NIGERIA NEWS
Osun 2026: APC picks Oyebamiji as consensus candidate
• Tinubu congratulates ex-NIWA boss, urges unity, inclusivity ahead poll
• Adeleke will fail in re-election bid, says APM guber candidate
• 39-year-old entrepreneur wins AAC governorship ticket
Former Managing Director of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Oyebamiji, who leads a political movement known as AMBO, was presented as the sole aspirant of the party to the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee, chaired by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
The party’s primary election was held on Saturday at the Ebunoluwa Event Centre, where nine aspirants of the party withdrew from the race in his favour.
On their behalf, Kunle Adegoke, SAN, formally moved the motion for withdrawal and nominated Oyebamiji as the sole candidate, a motion that was seconded by Senator Jide Omoworare.
Following the endorsement, 1,660 delegates drawn from the party’s 332 wards across the state affirmed Oyebamiji through a voice vote, which was subsequently authenticated by the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee.
Announcing the outcome, the chairman of the committee said: “By the power conferred on me as Chairman of the primary committee, I hereby declare Bola Oyebamiji, AMBO, as the candidate of our party.”
In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji expressed appreciation to the primary election committee, party leaders and delegates for the confidence reposed in him to fly the APC flag in the forthcoming election.
He pledged to prioritise poverty reduction, revive the health sector and address the infrastructural deficits confronting the state.
Reacting to his emergence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged Oyebamiji to be magnanimous in victory by reaching out to all party leaders and former aspirants.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the Osun State chapter of the APC for the unity, maturity and spirit of reconciliation that preceded and permeated the primary election, which was conducted through affirmation.
President Tinubu commended other aspirants in the race for their decision to step down in favour of Oyebamiji, describing the move as a demonstration of party loyalty and collective commitment to the ideals and goals of the APC.
“The journey to reclaim Osun State for the progressive fold in the 2026 governorship election has begun. I urge all members and leaders of APC in the state to remain focused, united, and resolute. Victory is achievable, and together, we will succeed,” he said.
The President also acknowledged the orderly conduct of the primary election, which was chaired by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, where party delegates unanimously affirmed Oyebamiji’s candidature.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that the unity displayed by the party during the primary would strengthen its prospects ahead of the 2026 governorship election, calling on all stakeholders to sustain the momentum and work collectively toward electoral success.
Meanwhile, a real estate developer, Hon. Adewale Adebayo, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2026 election.
Adebayo’s emergence was ratified by the Chairman of the APM Primary Election Committee, Idowu Babarinde, after party members presented him as the sole aspirant at the party’s state secretariat in Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo.
According to Adebayo, “The current government has failed. Public trust is gone. Promises are empty. The people are tired. The same way the PDP failed Governor Adeleke, Osun will do the same for him for his re-election bid come August 8, 2026. APM is ready to send him back where he belongs.”
Also, a 39-year-old entrepreneur, Olajide Esan, has clinched the governorship ticket of the African Action Congress (AAC) for the Osun governorship election.
The Osun State Chairman of the AAC, Tayo Adeyemi, disclosed this while addressing journalists after the party’s primary election held at its secretariat in the Powerline area of Osogbo, noting that Esan emerged with the backing of party members across the state.
A renowned philanthropist and political figure in Ondo State, Victor Ogunmola, has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing economic and tax reforms as the major reasons for his decision.
Ogunmola was officially received with a rousey welcome into APC at the weekend by party leaders at Itaogbolu, Ward 1, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the event, Ogunmola said his decision followed a careful assessment of the policy direction of President Tinubu administration, particularly reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, improving revenue generation, and building a transparent and sustainable tax system.
He acknowledged that some of the reforms – especially the removal of fuel subsidy – have posed short-term challenges but insisted they were necessary steps to reposition Nigeria for long-term economic growth and development.
According to him, the impact of subsidy removal is already evident in increased allocations to states and local governments, which have enabled greater investment in capital projects and infrastructure.
“If you know what tax reform is, all of us like to talk about America, love to talk about United Kingdom, how the economy are working but what we have not really asked is, what policy do they have that makes their economy to be thick and strong? Tax reform, as it’s been stewarded by President Ahmed Bola Tinibu, is one of our ways, our pathways to prosperity in this country.
“So, if you now look at the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you would see that it is putting in place very serious and deep programmes that are capable of withstanding the test of time. You want to take the tax reform, for instance,” he said.
Ogunmola added that while subsidy removal came as a shock to many Nigerians, the policy had exposed years of unsustainable practices and opened new opportunities for development at subnational levels.
He also praised the quality of infrastructure delivery by the federal government, describing it as a reflection of competent leadership and commitment to national development.
“You talk about the subsidy removal. Yes, the subsidy removal is a shock to the entire nation because for a very long time, we are used to doing things in a way that is not sustainable. Today, you see more allocation to the state. You see more allocation to the local government, and the only reason why you could see the state government doing some capital projects is just because they have more allocation from the federal state.
“When you look at all these infrastructural projects that the federal government is doing, you see the road. They are not just constructing roads. When you see the quality of delivery, you see the quality of even the members of the administration. Then, you want to reflect. This is a government, this is a leader that is worthy of working for. And not just working for the leadership, but working for the nation,” he stressed.
He added, “You now see more allocations to states and local governments. That is why state governments are able to embark on meaningful capital projects.”
Ogunmola said his decision to join the APC was further informed by the party’s political will to implement tough but people-oriented policies that strengthened the economy, enhanced security, and modernised democratic institutions.
He described the APC as an inclusive platform that values ideas and encourages active participation by professionals, youths, women, and community leaders.
Ogunmola also commended ongoing infrastructural development in Ondo State, particularly the Akure – Ado Ekiti road project, which he said has brought significant growth to surrounding communities.
He further appreciated the President’s appointments of indigenes of Ondo State into key national positions.
“By joining the APC, I am stepping into a platform where my voice, my experience, and my contributions can meaningfully influence policy, leadership, and development at multiple levels.
“I am particularly inspired by the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), with its focus on economic transformation, job creation, infrastructure expansion, and national unity.
“These priorities strongly resonate
with my values and aspirations for Nigeria. I am especially encouraged by the ongoing infrastructural development in Ondo State. With deep gratitude,
I acknowledge the Akure–Ado Ekiti road construction, which has brought monumental and transformative growth to our communities.
“The President’s strategic appointments of sons and daughters of Ondo State
into key national positions are equally commendable and deeply appreciated.
Ultimately, my decision to join the APC is a commitment to participate, to contribute, and to help shape the
future of Akure North LGA. His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), Ondo State, and Nigeria from within,” he added.
The geoscientist and community advocate, known for his philanthropic interventions in education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, pledged to support APC programmes and mobilise grassroots support ahead of future elections.
He also lauded Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for maintaining peace and advancing development across the state, citing improvements in road construction, water supply, workers’ welfare, education, and economic growth.
Similarly, Ogunmola saluted the leadership of Akure North Local Government Chairman, Hon. Johnson Ogunbodude, for implementing impactful welfare programmes, road grading, and construction of shop complexes.
Welcoming Ogunmola into the party, Chairman of APC Ward 1 in Akure North LGA, Mr Sunday Opokiti, described his entry as a major boost to the party, noting his influence and strong grassroots appeal.
“We are happy to receive him. He is a responsible man who loves his community and has contributed immensely to its development. He is capable of leading his people very well,” Opokiti said.
Also speaking, the APC Chairman in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin described Ogunmola’s defection as a “big catch” for the party, adding that his popularity would further strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adetimehin added, “For a young man like this to join the progressive family, I feel highly elated. He has added value to the party, and his grassroots support will boost our fortunes in the state.
“He works in ExxonMobil. When he was in Nigeria, he did a lot to help his people. You can see a lot of crowds and a lot of eminent personalities from this local government.
“They turn out to receive him. That shows that he has value, which is going to be added to our party, APC.”
The Nation reports that Ogunmola was received into the APC by party leaders who included Hon. Ebenezer Alabi and Hon. Kolawole Ologede, APC member representing Akure North Constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly among several others.
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba state has confirmed his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a social media post few minute ago, Kefas announced that he has received his APC membership card from Umaru Tanko, chairman of the APC hospital ward in Wukari local government area.
He expressed appreciation for the reception accorded him by party executives and members in Taraba state and thanked the APC leadership and members for what he described as a warm welcome.
“Not so long ago, I received my All Progressives Congress (APC) membership card from Hon. Umaru Tanko, the Chairman of the APC Hospital Ward in Wukari LGA. I appreciate the warm welcome from the executives and members of the APC in Taraba state,” he said.
The governor announced his defection to the ruling party a few weeks ago, while reception to formally receive him was postponed by the APC after a series of security crisis in the country.
The World Bank has warned that the growing reliance on air conditioning (AC) to cope with rising temperatures could put severe pressure on electricity grids in Nigeria and other developing countries, particularly those with weak or limited power infrastructure.
This warning comes from the World Development Report 2025: Standards for Development, recently released by the World Bank.
The report notes that as global temperatures rise, demand for cooling is accelerating, especially in rapidly urbanizing and low-income regions.
While active cooling particularly air conditioning remains one of the most effective ways to adapt to extreme heat, it is also highly energy intensive.
“As adoption increases, it will increasingly strain power grids, especially in regions with limited electricity infrastructure,” the World Bank noted.
The report also highlights opportunities for efficiency improvements.
It notes, “Evidence from India, Indonesia, and Nigeria shows that doubling the energy efficiency of room air conditioners by 2030 could reduce their life-cycle costs by 60 percent and provide an additional 320 million people with access to them by 2050,” the report noted.
More insights
To address this challenge, the Bank emphasised the importance of policy tools such as minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and building codes. It said combining these measures allows governments to develop flexible, context-specific solutions that reflect local climate conditions, housing types, and income levels.
In March 2025, the federal government approved new minimum energy performance standards for air conditioners as part of efforts to curb rising electricity demand and emissions.
According to the World Bank, these standards are projected to save about 11.5 terawatt-hours of electricity annually and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 39 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
What you should know
Nairametrics earlier reported that the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) had put plans in place to ensure rural communities have access to energy-efficient and electric-productive equipment as part of efforts in implementing its Productive Use Equipment and Appliance (PUE).
- The flagship initiative tagged Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) aims to provide 24,500 Micro Small and Medium Entreprises (MSMEs) with energy-efficient productive use appliances.
- Recent data from the REA indicates that the country needs at least 5 million off-grid solar systems to serve unpowered and underserved communities.
Experts estimate that deploying just half of that target could generate millions of certified emission reductions (CERs) annually—each tradable for foreign exchange and investment inflows.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Vice-President Kashim Shettima is standing in for President Bola Tinubu as West African leaders converged on Abuja on Sunday for the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), amid mounting political, security and economic pressures across the sub-region.
The high-level summit is holding at the Conference Centre of the State House in Abuja, and is bringing together heads of state and government, senior officials of the regional bloc and key stakeholders to deliberate on the future of regional integration, peace and stability in West Africa.
Shettima formally welcomed the leaders on behalf of President Tinubu, who is host of the summit.
Also in attendance are President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, and the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Maada Bio, who is presiding over the deliberations.
Other leaders attending the ECOWAS summit are President Patrice Talon (Benin), José Maria Neves (Cabo Verde), Alassane Ouattara (Côte d’Ivoire), Adama Barrow (The Gambia), John Mahama (Ghana), Umaro Embaló (Guinea-Bissau), Joseph Boakai (Liberia), Bassirou Faye (Senegal), and Faure Gnassingbé (Togo).
Leaders from countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone and The Gambia are already in Abuja for the ongoing deliberations.
The 68th Ordinary Session is focusing on pressing political, economic and security challenges confronting the sub-region, as ECOWAS is seeking to reinforce regional unity, strengthen democratic governance and deepen economic integration among its member states.
Key items on the agenda include a special debate on the future of the ECOWAS community, reflecting growing concerns over unity, institutional resilience and the bloc’s capacity to respond effectively to emerging threats.
Leaders are also considering the 2025 Annual Report on the State of the Community, reviewing reports on regional security and mediation efforts, receiving updates on Guinea’s political transition, and assessing the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) aimed at boosting intra-regional trade.
The summit is taking place against the backdrop of recent security developments in the Republic of Benin, where authorities announced the foiling of an attempted coup, once again raising concerns over unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa.
Details later…
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
Lagos — An eight-month-old baby and an adult woman lost their lives in a fatal road traffic accident that occurred in the early hours of Sunday along Ikorodu Road, Lagos.
The accident, which triggered grief among residents and passers-by, occurred opposite Olabode House, after Anthony and before Obanikoro Bus Stop on Funsho Williams Avenue.
Confirming the incident, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said preliminary investigations indicated that a red Tata long commercial bus, travelling from Palmgroove towards Anthony at high speed, lost mechanical and directional control.
According to him, the bus veered off its lane, breached the median barrier and crashed into an oncoming Volkswagen commercial bus conveying passengers from Anthony towards Palmgroove.
The impact of the collision resulted in the instant death of an adult female passenger in the Volkswagen bus, while an eight-month-old female infant later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Bakare-Oki said LASTMA officials, with the assistance of members of the public, immediately commenced rescue and recovery operations at the scene.
He disclosed that 10 persons, including the drivers of both vehicles, sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rescued from the wreckage. Six passengers were evacuated from the Volkswagen bus, while four others were rescued from the Tata bus.
To prevent further accidents, LASTMA officers cordoned off the area and removed the damaged vehicles from the road, restoring traffic flow along the Ikorodu Road corridor.
The injured victims were transported by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, while officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) evacuated the remains of the deceased.
The LASTMA boss expressed condolences to the families of the victims, particularly the mother of the deceased infant, who also sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical care.
He described the incident as tragic and urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to adhere strictly to speed limits, exercise caution and ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles, particularly braking systems.
Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to saving lives through effective traffic management, prompt emergency response and continuous public sensitisation, while appealing to road users to prioritise safety at all times.
The post 8-month-old baby, woman killed in Ikorodu road crash; 10 injured appeared first on Vanguard News.
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Taraba State has issued a three-month ultimatum to the state and federal governments to commence reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area of the state.
The bridge, which caved in in August 2024, has remained unattended for over a year, a situation that has continued to inflict hardship on motorists, traders, and residents of the host community.
The Namnai Bridge is a critical transport link connecting the Northeast, North-Central, and Southern parts of the country, and its collapse has severely disrupted the movement of goods into Taraba State, leading to a noticeable increase in the prices of essential commodities.
Angered by the prolonged neglect, members of the coalition on Sunday visited the site of the collapsed bridge, where they vowed to explore all lawful means to ensure that the necessary corrective measures are taken.
The group warned that if the government fails to act within the stipulated three months, it will mobilise 5,000 signatures and invoke the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to demand accountability.
Speaking at the site, the Secretary of the coalition, Bello Adamu Bako, expressed disbelief that both the state and federal governments had failed to repair the bridge sixteen months after its collapse.
He said the coalition had unanimously resolved to invoke the FOI Act should the government continue to show what he described as a lukewarm attitude.
Bako highlighted the loss of lives, destruction of goods worth millions of naira, and the untold hardship faced by motorists due to the collapsed bridge, stressing that the need for urgent government intervention could no longer be overemphasised.
He also commended an individual who constructed a makeshift bridge to ease the suffering currently faced by road users.
Also speaking, BudgIT Tracker Regional Coordinator for the North-East, Samuel Obibisong, expressed sadness over what he described as government indifference to such critical infrastructure.
He urged both levels of government to urgently put mechanisms in place to fast-track the reconstruction of the bridge.
According to Obibisong, any leader with empathy would not abandon the infrastructure of such importance, noting that the collapse of the bridge had resulted in the loss of lives, property, and farmlands.
He added that fixing the bridge would restore hope and bring relief to the affected communities.
Motorists and drivers who spoke with The Guardian also expressed frustration over what they described as the politicisation of the bridge’s reconstruction.
They applauded the individual who provided a temporary crossing and called on the government to be more responsive and proactive to the plight of the people.
On Saturday, at least two American troops and a civilian interpreter were killed in central Syria after an alleged member of the Islamic State group opened fire on a joint US-Syrian patrol.
Confirming the development in a post shared on its X handle, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the deaths hours after Syria’s state media reported an attack in the city of Palmyra.
According to the reports, “An ambush by a lone ISIS gunman” resulted in the three Americans’ deaths as well as injuries to three additional troops.
CENTCOM, which oversees the US military in the Middle East, said, “The gunman was engaged and killed.”
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the attack occurred as the soldiers “were conducting a key leader engagement” in support of counter-terrorism operations, while US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said the ambush targeted “a joint US–Syrian government patrol.”
“The savage who perpetrated this attack was killed by partner forces,” US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X.
Parnell said the identities of the deceased troops would be withheld until after their families were notified.
The incident is the first of its kind reported since Islamist-led forces overthrew longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in December last year, and rekindled the country’s ties with the United States.
Syrian state news agency SANA, quoting a security source, earlier reported that several US troops and two Syrian service members had been wounded in the attack.
The soldiers were taking part in a “joint field tour” in Palmyra, which was once under the control of the IS group, SANA reported.
Many of the city’s renowned ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were destroyed when the IS group controlled the area a decade ago.
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A fatal road accident occurred on Sunday along Ikorodu Road in Lagos, killing an eight-month-old baby and an adult woman.
The crash took place near Olabode House, shortly before the Obanikoro axis of the busy highway.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, LASTMA, the incident involved a commercial bus that was travelling at a dangerously high speed from the Palmgrove area towards Anthony when it suddenly suffered a mechanical failure, causing the driver to lose control.
LASTMA said the vehicle swerved off its designated lane, crossed the road median, and entered the opposite carriageway, where it rammed into a moving Volkswagen car conveying passengers from Anthony towards Palmgrove.
The agency explained that the force of the collision led to the immediate death of a female passenger in the Volkswagen, while an eight-month-old female infant later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The tragic loss, LASTMA noted, has left residents and road users along the corridor in deep shock and mourning.
Emergency responders from LASTMA, with assistance from members of the public, swiftly carried out rescue operations at the scene, pulling several victims from the wreckage.
In a statement, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed that 10 people were rescued with varying degrees of injuries.
Six victims were extracted from the Volkswagen commercial vehicle, while four others were evacuated from the red Tata bus involved in the accident.
The injured were taken to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were recovered and evacuated by officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, SEHMU.
In the aftermath of the crash, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, warned commercial drivers against speeding and stressed the importance of regular vehicle maintenance to prevent avoidable tragedies.
Bakare-Oki also expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has announced N150,000 Christmas bonus for every civil servant in the state.
The governor explained that the gesture aligned with his administration’ s commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants despite dwindling revenue accruing to the state in the past one year
Nwifuru announced the bonus on Sunday during a church service at the Government House Chapel, Abakaliki.
On the forthcoming local government election in the state, the governor made it clear that he has not anointed any candidate, promising a level playground for all the aspirants.
“As far as I am concerned, the will of the people must prevail, the people must choose their representatives without interference from any quarter,” he said.
Nwifuru restated his directive to political appointees wishing to contest the local government election to resign in line with electoral guidelines.
“It is not my duty to pick you as chairman of your Local Government Area. If you are contesting for the chairmanship position in next year’s council’s election as an appointee, you must resign as stipulated by the law.”
Governor Nwifuru also dispelled rumours of lethargy in the construction of Vincent Agwu Nwankwo Flyover, a major project of his administration.
“You cannot find any state in Nigeria that is doing such flyover currently,” he said, explaining the construction rigours inherent in the project that is designed to give the state a facelift when completed.
He decried social media criticism of the project, maintaining that the administration is deliberately taking steps to ensure the state is seen as having advanced and modern infrastructure.
“We are doing it not because we have money, we are doing it because we want to sign our signature in the anals of history,” Nwifuru said.
A retired top intelligence officer of the National Intelligence Agency and former Nigerian Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Sheikh Uthman AbdulAzeez, is dead.
AbdulAzeez passed away on Saturday night after a brief illness. He was 71.
The death of the Ilorin-born diplomat and former National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union was announced on Sunday by the incumbent IEDPU President, Alhaji AbdulMumin AbdulMalik.
AbdulMalik said, “With heavy heart and tears in my eyes, I announce the passing of a one time National President of the IEDPU, Amb. Sheikh Abdulazeez Uthman.
“We lost this servant of Allah to the cold hands of death after a brief illness on Saturday. He will be buried on Sunday (today).
“Please remember the family of the deceased in prayers during this traumatic period of the loss of their loved one. May Allah grant Amb. Sheikh Abdulazeez Uthman Al-Janat Firdaus.”
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the late ambassador as a man of great character whose life positively impacted his community.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor prayed Allah to forgive AbdulAzeez’s shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and give his family the strength to bear the loss.
Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, also expressed deep sadness over what he described as a “deeply painful and irreplaceable” loss.
Saraki described AbdulAzeez as a seasoned diplomat, distinguished intelligence expert, respected elder statesman, and pillar of unity.
“His life was marked by selfless service to the Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large,” Saraki said in a statement signed by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir.
He further stated, “May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, and admit him into Al-Jannah Firdaus among the righteous.”
Similarly, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described the death as a monumental loss to the Ilorin Emirate and humanity.
In a condolence message signed by his Press Secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir commiserated with the deceased’s family, IEDPU leadership and members, as well as friends and sympathisers.
Born on February 18, 1952, in Ilorin, Kwara State, AbdulAzeez began his education at Native Authority Primary School, Bussa, where he obtained his First School Certificate in 1966.
He trained as a teacher at the then Ilorin Teachers College (now Sheikh Abdulkadir College) between 1967 and 1971.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from Abdullahi Bayero College of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1977, a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Jos, and a Master of Science degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan in 2002.
He also attended the then National War College, now National Defence College, Abuja, where he received two awards for outstanding performance.
AbdulAzeez served his National Youth Service Corps at the Advanced Teachers College, Sokoto, between 1977 and 1978, where he was retained as a lecturer and later became Head of the Geography Department.
In 1985, he joined the Federal Government as a pioneer staff of the National Intelligence Agency, rising to the top echelon of the service.
Between 2000 and 2001, he served as Director of Financial Crimes in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Drugs and Financial Crimes and was part of the team whose efforts led to the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He served Nigeria in various intelligence and diplomatic roles in Egypt, Angola, Liberia, and China.
AbdulAzeez was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to China in 2010. During his tenure, he hosted the launch of Nigeria’s satellite on December 21, 2011.