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SOLOMON EHIGIATOR ARASE: MEMORABLE MEETS AND INTERFACES

Posted on by admin50

 

By Tunde Olusunle

 

 

I first met Solomon Arase at the headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force, (NPF), *Louis Edet House,* Abuja, over two decades ago. I was an aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and had a good relationship with Tafa Balogun the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP), at the time. It does seem that once you’re in a privileged position in Nigeria you’re construed as all-powerful. Acquaintances and friends in the police who needed the assistance of the IGP in sundry ways regularly swarmed around me and often got me to see him on their behalf. Arase, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, (DCP) at the time was Principal Staff Officer, (PSO), to IGP Tafa Balogun. Short of personally passing on correspondences I brought to him to relevant top officers and departments, Balogun often invited Arase to his office to take up the issues. This was until I developed a relationship with him and could engage directly with him.

 

On one of those evenings after work when I swung by *Capital Bar* in the highbrow Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, I was surprised to see DCP Arase as he then was, in the glassed enclosure. He was in the company of a police officer friend of mine, his younger colleague, Jonathan Towuru, who recently retired as Deputy Inspector-General of Police, (DIG). Tony Adejoh Olofu with whom I underwent the imperative one-year National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), in Owerri, Imo State, between 1985 and 1986, and who retired as Assistant Inspector-General, (AIG), a few years ago, is largely responsible for my broad network of friendships in the police. Olofu and Towuru were course mates in the Police Academy and were commissioned the same day in 1990 and I’ve long been fully adopted into their fold. *Capital Bar* was the top-end watering hole for the nouveau riche and political class in Abuja at the time.

 

I confess my surprise seeing Arase, a senior cop in such a public place, albeit in the anonymity of his plain clothing. Recall the awe and mystique around officers of the law in olden times. Arase received me with a smile as soon as I approached the part of *Capital Bar* he was seated with Towuru, and the latter tried to introduce me to him. “I know him nau,” Arase told Towuru. “He’s Mr President’s man, he’s my Oga’s friend,” in reference to the IGP. I made to find a section of the bar to set up for my orders. Towuru pulled me back. “Where you dey go?,” he asked in pidgin English. “Oga say make you stay with us,” implying that Arase desired I sat with them. “The police is your friend,” the typically humorous Towuru said as he rehashed the famous slogan and laughed, shaking hands with me. I responded with a guffaw.

 

I would subsequently encounter Arase on other occasions, informally. Even as DIG, Arase would show up unannounced where his younger colleagues were loosening up. You would be right to call him “King of the Boys,” he was comfortable among people not necessarily his age. He would stop by to socialise with Towuru, Biodun Alabi, Ben Okolo, (both DIGs), younger officers like Victor Erivwode, Emmanuel Inyang, and indeed their broader mix of friends who were not necessarily police officers. He remained himself through and through even when he rose to the apex of the police as Inspector-General, (IGP), in 2015. Arase would take his phone calls and would call back if he wasn’t available at the time of your call. You didn’t have to be a police officer to get his attention. He replied text messages, and was ever so ready to illuminate issues and inquiries, attributes alien to the trademark standoffish arrogance of the Nigerian big man.

 

That Arase cultivated positive relationships during his years as a top law enforcement officer was most manifest at the public presentation of his book, *Law on Prevention and Detection of Crimes by the Police in Nigeria,* in 2017. He pulled the cream of the society to the *Congress Hall* of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, for the auspicious event. Former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, chaired the event which was attended by all surviving former IGPs at the time. Arase equally authored *Readings on Election Security Management* and *Selected Readings on Internal Security Management,* both of which were publicly released early this year. Not forgetting the many papers he presented at conferences and workshops across the world, many of which were published in books, journals and monographs. *Policing Nigeria in the 21st Century* published in 2024, was one such monograph.

 

All of these underscored Arase’s intellectual disposition, even as he remained an eternal quester for knowledge and more knowledge, despite his background as a political scientist. He proceeded to earn a degree in law which served as veritable enablement for the humanistic slant of his policing ethos. For reminders, under his watch as IGP, the *Operational Manual of International Human Rights Protocols and Guidelines for the Nigeria Police Force,* was launched in 2016. By the very title of the document, Arase sought to extend the frontiers of the standardisation of the human rights operations of the Nigerian Police, to bring it to parity with global expectations. Especially in a milieu where the police was infamously notorious for human rights infractions.

 

Following the unfortunate demise of my good friend, Donald Ngongor Awunah an AIG and younger colleague to Arase in 2022, the former IGP called me to get a description of Awunah’s home. He desired to pay a condolence visit to his family and I indeed volunteered to be on hand to receive him on his visit. He spoke glowingly about Awunah who was an ACP when he, Arase, was Police Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State. He described him as a crack, unobtrusive detective who helped to make light of his job on that beat. He comforted Awunah’s wife, Dooshima, her children and Tivlumun Nyitse, through whom I met Awunah several years ago. Arase assured on that occasion that he was just a phone call away, should the family have any need.

 

On a few occasions, I visited his Jabi, Abuja office from where he oversaw the operations of the Police Service Commission, (PSC), which he chaired for a few years. For the records, Arase it was who led the Commission to take possession of its present office complex and operationalise it, after it was abandoned and disused for years because it was not fully completed and the access road, just earth. “We will continue to develop and improve on the facilities now that we have moved in,” he told me on my first visit. “Or else, it will become totally decrepit and become a waste.” He desired that I availed the Commission my experience in public communication, in training select officers. Compelling as our propositions were, and eager as he was for me to be onboarded, the uncanny conspiracy between bureaucratese and liquidity inadequacy ensured we never quite got off the ground, until he was replaced.

 

Settling back home after church service on Sunday August 31, 2025, it was Tony Olofu who called to convey the sad news of the passing of IGP Solomon Ehigiator Arase. I knew I couldn’t be misinformed by Olofu. I couldn’t resist double-checking on the internet nonetheless, and there was the official family statement signed by Solomon Arase Jnr his son, confirming the development. *Egbon,* as I used to call him, was just one year shy of the league of septuagenarians. He was a remarkable personality, amiable, accessible, devoid of airs, shorn of affectation. He was predominantly a regular guy who loved to engage and dialogue. He was an invaluable repository of knowledge and experience on law, policing and security. He will be truly, sorely missed. May his affable soul rest in peace.

 

 

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

Nothing worth celebrating in Fubara’s reinstatement, says Atiku

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned that the lifting of the suspension placed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly should not be seen as a victory worth celebrating.

Recall that on March 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers State following months of political unrest.

As part of the intervention, the governor, his deputy, and the lawmakers were suspended for an initial period of six months.

On Wednesday, Tinubu ended the emergency rule in the state and asked Fubara and the lawmakers to resume work on Thursday, September 18.

In a post on X on Thursday, Abubakar described the president’s initial action as unconstitutional.

“Lifting the suspension of Governor Simi Fubara is nothing to cheer about,” Abubakar wrote.

“The suspension of the Rivers State Governor and the State House of Assembly was unconstitutional when it was done six months ago and is still illegal today.

“President Tinubu had no power to suspend a democratically elected governor and state lawmakers. The Rivers shenanigans only signpost the dictatorship of the Tinubu administration.”

Turning Ondo State into a Global Tourist Destination 

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

 

Turning Ondo State into a Global Tourist Destination

 

Quote:

 

“We have a lot of tourist sites in the state that would help us create more jobs for our people, boost our economy and generate revenue.

 

-Gov. Lucky Aiyetadiwa ( Speaking at the 9th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP ), July, 2025 )

 

 

That tourism remains an untapped gold mine across Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural landscape is stating the obvious. But what might not be so known to millions of the citizens, including the policy makers are the pragmatic policies, programs and projects to serve as the right steps to take; to bridge the gap which currently exists between the immense natural potentials and the actualized revenues and inputs from the significant sector. Though the most visited destinations by international tourist arrivals in 2024 as revealed by Lewis Nunn, the Senior Travel Editor with Forbes Magazine include France with 100 million visitors, Spain with 94 million, the United States,72.4 million, Italy 69.5 million followed by Turkey with 52.6 million while the Travel industry pumped $11.1 trillion into global economy Nigeria did not rank amongst the top 10

most visited countries, even in Africa in 2024.

 

 

On the continent Morocco topped with 17.4 million tourists, followed by Egypt, 15.7 million; Tunisia, 10.25 million and South Africa, 8.92 million In fact, Nigeria ranked 12th with 1.2 million tourists mostly driven by diaspora visits, business, and cultural events.While the country recorded a total of 528,000 tourists in 2022, ranking 88th in the world that figure increased to 1.2 million international visitors, and three million domestic trips equating to 20% rise in 2023. That was according to the then Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John. She disclosed this during the 20th edition of the AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market, held in Lagos.

 

 

Of significance is that Ade-John envisioning growth also emphasized that tourism contributed 3.65% ($17.3 billion) to Nigeria’s GDP in 2022, and the sector currently employs 1.91 million people annually, with the potential to grow even further. But one state that is poised to be a game-changer in Nigeria’s tourism spectrum is none other than the acclaimed Sunshine State, Ondo located in the South-West geo-political zone.

 

 

Given its scenic, diverse landscape with the tempting terrain from the rolling hills,verdant valleys across the fertile forests to the aquatic splendor of the Atlantic ocean boasting of the largest coastline in West Africa, Ondo state is considered a prime tourism investment destination. That is more so due to its wealth of natural and cultural resources, offering an enticing opportunity for tourism investors. Name them; from the

Araromi White Sand Beach to the Idanre Hills Tourist Centre and the Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre,Obdo state has all these and more. Places such as Igbo Olodumare.

Smokin Hill Golf Resort and

Oke Maria (Christian Pilgrimage center) are spell-binding places as memorable treats for visitors from across the globe. In fact, Idanre is an ideal site for high altitude sport, training, gaming, adventure, relaxation, picnicking, leadership training and holidaying. Idanre and Oak Hills. But how do we harness them for the state’s sustainable economic growth? That is the million-naira, sorry, dollar question.

 

 

Well aware of these huge potentials, the state governor, Lucky Aiyetadiwa has pledged that his administration was ready to maximize the tourism potentials for economic growth of the Ondo. He gave the assurance at the 9th annual general meeting and conference of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure, in July,2025. He acknowledged the immense contribution of tourism to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of any nation. Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor said his administration was deeply focusing on preserving the existing tourist sites in Ondo state in order to attract local and foreign tourists.

 

 

In specific term, he stated that: “Sites like the Idanre Hills, Araromi Beach, Igbo Olodumare and Ebomi Lake, among others, would soon receive attention. We will maximize our tourism potential for economic growth.”

 

 

And walking the talk on the promises made, Governor Aiyetadiwa has gone ahead to award contract based on Public Private Partnership ( PPP ) for massive construction of recreation centres as well as hotels, chalets to accommodate visitors to Idanre Hills from across the globe. It is a similar one for the Araromi Obuh at the Atlantic Bar Beach as a world tourist site. Located close to the state”s modular oil refinery with a capacity of 500,000 barrels per day, it will no doubt attract tourists. Of interest too is the springing up of several top-class hotels in places such as Akure,Ondo,Okitipupa, Ikare and Ore, that connects the South West to the South East. All these, as confirmed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku will assist to open up the cities to harness their potentials as cultural destinations.

 

 

Speaking on how Ondo state could leverage on the available tourism potentials, an indigene who happens to be the Convener, Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference ( DNGRC ), Ambassador Ayo Omotoso insists that the state has a beautiful place in the global tourism map, that is, if properly harnessed. That is more so in the development and showcasing areas of tourist destinations, cultural spectacles and agritourism.

 

 

Describing tourism as universal and a tool to create wealth; which contributes to the nation”s GDP he believes that Ondo state in particular and Nigeria at large have what it takes to be reckoned with as places such as Malaysia, Jordan, Scandinavian countries, South Africa, Jerusalem, Mecca, and Dubai, all of which earn huge incomes from tourism.

 

 

According to him, the tourism template of Ondo State is worth 29 billion dollars and can generate employment for one million youths. The major tourism signature among them is Idanre Hills, which is 3,000 ft. above sea level and is listed on a UNESCO heritage site. He wants it to be properly marketed around the scenic beauty of the hilly town of Idanre, celebrating nature’s gift and providing a viable destination for tourists.

 

 

Similarly, Oke Maria is a religious destination waiting for branding and other tourism embellishments

similar to how Israel sells major religious tourist centres, including Jerusalem to the rest of the world.

 

 

On the cultural attractions of Ondo state there are colorful ones like the Igogo festival which is already on the world’s tourism map as well as the Eginmogun Festival.

 

 

Notably, the eco-tourism potential ranges from mineral resources to the beach coastline. The coastal area development too will generate funds similar to what happens in Florida, in the United States flourishes through tourism.

 

 

On agritourism the idea of Ile-Oluji Cocoa Powder, a tea with a good natural taste is a welcome development. With it the people can mix it with a tourism as it is done in Kenya and many East African countries. .Farmers and ranchers use this interest to develop traffic at their farms or ranch and interest in the quality of their products.

 

 

Tourism, as Omotoso views it is New Opinion Essay for the Week

 

By

 

Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

 

Turning Ondo State into a Global Tourist Destination

 

Quote:

 

“We have a lot of tourist sites in the state that would help us create more jobs for our people, boost our economy and generate revenue.

 

-Gov. Lucky Aiyetadiwa ( Speaking at the 9th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP ), July, 2025 )

 

 

That tourism remains an untapped gold mine across Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural landscape is stating the obvious. But what might not be so known to millions of the citizens, including the policy makers are the pragmatic policies, programs and projects to serve as the right steps to take; to bridge the gap which currently exists between the immense natural potentials and the actualized revenues and inputs from the significant sector. Though the most visited destinations by international tourist arrivals in 2024 as revealed by Lewis Nunn, the Senior Travel Editor with Forbes Magazine include France with 100 million visitors, Spain with 94 million, the United States,72.4 million, Italy 69.5 million followed by Turkey with 52.6 million while the Travel industry pumped $11.1 trillion into global economy Nigeria did not rank amongst the top 10

most visited countries in Africa in 2024.

 

 

On the continent Morocco topped with 17.4 million tourists, followed by Egypt, 15.7 million; Tunisia, 10.25 million and South Africa, 8.92 million In fact, Nigeria ranked 12th with 1.2 million tourists mostly driven by diaspora visits, business, and cultural events.

 

 

While the country recorded a total of 528,000 tourists in 2022, ranking 88th in the world that figure increased to 1.2 million international visitors, and three million domestic trips equating to 20% rise in 2023. That was according to the then Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John. She disclosed this during the 20th edition of the AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market, held in Lagos. But one state that is poised to be a game-changer in Nigeria’s tourism spectrum is none other than the acclaimed Sunshine State, Ondo located in the South-West geo-political zone.

 

 

Given its scenic, diverse landscape with the tempting terrain from the rolling hills,verdant valleys across the fertile forests to the aquatic splendor of the Atlantic ocean boasting of the longest coastline in West Africa, Ondo state is considered a prime tourism investment destination. That is more so due to its wealth of natural and cultural resources, offering an enticing opportunity for tourism investors. Name them; from the

Araromi White Sand Beach to the Idanre Hills Tourist Centre and the Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre,Obdo state has all these and more. Places such as Igbo Olodumare.

Smokin Hill Golf Resort and

Oke Maria (Christian Pilgrimage center) are spell-bing places as memorable treats for visitors from across the globe. In fact, Idanre is an ideal site for high altitude sport, training, gaming, adventure, relaxation, picnicking, leadership training and holidaying.. But how do we harness them for the state’s sustainable economic growth? That is the million-naira, sorry, dollar question.

 

 

Well aware of these huge potentials, the state governor, Lucky Aiyetadiwa has pledged that his administration was ready to maximize the tourism potentials for economic growth of the Ondo. He gave the assurance at the 9th annual general meeting and conference of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure, in July,2025. He acknowledged the immense contribution of tourism to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of any nation. Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor said his administration was deeply focusing on preserving the existing tourist sites in Ondo state in order to attract local and foreign tourists.

 

 

In specific term, he stated that: “Sites like the Idanre Hills, Araromi Beach, Igbo Olodumare and Ebomi Lake, among others, would soon receive attention. We will maximize our tourism potential for economic growth.”

 

 

And walking the talk on the promises made, Governor Aiyetadiwa has gone ahead to award contract based on Public Private Partnership ( PPP ) for massive construction of recreation centres as well as hotels, chalets to accommodate visitors to Idanre Hills from across the globe. It is a similar one for the Araromi Obuh at the Atlantic Bar Beach as a world tourist site. Located close to the state”s modular oil refinery with a capacity of 500,000 barrels per day, it will no doubt attract tourists. Of interest too is the springing up of several top-class hotels in places such as Akure,Ondo,Okitipupa, Ikare and Ore, that connects the South West to the South East. All these, as confirmed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku will assist to open up the cities to harness their potentials as cultural destinations.

 

 

Speaking on how Ondo state could leverage on the available tourism potentials, an indigene who happens to be the Convener, Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference ( DNGRC ), Ambassador Ayo Omotoso insists that the state has a beautiful place in the global tourism map, that is, if properly harnessed. That is more so in the development and showcasing areas of tourist destinations, cultural spectacles and agritourism.

 

 

Describing tourism as universal and a tool to create wealth; which contributes to the nation”s GDP he believes that Ondo state in particular and Nigeria at large have what it takes to be reckoned with as places such as Malaysia, Jordan, Scandinavian countries, South Africa, Jerusalem, Mecca, and Dubai, all of which earn huge incomes from tourism.

 

 

According to him, the tourism template of Ondo State is worth 29 billion dollars and can generate employment for one million youths. The major tourism signature among them is Idanre Hills, which is 3,000 ft. above sea level and is listed on a UNESCO heritage site. He wants it to be properly marketed around the scenic beauty of the hilly town of Idanre, celebrating nature’s gift and providing a viable destination for tourists.

Similarly, Oke Maria is a religious destination waiting for branding and other tourism embellishments

similar to how Israel sells major religious tourist centres, including Jerusalem to the rest of the world.

 

 

On the cultural attractions of Ondo state there are colorful ones like the Igogo festival which is already on the world’s tourism map as well as the Eginmogun Festival.

 

 

Notably, the eco-tourism potential ranges from mineral resources to the beach coastline. The coastal area development too will generate funds similar to what happens in Florida, in the United States flourishes through tourism.

 

 

On agritourism the idea of Ile-Oluji Cocoa Powder, a tea with a good natural taste is a welcome development. With it the people can mix it with a tourism as it is done in Kenya and many East African countries. .Farmers and ranchers use this interest to develop traffic at their farms or ranch and interest in the quality of their products.

 

 

Tourism, as Omotoso views it is like a flame that once you light it, it brings development to the whole geographical space. Good enough, Gov. Aiyetadiwa is lightening up the space by the partnership the state has with the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and Food Security, to train and empower over 34,000 livestock farmers of the state on livestock productivity. It also has one with the Czech Republic for a strategic diplomatic engagement aimed at enhancing economic growth, technological transfer, and international cooperation, involving global investors and entrepreneurs, aimed at unlocking the state’s vast economic potentials.

 

 

With massive infrastructural development opening up the tourist destinations down to the rural areas and peace guaranteed the dream of turning Ondo state into a global destination has started to see the light of the day. flame; the moment you light it, it brings development to the whole geographical space. Good enough, Gov. Aiyetadiwa is lightening up the space by the partnership the state has with the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and Food Security, to train and empower over 34,000 livestock farmers of the state on livestock productivity. And of course, that with the Czech Republic for a strategic diplomatic engagement aimed at enhancing economic growth, technological transfer, and international cooperation, involving global investors and entrepreneurs, aimed at unlocking the state’s vast economic potentials.

 

 

With massive infrastructural development opening up the tourist destinations, down to the rural areas and peace guaranteed the dream of turning Ondo state into a global destination has started to see the light of the day.

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE CESSATION OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

My Fellow countrymen and, in particular, the good people of Rivers State.

 

I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state. In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration. The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together. Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised. The State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor. The latter group supported the Speaker. As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State’s affairs. That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill. Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State. My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development of the State.

 

It therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency. The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance. The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025.

 

I thank the National Assembly, which, after critically evaluating the justification for the proclamation, took steps immediately, as required by the Constitution, to approve the declaration in the interest of peace and order in Rivers State. I also thank our traditional rulers and the good people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now.

 

I am not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration. That is the way it should be in a democratic setting. Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security. Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State. It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation.

 

As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level. The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.

 

I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance. This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.

 

It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.

 

I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.

 

I thank you all.

 

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Why Ajaokuta steel company will never work – Dangote

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  Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has cast doubt on the future of the troubled Ajaokuta Steel Company, saying he does not believe the facility will ever function as intended. In a video shared on the TVC X handle on Tuesday, the president and CEO of the Dangote Group stressed the importance of a vibrant steel sector for Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic development. However, he argued that Ajaokuta’s long-standing challenges have left it beyond revival. Dangote compared efforts to resuscitate the steel plant to attempting to run outdated technology in a world dominated by modern advancements, insisting that the project has been overtaken by time and innovation. “There is no nation that you can build without a steel industry and honestly within us here, Ajaokuta will not work. We can keep deceiving ourselves and keep being passionate about it, but it’s not possible. “It like you now, if you remember those vehicles we used to produce from Volkswagen (Igala) if you bring Igala now, would you now compare it to the current Kia. No, things have changed,” Mr Dangote said. He emphasised the need for adaptation in a rapidly evolving world. “Things have changed and all of us have to keep changing or you will become archaic. You have to change, now, when you carry something like Ajaokuta is like you going to the grave yard to bring a dead person or you go to the hospital to bring somebody who is on the dying bed to come and run 100 metres. It’s totally impossible,” he added. Ajaokuta Steel’s chequered history The steel company, located in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, was built between 1979 and the mid-1990s. It was not completed and has never operated optimally. It has been moribund for over two decades despite the efforts of different governments. In September 2022, the Nigerian government agreed to pay $496 million to settle an Indian firm’s claim over the facility. The dispute followed the federal government’s revocation in 2008 of an agreement that handed control of the steelworks and the National Iron Ore Mining Company to the Indian firm. In cancelling the deal, the Umar Yar’adua administration said the terms of the concession at the time were not favourable to the country. In December 2022, the government said 11 companies had indicated interest in taking over the steel company on a concession basis. Three of the 11 bidders were Russian companies, the then Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, said while listing his ministry’s achievements. Upon assuming office in August 2023, the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, promised to revive the steel company. At the time, he added that he would set a roadmap for the development of the steel sector, aggressively pursue the completion of Ajaokuta Steel company, and enact the required bills to regulate the sector. In September last year, the Nigerian government signed an agreement with a Russian Consortium Company for the rehabilitation, completion and operation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and National Iron Ore Mining Company in Kogi State.

Dangote Refinery Ends 50 Years of Fuel Queues in Nigeria

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… we’re creating jobs, not displacing anyone
… industrialisation, not importation will grow Africa’s economy

President/Chief Executive, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has declared that since the refinery began producing petrol a year ago, Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues has finally come to an end.

Speaking at a conference to mark the first anniversary of the launch of petrol from the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, Dangote highlighted that Nigerians have endured persistent fuel queues since 1975.

However, this issue has been steadily resolved since the refinery commenced production on 3rd September 2024.

“We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said.

Acknowledging the numerous challenges the refinery has faced since its inception, Dangote emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria and Africa.

“The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria. Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which simply isn’t true.

What we have done is to make our country and continent proud. Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa,” he added.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the refinery’s development, Dangote disclosed that the project involved enormous risk.

He received repeated warnings from industry experts, investors, local and foreign government officials, who argued that only sovereign nations undertook such large-scale refinery ventures. He admitted that had the project failed, he would have lost all his assets to lenders.

“The decision to build the refinery was not easy. If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken our assets. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

Despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 in the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara. With the gradual rollout of CNG-powered trucks, Dangote anticipates this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide.

He noted that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports.

He revealed that between June and first week of September 2025, the facility had exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), underscoring its capacity to meet domestic demand and contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

Emphasising job creation, he stated that the refinery has no intention of displacing workers but is instead generating thousands of new employment opportunities. The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria.

“We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more.

The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots,” he said. “Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension.

We are not only employing drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.”

Dangote clarified that while the company respects trade unions, membership is a personal choice for each driver.

He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, describing it as essential for the continent’s development. Dangote emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to protect its local industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the once-thriving textile sector as a cautionary example.

He noted that Nigeria’s path to sustainable economic growth lies in industrialisation, which not only boosts local productivity but also supports a circular economy.

“Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders. We must build and industrialise our own economies.

Without this, how can others invest? That is why I believe the National Assembly should enact legislation to support the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy.

My goal is to see Africa prosper, as we have the fastest-growing population in the world. Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty.

Many individuals with greater financial resources than myself want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialisation,” he said.

He reiterated that with the introduction of CNG trucks, the refinery can deliver products to consumers anywhere in Nigeria, mitigating all associated risks.

Dangote reiterated that the refinery remains open to partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders in the downstream sector, stressing that the industry stands to gain more through collective effort and cooperation.

He also clarified that the refinery has no plans to enter the retail market, noting that he declined opportunities to acquire filling stations when they were offered for sale.

Dangote Trucks

Looking ahead, Dangote announced that the refinery’s capacity would be expanded to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, with the aim of further supporting economic growth and job creation.

“Nigeria has now become the refining hub of Africa. We are set to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and are aiming to make Nigeria the world’s leading producer of fertiliser.

These initiatives will generate substantial foreign exchange, create employment, and stimulate growth in other sectors,” he said.

“We are fully committed to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government, the refinery’s partners, dedicated workforce, and the Nigerian public for their continued support.

In particular, he commended the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging its members to register for the free distribution initiative utilising CNG-powered trucks.

Dangote also used the occasion to showcase some of the CNG-powered trucks currently loading petrol from the refinery, emphasising that the company will successfully deploy all 4,000 trucks across the country soon.

Dangote Trucks

He allayed any fears of potential attacks on the drivers or the trucks, stressing that Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law and that security agencies are fully empowered to protect its citizens and infrastructure.

President, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has declared that since the refinery began producing petrol a year ago, Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues has finally come to an end.

PRESIDENCY COUNTERS ATIKU ON ECONOMIC REFORMS, SAYS ATIKU OUT OF TOUCH OF CURRENT DEVELOPMENT

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The presidency yesterday, insisted that Nigeria is moving in the right direction under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

This assertion came on the heels of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s claim that the country is being ravaged by hunger and that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms were not working.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency maintained that the current administration is proud of the progress made so far noting that many of the challenges they are working to resolve were created during the years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), when Atiku served as Vice President.

“RESPONSE TO A STATEMENT ISSUED BY FORMER VICE PRESIDENT ATIKU ABUBAKAR ON SEPTEMBER 15

Talk is cheap. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his handlers are clearly out of touch with the positive developments currently unfolding in our country.

Their claim that hunger is ravaging Nigeria, and their comparison of our situation to the unrest in France before the 1789 Revolution or the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, is grossly misleading.

Their latest statement demonstrates a disconnect from the authentic Nigerian reality, as recent data tells a different story. Just today, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released its figures for August, showing that headline inflation has declined for the fifth consecutive month. Over the weekend, the NBS also reported a record trade surplus, with the contribution of non-oil exports to our trade balance now nearly matching that of crude oil at a ratio of 48:52 per cent.

Our foreign exchange reserves are on the rise, now approaching $42 billion. When President Tinubu assumed office, reserves stood at $32 billion, much of it encumbered. This administration has since cleared over $7 billion in arrears, including $800 million owed to airlines.

Under President Tinubu, Nigeria is recording unprecedented revenues. States are now able to pay salaries and gratuities promptly and still have surplus funds for capital and social projects—an achievement not previously witnessed at this scale.

Nigeria is moving in the right direction. In contrast, Atiku and his party remain stuck in the past, fixated on doomsday scenarios and revolutionary rhetoric. Ironically, many of the challenges we face today stem from the economic mismanagement during the PDP years, when Atiku was Vice President. President Tinubu and his team are working relentlessly to correct those errors, with bold reforms.

After just two years and five months in office, we are proud of the progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership. Atiku and his allies may choose to ignore these gains, but Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes taking place across the nation.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy

September 15, 2025″

Rule Of Law Under Attack!” – Falana Tears Into FG, Akpabio Over Ignored Court Rulings

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Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has accused the Federal Government and Senate President Godswill Akpabio of undermining the rule of law.

 

In a strongly worded statement, Falana alleged that both the government and powerful individuals have been brazenly disregarding court judgments, warning that such actions threaten the very foundation of democracy.

 

He particularly criticized the Senate under Akpabio’s leadership, describing it as one of the most notorious institutions in flouting judicial orders.

 

Falana cited several examples, including:

 

The case of Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa, re-elected as NURTW President in August 2023, whose victory was upheld by both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal. Despite these rulings, Baruwa was forcefully removed from office to pave the way for the installation of Oluomo as union president.

 

In May 2024, when the Federal Government sued the 36 states over local government control, the Supreme Court affirmed local government autonomy and ordered direct allocation of funds to the 774 councils. According to Falana, this ruling has been treated with “utter contempt” by the FG.

 

The case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended by the Senate in March 2025. Although a Federal High Court declared the suspension illegal and ordered her reinstatement, the Senate ignored the judgment and went further by converting the six-month suspension into an indefinite one.

 

Falana urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate steps to halt what he described as an “inexorable descent into anarchy and chaos,” even suggesting the President suspend his vacation to address the matter.

 

He also challenged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to rise to the occasion, recalling how the association, under Alao Aka-Bashorun in 1987, boycotted courts to compel compliance with a single court order during the Babangida regime. He stressed that the NBA’s duty is even greater now under a democratic dispensation.

 

The human rights lawyer lamented that election riggers now openly mock aggrieved citizens by daring them to “go to court,” since judicial outcomes have become predictable.

How we recovered over $700m looted funds abroad – ICPC boss

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has revealed that Nigeria has successfully recovered $700 million in looted funds stashed abroad.

The disclosure was made by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, during a one-day media engagement with journalists from the North-West and North-East, held in Kano.

Dr. Aliyu noted that the recovered funds could have otherwise been used to provide critical social amenities and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.

According to him, “Nigeria from 2017 till date recovered over $700 million. So asset recovery is the best strategy.

“The asset recovered would be used in developmental projects such as roads and health,” he said.

He further said the commission recorded recoveries of cash totaling N7.2 billion in the North-West and N43.3 million in the North-East regions, as well as $1.066 million recovered in the North-West.

He said the recoveries were made within a 2-year period, between May 2023 and July 2025.

“We also engaged in Project Tracking and Financial Recoveries. A total of 1,440 projects were tracked, valued at approximately ₦271.054 billion. Of these, 767 projects valued at ₦112.737 billion were in the Northeast,
and 673 projects valued at ₦158.317 billion were in the Northwest.

But the real story in project tracking is this: citizens and journalists who flagged abandoned projects made these interventions possible, ensuring resources reached the intended beneficiaries.

“Our cash recoveries totalled ₦7.269 billion in the Northwest and ₦43.335 million in the Northeast, with a total of $1.066 million also recovered in the North-West.

“We also seized assets in the Northwest, including 14 buildings, 25 plots
of land, and three farmlands.

“On Enforcement and Legal Actions, a total of 171 cases were investigated, with 117 in the Northwest and 54 in the Northeast. This led to 16 cases being
filed in court, with eight from the Northwest and the Northeast. Four convictions were recorded in each of the two zones,” the ICPC Chairman said.

He said Nigerians were gradually refusing to pay bribes and could achieve 90 percent compliance in four years if the whistleblower bill is passed into law.

He, however, called on the National Assembly, NASS, to expedite the passage of the whistleblower bill into law to protect Nigerians and journalists, thereby encouraging them in the crusade against the menace.

“The UNODC-NBS survey reveals that the North-West recorded the highest
bribe refusal rate in the country at 76%, while the North-East recorded 60%. This demonstrates that ordinary people are willing to stand up against corruption.

“Equally encouraging is the growing courage to report corruption. Reports of bribery in the Northern zones rose from 4.7% in 2019 to 13.4% in 2023. More importantly, the share of these reports leading to formal action has almost tripled, from 16% in 2019 to 43% in 2023. These are not just statistics—they
tell real stories of Nigerians refusing to be exploited.

“I therefore call on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Whistleblower Bill, which will empower and protect the citizens and journalists to report corruption without fear.”

He said the commission has started implementing a programme titled “Accountability and Corruption Prevention Program for Local Governments initiative” to beam it searchlight and ensure accountability at the local government level, and if fully implemented, there will be value for money and the local government across the country will witness progress.

Earlier, Dr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, stated that the ICPC’s initiative is the first mechanism in the world designed as a proactive measure to prevent corruption, rather than responding to corruption after it has occurred.

Peter Obi meets Jonathan in Abuja

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Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Thursday paid a visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja for a private discussion centered on national concerns.

Obi confirmed the meeting in a post on his official X handle, where he described Jonathan as a “very dear elder brother, statesman, and leader.”

“Today in Abuja, I met with my very dear elder brother, statesman, and leader, former President Goodluck Jonathan. We had a fruitful closed-door meeting and discussed the state of our dear nation,” Obi wrote.

Details of their conversation is yet to be disclosed.