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PETER MBAH AS “TALK NA DO GOVERNOR”

Posted on by admin50

 

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*

Meet Ihunde Grace, CEO Shugabox Food Ventures

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

Quote:

“We live in a country where the cost of living is almost killing the living because every product is on the high side. Nothing is cheap again in the country. Let the government reduce the cost of living “

– Ihunda Grace

As the economy bites harder, due mainly to government policies that are unfavorable to the masses yours truly has been out there engaging with operators of small and medium scale businesses.The questions that come to mind include how it all started, the challenges they have faced and how they are coping with them?

Others have to do with their training and marketing programs, what they want the government to do for them as citizens of Nigeria because whether our crop of political leaders like it or not, they were elected to meet the needs of the people, and provide the enabling environment for their businesses to thrive.

So, this week the interaction is with IHUNDE ANOINTED GRACE , CEO SHUGABOX . A graduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Edo state Nigeria who is both a baker and a caterer. Stated below are her responses to the questions given to her:

“I cater for all events providing my esteemed customerd with amazing meals, as well as mouth – watering cakes and yummiest small chops ..

“I started baking as a 200 level student in 2017 selling cupcakes in school just to keep up and pay my minor academic bills. I have been baking for nine years and I’ve trained over 400 students online and on site. Now we’re into food catering full-time so we’re not just into baking , we started from just baking , but as time went by within nine years, I ventured into catering full-time, and our business is fully registered and

trademarked under CAC

WHAT GAVE ME THE INSPIRATION TO GO INTO FOOD BUSINESS

“I got the inspiration to go into food business in my university days firstly, because I wanted to assist in paying some bills but overtime it grew into doing it because I needed to provide good meals and services to people. It became something I loved doing though most times in exchange for money, but I derived satisfaction in doing it.

“I started this in Edo state state Nigeria, nine years ago, but today we travel interstate and sometimes out of Nigeria, to render goods and services.

THE INITIAL CHALLENGES I FACED

“The initial challenge I faced as a new business owner was capital. My mom literally had to start selling cake items back then just so I could buy on credit. Then also not having an oven was a major challenge because I had to use my mom’s pot to bake, which was stressful because I needed to bake at least 75 cupcakes every night and this pot could only take 18 at a time. I used to take this cupcakes to school, waiting to sell them in class after lectures .

“I bypassed this challenge when I had to save all my school fees at a time to get my oven with the hope that I was going to make sales and pay back the school fees, which I did.

OUR TRAINING PROGRAMS

“For our training programs, now we have six – month courses. We have four -month courses for persons interested to learn, baking, and catering within Ekpoma Edo state. We are also working on a project where people outside Edo state can come with accommodation provided for them just so they can learn.

OUR MARKETING STRATEGIES

“Marketing strategies involve personally putting myself out there to sell my products. I love to be found in the right place, at the right time that has people for my business, My target audience also pay influencers, People also well known within our area carry our adverts for us . By so doing they are exposing us to a wider audience.

WHAT PARTNERSHIP AM I INTO?

“We have partnerships with some organizations and also with some personal business owners. We tend to supply our products to them for particular period of time.

” During their ceremonies or

events we are always called upon to render our services. but we look forward to having more partners, or having to partner with bigger brands, restaurant, lounges, or whatsoever where we can supply our products to you, you can resell or you can use as part of your entertainment and souvenirs to your guests.

HOW AM I COPING WITH THE HARSH ECONOMY?

“I must say it is tough for everyone in the country. At the moment some things are not how they used to be. People aren’t as happy and active like they used to be., and this really has a way of affecting businesses. A lot of people complain about money and when your clients do not have that it affects your business as well, so yeah, the economy is affecting everybody, but we hope and we pray and we keep putting our business out there and believe it will get better.

WHAT DO YOU WANT THE GOVERNMENT TO DO FOR YOU?

“We live in a country where the cost of living is almost killing the living because everything is on the high side. Every product is on the high side. Nothing is cheap again in the country so if I would ask, the government for one thing is to please reduce the cost of living if that’s even possible in this country because it’s not easy for anybody.

MY PIECE OF ADVICE TO YOUTHS HAT WANT TO GO INTO FOOD BUSINESS

“One piece of advice to youths that want to venture into food business is that the best time to start is now.. There cannot be so many food vendors in the industry. Food is one essential thing that everybody must get. you must eat food. so my advice is if you’re thinking of starting the food business, with the right niche, the right product, you can actually succeed in it. You may start small but trust me with time and the right promotions you can get what you want .

WHAT ARE MY PLANS FOR THE FUTURE AND HOW DO I RELAX

“My dreams are so big , I look forward to the future, where money is no longer the problem, where I can reach wider audience ,where i can get my product and services to important and influential people in the world; .that’s my dream ,that’s the future I hope for.

“To relax is not always easy. Resting for my kind of business I always most times would encounter health issues , reasons being that I grew up having to figure things out myself so I want to always work.

“Most times it affects my health big time but one way I’ve learnt to manage health issues is to take time when I just need it .so when I just want to relax sometimes I just travel sometimes, I hang out with friends .That way I get to have time to think outside work because honestly, it’s not always easy, balancing these things.”

One hopes, and fervently so that our policy makers make out time to listen to the voices of those who pilot the affairs of SMEs in this country and do everything humanly possible to ease their pains.

CORNELIUS OLATUNJI ADEBAYO (FEB 24, 1941 TO JUNE 25, 2025): A LIFE OF SERVICE AND SACRIFICE

Posted on by admin50

 

 

By Tunde Olusunle

 

He was already a household name in the old Kwara State by the time I first heard of him. “Old Kwara State” within this context will include the sprawling Borgu part of contemporary Niger State, and the Okun-Yoruba and Ebira sections of today’s Kogi State. The August 27, 1991 states creation exercise carried out by the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, detached the aforementioned parts of the original Kwara State, and realigned them with their present geopolitical entities. Raised in the former North Central, (now Kaduna) and Midwestern, (now Edo), my first ever visit to Ilorin the capital of Kwara State was in 1980. My parents took a decision to seek new opportunities in what was then their home state, Kwara, which necessitated the wholesale relocation of the family. I had completed secondary school education in Benin City and tertiary education was on the cards.

 

Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, more popularly known as *C O Adebayo* was already a prominent public figure by this time, having served in the administrations of a string of military governors in the state. Notably, he served under Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo who was assassinated in the February 13, 1976 coup in which the then Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed was also murdered. Colonel George Agbazika Innih who succeeded Taiwo retained Adebayo, whose versatility saw him serve in the ministries of Education, Information and Economic Development, at various times. It was in the Ministry of Education, however, where he made the greatest mark, facilitating the abolition of the “shift system” in primary schools in the state. This saw a set of students resume in the mornings and close from school in the afternoons, while another batch resumed in the afternoons and returned home in the evenings. He found this inconveniencing for toddlers and young teenagers. He equally contributed towards increasing the stock of classrooms in secondary schools in the vast old Kwara State.

 

I was admitted into the School of Basic Studies, (SBS), of the erstwhile Kwara State College of Technology, (Kwaratech), late 1980, and would find out that Chief CO Adebayo occupied a folkloric place in regular discourse within the institution’s community. English, History and Economics were my subjects, and he was the pioneer head of the Department of English back in 1973, when the SBS was established. His colleagues spoke very fondly about him, especially about the creditable manner he acquitted himself in political office. His altruism earned him popular nomination as Senator representing present day Kwara South Senatorial District, at the outset of the Second Republic in 1979. As the race for Government House, Ilorin, heated up ahead of the gubernatorial election of 1983, *CO Adebayo* who flew the flag of the Unity Party of Nigeria, (UPN), was the clear favourite in popular discourse. He eventually upstaged the incumbent, Alhaji Adamu Atta and was inaugurated on October 1, 1983. As he settled down to infuse the governance progressivism characteristic of the UPN governments in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Bendel and Oyo states, known by the acronym *LOOBO states,* however, the military struck December 31, 1983.

 

*Baba CO* was at the forefront of the clamour for the revalidation of the mandate of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, who won the June 12, 1993 presidential election, annulled by General Babangida. He was indeed targeted by General Sani Abacha, who shoved aside the Interim National Government, (ING), hurriedly emplaced by a departing Babangida in August 1993, under the leadership of Chief Ernest Shonekan. *Baba CO,* who turned down Abacha’s ministerial offer, was a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition, (NADECO), a broad-based group of pro-democracy advocates, considered insufferable irritants by the Abacha junta. Many members of the coalition were hounded, harassed and hunted like game by Abacha agents. Fleeing danger was being alive to fight another day, even as *Baba CO* followed the wise precedence of other activists like Prof Wole Soyinka, incumbent President Bola Tinubu, and so on, who fled to safety in foreign lands.

 

It was the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo who would eventually bring me face to face with *Baba CO* a precursor I had revered from a distance through the years. I had already been on the staff of the erstwhile President, when *Baba CO* was appointed Minister for Communications in 2003. He joined the Federal Executive Council on the same day with Prof Eyitayo Lambo, who was Minister for Health. I had heard so much about Emeritus Prof Lambo as a student of the University of Ilorin, where he was before moving around the world in the service of the World Health Organisation, (WHO). Prof Albert Anjorin, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Pathology at my alma mater, Unilorin, a respected mentor, spoke ever so often about “my good friend Eyitayo Lambo” in our frequent meetings during my years in Kwara State. Coincidentally, Prof Lambo and I, both come from the same community, Isanlu, Yagba East council area in Kogi State. He did immensely for health and overall wellbeing of our people in Yagbaland and Okunland in general, during and after his sojourn in government. *Baba CO* and Prof Lambo had a very long relationship dating back to the old Kwara State, and now found themselves serving in the same federal cabinet.

 

Away from the quasi-mythical mental picture I had of him for his looming profile, *Baba CO* was so very disarmingly humble, unassuming, down-to-earth and accessible when I eventually met him. For a man who was already a university student at the famous Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), even before I was born, not for once did he call me by my first name. Indeed, I was always uncomfortable whenever he grabbed my hands and called me “my brother.” How can I be this much older man’s brother and not son, I would wonder, deep inside of me. At the berthing of mobile telephony under his watch as Minister for Communications, I engaged him on a number of occasions, on the sidelines of the federal cabinet meetings, about the thirst of rural communities for integration with the global communications highway. He knew my subtle advocacy took into account the desires of our people in Kogi West and Okunland, and would always remind me about the travails of the Igbomina people of Kwara State in the hands of successive governments.

 

“The fates of our people, our areas, are tied,” he would tell me. “Extending communications services to Igbomina, is ensuring services in Okunland. It is an objective that must be achieved by the grace of God.” He had a stint in the Federal Ministry of Works in the concluding months of the Obasanjo administration. *Baba CO* graciously honoured my invite to be one of the special guests at the public presentation of my volume of essays which documented the Obasanjo presidency titled: *On The Trail Of History: A Reporter’s Notebook On Olusegun Obasanjo.* Typically, he was one of the earliest arrivals, never given to duplicitous “African” timing. Prof Lambo represented President Obasanjo at the event which held in December 2006.

 

*Baba CO* was built of steel and mortar. Not many people would have survived as long as he did, against the backdrop of some discomforting experiences he had in life. September 12, 2014, he lost his wife, Mrs Funmilayo Adebayo, after a protracted illness. Six years thereafter, his daughter, Mrs Diekola Osa Avielele, passed on July 16, 2020, just about a week after having her son, in Virginia, United States. Two years before her demise, she recalled in an interview she granted, that as Senator representing present day Kwara South during the Second Republic, her father indeed “returned his unspent estacode, after an official trip to Russia.” Such was the openness and transparency of *Baba CO.* Each of the unfortunate departures of his beloved wife and daughter, was more than enough to break mere mortals. But *Baba CO* soldiered on, ensuring that his other children, grandchildren and members of the extended family, had a solid patriarchal shoulder to lean on.

 

From the classroom; to the State Executive Council; to the Senate of the Federal Republic; through his travails in the hands of Abacha goons; to the Federal Executive Council, *Baba CO’s* was a life of dedicated service and selfless sacrifice. He epitomised hardwork, forthrightness, frugality, integrity and inalienable commitment to the development of his fatherland. These are qualities which are missing in the operations manual of most of today’s political figures, who are basically vultures and buccaneers. Until his departure on Wednesday June 25, 2025, *Baba CO* was one of the last standing exemplars of authentic ideological progressivism and substantial political puritanism. We don’t make them anymore. He will be thoroughly missed back home in his birthplace, Oke-Onigbin; in Igbominaland; in Kwara South; in Kwara State and Nigeria in general. He was a great man in by every definition. May the good Lord rest his gentle soul.

 

 

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

How man killed his 5-year-old cousin after parents failed to pay ransom – Police

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The Enugu State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the abduction and killing of a five-year-old boy in Udi Local Government Area of the state.

 

Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, identified the suspects as Ikediekpere Obodoagu (18) and Sunday Michael (24).

 

According to the statement, Obodoagu, the prime suspect, allegedly conspired with Michael to carry out the heinous crime, which has shocked the local community.

 

The victim, Wisdom, was the prime suspect’s cousin. They hail from Okinitor village, Amankwo Ngwo, a community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu.

The alleged accomplice is a security guard at 9th Mile and a native of Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria’s north-east.

 

Mr Ndukwe said the victim was reported missing on 26 July 2025 after which the prime suspect used his accomplice to demand N1 million ransom from the victim’s father.

 

The police spokesperson explained that the prime suspect’s use of an accomplice to demand ransom was an attempt to protect his identity.

 

He said the suspects were arrested on 11 and 12 August 2025 by police operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, following intelligence gathered after ransom demands were reported.

 

“When the ransom went unmet, the suspect murdered the child and buried him in a bush near their residence in Okinitor, Amankwo Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area,” he said.

 

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime. The prime suspect thereafter led operatives to the scene, where the victim’s body was exhumed in the presence of medical personnel, including a doctor, who certified the child dead,” Mr Ndukwe narrated.

 

Mr Ndukwe said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bitrus Giwa, has commiserated with the bereaved family and assured them that the suspects will be arraigned upon conclusion of investigations.

 

Mr Giwa reiterated that the police in the state are committed to detecting and preventing heinous crimes and ensuring justice in the state.

Afrobasket: D’Tigers eliminated, lose chance at Tinubu’s $100,000 cash reward

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Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have bowed out of the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket Championship in Angola after falling 91-75 to Senegal in the quarter-finals on Wednesday night.

 

The game began on a promising note for the Nigerian side, who edged the first quarter 24-23. However, their momentum quickly slipped away in the second quarter as Senegal dominated with a 30-13 run, creating a gap D’Tigers could not recover from.

 

The five-time Afrobasket champions, Senegal, further tightened their grip in the third quarter, outscoring Nigeria 23-13 and effectively sealing the contest before the final buzzer.

 

Despite a spirited effort in the final quarter, where D’Tigers managed to outscore their female counterparts who recently claimed the women’s version of the competition for the fifth consecutive time, will miss out on the $100,000 reward offered by President Bola Tinubu.

PSC Approves Promotion of 952 ASPs To DSPs, Decline Promotion of 176 Found To Have Retired And Another 3 Suspected To Have Died; Argungu warns beneficiaries to imbibe the spirit of nationalism and respect for laws and regulations of the service 

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of Nine hundred and fifty two (952) Assistant Superintendents of Police to the next rank of Deputy Superintendents. The Commission also declined the promotion of 176 ASPs found to have retired from Service and another 3 suspected to have died.

 

The decisions were some of the highlights of the first Plenary Meeting of the 6th Board of the Commission held at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission in Jabi Abuja.

 

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni congratulated the newly promoted Officers but warned that going forward, they must imbibe the spirit of nationalism and respect for the laws and regulations of the Police Service.

 

DIG Argungu noted that the Commission will no longer tolerate diversionary and unauthorised actions by serving Officers, especially when they have duly established channels to ventilate any grievance.

 

He assured them that the Commission will continue to ensure that their career progression are not hindered or trampled upon.

 

Some of the newly promoted Officers include; Maidawa Yakubu, Edwin Thomas, Chagga Yakubu, Sabo Hassan, Omini Dickson, Bassey Alobo, Enyinnaya Ejimadu, Grace Okon, Rose Bassey, Fidelis Offorbuike, Adamu Isa Audu and Ofem Uket.

 

Others are Elvina Ochia Chukwu, FCID special fraud unit, Ikoyi Lagos; Kyrian Igwe, Enugu State Command; Ndidiamaka Onwude, O/C JWC, B Division, Kpirikpri, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Command, Rosemary Obianuju Egbo, Area Command, Warri, Delta State; Tabitha Gotan, Uya Bassey Johnson, Abia state Command, Elizabeth Ajik, NPF-NCC, FCID; Sunday Prince Ajaegbu, 44 PMF Force Headquarters Abuja and Deborah Danjuma, SPU BASE 7 Abuja.

 

Olowu Yetunde Olatunde, Ogun state Command, Felix Okpaleke, 32 PMF, Abakaliki Zakka Bulus, FCT Command Abuja, Kudirat Elegba, SPU Base 2, Lagos, Isioma Omodion, Delta State Command, Ukpabio Ayi Akiba, Rivers state Command and Edna Emeh Bassey were also some of the ASPs elevated to the new rank of Deputy Superintendents of Police.

 

The Commission’s approval has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Commission Chief Onyemuche Nnamani.

Ondo state: Lessons from success story on security 

Posted on by admin50

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.