Oduduwa News

Nigeria’s sweeping tax reform agenda will proceed as planned, with full implementation set for January 1, 2026, and no reversal in sight, despite concerns raised by some stakeholders. This assurance was given by Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos.

Oyedele said the meeting with the President focused on the level of preparedness and progress made in implementing the four landmark tax reform laws recently signed into law, stressing that the reforms are critical to fixing long-standing structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s fiscal system. According to him, the administration remains committed to building a fair, efficient and growth-supporting tax framework, adding that “there is no going back on the reforms.”

He disclosed that two of the four laws — the Nigerian Revenue Service (Establishment) Act and the Joint Revenue Service (Establishment) Act — have already taken effect from June 26, 2025. The remaining two laws are progressing steadily towards their full operationalisation by January 1, 2026, as scheduled.

Oyedele explained that extensive stakeholder engagements, system upgrades, capacity building and institutional coordination are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition. He noted that while concerns have been expressed by sections of the public and business community, the government is addressing them through consultations and clear communication, without altering the core objectives or timelines of the reforms.

According to him, the reforms are designed to simplify Nigeria’s tax system, eliminate inefficiencies, reduce multiple taxation, strengthen revenue administration, and ensure that the burden of taxation is more equitable. He added that the ultimate goal is to grow government revenue sustainably without stifling businesses or overburdening ordinary Nigerians.

President Tinubu, Oyedele said, reiterated his full support for the reforms and directed that implementation should remain people-focused, transparent and consistent with the administration’s broader economic reform agenda. The President, he added, emphasized that a predictable and credible tax system is essential for restoring investor confidence and funding critical development priorities.

With the January 1, 2026 launch date firmly in view, Oyedele assured Nigerians that all hands are on deck to ensure successful execution, declaring that the tax reforms represent a decisive step forward for the country’s economic future — and that there will be no retreat.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday fulfilled his promise to visit the LAUTECH Iseyin Campus, where he engaged with key stakeholders over challenges affecting the smooth operation of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources.

During the visit, the governor held interactive sessions with students, the institution’s management and representatives of the host community, listening to concerns raised on academic activities, infrastructure and overall welfare within the campus.

Governor Makinde assured stakeholders of the state government’s commitment to addressing the issues, noting that sustainable solutions would be pursued through continuous dialogue and collaboration.

He disclosed that a follow-up meeting has been scheduled to hold in Ibadan next month, where further discussions will take place with a view to resolving the concerns and ensuring improved functionality and development of the Iseyin campus.

The Akume Dajoh family has joyfully announced the marriage of George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), to his new wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh.

The announcement was shared by Abraham Double-d Dajoh on Facebook on Friday, expressing the family’s excitement over the union.

In the post, the family stated: “We, the entire Dajoh Family, happily join our daddy, uncle, and brother, His Excellency, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume Jugu Dajoh, in welcoming his new and uncommon wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, into the Dajoh family.”

The family also extended appreciation to Sen. Akume’s supporters, urging them to continue backing him as he embarks on this new chapter. They added: “We appreciate and thank the fans and supporters of Sen. Akume for always standing by him. We enjoin everyone to continue to support His Excellency even in this beautiful union with Queen Zaynab. We wish you all a happy Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year.”

In addition, the Dajoh family warmly welcomed the bride to Benue State, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” to Mbakor, the seat of Tiv leadership, and to the Dajoh family, described as “the home of your darling husband.”

This announcement marks a joyful milestone for the SGF and highlights the family’s pride and excitement in embracing Queen Zaynab into their fold.

Today, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially commissioned the towering Eyo Monument at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan. Standing at an impressive 32 feet, it is the tallest Eyo statue ever created, symbolizing the rich heritage and cultural pride of Lagos.

Curated by acclaimed artist Dotun Popoola, the monument is more than just a striking piece of art. It serves as an educational and cultural landmark, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Lagos’ history and connect with the city’s vibrant traditions.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude for the depth, creativity, and dedication brought to the project, highlighting it as an example of what Nigerian talent can achieve when given the platform to showcase local stories.

With this addition, the John Randle Centre becomes an even more meaningful space, dedicated to preserving Yoruba culture and history for generations to come. The centre now stands as a proud home for Lagos’ traditions, combining artistry, education, and cultural celebration under one roof.

Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded: “My Lagos, your Lagos, our Lagos,” emphasizing the city’s collective ownership of its heritage and the monument’s role in fostering a shared cultural identity.

Says Africa should unite behind historic resolution and formally notify the world

The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has urged the African Union (AU) to officially adopt Algeria’s parliamentary position declaring colonization a crime against humanity, and to elevate it into a continental resolution.

PeacePro in a statement by Its Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat on Christmas day, said the AU should encourage all member states to formally adopt the same position through their national institutions, stressing that Africa must speak with one voice on the historical injustice of colonization.

“The African Union should officially adopt the Algerian parliamentary position, encourage all member states to domesticate it, and ensure that all countries of the world are formally communicated about Africa’s collective resolution on this historic matter,” PeacePro stated.

Hamzat noted that colonization and its variants, economic domination, political interference, militarization, and structural dependency, continue to undermine peace, development, and sovereignty across the continent.

PeacePro added that a unified AU position would strengthen Africa’s moral authority globally, advance the cause of historical accountability, and reinforce ongoing efforts toward sovereignty, dignity, and lasting peace.

Human Rights Activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned reported United States airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Sokoto State, describing the action as a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Sowore reacted to reports that the strikes were carried out on Christmas Day, following announcements by US President Donald Trump and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. He questioned claims by the Nigerian government that it was fully aware of the operation.

“I have read reports that the United States government launched attacks on Nigerian soil on Christmas Day,” Sowore wrote, adding that despite official claims of a joint operation, the strikes were carried out “without the genuine authority or informed consent of the weaklings masquerading as government.”

Sowore argued that the operation showed a lack of concern for Nigeria by the US leadership, saying the confirmed strike on a village in Sokoto suggested that the US president “neither understands nor genuinely cares about Nigeria or Nigerians.”

Describing the development as alarming, he said it was “deeply troubling that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, lacks the capable and sovereign leadership required to protect its people and its territory.”

According to him, the situation has reduced Nigeria to “a bystander while its sovereignty is violated under the direction of US President Donald J. Trump,” stressing that only “true, tested, and informed leadership can protect Nigerians.”

Nigeria has confirmed that it provided actionable intelligence and formally approved recent United States airstrikes on terrorist targets within its territory. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, disclosed that the operation was carried out with the full authorisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a coordinated security effort between Abuja and Washington.

According to Tuggar, Nigerian and U.S. authorities were in close communication ahead of the strikes, with intelligence sharing forming a critical part of the mission. He revealed that he personally held last-minute discussions with top U.S. officials shortly before the operation commenced, underscoring Nigeria’s direct involvement and consent rather than any unilateral foreign action.

The Federal Government stressed that the strikes were part of structured security cooperation aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremism threatening national stability. Tuggar emphasised that Nigeria’s sovereignty was not compromised, noting that the operation was jointly executed and not targeted at any religion, but against armed terrorist groups endangering civilians.

The development has sparked national and international debate, particularly following comments by U.S. officials framing the strikes in religious terms. Nigerian authorities, however, insist the action aligns with broader counter-terrorism objectives and signal that further collaboration with international partners may continue as the government intensifies efforts to dismantle terrorist networks across the country.

The Presidency has firmly dismissed circulating reports on social media claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with Principal Private Secretary Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

In an official statement released on Christmas Day by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the claim as a complete fabrication designed to sow discord within the government.

“There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely,” the statement read.

It emphasized that Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila continues to serve in his role as Chief of Staff, while Hakeem Muri-Okunola remains Principal Private Secretary. No replacement has taken place.

The Presidency attributed the viral falsehood to “mischievous purveyors of fake news” and urged media outlets and the public to always verify information before sharing or publishing.

The denial comes after several social media posts some dated as early as December 24 began spreading the unverified claim of a change in the Chief of Staff position, including graphics and “breaking” announcements that quickly gained traction online.

The Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU), National Council, has congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde on his 58th birthday, describing him as a student-friendly leader whose policies have significantly improved the welfare and academic experience of students across the state.

In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday, December 25, 2025, the student body praised the governor for prioritising education, youth empowerment and social welfare, noting that his administration has consistently demonstrated commitment to the needs and aspirations of Oyo State students.

FOSSU highlighted several recent interventions by the Makinde administration, including the approval and payment of bursaries to over 2,500 final-year students, clinical students and law school students. The union also commended the donation of brand-new buses to indigenous and tertiary students’ unions across institutions in the state, as well as the provision of stipends for students’ union leaders.
The students further applauded the governor for allocating land for the construction of the FOSSU national secretariat, describing the gesture as a strong signal of institutional support and long-term partnership with the student community.

Signed by the National President-Elect, Sen. Ahmed A. Mufutau, and the General Secretary-Elect, Comr. Olayiwola Stephen, FOSSU prayed for the governor’s continued good health, wisdom and success, while appealing for sustained commitment to policies that deliver the dividends of democracy to students and youths in Oyo State.

Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, on Wednesday berated Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over what he described as an unwarranted verbal attack on his principal.

Tunji, in a statement, accused Governor Makinde of resorting to personal insults rather than engaging in constructive and issue-based discourse, stressing that such comments do not contribute to national development or healthy democratic debate. He maintained that Chief Adelabu has remained focused on his responsibilities in the power sector, working to address longstanding challenges affecting electricity supply across the country.

The minister’s aide further described Makinde’s comments as politically motivated, noting that Chief Adelabu’s performance in office speaks for itself and should be assessed based on tangible outcomes rather than rhetoric. He added that the Power Minister has continued to prioritize reforms, infrastructure improvement, and collaboration with stakeholders to stabilize the sector.

Tunji advised the Oyo State governor to channel his energy toward governance and service delivery to the people of the state, rather than engaging in public exchanges that could heighten political tension. He reaffirmed Adelabu’s commitment to his mandate and said the minister would remain undistracted by distractions or personal attacks.