt relief negotiations with the Paris Club alleviated Nigeria’s financial burdens, paving the way for economic growth and renewed global respect. His establishment of anti-corruption institutions such as the EFCC and ICPC reflected his unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability, setting a standard for governance that continues to inspire.
“Beyond Nigeria’s borders, Uncle Matthew’s contributions to Africa and the world are monumental. As a peacemaker, he brokered peace in conflicts across the continent, from Liberia to Sudan, earning Nigeria a place of pride as a diplomatic powerhouse. His leadership in the African Union and his advocacy for pan-African unity have left an enduring legacy, making him a global symbol of resilience, statesmanship, and hope.
” In a nation often fractured by ethnic and regional divides, Chief Obasanjo stands as a towering example of a detribalized Nigerian. His leadership transcended ethnic loyalties, embracing every Nigerian as a brother or sister under the banner of one indivisible nation. His appointments and policies reflected a deliberate commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that no region or group felt marginalized. Uncle Matthew’s detribalized mindset is a clarion call to all Nigerians to rise above parochialism and embrace the unity that defines our strength. His life reminds us that Nigeria’s greatness lies in our diversity, and his actions have consistently embodied this truth.”
Onoh nostalgically recalled a cherished friendship Obasanjo had with with his late Father, His Excellency, Chief C.C Onoh, and brother-in-law Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stating that their bond was a tapestry woven with mutual respect, shared values, and an unyielding commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
“Their friendship was not merely one of convenience but a profound connection rooted in their shared vision for a better Nigeria. I recall with nostalgia the stories my father told of their interactions, filled with laughter, debates, and a mutual passion for service. To both my father and late brother-in-law Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Uncle Matthew was not just a comrade but a brother, a confidant whose loyalty and integrity were unwavering. This friendship, so cherished and enduring, remains a source of pride for our families and a testament to the kind of man Chief Obasanjo is—loyal, dependable, and true”.
He added: “To me, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is more than a national hero; he is Uncle Matthew, a name I fondly call him, reflecting the warmth and familiarity he has always extended.
“Growing up, I was privileged to witness his larger-than-life presence tempered by a humility that endeared him to all. During his presidential campaign and visit to our Ngwo country home, his hearty laughter, his piercing insights, and his ability to make everyone feel valued are qualities that have shaped my admiration for him. I was blessed to have served as a state legislator during his final term as president, as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). and each visit to the Presidential villa was graced with great knowledge and advice aimed at building a greater Nigeria and i forever cherish those moments. Calling him Uncle Matthew is not just a term of endearment but a recognition of the familial bond he fostered with those around him, a bond that transcends titles and positions.”
Onoh stated that Obasanjo is a disciplinarian par excellence, legendary and a trait that defines both his personal and public life.
“As a military man, a leader, and a statesman, he has always embodied the principles of order, accountability, and excellence. His insistence on discipline was not born of rigidity but of a deep-seated belief that a nation thrives only when its people uphold integrity and responsibility. Whether in the barracks or the boardroom, Uncle Matthew’s disciplined approach inspired those around him to strive for greatness. His life is a lesson that discipline, tempered with compassion, is the bedrock of progress.”
He continued: “It is a rare privilege to celebrate a living legend, and I am immensely grateful for this opportunity to honor Chief Olusegun Obasanjo while he is still with us. Too often, we reserve our tributes for the departed, but today, I seize this moment to proclaim my admiration for a man who has given so much to Nigeria and the world. Uncle Matthew, your life is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and service. Your contributions have not only shaped our past but continue to guide our future. Your friendship with my late father remains a cherished memory, and your detribalized spirit inspires me to believe in a united Nigeria.
“As I reflect on your journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to know you, to call you Uncle Matthew, and to witness your enduring legacy. May your days be long, your wisdom ever-flowing, and your impact eternal. Nigeria owes you a debt of gratitude, and I, Dr. Josef Onoh, am honored to celebrate you, a true son of the soil, a disciplinarian, a statesman, and a beloved uncle.
“It is indeed a blessing and fun to be in the same decade with you. Your presence has blessed Nigeria, Africa and the world to emphasize learning, growth, and the realization that as a people we overestimate short-term accomplishments while underestimating the progress possible over a longer period, such as a decade. You are truly one of Africa’s greatest son.”
Long before she became Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, CON, was already known for her passion for the betterment of vulnerable persons (especially women, children, the elderly and people with disability) as well as marginalized communities across the country. As a teacher, then as First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, as a member of the Nigerian Senate for three consecutive terms (representing the Lagos Central senatorial district), and as a Deaconess in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, she embarked on so many pet projects and empowerment programmes that it was hard to keep track of them all. Her tireless efforts in addressing the needs of women and children seemed to know no bounds.
Today, as the wife of Nigeria’s President, her activities are mostly encapsulated in the mandate of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a programme designed to bring succour and relief to families across the nation, as well as promote food security and entrepreneurial support and facilitation.
As the RHI’s interventions build momentum all over the country, they have gained the buy-in of critical stakeholders (and especially the financial backing of corporate organizations with a history of putting their money where their mouths are). In the past 16 months or so, the contributions of these bodies – such as the Abdul-Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and countless others who choose to remain anonymous for now, have accounted for a significant share of the estimated N9.4bn so far expended by the RHI on its interventions.
As she marks her 65th birthday, it is no wonder that Sen. Tinubu is being celebrated with such an outpouring of affection by her compatriots – from the high and mighty in the land, to the humble beneficiaries of her selfless philanthropy in the nooks and crannies of Nigeria – for her kindness, her advocacy for social justice, and her commitment to the enhancement of Nigeria’s Human Development Index.
Not least of her attributes is her emotional intelligence – and no one has benefitted more from this quality of hers than her beloved husband. Last year, on the occasion of her 64th birthday, President Bola Tinubu paid a heartfelt tribute, describing his wife as “my rock, confidante, greatest supporter, and the love of my life.” These words encapsulate the essence of Sen. Tinubu’s remarkable character and her indispensable role in the President’s life. More than just a partner, Remi Tinubu, affectionately called ‘The Rock’ has been a symbol of hope, compassion, and kindness. Her selfless nature and generosity of spirit have endeared her to countless individuals, from the staff at Bourdillon (the President’s Lagos residence) to supporters of the Tinubu presidency. Her thoughtful gestures, often accompanied by substantial gifts, have brought joy and reassurance to those who would otherwise feel forgotten. Sen. Tinubu’s remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life has earned her the admiration of many, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who refers to her as “my daughter, in whom I am well pleased.” This heartfelt endorsement speaks volumes about her exceptional character and the high esteem in which she is held.
From all indications, she’s not slowing down yet at 65; if anything, the encomiums and accolades she is receiving on this happy milestone will spur her to greater involvement towards the actualization of the RHI’s mandate as a component of her husband’s Renewed Hope Agenda – which, in spite of socio-economic headwinds, is committed to enhancing the standard of living and quality of life of the Nigerian people. Since its launch in mid-2023, the RHI has offered help and support to all manner of beneficiaries – from families affected by flooding in Abuja; to victims of insecurity and flooding in Borno State, and families of fallen servicemen. Over the last two years, RHI has bestowed scholarships; launched digital literacy initiatives; delivered N1m each to 500 displaced families in Plateau State; allocated N1.9bn to the welfare of the elderly persons across 36 states and the FCT; distributed N50m in grants to 1,000 female petty traders as part of a larger plan to empower 37,000 women petty traders nationwide; presented N70m to 140 women farmers in the North-West; pledged N1bn to eradicate tuberculosis by 2030; distributed food and money to Christian communities in the 19 northern states for Christmas and New Year festivities; and donated N100m to families affected by a tanker explosion in Niger State, among many other interventions.
Keem Abdul
Throughout her public engagements, the First Lady has never hidden her special love for the state of Lagos, and the occasion of her 65th birthday provided a welcome opportunity to reiterate that commitment anew. During her 3-day visit to the state to mark the occasion, she launched a number of impact legacy projects – beginning with the aforementioned RHI Food Outreach Scheme, whose impact on households in the state, according to the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aligned squarely with the THEMES+ agenda of his administration, with its emphasis on social inclusion, health, and economic empowerment especially at the grassroots.
Among the highlights of Sen. Tinubu’s engagements in Lagos was the official launch of the state-of-the-art Remi Tinubu Industrial Leather Hub, a game-changing investment capable of transforming Lagos State into a global leader in leather production and innovation. Situated in the Matori axis of Mushin, the hub is projected to generate more than $250m annually in export turnover, create 10,000 direct jobs, and provide training and start-up support for over 150,000 artisans across the state. Equipped with cutting-edge machinery for the mass production of a variety of finished leathers goods, the facility aims to drive local wealth-creation while projecting Nigerian craftsmanship on the world stage – goals which align with the objectives of the RHI, as well as the Tinubu Administration’s developmental priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), namely, to unlock potential, foster economic independence, and create opportunities for women and young people to thrive.
As we mark the 65th birthday of Sen. Remi Tinubu ‘The Rock,’ we pay tribute to a woman whose unwavering support and unconditional love have been the bedrock of President Tinubu’s success, and made a profound impact on his life and that of the nation as a whole. Remi Tinubu is indeed a rare gem, a true matriarch, and a shining example of the transformative power of love and compassion.
Happy 65th birthday, dear Mother of the Nation. May this special day mark the beginning of another year filled with joy, love, and continued service to humanity.
* Keem Abdul, a public relations guru, publisher and writer, hails from Lagos. He can be reached via +2349046303816 or Akeemabdul2023@gmail.com
The former southeast campaign spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Josef Onoh, has countered Senator Kabiru Marafa’s recent vow to deduct one million votes from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tally in the 2027 presidential election.
Onoh also flared Marafa’s “use-and-dump” leadership style allegation on Tinubu, stating that Marafa appeared to be driven more by personal grievances than by objective assessments of the Tinubu administration.
Onoh said that Marafa’s threat of reducing Tinubu’s votes could only be achieved by a political numerical magician.
Onoh in defence of the President provided a broader context of Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to Nigeria, including Zamfara State, saying that “Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. It’s perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learned something from yesterday.”
He described as false claim by Marafa that Zamfara is the most sidelined state in Nigeria, stating that President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized equitable resource allocation and infrastructure development across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“For instance, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, recently clarified that infrastructure projects have been distributed fairly across the six geopolitical zones.
“Although the southeast strongly disagree but it accepts that under the current administration, the five southeast governors and all other state governors have received more allocations than any governor since 1999. So, we can’t blame the president for their failure to develop the region with significant investments on roads, agriculture, and security nationwide.”
Onoh stated that contrary to Marafa’s assertion, Zamfara state has not been neglected as it was allocated a key position with Bello Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence – a critical role given Zamfara’s security challenges.
“This appointment reflects Tinubu’s recognition of Zamfara’s strategic importance in addressing banditry and insecurity in the North-West. Marafa’s criticism that Tinubu’s government has failed to address insecurity in Zamfara is an oversimplification. The administration has taken concrete steps to tackle banditry and kidnapping, including deploying security forces and enhancing intelligence operations.
“While Marafa claims security was only deployed during elections, the reality is that Tinubu’s government has sustained efforts to combat insecurity nationwide, including Zamfara state where banditry remains a complex challenge inherited from previous administrations.
“The President has also initiated reforms in the security architecture, such as increased funding for the military and police, to ensure long-term stability. Blaming Tinubu for ongoing security issues ignores the deep-rooted nature of these challenges and the administration’s ongoing efforts to address them.
“Marafa’s accusation that Tinubu failed to reform the APC’s internal reward system and instead institutionalized a ‘monkey dey work, baboon dey chop’ culture to a great extent I concede to be true, and hopefully the president will change the narrative soon,” Onoh accepted.
He stated that President Tinubu has worked to strengthen the APC’s unity and inclusivity, ensuring that party loyalists across regions are rewarded.
“But the fault can be found in the various greedy party stakeholders who the president has saddled with distributing the rewards amongst key party loyalists but rather they distribute it amongst family members and personal associates who mostly worked against the president.
“We have a beehive of them in the administration but in fairness to the President key northern leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, hold prominent positions in the administration.
“Marafa’s claim of being sidelined overlooks the fact that political appointments are based on merit, loyalty, and strategic considerations, not merely personal expectations. His resignation from the APC and subsequent attacks suggest a reaction to unmet personal ambitions rather than systemic betrayal which is understandable going by his efforts and personal expectations and anyone in his shoes will do exactly the same.”
He said that Tinubu’s leadership has focused on building a broad-based coalition, but that his efforts are undermined by most of the people he aims at building such coalition.
“Marafa’s contributions in 2023 are appreciated, but political loyalty cannot guarantee every individual’s desired role. If that be the criteria then I can boldly say that the Tinubu led government has been most unfair to me which is true in every way but never for one day have I complained because my support is rooted for the love of country above personal gains which is now lost in modern Nigeria politics.
“Marafa’s assertion that he can deduct one million votes from Tinubu’s 2023 tally is ambitious but questionable. In the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu secured 1,453,452 votes in the North-West, with Zamfara contributing a significant portion due to the APC’s strong campaign, in which Marafa played a role.
However, his claim to single-handedly influence one million votes ignores the collective efforts of the APC’s structure and the broader voter sentiment in Zamfara state.
“Marafa’s reference to Governor Dauda Lawal’s 2023 victory as evidence of shifting political alignments exaggerates his own influence. Lawal’s win was driven by multiple factors, including local dynamics and anti-incumbency sentiment, not solely Marafa’s political clout. The 2027 election will be determined by Tinubu’s performance and the APC’s campaign, not by one individual’s defection.
“Marafa’s use-and-dump accusation is a mischaracterization of Tinubu’s leadership style although not perfect yet throughout his political career, Tinubu as a person has been known for nurturing alliances and rewarding loyalty contrary to the APC as a party with various personal interest groups which their selfish interests should not be used to judge President Tinubu’s personal reward system.
“For instance, his continued support for Vice President Shettima and other northern leaders, even non northern leaders like Senate President Godswill Akpabio demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity. Marafa’s comparison to Nasir El-Rufai and Abdullahi Ganduje is selective; both leaders faced unique political circumstances, and their situations do not reflect a broader pattern of betrayal. Tinubu’s administration has appointed numerous northerners to key positions, including ministers, agency heads, and security chiefs, debunking claims of marginalization.
“If one should speak of marginalization, myself as a southeastern have all moral justification to speak out on behalf of my region because we are heavily marginalized but we are silent because our pain can be seen in our silence.
“Marafa’s focus on the 2027 election is premature and distracts from the Tinubu administration’s ongoing efforts to address Nigeria’s challenges. I can authoritatively say that President Tinubu is preoccupied with tackling economic, security, and infrastructural issues across the country, including in the North-West.
“His policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and efforts to stabilize the economy, are designed for long-term national benefit, even if they face short-term resistance. Marafa’s threat to mobilize against Tinubu overlooks the President’s commitment to delivering results that will resonate with voters by 2027.
“Senator Kabiru Marafa’s claims may be rooted in personal disappointment rather than a fair assessment of President Tinubu’s leadership. The President has demonstrated a commitment to equitable governance, security improvements, and party unity, although his efforts are majorly undermined by most of his appointees not limited to his inner circle who shield him from his loyal supporters in favour of praise singers.
“While Marafa’s contributions to the APC’s 2023 victory are acknowledged, his vow to deduct one million votes is an overstatement of his individual influence and underestimates Tinubu’s broad support base.
“President Tinubu remains focused on delivering transformative governance for all Nigerians, including the people of Zamfara, and will continue to work toward a united and prosperous Nigeria by 2027 subject to the will of God above numerical deductions.”
Leaders of thought and stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District have warned political aspirants eyeing the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State not to waste their money or resources contesting against Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
They insisted that Governor Mbah’s outstanding performance in just over two years in office had already secured him a second term.
The leaders, who cut across political, professional, traditional, and grassroots divides, made the declaration in a communiqué issued at the end of a town hall meeting held on Sunday at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
The communiqué, titled “One Good Term Deserves Another”, expressed total satisfaction with Mbah’s administration, noting that he had “not only kept his campaign promises but equally surpassed expectations.”
Listing Mbah’s achievements in security, education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, the group said the governor had “repositioned Enugu State on a path of development never witnessed since the days of Dr. Michael Okpara.”
They cited landmark projects such as the AI-powered Command and Control Centre, 260 Smart Green Schools, 260 new healthcare centres, over 1,000km of road projects, revival of moribund assets, modern transport terminals, Enugu Air, and a raft of agricultural estates across all wards of the state as proof of his transformative governance.
“We, the people of Enugu East Senatorial District, unequivocally endorse Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for a second term in office come 2027,” the communiqué read.
“In fact, if he has done these great works in just two years, it is only left to the imagination what Enugu will look like after eight years,” it said.
Declaring that party affiliation was irrelevant in this endorsement, the leaders stated: “Our political party is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.”
They also appealed to the people of Enugu North and Enugu West senators Districts to reciprocate the zoning support earlier accorded them by the East between 2007 and 2023 during the tenures of Barr. Sullivan Chime and Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi respectively.
The leaders urged Ndi Enugu to sustain their support for the Mbah administration in the interest of peace, security, and rapid development.
The communiqué was issued by the2023 governorship candidate of Labour Party, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga; former state chairman of APC, Dr. Ben Nwoye; ALGON chairman and chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Sydney Edeh; coordinator of Presidents General of communities in the state, Arinze Ogbodo and representatives of the six LGAs in the zone.
