Category: Politics

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been honoured with the 2026 Global Transformation and Good Governance Prize at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., United States.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said he received the award on behalf of more than 25 million Lagos residents, using the occasion to highlight Lagos State’s growing economic strength and its position as one of Africa’s leading investment destinations.

In a statement issued on Sunday following the recognition, the governor said the future of investment in Africa would increasingly be shaped by cities where infrastructure connects markets, businesses have opportunities to grow and citizens can access economic opportunities.

According to him, Lagos is already making significant investments in infrastructure, innovation and human development to position the state for long-term economic growth.

“Our State covers less than 0.5 per cent of Nigeria’s landmass and we generate more than a quarter of Nigeria’s economic output,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“With an economy worth roughly $259 billion, we are building an economy that is less dependent on crude oil revenues. More than half of our ₦4.4 trillion budget this year is going into capital projects, supported by a projected Internally Generated Revenue of more than ₦3 trillion.”

The governor said the Lagos State Government was backing its economic vision with strategic investments across critical sectors, including technology, transportation, maritime infrastructure and industry.

He noted that Lagos has emerged as one of the leading technology and innovation hubs in sub-Saharan Africa, with a startup ecosystem valued at about $8.6 billion and three active unicorns.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted major infrastructure projects transforming the state’s economy, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Lekki Refinery.

“The $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port now handles roughly 40 per cent of Nigeria’s cargo, alongside the 650,000 barrels per day Lekki Refinery,” he said.

The governor further pointed to ongoing investments in public transportation, noting that the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system and water transportation projects were expanding mobility and improving access to economic opportunities.

He said the Blue Line had carried more than eight million passengers, while the introduction of new eight-car trains was expected to increase the Red Line’s capacity to 500,000 passengers daily.

Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the state, through the €410 million Omi Eko project, was deploying 75 electric ferries across 15 water routes to strengthen water transportation and reduce pressure on Lagos roads.

Looking ahead, the governor said Africa’s rapidly growing urban population presents significant opportunities for investors and governments willing to invest in infrastructure and sustainable development.

“By 2050, Africa will add nearly one billion urban residents. If you want to invest in Africa, look closely at the cities where governance, infrastructure and execution are creating real opportunities,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to the Asante Crown and the Millennium Excellence Foundation for the recognition, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a more competitive, prosperous and globally connected Lagos.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday for Europe to begin a three-week working vacation as part of his annual leave, the Presidency has announced.

The President’s first stop will be London, United Kingdom, according to a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the three-week vacation, with his return expected to coincide with increased political activities ahead of the January 2027 general election.

The statement did not provide further details about the President’s itinerary or other destinations he may visit during the working vacation.

Onanuga said the President would return home after the leave period as preparations and political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum across the country.

Tinubu’s trip comes at a time of heightened political consultations and campaign preparations ahead of the next general election.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has received the leadership and members of two grassroots support groups, the Kano Projects Protection Association (Kano PRO-PA) and Gida-Gida Kano First, pledging continued support for grassroots mobilisation and community development initiatives in Kano State.

Barau received the groups at his residence in Abuja on Sunday, according to a statement personally issued by the Deputy President of the Senate.

The delegations were led by their respective Kano North chairmen, Hon. Abdullahi Mato Gwarzo of Kano PRO-PA and Alhaji Sunusi Mai Auduga Kutama of Gida-Gida Kano First, alongside their state chairmen, party leaders, grassroots mobilisers and other stakeholders from across Kano State.

Barau commended the groups for their grassroots activities in support of good governance, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and development in Kano State.

“I sincerely appreciate them for taking the time to visit me and, more importantly, for the tremendous work they are doing at the grassroots in support of good governance, the APC and the development of our dear Kano State,” he said.

The Deputy President of the Senate said he listened to the presentations of the groups and praised their efforts to engage communities and inform residents about government programmes and projects.

“I listened carefully to their presentations and appreciated their commitment to going from community to community to enlighten our people about the programmes and achievements of the administration of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf,” he said.

“Their efforts to monitor projects and engage directly with people at the grassroots are commendable.”

Barau said he was particularly encouraged by the groups’ commitment to promoting unity among residents and within the APC.

He also acknowledged their mobilisation efforts in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, himself as the senator representing Kano North, and other APC candidates.

“As I always say, politics is ultimately about the people. Those who work at the grassroots, engage communities, listen to the people and communicate the policies and achievements of government deserve our encouragement and support,” he said.

To support the activities of the groups, Barau announced the donation of one motor vehicle to each organisation.

He said the vehicles would facilitate movement, mobilisation, project monitoring and community engagement activities across Kano State.

“In response to their requests and to further facilitate their activities, I have donated a motor vehicle to each of the two groups for easy movement, mobilisation, monitoring and community engagement activities across Kano State,” he said.

The Deputy President of the Senate also announced the provision of motorcycles to the local government branches of the groups operating across the 13 local government areas of the Kano North Senatorial District.

Barau pledged to continue supporting what he described as genuine grassroots initiatives while working with party leaders and mobilisers to promote effective representation, good governance and meaningful development.

“Together, we will continue to work for a stronger Kano, a stronger APC and a better Nigeria,” he said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Presidency has criticised former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his recent pledge to reopen Nigeria’s borders if elected president in 2027.

The Presidency dismissed Atiku’s claim that Nigeria’s borders were closed, describing the statement as misleading and insisting that the country’s land borders remain open.

It said the Federal Government reopened most of Nigeria’s land borders on March 14, 2024, and has not reversed the decision.

The position was contained in a statement titled, “Atiku and the Borders: Nigerians Deserve Facts, Not Campaign Slogans,” issued in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr Sunday Dare.

Dare was reacting to Atiku’s recent declaration that he would “open the borders” immediately upon assuming office.

“The facts are straightforward: Nigeria’s land borders are already open. It is therefore difficult to understand which borders the former Vice President intends to ‘open’.”

The presidential aide said that if Atiku’s proposal was to relax existing border controls, Nigerians deserved to know which restrictions he intended to remove and why.

He challenged the former Vice President to explain the safeguards his proposed administration would put in place against terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking and other transnational crimes.

Dare noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had also opened the Kamba border in Kebbi State on February 14, 2026, with what he described as attendant economic and diplomatic benefits.

“The distinction between an open border and an uncontrolled border is fundamental to responsible national security and economic policy,” he said.

According to Dare, modern border management is designed to facilitate legitimate movement, trade and economic interaction while preventing criminals and terrorist organisations from exploiting the same channels.

“Effective border governance requires immigration control, customs administration, intelligence-sharing, surveillance, technology and coordinated security operations,” he said.

The presidential aide said Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly across the northern region, could not be separated from developments across the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin.

He noted that Nigeria shares international borders with Niger, Chad and Cameroon, making regional cooperation essential in addressing terrorism, violent extremism and other transnational crimes.

“As Atiku rightly acknowledged, Nigeria shares borders with Niger, Chad and Cameroon. The region continues to confront terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organised crime.”

Dare said porous borders could be exploited by criminal networks to move people, weapons and other illicit materials across countries.

Citing the Global Terrorism Index 2026, he said about 41 per cent of terrorist attacks occurred within 50 kilometres of international borders, while approximately 64 per cent occurred within 100 kilometres of such borders.

“The security reality is compelling. Borderlands are particularly vulnerable where difficult terrain, limited state presence and weak coordination create opportunities for terrorist organisations.”

Dare said the Federal Government’s focus on security along Nigeria’s Northeast and Northwest corridors should not be interpreted as evidence that the country’s borders were closed.

He described the deployment of the Armed Forces and other security agencies along the corridors as part of responsible border management.

“Effective border management is an indispensable component of national security as domestic insurgencies evolve into increasingly networked and transnational terrorist threats,” he said.

The presidential aide said political contestation remained legitimate in a democracy but maintained that statements on national security and economic policy should be based on facts.

“Statements about national security and the Nigerian economy should be grounded in facts, institutional understanding and a credible alternative policy agenda,” he said.

Dare challenged presidential aspirants to present detailed policies on border surveillance, intelligence-sharing, customs and immigration operations, technology and regional security cooperation.

“What Nigerians deserve is not a slogan about ‘opening borders,’ but a detailed explanation of how border surveillance and security would be improved.”

He said such policies should also address the protection of border communities while facilitating legitimate commerce and the movement of people.

Dare added that the Tinubu administration remained open to scrutiny and should be assessed based on measurable outcomes in security, economic recovery, border management and the welfare of Nigerians.

“Nigeria’s borders must be open to legitimate commerce and movement, but secure against terrorists and criminals,” Dare said.

He added that the country’s borders must be effectively monitored with technology, guided by intelligence and integrated into Nigeria’s broader national security and economic strategy.

“That is the policy conversation Nigerians deserve,” he emphasised.

(NAN)

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has issued an Executive Order establishing a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage area of Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area on August 24, 2026.

The Executive Order, which takes effect from August 31, 2026, empowers the panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the identities and number of victims, establish the immediate and remote causes of the violence and examine whether criminal responsibility is connected to the deaths.

According to a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola has been appointed Chairman of the Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry, while Mr Abiodun Badiora will serve as Secretary.

Other members of the panel include AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, mni (Rtd); Mr Dele Akintayo; a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); Comrade Wale Balogun, representing Civil Society Organisations; a community representative from Ikire; and Dr Babatunde Afolabi as the Medical and Forensic Representative.

The panel is mandated to determine the circumstances that led to the shootings and killings and examine the role played by security operatives during the incident.

It will also establish whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and determine whether their deployment complied with the law, applicable rules of engagement and recognised human rights standards.

The inquiry is further empowered to identify any individual, group, security personnel, political actor, transport union member, public official or other person whose action or omission may have contributed to the violence.

The panel may recommend the prosecution of persons found culpable, disciplinary measures against relevant officials, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.

The Executive Order also grants the panel powers to summon witnesses, demand relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident and other relevant locations, receive oral and documentary evidence and recommend protective measures for witnesses and persons considered at risk of intimidation or retaliation.

Governor Adeleke further directed the preservation of all materials considered relevant to the inquiry, including firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other documentary evidence.

The order also calls for appropriate measures to protect witnesses and the families of victims, obtain necessary medical and forensic documentation and maintain peace and security in Ikire pending the conclusion of the inquiry.

The Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission and the Osun State Commissioner of Police have also been formally requested to take appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command may prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence in its outcome.

The panel is expected to commence sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report to the Osun State Government within 30 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the Governor.

The state government has invited the families of victims, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organisations, political parties, community leaders, human rights activists and other concerned persons to submit memoranda and evidence to the panel.

Governor Adeleke assured the people of Ikire, the families of the deceased, those injured in the violence and the general public that the incident would be investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently.

The Executive Order stressed that no person found culpable would be shielded from justice, irrespective of status, public office, political connection or institutional affiliation.

It, however, emphasised that all allegations remain allegations until they are established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry.

ABUJA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — The OK Movement, a political platform mobilising support for Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has ruled out any merger with external political groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The movement, which brings together supporters drawn from the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), also rejected an alleged plot to remove its Director-General and founder, Mr John Ughulu.

The group insisted that its nationwide grassroots structure was built around Ughulu’s leadership and warned that any attempt to remove him or compromise the movement’s independence could threaten its continued existence.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after a summit in Abuja and jointly signed by the Convener, Mr Ladipo Johnson, and the National Secretary, Sadaatu Sani.

The communiqué said the movement had resolved to remain an independent organisation while continuing to work and coordinate with other groups pursuing similar political objectives.

It warned that any externally imposed merger or consolidation could disrupt programmes already underway and undermine the identity and grassroots momentum built by the movement.

“The Summit resolves that the OK Movement shall remain an independent organisation and shall not be merged into, or absorbed by any external political body.

“Independence does not mean isolation – we remain ready to coordinate closely with allied groups in pursuit of shared goals,” the communiqué stated.

The leadership said its decision to retain Ughulu as Director-General was based on his role in building the organisation’s grassroots network across the country.

According to the movement, its structure was built ward by ward through volunteers recruited and mobilised under the leadership of its founder.

The group warned that the removal of Ughulu or any attempt to surrender the movement’s independence could lead to the collapse of its grassroots structure.

“The movement was built ward by ward, largely on the personal credibility of its founder with the volunteers who make up its ranks.

“Our loyalty is not to a title, but to the man who recruited, trained and stood with us.

“Should the Director-General be removed, or the movement’s independence set aside, the members have indicated that they would not continue to operate under the resulting arrangement,” Johnson said.

The leadership, however, extended an olive branch to Ms Jacky Wayas, inviting her to return to the movement as Director of Strategic Implementation and Planning under the leadership of the Director-General.

The development comes as political groups and support movements aligned with Obi and Kwankwaso continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The OK Movement said it remains committed to strengthening its grassroots mobilisation structure while collaborating with allied organisations in pursuit of its political objectives.

(NAN)

BENIN CITY, Nigeria (NPA) — Monday Okpebholo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development, progress and prosperity of Edo State, pledging to continue building a state where citizens can live with dignity and young people can pursue their ambitions.

The governor made the pledge in a message issued on Saturday to mark his birthday, expressing gratitude to God and the people of Edo State for the opportunity to serve.

Okpebholo thanked residents for their trust, prayers, support and goodwill, saying he does not take the confidence reposed in his administration for granted.

“I give thanks to God Almighty for the gift of life, for His grace, and for the opportunity to serve,” the governor said.

“As I mark another year, my heart is filled with deep gratitude to the good people of Edo State for the trust, prayers, support and goodwill you have continued to extend to me. I do not take this privilege for granted.”

The governor described the opportunity to lead the state as both an honour and a responsibility, stressing that leadership should be measured by its impact on the lives of the people and the opportunities created for future generations.

“To serve Edo is both an honour and a responsibility I hold very close to my heart. Every day reminds me that leadership is not about the office one occupies, but about the lives one touches, the opportunities one creates and the future one helps to build,” he stated.

Okpebholo reiterated his commitment to policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of Edo residents and strengthening economic opportunities across communities.

“I remain firmly committed to the development, progress and prosperity of our dear Edo State. Together, we will continue to build an Edo where our people can live with dignity, where our young people can dream boldly, where our farmers can thrive, where businesses can prosper and where every community has a reason to hope.”

The governor thanked the people of the state for the honour to serve and prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity for Edo and its people.

“Thank you, Edo State, for the honour to serve you. May God continue to bless our people and our dear State,” he added.

KAMPALA, Uganda (NPA) — Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of the country’s long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, has announced his intention to run for president in 2031.

Newpost Africa reports that Kainerugaba, 52, has long been regarded as a potential successor to his father and has gained prominence for his outspoken and often controversial posts on social media, including threats against leading opposition figure Bobi Wine.

He also played a key role in his father’s re-election campaign in the January polls, during which security forces cracked down on opponents and internet access was restricted.

“I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031. And we will win by the grace of Almighty God,” Kainerugaba said in one of a series of posts on X late Tuesday.

“With my great father, Mzee’s, support I will get 90% in the elections in 2031,” he added, using an honorific reference to his 81-year-old father.

Kainerugaba, who leads a political pressure group known as the Patriotic League of Uganda, had previously declared that he would contest the last presidential election in January but ultimately backed out.

Museveni, who leads the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), has governed Uganda since 1986. His administration has faced accusations from critics of human rights violations, including torture, kidnappings and arbitrary detention. The government has denied the allegations.

Uganda’s main opposition leader, Bobi Wine, fled to the United States earlier this year, saying he feared for his life. Another veteran opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, has been in prison since 2024 and is facing trial for treason.

The announcement by Kainerugaba adds to growing speculation over Uganda’s political succession, given his close relationship with the president and his increasingly prominent role in the country’s political affairs.

Newpost Africa reports that when asked whether Museveni would seek another term, government spokesman Alan Kasujja told Reuters that the president and the ruling party would make that decision when the time comes.

“As has been the case over the years, President Museveni and the party he leads will make that decision when the time comes,” Kasujja said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has reiterated his campaign pledge to restore a targeted fuel subsidy if elected President, saying the policy would help cushion the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

The former Vice President restated his position on Tuesday after receiving the Osun State leadership of the ADC in Abuja, arguing that government economic policies should ultimately improve the purchasing power and living conditions of citizens.

Atiku said his position on fuel subsidy was based on his belief that the strength of an economy should not be measured solely by government revenue, but also by what citizens can afford with the money in their pockets.

“On the question of subsidy, my position has not changed and will not change: I will restore it! A nation as blessed as ours has no business abandoning its citizens to hardship. Nigeria is rich enough to look after her own,” he said.

The former Vice President argued that rising fuel prices have broader consequences for households and businesses because increased energy and transportation costs feed into the prices of food and other essential goods.

“When fuel rises, transport rises. When transport rises, food rises. When food rises, families suffer,” he said.

Against this backdrop, Atiku said his proposed policy would focus on restoring purchasing power while supporting domestic production and reducing energy costs.

“I want wages to have value again. I want farmers to move produce without transport swallowing their profits. I want families to fill their baskets without emptying their pockets. I want businesses to produce, employ and prosper,” he said.

He said he would pursue what he described as a targeted subsidy, rather than a return to what he called an “import racket”.

“That is why I will restore targeted subsidy and put purchasing power back in the hands of Nigerians,” Atiku said.

“I will support Nigerian production, reduce energy costs and restore purchasing power. I will not restore the import racket; I will restore relief.”

Atiku also criticised the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians under the current administration, saying he would seek to reverse what he described as a chain of rising costs that has affected households, farmers and businesses.

“I will break that wretched chain that has defined our national life in the nearly four years of Tinubu’s presidency,” he said.

The former Vice President further pledged to pursue policies aimed at strengthening the naira’s purchasing power and making essential goods and services more affordable.

“I will make the naira in your pocket worth more, make daily living affordable again, and secure our people.

“Economic security. Physical security. A better life for every Nigerian. That is the Nigeria I intend to build,” Atiku said.

His latest comments reinforce the ADC candidate’s campaign position that government intervention in the energy sector remains necessary to protect household purchasing power, while combining such measures with increased domestic production and lower energy costs.