Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA has organized a special outreach programme for widows of fallen security personnel and vulnerable families as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.

The outreach brought together widows of personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Army, Air Force, Police, NSCDC and other security agencies, alongside widows from host communities.

Speaking during the event, Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Mohammed Tasiu, said the initiative was designed to honour the sacrifices of families whose loved ones died in service to the nation.

According to him, the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary should not only celebrate operational successes but also recognise the sacrifices made by families of fallen officers.

“This milestone is measured not in nautical miles or victories, but in sacrifice,” Commodore Tasiu said.

He noted that many security personnel paid the ultimate price while fighting piracy, insurgency, oil theft and other security threats across the country.

“Your spouses did not merely pass away; they fell in the line of duty,” he stated.

The commodore stressed that widows of fallen heroes are often forgotten after burial ceremonies, assuring beneficiaries that the Navy remains committed to strengthening support and engagement with affected families.

“Too often, the spouses of fallen heroes become invisible after the burial. Sympathy fades, calls stop, and support narrows to what regulations allow,” he said.

Commodore Tasiu also described widows as “the generals of the home front,” praising their resilience and sacrifices in raising families under difficult circumstances.

“Your weapon is not a rifle, but your prayers, your hustle, and your refusal to let your children become orphans in spirit,” he added.

He further explained that civilian widows were included in the programme to strengthen trust and cooperation between the military and host communities.

According to him, the Navy’s relationship with surrounding communities goes beyond security operations, adding that community support remains essential to national security and peacebuilding.

“Today there is no rank, no uniform — only our shared humanity and a common determination to move forward,” the Commander NNS DELTA stated.

The Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Pat Ajudua, represented by Sally Achieze Anyadike, Special Assistant on Women Mobilization to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, commended the Nigerian Navy for organizing the outreach programme.

She described the initiative as a major step towards strengthening civil-military relations and supporting vulnerable widows across security agencies and host communities.

“A nation’s greatness is measured not by the strength of its warships, but by how it treats its widows, its vulnerable, and its forgotten,” she stated.

The commissioner praised NNS DELTA for extending the outreach beyond military widows to include widows of paramilitary personnel and civilians.

“Today, the Navy has opened its arms to civilian widows because humanity is one family,” she said.

She also called for stronger protection for widows facing economic hardship, social discrimination and property grabbing after the death of their husbands.

“A widow deserves dignity, not degradation,” she stressed.

The commissioner further urged widows not to lose hope despite their challenges.

“You are not a widow; you are a woman of valour,” she declared.

She commended the Commander of NNS DELTA and officers of the formation for choosing to invest in humanitarian outreach rather than elaborate anniversary celebrations.

“You chose to spend on widows. You chose to break bread with the brokenhearted. That is not just military excellence; that is moral excellence,” she added.

Some beneficiaries of the outreach programme who spoke with our reporter thanked the Nigerian Navy and the Delta State Government for the support and recognition shown to widows and vulnerable families.

Some of the widows described the outreach as a rare moment of encouragement and compassion, saying the gesture made them feel remembered and valued despite their difficult circumstances.

Nigerian Navy at 70: NNS DELTA holds special outreach for widows across security agencies, host communities

The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election held across Ogun State on Saturday recorded massive participation, peaceful conduct, and overwhelming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as party leaders and members reaffirmed their commitment to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Across various wards in the state, party faithful turned out in large numbers to participate in the affirmation exercise, which was conducted peacefully and without disruption.

At Ward 3, Iperu 1, in Ikenne Local Government Area, members began arriving as early as 9 a.m. for the exercise. A total of 830 accredited voters participated, unanimously affirming President Tinubu, who emerged as the sole presidential contestant in the ward.

Speaking after the exercise, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the successful conduct of the APC primaries in the state as a reflection of the peace, unity, and political maturity within the party.

According to the governor, Ogun State has consistently maintained a peaceful political atmosphere over the last seven years, enabling citizens and party members to freely participate in democratic processes without violence or intimidation.

“The peace in the state has defined us as a state that knows how to organise, plan, engage, discuss, and manage party affairs without rancour,” Abiodun said.

Governor Abiodun noted that the presidential primary marked the conclusion of a week-long series of APC primaries in the state, including those for the House of Representatives, Senate, House of Assembly, and governorship positions.

He commended President Tinubu for providing purposeful leadership at the national level and praised the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for putting structures in place that ensured the smooth conduct of the exercises nationwide.

The governor also appreciated party leaders, members of the State Working Committee, and elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Osoba, for their support and guidance throughout the process.

Abiodun added that extensive consultations and engagements across the three senatorial districts helped strengthen party cohesion, deepen participation, and give members a stronger sense of belonging.

Expressing confidence ahead of the 2027 elections, the governor said the APC would emerge victorious, noting that President Tinubu’s reforms and policies had laid the foundation for a new Nigeria.

Similarly, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, described the just-concluded APC primaries in Ogun State as a strong demonstration of the party’s growing popularity, internal democracy, and public confidence in its leadership.

Speaking at Ward 10, Opeji, in Odeda Local Government Area, where over 2,000 APC members participated in the presidential affirmation exercise, Senator Salisu said the turnout witnessed across the state was unprecedented and comparable to a general election.

“It is like we are already having a general election. We are seeing members of the party community in their thousands in various wards,” he said.

The senator, who recently emerged victorious in the Ogun Central Senatorial primary, disclosed that he secured 85,804 votes during the exercise, describing the outcome as a clear endorsement of his stewardship and representation over the past three years.

He also identified the peaceful conduct of the primaries across the state as a major achievement, stressing that despite intense political activities and consultations, no violence was recorded across the 236 wards involved in the exercise.

Senator Salisu attributed the enthusiasm among party members to the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration and the developmental strides of Governor Abiodun, particularly in infrastructure and grassroots development.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this sitting Senator, by the grace of God, is also the incoming Senator,” he declared while reaffirming his candidacy for Ogun Central Senatorial District.

In Owode Ward 3, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, APC faithful also turned out in large numbers for the presidential affirmation exercise as Chief Olusegun Osoba and his son, Rt. Hon. Olumide Osoba, arrived to cheers from party supporters.

Their presence further energized party members and underscored what many described as the unity and strength of the APC structure in Ogun State.

Party faithful at the venue commended Chief Osoba for his leadership role within the party and praised Rt. Hon. Olumide Osoba for sustaining grassroots mobilisation and engagement across the constituency.

Across Ogun State, the APC presidential primary and affirmation exercise ended peacefully, culminating in the unanimous ratification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Ogun APC leaders, members rally behind Tinubu in peaceful statewide exercise

When the results of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogun East Senatorial District primary election were announced on May 18, 2026, the outcome was emphatic and politically instructive.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, outgoing Governor of Ogun State, secured 75,550 votes out of 99,503 ballots cast, winning across all nine local government areas of the district. His closest challenger, incumbent Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who withdrew on the eve of the election, polled 398 votes.

Beyond the overwhelming margin, the result reflected something deeper: a broad endorsement of Governor Abiodun’s record in office and his political standing within Ogun East.

For many within the APC, the primary was not merely about succession politics. It was a referendum on performance, infrastructure delivery, economic expansion and leadership continuity.

The question therefore is not simply why Prince Dapo Abiodun won the APC ticket — but why many party members believe he genuinely earned it.

A Businessman Turned Governor

Born on May 29, 1960, in Iperu-Remo, Prince Dapo Abiodun entered public office after years in business and corporate leadership.

A man of many parts, he built his private-sector career through Heyden Petroleum Limited and held leadership positions in financial and investment institutions including First Marina Trust and the First Interstate Group.

Supporters often point to this business background as one of the defining influences on his governance style — one that prioritised infrastructure, investment attraction, industrialisation and fiscal expansion.

Upon assuming office in 2019, his administration unveiled the ISEYA development agenda — Infrastructure, Social Welfare, Education, Youth and Women Empowerment, and Agriculture — as the framework guiding governance in Ogun State.

Over the last seven years, that agenda has become closely associated with road construction, industrial growth, transport connectivity and economic reforms.

Infrastructure as a Defining Legacy

No aspect of the Abiodun administration is referenced more frequently than infrastructure development.

Since 2019, Ogun State has reportedly constructed or rehabilitated over 1,600 kilometres of roads connecting industrial corridors, rural communities and commercial centres.

Among the major projects executed are the Epe-Ijebu Ode Expressway, Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway, Sagamu-Iperu-Ode Remo-Sapade corridor, Ilishan-Iperu Road and the Ijebu-Ode-Epe dual carriageway.

Township roads across Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu, Abeokuta, Ota and Ilaro also received extensive rehabilitation.

For Ogun East, many of these projects carried direct economic significance. Improved road networks strengthened access to markets, eased transportation challenges and enhanced connectivity between Ogun and Lagos.

Communities previously isolated by poor road infrastructure became more integrated into economic and social activities.

The Gateway International Airport Effect

Perhaps no single project defines the ambition of the Abiodun administration more than the Gateway International Airport located in Iperu-Ilishan within Ogun East Senatorial District.

Commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the airport immediately became one of the administration’s most symbolic legacy projects.

The commissioning ceremony attracted national political heavyweights including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and several governors.

For supporters of the governor, the airport represented far more than physical infrastructure. It symbolised Ogun State’s emergence as a strategic logistics and industrial hub.

Manufacturers and businesses around Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and adjoining industrial corridors now possess a closer aviation gateway outside the congestion associated with Lagos routes.

The commissioning ceremony also featured the unveiling of Gateway Air, electric motorcycles, security vehicles and agricultural tractors — all reinforcing the administration’s broader development narrative.

President Tinubu publicly praised the governor’s leadership during the event.

“In less than seven years, you, Dapo Abiodun, have demonstrated commitment, vision and patriotism to grow Nigeria.”

Former President Obasanjo similarly described the airport as a landmark achievement in Ogun State’s history.

Importantly, the airport also fits into a broader transportation vision under the Abiodun administration — one that positioned Ogun among the few Nigerian states accessible through road, rail, air and water transportation systems.

Economic Growth and Industrial Expansion

Supporters of Governor Abiodun also point to the administration’s economic indicators.

Ogun State’s Internally Generated Revenue reportedly rose from ₦52 billion in 2020 to nearly ₦192 billion in 2024, with projections approaching ₦250 billion.

The state’s GDP was similarly said to have expanded from ₦2.9 trillion in 2021 to ₦7.3 trillion in 2024.

In 2025, Ogun reportedly attracted over 70 percent of Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment inflow, further consolidating its reputation as one of the country’s foremost industrial destinations.

Beyond statistics, the administration secured major investment commitments tied to industrial and logistics expansion.

In 2022, Ogun State signed a $400 million Memorandum of Understanding with Arise Integrated Industrial Platform for the Olokola Free Trade Zone and the Remo Agro Processing Zone.

African Industries Group pledged investments exceeding $500 million, while global manufacturing giant Foxconn reportedly expressed interest in establishing operations within the state.

The Kajola Dry Port initiative equally formed part of the administration’s broader logistics strategy aimed at complementing the airport and strengthening trade movement between Ogun and Nigeria’s seaports.

Social Programmes and Community Impact

While infrastructure dominated public discourse, the administration also implemented programmes targeting education, healthcare and community development.

The Women Development Centre in Ijebu-Ode was established to support entrepreneurship and vocational training for women.

The Eriwe initiative extended support to fishing and riverside communities within Ogun Waterside and adjoining areas.

Education reforms included the cancellation of school levies, introduction of the Ogun DigiClass programme and deployment of an Education Management Information System across local education authorities.

Healthcare infrastructure also received attention, with approximately 140 primary healthcare centres reportedly renovated statewide.

Traditional institutions within Ogun East publicly acknowledged aspects of the administration’s work.

The Ijebu Traditional Council, during the lifetime of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, commended the administration’s infrastructure projects, governance reforms and the Obas and Chiefs Laws of Ogun State 2021.

What the Primary Victory Truly Represented

The APC primary itself became one of the strongest political validations of Governor Abiodun’s standing within Ogun East.

Across Sagamu, Remo North, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun Waterside, Odogbolu, Ijebu East, Ijebu North, Ijebu North East and Ikenne, the governor secured commanding victories.

Before the primary election, party leaders, lawmakers, councillors and local government chairmen openly endorsed his candidacy. The Ogun East APC Caucus also announced plans to collectively purchase his nomination form.

To supporters, these endorsements reflected broad political consensus around his candidacy rather than mere elite alignment.

Why Many Believe He Belongs in the Senate

Supporters of Prince Dapo Abiodun argue that his transition from Government House to the Senate would give Ogun East a more influential voice at the federal level.

First is executive experience. As governor, he supervised multi-billion-naira budgets, negotiated international investment agreements and coordinated projects requiring collaboration with federal institutions and foreign investors.

Second is political access. His relationship with President Tinubu’s administration is viewed within APC circles as capable of translating into greater federal attention for Ogun East projects and infrastructure priorities.

Third is continuity. Projects such as the Gateway International Airport, Kajola Dry Port, Olokola Free Trade Zone and industrial corridors within Ogun East may benefit from representation by someone already deeply familiar with their financing structures, implementation challenges and long-term economic objectives.

Supporters also believe his background positions him to contribute meaningfully to legislative discussions around industrial policy, infrastructure financing, regional development and investment promotion.

Beyond Politics, a Performance Argument

Prince Dapo Abiodun’s victory in the APC Ogun East senatorial primary was not merely a routine political exercise.

For many within the party, it was an endorsement of seven years defined by road construction, economic expansion, industrial growth, investment attraction and strategic infrastructure development.

Across Ogun East, supporters point to roads rehabilitated, healthcare centres upgraded, industries attracted and an international airport commissioned within the district itself.

Ultimately, the 2027 general election will determine whether the wider electorate shares that assessment.

But within the APC, the message from the primary was unmistakable: many party members believe Prince Dapo Abiodun earned the ticket through performance, political influence and visible developmental impact delivered during his years in office.

Akinmade is Special Adviser, Information and Strategy to Ogun State Governor.

Kayode Akinmade: Inside the groundswell behind Abiodun’s Ogun East victory

Hull City were promoted to the Premier League in dramatic fashion as Oli McBurnie’s last-gasp strike sealed a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough in Saturday’s Championship play-off final, bringing an end to the ‘spygate’ controversy that overshadowed world football’s richest match.

McBurnie punished a mistake from Middlesbrough goalkeeper Sol Brynn to bag the lucrative winner in the final moments of the second half at Wembley.

Hull will return to the Premier League for the first time since 2016-17, completing an incredible revival just 12 months after they avoided relegation to the third tier on goal difference.

McBurnie’s late goal hit the jackpot for Hull, with football finance experts Deloitte estimating the play-off final winners will earn at least £205 million ($275 million) over the next three seasons due to increased match-day, broadcast and commercial revenues.

That could rise to around £365 million if the club survives their first season in the Premier League.

Football League chiefs will hope Hull’s victory brings an end to the scandal that marred the second-tier play-offs after Southampton were kicked out for filing a Middlesbrough training session prior to their semi-final first leg.

Southampton had beaten Middlesbrough 2-1 on aggregate to earn a final showdown with Hull.

But the Saints were expelled on Tuesday, with an independent commission ruling their boss Tonda Eckert had “specifically authorised” the spying.

The English Football League said Southampton admitted to “multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training”.

Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons said the sanctions imposed were “manifestly disproportionate”.

The row had presented Middlesbrough with a second chance to win promotion, but they were unable to seize the lifeline as Hull ground out a hard-fought victory in scorching heat.

That will be a relief to many at Football League headquarters after Hull owner Acun Ilicali vowed to take legal action if the Tigers did not beat Middlesbrough.

Sergej Jakirovic’s side are the first sixth-placed team to win promotion via the second-tier play-offs since Blackpool in 2010.

The Tigers, who beat third-placed Millwall to secure their place in the final, have been the division’s surprise package all season.

They were hit with a three-window transfer embargo last year, later reduced to two after a successful appeal, but confounded expectations to snatch a play-off place on the last day of the season.

In keeping with their unexpected renaissance under Bosnian boss Jakirovic, Hull were perfectly suited to the underdog role at Wembley.

They spent much of the first half of the back foot as Middlesbrough dominated with over 70 per cent of the possession.

But the Tigers’ counter-attacking game plan ensured they were a constant threat.

Liam Millar’s cross reached Lewie Coyle for a header that Brynn pushed over.

For all their territorial dominance, Middlesbrough were toothless for long spells, and Hull’s Mohamed Belloumi almost made them pay with a long-range curler that flashed just wide.

The burly McBurnie went even closer, rising to meet Ryan Giles’ cross with a header that hit the crossbar.

Middlesbrough finally prised open the Hull defence on the stroke of half-time, but David Strelec’s drive whistled narrowly wide from 20 yards.

Dael Fry should have put Middlesbrough in front immediately after half-time, but the defender headed wide from close-range.

Searing temperatures at Wembley sapped the energy from both teams in a soporific second half, prompting Hellberg to send on Hayden Hackney for the last 20 minutes of normal time.

But Hackney, voted the Championship Player of the Year, had been sidelined by a calf injury since March 14 and he was unable to make at impact.

Instead, it was McBurnie who sent Hull into dreamland deep into stoppage time, prodding home from close range after Brynn weakly palmed Yu Hirakawa’s cross into his path.

AFP

Hull Secure Premier League Promotion After Win Over Middlesbrough is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, along with All Progressives Congress (APC) faithful, turned out massively to elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the APC presidential primary on Saturday.

A statement issued by Governor Buni’s media aide, Mamman Mohammed, indicated that party members, who lined up behind Gov Buni in Buni-Gari, Gujba Local Government Area, chanted “Tinubu Our President, Tinubu for a Second Term”.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the process, saying, “it is free, fair and credible.

“The large turn out by party members is quite encouraging, it reflects the faith of the members in President Tinubu for a second term of office”.

Buni urged APC members to promote unity and generate more support for all APC candidates and President Tinubu for a second term of office.

Gov Buni said reports reaching his office indicate peaceful and massive turnout of party members participating in the election across the state.

Similarly, hundreds of APC card-carrying members in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State turned out in large numbers to participate in the nationwide presidential primary election to elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s flag bearer.

Party members converged on polling centres across Nguru LGA early in the day, with the process recording a high level of enthusiasm and orderliness.

Yobe State APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, who monitored the exercise in his Nglaiwa Ward, commended the electorate for their steadfastness and unwavering support for the party.

Massive support for Tinubu in Yobe presidential primary vote

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would coast to victory in the 2027 presidential election, insisting that no opposition figure, including former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, poses a threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor made the declaration shortly after participating in the APC presidential […]

The post 2027: Jonathan, opposition can’t stop Tinubu’s re-election — Namadi appeared first on Tribune Online.

Hull City beat Middlesbrough 1-0 in the Championship play-off final on Saturday, to win promotion to the Premier League.

They become the first team since Blackpool to finish in sixth place during the regular season and still go up.

The decisive goal came in the 94th minute, after Oli McBurnie pounced on a goalkeeper error to prod in the winner.

Sol Brynn punched a cross into the area and McBurnie reacted quickest to score.

Hull City will join Coventry City and Ipswich Town in the Premier League next season.

For Boro, who were reinstated despite a semi-final loss after Southampton’s ‘Spygate’ scandal, it is another campaign in England’s second tier.

BREAKING: EPL: Hull City beat Middlebrough, become third Championship team to win promotion

There are indications that the Labour Party (LP) and Action Alliance (AA) in Anambra may support the presidential candidate of

The post 2027: Labour Party, AA set to back SDP’s Adebayo in Anambra appeared first on Tribune Online.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has announced mandatory video documentation of the ongoing party primary elections in Anambra to ensure transparency.

This is contained in a public announcement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, on Saturday in Awka.

Opara directed all electoral officers, assistant electoral officers, aspirants, party officials, and members participating in the primaries to comply with the guidelines strictly.

He said the measures were aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and credibility in the conduct of the exercise.

“The submission of comprehensive video evidence from the wards will serve as a mandatory condition for the acceptance and validation of election results.

“The video recordings must clearly capture the accreditation of eligible party members and delegates, queue formation during voting, counting of votes with figures visibly displayed and audibly announced.

“They must also show the announcement of results by the Electoral Officer, as well as the recording of final results in prescribed forms and other electoral documents,” he said.

Opara warned that any result not accompanied by the required video documentation would not be accepted or validated by the party.

He further clarified the responsibilities of electoral officials, encouraging aspirants to independently record the electoral process for transparency and personal documentation.

Opara advised electoral teams and aspirants to ensure that recording devices are functional, adequately powered, and capable of producing clear audio and visual records of the exercise.

He said the directive was aimed at strengthening transparency, preserving the integrity of the primary election process, and safeguarding the credibility of the outcomes.

Accreditation started around 10 a.m. and 12 noon in some of the wards including Amawbia Ward I and II located at Community Primary School and Igwedimma Primary School, respectively.

Others include Awka Wards I, II, III and IV at Ayomna Okpala Primary School, Udeozor Primary School, Ndichie Hall, Umudioka and Umuogwali Village Hall.

Meanwhile, in Wards such as Onishta North 2, Ward 14 (post office), accreditation only commenced about 1 pm owing to the delayed presence of Party delegates.

APGA Demands Video Documentation For Transparent Anambra Primaries is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) conducts its Primary on Saturday to pick its presidential candidate, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Mala Buni, led party faithful in the North-East state to vote massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Mamman Mohammed, DG, Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, party members who lined […]

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