The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has slammed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing his administration of using manipulated statistics to conceal the deepening economic crisis in the country.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, the former Anambra State governor recalled Tinubu’s 2022 campaign remark, where the now-president dismissed Obi’s reliance on economic data, saying, “Na statistics we go chop? All I want is to put food on the table of Nigerians.”
Nearly two years into Tinubu’s tenure, Obi said that promise remains unfulfilled, with millions of Nigerians slipping deeper into poverty and hunger.
“Today, Nigeria is classified as one of the hungriest nations in the world. Millions of Nigerians do not know where their next meal will come from,” Obi stated.
He accused the Tinubu-led administration of feeding the public “wrong statistics” to paint a false picture of economic stability. Obi pointed to questionable unemployment rates, inaccurate inflation figures, and a controversial GDP rebasing as examples of what he described as “data manipulation” aimed at deceiving the masses.
“These wrong figures are not helping anyone. They are masking the real suffering going on in Nigerian households,” he said.
Obi’s criticism adds to mounting concerns over the country’s economic direction, with food prices, inflation, and unemployment hitting record highs.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered the Super Falcons with unprecedented rewards in appreciation of their contributions to Nigerian football, marking a historic moment for the 10-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions.
During a grand reception held in Abuja on Monday, President Tinubu announced a series of generous gifts for the players and technical crew, acknowledging their outstanding service to the nation.
Each player of the Super Falcons squad is to receive a cash gift of $100,000, while members of the technical crew will receive $50,000 each. In addition, all team members and officials have been allocated a three-bedroom flat in the Renewed Hope Estate – a flagship housing project of the current administration.
As a further mark of national recognition, President Tinubu conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on both the players and their coaches.
Aisha Falode, a prominent figure in Nigerian football administration, described the gesture as historic, noting that the Super Falcons have “never had it so good.” She commended President Tinubu for the unprecedented honour and recognition accorded to the team.
“This is a moment the players and indeed the entire nation will never forget,” she added.
The Lagos State Government has appealed to medical doctors to shelve their three-day warning strike scheduled to begin today, saying negotiations and engagements with the Medical Guild are ongoing.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs in the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo.
The government assured that all grievances of the doctors were being looked into with utmost sincerity and urgency.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Medical Guild is an association of doctors under the employment of the Lagos State Government on July 26 declared a three-day warning strike.
The warning strike, scheduled to begin on Monday, was announced by the Medical Guild at a press conference on Saturday
The state government acknowledged the concerns raised by the leadership of the guild, emphasising that the government was particularly concerned over the welfare, motivation, and productivity of all healthcare workers in the state.
“A conciliation committee comprising representatives from both the Medical Guild and the Government was previously constituted to resolve all outstanding issues.
“Meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the guild are being carefully reviewed in line with existing policies and fiscal regulations.
“As a responsible government, we value the critical role our healthcare professionals play in delivering quality and timely health services to the over 20 million residents of Lagos State.
“We urge the medical guild to continue on the path of dialogue while we work to reach a peaceful and just resolution in the interest of all parties, especially the residents who may bear the brunt of any service disruption,” the government said.
The government commended Lagos residents for their patience and understanding, assuring the public that contingency plans are being implemented to minimise the impact on healthcare services during the period.
NAN reports that at a news conference held at the guild’s secretariat in Lagos, Chairman, Dr Japhet Olugbogi, said the action followed series of failed attempts to address the matter through dialogue.
He said the disagreement began in April when the state government unilaterally deducted part of doctors’ salaries.
Although the deductions were later reversed following what he described as “spirited intervention and strategic engagement,” the situation relapsed in July with a fresh round of deductions, ‘’this time without prior notice or explanation.”
The Oyo State Government has announced the scheduled movement of Ibadan-based popular Oloolu Masquerade across selected areas in Ibadan, from Monday, July 28 to Thursday, July 31, 2025.
In a statement issued and made available to the Media by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, explained that the popular Oloolu, one of the most significant Egungun (Masquerades) in Ibadan, is deeply rooted in the City’s Cultural History.
He explained that popular Oloolu is traditionally forbidden to be seen by women, except for women born as triplets,who are believed to receive special blessings from the Masquerade.
The Commissioner maintained that unlike other masquerades, Oloolu does not follow a fixed route, as its movement is guided spiritually, adding that some of the notable areas expected to be visited during the procession include Aafin Olubadan, Beere, Oje, Idi Arere, Gate, Agbeni, Orita Merin, Oja-Oba, Ayeye, Oranyan, Oke Aremo, Agugu, and Ore Meji, among others.
The Government appealed to residents of Ibadan, especially women, to remain mindful of the cultural significance of this festival and to cooperate with local authorities and community leaders during the movement of the masquerade.
He appreciated the continued support and understanding of the general public as we celebrate this important aspect of Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage.
Ibadan, Nigeria — Energy experts have raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges, calling for urgent and effective policy implementation to address the sector’s shortcomings. The call was made during the Distinguished Personality Lecture Series hosted by the Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law (CPEEL) at the University of Ibadan in honour of Professor Akin Iwayemi.
The annual lecture, held on July 8, celebrates Professor Iwayemi’s decades-long contributions to energy economics, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players, and students to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
In his opening remarks, Professor Olugbenga Falode, Director of CPEEL, described the lecture as a tribute to Professor Iwayemi’s pioneering legacy and a platform for bridging academic research with energy policy and practice. He emphasized that Nigeria’s per capita energy consumption—about 180 kilowatt-hours—remains far below global standards, crippling key sectors like agriculture, education, and industry.
Highlighting CPEEL’s recent innovations, Falode showcased a solar-powered, IoT-enabled irrigation system and a solar dryer designed to support post-harvest processing in rural communities—solutions already gaining traction among local farmers.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ademola Adewumi, Chief Commercial Officer of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company IBEDC called for collaborative national action to revitalize the power sector.
Titled “Let There Be Light: Pathway to a Sustainable Electricity Future in Nigeria,” the lecture underscored the need for stronger partnerships among government, academia, private investors, and financial institutions. Dr. Adewumi warned against over-reliance on foreign models, advocating for context-specific strategies rooted in Nigeria’s realities.
He stressed the importance of tapping into alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and wave power, noting that political will, policy coherence, and the implementation of research findings are critical to unlocking this potential. Adewumi lamented the sector’s unattractiveness to investors due to regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure costs, and foreign exchange volatility.
“There must be a stable policy environment and a long-term vision,” Adewumi said. “Electricity must be treated as a national priority, beyond political cycles.”
Professor Akin Iwayemi, the honouree, offered a sobering reflection on decades of failed reforms. Citing the efforts of past power ministers—Bola Ige, Barth Nnaji, and Babatunde Fashola—he noted that Nigeria’s energy crisis stems not from a lack of ideas or policies but from poor implementation and political inertia.
“It’s not magic,” Iwayemi remarked. “The policies exist. What’s missing is accountability and the will to act.” He argued that without consequences for failure—whether through electoral processes or administrative sanctions—reforms will continue to falter.
“There is no free lunch,” he added. “Ineffective leadership must be held accountable if we are to break the cycle.”
The event was attended by notable figures including former University of Ibadan Vice Chancellor, Professor O. A. Bamiro; former Oyo State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Rahman Raphael Afonja; former Head, Metering, IBEDC, Engr. Adewale Obajemu; Lead, Revenue Protection & Assurance, IBEDC, Engr. Jude Ugwuoke other, energy experts; stakeholders; and students from across academic levels.
The leadership of the Amotekun Corps in Osun State on Sunday alleged that one of its operatives, Samuel Tope, was killed by a soldier simply identified as Fiyinfoluwa in the Ijeda-Ijesa community of the state.
According to the Corps, the 35-year-old operative was attacked on Saturday evening by Opejobi, who was reportedly accompanied by unidentified accomplices.
The assailants inflicted a severe head injury on Tope, who later died in the early hours of Sunday while receiving treatment at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa.
In a statement issued by the Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, Mr. Adekunle Omoyele, it was alleged that Tope was attacked without provocation by the soldier, who was dressed in military uniform at the time of the incident.
Recounting what transpired, the statement partly read, “The incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. when a soldier, identified as Opejobi Fiyinfoluwa, who was recently recruited into the Nigerian Army, launched an unprovoked assault on the Amotekun operative.
“Fiyinfoluwa, dressed in military camouflage, approached the Amotekun station in Ijebu-Jesa with hostile intent. He allegedly declared that part of his reason for joining the Army was to ‘deal decisively’ with Amotekun personnel.
“Shortly after, while Officer Tope was riding a motorcycle, the soldier and his accomplices stopped him and launched a violent attack.
“The assailants reportedly struck Tope on the head with a blunt object, causing him to fall from the bike. The brutal assault lasted for about 20 minutes, with no intervention, leaving Tope in a pool of blood.
“After the attack, the soldier fled the scene on a commercial motorcycle.”
Omoyele said other operatives of the Corps later evacuated Tope to Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa and promptly informed the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ijebu-Jesa.
A report was also lodged with Lt. Col. Yunusa Isyaku at the Engineering Cantonment in Ede.
“Unfortunately, despite efforts to save his life, Officer Peter Samuel Tope succumbed to his injuries early Sunday morning,” the Corps Commander noted.
Omoyele demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, vowing that no effort would be spared in ensuring that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has sharply criticised the recent renaming of streets and landmarks in Lagos State without community consultation, calling the actions unconstitutional and undemocratic.
Falana’s remarks follow the renaming of two streets after President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu by Kolade Alabi, the immediate past Chairman of the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA). Alabi also renamed the popular “Charly Boy Bus Stop” along the Gbagada–Bariga road to “Baddo Bus Stop.”
Reacting to these developments, Falana reminded the public that under the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), only local governments have the legal authority to name roads and streets. He warned that any attempt to usurp this power violates the constitution and sets a troubling precedent.
“It is pertinent to point out, without any fear of contradiction, that the naming of roads and streets, and numbering of houses in any part of Nigeria is one of the exclusive functions of Local Governments,” he stated, referencing the relevant constitutional provision.
To reinforce his argument, Falana cited a landmark ruling in Chief Obidi Ume v Abuja Metropolitan Management Council & 2 Ors, where a court held that only the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has the authority to name streets in the capital. The court also ordered the removal of illegally erected street signs made without AMAC’s approval.
Addressing the renaming of Charly Boy Bus Stop, Falana noted that the name was not assigned by government authorities but emerged from local use due to the cultural relevance and positive influence of Charly Boy in the Bariga and Gbagada communities. “Renaming the Charly Boy Bus Stop without consulting the Bariga and Gbagada people smacks of authoritarianism,” he said.
He further condemned what he described as a troubling trend of replacing names of homegrown contributors with those of political leaders, while colonial-era street names, often tied to exploitative histories, remain untouched. “It is sad to note that a State…is busy renaming streets and bus stops named after Nigerians who have made their contributions,” Falana remarked.
Calling for reform, Falana urged local governments to conduct public hearings before renaming any streets. He stressed that naming decisions should reflect the wishes of the community and uphold democratic principles, rather than serve the political ambitions of a few.
“In view of the serious objections to the diversionary renaming of streets in Lagos State, the legislative arms of the local governments should henceforth conduct public hearing,” he said. “Streets should not be renamed arbitrarily… particularly in a capital city like Lagos.”
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his delight at the Super Falcons’ spectacular victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), stating that he eagerly looks forward to receiving the trophy in Abuja.
In a post-match video call with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, her teammates, and Nigerian officials, President Tinubu congratulated the team on securing a record 10th continental title and lifting the nation’s spirits.
“I am very, very proud of you. The entire nation is proud of you. You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation and we are all very happy.
“You will be celebrated, and I congratulate all the coaches and management of the team, including the ministers and the officials,” he said.
The President extended his best regards to Rasheedat Ajibade, who emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and clinched the Woman of the Tournament award.
He also praised Esther Okoronkwo’s composure during a crucial moment in the final, describing her 64th-minute penalty kick, which sparked a dramatic comeback, as “very courageous.”
Okoronkwo created the second goal and delivered the decisive free-kick that Jennifer Echegini converted to seal Nigeria’s 3-2 victory.
‘‘Safe journey home, enjoy yourselves, avoid injuries, God bless you,’’ the President told the jubilant players and officials, who repeatedly interjected with ‘’Thank you, Mr President!’’
Responding on behalf of the team, Ajibade thanked the President for approving the full payment of players’ allowances. She assured him the team was eager to present him with the WAFCON trophy in Abuja.
The lively exchange ended with a spirited rendition of the national anthem and three thunderous “Gbosa!” cheers for the President.
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has described the position of the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has snubbed the North in terms of development as false.
Afenifere, in a statement issued by its National Organising Secretary, Otunba Kole Omololu, said the southern part of the country has been sidelined for the North in the past decades.
Kwankwaso, during a stakeholders’ dialogue on the 2025 constitutional amendment in Kano, alleged that the North was being sidelined in terms of resources as well as federal projects.
According to the frontline Yoruba group, Kwankwaso’s alarmist rhetoric is not only unfair but also deeply dangerous, as it stokes regional tension and paints a false picture of deliberate southern favouritism.
While disclosing that development is a gradual process, Afenifere stated that Tinubu has not yet reached the halfway mark of his term.
With Afenifere describing the position of Kwankwaso as misleading and deliberately incendiary, the NNPP stalwart stressed that “less than two years into President Tinubu’s administration, Kwankwaso is crying foul.
“Perhaps he is unaware that critical road projects have been initiated and awarded across the North, including the dualisation of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega Road, and the Abuja-Keffi-Lafia corridor.
“The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano, AKK, gas pipeline, neglected by past regimes, is being fast-tracked. Just weeks ago, President Tinubu approved billions for critical infrastructure in Katsina, Borno, and Niger States.
“We must rise above ethnic saboteurs and sectional agitators masquerading as patriots. Let statesmen, not ethnic lords, shape the conversation.”
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has issued a damning verdict on the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), predicting that the once-dominant opposition party will finish fourth in the 2027 general elections. Speaking during a Channels Television interview on Politics Today, Fayose described the PDP as a “political carcass,” citing the departure of key figures, including presidential candidates, governors, and senators. He lamented that many influential leaders had been “eased out” of the party, making it difficult to mount a credible challenge in upcoming elections. According to him, the party’s current state makes associating with it “shameful.”
Fayose offered bold electoral forecasts, projecting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are positioned to win again in 2027. He argued that with the APC’s dominance in the South, Tinubu would only need a fraction of support from the North to secure victory. He placed Labour Party’s Peter Obi in second position, followed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in third, saying if Makinde contests under the platform of PDP in 2027 he would come a distant in fourth. Fayose also maintained that the PDP had compromised its structure and political capital, rendering it irrelevant in the next electoral cycle.
Reflecting on the recent death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Fayose revealed that he initially intended to criticize the late leader but was dissuaded by his wife. Although known for his blunt political commentary, he explained that he chose restraint out of respect. Nonetheless, Fayose remarked that President Tinubu inherited a “terrible economy” and credited him as being more accessible and responsive than Buhari. He added that while many may eulogize Buhari posthumously, Nigeria’s current state reflects the poor economic foundation left behind by his administration.
Despite his longstanding loyalty to the PDP, Fayose emphasized his personal admiration for President Tinubu, revealing that he had supported him even while serving as a PDP governor. He recounted occasions where he resisted pressure to defect and acknowledged his continued alignment with Tinubu’s political ideals. However, Fayose did not rule out joining another party—be it APC, Labour, or ADC—if the PDP fails to recover. His statements are the latest in a series of internal criticisms rocking the PDP as it struggles to reposition itself ahead of 2027.
