Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has declared that the Federal Government will not sacrifice Nigeria’s future to shield individuals and entities that have avoided paying taxes for years.
Oyedele made this known while speaking at the January business breakfast of the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) in Lagos, where he addressed growing resistance to tax reforms and Nigeria’s poor revenue performance.
He noted that Nigeria’s tax-to-population ratio remains extremely low, stressing that only a fraction of eligible citizens currently pay taxes. “That is one tax from about 60 million people, compared to Nigeria’s 240 million people,” he said.
According to him, South Africa generated over N60 trillion from personal income tax alone in 2024, a figure that surpasses Nigeria’s total tax revenue from all sources combined. He added that while South Africa’s per capita income is higher, Nigeria still has significant untapped potential.
Oyedele emphasised that if Nigeria effectively captures personal income tax from its top income earners, revenue performance could improve substantially. “If you take the top 60 million people in Nigeria based on income, it will be comparable to the per capita income of South Africa,” he said, adding that tax reforms are critical to securing Nigeria’s long-term economic future.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has downplayed the judgment of the Federal High Court (FHC), Ibadan, delivered on Friday, assuring members and supporters that the ruling poses no threat to the party’s current leadership and political direction.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party disclosed that the court declined to grant the order of mandamus sought, on the grounds that doing so would amount to sitting on appeal over judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
The PDP said it has immediately briefed its legal team to file an appeal and take all necessary legal steps to advance its position and protect its interests in the matter.
According to the party, the Kabiru Turaki–led PDP that emerged from the Ibadan Convention remains legally intact, unshaken, and fully operational, pending the final and authoritative pronouncement of the appellate courts.
The party therefore urged its members to remain calm, resolute, and committed, stressing that there is absolutely no cause for alarm, as the REBIRTH movement remains firmly on course.
A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State on November 15, 2025, dealing a major blow to the opposition party and further deepening its internal leadership crisis.
The court, in a ruling held that the Ibadan convention violated the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines, particularly over the exclusion of some eligible aspirants and failure to comply with due process.
The judgment followed a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who challenged the conduct of the convention, arguing that he was unlawfully denied the opportunity to participate in the contest for the position of National Chairman.
The court also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the Ibadan convention, effectively rendering all decisions and elections conducted at the event invalid.
Political analysts say the ruling is a significant setback for the PDP, as it worsens factional divisions within the party and raises fresh concerns over its readiness for future elections.
Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday declared that Oyo State must continue to build a stronger and more competitive economy that creates jobs, attracts investment and expands opportunities for residents, as the state marked its Golden Jubilee with a high-level Oyo @ 50 lecture and symposium at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, which formed part of activities to commemorate 50 years of Oyo State’s creation, Makinde said the next phase of the state’s development would be driven by deliberate investments in infrastructure, education, and institutional reforms that would position Oyo as a leading sub-national economy in Nigeria.
The lecture, themed around reflection and renewal for the next 50 years of Oyo State, provided a platform for stakeholders to review the state’s journey since creation and to outline a forward-looking vision focused on sustainable growth, peace, security, and good governance.
Governor Makinde emphasized that fiscal responsibility, improved security architecture and a business-friendly environment would remain central to making Oyo State safe, stable and open for both local and foreign investors, while ensuring inclusive development across all zones of the state.
He added that the Oyo @ 50 celebration was not only a moment to celebrate past achievements but also an opportunity to recommit to building a future defined by prosperity, institutional strength and expanded economic opportunities for all residents of the Pacesetter State.
Tinubu has sidelined people who helped him succeed as Lagos governor, says Ndume
Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, says President Bola Tinubu succeeded as governor of Lagos because he worked with competent and experienced people.
The lawmaker spoke on Wednesday while featuring on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television.
“The president had good people around him when he was the governor of Lagos; that was why he succeeded,” Ndume said.
Ado-Awaye youths under the aegis of Ado-Awaye Progressive Youths Movement (A.P.Y.M) have strongly opposed proposed planned conferment of chieftaincy titles on 10 Fulani individuals by the Alado of Ado-Awaye, describing the move as a violation of traditional customs and a threat to peace in the community.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 and made available to Oduduwa News, the group said Ado-Awaye youths were neither consulted nor involved in the process leading to the appointments, stressing that they do not endorse the action.
While acknowledging the importance of peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups, the youths maintained that chieftaincy matters must strictly follow established traditions, historical practices, and due process.
The group called on the Alado of Ado-Awaye, Oba Rev’d Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi Makuledoye II, to stop the planned installation action and clarify the circumstances surrounding the appointments and to engage key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community elders, youth groups, and local government authorities, to ensure transparency and harmony.
According to A.P.Y.M, the development could, in the future, lead to claims of indigenous status, a situation they said has raised serious concerns among community members.
They also warned that the appointments have already generated dissatisfaction among various families and groups, which they said could threaten communal peace and stability.
Referencing the prevailing security challenges in Nigeria, including banditry and kidnapping, the group expressed fears that the action could, in the long term, expose Ado-Awaye to similar security risks experienced in some other parts of the country.
As part of their demands, the youths called for the immediate reversal of the chieftaincy appointments, suspension of any proposed second phase of the exercise, and strict adherence to customary laws in future chieftaincy matters.
The group urged residents of Ado-Awaye to remain calm and law-abiding while efforts are made to resolve the issue through peaceful and legal means should the purported planned installation process go ahead.
Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye have set an ambitious target of $5 billion in bilateral trade volume as Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Recep Tayyip Erdogan deepened economic, security and diplomatic ties during Tinubu’s State Visit to Ankara on Tuesday.
Speaking at a joint press briefing, President Erdogan disclosed that discussions to raise trade between both countries from the current $2 billion to $5 billion had already commenced. He said the newly established Joint Economy and Trade Committee would be central to achieving the target and expanding Turkish investments in Nigeria.
“At present, our trade volume is about $2 billion. Today, we reaffirmed our commitment to the $5 billion trade volume target and discussed the steps needed. We also agreed to establish a Joint Economy and Trade Committee, which will be instrumental in supporting and expanding our investments in Nigeria,” Erdogan said.
Türkiye currently exports planes, helicopters, machinery, iron and steel, and chemical products to Nigeria, while Nigeria exports crude oil and agricultural products to Türkiye.
Erdogan praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly in the energy sector, noting that cooperation between Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian counterparts could yield significant outcomes. He also commended Tinubu’s determination to develop Nigeria, pointing to the presence of several ministers and high-ranking officials in his delegation.
On security, the Turkish leader pledged support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, citing Türkiye’s own experience in combating insurgency. He said both countries discussed closer cooperation in military training and intelligence sharing.
“We stand by the friendly people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism. We are ready to share our country’s significant experience in combating terrorism,” Erdogan said, adding that Nigerian officials would also engage leading Turkish defence industry companies during the visit.
In his remarks, President Tinubu thanked Türkiye for its openness to collaboration and emphasised the importance of building an inclusive economy that supports vulnerable populations. “What is very important is trade and business with no restrictions, giving opportunity to those who are ready to learn, work and prosper. How do we build an inclusive economy together? How do we reform the economy and involve vulnerable people?” Tinubu said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability across Africa, despite security challenges in some parts of the country, and praised Erdogan’s efforts toward global peace, particularly in Somalia.
At the end of the bilateral meeting, officials from both countries signed nine agreements, including:
Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Diaspora Policy
Agreement on Defence Cooperation Joint Declaration Establishing the Economy and Trade Joint Committee
Agreement in the Field of Halal Quality Infrastructure
Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education
Cooperation in the Field of Media and Communication
Cooperation in the Field of Education Cooperation between the Diplomacy
Academies of both countries’ Foreign Ministries
Cooperation between Türkiye’s Ministry of Social Services and Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
The agreements are expected to strengthen economic ties, enhance security cooperation and deepen people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Türkiye.
The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which indicted Hon. Ibrahim Aremu Shittu, Member representing Saki West State Constituency, over a viral video in which he made allegations considered defamatory and damaging to the integrity of the Legislature.
However, despite accepting the Committee’s report and all its recommendations, the House rejected the apology tendered by Hon. Shittu and referred the matter back to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for further disciplinary recommendations.
The Ethics Committee had been mandated to investigate the viral footage following a resolution of the House on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Hon. Shittu was alleged to have publicly accused the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), of receiving bribes from the Chairman of Saki West Local Government, while also casting disparaging remarks on the Speaker and the House proceedings.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, said both lawmakers appeared before the Committee on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The Committee reviewed legislative instruments, oath of office documents, and the viral video footage, ensuring that due process and principles of natural justice were fully observed.
According to the report, Hon. Shittu’s statements were reckless, unfounded, and capable of undermining public confidence in the Legislature.
The Committee found that the allegations lacked credible proof, infringed on the rights and privileges of the Majority Leader, and brought the House into disrepute.
While reacting to the report, Hon. Shittu admitted that he made reckless and unfounded claims in the viral video which were disparaging to the personality of the Majority leader.
Lawmakers from both parties contributed to the debate.
Hon. Luqman Jimoh (Oorelope), representing the APC caucus to which Hon. Shittu belongs, tendered an apology on behalf of the party and appealed that the House tendered justice with mercy, while Hon. Sola Owolabi (PDP) also pleaded for leniency.
However, other members in their contributions faulted the apology made by Hon. Shittu, describing it as insincere and lacking genuine remorse.
Consequently, a Motion was moved to reject his apology.
The Motion was duly seconded, prompting the Speaker to rule on the matter.
Following deliberations, the Speaker ruled that Hon. Shittu’s apology be rejected, citing its inadequacy and lack of genuine contrition.
The House thereafter referred the matter back to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for further recommendations on appropriate disciplinary action.
In the report, the Ethics and Privileges Committee cautioned members against making unverified public allegations that could damage the reputation of the Legislature, with the assurance that future infractions would attract stringent disciplinary measures.
The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has emerged as one of the most influential groups likely to shape the outcome of the next gubernatorial election in Osun State, thanks to its popularity, grassroots reach, and mobilizing capacity, according to Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, Southwest Coordinator of GHSM and a PDP stakeholder.
Speaking on the Lero Temi podcast with Mukhtar Ajelogbon, Olaniyi said the group has not yet decided which candidate to support, noting that the PDP has not officially produced a candidate for the race.
However, he made it clear that the APC candidate is “not an option”, signaling the group’s strong stance against the ruling party.
GHSM’s influence, according to Olaniyi, stems from its ability to mobilize voters across the state, engage grassroots networks, and leverage its broad popularity to influence party decisions.
On the national political stage, Olaniyi predicted that President Tinubu’s defeat in 2027 will begin in Osun State, reflecting the strategic importance of the state in shaping both state and federal electoral outcomes.
“GHSM has consistently played a decisive role in elections where we have been engaged. Our focus is to ensure that the PDP presents a credible, unifying, and popular candidate who can win the confidence of the people,” he said.
The statement underscores GHSM’s growing relevance in the Southwest and signals a critical period of decision-making for Osun’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
A Nigerian medical doctor, Okeho-born Festus Babarinde, has attributed his selection for the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr Community Service Award in the United States to his long-standing commitment to training medical doctors, strengthening healthcare systems, and supporting underserved communities.
Babarinde, who spoke in an interview with Diaspora Tales, said the honour reflects years of deliberate work in capacity building and community service, rather than a single standout achievement.
He received the award at the 44th Annual Dr Martin Luther King Jr Commemoration Ceremony, held at the Chevy Chase Auditorium, Johns Hopkins Hospital, on the East Baltimore campus. The annual event celebrates individuals whose work reflects the ideals of service, equity, compassion, and social justice championed by the late American civil rights leader.
He was honoured alongside professors and senior research fellows from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in recognition of his exceptional contributions to community health and human capacity development in both Nigeria and the United States.
According to Babarinde, the award was not tied to one project but to a sustained record of community-focused interventions.
“I believe the award recognises a consistent commitment to service, leadership, and impact across clinical care, medical education, and allied health training both in Nigeria and the United States,” he said.
He explained that he founded The Concept Academy, an educational platform that has trained doctors across more than 13 countries for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The platform also offers free classes to less privileged candidates preparing for the examination.
Through the academy, Babarinde developed a simplified, concept-driven approach to teaching medicine for high-stakes examinations, emphasising clinical reasoning, pattern recognition, and systems thinking rather than rote memorisation.
He noted that the model has helped many international medical graduates overcome structural and educational barriers to medical licensure.
Currently an intern at the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center and a Master of Public Health candidate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Babarinde said his stay in the US has been less than a year, stressing that the award largely recognises work carried out over several years in Nigeria.
“My time in the US has helped me scale some of these initiatives, particularly in medical education, and has given me stronger tools in leadership, quality improvement, and health systems management,” he said.
“This is about representation. It shows what Nigerian and African professionals can contribute globally when local service is combined with global engagement.”
He added that the recognition was made possible through the support of colleagues, mentors, students, and communities who share his commitment to service-driven leadership.
“This is not just my story. It reflects the collective effort of everyone who has worked with me and believed in service,” he said.
