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The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, has said that respecting contractual agreements between parties is fundamental to building investor confidence in Nigeria.

The Director General of the Commission, Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, assuring stakeholders that their investments are protected within a stable and predictable regulatory environment.

This is as the government agency hailed the resolution of the long-standing public-private partnership concession dispute involving the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos.

He said such commitment sends a strong signal to both local and international investors that Nigeria remains a reliable and credible investment destination.

He further described the president’s intervention as a masterstroke, particularly as it successfully resolved a long-standing impasse across multiple administrations.

Ewalefoh further noted the Presidency’s commitment to the rule of law in the resolution of the impasse, which followed a coordinated process involving the grantor, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the concessionaire—Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited—and the ICRC, whose concurrence was obtained on the agreed framework in line with established PPP guidelines.

He stated that “with the removal of restrictive provisions and the restoration of clarity within the concession framework, Nigeria can now fully explore the development of new aviation infrastructure within Lagos State, including projects such as the proposed Lekki Airport, as well as complementary commercial and support facilities around existing terminals.”

He emphasized that the development reinforces investor confidence in a predictable regulatory environment, adding that “when investors see that a dispute of this magnitude can be resolved through a balanced and forward-looking approach, it sends a powerful message about policy stability, regulatory certainty, and respect for agreements. These are the foundations upon which successful PPPs are built”.

He also pointed out that the outcome delivers tangible benefits to the economy and the public, including improved infrastructure utilization, enhanced operational efficiency, and the potential for increased revenue generation, noting that “this resolution is in the interest of the government, the concessionaire, the investing community, and ultimately the Nigerian people who rely on efficient and modern infrastructure”.

Ewalefoh reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that all PPP arrangements are implemented in line with established guidelines, with strong emphasis on value for money, transparency, and public interest.

“The ICRC will continue to provide the regulatory guidance required to sustain this momentum, ensuring that future concessions are better structured, better managed, and better aligned with national development priorities.”

Recall that the MMA2 dispute arose from a disagreement between the Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited over the implementation of the PPP agreement, particularly clauses on exclusivity and the development of competing or complementary infrastructure within the same airport corridor.

MMA2 dispute: Respect for contractual agreements will boost investment in Nigeria — ICRC

Nollywood actress, Peggy Ovire, has reacted to her estranged husband, actor Frederick Leonard’s statement about being happier than ever before.

It all started on Friday when Frederick, in a birthday post on Instagram, said he recently discovered that every page of his life often comes with testimony.

The actor said, “I’m happier now than ever.”

His post which garnered more than 63,000 reactions on Instagram, also reignited controversy about the status of his marriage with Peggy, who has been severally reported to be violent.

Sharing a new picture of herself on Saturday, Peggy in an Instagram post, revealed that she chose herself over anyone else.

Peggy wrote, “God did it. I choose me!”

Also in response to one of her fans comment on the post, she said, “God restored my peace, my life. My brother God did it.”

DAILY POST reports that the celebration is the actor’s first birthday after separation from Peggy Ovire, his estranged wife,

Peggy had earlier in January removed his name from her social media page.

Peggy Ovire reacts after Frederick Leonard claims he’s ‘happier than ever before’

Iran has submitted a 14-point response to a U.S. proposal to end the conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency and state-owned Press TV.

Key points of the plan include a demand to resolve all issues and end the war within 30 days, instead of observing a two-month ceasefire as the U.S. had proposed.

Other demands include guarantees against future military aggression, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iran’s periphery, an end to the naval blockade, the release of frozen Iranian assets, payment of reparations, the lifting of sanctions, an end to fighting in Lebanon, and a new mechanism governing the Strait of Hormuz.

A senior Iranian official said the proposal would open shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and end the U.S. blockade of Iran, while leaving talks on Iran’s nuclear program for a later stage, a move Tehran described as a significant shift aimed at facilitating an agreement.

Trump said he had been told about the concept of the deal and was waiting for the exact wording, but added he “can’t imagine that it would be acceptable,” while warning strikes could resume if Iran “misbehaves.”

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps separately announced a 30-day deadline for the U.S. military to end its blockade of ports, warning that Trump “must choose between an impossible military operation or a bad deal.”

The war has caused the biggest disruption ever to global energy supplies, roiled global markets, and raised worries about a wider global economic downturn.

Iran has been blocking nearly all shipping from the Gulf apart from its own for more than two months, while last month the U.S. imposed its own blockade of ships from Iranian ports.

Iran’s parliament is also poised to approve a law placing restrictions on which vessels are allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Under the proposed measure, Israeli vessels would never be allowed through, while ships from “hostile countries” would be required to pay war reparations to obtain a transit permit.

Diplomatic efforts continue through Pakistani mediators as both sides maintain military readiness in the region.

Iran Submits 30-Day Proposal To End War With U.S. is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri has urged northerners to reconsider placing their political hopes on Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general Election, arguing that the former Anambra State governor’s history of party defections raises questions about his consistency.

Omokri spoke in a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday.

His comment follows Peter Obi’s resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Sunday. Obi had while explaining his resignation noted that the same Nigerian state and its agents, who created what he described as unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party which forced his exit, now appear to be finding their way into the ADC.

Reacting, Omokri alleged that parties Obi joined were relatively stable before his arrival but later became troubled by internal disputes.

“Every party Peter Obi has been in has been relatively crisis-free until Peter joined that party. And as soon as he comes in, peace goes out of that party and strife sets in,” Omokri wrote.

He added: “Once can be a mistake. Twice may be a coincidence. But after the third time, and then the fourth, it becomes a pattern. The parties are not the problem. Peter is the issue.”

According to Omokri, Obi’s repeated movement across political platforms should make northern voters cautious about trusting his political promises.

“Peter Obi has made four very public promises not to leave the four political parties that gave him four platforms to rise to power and prominence. And each time, Mr Obi has broken such promises, providing one flimsy reason after another,” he said.

Omokri further claimed that Obi may be preparing to leave yet another platform.

“In fact, he is gearing up to exit his fourth political party and enter his fifth,” he stated.

Questioning Obi’s promise of a single-term presidency, Omokri asked: “What gives the North any confidence that a serial promise breaker will keep his promise to them to do just one term?

“In carrying out a SWOT analysis of Northern Nigeria, Arewa will realise that out-of-school children, which are leading to a rise in insecurity, are its greatest challenge, while agriculture is its biggest strength.”

Omokri also questioned Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State.

“As such, it is prudent to ask if a man who, as Governor, did not build a single nursery, primary, or secondary school and university, and also did not develop even one small communal garden, talks more of mechanised agriculture, is in a position to add value to Northern Nigeria,” he said.

Throwing his support behind Tinubu, Omokri argued that the North would be better served backing the President in 2027.

“It makes no sense for Northern Nigeria to cast its lot with Peter Obi on the strength of a one-term promise when Arewa has the choice of a performing President Bola Tinubu, who, by law, can only serve one more term.

“Therefore, if Nigeria’s unity is important to you, the only option for 2027 is Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Defection: Every party Peter Obi joins goes into crisis, he’s the problem – Reno Omokri

Prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Federal Capital Territory, including former Senator Philip Aduda, House of Representatives aspirant for the AMAC/Bwari Seat, Sarah Ivie Adidi, and other chieftains, gathered in Abuja on Saturday for the wedding ceremony of the first son of the FCT chairman of the party, Alhaji Tanko Ishaku Yamawo.

The wedding ceremony, which featured a vibrant display of culture and music, created an atmosphere of unity and solidarity among the FCT APC faithful.

Sarah, in her remarks at the occasion, congratulated the FCT APC chairman and his family on the joyous event. She offered prayers for a happy and enduring union for the couple.

The aspirant equally urged the couple to build their home on the foundations of love, patience, understanding, and mutual respect.

She also used the occasion to network with Senator Aduda and other stakeholders regarding her political ambition to run for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

APC FCT members at the event commended the Yamawo family for hosting a well-organized and memorable ceremony, noting that such gatherings help reinforce the bonds of community and shared values.

Observers noted that the turnout of APC leaders and members from different wards across the nation’s capital at the event revealed the growing unity and momentum within the party in the FCT ahead of the 2027 elections.

Aduda, Sarah Adidi, other FCT APC chieftains gather for party chairman son’s wedding

Kano Pillars forward, Bernard Ovoke, has urged his teammates to show determination in the matchday 36 encounter against Kun Khalifat FC.

The Sai Masu Gida will trade tackles with Kun Khalifat at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Sunday (today).

Ovoke, who will miss the encounter due to injury, has wished his teammates luck in the game.

“Injury may have ruled me out, but my heart is with the boys,” Ovoke stated in his message to the team ahead of Kun Khalifat clash.

“All the best to my Kano Pillars family in the next game. Fight for the badge, fight for each other.”

Kano Pillars must avoid defeat to help their push to avoid relegation.

NPFL: Ovoke urges Kano Pillars to fight for victory against Kun Khalifat

Napoli striker, Romelu Lukaku, is ready to leave the Serie A club after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This was disclosed by football transfer expert, Nicolò Schira, in a post on X on Sunday.

According to Schira, Napoli have already asked for €10m to sell the Belgium international whose contract will expire in 2027.

He added that some clubs from “Turkey and Saudi have already shown interest in signing” the former Chelsea and Manchester United attacker.

This is coming after Napoli manager, Antonio Conte, insisted that he was disappointed with Lukaku.

Lukaku is facing disciplinary action for skipping Napoli’s training some weeks ago.

Serie A: Romelu Lukaku to leave Napoli after World Cup

Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the three senatorial districts of Kwara State have unanimously endorsed Dr. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (BOB) as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The endorsement was announced on Sunday at a press conference in Ilorin, where the party elders cited Bolarinwa’s integrity, governance experience, and unifying leadership style as key factors distinguishing him from other aspirants.

Speaking on behalf of the group, former APC Legal Adviser, Alhaji Ladi Mustapha, said the decision followed a careful assessment of the qualities required to lead the state at a critical time.

“At this critical juncture in Kwara’s political evolution, we firmly believe that leadership must be entrusted to an individual with proven integrity, experience, capacity, and a unifying disposition,” Mustapha said. “After careful evaluation, Bolarinwa clearly stands out above other contenders for the office of Governor.”

Bolarinwa, a seasoned politician with over two decades of public service, began his career as a councillor before serving two terms as Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government. He later represented his constituency in the House of Representatives for two terms.

He also served as Chairman of the APC in Kwara State in 2018, a period the elders described as marked by resilience and effective management of party structures and resources.

The governorship aspirant formally declared his ambition on April 28, 2026, and has since submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to the APC national leadership.

Security remains a central theme of Bolarinwa’s campaign. He has raised concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara North and Kwara South, where banditry has displaced communities and deepened humanitarian challenges.

In addition to security, his policy priorities include healthcare, education, agriculture, and social welfare, which he described as critical to building a people-focused administration.

The elders also commended Bolarinwa’s broad-based appeal across the state, noting his relationships with traditional rulers, youth groups, professionals, and grassroots communities as evidence of his capacity for inclusive governance.

Reinforcing the endorsement, former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Raphael Adetiba, emphasised the need for competence in leadership.

“What we need is a leader who can sustain the achievements of the present administration and continue delivering the dividends of democracy,” Adetiba said.

The elders concluded that Bolarinwa possesses the values of compassion, justice, and service, describing him as a leader committed to improving the lives of the people.

“Kwara deserves a leader who is tested, trusted, and connected to the people,” Mustapha added. “Bolarinwa embodies these qualities, and we are confident that under his leadership, the state will witness inclusive growth, strengthened unity, and sustainable development.”

Kwara APC Elders Endorse Bolarinwa For 2027 Governor is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State, weekend, promised to compensate Ogige Market traders whose shops were demolished about two years ago. The shops were demolished to make way for the Nsukka ultra-modern bus terminal, which has since become operational.

According to Mbah, the compensation was to stabilise the businesses of the affected traders. He said the demolition was to remodel the market.

In his words, “I was misunderstood when we went on to remodel Ogige Market. What was going through my mind was imagine what it would have looked like if we had transformed Ogbete Main Market with two modern terminals, the inter-state and intra-state, and we did nothing about Ogige Market or Nsukka! How would that have been interpreted? The people are the centrepiece of everything we do. It is not about self-aggrandisement, posturing or politics, but about the people. We saw Ogige Market as a keg of gunpowder. If we didn’t do anything, and we had an emergency in that market, you would have been asked if you had a government in the state.”

He said his administration had concluded plans to resettle the traders that were affected. “Some people might have been affected, but we have plans and programmes. We have just started doing some shops there to bring back those people that were affected. We are also going to give those directly affected some seed money to start their trade. The intervention was with the best intentions to prevent avoidable tragedies.”

He said his administration is all-inclusive, and “not interested in isolated development”. He described Enugu State as standing on “three stones, and we believe that every leg of the stone must be balanced”.

Meanwhile, Gov Mbah used the rally to inaugurate the construction of the 52.2km Nguru-Lejja- Aku-Akpakume Nze-Egede-Affa-Eke road. He pledged to transform the zone into an economic engine.

The people of the zone, comprising seven local government areas out of the 17 in the state, used the rally to endorse Gov Mbah and President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

The motion was moved by the House member representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, Hon Dennis Agbo, and seconded by Hon Mark Obetta (Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency).

Hon Agbo listed the resumed funding and ongoing construction of the Oturkpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile Enugu Expressway, Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway, expedited work on the Enugu-Onitsha Federal Expressway, the successful concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, the creation of the South East Development Commission, and the recent promise to accelerate work on the Port Harcourt -Enugu rail line as part of the grounds for Tinubu’s endorsement.

He added that Tinubu had addressed the decades of marginalisation and exclusion suffered by the South East by appointing several sons of Enugu State and Nsukka into prominent positions Ndigbo were hitherto excluded from.

Quoting him, “Our brother, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, is the current Chief of the Air Staff. Major General Ifeanvi Okoro is the current Military Secretary (Army). Major General Valentine Okoro is the current Head of Training (Army). Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla (Rtd) is the immediate past Chief of the Naval Staff, while Mr Frank Mbah just retired as Deputy Inspector General of Police.”

The Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon Ezenta Ezeani, said Gov Mbah deserved the endorsement, having carried the zone along.

According to him, “Mbah has demonstrated uncommon leadership, improved security architecture, and massive infrastructural transformation across urban and rural communities.”

He listed some of the critical infrastructure of Mbah to include the ongoing dualisation of the Enugu-Opi Nsukka Road, upgrade of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) at Igbo-Eno, 102 of the 260 Smart Green Schools, and 102 of the 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres.

“These are not promises. These are visible, measurable realities. Leadership is not judged just by intentions, but by outcomes. And when a leader delivers, continuity becomes not just desirable, but necessary. Interrupting it now would be like abandoning a harvest halfway through the season,” he stated.

Gov Mbah To Compensate Traders Two Years After Shop Demolition is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has carried out a precision airstrike on a terrorist enclave in Katsina State, destroying a key hideout and neutralising several fighters.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

Ejodame said the operation was conducted on May 1 under the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 2, targeting a location within the Dan-Aji Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.

According to him, the target was a known logistics hub linked to a terrorist kingpin, Abasu Aiki, and his fighters operating across the Faskari, Kankara, and Funtua axis of Katsina State.

He noted that sustained and credible intelligence reports indicated renewed terrorist activities in the area, prompting the precision strike.

“NAF air assets identified armed terrorists on motorcycles alongside other fighters within the enclave and executed a swift and coordinated strike on the location and its support structures,” he said.

Ejodame added that Battle Damage Assessment confirmed that several terrorists were neutralised, while the logistics hub and associated structures were completely destroyed.

He further stated that the strike triggered explosions and widespread fires within the area, further degrading the operational capacity of the group.

According to him, the operation has significantly disrupted terrorist movement and resupply in the region.

He said the development highlights the Nigerian Air Force’s continued commitment to denying terrorists safe havens, dismantling their operational networks, and supporting ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the North-West.

NAF airstrikes destroy terrorist hideout in Katsina