The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, met with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos to present a comprehensive report on the company’s operations since his appointment on April 2, 2025.
Ojulari informed the President that crude oil production had risen to 1.68 million barrels per day in September — the highest in five years — with projections to reach 1.8 million barrels per day before the end of the year. He attributed the improvement to pipeline security measures, infrastructure maintenance, and better operational efficiency.
He also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to achieving President Tinubu’s targets of increasing oil output to 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million barrels per day by 2030, while boosting domestic refining capacity.
The Lagos meeting, according to sources, was part of ongoing efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and stronger performance within the NNPCL under its new leadership.
The Minister of Power and 2027 governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has declared that his ambition to lead the state is a product of years of sacrifice, loyalty, and service — not personal or selfish interest.
Adelabu, who spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting with party members and supporters in Ibadan, said he has paid his dues within the party and in public service, insisting that it is now his turn to serve as governor.
According to him, his aspiration is rooted in a genuine desire to bring sustainable development, youth empowerment, and economic transformation to Oyo State, leveraging his experience as a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and current Minister of Power.
“I have served diligently and contributed immensely to the progress of our great party and the development of our state. My ambition is not about self-aggrandizement but about continuing the legacy of service and excellence. I have paid my dues — it’s my turn to serve,” Adelabu stated.
He urged APC members across the 33 local government areas to unite and work collectively towards reclaiming Oyo State from the ruling party, emphasizing that internal unity and discipline remain key to the party’s success in the 2027 elections.
Adelabu also expressed confidence that the APC would emerge stronger, assuring that his administration, if elected, would focus on infrastructural renewal, industrial growth, energy expansion, and improved welfare for workers and citizens.
He concluded by calling on the people of Oyo State to support his vision for a “prosperous, energy-secure, and industrially vibrant” state, promising an inclusive government that will prioritize competence, transparency, and development-driven governance.
The growing political momentum of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a leading ideological voice within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is reportedly causing ripples across both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP itself, particularly in the South West.
Political observers say Hashim’s fast rising profile and expanding grassroots support base have unsettled established power blocs in the region, forcing both parties to recalibrate their strategies ahead of the 2027 elections.
In recent days, APC structures in Lagos and Oyo States have become increasingly active in organizing rallies and media campaigns in defense of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a move analysts interpret as a reaction to Hashim’s expanding influence and growing appeal among the politically conscious youth and professionals.
“Supporters of President Tinubu, who initially believed the APC would enjoy a smooth dominance in the South West, are now sponsoring rallies and media offensives to counter Gbenga Hashim’s ideological surge,” a source within the South West PDP told reporters.
Similarly, within the PDP, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is said to be facing unexpected political pressure as Hashim’s emergence reshapes internal alignments in the region. While Makinde remains influential in Oyo, political watchers note that Hashim’s presence has energized support across Osun, Ondo, Lagos, and even parts of Oyo State, weakening Makinde’s hold on the South West bloc of the PDP.
“Makinde had assumed he would naturally command regional backing for the PDP presidential ticket, but the rising tide of Gbenga Hashim’s movement has made it clear that the contest will be intense,” another party insider noted.
Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who has reportedly been exploring a comeback bid under the PDP platform, is said to be reconsidering his options, possibly eyeing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following growing resistance from Gbenga Hashim’s supporters within the PDP.
According to party insiders, Hashim’s supporters have made it clear that any return of Jonathan to the PDP race will not be a coronation, but a competitive primary battle, reflecting the renewed ideological vigor within the party.
Hashim, who has consistently advocated for a value based, people centered political movement focused on productivity, restructuring, and moral leadership, appears to be fast becoming a rallying figure for Nigerians disillusioned with both the APC and the PDP establishment politics.
Observers believe his current trajectory may redefine the 2027 political landscape, especially in the South West, where his message of “ideological politics over personality cult” is gaining traction among key political blocs.
A Chinese power generation firm, CCETC, has expressed its readiness to establish a power generation plant as well as an industrial park in Ogun State.
Chairman of the company, Mr Guo Xianda, disclosed this at the weekend during an extensive meeting between his team and the Ogun State Governor, at the Governor’s office in Abeokuta, pledging the company ‘s readiness to install a 3MW power plant at the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Iperu-Ilishan, free of charge, in order to accelerate economic activities at the arena.
The investment pledge comes on the heels of the recent visit of Governor Dapo Abiodun to China, in continuation of his investment drive across the globe.
The Governor, who led a powerful economic team from Ogun State to China, had engaged numerous investors on partnerships and collaborations in different areas of investments, raging from tech, energy and manufacturing, among others.
According to Mr Guo Xianda, the company based in Jiangsu, China, already has a substantial investment footprint in Nigeria and Africa, with over 250MW projects operating in Nigeria, and is now seeking to expand its operations further across Africa, with its capacity standing in excess of 5,000MW for distribution.
Xianda stated that the interest of the group in Ogun State covers power generation and distribution, investment in a dedicated state transmission network, and the establishment of an Industrial Park that will attract more Chinese manufacturers to Ogun State.
Responding, Governor Dapo Abiodun thanked the group for bringing such strategic investment opportunities to Ogun State.
According to him, “The company will strategically focus on three fundamental areas of intervention, namely: strengthening power generation and distribution within the state, investing in the State’s transmission network, and establishing an Industrial Park that will attract more Chinese manufacturers to the state while integrating power projects.”
Meanwhile, the Governor is scheduled to take the team on an inspection tour of the ongoing distribution infrastructure and power project currently being executed by Sahara and Powergen, as part of efforts to secure reliable energy supply across the state.
The Executive Chairman, Oyo State Post Primary Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs Olubukola Oladipo during an induction program for the new officers, at Ansarudeen High School, Saki,
She appealed to all participants to make the best use of the induction programme and consider it a great learning opportunity.
She further highlighted the importance of digital knowledge as an effective tool for the 21st century teaching profession.
Mrs Oladipo emphasized on the need for mandatory registration with the Teachers Registration Council, for any teacher to be considered ‘certified and professional’.
She said “the training and induction programme should be seen as a vital first step in their journey of shaping the future of students through Education.”
Earlier in her message, Mrs. Oladipo commended the unwavering efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde, in prioritizing quality Education in the State.
She warned against intolerance, dishonesty, laziness, discrimination, partiality, prejudice and every bit of negative act capable of damaging integrity of anyone in the business of post primary education and tutorship in the state.
Also speaking at the event, Dr fawole Olalekan, a guest lecturer from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, emphasized the importance of digital knowledge as an effective tool towards optimal classroom performance.
He further stressed how digital learning could help transform the teaching profession and increase teachers’ productivity.
The teachers thanked the Governor for approving the training and induction programme for the second time in the past four years.
The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has condemned the recent killings of Yoruba natives in Oke-Ode, Kwara State, calling on authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a strongly worded statement, the monarch described those behind the attack — suspected to be Fulani herdsmen — as “blood guzzlers and enemies of the state,” warning that such acts of violence threaten Nigeria’s unity and stability.
The Alaafin urged Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the victims’ families and to resist attempts by criminal elements to sow discord among ethnic groups. He further appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts in restoring peace to the troubled area and ensuring that those responsible face the full weight of the law.
An overnight tanker explosion along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State has left many feared dead, with several others sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
The incident, which occurred around midnight, involved a fuel-laden tanker that reportedly lost control before bursting into flames. Eyewitnesses said the inferno engulfed nearby vehicles and trapped unsuspecting commuters, leading to multiple casualties.
Although the exact number of victims is yet to be confirmed, emergency responders, including men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), firefighters, and security agencies, were swiftly mobilized to the scene to contain the blaze and rescue survivors.
Motorists have been advised to seek alternative routes as the affected section of the highway remains cordoned off while recovery operations continue.
Authorities in Ogun State have expressed concern over recurring tanker-related tragedies and assured that investigations will be conducted to ascertain the cause and prevent future occurrences.
Queen Chanel, the former wife of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has strongly denied allegations made by the monarch that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, conspired with her in a plot to bring him down.
In a recent viral video, the Oluwo accused the Ooni of “packaging a woman” for him, alleging that Queen Chanel was introduced to him as part of a conspiracy to destabilize his throne. He claimed she was used in attempts to poison him and questioned the paternity of their son, Prince Oduduwa.
Reacting in a detailed press release, Queen Chanel dismissed the claims as false, misleading, and damaging to the Yoruba traditional institution. She insisted that her introduction to Oba Akanbi came through a respected Lagos monarch, not the Ooni of Ife.
“During my time as Olori Oluwo, I regarded this Lagos monarch as my Royal Father and still do with respect. At no time did this monarch introduce me to Mr. Akanbi for any malicious intent,” she stated.
She recalled cherished memories of visiting the Lagos monarch with Oba Akanbi and their son, Prince Oduduwa, while stressing that the Ooni played no role in their relationship.
On the issue of parental responsibility, Queen Chanel revealed that Oba Akanbi had been absent from their son’s life for over five years. According to her, he only resurfaced in August this year in Canada, where he refused to sign passport papers but dropped $500 — the first support the son, Ibrahim Oduduwa had ever received from Oluwo since they left the palace.
“Despite this, I have shouldered the full responsibility of raising my son, while always advocating for peaceful co-parenting,” she said.
The ex-queen also appealed to the public to disregard “falsehoods” against the Ooni of Ife, describing him as “our foremost monarch.” She urged Yoruba traditional leaders to caution Oba Akanbi “from further degrading the sacred throne he once occupied.”
Concluding her statement, Queen Chanel noted that this would be her final word on the matter. “Prince Oduduwa remains my beloved son, and I hold the Yoruba people in deep love and respect,” she said.
Traders and residents in Lagos State have expressed concern over the sharp increase in foodstuff prices compared to last year’s Independence Day celebration.
Many lamented that the persistent rise in the cost of essential commodities such as rice, beans, yam, and garri has continued to worsen living conditions for ordinary Nigerians. Some traders attributed the price surge to high transportation costs, inflation, and unstable supply chains, while residents noted that their purchasing power has dropped significantly.
They urged the government to implement effective measures to stabilize prices and ease the burden on households, stressing that without urgent intervention, food insecurity may worsen across the state.
The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has declared that the title “Iyaloja” is alien to Benin culture and cannot be imposed on Edo markets.
The monarch made this known on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, while addressing Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and Iyaloja General of Nigeria, during her visit to the palace.
Tinubu-Ojo had informed the Oba that she was in the state to inaugurate Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the Iyaloja of all markets in Edo State.
But Oba Ewuare II firmly corrected her, stressing that the traditional market leadership in Benin is called Iyeki and must be rooted in palace confirmation after being selected by market women.
“Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. You are in Benin, the home of culture; we have our culture here,” the Oba said. “Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace and performs cultural roles on my behalf in the market shrines. We are not going to say much, except to explain to you the concept of Iyeki in Benin.”
The monarch emphasized that the Iyeki does more than coordinate traders, pointing out that each leader has sacred roles tied to shrines located within every market.
Chief Osaro Idah, speaking with the Oba’s permission, further enlightened Tinubu-Ojo, explaining that every market in Benin such as Oba Market and Ogiso Market selects its own Iyeki independently.
“Iyeki is independent in every market. The traders select their leaders, then bring them to the palace for confirmation. No Iyeki controls another market. The novelty of a general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom and tradition,” Chief Idah stated.
He added that unlike the Iyaloja title, which is recognized in parts of Yorubaland, the Benin Kingdom maintains its own distinct system rooted in history and culture.
The Oba’s position has stirred conversations among traditionalists, traders, and political observers, particularly over the influence of the Iyaloja General across Nigeria.
