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The Osun State Commissioner for Health, Jola Akinola, has stressed the importance of accurate and timely data in driving effective health policies and improving service delivery.

Akinola made this known during the opening of a three-day capacity-building workshop for Directors and Deputy Directors of local government health authorities in the state.

The workshop, which is being held at Western Sun Hotel, Ede, is part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen leadership, administrative capacity, and data management skills among primary health care managers.

The workshop, DAILY POST gathered, is centred on improving the leadership and management skills of local government health authorities in Osun State.

The Health Commissioner urged participants to actively engage in the sessions, ask relevant questions, and share practical experiences that would enhance their performance.

“Knowledge gained from the training should be effectively applied in your respective local government areas to improve primary health care services.

“Primary health care remains the foundation of the health system, and strengthening it would reduce the burden on secondary and tertiary health facilities,” he emphasised.

Akinola highlighted the need for continuous capacity building, describing it as vital for sustainable development in the health sector beyond political cycles.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to investing in health infrastructure, workforce development, and system-strengthening initiatives aimed at improving healthcare outcomes and boosting public confidence.

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Shina Igbalaye, disclosed that the programme brought together key stakeholders, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Health Care, Dr. Michael Oyerinde; Chairman, Primary Health Care Development Board, Tajudeen Adisa; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle; and health directors and trainees from across the state.

He explained that the training is designed to “improve efficiency, optimise resource use, and strengthen service delivery within the primary health care system.”

Igbalaye added that participants were expected to “cascade the knowledge acquired to their subordinates and ensure effective implementation at all levels.”

He also encouraged attendees to adopt innovative approaches and maintain accountability in their duties.

Accurate, timely data important in effective health care — Osun Health Commissioner

Former National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sadiq Abubakar, has resigned from the party over what he described as a lack of internal democracy within its ranks.

Abubakar announced his resignation on Wednesday in Bauchi while speaking with journalists, saying the APC no longer reflects the values of fairness and inclusiveness required for credible political participation.

He alleged that the party’s primary election process is heavily skewed and dominated by incumbency power, leaving little room for transparency or equal opportunity.

“The system is not just or fair. The primaries are influenced, and consensus is imposed. I do not see any change in the coming exercises,” he said.

The former youth leader added that worsening economic conditions under the current administration also influenced his decision, noting that many Nigerian families are struggling to meet basic needs.

According to him, his resignation followed wide consultations with family, allies, and political stakeholders, as well as a personal review of recent developments within the party.

Abubakar said he was seeking a new political platform that offers a clearer vision and prioritises the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

He, however, did not disclose his next political destination but assured that it would be made public soon.

Ex-APC Youth Leader Abubakar resigns over lack of internal democracy

The member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Anthony Abiola, has declared that the administration of Dr. Alex Otti is not based on political party affiliation but on the capacity and vision of those in leadership.

Speaking during an interview with THE WHISTLER, the lawmaker pushed back against the common perception that performance is tied to party platforms such as the Labour Party, APC, or PDP, insisting instead that leadership quality is the real determinant of success.

“Performance is not tied to the party, rather, Performance is tied to the pilot and the vision of those in leadership,” Abiola said.

Emphasizing that any competent leader would deliver results regardless of political alignment.

He argued that Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, would still have recorded the same level of performance even if he had emerged under a different party.

“If Dr. Alex Otti is not a member of the Labour Party, he would have been the same Dr. Alex Otti. The question is, who is the man calling the shots?” he stated.

Abiola noted that political parties are not inherently designed for failure, but rather serve as platforms through which individuals pursue their vision.

“There is no party in Nigeria whose mandate is to fail. The real question is: after the promises, do you have the capacity to deliver?” he added.

The lawmaker further commended Governor Otti for exceeding expectations, describing him as a leader who promised little but delivered significantly.

“He didn’t promise much during campaigns, but today he is delivering more than he promised. That is how you know a man with vision,” he said.

On internal disagreements within the Labour Party, particularly following the Supreme Court’s recognition of Nenadi Usman as a leader, Abiola dismissed concerns about division, maintaining that the party remains united.

“As of today, Labour Party is one. People may feel displeased, but that does not change the legality of leadership. We are under the leadership of Nenadi Usman,” he affirmed.

Addressing claims that Governor Otti’s electoral victory in 2023 was largely driven by the influence of Peter Obi, Abiola described both leaders as complementary forces.

“Obi was an iron, Otti was an iron. Iron sharpens iron. Today, Otti is also a wave in Abia State,” he said, asserting that the governor has built his own political strength independent of external influence.

Highlighting his legislative and constituency efforts, Abiola explained that his primary responsibilities include lawmaking, oversight, and representation, rather than direct project execution.

However, he noted that through collaboration with the executive arm, significant infrastructural development has been achieved.

“You can see that Umuahia is now looking like a capital city. Roads that never existed before are now constructed with proper drainage systems,” he said, pointing to ongoing transformation across the constituency.

On human capital development, the lawmaker detailed his approach to empowerment, which focuses on sustainability rather than token gestures.

“I don’t just pay for JAMB forms. I pick individuals, train them, pay their school fees, accommodation, fully funded. That is real impact,” he explained.

He disclosed that several students are currently benefiting from full scholarships, including medical students, while others receive educational support.

In addition, he said hundreds of youths have been trained in vocational skills ranging from computer studies to hairdressing and furniture making.

“I trained about three to four hundred youths. Some have graduated, some are still learning. The idea is not just to train but to also empower them to start what they have learnt,” he noted.

Abiola also highlighted legislative contributions, including sponsorship of key bills such as an education reform bill, gaming and lottery regulation, and traffic management legislation.

Reflecting on his political journey, the lawmaker stressed that his motivation goes beyond holding office.

“Honourable is not just a title. It is your character, your behaviour, your antecedents. We came into politics to make impact and change the narrative,” he said.

Expressing confidence in his chances of re-election, Abiola maintained that his record would speak for itself.

“We have shown value for the mandate given to us. I believe the people will respond as reasonable people,” he concluded.

Performance Not Tied To Party, Says Abia Lawmaker is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has dissociated itself from the power outage affecting parts of Kogi State.
It also rejected claims by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) that the disruption originated from its network.
TCN in a statement issued by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, on Wednesday in Abuja, stated that all feeders at the Lokoja Transmission Substation are fully operational, with no recorded faults, outages, or maintenance activities in the area.
It added that bulk power is being transmitted to AEDC at the required capacity for distribution to consumers.
TCN criticised what it described as inaccurate attribution of faults, warning that unverified claims could erode public confidence in the power sector.
It urged industry players to exercise due diligence and uphold transparency in communicating service disruptions.
TCN stated that it would continue to work with stakeholders to improve the nationwide electricity supply.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to formally refute another public notice issued by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) on 5th May, 2026, in which AEDC attributed the power outage affecting Zango, Shetima, Apansede, Phase I, Phase II, Crown Estate, and surrounding communities in Kogi State to a technical fault on TCN’s network.
“TCN states unequivocally that all feeders at the Lokoja Transmission Substation serving the aforementioned areas are fully operational.

“As of the time of this statement, there is no outage, fault, or scheduled maintenance activity on any TCN transmission infrastructure within the Lokoja axis.
“The Company’s network in the region remains stable, and bulk power is being transmitted to AEDC at the required capacity for onward distribution to end consumers.
“TCN therefore dissociates itself entirely from the fault referenced in AEDC’s notice and rejects any suggestion that its infrastructure is responsible for the disruption being experienced by electricity consumers in the affected communities”, the statement reads in part.

TCN Rejects Blame For Kogi Power Outage, Faults AEDC Claim is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday told contractors handling key infrastructure projects across Abuja to meet agreed deadlines as the administration prepares for a commissioning programme to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Wike spoke during an inspection tour of ongoing projects, including the Jahi–Gwarimpa Interchange, Airport Road to Kuje corridor, Kuje to Gwagwalada road, the City Gate project, and the Wuse/Central Area link roads.

At the Jahi Interchange handled by CBC Global, the minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and optimism about near completion.

Wike said: “We are very hopeful… in the next two weeks we are sure that we will reach over 95 per cent.

“The quality of the job is very, very good, and I believe we are going to meet up with the timing.”

However, he cautioned that while quality was not in doubt, timely delivery of some components, especially the bridge section, remained a concern.

“No doubt about the quality of job, but I’m still doubtful about the completion on time. They have given us their promise. I hope they will keep it up,” he added.

On the Airport Road to Kuje Junction project being executed by Arab Contractors, Wike expressed confidence that it could be completed within weeks.

“Very good quality job… we are hopeful that by the end of this month, we may be wrapping up with that job,” he said.

He also commended the progress on the Kuje to Gwagwalada road, noting that work was moving steadily and within expected timelines.

“The work is going quite well. We also believe they will be on time,” the minister stated.

Wike was particularly upbeat about the City Gate project being handled by Julius Berger, describing it as a landmark development that would redefine Abuja’s entry point.

“Very good, beautiful work. In the next one month, anyone coming to Abuja will see a different landscape. If Abuja residents require the best, then we are going to provide the best,” he said.

The minister, however, stressed that all contractors must align with government timelines for project inauguration ahead of the third anniversary celebrations.

“These are projects scheduled to be inaugurated in the third anniversary of this administration. I’m pleading with the company to keep to timing,” Wike warned.

On the Wuse/Central Area link roads, Wike said the quality of work remained commendable but reiterated concerns over speed of delivery.

“I’ve seen the work going on. Quality is not in doubt, but I’m still doubtful about completion on time,” he said.

Wike disclosed that several major projects would be commissioned within the anniversary period, including water treatment plants in Bwari and Ushafa, roads in Katampe, Gishiri and Gaduwa, the CLC project, sections of the Kuje–Gwagwalada corridor, Bazango and Kaura roads, as well as the relocation and development of the Apo mechanics site.

Wike also revealed that the City Gate project would include permanent security installations, 24-hour surveillance and AI-enabled monitoring systems.

“We are going to provide security in that place -security cameras, AI, everything will be there,” he said.

The minister assured that the FCT Administration would continue to work with contractors to ensure timely delivery of all projects, noting that Abuja’s transformation agenda must be fully realised through strict adherence to schedules.

“So by and large, we are very happy with the level of commitment by various companies. We will also do our part to fulfill our obligation,” he added.

FCT: Ongoing projects must be ready for Tinubu’s 3rd anniversary – Wike to contractors

Ola Aina remains doubtful for Nottingham Forest’s trip to Aston Villa, according to head coach, Vítor Pereira, DAILY POST reports.

Aina was stretchered off the pitch in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final tie last week.

Pereira expressed confidence after the game that the full-back will shake off the injury before the reverse fixture.

The Portuguese however failed to offer any assurance the Nigeria international will be available for Thursday’s encounter during his interaction with the media on Wednesday.

“We have a lot of doubts with players but we cannot have doubts around the spirit and what we want and our belief,” Pereira was quoted by the club’s official website.

Nottingham Forest will look to protect their 1-0 lead from the first leg.

Europa League: Aina doubtful for Forest’s clash with Aston Villa

A Kano State High Court has dismissed a legal challenge by the defence team of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje against the authority of the prosecution to litigate a case in which he and three others face a 10-count criminal charge over the alleged fraudulent transfer of the state’s stake in Dala Inland Dry Port.

Justice Yusuf Ubale of State High Court No. 2, sitting at the Audu Bako Secretariat Complex, on Tuesday upheld the validity of the fiat—a formal legal authorisation—that empowers the Kano State Government’s prosecution team to appear in the matter. The ruling rejected arguments by Mr Ganduje’s counsel, Aminu Gadanya (SAN), who had contended that the fiat presented by the prosecution was issued for a different case entirely and that all prior proceedings should therefore be set aside.

Prosecuting counsel Muhuyi Magaji, responding to the ruling, described the fiat challenge as unnecessary, arguing that such administrative questions fall squarely within the exclusive authority of the attorney-general, and that the court had now confirmed the prosecution team was properly constituted.

Despite the favourable ruling for the prosecution, proceedings could not continue immediately. The defence indicated it was not ready to argue several outstanding applications still pending before the court.

Muhammad Abdallah, counsel to defendant Abubakar Bawuro, confirmed that the defence sought an adjournment on grounds of unreadiness. Justice Ubale granted the adjournment but warned all parties against further delays, fixing 24 June as the next hearing date for all outstanding applications.

Mr Ganduje is standing trial alongside his aide, Abubakar Bawuro; his lawyer, Adamu Aliyu-Sanda; and the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello.

The prosecution alleges the four conspired to fraudulently transfer 80 per cent of Dala Inland Dry Port’s shares—including the state’s 20 per cent equity—to a private entity registered as “City Green Enterprise,” while also diverting over N4.49 billion in state funds to execute infrastructure projects at the port, including a dual carriageway, electricity installations, and perimeter fencing, for their personal benefit.

The charges include criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, conflict of interest, and abuse of office.

However, on 5 March 2020, during an Annual General Meeting at the port’s Zaria Road office in Kano, Mr Ganduje’s three children—Abdulaziz Abdullahi Umar, Umar Abdullahi Umar, and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar—were appointed as directors and allotted five million shares each, representing 20 per cent of the company’s 25 million total shares.

Mr Bawuro and the port’s founder, Ahmad Rabiu, were similarly allotted 20 per cent each, creating a five-way equal ownership structure that effectively erased the Kano State Government’s equity in the company.

The state government maintains that due process was not followed in the divestment and that Mr Ganduje exploited his office to undermine the state’s interests.

Kano Court Clears Prosecution Team To Proceed In Ganduje Trial is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has accused its secretary general, Mallam Murtala Aliyu, of undermining the forum.

Bashir M. Dalhatu, chairman of the ACF BoT in a statement said: “Recently, the Board of Trustees, in line with its duty of ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Forum’s Constitution – ACF Const. Sec. 24 – including respect for term limits and smooth leadership succession, took a number of steps which did not seem to have pleased some people, especially Mallam Murtala Aliyu, the Secretary General.

“As a result, he has devoted a great deal of time and energy to pull down the entire ACF edifice.”

The statement explained that the ACF Constitution provides for a six-year single tenure for leaders of the BOT, while National Executive Council leaders are limited to three years, plus a possible renewal of three years only.

On that basis, Dalhatu stated that earlier this year, the attention of the BOT was drawn to possible breaches of the ACF Constitution through a petition by ‘Concerned Members’—a group that includes Mr Anthony N.Z. Sani, the immediate past Secretary General—who believed that the continued stay in office of certain officials beyond a certain date might violate the Constitution of the ACF.

He said the matter was subsequently discussed at the BOT meeting held on April 23, 2026. After deliberations and hearing from those concerned, the BOT resolved that the tenure of certain officials who assumed office in March 2020 would have expired by March 10, 2026, having exhausted the maximum six years allowed.

The officials, according to the statement, include Senator F. Orti (Benue), Deputy Chair, BOT; Ambassador Ibrahim Mai Sule (Yobe), Vice Chair, BOT; Senator Ibrahim Ida, Wazirin Katsina, Deputy Chair, NEC; and Mallam Murtala Aliyu (Muttawallen Gombe), Secretary General.

The chairman of the BOT explained that these positions, therefore, became vacant from March 10, 2026, adding that Murtala Aliyu was, at his request, allowed to prepare his handover notes and conclude departure formalities not later than Friday, May 15, 2026.

According to the statement, “In a baffling twist of events, Murtala Aliyu, who, contrary to the ACF Constitution, is in his seventh year as Secretary General, declared his rejection of all these terms of settlement. He is, interestingly, the only person among the four officials whose tenure ended, refusing to step down.”

In pursuit of a more peaceful resolution, the statement noted that several high-level meetings were held, including one convened by some elders, led by General Haliru Akilu (retd) and hosted by Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed on April 21, 2026.

Rather than cooperating in good faith, the statement said Murtala Aliyu went on to summon an ‘Emergency Meeting’ of the National Executive Committee scheduled for May 6, 2026, in an attempt, allegedly, to reverse the decision requiring him to step down.

“He is using ridiculous logic by claiming that the letter re-appointing him in 2023 said he could stay in office until December, 2026,” the statement said.

It further added: “The above narrative summarises 100 per cent of the events which the media are now describing as ‘leadership split or power crisis’ in the ACF. Nothing of the sort exists. If indeed there is any crisis, it revolves around one person who appears utterly desperate to remain in charge of affairs in the ACF, come rain, sunshine or high waters.”

Dalhatu urged the public to view “all the negative propaganda being spread for what they truly are: mischievous falsehood designed to instigate mistrust, acrimony and the collapse of the ACF”.

“There has, for instance, been no financial infractions committed whatsoever at the level of the BOT. Every single kobo collected as donations into the ACF Endowment Fund, has been deposited safely in the bank; far away from the reach of the Secretariat, the NEC, and, for that matter, the BOT,” the statement explained.

He added that the ACF Endowment Fund Advisory Committee, led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, Wakilin Adamawa, and the Management Committee under the leadership of retired Inspector General of Police, Alhaji MD Abubakar, alongside other men and women of “unimpeachable character and experience”, had been appointed to implement the endowment programme of the ACF.

The statement further explained: “Among the key items on the Terms of Reference for the committees is the duty to publish regular reports of their activities in order both to demonstrate full transparency and accountability. That is the whole truth.”

ACF accuses Secretary General of undermining Forum over tenure dispute

Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria is working again, stressing that the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration are now yielding positive returns for the country.

Shettima stated this at the Nasarawa Economic Summit 2026, where he said the bold economic reforms of Tinubu have resulted in improved investors’ trust in the country’s economy.

The Vice President highlighted some of the reforms implemented by the current administration, including the removal of the fuel subsidy.

According to him, the decision to stop petrol subsidy payments was not part of Tinubu’s official speech but an on-the-spot decision as he delivered his address following his swearing-in in 2023.

“Some of the economic decisions that the presidency took were almost inevitable because even our national reserves were paltry and not even enough to import fuel for one month.

“But he never ran to town with the story of bankruptcy, as he knew the effect of such on the economy.

“He took the bold decision. The removal of the fuel subsidy was not part of his official speech. He kept it close to his heart. Either he took it there, or he might never take it again.

“And now, our gross external reserves, which were above $46 billion in 2025, have been recovering,” he said.

Nigeria on right track – Shettima

Ted Turner, the media entrepreneur who founded CNN, the world’s first 24-hour cable news network, has died at the age of 87, Turner Enterprises said on Wednesday.

Turner died at his home near Tallahassee, Florida, after living with Lewy body dementia, which he disclosed publicly in 2018.

Born Robert Edward Turner III on November 19, 1938, he took over his father’s billboard advertising business in 1963 following his father’s death. He later expanded into broadcasting, building a media empire that included WTBS, TNT, and Cartoon Network.

In 1980, Turner launched CNN, introducing continuous television news coverage at a time when 24-hour broadcasting was widely seen as commercially unviable. The network went on to become a major global news outlet.

Turner also owned the Atlanta Braves baseball team, which won the World Series in 1995, and was involved in several media and entertainment ventures, including the creation of the animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers.

He was known for his philanthropic work, including a $1bn donation to the United Nations and support for environmental conservation efforts through land preservation initiatives.

Turner was married three times, including to actress Jane Fonda from 1991 to 2001, and had five children.

Tributes from across the media and business sectors described him as a major figure in modern broadcasting whose work reshaped global news coverage.

CNN Founder Ted Turner Dies At 87​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper