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Joshua Beckford gained worldwide recognition as the youngest person ever to study at Oxford University.
The youngster was admitted at age six (taking part in courses which were part of an online learning platform for gifted children) and gained distinctions in both Philosophy and History.
When Beckford’s father, Knox Daniel, wrote to Oxford University advocating for his son’s admission, it was a bold move to challenge the conventional age limits for a programme aimed at children aged eight to 13.
His record remains unmatched, with the next youngest Oxford student being at least two years older at the time of admission.
By 10 months old, Beckford could already identify letters and numbers. At age two and a half, he could read fluently using phonics and had begun learning Japanese and some Mandarin.
Aspiring to become a neurosurgeon, Beckford has already demonstrated remarkable medical knowledge. Using the Microsoft Surgery Simulator, he has mastered complex surgical procedures, including cataract removal, hernia repair and leg fracture correction. His proficiency with surgical instruments showcases his extraordinary abilities beyond his years.
Beyond medicine, Beckford is multi-talented, excelling in art, Information Technology (IT), sports and foreign languages.
In 2017, Beckford was named Positive Role Model of the Year at the UK’s National Diversity Awards.
The Illumination Foundation of North Carolina also listed him among the Top 30 Most Extraordinary People worldwide who have made societal impact.
Beckford serves as an ambassador for the Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network (BMAN), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to mentoring young boys and adolescents in Africa. Within BMAN, he holds the role of Low-Income Families Education (L.I.F.E) Support Ambassador across six countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and the United Kingdom where he was born.
Joshua Beckford also serves as the face of the National Autistic Society’s Black and Minority (BME) campaign. Diagnosed with high-functioning autism himself, he helps to spread the campaign’s mission.
In 2019, Beckford and his father travelled to Nigeria to launch a live mentoring session, delivering a keynote speech at the University of Lagos before an audience of nearly 5,000 people. Their visit was to raise funds for building a secondary school in Kaduna State, providing education to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
According to a statement on UNILAG’s website, the proposed school was to include classrooms, an administrative block, a laboratory, an ICT Centre and an agriculture green garden and was to be named Joshua Beckford Community School.
[Opinion Nigeria]
[PRESS STATEMENT] National Chairman Of PANDEF At Press Conference On Situation On Rivers - Godknows Igali
Admin![[PRESS STATEMENT] National Chairman Of PANDEF At Press Conference On Situation On Rivers - Godknows Igali](/media/k2/items/cache/efc8c4ee06e5a2d9d3d1a9aed5db8fc0_L.jpg)
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Ordinarily, this press conference would have been dedicated solely to expressing PANDEF’s appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for graciously receiving the high-level South-South delegation at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. However, we find it necessary to address a deeply concerning and regrettable development that has arisen in the aftermath of this visit—namely, the media chat conducted by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
- Purpose of the Visit to Mr. President
The visit to Mr. President, attended by eminent South-South leaders, including the region’s most senior traditional rulers, former governors, senators, ministers, retired senior military officers, business leaders, and other distinguished citizens, was held at the invitation of Mr. President himself. The meeting provided a valuable platform to discuss pressing issues of national and regional importance, including:
i. The imperative of peace in Rivers State and PANDEF’s ongoing mediatory efforts.
ii. The need for Presidential assent to the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill, passed by the National Assembly, to ensure the region’s equitable development.
iii. Urgent infrastructure development, particularly road networks and the optimal utilization and expansion of existing and new ports.
iv. Resolution of socio-economic challenges affecting victims of the Bakassi crisis.
v. Strategies to enhance oil production and promote greater inclusion of South-South indigenes in the governance of the oil and gas sector.
vi. The necessity of a systematic environmental cleanup in oil-producing states.
vii. The continued advocacy for true federalism and restructuring.
2. PANDEF’s Expectations from the Engagement PANDEF and the people of the South-South expect that these issues, which Mr. President acknowledged with assurances of follow-up action, will be diligently pursued, leading to tangible progress in the near future.
Regarding the situation in Rivers State, PANDEF fully embraced Mr. President’s directive to the organization to sustain its ongoing mediatory and reconciliation efforts—an initiative he commended, recognizing the caliber of individuals involved.
Since that meeting, PANDEF has intensified engagements with key stakeholders, fostering dialogue to achieve an amicable resolution that guarantees lasting peace and harmony in Rivers State.
3. Disparaging Comments by the Honourable Minister
It is, therefore, both shocking and unfortunate that, barely 24 hours after this significant engagement with Mr. President—an engagement that rekindled hope for peace and stability— the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, held a media chat in which he launched an unwarranted and deeply inappropriate attack on PANDEF and its leadership.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister characterized PANDEF as "the worst organization ever" and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favors. These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature.
Even more concerning was his disparaging remarks directed at revered South-South leaders, including the late Chief E.K. Clark, a national icon and former PANDEF leader, whose legacy was duly recognized by Mr. President during our visit, with a minute of silence observed in his honor. Equally unacceptable was the crude and disrespectful attack on another national treasure His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former Military Governor of Rivers State and current Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees.
4. PANDEF’s Stance
To set the record straight, PANDEF the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South regions, composed of some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities. The delegation to Mr. President included chairpersons of at least four of the six South South states' traditional councils, senior traditional rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, past presiding officers of the Senate, prominent entrepreneurs, academics, and high-ranking retired military officers.
It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing. This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the Minister to engage with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach.
5. The Efforts of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee
For the avoidance of doubt, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the Rivers State crisis, comprises distinguished statesmen, including:
- Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
- Col. Pam Ogar, former Military Governor of Kwara State.
- H.E. Admiral Jonah John, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
- Chief Mrs. Stella Omu, Engr. Emmanuel Ibok-Essien and Sen. Roland Owie, all three at different times former Chief Whips of the Senate.
- Rt. Hon. Stella Dorgu, former leader in the House of Representatives.
While the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has demonstrated willingness to engage with this committee, the Honourable Minister has consistently rebuffed all attempts to reach him opening up at dialogue. Given his open hostility and dismissive attitude toward PANDEF, the organization can no longer subject these esteemed senior Nigerians on peace mission to such levels of disregard and disrespect.
6. Appeal to Mr. President
PANDEF hereby calls upon Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were, after all, esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief. It is apt to remind that the Minister does not own the Niger-Delta and his errant conduct should not be condoned.
Notwithstanding this regrettable development, PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region.
7. Conclusion
We appreciate your time and attention. Thank you.
Signed
Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali
The price war in the downstream oil sector continued on Thursday as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery quietly implemented a price reduction at its loading gantry, reducing the loading cost of its petrol from N825 per litre to N815 per litre.
It was gathered that the new pricing structure introduced on Thursday was met with enthusiasm by oil marketers, who, as a result, opted to bypass private depot owners and begin sourcing their products directly from the refinery.
This N10 price reduction is also anticipated to prompt a competitive reaction from private fuel depots, which may adjust their prices downward to maintain their market position.
Recall that on Tuesday, The PUNCH exclusively reported that the landing cost of petrol imported into Nigeria dropped to N774.72 per litre, with marketers predicting that the continued price plunge may lead to a reduction in the pump prices of PMS to about N800 per litre.
Dealers said the N774.72 per litre landing cost, which factors in various expenses, including shipping, import duties, and exchange rates, was a considerable reduction of N50.28 from the previous N825 per litre offered at the loading gantry of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The situation, according to industry stakeholders, ignited a price war, with retail marketers opting to dump the refinery products for imported products on the basis of lower pricing.
“Crude oil is a major component in the production of fuel, so a further reduction in its price would definitely warrant a drop in petrol price, and it is possible to drop to N800 per litre,” the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief Ukadike Chinedu, stated.
But in a fresh effort to control market share, the 650,000 barrels per day capacity refinery reduced its loading cost to N815 per litre on Thursday.
When added to the N10 levy charged by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, this will increase the cost to N825 per litre.
Consequently, private depot owners in Lagos have also reduced their loading costs to N825 per litre from N830 sold earlier this week
A marketer who preferred not to be named due to lack of authorisation to speak to the media, said, “It is true, I sighted the PFI, N815 ex-depot, N825 including NMDPRA N10. Marketers are selling N826– N830.”
Another marketer confirmed the price drop, saying it was influenced by market forces. Efforts to obtain a pro forma invoice issued to marketers by our correspondent were unsuccessful, as the refinery recalled all invoices due to an error on the initially released invoice.
Further checks by our correspondent revealed that private depots have effected a price change to match the price offered by the refinery.
An analysis showed that AA RANO depot left its loading cost price unchanged at N830 per litre. MENJ Depot also left its own at N830. Bovas depot sold its products at N826, WOSBAB gave its customers a price estimate of N831, while AITEO gave a price of N827 from N832 charged earlier this week. Integrated depot sold at N826 and RAINOIL depot sold its products at N831 per litre.
Commenting, the IPMAN National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, said, “Yes, there is speculation that the price of imported products is now lower. That is the reason for the price war. It is the beauty of deregulation. Dangote has millions of litres and would not want any external force to take its market share. So it would have forced the price reduction.”
Meanwhile, the landing cost of petrol has increased to N803.35 per litre from N774.82 per litre. This is still cheaper than the ex-depot price of Dangote Refinery’s petrol, according to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria.
When contacted, an official of the Dangote Refinery, who asked not to be quoted, claimed not to be aware of the new price change but asked our correspondent to go ahead with what oil marketers said.
“We currently don’t have any information about that, but we will try to clarify tomorrow. You can report what marketers told you, but we don’t have any information on that as I talk to you.”
Presidency lampoons OBJ for warning Tinubu govt may dwarf Buhari’s ‘fraud’ index
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has launched a scathing critique of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, declaring it the worst in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Obasanjo, however, said the current government of President Bola Tinubu appears to be following the same path of misgovernance and corruption and may surpass Buhari’s record.
The former president made these assertions in the first chapter of his newly released book, “Nigeria: Past and Future.”
The book was one of the two new books the former President unveiled last week in commemoration of his 88th birthday.
Obasanjo, in the book, as reported by The PUNCH on Thursday, described the N15.6tn Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project as wasteful and corrupt.
He also slammed Tinubu’s administration for spending N21bn on a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, calling it a misplaced priority and conduit designed to embezzle public funds.
He said, “Typical examples of waste, corruption and misplaced priority are the mucky Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road on which the President had turned deaf ears to protests and the new Vice-President’s official residence built at a cost of N21bn in the time of economic hardship to showcase the administration hitting the ground running and to show the importance of the office of the Vice-President. What small minds!”
The former President, however, said corruption was worst under Buhari’s watch, with the strong support of his Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
“The most atrocious waste, enthronement of corruption and discouragement of officials fighting corruption took place under the watch of President Buhari and the devil’s workshop, his Attorney General, Abubakar Malami,” Obasanjo said.
He, however, asserted that the Tinubu government might surpass Buhari’s record.
“Given about two years of President Tinubu in office, it appears that the game of short-changing the over 230 million Nigerians continues because everything is said to be transactional and the slogan is ‘It is my turn to chop,’” Obasanjo added.
Buhari could not be reached for comment on Thursday as his spokesman, Garba Shehu, did not respond to calls and text messages on the allegations against the ex-president.
Malami also declined to react to the book, saying he had not read it.
Malami said in a voice note, “Indeed, I will be able to respond. However, I would not like to comment on mere speculations. I am not certain such allegations were made. Even in his own case, if you recall, during a Hard Talk interview, similar allegations of corruption were raised against him, and he is well aware of that.
“In light of the fact that His Excellency, President Obasanjo, has also been a victim of unsubstantiated allegations of corruption over time, I find it unlikely that he would make similar claims without specific references—such as who provided the alleged bribe, when it was given, how much was involved, under what circumstances, and who facilitated it.
“All these details are necessary when making an allegation. But if the claim remains vague, I find it difficult to conclude that His Excellency indeed made such an assertion—especially given that he himself has faced similar accusations in the past.
“So, kindly refer me to the specific page, and if possible, provide a scan or an extract so that I can respond objectively. I have not yet gone through the book to confirm whether such allegations were indeed made by His Excellency, President Olusegun Obasanjo.”
The PUNCH later sent some relevant pages of the book to the former AGF. He had yet to respond as of press time on Thursday.
The Presidency, however, came hard on former President Obasanjo on the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, during an interview on Television Continental, stated that the N15.6tn coastal highway was a visionary legacy project with enormous economic potential.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, in a post on X, said “Former President Obasanjo seems to see himself as the only Nigerian created by God who knows what is good for Nigeria per time.
“If, as President for eight years, he couldn’t fix the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Lagos-Abeokuta road, we can’t take his latest view on the Lagos-Calabar highway as well-informed.”
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, speaking in Akure, Ondo State, said, “The project is not wasteful and corrupt. I have read on social media where people were saying that why is the government or the contractor not explaining, but as the Minister of Works, I am qualified to explain the project.
“It is natural and normal for people to criticise, but I’ve run the benefits of the project and the cost analysis. The jobs are already done about 70 per cent and the project will bring a lot of prosperity to the citizens. I’ll ask those criticising it not to follow the road.”
Emphasising that the first section of the project would be completed next year, Umahi said, “I want to commend the President. His peers are jealous and angry but that means he is doing very well, especially on what nobody has been able to do.
“The project is transparent, it is great in return of investment. I want to urge everyone to ignore distractions.”
In his book, Obasanjo particularly criticised Buhari for failing to live up to the ideals he once championed as a military ruler in 1983.
Recalling how Buhari justified his coup against the civilian administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari by condemning corruption and electoral malpractice, Obasanjo regretted that Buhari presided over a government that became the worst in Nigeria’s civil administration.
He explained that in 1983 when giving the reasons why the democratically-elected government of the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari was toppled by the military, Gen Buhari (retd) had cited mismanagement of public funds hurting and making the country’s economy to be weak, lack of credible polls, among others as the reason for the military take-over.
In the book, Buhari was quoted to have said, “The last general election was anything but free and fair…There is ample evidence that rigging and thuggery were relative to the resources available to the political parties.
“This conclusively proved to us that the parties have not developed in the presidential system of government in which the nation invested so much materials and human resources.
“The corrupt, inept and insensitive leadership in the last four years have been the source of immorality and impropriety in our society…We deplore corruption in all its facets.”
Obasanjo, however, said that as good as Buhari’s 1983 speech was, he failed woefully to match his words with actions, even when he had the opportunity to serve the country for eight years as a democratically elected President, his administration was the worst in the nation’s history of civil governance.
He said “Good points and good words which Buhari failed to follow when he became president eleven years later.
“Words are cheap and what needed to be done was left undone during Buhari’s civil administration regime from 2015 to 2023, the worst civil administration regime so far in Nigerian history.
“Maybe those ideas and thoughts were not his; he just came to read them as written for him. Only Bola Tinubu’s administration seems to be competing with Buhari’s for now.”
In the chapter titled “From the Beginning Till Now: The Missing Key,” Obasanjo reflected on Nigeria’s post-independence leadership, highlighting bad governance, corruption, and self-interest as persistent obstacles to national progress.
He said successive governments, both military and civilian, have always identified bad governance, bad leadership, and corruption as major contributing factors to the country’s stagnated development and abject poverty, but would eventually do little or nothing to change the narrative.
The former President had scathing remarks for some of the officials under the watch of former President Buhari.
He said though it was difficult for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to secure convictions of VIPs involved in grand corruption, this difficult task was achieved with the jailing of former governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye, for 10 years and his Taraba counterpart, Jolly Nyame for 12 years over N1.126bn and N1.64bn embezzlement of state funds respectively.
Dariye and Nyame were released from the correctional facility in the Kuje council area of the Federal Capital Territory on August 8, 2022, four months after they were granted state pardon.
At a Council of State meeting presided over by former President Buhari in April 2022, Dariye and Nyame were among 159 inmates pardoned.
The two former governors, who were both jailed for fraud, were granted pardon on the grounds of age and ill-health.
Nyame was convicted in 2018 and given 14 years imprisonment for diverting public funds, but his sentence was later reduced to 12 years in 2020, following a ruling by the Supreme Court which affirmed the judgment of the court of appeal on the matter.
Dariye was sentenced to 14 years in prison for N1.126bn fraud, but his jail term was reduced by four years, following a verdict by the Supreme Court affirming an earlier judgment by the appellate court.
Speaking on their pardon, Obasanjo said it was based on the strong advice of Malami as AGF.
The former president said Buhari sought the advice of the Council of State to grant the two former governors presidential pardon on health grounds.
“But for my absence at the Council of State meeting when the governors were granted the presidential pardon, I would have rather said that the governors should be released from jail on health grounds and not granted presidential pardon.
“Words circulated later that neither of them had a life-threatening illness; it was all made up.
“It was all part of Malami’s financial shenanigans and he played many of such to his advantage. His principal concurred, condoned, turned a blind eye and a deaf ear and paid lip service to fight corruption while cohabitating comfortably with corruption in multifarious ways.
“I was made to understand that some officials of the EFCC were terribly disappointed, discouraged, downcast and lost the pep in doing their work of fighting corruption as a result of this government action,” Obasanjo said.
He noted that another sore thumb in the administration of Buhari was the shameful way the project of a new national carrier for the country was handled by the former aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, said to be a close blood relation of Buhari.
“Hadi Sirika believed that he was fooling Nigerians when after N85bn had been budgeted for the establishment of Nigeria Air and released, the dishonourable minister reputed to be a close blood relation of Buhari hired an aircraft from Ethiopia Airline, painted it in Nigerian colours and left it as a parting gift to Nigeria and Nigerians.
“Later, he denied having spent N85bn on the project and that, from 2016 to 2023, all of the money voted and budgeted for Nigeria Air was N5bn.
“Where has the money budgeted for the establishment of Nigeria Air gone? Neither the outgoing president nor the incoming president has done enough about it.
“You can do anything, and no matter how atrocious, if you are rightly connected, there will be no consequence. In the circumstances of outgoing and incoming presidents, you can get away with murder unless you do not rightly belong. There are selective justices and selective consequences at best.
“For the minister of aviation, it was the most reckless and condemnable audacity, barefaced stealing with the encouragement and condonation of the presidency.
“About 230 million Nigerians were being taken for a ride as if we were all stupid fools. Without consequence, he would get away with his action and others would do worse,” Obasanjo stated.
He added that there were many more in Malami and Sirika’s class within the cohorts of the Buhari administration.
The EFCC is currently prosecuting Sirika and three others, Fatima Hadi Sirika, Jalal Sule Hamma and Al Buraq Global Investment on six count amended charges bordering on contract fraud to the tune of N2,825,032,220.97.
The former President feared that Tinubu’s cohorts may outdo Buhari, judging by the first one or two years in office.
The octogenarian said he blew the whistle on his ex-minister for power and steel, Dr Olu Agunloye, on the alleged fraudulent $6bn Mambilla Power Project contract to tackle the sore and repulsive corrupt practices of officeholders in the country.
Obasanjo laments wastes
Speaking on how the chief executives both at the federal and state levels encouraged waste and corruption, he cited the examples of Agunloye, Buhari, and late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
He said while some waste could be inadvertently occasioned by lack of knowledge, capacity and general inadequacy to do otherwise, some are deliberate and have cost the nation a fortune.
Obasanjo explained that under the military leadership of the late Gen Murtala Mohammed whom he served as his Vice, the nation lost $150m on balloon communication for the Ministry of Communication in the eagerness to improve on telecommunications.
He said, “The contractor and our external and internal consultants along with engineers in the ministry assured us that the balloon communication would work, but it had to be abandoned as unworkable after close to $150m had been expended.”
Obasanjo said this was a good example of inadvertent waste just like continuous issues of gas flaring said to have cost the nation a revenue loss of a whopping $59bn as of the end of 2023.
The former President, however, observed that the decision of Buhari during his military leadership to arbitrarily cancel the contract for the metro line in Lagos State, which was meticulously negotiated by the then governor of the state, the late Lateef Jakande, was a grievous error.
The contractor, Interinfra, reportedly went to court in Europe and obtained 650m French francs which is about $100m, almost the amount of money the project would have cost.
He said that was how, his successor, Yar’Adua, also disregarded the legal counsel and cancelled the concession agreement on the Ajaokuta Steel Plant with the affiliate facility of the Iron Ore Mining Company with Global Steel Holding Ltd.
“The contract would have lawfully become null and void and the government entitled to more than $26 million as damages from the Indian firm.
“This was because the firm appeared unable to pay the first tranche for the Ajaokuta shares before the first anniversary of the agreement (May 25, 2008). This failure would have given Nigeria a right to over $26 million as liquidated damages under Clause 12 of the Ajaokuta Share Purchase Agreement.
“Instead, the Federal Government agreed to part with about $496 million to settle a $5.23bn claim by the Indian firm. It was another waste of resources that could have gone for the provision of infrastructure for Nigeria,” he lamented.
He disclosed further that “With the heavy payment by Nigeria for inappropriate actions of revocation of agreements and contracts by Presidents Buhari and Yar’Adua, there seems to have developed a new industry in Nigeria of local contractors and foreign contractor seeking old contracts and agreements, purchases and transactions that can be unearthed to punch holes in them to make bogus claims with the arbitrator, judge or mediator being procured to join the sharing formula.
“This, I believe, is the case of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Ltd and Olu Agunloye for Mambilla on which I blew the whistle. Agunloye and his cohorts, for personal aggrandisement, were taking Nigeria for a ride.
“Some families are spuriously appearing for properties developed by governments more than 50 years ago or more acquired, paid for and developed by government and these families are claiming compensation again with the support and collusion of people in government. The government has to be milked dry once the claimants’ mouths are watered. What a people!”
Presidency defends project
The Presidency described the N15.6tn Lagos-Calabar coastal highway as a visionary legacy project with enormous economic potential.
Darem in an interview of TVC, said the coastal road would bring enormous economic potential to the country, adding that the project would be one of the best infrastructure in the country.
“Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is a visionary legacy project with enormous economic potential.
“Recall when the Lekki-Epe corridor was opened, everyone thought that President Bola Tinubu, who was then Governor of Lagos, didn’t know what he was doing.
“That corridor has opened up in the last 15 years, and some of the highest rates of real estate have sprung up. We’ve seen the Dangote refinery, we’ve seen the Lagos Free Trade Zone and a lot of developments along that corridor.
“Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, when completed and fully utilised, will be one of the best projects ever put out by any President of this country.”
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, in a statement on his X handle, said “While it is common for many elder statesmen to write books aimed at sanctifying their days as the leader of the country, despite obvious flaws, another elder statesman, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has just published a memoir containing claims that would further relegate his integrity as the leader who opened Nigeria to the cankerworms of corruption, by neglecting important projects that could have changed the trajectory of this country if he had focused on what mattered in his days.
“By underplaying the importance of the Lagos-Calabar project in his latest book, OBJ has not only affirmed to those who witnessed his administration’s several failures to address the needs of the country when he had the opportunity, but he has also put in written form, a position which generations to come will indeed question when the road that will end up as one of the most significant endeavours of any Federal Government in the history of the country finally becomes a reality.
“Despite spending eight years in government and failing in his attempt to force himself on Nigerians for a further four years, Baba Obasanjo failed woefully in addressing the infrastructural needs of his state; indeed, it took former President Buhari just three years to deliver the first modern rail to pass through baba’s backyard in Abeokuta.
“The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was southwest and indeed one of Nigeria’s most important road projects in recent times, both baba and the PDP spent 16 years without getting the project beyond 30 per cent completion until Buhari happened.
“What about the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway that has now been inherited by Governor (Dapo) Abiodun in 2024 because the President who hailed from the state failed to make it a reality, despite having all the power and goodwill to do so?”
The presidential aide queried the corruption allegations in the Obasanjo administration, as he asked the former president to attempt to explain to Nigerians why he failed to help the country transit into a great country under his leadership.
He said, “Should we delve into the corruption that brought Nigeria’s power sector to its knees despite the claims of spending billions of dollars to fix the same under his administration? Or his failure to revive our refineries, killing our steel industry and fraudulent privatisation of NITEL, among others?
“President Obasanjo must emulate others before him by returning to his writing board to at least attempt to explain to Nigerians why he failed to help Nigeria transition into a proper country under his leadership, despite emerging at a time when the goodwill was at an all-time high, compared to these days when President Tinubu now has to take all the decisions they failed to take.
“Like the Sokoto-Badagry Highway and Lagos-Abuja Highway, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road is a project that will change the economic landscape of our country for life and former President OBJ must pretend not to be jealous of the master strategist who is rewriting the history of the southwestern presidency by fixing all that needs to be fixed across the country.”
He concluded that Tinubu would not be deterred by distractions, adding that Nigerians who understood development would also not be distracted.
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, deliberated on and adopted four significant tax reform bills after a thorough clause-by-clause review at the Committee of the Whole, presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
Naija News understands that with the approval secured, the bills are now set for a third reading on the next legislative day before final passage.
According to Daily Trust, most of the contentious provisions that had previously sparked debate were resolved by the committee overseeing the reports, ensuring a smooth adoption process.
One of the key clauses considered and adopted was the Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution formula, which now follows a structure of 50% based on equality, 20% on population, and 30% on consumption—an approach initially suggested by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).
The House also dismissed the proposal for a gradual increase in VAT rates, opting instead to maintain the existing 7.5% rate.
Additionally, lawmakers voted to remove the term “ecclesiastical” from one of the clauses, replacing it with “religious” to avoid controversy.
Another critical decision was the approval of continuous funding for agencies such as TETFUND, NASENI, and NITDA through development levies.
The contentious clause on inheritance tax was also adjusted, clarifying that inheritance acquired before dissolution cannot be taxed.
The tax reform bills adopted by the House include:
1. A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Assessment, Collection, and Accounting of Revenue Accruing to the Federation, Federal, State, and Local Governments; Prescribing the Powers and Functions of Tax Authorities, and for Related Matters (HB.1756).
2. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No.13, 2007, and Enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill to Establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, Charged with Powers of Assessment, Collection, and Accounting for Revenue Accruable to the Government of the Federation, and for Related Matters (HB.1757).
3. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Office of the Tax Ombud for the Harmonisation, Coordination, and Settlement of Disputes Arising from Revenue Administration in Nigeria, and for Related Matters (HB.1758).
4. A Bill for an Act to Repeal Certain Acts on Taxation and Consolidate the Legal Frameworks Relating to Taxation, Enacting the Nigeria Tax Act to Provide for Taxation of Income, Transactions, and Instruments, and for Related Matters (HB.1759).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led government has sanctioned the development of a modular refinery within the Abia Industrial and Innovative Park (AIIP), situated in the oil-abundant Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area.
The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, made this known during the inauguration of the construction of the 11.1-kilometre Obehie-Umudobia-Owaza road, a project designed to unlock the region’s economic potential.
Naija News report that, in his remarks at the ceremony, Otti highlighted that the road initiative transcends mere access; it aims to rejuvenate economic assets, create new opportunities, and restore the aspirations of the past.
He stated that the reconstruction of this road is not solely about infrastructure; it is fundamentally about revitalizing dormant economic resources and rekindling the ambitions that once characterized this area.
The Governor assured that the project would be finalized within a year, and upon its completion, it would significantly enhance the marketability and viability of AIIP.
Additionally, Governor Otti confirmed that the Federal Government has approved the establishment of a modular refinery within AIIP.
“I am pleased to inform you that just a few days ago, we received approval for a modular refinery to be built inside AIIP by H.I.S. Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited,” Otti announced.
He reassured the people that the Abia State Government would provide full support for the refinery project, which is expected to accelerate industrialization and economic growth in the area.
Otti declared that the era of neglect for Ukwa people is over, stating that Ukwa, as the only oil-producing region in Abia, must not be left behind.
“Today, we officially declare that the era of neglect for Ukwa and its communities is over. Your land will yield its best, and the oil in your land will bring prosperity,” The Abia State Governor said.
He assured that his administration would collaborate with ASOPADEC, NDDC, and other intervention agencies to address the longstanding issues of political marginalization and underdevelopment.
In response to community appeals, the Governor confirmed that the Umuzike-Obokwe-Ngwaiyiekwe road has been included in the 2025 budget and will soon be inaugurated.
Additionally, he committed to restoring electricity in Asa land by the end of March, instructing the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, to evaluate the necessary requirements for this restoration.
Governor Otti emphasized that his administration has declared a state of emergency in the water sector, assuring that measures are being taken to tackle the water crisis throughout Abia State.
He called upon the community to support the contractors and collaborate with the government to facilitate the effective implementation of development projects.
Stakeholders and political figures, including, Hon Godwin Adiele (Member, Abia State House of Assembly), Philemon Ogbonna (Commissioner for Environment), all praised the development.
Commissioner for Works, Otumchere Oti, characterized the Obehie-Owaza road as a vital link to Asa and AIIP, noting that it would generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities and attract investment.
In a similar vein, ASOPADEC General Manager, Venerable Joshua Onyeike, praised Otti for enabling the commission to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.
Notable community leaders, such as Dame Victoria Akanwa (former legislator) and Pastor Ralph Egbu (former SSG), recognized the Governor’s achievements in infrastructure development.
President-General of the Asa Development Union, Elder Goodluck Nwauju, underscored Otti’s dedication to the community, referencing the recovery of over 10,000 hectares of land that had been previously designated for the stalled Enyimba Economic City project.
Speakers at the gathering lauded Otti’s leadership, describing him as “God-sent” and expressing their support for his re-election.
The former Senior Special Assistant on Media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben Abati, has advocated for a total shift from the mode of preparing Nigeria’s future leaders to modern trends that prioritize leadership education and capacity-building.
Abati noted that it is imperative to equip leaders with formal education programs, one that integrate leadership training, policy analysis, and crisis management skills as part of the key requirements in preparing Nigeria’s leaders for the future.
He gave the recommendations on Tuesday in Abuja as a guest speaker at Baze University’s 14th anniversary and first founder’s lecture.
His lecture was titled “Leadership in a Disruptive Era: Ethics, Accountability, and the Future of Governance in Nigeria.”
Like many developing nations, Abati said Nigeria was grappling with continuous disruptions, which affect its progress, the well-being of its people, and its overall level of growth and development.
“The clearest indication is that political instability, economic fluctuations, security challenges, technological advancements and evolving social dynamics have created an environment that demands adaptive and ethical leadership, which is for the most part lacking, creating much alienation between the people and those who lead them.
“In such a context, for corrective purposes, governance requires resilience, foresight, and integrity to address emerging crises while maintaining public trust”
He noted that in a disruptive era, leadership transcends traditional authority and requires a proactive, visionary, and ethical approach.
“Nigeria’s governance challenges necessitate leaders who can anticipate potential disruptions and devise adaptive strategies to mitigate their impact. Leadership in this context should be transformative, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration with key stakeholders.”
To navigate governance challenges, Abati said leaders must be equipped with modern educational skills.
“Institutions such as the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) play a crucial role in fostering strategic leadership development, but their curricula must be continuously updated to reflect contemporary governance challenges.
“Institutional reforms are essential for sustainable governance. Weak institutions have historically hindered Nigeria’s development, allowing corruption and inefficiency to thrive,” he said.
Speaking of the importance of the lecture theme to the students in an interview with the media, Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Jamila Shu’ara, said the university is a ground for preparing Nigeria’s future leaders.
“We have to teach our students to be leaders of tomorrow, and you can see the quality of the questions and observations that they asked. They have hope in us, they have hope in our country, and they have hope in tomorrow.
“We are convinced that the tutoring they go through in our university prepares them well enough to face the challenges of tomorrow,” she said.
Shu’ara was optimistic that, though Baze University is fourteen years old, it has emerged as one of the leading universities in Nigeria.
“We see Baze University being the best university in Nigeria. The significance of today’s Founders Day is to celebrate, first, the vision of the visionary and the vision of the dreamer, and also to celebrate the faculty and the staff that have supported this vision, to celebrate the products that are the graduates that we produce, and to celebrate our alumni.
“All this we put together today to remind ourselves that for us as an institution, we still hope and feel that the most potent tool to change the world is education.”
[newtelegraphng]
It appears the controversy over the allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill and her suspension from the Red Chamber may not be getting off the news anytime soon.
This is because the suspended Kogi Senator on Tuesday took her case to a global stage.
The Senate suspended the lawmaker for violation of the Senate’s rules days after she submitted a petition against Akpabio for sexual assault and other accusations, claims the Senate President has strongly refuted.
But at the Women in Parliament session held at the Inter-Parliamentary Union Meeting (IPU) at the United Nations in New York, Senator Natasha is seeking justice and the intervention of global democratic institutions.
The lawmaker is asking for justice over what she described as injustice meted out to her. Senator Natasha described her suspension from the Senate as illegal.
“I was suspended illegally because I submitted a petition for sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. I thought that by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us would submit ourselves to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition for a fair, transparent investigation. But unfortunately, I was silenced and I was suspended,” she told the gathering.
“That means I’m here illegally, but I have no other place to go but to come here and speak to you because this is a bigger picture. This is a bigger picture. It depicts the crisis of women’s political representation. My suspension is not just about me. It’s about the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria,” the Kogi lawmaker added.
After her speech, she expressed worry about her security. The Kogi Central lawmaker claimed there are indications that she may be held against her will in New York for speaking up on the issue at the global event by “the powers that be” from Nigeria.
Last week, the Senate suspended the lawmaker in a move that has continued to generate debates across the country.
She had initially submitted a petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. But the lawmakers threw it out before suspending her even after submitting another petition.
Senator Natasha vowed to continue the fight against “injustice”. But in the wake of the suspension, Akpabio denied the accusations and maintained he has never assaulted women.
Her altercation with the Senate president started on February 20, 2025, after her seat was changed during plenary.
That is not the first time both individuals had issues. In July 2024, Akpabio had while trying to correct her for misconduct told her to follow the rules and that the Senate is not a nightclub where anybody can talk anyhow. The Akwa Ibom lawmaker, however, later apologised to her for the remark.
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration’s economic reforms will encourage professionals who left the country in search of better opportunities to return.
He said this statement on Monday while inaugurating the Implementation Committee for the National Youth Conference at the State House, Abuja.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed details of the meeting in a statement he signed Monday titled ‘Nigerian Professionals Will Return As Economy Improves, President Tinubu Assures at Inauguration of National Youth Confab Planning Committee.’
Tinubu emphasised that the government’s policies were designed to create prosperity, particularly for young Nigerians, who constitute over 60 per cent of the population.
He stated that the japa trend—where Nigerians leave the country for better prospects—would eventually reverse as economic conditions improve.
“When you listen to most professionals leaving Nigeria, there’s a cause. If you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother leaving. They will stay home,” he stated.
The President added, “I want to reassure you that you are the hope of this country, and everything hangs on you.
“Every decision that I have taken is about you. It’s about the future. When we removed the fuel subsidy, it was because we wanted to protect your future.
“We have cleared the path for you to have a great future.”
Tinubu charged the 44-member implementation committee with ensuring that the recommendations from the youth conference lead to impactful policies.
He assured them that the government was committed to implementing their deliberations.
“This is your opportunity to develop the nation and make it prosperous. You are the heartbeat of our nation, and I hope you take this responsibility seriously,” he said.
He also highlighted the progress of his economic reforms, noting that the initial phase was challenging but had started yielding results.
“When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey, and hopeless. We worked hard, and it was like drawing water out of a dry well.
“But today, the economy has turned the corner; prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking this way, and technology is advancing,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s willingness to engage young Nigerians in shaping the country’s future.
“Just look me in the face and tell me whatever you think is wrong and the way forward.
“Be frank. We will implement your suggestions so long as they are for the country’s prosperity,” he added.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended the President for prioritising youth inclusion and creating platforms for engagement.
Olawande highlighted initiatives such as the student loan scheme and infrastructural developments as part of the administration’s efforts to improve opportunities for young people.
A member of the committee, Samson Itodo, welcomed the conference as a significant step in involving Nigerian youths in governance and national development.
He outlined priority areas such as political governance, economic transformation, artificial intelligence, climate change, energy transition, and security.
The implementation process for the youth conference will include virtual consultations, calls for memoranda, regional town hall meetings, and a final congress in Abuja.
The committee is to be chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya.
Monday’s inauguration comes five months after Tinubu, in his last Independence Day broadcast, announced plans for a 30-day national youth confab to address critical issues facing the country’s youths.
Other members of the planning committee are Senate Chairman on Niger Delta Development Commission, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Dr Linus Okorie, Dr Garba Aliyu, Babatunde Adeleke, Francis Sani, Azeezat Yishawu, Sara-Igbe Sukubo, Hauwa Ibrahim, Zara Goni, Oladele Nihi, Dare Ojepe, Uchechukwu George Egbe, among others.
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has said it will not lose sleep over the defection of former state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party.
The PUNCH Online reports that El-Rufai dumped the ruling party for the Social Democratic Party
The former governor cited a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his decision.
However, reacting to the defection, the Secretary of the Kaduna APC, Yahaya Baba-Pate, said the party remained unperturbed by the defection of the former governor.
Baba-Pate said the party was focused on delivering the state to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
Baba-Pate, who spoke to journalists in Kaduna on Monday, expressed confidence in the party’s growing strength in the state, citing the influx of high-profile politicians joining the party daily in the state.
He expressed confidence that the party’s fortunes will not be affected by El-Rufai’s departure.
He said, “We are unperturbed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party. Our main focus in Kaduna is on how to deliver the state to both President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
“The APC in Kaduna State is growing day by day, judging from the calibre of politicians streaming into the party on a daily basis. So, we are not disturbed by anybody defecting to another party based on our governor’s inclusive governance in the state.
“We are not disturbed and we are not going to lose our sleep over El-rufai’s moves. The party in the state is growing more than before.”
More...
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El-Rufai, has left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a statement he shared on Monday in Abuja, titled “Onwards to the Future,” the former Kaduna State governor noted, “As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC.
“It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and those of the APC would align up to the time I chose to retire from politics.”
However, he said developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control and run the APC have no desire to acknowledge, let alone address, the unhealthy state of the party.
*On my part, I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party.
“Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish.
“Founders rightly feel attached to institutions they helped create, but one must be pragmatic enough to admit when a divergence becomes unbridgeable.
“I have diligently served the APC and contributed to its viability as a political platform but recognize that the party has strayed, leaving me stuck in the vision of its well-meaning founding fathers and mothers.
“As a loyal party man, I worked to help secure the APC’s election victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. I was one of the many governors elected on the party’s platform in 2015 and 2019 who stood for democratic and progressive principles to advance nation-building.
“My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development in education and healthcare, expand infrastructure, promote equality of opportunity, create jobs, and attract investments.
“However, these records count for little in the current APC, which has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt over the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable.”*
He added, *”On March 10, 2025, I submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately.
“Subsequent to this, I concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues, and loyalists about the future and have decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.
“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us in forming a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and by-elections between now and 2027, by the grace of God.
“I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black race.”
[Nigerian Tribune]
![[PRESS RELEASE] Fire Outbreak at Geometric Premises Contained](/media/k2/items/cache/eba70f8e4780222c6caff5a728ce295f_XS.jpg)
1. There was a fire outbreak early this morning in a temporary building in the premises of Geometric Power, Nigeria's foremost integrated power company, located in the Osisioma Industrial Layout, Aba, Abia State. The building was used by a defunct South African electricity firm known as Group 5 during the construction of facilities in the integrated power company and has been of little use in over 12 years.
2. Though the cause of the fire has yet to be determined, it was contained by the Geometric Power staff before the arrival of the Abia State Fire Service which responded promptly to the emergency call.
3. Geometric Power management commends its staff members for their vigilance and gallant efforts in containing the fire and the Abia State Fire Service for its swift response and professionalism.
4. The management also appreciates members of the public for their concern and support.
5. Geometric Power assures the public of their commitment to work assiduously for constant, quality and affordable electricity in the Aba Power Ring-fenced Area and elsewhere for the rapid socioeconomic progress of the Nigerian nation.
Signed
Management.
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] Federal Government adopts TASUED Ogun State as Federal University](/media/k2/items/cache/27a0a5d0bbad8e1389058c9c81adb80c_XS.jpg)
The Federal Government has adopted the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State as a Federal University.
Established by the Ogun State Government in 2005, TASUED holds the distinguished position as Nigeria's first specialised university of education. It was named after Dr Tai Solarin, a revered activist and the founder of Mayflower School in Ikenne.
As a federal institution, TASUED will be the first federally owned tertiary school in Ogun East senatorial district. With a well-developed infrastructure and academic programme, the transition requires minimal federal investment.
President Tinubu approved the adoption on Friday and thanked the Ogun State Government for inviting the Federal Government to take over the school, one of the state's best educational assets.
"It is an opportunity for the Federal Government to honour Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who began the revolutionary free education programme in Western Nigeria and Dr Tai Solarin, who spent most of his life educating our children and impacting patriotic and leadership lessons in them at Mayflower School in Ikenne", President Tinubu said.
"It is also in honour of the Awujale of Ijebuland, who played a critical role in preventing the university's closure in 2012, just seven years after its establishment," he added.
Awolowo and Solarin were celebrated figures from the Eastern Senatorial District of Ogun State, encompassing Ijebu and Remo.
President Tinubu emphasised that TASUED's transition into a Federal University of Education is a strategic step in the Federal Government's commitment to bolster teacher education and enhance the quality of instruction across all educational levels.
With TASUED's new status, the Federal Government oversees three education universities. Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Owerri and Adeyemi Federal University of Education in Ondo are the country's other two universities of education.
![[STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE] Federal Government Takes Over Gombe Hospital](/media/k2/items/cache/04e81793f3bd501eb8f33d6307a82df0_XS.jpg)
The Federal Government has converted the Gombe State government-owned General Hospital, Kumo, into a Federal Medical Centre.
The Kumo Federal Medical Centre is the second federal medical institution in the state, after the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe, the capital. The teaching hospital was initially a medical centre before being upgraded into a Federal Teaching Hospital.
The Kumo Federal Medical Centre will serve as a tertiary health hospital, contribute to the training of medical personnel, and boost health care service in Gombe State and the Northeast generally.
Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya formally requested the takeover of the facility. President Tinubu approved the request, given the poor maternal and neonatal mortality indices in the Northeastern region and other health indicators in Gombe State.
The Federal Government also considered the State Government's commitment to improving its health sector, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has unveiled comprehensive reforms in the health sector.
President Tinubu commended Governor Yahaya for prioritising the welfare of the state's citizens and stressed that the takeover would improve the state's healthcare delivery system.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)