Oduduwa News

…Welcomes Gen. Musa’s Appointment as Defence Minister

Presidential aspirant and internationally renowned businessman, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has urged Northern political and social elites to take responsibility for the intensifying insecurity in the region. He also applauded the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence, describing it as a crucial opportunity that must yield concrete results.

In a statement issued on Sunday
Hashim said he closely followed Musa’s Senate screening and was impressed by what he called the nominee’s sincerity, clarity and commitment to national service.

“I watched General Musa’s Senate clearance session. He sounded like someone genuinely committed to Nigeria. I hope he receives the full executive support needed to succeed in this critical assignment,” he said.

Hashim cautioned that Nigerians—and global security observers—are increasingly losing patience with political promises, stressing that citizens now expect decisive, immediate action to halt killings, kidnappings and the territorial ambitions of extremist groups in Northern Nigeria.

“This is not the season for symbolism. This is the season for action. Nigerians want to see immediate steps. This appointment must not become another publicity stunt. We want to see policies, programmes and results,” he warned.

He called on both the executive and the National Assembly to fast-track legislation enabling state and local government policing structures, insisting that no lasting security reform is possible without a strong local security framework.

Hashim further argued that the North must acknowledge the internal governance failures that have fuelled extremist recruitment across the region.

“That extremists are finding recruits in their thousands is not accidental. It is the product of deep poverty caused by decades of governance failure at state and local government levels. While the Sahel crisis has contributed, poor local governance has compounded the problem,” he stated.

Reflecting on the First Republic, he contrasted the era’s integrity-driven leadership with what he described as the opulence and detachment of many present-day Northern leaders.

“In the days of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Aminu Kano, Joseph Tarka and Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the North was safer, more united and governed with honesty and discipline. Today, too many of our leaders live like oil sheikhs in the midst of mass poverty,” he lamented.

Hashim concluded with a bold call for leadership renewal across Northern Nigeria.

“It is time for the North to replace leaders who live like oil sheikhs amidst poverty and continue to hold onto power through ethnic and religious manipulation,” he said.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Ibukun Otesile, the President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ibadan Elite. She was kidnapped on Thursday night in front of her residence in the General Gas area of Akobo, Ibadan.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, the incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. and officers have begun investigations to track down the perpetrators and secure her release. Otesile, a mother of two and daughter of Pastor Olalekan Babatunde of Jesus Is King Ministries, was reportedly taken by gunmen who waylaid her at the gate of her home.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), family members, and community groups have raised alarms and called for urgent intervention from security agencies. They appealed to the police and other operatives to ensure her safe and speedy rescue.

As of the time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and no ransom demand has been made public. Police authorities assure the public that efforts are ongoing to bring the situation under control.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday hosted members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), turning the state into a spectacle of culture and political camaraderie as several All Progressives Congress (APC) governors appeared in the iconic Eyo regalia.

The governors, who were in Lagos for a strategic engagement, paid homage to the state’s rich tradition by donning the all-white Eyo attire, complete with hats and symbolic staff. The display added a cultural flourish to the meeting and drew admiration from observers and residents who described it as a proud moment for Lagos heritage.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed delight at welcoming his colleagues, saying the gesture reflected unity within the party and respect for Lagos’ cultural identity.

The visit is expected to strengthen cooperation among APC governors while projecting the vibrancy and cultural uniqueness of Lagos State.

The Oyo State Ambassador for the Renewed Hope agenda has intensified efforts to unite all warring factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, with notable party leaders—Chief Adebayo Adelabu and Senator Teslim Folarin—now aligning with the broader reconciliation drive.

Speaking at the Enlarged Oyo APC Stakeholders’ Meeting on Monday, the Ambassador reaffirmed that the party’s success in 2027 depends on genuine unity among all tendencies, stressing that no electoral strategy can thrive without harmony. He noted that the collective guiding principle must remain: “One APC, One Tinubu Project.”

He emphasized that with key figures like Adelabu and Folarin committing to peace-building and coordinated mobilisation, the party is better positioned to heal divisions that weakened its 2023 outing. Their involvement, he added, signals a renewed chapter of cooperation across former rival groups.

The Ambassador also set a bold electoral target—delivering at least a 35 percent increase in total votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027—while ensuring that the party becomes more formidable heading into the 2027 governorship race.

He stressed the need to reactivate APC structures across the state, from the State Executive Council to all 33 Local Governments, 351 Wards, and every polling unit.

“Our grassroots must be vibrant, functional, and deeply connected to the people. With leaders like Adelabu and Folarin joining hands in unity, we are building the strength needed for a decisive victory in 2027,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with all leaders, stakeholders, and the Renewed Hope Team to make Oyo APC a national model of disciplined, inclusive, and effective political mobilisation.

The Ogun State Government has presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of ₦1.668 trillion to the State House of Assembly, marking a 63 percent increase from the 2025 fiscal year. Governor Dapo Abiodun, who laid the proposal before lawmakers, said the budget—tagged “Budget of Sustainable Legacy”—is structured to consolidate ongoing reforms, complete priority projects, and stimulate long-term economic growth under the administration’s ISEYA development pillars.

The proposed expenditure comprises ₦624.76 billion for recurrent obligations and ₦1.044 trillion for capital projects, reflecting the administration’s strong focus on infrastructure, job creation and social services. The state expects to generate ₦509.88 billion from internally generated revenue, ₦554.81 billion from statutory federal allocations, and ₦518.90 billion from capital receipts.

A breakdown of sectoral allocations shows that infrastructure leads with ₦526.15 billion, with significant provisions also made for education, health, housing and other critical sectors aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening economic competitiveness.

Reviewing the performance of the 2025 Budget of Hope and Prosperity, the governor reported 60 percent pro-rata expenditure performance and 53 percent revenue performance as of September 30. He noted that Ogun State’s GDP has expanded to an estimated ₦17 trillion, while IGR has grown steadily from ₦52 billion in 2020 to nearly ₦192 billion in 2024, with a projection of ₦250 billion in 2025.

Governor Abiodun also highlighted landmark achievements, including the completion and certification of the Gateway International Airport, ongoing work on the Kajola and Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Ports, and the construction or rehabilitation of over 1,500km of roads across the state.

He commended the Speaker and members of the House for their cooperation, passage of key legislation, and effective oversight. The governor appealed for accelerated consideration of the 2026 budget as the state prepares for major events next year, including the Gateway Afrobeat Drum Festival and activities marking the 50th Anniversary of Ogun State.

Governor Abiodun further expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, youth groups, labour unions, religious leaders, security agencies and civil servants for sustaining peace and stability in the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee has disqualified former APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and six other governorship aspirants from participating in the party’s Osun State primary scheduled for December 13, 2025.

The committee cited irregularities and gaps in their nomination documents as grounds for the disqualification.

In its report submitted to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja on Friday, the panel led by Chief Obinna Uzoh said the affected aspirants failed to provide proof of sponsorship by at least five fully registered and financially updated party members from each of the state’s Local Government Areas, as required by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the party’s guidelines.

Those barred include Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Benedict Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki, and Senator Babajide Omoworare. Only two aspirants, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, scaled the screening.

The committee explained that all aspirants underwent document verification and a structured interview to assess compliance with party rules, preparedness, and overall suitability.

It also confirmed receiving a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group urging the disqualification of aspirants who did not meet mandatory nomination requirements.

After review, the panel found the petition “weighty and substantial,” noting that the same standards must apply to all aspirants without selective enforcement.

Highlighting persistent division within the Osun APC, the committee recommended the immediate activation of a reconciliation mechanism to unify all factions ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election.

It further urged equitable distribution of appointments, party offices, and campaign roles to ensure inclusion across zones and interest blocs, stressing that only a harmonised structure could guarantee a credible primary and electoral success.

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has announced a ban on the sale and use of fireworks during the festive season, directing intensified security operations across the state.

In a statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson for the command, DSP Ayanlade Olusola, Lawal — who addressed officers during his weekly lecture — raised concern over rising false alarms and staged kidnappings used to extort money, warning that the command would clamp down on perpetrators.

He expressed satisfaction with the readiness of officers statewide and ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to tighten control of their jurisdictions to ensure a peaceful Yuletide.

The CP also mandated aggressive patrols, intelligence-driven raids on blackspots and deployment of covert operatives to boost intelligence gathering and early threat detection.

Announcing the fireworks ban, he said such items often cause panic and could be exploited by criminals to conceal their activities, stressing strict enforcement throughout the season.

Lawal appreciated the support of the Inspector-General of Police and directed DPOs to ensure smooth traffic flow, remove road obstructions and deploy personnel strategically for festive safety.

He urged motorists to remain vigilant, avoid speeding and prioritise safety, assuring residents and travellers that the police would secure highways, hinterlands and waterways throughout the celebrations.

Incoming Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), on Wednesday explained why the Southwest remains one of the safest zones in the country, attributing the region’s relative peace to sustained unity and cooperation among its governors.

Speaking during his ministerial screening at the Senate in Abuja, Musa said security successes in the Southwest are not accidental but the result of deliberate collaboration. He noted that governors in the zone have consistently aligned on regional security strategies, making it difficult for criminal elements to penetrate.

According to him, many of the security challenges in the North stem from porous borders exploited by terrorists and bandits. He warned that criminal groups often flee into neighbouring countries such as Niger Republic after carrying out attacks in states like Sokoto and Kebbi, making it difficult for security forces to pursue them.

Musa also raised concerns about recent incursions into Kwara State and early attempts by bandits to push further into the Southwest, stressing the need to prevent such expansion. He called for stronger regional cooperation across all geopolitical zones and better coordination between federal ministries, departments, and security agencies.

The minister-designate further emphasised the importance of building community resilience, saying many abductions and local crimes can be prevented when communities are empowered and security agencies work in harmony.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

The decision was announced during the 37th Legislative Session on Wednesday, following a motion signed by 26 lawmakers and presented by the House Leader, Major Jack (Akuku-Toru).

The lawmakers said the endorsement was in recognition of the numerous Federal Government projects attracted to the state under Tinubu’s administration. They noted that a vote of confidence had become necessary to ensure continuity.

They also recalled Tinubu’s intervention during the state’s recent political crisis, describing his role as fatherly and crucial to restoring stability. According to them, his actions showed genuine concern for the people of Rivers State.

The Assembly further applauded the President for appointing several Rivers indigenes into key national positions, saying the gesture has strengthened ties with the Federal Government and boosted political morale.

Responding, Speaker Martin Amaewhule (Obio/Akpor I) hailed Tinubu as a compassionate leader committed to putting Nigeria on a path of growth. He commended the administration’s economic policies, describing them as impactful and people-oriented.

The lawmakers also pledged to mobilise grassroots support for the Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed their loyalty to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to remove small commercial buses, popularly known as korope, from major highways as part of an accelerated effort to modernise the city’s transportation network under the Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan.

According to officials, the measure forms a key component of the next phase of the Lekki–Epe Bus Reform Scheme, which will commence on December 8. The initiative is designed to streamline operations, reduce traffic bottlenecks, and improve safety for commuters.

The reform falls under the broader Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) a long-term plan to gradually replace informal minibus transport with a regulated, high-capacity public transit system. Authorities say the move will introduce more reliable routes, enhance commuter comfort, and bring greater order to the metropolis’ bus corridors.