Author: Friday Omosola

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has affirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the new South-West Development Commission (SWDC), stating the body is vital for accelerating regional growth and closing existing developmental gaps. Aiyedatiwa made the pledge on Saturday at a thanksgiving ceremony held in honour of Jide Martins Adewinle, the newly appointed Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State on the SWDC. READ ALSO: Ekiti 2026: Aiyedatiwa urges citizens to vote Oyebanji for second term The governor lauded President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Commission, describing it as a “laudable step” to tackle developmental disparities and unlock the South-West’s economic potential…

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who chairs the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, has defended the main opposition party’s resilience. He predicted the party’s successful return to power in the 2027 general elections despite a wave of high-profile defections. Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Saturday, Bala, who also holds a key role on the PDP’s National Convention committee, admitted he was “more than concerned” by the departure of some governors and legislators to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa, Bala partner on $2.6bn fertiliser, petrochemical deal However, he confirmed that the party’s leadership is engaged…

The Ondo State government has initiated a determined effort to find a lasting solution to the severe Atlantic Ocean incursion threatening the historic coastal community of Ayetoro. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has taken a decisive step to end the cycle of failed projects by ensuring that only highly competent and financially capable firms are contracted for the critical shoreline protection and land reclamation work. This was disclosed in a statement posted on Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, OSOPADEC, Facebook page on Saturday. READ ALSO: Ondo govt transfers UNIMED to FUTA, approves new agricultural, infrastructure policies Last week, a high-level technical…

A newly established ad hoc committee in the House of Representatives has begun an investigation into accusations of financial impropriety concerning the funds earmarked for oil spill remediation in the Niger Delta. The legislative body is seeking to guarantee accountability, transparency, and equitable outcomes for the communities devastated by pollution. During the committee’s inauguration in Abuja, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Chief Whip, Usman Kumo, tasked the panel with assessing the managerial capacity of the individuals or entities responsible for handling the cleanup funds. READ ALSO: Reps passes bill for creation of Ibadan state on second reading The Speaker…

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has announced his plan to assemble a legal team to initiate proceedings against the oil companies responsible for the extensive pollution and abandonment of their host communities in the Niger Delta region. Speaking at the 30th Memorial Lecture for Ken Saro-Wiwa in Port Harcourt, Falana stressed that the very communities whose resources power Nigeria’s economy are entitled to a decent standard of living, complete with essential services, rather than enduring poverty and neglect. The event, which was organised by a collaboration of environmental civil society leaders, honored what would have been the 84th birthday of…

The Federal Government (FG), through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and collaborating with genuine private sector entities focused on fostering a “cleaner, safer, and more prosperous Nation.” Akume made this declaration while receiving an award from the African Business Ventures and Investment Group (ABVIG) in Abuja. The award recognised his significant role in promoting private sector partnership with the government concerning climate change initiatives and infrastructure development across Africa. READ ALSO: FG halts revenue collection deductions to boost fiscal transparency Speaking at the event, Akume, represented by the Deputy…

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Friday presented a budget proposal of N415.57 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, aiming to consolidate the achievements of his administration over the past three years. Christened the “Budget of Impactful Governance,” the estimate is approximately 11% higher than the N375.79 billion approved budget for 2025. The proposed budget allocates N221.87 billion, or 53 percent, to Recurrent Expenditure, and N193.70 billion, or 46 percent, to Capital Expenditure. This marks a shift from the 2025 budget, which comprised N252.15 billion in Recurrent and N104.51 billion in Capital Expenditure.…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has agreed that there is an urgent need for a decisive and just resolution to the prolonged incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This commitment followed a meeting in Abuja earlier today between Jonathan and activist-publisher Omoyele Sowore, who is mobilizing for Kanu’s release. Sowore in a statement posted on his social media pages on Friday stated that the former President promised to meet with President Bola Tinubu as soon as possible to discuss the matter. READ ALSO: Sowore sets October 20 for peaceful protest to demand release of Nnamdi…

The Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) has collaborated with the Lagos Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to launch its annual ‘Ember Months’ safety advocacy campaign. The campaign, flagged off at Ketu Motor Park, Ketu, Lagos, is themed: “Drivers Education, An Antidote To Road Accidents And Well-Being.” Addressing road union members and transport sector stakeholders at the event, the General Manager of LASDRI, Tiamiyu Afusat, emphasised the necessity of the ‘Ember Months’ safety advocacy. READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu: Lagos tenancy bill will balance landlord-tenant rights, end housing disputes She noted that Lagos roads experience significant strain during this…

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyode, has called on Nigerian youths to reject internet fraud and instead dedicate their innovative energies to constructive nation-building. The anti-graft agency in a statement posted on its X page on Friday said Olukoyode delivered the charge during his keynote address at the inaugural Kids and Teens STEAM Innovate Buildathon bootcamp. READ ALSO: “Be goal-oriented whistleblowers, shunning crimes” – Olukoyede urges corps members  The event, themed “Future Innovator: Young Minds, Big Ideas, Creating Tomorrow Today,” was designed for participants aged seven to 18. In the address, which was delivered on his…