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In a night that celebrated the best of Nigerian resilience and innovation, Dr Osahon Okunbo, Chairman of Wells Carlton Hotels and Apartments, emerged as a standout figure at the prestigious Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards 2025.

The young business titan was honored with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, a recognition of his transformative impact across Nigeria’s critical economic sectors, including energy, hospitality, and the creative arts.

The glitzy ceremony, held at the Eko Hotels & Suites in Lagos, brought together the crème de la crème of Nigerian society, including governors, elder statesmen, and media moguls. However, it was Okunbo’s ascent as a modern-day builder of institutions that captured the spirit of the evening.

Receiving the award was a poignant moment for Okunbo, whose late father, the legendary billionaire and philanthropist Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, had previously been honored by Vanguard as Industrialist of the Year.

“One of the greatest values my father taught me was that the best investment you can make is in people,” Osahon remarked during his acceptance.

It is a philosophy he has not just inherited but has actively expanded. By stepping out from the formidable shadow of his father’s legacy, the younger Okunbo has carved a distinct path defined by precision engineering and strategic foresight.

Dr. Okunbo’s achievements defy simple categorization. As an Electrical Engineer by training, he has brought technical excellence to the boardrooms of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and Vetrinox Capital. His work in the Niger Delta, protecting national energy corridors and curbing illegal refining is often unseen but essential to Nigeria’s economic stability.

Beyond the industrial sector, he has transformed Abuja’s hospitality landscape with the Wells Carlton Hotel and pioneered the creative space in Lagos by founding Live Lounge, the city’s first purpose-built comedy club.

Perhaps most impressive is Okunbo’s commitment to the “infrastructure of the mind.” Through The Osahon Okunbo Foundation (TOOF), he has become a major patron of the arts, supporting platforms like the +234 Art Fair and providing mentorship grants for emerging screenwriters.

The Board of Editors at Vanguard noted that the selection process for these awards is a rigorous 12-week exercise. In selecting Osahon Okunbo, they identified a leader who does not merely seek profit but seeks to build “platforms where others can rise.”

At a time when Nigeria is hungry for young leaders with integrity and vision, Osahon Okunbo stands as a beacon of hope, a young man proving that with discipline, intellectual depth, and a heart for the community, the “Nigerian Dream” is not just alive but thriving.

Osahon Okunbo Shines As Vanguard Young Entrepreneur Of The Year is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

President Donald Trump has called off a planned trip by his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who were set to travel to Islamabad for peace talks.

The White House had earlier announced that the two officials would hold direct talks aimed at reaching a lasting agreement, more than 50 days after the United States and Israel began air strikes on Iran.

But in a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said he decided to cancel the visit.

“I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going [to] Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians,” he wrote. “Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work!”

Trump cancels envoys’ Islamabad trip for Iran talks

The Benue State Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board (BEQAEB), working alongside the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), has called on private school operators across the state to present proof of payment of their annual renewal fees covering the past three years.

In a directive issued by the Director of Enforcement and Compliance Operations, Rev. Fr. Terungwa Tor, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, school proprietors were instructed to submit the required documents to their respective Local Government Area tax offices on or before April 29, 2026.

The board warned that any school yet to regularise its registration status or lacking a valid BEQAEB Certificate of Consent may face sanctions, including possible closure.

According to the statement, “The Benue State Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board (BEQAEB), in collaboration with the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), hereby announces the commencement of enforcement visits to all private schools within the state that have not complied with school establishment processes, quality assurance guidelines, and the payment of annual renewal fees to BIRS.

“All private schools are strongly advised to promptly regularize their registration status, as schools that fail to submit evidence of payment to BIRS or do not possess a BEQAEB Certificate of Consent risk closure of their premises,” the statement added.

Benue begins enforcement of renewal fee compliance for private schools

Opposition political parties in Nigeria on Saturday resolved to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections, including plans to field a single presidential candidate to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decision was part of a communiqué issued at the end of the Opposition Political Parties National Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where leaders expressed concerns over what they described as “collective threats” and “existential challenges” facing the country.

The parties accused the APC-led government of attempting to undermine Nigeria’s democracy and impose a one-party state, vowing to resist such efforts.

“That we shall resist all machinations by the APC to foist a one-party State on Nigeria and fight for the survival of multi-party democracy in our country,” the communiqué stated.

The opposition also dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu would emerge unchallenged in the 2027 election, insisting they would actively participate in the polls.

“Despite the onslaughts and manoeuvrings of the ruling party… to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole Presidential candidate in 2027; we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections,” the parties said.

The coalition agreed to work towards presenting a consensus presidential candidate.
“That we shall work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and her long suffering masses,” the communiqué added.

The summit also passed a vote of no confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, accusing him of partisanship and calling for his removal from overseeing the 2027 elections.

“Having shown bias and partisanship in favour of the ruling APC, Nigerians across the board have lost confidence in him and his capacity to guarantee the required neutrality,” the parties stated, warning that his continued stay in office could “trigger a widespread crisis.”

The opposition further called on the National Assembly to urgently amend the Electoral Act, 2026, to eliminate provisions they claim threaten the integrity of elections and contradict constitutional principles.

They also demanded the immediate release of politicians allegedly detained or harassed over bailable offences, stressing the need to uphold fundamental rights and political inclusivity.

On electoral timelines, the parties criticised recent guidelines issued by INEC, describing them as restrictive and targeted at weakening the opposition. They called for an extension of the deadline for party primaries to the end of July 2026.

“We consider the recent guidelines released by INEC as obstacles, deliberately engineered to impose conditions and deadlines on the opposition parties,” the communiqué read.

The summit commended Nigerians for their resilience and urged continued support for efforts to “free the nation from State capture.”

It also expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the people of the state for hosting what it described as an “epochal event.”

The communique was jointly signed the chairmen of all the opposition parties at the summit.

Among those that attended the summit were Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal among many others.

Opposition Parties Plan Single Candidate For 2027, Reject INEC Chairman is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has sparked controversy after warning women against accepting and wearing government-branded wrappers reportedly set for distribution in Kano State.

In a video circulating on social media, Kwankwaso alleged that the planned distribution of wrappers bearing the image of the state governor (Abba Kabir Yusuf) could have negative consequences for women’s marriages and wellbeing.

He claimed, based on what he described as personal research combining his background in water engineering and astrology, that women who wear the wrappers risk facing instability in their homes.

“I will be surprised to see any woman wear such wrappers,” he said, adding that the initiative could lead to widespread marital problems if not reconsidered.

Kwankwaso, who spoke in Hausa, also questioned the timing of the proposed distribution, arguing that government efforts should instead focus on addressing poverty and improving the welfare of citizens rather than sharing clothing items.

“All these knowledge came due to my expertise in water engineering and being an astrologer.”

He further called the attention of the Commander of Kano Hisbah, Aminu Daurawa, urging authorities to intervene over what he described as a potential social issue.

The remarks have generated mixed reactions online, with some supporters echoing his concerns about priorities in governance, while others dismissed the claims as unfounded and lacking scientific basis.

In a post shared by Cmrd Bashir Gaida, on his Facebook page challenged Kwankwaso’s alleged claims of foresight, referencing his predictions on marriage breakdowns and environmental changes, while also drawing political comparisons involving figures such as Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and internal party movements including the All Progressives Congress and the African Democratic Congress.

The post argues that if such predictive abilities were accurate, they would have reflected in the politician’s own political trajectory and alliances.

It also questioned the scientific basis of claims relating to “water and astronomy knowledge,” asking for clearer explanations of their practical benefits.

Kabir Aliyu also reacted that “this is unislamical and studying astrology or being an astrologer is a great sin.”

Mattwallen Bebeji said that “Kwankwaso has shown capabilities in damaging the political culture of Kano State and some parts of Northern Nigeria.”

The remarks have continued to generate debate, reflecting broader public skepticism about political rhetoric that appears to mix science, prophecy, and governance narratives.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Government had not issued an official response to the claims.

Kwankwaso’s Warning To Kano Women Raises Eyebrows is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian Navy said it has arrested and handed over a suspected fraudulent shipping agent, Mr Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department, CID, in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution.

It said the arrest followed a directive from Naval Headquarters after a complaint received through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleging that a sum of four hundred thousand naira was paid to Nigerian Navy personnel to provide security for Motor Vessel CHIMBA Express, a Cameroonian-registered vessel operating within the Calabar Channel.

A statement signed by Captain Folorunsho, Director, Naval Information, said that the allegation was linked to an incident on 22 December 2025 when personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, NNS OSE and Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA responded to a distress call involving a fire outbreak onboard the vessel.

It said that the swift and coordinated response of the Nigerian Navy led to the successful rescue of the vessel and its crew.

It said that subsequently, claims emerged suggesting that naval personnel received payment for security services and abandoned the vessel without refund.

However, the Navy said a comprehensive investigation by the Nigerian Navy established that its personnel neither solicited nor received any payment, nor entered into any form of security arrangement with the vessel’s owners.

“Investigations further revealed that Mr Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, an agent with PINAPAT Shipping Agency in Calabar, fraudulently collected the sum under false pretence, claiming it was meant for Nigerian Navy personnel involved in the rescue operation,” the statement added.

The Nigerian Navy reiterated its unwavering commitment to professionalism, integrity and accountability, and will continue to take decisive action against any individual or group attempting to tarnish its image or exploit its operations for personal gain.

It said the suspect has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further necessary action.

Navy arrests fraudulent shipping agent, clears personnel of misconduct

Sam Pharmaceutical Limited has opened a new manufacturing facility in southwestern Nigeria, expanding local drug production capacity as the country pushes to reduce reliance on imported medicines.

The plant, located in Ota, Ogun State, meets World Health Organisation (WHO) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and was financed with support from First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and the Bank of Industry (BoI).

The facility has the capacity to produce more than 400 million tablets, 50 million capsules, two million bottles of syrup, and one million pouches each month, according to the company.

Nigeria has been seeking to boost domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing following supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic that exposed vulnerabilities in its import-dependent supply chain.

Minister of State for Health, Adekunle Salako, said at the commissioning on April 8 that the project aligns with the government’s drive to expand local pharmaceutical production and reduce reliance on imports.

Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele said the factory would support job creation and economic activity in the state, while improving access to essential medicines.

Director General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, described the facility as a reflection of growing compliance with global standards in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, First City Monument Bank, Yemisi Edun, said the bank supported the project through a ₦3 billion term loan in partnership with the Bank of Industry, alongside more than ₦3.2 billion in working capital.

She said the financing reflects the bank’s focus on supporting local manufacturing and strengthening critical sectors of the economy.

Sam Pharmaceuticals Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Amit Bhojwani said the new plant would scale production and position the company more strongly in Nigeria’s branded generics market.

Founded in 1971, Sam Pharmaceutical Limited produces more than 120 NAFDAC-approved medicines and operates in Ilorin, Kwara State, and Ogun State.

Sam Pharmaceuticals opens WHO-Standard factory in Nigeria with FCMB, BoI support

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has declared that the state remains aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing ongoing political support for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The governor gave the speech during a state unity rally organised by the APC at the Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, which drew party supporters from across the 21 local government areas of the state.

Idris said the turnout at the rally reflected continued backing for the party, noting that Kebbi remained committed to the APC’s political direction as preparations for the next election cycle gather momentum.

He also referenced federal-backed projects in the state as part of the basis for the administration’s alignment with the President.

The rally featured the presence of key party stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly and former governors, among them Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Usman Nasamu Dakingari.

Speaking earlier, the state APC Chairman, Kana Zuru, and the state women leader, Aishatu Abubakar Gunabi, said the party remained united in the state and called on political office holders to meet public expectations.

Also speaking, the APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Mohammed Argungu, expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in Kebbi, citing what he described as strong grassroots mobilisation.

The rally comes amid early political positioning by parties and stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

2027: ‘Kebbi stands solidly behind Tinubu’s re-election‘ — Gov Idris

As the 2027 general elections draws closer, political groups in Ogun State have begun early mobilization of residents, warning that voter apathy remains the biggest threat to electoral victory.

They lamented the poor turnout in previous elections, revealing that only about 11 percent of registered voters in Ogun participated in the last polls.

Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, the chairman of the Abeokuta North local government and the state coordinator of the Tinubu Support Organization (TSO), spoke on Saturday during a meeting held with about six support groups and coordinators from the state’s 20 local government areas in an effort to revitalize the grassroots structure.

He decried that the voters apathy in the state is almost 90 percent, urging all residents to get their PVC and vote for President Bola Tinubu’s second term, the party’s consensus candidates, Senator Solomon Adeola for governor, and Governor Dapo Abiodun for Ogun East Senatorial district.

According to him, the group’s focus is not just campaigning but improving actual voter turnout through polling unit ambassadors who will track registration data and past results and improve performance in upcoming elections.

“During the last election, the total votes for the president in Ogun was less than 400,000. In 2023 gubernatorial election, the difference between APC and PDP was less than 14,000 votes. Yet today, registered APC members alone are almost 500,000. We are more than ready, but people must come out,” he said.

“Our goal is clear to mobilise and deliver not less than one million votes for our presidential and governorship candidates. Elections are not won on social media; they are won at the polling unit level by people on the ground.

“Everyone you see here is a committed supporter—not a rented crowd. They all possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and they have worked tirelessly before. They are ready to do so again, and this time, we aim to make an even greater impact.”

Breaking down the numbers, Oyegbola-Sodipo said, “Ogun has 236 wards, we need just 2,000 votes per ward to win convincingly. If we do that by 1pm on election day, the ruling party would have won” he stated, charging stakeholders to canvass, advocate, and convince residents to join APC.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Youth to the Ogun State Governor, Olamide Lawal, said the gathering reflected the collective resolve of members across the state to support the APC and its candidates.

Lawal emphasised the importance of youth participation in the electoral process, calling for greater inclusion in governance.

“We are determined to mobilize massive support for the party. Every vote counts, and we are putting structures in place to meet and exceed our targets. We also believe that the efforts of young people must be recognised to encourage more participation,” he stated.

Ogun: Elections are won at polling units not social media – Group warns

Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Salau Aliu Olayiwola, popularly known as Testimony Jaga, has criticised former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, over his recent remarks on the concept of prosperity gospel.

Osinbajo had recently sparked debate after criticising what he described as the prosperity gospel, prompting mixed reactions within religious and public circles.

Jaga, reacting in a video circulating online, argued that the notion of “prosperity gospel” is misleading, insisting that there is only one gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“I saw a video where you were condemning the prosperity gospel. With due respect, there is no such thing as a prosperity gospel. There is only one gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said.

The singer also challenged Osinbajo’s moral authority to criticise the Church, questioning his record while serving in government.

“If anyone wants to correct the body of Christ, it should not be someone like you. Show Nigerians what you did while you were vice president,” he stated.

Jaga further raised concerns about the socio-economic realities in the country, arguing that poverty remains a major issue that cannot be ignored in religious teachings.

“Do you understand what poverty does to people? As a politician, what have you done to address it?” he asked.

He maintained that the core message of the gospel should bring hope and transformation, rather than condemnation.

“The gospel is good news. If people are struggling, they should hear a message of upliftment, not condemnation,” he said.

The gospel artiste also questioned Osinbajo’s influence as a pastor during his time in office, urging him to demonstrate tangible impact both in governance and ministry.

“Show us the people whose lives you transformed. Show evidence of support for the poor or meaningful development, even in your own community,” he added.

While acknowledging the existence of abuse within religious circles, Jaga stressed that such excesses should not undermine the broader message of the Christian faith.

“There are fake pastors, yes, but the gospel itself remains a message of hope and transformation,” he noted.

“If you truly believe in what you are saying, then lead by example. Give back, support the poor, and demonstrate the values you preach,” Jaga said.

Singer Testimony Jaga faults Osinbajo over comments on ‘prosperity gospel’