ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Deep Offshore Oil and Gas Projects Incentives (Tax Remission) Order, 2026, a new policy aimed at unlocking up to $50 billion in deep offshore oil and gas investments and accelerating stalled projects in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

The President, in a statement addressed to Nigerians, said the policy would provide a clear and predictable investment framework for existing deep offshore leases, with the approximately $10 billion Bonga South West project expected to be among the major beneficiaries.

According to Tinubu, the new framework gives existing deep offshore leases until December 31, 2029, to reach Final Investment Decision (FID) and qualify for the full standard incentive. He said the move was necessary to attract long-term capital at a time when countries are competing aggressively for major oil and gas investments.

The President described the order as the 10th major policy directive of his administration specifically targeted at reforming and repositioning Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. He said the administration had remained focused on removing barriers to investment, increasing production and expanding value creation within the industry.

Beyond attracting foreign capital, Tinubu said the government wants the anticipated investments to translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians. He stressed that Nigerian engineers, fabrication yards, marine and technical service companies and young professionals must play a central role in the execution of the projects.

He added that projects seeking supplementary incentives under the new framework would be required to undertake their activities in Nigeria, subject to clearly defined exceptions and compliance with Nigerian Content requirements.

Tinubu said the administration’s broader ambition was to position Nigeria as Africa’s regional hub for deep offshore project execution, with increased local participation, technology transfer and skills development.

He noted that the success of the policy would not be measured solely by the projected $50 billion investment, but by the jobs created, stronger Nigerian businesses, increased oil production, higher government revenue and the development of technical capabilities within the country.

“Our natural resources must work harder for our people,” the President said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria derives greater economic and local benefits from its vast petroleum resources.

The policy comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to attract fresh investment into the oil and gas industry, increase production and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a major energy investment destination in Africa.

LAGOS — The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Worldwide has commenced an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nollywood actress Temitope “Tope” Osoba, amid allegations concerning the role of her fiancé, Prophet Itunu Onadeko, in events leading to her death.

Osoba, 40, died on August 5, 2026, weeks after she had publicly celebrated her recovery from breast cancer. She had undergone surgery for the disease in November 2024 and subsequently returned to the entertainment industry. Her death has since generated controversy, with conflicting accounts emerging over the circumstances surrounding her final days.

In a statement issued by the church, the CCC said it was particularly concerned because Onadeko, who has been at the centre of the controversy, is a Shepherd of the church. The church described the allegations surrounding his alleged involvement as “quite embarrassing” and said it would not allow its name to be dragged into the controversy without seeking the truth.

The church stressed that its doctrine does not permit idolatry, black magic, cultism or the use of charms, noting that it operates under established spiritual principles and a constitutional code of conduct. It said it was “discreetly investigating” the circumstances surrounding Osoba’s death and would leave no stone unturned in determining what actually happened.

The development follows claims made by Onadeko in an interview with the Celestial Reality Check, the church’s media investigative unit, that he was informed Osoba died at a police station in Ikorodu, Lagos State. He also disputed some of the claims circulating about her death and her health. However, these remain allegations and have not been independently established.

The CCC has called on the police and other relevant law-enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, assuring the public that it is prepared to cooperate with the authorities. The church said that if allegations against Onadeko are established at the end of the investigations, he would face both internal disciplinary sanctions and the full force of the law.

The controversy has also prompted wider calls for clarity regarding the circumstances of Osoba’s death. Her family has previously cautioned against unauthorised reports and speculation surrounding her passing. Meanwhile, the church said its priority is to ensure that the truth emerges and that justice is served for the late actress and her family.

As the Osun State Gubernatorial election enters a crucial bend, the Presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Dr. Gbenga Hashim has warned those beating the drums of war over the election to be wary of the consequences of their actions.

Few days ago, a Senator representing Osun East in the Upper Chamber, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi was reported to have threatened members of the Accord Party of dire consequences if they came out to vote next Saturday.

Though he later denied the claim, the assertion had generated a lot of negative comments across Nigeria.

Dr. Hashim maintained that Fadahunsi and co would end up at the International Criminal Court, because incitement to political violence and especially murder is International Crime under the Hague Statute.

Hashim who is a Max Beloff 2009 Prize Winner for Global Affairs added that “Nigeria being a signatory to the Hague Convention must immediately arrest and prosecute the Senator, failing which we shall activate the mechanism for an international arrest warrant at the Hague.”

According to him, “it is not the first time APC supporters would openly incite violence. Already many Accord supporters have been killed and huge numbers wounded.”

He added that “It is also the past time of APC chieftains in many States to incite violence without restraints from the National leaders.

“We want to let everyone know that these actions would not go unpunished”

Meanwhile, the Police, according to Osun PPRO, has invited the Senator for “questioning” over the threat. According to the PPRO, “the Senator is invited first, and if he fails to honor the invitation, we will go after him.”

Senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi, has been invited by the Osun State Police Command for questioning over a viral video in which he was allegedly heard making comments interpreted as a threat against members and supporters of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The police described the video as a matter of “serious concern,” saying the alleged remarks were threatening, inciting and intimidating in nature. The invitation followed widespread circulation of the video on social media and mounting public reactions.

Fadahunsi arrived at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo at about 2:35 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police in charge of election and security, Samuel Erale. He was subsequently expected to face questioning by police investigators.

The development comes just days before the August 15 Osun governorship election, heightening concerns over inflammatory political statements and the potential for election-related violence. Calls had earlier been made for the senator’s arrest and prosecution over the alleged remarks.

The police invitation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the senator’s comments and whether any offence was committed. Fadahunsi has also reportedly moved to clarify his controversial statement following the backlash.

Top government officials, political leaders, youth mobilisers and grassroots stakeholders are set to converge on Ibadan for the Oyo State Emerging Political Leaders Summit 2026, scheduled for August 24–25 at the Ibadan Civic Centre.

The summit, themed “Bridging the Gap, Uniting Political Strength, and Mobilizing Emerging Leaders for 2027,” is expected to provide a platform for emerging political actors and stakeholders across party lines to discuss political inclusion, reconciliation, grassroots mobilisation and strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), is billed as Chief Facilitator, while Senator Barau I. Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, will attend as Special Guest of Honour. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, is expected to deliver the keynote address on bridging political divides, building strategic alliances and mobilising Oyo State for progressive victory in 2027.

Other speakers include the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Wisdom Olawande; APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel; Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, Barrister Ismael Ahmed; Barrister Seyi Tinubu; Oloye Jumoke Akinjide; Chief Engineer Dotun Sanusi; and Honourable Engineer Aderemi Abass Oseni.

According to the organisers, the summit will attract more than 1,000 participants, including political stakeholders from the APC, PDP, APM and other parties, as well as independent mobilisers, community leaders, youth and women leaders, civil society representatives and media practitioners.

A key feature of the summit will be the launch of the 50 Below 50 Project, Oyo State Chapter, alongside the signing of the Generational Inclusion Pact by Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the APC’s 2027 governorship candidate, and emerging political leaders across the state.

The organisers said the summit is aimed at reducing political fragmentation, strengthening grassroots coordination and creating a broader coalition of emerging leaders capable of influencing the political direction of Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has insisted that the administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola left about N15 billion for his successor, dismissing as misleading the narrative promoted by the Governor Ademola Adeleke administration regarding the finances it inherited.

Oyebamiji made the assertion while fielding questions from journalists at the Arise TV Town Hall Meeting held in Osun State, where he addressed several issues that have dominated the campaign, particularly claims by the incumbent administration about inherited liabilities and the state’s financial position.

The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits from participating in security operations during the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The directive, coming ahead of the highly anticipated poll, is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, credible and orderly electoral process by restricting security responsibilities to constitutionally recognised security agencies.

Other groups affected by the directive include the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security organisations and neighbourhood watch outfits. They are prohibited from carrying out security functions at polling units and other election-related locations.

The police said only authorised security agencies would be permitted to perform security duties during the election, stressing that no unauthorised group or individual would be allowed to interfere with the electoral process.

The Force has also warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against acts capable of disrupting the election. Ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, violent clashes and other forms of electoral malpractice, according to the police, will not be tolerated.

The police urged residents of Osun State to remain calm and law-abiding before, during and after the election, assuring citizens that security personnel would be deployed across the state to protect voters, election officials and electoral materials.

The development comes as political parties intensify their final mobilisation ahead of the August 15 governorship poll, with the police reiterating its commitment to preventing violence and ensuring that voters are able to exercise their franchise without intimidation.

The security agency further warned that anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process would face the full force of the law.

OSOGBO — Tension and political activities have intensified across Osun State as the state prepares for Saturday’s governorship election, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) receiving sensitive election materials and security agencies stepping up preparations for the poll.

The election materials, including ballot papers and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, have reportedly arrived in Osogbo and are being kept under security protection ahead of their distribution to local government offices and Registration Area Centres across the state. About 25,310 security personnel are also expected to be deployed for the election.

The development comes amid growing calls for a peaceful and credible election. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged INEC to take urgent steps to prevent political violence and protect voters, while other civil society groups have raised concerns over election-related security risks.

The political contest has also entered its final stretch, with major candidates intensifying their campaigns and presenting their visions to voters. Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Accord candidate, has expressed confidence in his chances, while APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam are also seeking to convince voters to change the political direction of the state.

With only days to the August 15 poll, attention is now focused on the ability of INEC and security agencies to guarantee a peaceful voting environment and ensure that the votes of Osun residents are protected. The outcome is expected to determine who will occupy the Osun State Government House for the next four years.

The Ogun State Government has announced the successful rescue of all seven victims abducted in connection with the recent incident involving students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, while announcing the development, said the victims were rescued alive following a coordinated security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, vigilantes, local hunters and other security agencies.

According to the Governor, the state government activated a comprehensive security response immediately after receiving reports of the incident, mobilising personnel and operational resources to secure the affected areas and intensify the search for the abducted victims.

The operation was subsequently reinforced with aerial surveillance following a request by Governor Abiodun to the Inspector-General of Police for additional support to complement security personnel conducting operations on the ground.

Abiodun commended the security agencies and personnel involved in the operation for their courage, professionalism and effective collaboration, noting that the successful rescue demonstrated the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated security operations.

While expressing gratitude to Almighty God for the safe rescue of the victims, the Governor disclosed that security operations were still ongoing to apprehend everyone connected with the criminal enterprise.

He warned kidnappers and other criminal elements that Ogun State would not provide a safe haven for their activities, stressing that perpetrators, collaborators, informants, logistics providers and sponsors would be pursued and brought to justice.

Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening intelligence gathering, surveillance, operational mobility and inter-agency collaboration as part of sustained efforts to protect lives and property across the state.

He assured residents, visitors and investors that the government would continue to provide necessary support to security agencies to maintain peace and ensure the safety of communities across Ogun State.

The Governor reiterated that the administration’s position on criminality remained unequivocal, declaring that Ogun State would remain hostile to criminal elements while providing a safe and secure environment for every law-abiding resident, visitor and investor.

…Insist Mabaje Remains Consensus Choice, Warn Against Actions Capable of Dividing Ido PDP/APM Structure Ahead of 2027

Stakeholders of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State have expressed strong displeasure over an alleged attempt by certain vested interests to alter the outcome of the party’s consensus arrangement and replace the name of Hon. Abdulrazak Mabaje, who was unanimously endorsed by stakeholders as the party’s chairmanship candidate for the forthcoming local government election.

The stakeholders, in a strongly worded position, described the alleged development as an unacceptable attempt to undermine the collective decision reached after extensive consultations among party leaders, delegates and other critical stakeholders in Ido Local Government.

According to the stakeholders, the consensus process was conducted in accordance with the wishes of the party’s local government structure, culminating in the emergence of Hon. Abdulrazak Mabaje as the preferred candidate. They said the decision was not that of an individual but the product of broad consultations and a collective resolution reached in the interest of the party and the local government.

They alleged that individuals with vested political interests hiding behind the veil of being Gov Makinde’s appointees, are attempting to manipulate the process by changing the name of the candidate already endorsed by the stakeholders. The stakeholders, however, insisted that such an alleged move would amount to disregarding the will of the people who participated in the consensus process.

The aggrieved stakeholders maintained that the decision reached by the Ido Local Government stakeholders must stand, warning that any attempt to impose a different candidate against the agreed consensus could generate unnecessary tension, distrust and division within the local government.

They appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently intervene and ensure that the collective decision of the stakeholders is respected. According to them, the Governor’s intervention is necessary not only to protect the integrity of the process but also to prevent a disagreement over the chairmanship ticket from degenerating into a wider political crisis in Ido.

The stakeholders stressed that what Ido Local Government needs at this critical period is unity, fairness and cohesion, rather than actions capable of creating factions and weakening the party’s grassroots structure.

They further warned that internal disagreements and perceived imposition could have consequences beyond the forthcoming local government election, particularly as political parties are already positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We have followed the process and made our decision. The consensus was reached by the stakeholders of Ido Local Government, and that decision should be respected. Nobody should be allowed to manipulate the process or substitute the choice of the stakeholders for personal or political interests,” the stakeholders maintained.

They urged Governor Makinde to act swiftly and ensure that the issue is resolved amicably, stressing that respecting the consensus reached by the stakeholders would strengthen confidence, preserve unity and ensure that the party enters future elections as a united political family.

The stakeholders also appealed to all party leaders and aspirants to place the collective interest of Ido Local Government above personal ambitions, insisting that the ultimate objective should be to maintain a strong and united political structure capable of delivering victory in subsequent elections.

They reiterated their support for Hon. Abdulrazak Mabaje and called on the relevant party authorities to uphold the consensus decision, warning that “the will of the stakeholders must not be sacrificed on the altar of individual political interests.”