Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has conferred on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the Chieftaincy title of “Hasken Abuja” (Light of Abuja), in recognition of his contributions to the development of the territory.

The traditional rulers, who thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the infrastructural development in the FCT, especially the satellite towns, asked for more recognition of the indigenous people of the federal capital.

Speaking during an appreciation visit by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Conference Hall in Abuja, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Dr. Adamu Baba Yunusa, praised the administration for improving the welfare of traditional rulers and approved projects such as the construction of a new palace in Abaji.

​The monarch noted that the honor recognizes Wike’s “visionary leadership” and “commitment to the development of the FCT,” specifically citing his recent approval for the construction of a new Ona Palace in Abaji, the upgrading of the status and welfare of FCT traditional rulers, and structural reforms that have restored dignity to the traditional institution.

​Reading out their list of “more work for hard work,” the traditional rulers requested the provision of 17 tractors—one for each of the 17 Chiefdoms—to bolster food security for the territory’s rural agrarian communities.

They also advocated for the elevation of historically significant chiefdoms, such as Garki and Jiwa, to higher statuses.

​Responding to traditional rulers demands, Wike promised to protect the interests of the indigenous people, granting several immediate requests:
​
He directed the Mandate Secretary for Agriculture to provide tractors for each of the 17 Chiefdoms.

​Also, he instructed the Council of Chiefs to submit names for the creation of third-class traditional stools, stating, “It is not in my position to write who will be… you people should do the right thing.”

​He pledged to resolve issues regarding land certificates based on the numbers submitted by the stakeholders.

​”I’m now from here. For me to be the Light of Abuja, I must do everything to protect your interest,” Wike concluded, while maintaining that the FCT’s political future depends on having a “strong voice” in the National Assembly to lobby for the expansion of senatorial seats.

On the 2027 elections, the minister counselled the FCT stakeholders against electing weak or inexperienced representatives, saying that such choices could leave the territory voiceless at the National Assembly.

“The Senate is not an all-comers’ game. Experience matters, ranking matters… you must have a strong voice there,” he said.

The minister expressed concern that past representation had failed to effectively articulate the needs of the FCT, urging stakeholders to make more strategic decisions in future elections.

“You elected a senator you can’t see… a senator who cannot even organise the indigenous community to ask what their needs are,” he stated.

Wike said that repeating such mistakes would further weaken the territory’s ability to attract development and influence national policy decisions.

“If you make a mistake this time, it will be difficult for you. When it was time to help yourself, you didn’t help… don’t expect miracles,” he added as he endorsed Sen Philip Tanimu Aduda.

Beyond electoral choices, the minister linked political alignment with development outcomes, noting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had continued to deliver infrastructure projects in the FCT despite low electoral support in the 2023 elections.

“In 2023, most of you did not give Mr. President up to six per cent, yet he has done so much for you… now that you know, do not make that mistake again,” he said.

“In 2023, most of you did not give Mr. President up to six per cent, yet he has done so much for you… now that you know, do not make that mistake again,” he said.

He disclosed that several projects, including water supply schemes in rural communities and new road networks, would soon be inaugurated as part of activities marking the President’s anniversary in office.

“Mr. President has touched virtually all the satellite towns… more roads will be constructed to open up our communities,” Wike said.

The minister also charged incoming area council chairmen to focus on governance and address pressing challenges, particularly in the education sector.

“It cannot continue that our children are at home because of strikes. Education is a first priority… without it, there cannot be development,” he emphasised.

Earlier, President of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, Dr. Aliyu Daniel Bakna Kwali, commended the minister for ongoing reforms and infrastructural development, while presenting key demands including increased representation for the FCT at the National Assembly and the creation of additional area councils.

​The event, which opened with remarks from former Federal Commissioner Dr. Aliyu Almakura Abdulkadir, underscored a new era of collaborative governance, with the traditional institution positioning itself as a central pillar in the FCT’s drive for political and economic expansion.

FCT traditional rulers hail President Tinubu’s developmental strides, honours Wike with “Light of Abuja” title

The Ogun State Government has unveiled a circular economy strategy to convert electronic waste into economic value, prioritizing job creation, environmental protection, and industrial sustainability.

Governor Abiodun, while stating that the lives and safety of chemical handlers and users are non-negotiable, noted that industrial growth must be matched with environmental responsibility.

Abiodun spoke at the 4th Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) Capacity Building Workshop, themed “Transforming E-Waste into Opportunity: Circular Economy Solutions for Ogun State,” held in Abeokuta on Thursday.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, insisted that the state could no longer tolerate the informal handling of hazardous waste.

He cited estimates that Nigeria generates over 500,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, warning that improper disposal releases toxic substances such as lead and mercury, which pose serious health risks.

Abiodun said, “Improper dismantling and disposal of this equipment release lead, mercury, brominated flame retardants, and other toxic substances into our soil and waterways, threatening the health of our residents, particularly our children and our most vulnerable communities.

“This workshop specifically targets chemical handlers and users, the men and women on the frontlines of e-waste processing. I want to address you directly: Your safety is non-negotiable.

“You face daily exposure to lead in cathode ray tubes, mercury in flat-screen backlights, cadmium in batteries, and brominated flame retardants in plastics. Improper handling causes respiratory diseases, neurological damage, and chronic poisoning. Today, we commit to equipping you with proper Personal Protective Equipment, training in safe dismantling techniques, and connection to formal processing channels that protect your health while preserving your livelihood.”

The governor charged participants to produce a concrete e-waste roadmap, establish a multi-sector task force, and secure binding commitments from industry players.

The State Commissioner for Environment, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Kafayat Lawal, described the workshop as timely, adding that the objective is to advance the development of a draft Ogun State E-waste and Circular Economy Roadmap and establish a multi-sectoral task force to drive its implementation.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Innocent Barikor, described the theme as a significant shift in perspective, saying it would encourage participants to find opportunities in every crisis.

He stressed the need to see electronic waste beyond an environmental burden, but as useful resources within a sustainable economic framework.

The General Manager, OGEPA, Kehinde Bello, in his welcome address, said the workshop was aimed at creating a structured, safe, and forward-thinking framework for e-waste management, adding that regulation alone was not enough, hence the need for more collaboration, knowledge sharing, and best practices, particularly in safe chemical handling during e-waste recycling.

The highlight of the event was the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding among OGEPA, E-Terra Technologies Ltd., and the E-Waste Relief Foundation.

Your safety is non-negotiable – Gov Abiodun unveils e-waste-to-wealth strategy

Nigeria’s Supreme Court on Thursday delivered a landmark ruling in the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress, voiding a “status quo ante bellum” order that had kept the party’s leadership question in limbo.

A five-member panel of the apex court, in a unanimous decision headed by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, held that the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, acted beyond its jurisdiction when it unilaterally issued the status quo order after it had already dismissed a case brought before it by one of the ADC factions. The court described issuing such an order in an appeal it had already dismissed as unnecessary, unwarranted and improper.

The ruling effectively cleared the way for the Senator David Mark-led faction of the ADC, setting aside lower court directives that had sustained the status quo arrangement amid the party’s protracted internal crisis over leadership structure, including the validity of congresses and appointments made by rival groups.

The Supreme Court held that Mark’s appeal succeeded in part, though it dismissed the aspect that challenged an ex parte order made by the Federal High Court for service of processes in a suit filed by aggrieved party members. It subsequently directed all factions to return to the trial court for continuation of hearing.

The ruling has direct implications for the Independent National Electoral Commission, which had on April 1 removed Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as ADC National Chairman and Secretary respectively, citing the Court of Appeal’s judgment. INEC had at the time announced it would not recognise any of the warring factions pending resolution of the legal dispute.

On the question of jurisdiction, the Supreme Court found that Section 241(1)(f)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution, which grants parties a right of appeal in certain interlocutory decisions concerning injunctions, did not apply here. Justice Garba clarified that the trial judge had not granted or refused an injunction in the conventional sense, but had simply issued procedural directives to preserve the dispute pending hearing.

The court further held that since the grounds of appeal were not purely on points of law, the appellants were required to first obtain leave of court before filing, a condition precedent to the validity of the appeal. Failure to do so, the court noted, renders the entire appeal incompetent and deprives the court of jurisdiction to hear it.

Notwithstanding those procedural findings, the Supreme Court concluded that the preservative orders could not stand and directed that pending matters before the lower court be resolved in line with the law.

Supreme Court Restores David Mark-Led Leadership, Refers Case To FHC is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Malawi head coach Maggie Chombo has named 20 players in his final squad for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria’s Falconets.

Chombo included three goalkeepers, five defenders, eight midfielders, and four strikers in the squad.

The Young Scorchers will face Nigeria in the first leg on Saturday.

Malawi will host the reverse fixture at the Bingu National Stadium on Saturday, 9 May.

The winner of the two-legged fixtures will earn a berth at Poland 2026.

Four countries will represent Africa at the biennial competition.

U-20 WWCQ: Malawi coach names final squad for Falconets clash

The Abia State Government has announced that the newly completed mega bus terminal will operate with airport-style standards and procedures, as preparations intensify for the commencement of operations at the facility within the coming weeks.

The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, made this known on Thursday, during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with transport operators in the state, saying the government had held a series of consultations to ensure smooth relocation and commencement of operations at the terminal.

According to him, the meeting was convened to strengthen collaboration between government and transport operators while also communicating the timeline for relocation to the new facility.

Dr. Ukaegbu explained that the terminal represents one of the most significant transport infrastructure projects undertaken in the state, adding that it would serve as a centralized hub for different modes of transportation.

He said the terminal was designed to provide passengers with easy access to transportation services to different destinations from one location.

“You know, the essence of this meeting is one for us to collaborate with the transport operators. We’ve actually been having series and series of engagements with them so that they will fall in line with exactly what we’re doing,” he said.

The Commissioner noted that the government had also gathered stakeholders to specifically communicate the timeline for relocation and full operations at the facility.

Describing the project as a major milestone for Abia State, he stated that the terminal would function as a one-stop transport hub with a centralized parking system and modern facilities aimed at improving transport services across the state.

“Sighting of this gigantic project is one of the biggest things that has happened to Abia State in general. This place is going to be a one-stop transport hub where wherever you want to travel to, you just come into this place and you’ll be able to find every means or mode of transportation,” Dr. Ukaegbu added.

He further assured transport operators and commuters of fairness and quality service delivery, stressing that the government was committed to ensuring that all parties involved would benefit from the new system.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Associate Professor Obioma Nwogbe, said the engagement was the final stakeholders’ meeting aimed at harmonizing operations among formal and informal transport operators ahead of the commencement of activities at the terminal.

He disclosed that movement into the terminal and operational rollout would begin within the next one or two weeks.

“The reason for this meeting is for us to have the final stakeholders’ engagement with the transport union, the formal transport operators, the private transport operators, the informal transport operators, to harmonize and synergize on how the activities and operations of this big mega terminal will be kicked off,” he stated.

Professor Nwogbe noted that transport operators expressed satisfaction with the facility and commended Governor Alex Otti for delivering what they described as a landmark transport infrastructure project in the Southeast region.

“In fact, they are extending their greetings to His Excellency regarding this big edifice that has been prepared for them, because they say that this is one in town in the whole Southeast. There is no big place that is like this,” he said.

He added that the terminal would provide transport operators and passengers with a more comfortable and organized environment compared to the existing loading bays and parks currently in use.

The Governor’s aide also urged passengers and users of the terminal to maintain cleanliness and comply with operational guidelines that would govern activities within the facility.

According to him, the terminal has been equipped with conveniences including functional toilets, environmental sanitation systems and designated refuse disposal points to ensure a clean and safe environment.

He emphasized that the facility would be managed with strict operational standards similar to those obtainable at airports.

“This place is going to be operated just like an airport. It is not the way you have people hanging around and shouting. Everything will be done accordingly,” Nwogbe stated.

He advised passengers to make use of the information centre for inquiries and to adhere strictly to instructions relating to safety, environmental sanitation and general operations within the terminal.

Speaking with the WHISTLER, the transporters expressed satisfaction with the state policies regarding ticketing and use of the terminal.

Abia Govt Says New Bus Terminal To Operate Like Airport is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Seplat Energy Plc has announced its unaudited results for the three months ended 31 March 2026, declaring US 9.0 Cents total dividend per share for the period, which is 96 per cent higher than first quarter 2025 payout.

The energy company grew its profit after tax (PAT) to $37.9m from $23.3m Year-on-Year with cash generated hitting $243.4m.

Group production for the period averaged 129,841 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) up 9 per cent since Q4 2025 (119,200 boepd). Crude and condensate liftings benefitted from the company’s put-option hedge strategy that exposed it to a 100 per cent of price upside, resulting in strong free cash. Gross profit for the period stood at $370.5m.

The Group delivered more than 9.1 million man-hours without Lost Time Injury – 3.0 million hours onshore-operated assets and 6.1 million hours offshore.

Production during the first 26 days of April has averaged approximately 153 kboepd, bringing group average daily working interest production for the year to 26 April to approximately 135 kboepd, within FY 2026 guidance.

Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roger Brown said: “The conflict in the Middle East has dramatically changed the outlook for the oil and gas industry in 2026, and quite possibly beyond. Nigeria’s favourable geographic positioning, combined with our oil rich portfolio, which isfully exposed to higher oil prices, and our strong balance sheet, means we are well placed to deliver strong cashflows in 2026. As a result, we have increased our 1Q 2026 dividend to 9.0 cents per share (core: 5.0 cents and special: 4.0 cents).”

Geopolitical Oil Surge Lifts Seplat To 62.7% Profit Growth is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

This was disclosed on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

He noted that the nomination has been formally transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.

Mr Tegbe, an indigene of Oyo State, is a seasoned fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience across both public and private sectors. 

He previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led major initiatives in fiscal policy reform, institutional transformation, and governance.

Over the years, he has advised several government institutions and private sector organisations on strategic reforms, regulatory frameworks, and investment structuring.

He currently serves as Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), where he oversees efforts to strengthen development cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China. 

The partnership also coordinates engagements with stakeholders to advance economic and social development in alignment with Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) objectives.

Mr Tegbe’s professional background includes significant involvement in the power sector, particularly in regulatory and institutional reforms involving agencies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET).

According to Onanuga, the President expects the minister-designate, upon confirmation, to leverage his extensive expertise to drive critical reforms and improve outcomes in Nigeria’s power sector.

Famous Afrobeat stars, Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay, have finally put an end to their five years feud.

This is coming six months after Syi Shay, during an interview, announced her readiness to make peace with Tiwa.

DAILY POST recalls that the duo made their fight public in 2021 after engaging in a heated confrontation at a Lagos salon.

According to Tiwa Savage, the fight
between her and Seyi Shay stemmed from a diss track, and allegations made against her that she had tried to block opportunities for other female artistes.

However in a now trending video that surfaced online on Thursday, the singers sparked emotional reactions from netizens after they were seen hugging each other.

The incident happened at the grand finale of ‘Berklee in Nigeria Class of 2026 Graduation Concert’ in Lagos.

Watch the video 

 

Tiwa Savage finally reconciles with Seyi Shay after years of feud [VIDEO]

The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has confirmed the commencement of a nationwide strike beginning from Friday.

In a letter dated April 30, 2026 and addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the unions cited the Federal Government’s failure to conclude ongoing renegotiations and present a fresh offer on allowances.

The letter, signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the strike would begin at midnight on May 1, 2026.

“We write to acknowledge receipt of your correspondence and to equally appreciate the Honourable Minister of Education for withdrawing the contentious letter,” the union leaders said, referring to the earlier circular on a 30 per cent increase in the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance.

“Despite this, the withdrawal did not resolve the core issues in dispute.

“The consensus outcome of the consultation is that our demand vis-à-vis the slow pace of the renegotiation process has not been met.”

According to the unions, no alternative proposal had been made to replace the withdrawn allowance.

BREAKING: NASU, SSANU begin indefinite strike Friday over allowances

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook, warning that rising inflation, a growing public debt burden, and expansionary fiscal policies could undermine recent gains in economic stability, despite strong revenue contributions from the manufacturing sector.

Speaking at the Chamber’s second quarterly press conference held Thursday in Lagos, LCCI President, Engr. Leye Kupoluyi, said Nigeria’s inflation rate climbed to 15.38 per cent in March 2026, reversing an 11-month disinflation trend and intensifying cost pressures on households and businesses.

Kupoluyi noted that the uptick in inflation—up from 15.06 per cent in February, was driven by rising food prices, which stood at 14.31 per cent, transport costs at 16.9 per cent, and core inflation at 16.21 per cent.

He added that month-on-month inflation surged to 4.18 per cent, the highest since January 2025, reflecting renewed price instability linked to domestic supply constraints and global energy shocks.

The Chamber also expressed concern over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, which reached N159.28tn as of December 31, 2025, representing an increase of N24.98tn or 18.6 per cent year-on-year.

According to the LCCI, the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio has edged up to 41.5 per cent, with debt service and revenue ratios remaining at uncomfortable levels.

On fiscal policy, the Chamber pointed to the N68.32tn 2026 Appropriation Act signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the budget as ambitious but raising concerns over sustainability and fiscal discipline.

The budget exceeds the initial proposal by over N9tn and is based on an oil price benchmark of $64.85 per barrel.

However, current global oil prices, which have surged to about $115 per barrel due to geopolitical tensions, present a potential revenue windfall.

The LCCI cautioned that without prudent management, such windfalls could be misallocated, urging the government to prioritise savings, infrastructure investment, and economic diversification rather than recurrent spending.

Despite the macroeconomic concerns, the Chamber highlighted strong performance in the manufacturing sector, which contributed N1.17tn in Value Added Tax (VAT) in 2025, representing a 45.6 per cent increase from N803.53bn recorded in 2024.

Company Income Tax (CIT) from the sector also rose to N881.29bn, up 32.83 per cent from N663.46bn in the previous year.

Kupoluyi said the figures underscore the sector’s growing importance to government revenue and Nigeria’s industrial base, but stressed that manufacturers continue to grapple with high production costs driven by poor infrastructure, unreliable power supply, and policy bottlenecks.

On monetary policy, the Chamber acknowledged the Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 50 basis points to 26.5 per cent, describing it as a cautious but positive step towards easing financial conditions.

However, it noted that borrowing costs remain elevated, limiting access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The LCCI also observed improving stability in the foreign exchange market, with the naira appreciating to around N1,350.79 per dollar in the official window, supported by reforms, improved liquidity, and better price discovery.

It, however, stressed the need for sustained policy coordination, increased foreign exchange inflows, and a stronger non-oil export base to maintain stability.

Beyond macroeconomic indicators, the Chamber identified several structural challenges affecting the business environment, including weak capital budget implementation, rising telecom infrastructure vandalism, high import duties on paper and printing materials, and persistent power supply constraints.

It revealed that N7.71tn in unimplemented capital projects from the 2025 budget had been rolled over, highlighting longstanding inefficiencies in public finance management.

The Chamber warned that delays in fund releases and unpaid obligations to contractors continue to stifle economic activity and threaten jobs.

The LCCI also called for urgent reforms in the oil and gas sector to boost production and attract investment, urging regulators to adopt fully digital systems to improve transparency and efficiency.

It further emphasised the need to protect telecommunications infrastructure, describing vandalism as a growing threat to economic productivity and national security.

While commending the Federal Government’s fiscal measures, including reductions in import duties on selected goods and the launch of the National Single Window for trade facilitation, the Chamber stressed that effective implementation would be critical to achieving the desired impact on business costs and competitiveness.

On the power sector, the Chamber reiterated that unreliable electricity supply remains a major constraint on industrial growth, calling for accelerated investment in renewable energy, improved grid management, and increased private sector participation.

Kupoluyi concluded by urging the government to adopt disciplined fiscal management, strengthen policy coordination, and implement targeted reforms that will enhance productivity, support businesses, and deliver sustainable economic growth.

He reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to continuous engagement with policymakers and stakeholders to promote a more enabling environment for private sector development and national economic progress.

High Costs, Power Issues Still Choking Manufacturers – LCCI is first published on The Whistler Newspaper