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Lagos Lawyer, Victim, and Father Praise AIG Margaret Ochalla for Intervention, Urge Others to Emulate Her

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

A Lagos-based top lawyer, Barrister Olayinka Sanni, alongside a victim of police misconduct, Olawale Iyanda and his father, has commended Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Margaret Ochalla, for her timely intervention and benevolence in settling the victim’s medical bills. They described her gesture as exemplary and urged others in positions of authority to emulate her compassion and commitment to justice.

 

This commendation followed a recent petition regarding alleged extortion and human rights violations by personnel of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, involving one Inspector Kalu.

 

Upon receiving the complaint, AIG Ochalla immediately directed the Commissioner of Police, X-Squad, to investigate. The investigation led to the arrest of both the officer and a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator linked to the case.

 

During interrogation, Inspector Kalu admitted that the petitioner had earlier been reported by community members for allegedly terrorizing the neighborhood. The petitioner himself confessed to involvement in identity theft, presenting evidence of his actions. He was later granted bail with instructions to return for further investigation.

 

Similarly, the POS operator confessed that the complainant had once requested ₦4 million in cash, which she provided. She further admitted that the complainant later returned and left the funds with her without explanation.

 

In the spirit of transparency and fairness, AIG Ochalla ensured the complete recovery of the funds, which were duly returned to the petitioner. She also took a step further by personally covering the victim’s medical expenses, demonstrating leadership rooted in compassion. Meanwhile, Inspector Kalu is undergoing an Orderly Room Trial in line with police disciplinary procedures.

 

Speaking on the development during their ‘thank you’ visit to the office of AIG-FCID, Barrister Olayinka Sanni praised the AIG’s actions, describing her as “a true reformist who leads with integrity.” He stressed that such humane and professional conduct should be a model for others in public service.

 

The AIG, FCID Annex, Lagos, reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for corruption and misconduct, urging the public to report any unprofessional behavior through the official complaint channels. She emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force under her watch remains committed to accountability, fairness, and quality service delivery.

PETER MBAH AS “TALK NA DO GOVERNOR”

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By Tunde Olusunle

 

Come Tuesday August 28, 2025, the cream of the Nigerian legal community congregate in the the historic *Coal City,* Enugu, capital of Enugu State, for their annual conference, under the auspices of the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA). They will be the second very important professional body to schedule their converge in the state in as many months, following the precedence of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, (NGE), who were guests of the state last June. The senior journalists had more than their fill of sights, sounds, even smells of the jaw-dropping, multi-departmental initiatives and makeover of the state, under the far-sighted, daring leadership of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. He is the soft-spoken, unassuming Governor of the state. Eye-popping educational infrastructure; diligently constructed and rehabilitated roads; emplaced and functional digital technology-led security apparachik and a purpose-built, integrated multi-auditorium conference and convention centre, optically validated the consummation of Mbah’s governance mantra that *tomorrow is here.*

 

Mbah desires food sufficiency and security for his people; he dreams of transforming his state into a global tourism and investment destination; he’s a quester for the growth of the economy of Enugu State into that of a formidable sub-national. He is thus on a compulsive, albeit methodical mission to prosecute a masterplan for the multisectoral uplift of his state. While many other states anticipate handouts from the government at the centre, Mbah has established a tractor assembly workshop, for example, to ensure that his constituents benefit from the agriculture value chain. One hundred tractors have been readied for starters, to support the farm estates which are being established across the state. A vehicle and automotive infrastructure assembly plant is also being established in partnership with *Stallion MG Automobiles Ltd.* This is part of Mbah’s vision for a production-driven economy, away from the subsisting consumer-based trajectory.

 

Monday July 7, 2025, Mbah took daringness to a new height. He inaugurated an Enugu government-owned airline, *Enugu Air.* Enugu thus became the first of the five states in the South East, and the third in Nigeria to own an airline. The state follows the precedence of the Akwa Ibom state-owned *Ibom Air* and Cross River State’s *Cally Air.* Coincidentally, all three airline-owning states are in the South of the country. While the operations of *Enugu Air* will expand in-country flight options for air travellers, Mbah has a bigger vision. The *Akanu Ibiam Airport* in Enugu, savoured an upgrade to international status under the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari. It is operated by a few foreign airlines, notably *Ethiopian Air.* Mbah intends to leverage on this to position Enugu “as a central aviation gateway to the South East and the bridge between Nigeria and the rest of the world.”

 

The ultimate goal, according to Mbah, “is to make Enugu a connecting hub for travellers across Africa and internationally. *Enugu Air* will not only facilitate domestic travel but also serve as a critical link that connects countries to our base here in Enugu, boosting tourism, trade and economic growth.” The *Akanu Ibiam International Airport* is the oldest and busiest in Nigeria’s South East. *Xejet,* partners of the Enugu State government on the initiative, are deploying two aircraft for the commencement of the operations of *Enugu Air.* Flights will commence between Enugu, Lagos, Nigeria’s economic vertebrae, and Abuja, the capitol, two of the busiest air travel routes in Nigeria. Such is the industry and innovative audacity of Peter Mbah. He can most fittingly be described in Nigeria’s pidgin English vocabulary as a *talk na do Governor,* a leader who delivers, wholly and practically on his word.

 

Thursday August 14, 2025, less than a month after inaugurating *Enugu Air,* Mbah commissioned five ultramodern transport terminals in the state. The infrastructures were developed in consonance with his manual for a modern, multimodal public transport ecosystem for Enugu State. Mbah equally cut the ribbons of 80 modern bus shelters built across the state. The aim is to mitigate what Mbah described as “the municipal blight manifested in chaotic traffic and general disorderliness.” Mbah intends for an “efficient public transport system which offers comfort and dignity, and which will fast-track the audacious economic aspirations of his state.” This is in sync with the core desire to make Enugu the most liveable city in Nigeria, where a world-standard transport regimen “moves people, connects businesses and communities.” The intention is also to position Enugu State as a model of modern governance, sustainable growth and human dignity.

 

At the same event, Mbah launched 100 CNG mass transit buses, out of 200 units acquired by his government, a feat without precedence even in more affluent states across the country. The double-barrelled event, Mbah observed, transcended “a ribbon-cutting exercise,” as it ushered in a whole new experience, fundamentally connecting our vision to action, and our action to the daily lives of the over seven million residents of Enugu State.” Mbah noted that the “CNG Rapid Bus Service Mass Transit Scheme and the terminals are pillars of the transport agenda, a multimodal highway to the future, integrating road, rail, air and waterways into one seamless, safe and efficient ecosystem.” The Enugu State helmsman hopes that his transportation masterplan will create “20,000 jobs across BRT; 2,000 hybrid city taxis, airport operations, ride-hailing and support services.”

 

One week after emplacing the futuristic transportation system in Enugu State, Mbah commissioned the refurbished hospitality monument in the state capital, the *Presidential Hotel,* Enugu. Built in 1963 by the Premier of the Eastern Region, Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara, the once-upon-a-time prototype of post-colonial aesthetics, was a regional pride in its time. It fell into gross disrepair owing to decades of scant attention and non-maintenance. Passed over by his predecessors, Mbah bravely undertook the restoration of the archetype, an endeavour he described as an “imperative reconnection with the history of our people.” Reinstating the 100-room, 62 year old edifice is in tandem with the vision of his government to reestablish Enugu as a major hub for hospitality, tourism and investment. It complements the ongoing construction of a 340-room five-star hotel which will change the face of travel and boarding in Enugu.

 

Committed to leveraging socioeconomic opportunities and developments for the wellbeing of his constituents, Mbah has also been tweaking his cabinet, ostensibly for better effectiveness and increased productivity. He recently created a *Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources,* to oversee the investment of the state in the power sector and explore prospects in the state’s mineral sector. In what is rightly a midterm reinvigoration of his team, Mbah appointed a new Head of Service and six new commissioners, while reassigning three others. He admonished the new entrants into his cabinet to get cracking, and to raise the bar of performance for which his administration had consistently received plaudits from the people. “There’s no time for prefatory honeymoon in this job,” he advised his new aides.

 

Mbah underwent the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), in a law firm in Lagos between 2001 and 2002, after being called to the Nigerian Bar, upon graduation from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos campus. He recalls the travails of contemporary youth corps members and thus raised their state-paid stipend from the preexisting *one naira* per member, to a minimum of N20,000 each, depending on course of study. Medical doctors, pharmacists, healthcare professionals, earn N80,000; N50,000 and N40,000 each in that order. Apart from augmenting the buying power of youth corps members who are paid a monthly stipend of N77,000 by the federal government, Mbah believes that university graduates who went through the mills and grills of tertiary education should earn above the minimum wage for general workers. Such is the manner of empathy, the fellow-feeling which rules the heart of Mbah.

 

Governor Peter Mbah has demonstrated that selfless and impactful public service is possible in a milieu where the quality of leadership is painfully razz and degenerate at the very best. Perhaps because he was a very successful private sector player before his foray in politics, Mbah has shown that so long as public servants are transparent and moderate their greed and voluptuous consumption of public resources, there is enough fiscal wherewithal to work for the people and impact their lives. Public resources are not the personal preserve of office holders, most of whom are wont to dishonestly keep chunks for themselves and dispense crumbs to the people. Mbah continues to stride gingerly towards achieving the goal of improving the economy of Enugu State from the present $4.4Billion, to $30Billion, within a time frame of eight years. He is chalking up successes because he has poured himself wholly, honestly and selflessly into his assignment, cognisant that the verdict of history awaits. Nigeria will be better with more Peter Ndubuisi Mbahs.

 

 

*Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow, Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja*

Ondo state: Lessons from success story on security 

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By Ayo Baje

 

Quote:

 

“Amotekun Corp’s lofty journey has been one of remarkable achievements and unwavering resilience. Our brave men and women have scaled the most daunting challenges, confronting terrorists, bandits and kidnappers with unwavering courage.”

 

-Gov. Lucky Aiyetadiwa ( Speaking on the efforts of Amotekun Security in the state)

 

Going by the dictates of Section 14 Sub-section (2)(b) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) the primary purpose of government is to guarantee the protection of the citizens and their property from harn in addition to providing for their welfare, to enhance their wellbeing. But given the socio-political dynamics of the multi-ethnic Nigerian nation insecurity has reared its ugly head bedeviling the economic landscape over the decades. While trillions of naira in budgetarty allocations have gone to confront the mindless menace of the nefarious activities of all manner of insurgents-from Boko Haram, ISWAP, to bandits, Lakurawa and Mahmuda terrorists and fully armed herders hundreds of thousands of precious, irreplaceable lives have been wantonly wasted over the decades. But one governor truly making the desired difference in both the frontal battle and the proactive approach to insecurity is none other than Lucky Aiyetadiwa, beaming the sunshine of hope on state security with his government’s determined efforts, in Ondo state.

 

 

Amongst the fascinating features in this regard include the adoption and reinforcement of the Amotekun Corps as left behind by his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu ( of blessed memory). Furthermore, he has become an indefatigable advocate of state policing to drive home the importance of strengthening security down to the grassroots. Another aspect of course, is having a holistic approach to the fight against crimes and criminality, knowing full well that the government cannot do it all alone, hence the involvement of security agencies, non -governmental organizations ( NGOs ) and the people themselves.

 

 

Indeed, the news headlines tell the story -or at least, part of it. For instance, these include: ”Aiyetadiwa calls for synergy among security agencies ” Another one comes in as: “Amotekun, example of transformative power of state-level security – Aiyetadiwa”. And while still ruminating over that, the one on: “Ondo government approves death penalty for kidnappers” screams boldly to the face and the heart of humanity. They deserve the punishment, do they not? Of course, they do.! ” Governor

Aiyetadiwa seeks synergy of security agencies in protecting border communities in Ondo state.

Yet, another page -turning one states that: ” Governor Aiyetadiwa distributes 50 operational vehicles to security agencies”. Talk about the power of pragmatic partnership in combating the persisting challenge of insecurity.

 

 

Interestingly, these critical issues were highlight by the state Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku during a recent interview he granted an FM Radio station. According to him, the increasing level of security in the state is predicated on the strong backing from the collaboration of security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps. He praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for the prompt provision of the needed logistics, resources including drones and security personnel deployed across all the forests in the state, for surveillance day and night. And with policemen working closely with the Amotekun that led to the quick arrests of the perpetrators behind the abduction of a member of staff of the Adekunle Ajasin University some weeks back.

 

 

In addition, he emphasized the salutary efforts being made by the government to engage potential investors to Ondo state, as the peace being currently enjoyed is key to attracting them.

 

 

With the noble aim to strengthen that peace, the governor reiterated this during the presentation of 50 high-grade operational Toyota Hilux vehicles to security agencies in the state which formed part of activities that marked his first 100 days in office: “This event underscores our administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency and capacity of our security agencies to respond to any security alert or acts of criminality in the state,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of synergy among all security stakeholders, as that collaboration is critical to tackling the security challenges facing the state.Good enough, this philosophy runs in sync with his administration’s development blueprint, tagged: OUR EASE, which prioritizes the safety of citizebs. It would be recalled that in July 2024, the state government distributed 25 units of Toyota Hilux vehicles to security agencies, highlighting the new presentation as a continuation of that That is exactly what Sam Walton refers to as one of the secrets of success; hinged of course, on the constancy of purpose.

 

 

Such practical demonstration of the power of partnership on combating insecurity was also enhanced during the Yemie Fash’s Online News platform 3rd Interactive Session, during which Aiyedatiwa and other stakeholders called for synergy among security agencies. The governor was represented by his deputy,

Dr. Olayide Adelami; the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, as well as members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, political appointees, heads of security agencies, top government functionaries, and other dignitaries.

 

 

As the governor has reiterated through different fora, and reinforced by practical efforts the South-West Amotekun has come to stay. The concept of State Police which he is championing will eventually free the people from the ineffective federal security structure which has gulped humongous sums of tax payers’ money with little to show for it. By his rapid response to the cries of the farmers in Akure North who staged protest against attacks from armed herders, placing curfew on two communities and lifting it after thorough appraisal and putting preventive measures firmly in place he has walked the talk on state security.

 

 

So, what matters in all of these engagements is the holistic approach adopted by the government because everyone would be enlightened to play his part to ensure that there is sustainable security in the state. That would form the foundation to build other structures related to employment generation which the governor has promised different youth organizations and is putting into practice with the vast and varied industrialization landscape through the Deep Sea port, agribusiness companies as well as the infrastructural development to attract visitors from across the world to the globally recognized Idanre Hills and other destinations of alluring, scenic splendor..

 

These are lasting lessons for other states and geopolitical zones to learn from, adapt and implement in the interest of the people they are elected and paid to serve.

Tinubu abolishes 5% telecom tax, offers relief to millions of Nigerians

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Millions of telecom subscribers across Nigeria have received welcome news as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially scrapped the planned 5% excise duty on telecommunications services.

 

The levy, introduced under the 2020 Finance Act, had long faced backlash from industry stakeholders and consumers, who argued that it would worsen the already high cost of living and stifle access to communication services.

 

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, confirmed that the excise duty which had previously been suspended has now been completely abolished.

The excise duty, it was the five per cent or so, that is no longer there,” Maida told journalists. “Before it was suspended, but now the President has been magnanimous to remove it entirely.”

 

The controversial levy, introduced under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, was intended to boost government revenue but was widely criticised by consumer groups and industry stakeholders. Opponents argued that it would not only increase the cost of calls and data but also worsen the financial strain on households already grappling with inflation and high living costs.

 

In July 2023, Tinubu issued an executive order suspending the duty, citing concerns over its impact on both businesses and ordinary Nigerians. This latest move marks a definitive end to the policy.

Reacting to the announcement, the President of the National Association of Telecom Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMs), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, described the development as “soothing news.”

 

According to him, the removal means there will be “price stabilisation” and prevents further tariff hikes by operators, who had already been granted a 50 per cent increase in January 2025.

 

“If the Federal Government had allowed the five per cent, it means there would have been another round of tariff hikes on data and calls soon,” Ogunbanjo said.

 

“The NATCOMs executives will now finalise plans to withdraw our case from the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, because this is a good one for the over 170 million active subscribers in the country.”

Ogunbanjo, however, urged the NCC to review the January hike downward from 50% to 35%, which had been the original agreement with stakeholders earlier in the year.

 

The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, welcomed the news but noted that operators would study the details to ensure the removal was not offset by new taxes elsewhere.

 

“We hope it won’t be that a five per cent was removed from one part but another seven per cent added somewhere else,” Adebayo said.

 

He added that telcos are still waiting for the implementation of Tinubu’s broader tax reform laws, which were signed in June and will take effect in January 2026.

The reforms are expected to streamline Nigeria’s cumbersome tax regime, abolish dozens of minor levies, and provide relief to both businesses and consumers.

 

While subscribers welcomed the tax relief, consumer associations like ATCIS-Nigeria and NATCOMs reiterated concerns about declining quality of service (QoS). Complaints of dropped calls, fast data depletion, and failed airtime top-ups have continued to dominate public discourse.

 

ATCIS-Nigeria President, Sina Bilesanmi, accused the NCC of “pretending all is well” while subscribers suffer:

 

“I have been inundated with complaints about low service quality. This is coming at a time when telcos are demanding more tariff hikes. There is no justification for poor service when consumers are already stretched.”

The NCC, however, insists it is tackling these issues. Maida revealed that the Commission has launched a joint task force with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and banks to resolve failed recharge and top-up complaints.

 

He also disclosed that new service improvement plans are being reviewed, with operators committing to fresh investments in network expansion.

 

Maida stressed that the Commission is updating outdated policies from the early 2000s, when telecom services were largely voice and SMS-based. Today, he said, the focus must shift to internet connectivity and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and augmented reality.

“The policy did not fail, but we must evolve for new realities,” he said.

 

For now, the scrapping of the 5% excise duty is being seen as a welcome reprieve for Nigeria’s 172 million telecom subscribers, even though the larger battle for affordable, reliable, and high-quality service delivery remains unresolved.

Nigerian gov approves N10bn for pension arrears

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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the release of ₦10 billion to offset long-standing pension arrears owed to retirees in the state.

 

The move, according to the government, is aimed at clearing arrears that accumulated before the current administration came into office.

 

The approval was announced following a strategic meeting between the governor, the State Pension Board led by its chairman, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, and the state chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Comrade Anthony Ozu Osanekwu.

 

The governor also announced the constitution of a special oversight team to ensure accountability and transparency in the disbursement process. The team will monitor the implementation of the payment and ensure that funds reach the intended beneficiaries promptly and fairly.

 

During the meeting, the governor emphasised the importance of addressing longstanding issues affecting the state’s retirees, particularly concerning backlogs of unpaid pensions and the transition to the contributory pension scheme.

 

“So far, my administration has disbursed a total of ₦36.4 billion in pension payments, averaging ₦1.4 billion monthly. Since taking office, the state has not defaulted in its monthly pension obligations.

 

The ₦10 billion allocation is aimed at clearing a significant portion of these outstanding liabilities, signalling a major step toward financial justice for retired civil servants in Delta State.

 

“Our retirees are men and women who gave their best years in service to the state. It is only just that they receive what is duly owed to them, and under my watch, their welfare will remain a top priority.”

 

The development has been welcomed by retiree groups and pensioners across the state, who have long advocated for a resolution to the lingering pension arrears.

Babachir turned against Tinubu after missing out on VP slot – Wike

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  The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has alleged that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, became critical of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after being sidelined in the race for the vice-presidential slot.   Wike made the claim while addressing political developments within the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that Lawal’s recent attacks on Tinubu stemmed from personal grievances rather than genuine concerns.   According to the minister, Lawal had expected to be considered for the vice-presidential position but turned against the president after his ambition did not materialize. When Mr President chose his vice-presidential candidate, I was one of those Babachir Lawal visited. He came to my house in Port Harcourt. What was his anger?   “His anger was that he thought Mr President would have chosen him as the vice-presidential candidate. Having not done that, he let loose,” Wike said on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday.   Lawal recently criticised the Tinubu administration for its performance and governance style.   According to Wike, Lawal’s discontent was evident from the way he reacted. “It was very clear, we are not kids. Even a child who is intelligent would know where your anger is,” the minister said. Wike further faulted Lawal’s criticisms of the President and described his comments as disrespectful. He advised that if Lawal had issues with Tinubu, there was “nothing wrong” in addressing them directly with the president.   Wike said he had once respected Lawal but was disappointed by his recent outburst.   “There are people I have had respect for; you find out that you are just holding them in high esteem for nothing. While I was a governor, I used to think that people like Babachir Lawal are people you should have respect for, until I started observing things. I never knew that he is not a man you can take for his words,” he stated.   The minister faulted Lawal’s choice of words against the President, saying, “I watched the interview and the unpalatable words he used against Mr President, how he said that Mr President is full of himself. It is really unfortunate.   “A man will come out on national television not to genuinely criticise what Mr President has done wrong, but to accuse him simply because he had a relationship with Mr President before.   “That does not give him the latitude to come on national television to say a President of a country is full of himself. He doesn’t even call him ‘President’; he just says ‘Bola’. If you had a problem with Mr President before he became President, there is nothing wrong with finding a way to sort it out.”   Wike also stressed that governance is collective and urged Nigerians to engage ministers and advisers rather than expect direct access to the President.   “When you say Mr President is unapproachable, government is unapproachable, what do you call government? I am the minister in charge of the Federal Capital Territory. Must everybody reach Mr President? Is that the way the government runs?   “If everybody in this country refuses to reach out to ministers or special advisers and just wants to see Mr President, how many people can he attend to at a time? I am a minister. If you have a problem regarding activities in the FCT, have you tried to reach out to the FCT minister?”   When asked if the administration was approachable, he replied, “Of course.”   Wike’s comments followed Lawal’s recent description of Tinubu and his government as “unapproachable.” The former SGF, who has been a vocal critic of the administration, also said he would not have coped if he were in the cabinet, adding that he would have either resigned, been sacked, or even “killed”. Lawal also faulted the government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023, arguing that Nigerians had yet to benefit and alleging that the subsidy was still being secretly paid despite official claims to the contrary.

Abdul Oroh and a Durable Coalition for Hope in Nigeria-by Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

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  Abdul Oroh is an unlikely avatar of the Nigerian dream. An Afenmai from Ivbiaro in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State in the south-south of Nigeria, Abdul had the privilege of seeing Nigeria’s promise at independence and its descent to the edge of the proverbial precipice. Born in August 1960, he was less than two months old at the celebrations when the country attained independence on 1 October 1960.   Six and a half decades later, Abdul has worked his way through many careers, managing not to quit any. After a decade as a senior journalist and editor in some Nigeria’s leading newspapers (including the Guardian and Vanguard), Abdul spent the next decade leading Nigeria’s best known human rights organization, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) during and after uniformed military rule. He then went into active politics, becoming elected as a member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). Thereafter, he joined the executive arm of government at the state level, becoming the longest serving commissioner in the administration of Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State. Abdul trained as a lawyer and remains in active legal practice.

President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, (left), being received by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETFUND), Arc Sonny Echono, OON, when he led a delegation to the organisation, today

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Key takeaways from our tour of Enugu and Ebonyi states, by Bayo Onanuga

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We returned to Abuja on Saturday after a three-day working tour of Enugu and Ebonyi States as members of the National Communication Team, led by Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation. During the visit, we engaged with the governors and key officials of both states, held town hall meetings with citizens, and delivered messages from President Bola Tinubu, highlighting his achievements and commitment to lifting Nigerians out of poverty, particularly through the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme. We also inspected a range of federal and state projects, both completed and ongoing.

 

Our first key takeaway was the unanimous acknowledgement by the governors and citizens that the Tinubu administration is actively executing various projects in both states, as in other parts of the country. It is reassuring to see that the South East, like other regions, has not been left behind, as President Tinubu has ensured equitable distribution of federal projects..

 

In Enugu, the Federal Government has established a world-class oncological centre for the treatment of cancer. Major ongoing road projects include the Enugu–Port Harcourt Highway, Enugu–Onitsha Highway, the reconstruction of the 9th Mile–Umulumgbe–Ukehe–Opi Junction, and the iconic Eke Obinagu Flyover in Emene, which would resolve longstanding traffic gridlock in the area.

 

Minister Idris highlighted that the Port Harcourt–Aba railway project has been completed, delivered, and is currently operational. Additionally, the Federal Executive Council has approved $3 billion for the completion of the 2,044km Eastern Rail Line, projected to unlock N50 billion in annual trade for the region. Furthermore, $508 million has been earmarked for the upgrade and modernisation of Eastern Port infrastructure.

In Ebonyi, portions of the Calabar-Abuja Super Highway have been completed, while work is progressing on the other parts of the road.

 

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu acknowledged that their states have never witnessed the level of federal intervention currently being experienced under President Tinubu. Governor Nwifuru noted that this is the first time since the creation of Ebonyi State in 1996 that the Federal Government has made such a significant impact.

 

Our visit coincided with the commissioning of several landmark projects in Enugu, including modern bus terminals and 100 CNG buses by Governor Mbah. While he did not formally invite us to the ceremony, at an earlier meeting with the National Communication Team, Governor Mbah expressed his gratitude to the Tinubu administration for increased revenue allocations resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies and the re-engineering of revenue collection by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

 

Governor Nwifuru shared a similar perspective, stating that his administration has been able to undertake many new projects without resorting to borrowing. Notably, he is establishing an ICT University in Oferekpe, developing several housing estates, and expanding the state’s road infrastructure, which he inherited from his predecessor. His signature project, the Vanco Flyover and twin underground tunnels in Abakaliki, is expected to be completed in 2026. This landmark project, the first of its kind in the Southeast—and indeed in Nigeria—is poised to become a tourist attraction.

 

Governor Nwifuru also emphasised that the iconic road project was awarded to a Nigerian construction company, indicating that the state was ahead of the Federal Government in supporting local businesses and buying Nigeria-made products.

 

The climax of our Ebonyi visit was the Town Hall meeting at the Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki. The event, attended by a vibrant crowd—party faithful, including many women in colourful attire—transformed from a simple meeting into a lively carnival atmosphere. Minister Idris delivered the President’s message of renewed hope, while Governor Nwifuru outlined his achievements since assuming office two years ago.

 

We concluded our tour of the states with a courtesy visit to the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, who provided additional insights into the extensive road and bridge projects being undertaken by the Tinubu administration across the South East and the nation. He clarified recent online reports, stating: “What I brought to the Federal Executive Council was a technical report on the state of the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges in Lagos, and proposals for their preservation. We will soon invite construction companies to submit suggestions on how the Federal Government can best safeguard these critical assets.”

 

Our tour of Enugu and Ebonyi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive development and underscored the visible progress being achieved under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

-Onanuga is Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy

 

How Okonjo-Iweala disappointed those who don’t wish Nigeria well – APC G3

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A support group of the ruling All Progressives Congress, the APC Grassroots Governance Group, APC G3, on Friday said the credit given to the present administration by the Director-General (DG) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has left the opposition and naysayers confused and stranded.

 

Recall that during a visit to the Presidential Villa on Thursday, the WTO Chief lauded President Bola Tinubu and his team for stabilising Nigeria’s economy.

 

According to her, “We think that President Bola Tinubu and his team have worked hard to stabilise Nigeria’s economy, and you cannot really improve an economy unless it is stable,”

“Nigeria now needs to grow the economy and we need to build social safety nets, so that people who are feeling the pinch of the reforms can also have some support to be able to weather the hardship.

 

APC G3 National Coordinator, Amechi Chuks-Oyema in a press release on Friday, said the group and well meaning Nigerians supporting the policies of President Tinubu have been proved right.

 

He said: “What the opposition and naysayers wanted to hear is that the country is going down the slope. They are confused and stranded as the Director-General (DG) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, gave us a true state of our economy.

 

“So, President Tinubu has to be given the credit for the stability of the economy. The reforms have been in the right direction. What is needed next is growth.

“We should note that President Tinubu inherited $4 billion in forex reserves, $7 billion in unmet obligations, ₦30 trillion Ways and Means debt, a debt servicing burden consuming 96% of government revenue

 

“Since assumption of office forex reserves have climbed toward $40 billion, Oil production rose from under 1 mbpd to 1.8 mbpd, $14 billion in national debt and $7 billion in forex obligations have been cleared

 

“GDP grew 3.13 percent in Q1 2025, with a 7 percent growth target by 2027, Nigeria posted a positive trade balance for the first time in decades.

 

“Record counter-terrorism operations, Governors in Abia, Enugu, Zamfara and beyond revived long-abandoned projects without new borrowing, thanks to federal reforms.

“We in APC G3 have always said that despite the initial pains, the policies of the present administration, with the support of the people will bring Nigeria out of the present economic challenges

 

“True, these reforms have exacerbated cost-of-living strains, but they were inevitable to avert a descent into crises resembling Venezuela or Zimbabwe.

 

“We urge the opposition, naysayers, some media houses etc to acknowledge these gains instead of dredging alarmist negativity in perpetuity.”