Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has condemned the bomb explosion on road users in Zamfara State, leading to the death of seven persons.

Suspected terrorists had planted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Magami–Dansadau highway in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Saturday, killing passengers of a bus.

The Speaker, in a statement issued Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, described the attack as cowardly.

He noted that it is unfortunate that it was carried out shortly after the Nigerian and the American governments launched a joint operation against terrorism in the country, with strikes on terrorists hideouts in parts of the North-west on Thursday.

While vowing that terrorism, banditry and other crimes against the state would be resisted, Abbas noted that new strategic security measures were introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to check criminal activities.

He stressed that Nigerians, more than ever before, have remained undaunted and more supportive of the government to tackle threats to life and property.

The Speaker restated the commitment of the House and the National Assembly by extension, to providing legislative and budgetary backing towards achieving a safe and secure Nigeria.

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Oyo State Fire Services Agency (OYSFA)

There was panic and confusion over the weekend in the Sango area of Ibadan when fire engulfed a storey residential building at No. 51, Alemuloke Street, destroying six rooms before firefighters brought the blaze under control.

The inferno, which broke out on Saturday, 27 December 2025, was reported to the Oyo State Fire Services Agency Headquarters at exactly 6:27 pm through a distress call, alerting authorities that a house was on fire in the busy neighbourhood.

Firefighters from the agency, led by Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Adedeji (Mrs), immediately mobilised and raced to the scene to avert what residents feared could turn into a major disaster.

On arrival, fire officers discovered that six out of the 12 rooms in the building, located on the upper floor of the storey structure, were already well alight. Swift action by the firefighters, however, prevented the raging fire from spreading to the remaining rooms, the ground floor, and nearby buildings.

The firefighting operation was jointly carried out by officers of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency and the Federal Fire Service, Ibadan Command, in a coordinated effort that ensured the situation was quickly brought under control.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as tense, as thick smoke billowed into the sky, drawing residents and passersby to the area. Many expressed relief that the fire was contained before it could consume the entire building or spread to adjoining houses in the densely populated street.

No casualty was recorded in the incident, a development officials attributed to the timely intervention of the firefighters and the cooperation of residents at the scene.

After successfully extinguishing the fire, the fire appliance returned safely to the station at about 8:32 pm and remained on standby for further emergencies.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman, Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, commended the officers for their swift and professional response, noting that their prompt action prevented the situation from escalating into a more devastating fire outbreak.

He urged members of the public to always give way to emergency vehicles, especially fire trucks, to ensure quick access during emergencies.

Akinwande also stressed the importance of installing fire extinguishers in homes, saying early intervention could stop fires at the initial stage before they spread.

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Youths suspected to be thugs on Sunday reportedly assaulted Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of ex-Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, while he was playing football at Uwa Primary School field on Igbesamwan Street, Benin City.

DAILY POST gathered that the youths stripped Obaseki, accusing him of making disrespectful remarks against the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

A viral video footage shows the youths dragging him from the field before taking him to the Oba’s Palace.
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In the viral video, the youths labelled the former governor’s cousin an “oghioba” (enemy of the Oba).

They added that their action stemmed from comments he allegedly made in the United Kingdom, which they considered insulting to the monarch.

On arriving at the palace, the youths told the palace chiefs and guards that they brought Obaseki to answer for allegedly disrespecting the Oba.

The palace chiefs, who, however, intervened, noted that the Oba was at Holy Arousa Church attending a thanksgiving service to climax the end of the annual Igue Festival.

The chiefs urged the youths to avoid causing trouble in the kingdom.

‎”We don’t want any disturbance. If anyone considers himself an enemy of the Oba, leave him, and time will reveal the outcome,” the chiefs admonished.

The video also showed palace chiefs taking custody of Obaseki from the youths.
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A Benin-based human rights activist, Marxist Kola Edokpayi, in a post on Facebook, condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of Pedro  Obaseki’s fundamental rights.
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Edokpayi emphasized that the Oba’s palace would never endorse any act that violates human rights.

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Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has disclosed that the construction of the University of Public Relations and Leadership is being funded from savings secretly set aside by his administration.

Governor Sule made this known while performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) University at his country home in Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The governor attributed the state’s improved financial capacity to the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that increased revenue inflow had enabled states to execute major projects without resorting to borrowing.

“This used to be a state where if we needed just ₦5 billion to build a market, we had to issue bonds. Today, if we have a ₦40 billion project, we don’t go anywhere to borrow. We simply execute it,” Sule said.

He explained that the university project is being funded from a special savings account he had been preserving for the benefit of future administrations, adding that members of the State Executive Council convinced him to release part of the funds for the project.

“With due respect to my immediate predecessor, I do not want my successor to inherit the state the way I did in 2019. I was saving this money for the future, but the Executive Council insisted that we should use part of it for this university, and they overruled me,” he revealed.

Governor Sule further confirmed that 50 per cent of the contract sum had already been paid upfront to the contractor from the savings, while the remaining balance would also be sourced from the same fund.

Speaking on the project design, Architect Shehu Tukur, who represented the consultants, said the university would occupy a 100-hectare site, with the first phase covering 16 hectares.

According to him, the initial phase would feature the senate building, student hostels, and staff lodges, assuring that the project would be completed within the contract timeline.

“We assure you that the contract period will not be exceeded because all obligations on your part have been fulfilled. We are fully committed to delivering the project as planned,” Tukur said.

Also speaking, NIPR Vice President, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, described the institution as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s education sector.

He noted that the university is Nigeria’s first intentionally designed “Triple Helix” institution, integrating government, industry and academia.

“This is the first specialised university in the world dedicated to public relations and leadership. It is also Nigeria’s first intentionally designed Triple Helix university, and the NUC is excited about it,” Dandaura stated.

In his remarks, NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended Governor Sule for translating vision into reality, saying the project has placed Nasarawa State on the global academic map.

“You are sending a powerful message to Nigeria and the world that Nasarawa State is no longer on the margins of history, but at the centre of it,” Neliaku said.

Former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, also congratulated the state for hosting the pioneering institution.

“When I first heard about this university, I congratulated the people of Nasarawa State for hosting an institution that is first of its kind in Africa, if not the world,” he said.

Sunday Telegraph reports that the project is a collaboration between the Nasarawa State Government, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, and international partners.

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Barely three months after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost a serving senator to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, a former long-serving member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Essien Ayi, has also defected to the ruling party.

Ayi, who represented the Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi Federal Constituency on the platform of the PDP, formally joined the APC on Sunday.

It will be recalled that in October this year, the senator representing the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, defected from the PDP to the APC, citing internal crises within the opposition party.

Hon. Ayi served in the House of Representatives for nearly 20 years, from 2003 to 2023, before he lost his seat to the current lawmaker, Joseph Bassey, in the 2023 general elections.

Bassey’s victory over Ayi, who was widely regarded as a strong grassroots mobiliser, was considered a major upset by many of his supporters, given Ayi’s long-standing political influence across Calabar South, Akpabuyo and Bakassi local government areas.

On Sunday, Ayi officially picked up the APC membership form and registered in Ward 8, amid celebrations by party leaders, supporters and political associates from across the state.

His defection is considered a significant setback for the PDP, particularly in the Southern Senatorial District, as well as across the state, given his experience and influence in grassroots mobilisation.

However, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Cross River State, Mr. Mike Ojisi, downplayed the development, insisting that the party would not be affected by Ayi’s departure.

Ojisi described the defection as a normal political occurrence, noting that while some members leave the party, others continue to join.

“His decamping to the APC will not affect our party. People have been defecting from the PDP, and the party is still in existence. Even Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who was a major financier of the party in the state, defected, yet the PDP remains strong,” he said.

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Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of diverting a N50 billion federal government intervention fund allegedly released to the state following the January 2024 explosion in Ibadan.

Fayose, in a statement issued on Saturday, said he had earlier disclosed on a national television programme that Oyo State received N50 billion from the Federal Government as intervention support after the deadly explosion. He said Governor Makinde subsequently challenged him to provide evidence of the claim.

According to Fayose, documents now in his possession confirm that the fund was released, contrary to Makinde’s denial. He alleged that only N4.5 billion was paid to victims of the explosion, while the balance was diverted to other purposes.

“Only N4.5 billion was released to victims of the Ibadan explosion. The rest of the fund, along with other intervention funds, was diverted, largely to fund Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition,” Fayose claimed.

The former governor linked the alleged diversion to the lingering crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing Makinde of attacking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration to advance personal political interests.

Fayose said he was compelled to make the documents public despite his usual reluctance to disclose official government records, insisting that Nigerians deserve to know the truth.

“Even though it is not in my character to go public with official government documents, I had to do this so Nigerians will know who is telling the truth and who has not been sincere with the people of Oyo State,” he said.

He further argued that since Governor Makinde had chosen to disclose details of private meetings with President Tinubu on national television, it was only right for all facts surrounding federal interventions to be fully revealed.

Fayose challenged Makinde to seek legal redress, insisting he could substantiate his claims in court.

“I challenge Governor Seyi Makinde to sue me on this. There are proofs of other intervention funds received from Tinubu’s administration by the Oyo State Government which were never disclosed to the people,” he stated.

He also alleged discrepancies between Oyo State’s actual Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) figures and those publicly claimed by the governor, adding that further revelations may follow.

Signing off the statement, Fayose said, “My name is still Ayo Fayose. I don’t say what I can’t prove.”

Fayose served as Governor of Ekiti State between 2003 and 2006, and again from 2014 to 2018.

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A 19-year-old casual worker has been arrested by the Gombe State Police Command in connection with the alleged killing of a fellow staff member within the Gombe Government House premises.

A statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, explained that the incident occurred on Thursday, December 26, 2025, and involved two casual staff members working at the Government House.

Abdullahi explained that the command received a distress call at about 3:50 p.m. reporting that a male adult, identified as Mallam Umar, also known as “Baba Usama,” had been found unresponsive.

He added that upon receipt of the report, operatives were immediately dispatched to the scene, saying that the victim, who was a borehole operator attached to the Government House, was rushed to the Specialist Hospital, Gombe, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor.

According to the police spokesperson, “Preliminary findings indicated the death was suspicious, prompting the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, to visit the scene and order a comprehensive investigation.”

Further investigation, according to Abdullahi, including a review of CCTV footage within the Government House, showed that another casual staff member had assaulted the deceased shortly before his death.

He explained that their investigation identified one Shuaibu Adamu, aged 19, also known as “Yaya Mama,” a casual watchman attached to a construction company working within the Government House, as the prime suspect.

The suspect was said to have fled immediately after the incident but was later tracked and arrested in a coordinated operation, saying that at about 11:00 p.m. on the same day, the suspect was arrested at his hideout in Bagadaza Quarters, Gombe. During preliminary interrogation, he confessed to the crime.

According to the statement, the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy, stressing that the suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue.

The statement explained that the Gombe State Police Command remains committed to ensuring that justice is served and that all persons working within and around government facilities are adequately protected.

The statement added that the suspect will be diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law, saying that further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses.

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a notorious drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, previously convicted of dealing in 30.10kg of methamphetamine in 2023.

Naija News reports that a statement released on Sunday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that Basil was arrested along with three cargo agents over the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch heading to the United Kingdom at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

The statement read, “Three cargo agents: Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane, involved in the attempt to export the consignment to the UK, were swiftly arrested on Saturday, 20th December 2025, before further investigations unravelled 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil as the mastermind. He was arrested in a follow up operation on Sunday 21st December at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja where he went on a date with his girlfriend.

“The Agency’s criminal database revealed that Nwobodo had been arrested in May 2023 in connection with the seizure of 30.10kg methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers as part of a consolidated cargo going to London, United Kingdom, at the export shed of the Lagos airport. He was subsequently arraigned at a Federal High Court in charge number: FHC/L/337C/2023, convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a fine of Seven Million Naira (₦7,000,000.00), along with one-month community service, with effect from 4th December, 2023. He paid the fine and soon after returned to the same crime.”

Babafemi also disclosed that the NDLEA operatives during another operation on Monday December, 22 set ablaze tons of skunk, a strain of cannabis and wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti where 638 kilograms of same psychoactive substance were also recovered.

He said, “No fewer than 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg, were recovered from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Igara-Auchi road, Edo state, on Monday, 22nd December.”

Similarly, a raid operation conducted on Sunday, December 21, at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr LGA, in Cross River State, led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of various quantities of skunk.

The suspects include, Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26, with 148kg.

The agency said in another operation, a 42-year-old lady, identified as Joy Oisamaye, was arrested with 38kg skunk by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abaji- Abuja expressway on Monday, December 22, on her way from Otua in Owan East LGA, Edo state.

In Gombe state, a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, was arrested while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 27,900 pills of tramadol, and other opioids, along the Gombe-Biu highway, heading to Biu in Borno state.

NDLEA also stated that a 47-year-old businessman, Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown), wanted in connection with the seizure of 56 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 26kg at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, has been arrested by NDLEA operatives.

The statement added, “The illicit drug consignment was seized on 10th December during a joint examination of a container by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies. A follow up operation by NDLEA operatives on 19th December led to the arrest of Ignatius in Apapa.”

The Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) acknowledged the commitment of his operatives and enjoined them to remain extra vigilant throughout the festive season and beyond.

Marwa also charged them to maintain the highest standard of professionalism in all their drug control efforts.

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New details have emerged regarding the tragic explosion that claimed at least seven lives on Saturday in Zamfara State. The victims were killed when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated along the Magami–Dansadau highway in Maru Local Government Area.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how residents and official sources said the explosives appeared to have targeted travellers along the Gusau-Dansadau-Magami transit route. Locals said that the blast occurred in an area increasingly targeted by bandits.

The spokesperson for the Joint Task Force ‘Operation Fansan Yamma’, David Adewusi, on Saturday identified the cause of the explosion as an IED planted by terrorists. However, his known phone contact didn’t connect on Sunday to provide details about the casualties.

The Magami–Dansadau road is considered one of the most dangerous highways in the state, frequently requiring military escorts for any safe passage.

A resident, Haruna Bala, told PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday that the blast killed five people instantly, while two others later succumbed to their injuries at a hospital.

On Sunday, residents told PREMIUM TIMES that Saturday’s highway explosion is part of a series of tragic events that began on Friday. The violence initially erupted when soldiers and local vigilante groups launched an attack on armed bandits who were arriving for the weekly market in Magami.

Nuhu Babangida, a member of the International Human Rights, Crime Control and Conflict Resolution, said Saturday’s explosion was most likely a retaliation for Friday’s killings. He noted that the initial clash resulted in the death of several bandits.

Beginning of the conflict

Mr Babangida said soldiers and local vigilantes, on Friday, targeted and killed bandits coming for the weekly market, after the vigilantes accused them of violating a standing peace dialogue.

This dialogue was originally intended to prevent kidnappings along the Dansadau-Gusau-Magami highway.

A notorious bandit leader, Dogo Gide, is known to operate in the Magami area. His group, along with other terror factions, is known to frequent the Magami weekly market to sell rustled cattle.

Incident details

Mr Babangida said the blasts occurred between Mai Ya’ya and Ruwan Dawa, approximately seven kilometres from Magami town.

He said the explosions occurred around 11:00 a.m. as a convoy of over 5,000 travellers, comprising open trucks, smaller vehicles, and motorcycles, was returning to the Dansadau District after the weekly Friday market in Magami town.

He said among the deceased was a teenage girl who tragically fell from an open truck during the chaos and was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

Despite the loss of life, Mr Babangida noted that casualties could have been significantly higher given the sheer size of the convoy.

He said security forces were deployed to the scene following the incident to recover the remains and secure the perimeter.

“Security agencies later cordoned off the area and diffused an undetonated bomb before allowing safe passage through the highway”, Mr Babangida said.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Mahmud Dantawasa, didn’t respond to phone calls and text messages to comment on our findings.

Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the explosion targeted a trailer, destroying the vehicle beyond recognition.

Mr Abubakar said the blast also claimed the lives of several individuals, including motorcycle riders who were in the vicinity at the time.

“At present, details regarding the exact number of casualties remain sketchy,” Mr Abubakar stated. “However, security operatives have been deployed to the scene. Efforts are ongoing to ascertain the total number of victims, secure the area, and prevent further harm.”

ALSO READ: Seven people killed in Zamfara bomb explosion

While security agencies and state officials have yet to confirm casualty figures, residents said that the triple explosion claimed the lives of seven people, the majority of whom were traders.

Historic use of IEDs

In December last year, explosive devices planted by bandits at separate locations in the Dansadau District left over 15 people killed. Two explosions occurred on the road between Dansadau and Malamawa and another on Malele Road, all in the Dansadau District. PREMIUM TIMES also reported how at least 12 people were killed after an explosion blew off a bridge at Tashar Sahabi.

Dansadau sits on the edge of the massive Kuyambana Forest, which serves as a primary hideout and transit corridor for bandit groups moving between Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi and Katsina states.

Bandits in the North-west rely on small arms and motorcycles for “hit-and-run” raids. However, over the past 12 months, the use of landmines and IEDs appears to have increased.

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December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

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By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka

His Royal Highness, Eze Ike Obasi, the Ezezuruezu the 1st of Ezimba Community in Ihite Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, who doubles as the CEO, Ignobis Hotels Limited, Abuja, has extended his warmest wishes to his subjects on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year.

In his message, over the weekend, the royal father prayed for the Almighty God to guide and protect his people in all their dealings. He emphasized the importance of putting God first in everything, saying it is key to success.

The monarch urged his subjects to adhere strictly to God’s wishes and support the government in power, obeying the law and being their brothers’ keepers. This, he said, would ensure a harmonious and prosperous community.

Eze Ike Obasi reminded his people that celebrations should be balanced with responsibility, keeping in mind the future and striving to make a positive impact. He encouraged them to look beyond the festive season.

The traditional ruler stressed the importance of community support, urging his subjects to be their brothers’ keepers and work together for the common good.

He reiterated that fearing God is the beginning of wisdom and the path to success. Putting God first, he said, would bring blessings and prosperity.

Eze Ike Obasi’s message was a call to unity, peace, and prosperity. He wished his subjects joy and success in their endeavors.

The monarch’s words resonated with the community, emphasizing shared values and collective progress.

As the people of Ezimba Community celebrated Christmas and welcomed the New Year, Eze Obasi’s message served as a guiding light.

In concluding his message, Eze Ike Obasi prayed that God be before and behind his people in all their dealings, wishing them a blessed and prosperous New Year.

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Governor Alex Otti has expressed optimism that his re-election in 2027 would be smoother than previous outings.

Otti expressed his confidence at the 2025 Aro Day event held in Arochukwu Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor allayed fear of the 2027 polls, stating that his administration’s achievements since taking charge of the state would give him a smoother ride.

According to the only Labour Party governor, he would not be selling promises to the people, but would only leverage what they are already seeing with their own eyes.

“Just like it happened in 2023, 2027 will even be smoother, I can assure you. Why am I so confident? I’m confident because in 2023, we were selling promises, but now there are one or two things we can point to,” he stated.

He further stressed that many people are already causing themselves stress over the 2027 polls, even though the election year is still far off.

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Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has released documents evidence he claims show that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, received ₦50 billion from the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The documents were made public on Sunday following days of public exchanges between both politicians.

Fayose said the funds were approved as emergency support after the deadly explosion that rocked Ibadan in January 2024.

This development comes after Governor Makinde publicly denied receiving such an amount. He had challenged Fayose to provide concrete evidence to back up the allegation.

In response, Fayose released what he described as official financial records. He claimed the documents clearly show the approval and release of ₦50 billion to the Oyo State Government.

According to Fayose, only ₦4.5 billion out of the total sum was eventually disbursed to victims of the Ibadan explosion. He alleged that the remaining funds were diverted for political purposes.

The former governor accused Makinde of using the money to finance a presidential ambition.

He linked the alleged diversion to internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Makinde’s frequent criticism of President Tinubu’s administration.

In a personally signed statement, Fayose said he decided to release the documents to allow Nigerians judge the matter for themselves. He insisted that the records contradict the Oyo State Government’s public position on the issue.

Fayose also challenged Makinde to seek legal redress if any of the claims were false. He maintained that he is ready to defend his allegations in court.

Beyond the ₦50 billion claim, Fayose alleged that other financial interventions sent to Oyo State by the Tinubu-led government were never disclosed to the public. He said there are records to support this position.

The former Ekiti governor further claimed he is in possession of documents detailing the actual Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Oyo State.

According to him, the figures differ from what Governor Makinde has consistently announced.

He added that he deliberately withheld some documents for now but may release them if necessary.

Fayose said: “Meanwhile, only N4.5bn was released to victims of the Ibadan Explosion.

Rather, he diverted this fund and many others to his Presidential ambition, which is the reason for the crisis in the PDP and his attacks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his government.
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‎ “Also, there are documentary evidences on the actual Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Oyo State, as against Governor Makinde’s claim, but we will keep our gunpowder dry for now. My name is still Ayo Fayose, I don’t say what I can’t prove.”

As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government has not issued a fresh response to the newly released documents.

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Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, has warned that Nigeria must be careful about the kind of foreign support it accepts in its fight against insecurity.

He said the country needs help to tackle growing security threats.

However, such assistance must not come from countries or groups with questionable records.

Gumi made this position known in a public statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Sunday.

Reacting to ongoing conversations around foreign involvement in Nigeria’s security efforts, the cleric said the real concern is not about seeking help.

According to him, the issue is who the help is coming from.

He explained that no nation survives in isolation. He noted that even powerful countries rely on international cooperation to protect their people and territory.

“The argument is simple: do we need help? Yes, every nation needs help for its security,” he stated.

Despite this, Gumi cautioned against embracing support from what he described as criminal nations.

He listed racism, religious intolerance, disregard for international law, and involvement in genocide as red flags Nigeria must not ignore.

He argued that accepting help from such actors could worsen the country’s problems. He said it may deepen injustice, fuel resentment, and undermine Nigeria’s moral standing.

Gumi stressed that security partnerships must be built on ethics and respect for human rights. He added that Nigeria should align only with nations that value justice, fairness, and lawful conduct.

He warned that desperation should not push the country into dangerous alliances. In his view, long-term peace cannot be achieved through partnerships that contradict basic human values.

The cleric called for thoughtful decision-making by leaders handling national security matters. He urged them to consider both the immediate and future consequences of foreign involvement.

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Nigeria’s banking sector has continued to impress in 2025, with some banks posting solid profits despite the economic headwinds.

At the center of this performance are the leaders steering these institutions, chairpersons whose vision, governance, and strategic decisions often determine how well their banks navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

For this feature, we looked at banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and focused on those with the highest asset for the nine months ended September 30, 2025.

This gives a clear picture of which leaders are driving real financial results, not just making headlines.

Our analysis highlights 10 chairpersons at the helm of Nigeria’s best-performing banks.

In this roundup, we take a closer look at the people behind the numbers, the chairpersons whose oversight and strategic direction have helped their banks grow deposits, expand lending, and strengthen balance sheets.

From shaping policy to driving innovation, these leaders are setting the pace for banking excellence in Nigeria, proving that strong leadership is just as important as strong financials. 

Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwayemisi Olorunshola- Chairman Wema Bank 

Asset: N3.9 trillion 

Dr. (Mrs) Oluwayemisi Olorunshola is an experienced supply chain and business management professional with a career spanning over 25 years across multinational organisations and business leadership roles. As the chairman she holds 3,178 direct shares.

She holds a B.Sc. in Education & Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, an MBA from the University of Liverpool, UK, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University, USA. Her expertise covers every aspect of the supply chain, including business and production planning, procurement, distribution, import/export, and logistics services.

Dr. Olorunshola is also a passionate advocate for education and small business sustainability, with widely cited publications in FEAcademia, Proguest.com, and Academia.edu. She is a Fellow of the International Institute for African Scholars and a Chartered Member of the Nigerian Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, and she actively volunteers in community development initiatives.

She joined the Board of Wema Bank Plc in January 2022. Under her oversight, the bank’s balance sheet showed remarkable resilience, with equity attributable to shareholders nearly doubling to N512.02 billion, up from N256.42 billion.

With 13 directors, Wema Bank recorded N3.59 trillion assets in 2024, growing to N3.97 trillion by 9 months of 2025. Despite shareholding shifts due to retirements and ceased directorships, the bank maintains structural stability.

Oladipupo Jadesimi – Chairman FCMB GROUP PLC 

Asset: N7.2 trillion 

Oladipupo Jadesimi is the chairman of FCMB and currently holds 197,312,000 direct shares in the Group, reflecting his significant leadership influence and long-term commitment to the institution.

He has served as Chairman since 2018, guiding the organisation with strategic clarity and a strong governance mindset shaped by decades of experience across sectors. His profile combines legal expertise, finance knowledge, and entrepreneurial leadership, positioning him as a respected figure in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.

Jadesimi earned an M.A. (Honours) in Law from Oxford University, where he was a Jurisprudence Scholar from 1963 to 1966. This academic foundation set the stage for his early professional journey, beginning as a Senior Partner with Coopers and Lybrand Lagos (now part of PwC) between 1966 and 1970. His background in law and corporate finance has remained a central pillar in his business career.

He is also the Founder and Chairman of Ladol Group, developers of Nigeria’s largest indigenous Free Zone Industrial Park, which supports major industrial and offshore operations. In addition, he chairs the board of Niger Delta Exploration and Production Plc, one of the country’s leading indigenous oil and gas companies.

FCMB subsidiaries include FCMB Capital Markets, CSL Stockbrokers, FCMB Microfinance, and Credit Direct Finance Company. FCMB has 60 directors, with assets growing from N7.05 trillion (2024) to N7.23 trillion (9 months 2025), reflecting incremental expansion.

Sola David-Borha – Chairman Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

Asset: N8.3 trillion 

Sola David-Borha was appointed Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc in September 2024, following the retirement of Mr. Basil Omiyi and the completion of all regulatory approvals. Her appointment comes at a time of strong financial momentum for the group, underscoring the board’s confidence in her depth of leadership and institutional knowledge.

Mrs. David-Borha brings over 30 years of experience in financial services across Africa. She retired in 2021 as Chief Executive of Standard Bank’s Africa Regions, after previously serving as Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and Stanbic IBTC Bank.

The group oversees multiple subsidiaries such as Stanbic IBTC Bank, Pension Managers, Asset Management, Capital, Insurance, Trustees, and fintech unit Zest Payments. Stanbic recorded N6.91 trillion in assets in 2024, rising to N8.38 trillion by 9M 2025, highlighting modest but steady growth.

An alumna of Harvard Business School and the Global CEO Program of CEIBS, Wharton and IESE, Mrs. David-Borha also serves as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of Standard Bank of South Africa and Standard Bank Group.

Mustafa Chike-Obi –Chairman Fidelity Bank 

Asset: N10.5 trillion 

Mustafa Chike-Obi has been the Chairman of Fidelity Bank since July 2020, bringing a wealth of experience from global investment banking and asset management. He holds a direct share of 39.5 million shares as at 2024.

Before joining Fidelity, he served as Executive Chairman at Alpha African Advisory and held senior positions at major institutions including Chase Merchant Bank, Goldman Sachs, Shoreline Group, Bear Stearns, and Guggenheim Partners.

These roles gave him deep expertise in capital markets, both in mature and emerging economies, including the development and marketing of fixed-income securities to institutional investors. Notably, he pioneered the concept of the Treasury Department in Nigerian banking, heading the first of its kind.

Chike-Obi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and an MBA from Stanford School of Business, and serves on the boards of several blue-chip companies.

Under his leadership, Fidelity Bank has demonstrated robust growth. Its structure includes Fidelity Bank UK and limited disclosed subsidiary operations. With 13 shareholders, Fidelity reports N8.82 trillion assets (2024) increasing to N10.55 trillion by 9 month 2025, indicating a growth trajectory.

Sulaiman Burau- Group Chairman Guaranty Trust Holding  

Asset: N16.6 trillion 

Suleiman Barau was appointed Group Chairman of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) earlier in the year, subject to regulatory approval, as part of the group’s long-term succession planning. The appointment was announced at GTCO’s fourth Annual General Meeting, marking a return to the boardroom for one of Nigeria’s most seasoned financial policymakers.

A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Barau brings decades of experience spanning public service, merchant banking, commercial banking, and central banking.

He was a pioneering director of GTCO following its restructuring and is widely regarded for his deep understanding of monetary policy, financial stability, and institutional governance.

His public service career spanned over 18 years, including roles as Principal Economist at the Nigerian Mining Corporation, Special Adviser to the CBN Governor, Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc, and two-term Deputy Governor before retiring in 2017.

Barau assumes the chairmanship at a time of balance-sheet expansion for GTCO. For the nine months ended September 2025, the group reported profit of N699.64 billion, reflecting a decline from the prior year due to the absence of exceptional foreign-exchange gains.

The group spans multiple countries through subsidiaries including GTBank Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and asset management arms like GT Pension Managers and GT Fund Managers. GTCO lists 10 directors, managing N14.79 trillion in total assets in 2024, growing to N16.66 trillion by 9months 2025, suggesting sustained expansion and strong market positioning.

Olufemi Otedola- Chairman FIRST HOLDCO PLC 

Asset: N26.3 trillion 

FBN Holdings is chaired by Olufemi Otedola, now the largest shareholder with 1.69 billion direct and 2.54 billion indirect shares, gaining influence following appointments between August 2023 and January 2024.

He rose to prominence in the downstream oil and gas sector through Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, before acquiring African Petroleum Plc in 2007 and repositioning it as Forte Oil Plc. The company became a benchmark for strong governance and operational excellence prior to his full divestment in 2019.

He subsequently deepened his long-standing commitment to the power sector through Geregu Power Plc, where the rehabilitated 435MW plant contributes about 9% of Nigeria’s grid-available generation capacity.

The group includes major subsidiaries such as First Bank of Nigeria, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, First Securities Brokers, and the insurance arm under First Insurance Brokers Limited. With nine directors, FBN posted N26.52 trillion assets in 2024, with N26.39 trillion recorded as of 9-month 2025, showing relative stability during its restructuring and governance consolidation phase.

Jim Ovia- Chairman Zenith Bank

Asset: N31.1 trillion 

Jim Ovia, CFR, CON, MFR, is the founder and chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, one of Africa’s largest banks with over $24 billion in assets and shareholders’ funds exceeding $3 billion as of June 2022. A globally recognized financial institution, Zenith Bank is listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the Nigerian Stock Exchange, with major operations across Nigeria, West Africa, London, and Dubai.

Jim Ovia was appointed Chairman of Zenith Bank on July 16, 2014, following the CBN’s directive that limited CEOs’ tenures. Ovia currently owns 3.5 million direct  and 1.5 million indirect shares of the bank, making him the highest shareholder.

Ovia is also the founder and chancellor of James Hope University, Lekki, which was recently approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to offer postgraduate business degrees.

Through the Jim Ovia Foundation, he has championed education in Nigeria, providing scholarships to indigent students via the MUSTE initiative, producing a generation of professionals including accountants, lawyers, engineers, and doctors. He is the author of Africa Rise And Shine, capturing Zenith Bank’s journey and offering insights into doing business in Africa.

An alumnus of Harvard Business School (OPM), University of Louisiana (MBA), and Southern University (B.Sc. Business Administration), Ovia is a member of the World Economic Forum Community of Chairpersons.

The bank’s group structure features subsidiaries across Africa including Zenith Bank Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, as well as the UK arm and non-banking entities like Zenith Pensions Custodian Limited and Zenith Nominees Limited. Zenith Bank reports 14 directors and N29.96 trillion total assets in 2024, rising to approximately N31.18 trillion by 9 months 2025, signaling balance sheet growth.

Tony Elumelu-Chairman UBA 

Asset: N32.4 trillion 

Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, stands among Africa’s most influential business leaders, combining large-scale enterprise building with a deeply rooted commitment to inclusive economic development. Elumelu sits on a board that consists of 15 directors. His closely held direct shares are 195.1 million and 2.3 billion indirect shares.

In 2010, he founded Heirs Holdings, an African investment company with interests spanning financial services, power generation, oil and gas, agribusiness, real estate, and hospitality. That same year, he established the Tony Elumelu Foundation, an Africa-based and African-funded philanthropy dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs across the continent. He currently serves as Chairman of Heirs Holdings, UBA Group Plc, and Transcorp Plc, Nigeria’s largest listed conglomerate.

Elumelu first rose to prominence by transforming Standard Trust Bank, before leading its landmark 2005 merger with United Bank for Africa (UBA), creating one of Africa’s most geographically diversified banking groups. Today, UBA operates in 20 African countries, with an international footprint spanning New York, London, Paris, and Dubai.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, UBA Group reported a profit after tax of N537.5 billion, up 2.3% year-on-year.

UBA operates one of Africa’s largest pan-African networks with subsidiaries in Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia, Senegal, Congo DRC, Kenya, Tanzania, Mali, Mozambique and more, plus UBA UK. UBA posted N30.32 trillion in assets (2024), improving to N32.49 trillion by 9month 2025, reflecting the benefits of its international banking footprint.

Papa Madiaw Ndiaye- Chairman ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED 

Asset: N47.3 trillion 

Papa Madiaw Ndiaye is the CEO and Founding Partner of AFIG Funds, one of Africa’s leading private equity fund management firms, and was appointed Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) on June 6, 2024.

Under his leadership, AFIG Funds, the first major African-controlled fund manager, oversees $270 million in assets and focuses exclusively on investments in indigenous African companies. Ndiaye also chairs the firm’s Investment Committee, guiding strategic direction and investor relations.

Before founding AFIG Funds, he was Co-Founder and Investment Director at Emerging Markets Partnership (EMP, now ECP) in Washington, and previously served in the IFC’s investment department, where he played a key role in launching banks, insurance companies, and funds across Africa.

His early career included stints on Wall Street at Salomon Brothers and JP Morgan’s Emerging Markets Group.

He holds a joint MBA from Wharton and MA in International Affairs from the University of Pennsylvania’s Lauder Institute, as well as a BA in Economics from Harvard.

For the year ended September 30, 2025, the group reported a profit after tax of N711.92 billion. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) and its subsidiaries has presence in 39 countries and employed over 13,968 people as at 30 September 2025. The ETI board is controlled by 14 members.

AigbojeAig Imoukhuede- Chairman ACCESS HOLDINGS PLC 

Asset: N52.1 trillion 

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, is a distinguished investor, banker, and philanthropist whose influence spans Nigeria’s financial markets, public sector reform, and social development. As the chairman he holds 178.8 million direct shares of the bank and 4.8 billion indirect shares.   .

He is the co-founder of Tengen Family Office, where he oversees a diversified investment portfolio, while his philanthropic work is anchored by the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, the Africa Initiative for Governance, and the Aig-Imoukhuede Institute. Through these platforms, he is focused on strengthening public sector leadership, improving governance outcomes, and expanding access to quality primary healthcare in Nigeria.

Aig-Imoukhuede is best known for his tenure as Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc from 2002 to 2013, during which he led the bank’s transformation into one of Nigeria’s top five financial institutions. Access Holdings Plc has a total of 11 directors on its board. As at the time of this report, Access Bank Plc, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited, AccessARM Pensions Limited, Access Insurance Brokers Limited and Oxygen X Finance Company Limited are in operation as subsidiaries of the Company.

Subsidiaries within the group include Access Bank Plc, Access ARM Pensions, Hydrogen Payment Services, and Oxygen X Finance, representing diversified financial services. Access Holdings recorded N41.49 trillion in assets (2024), advancing to N52.19 trillion in 9-month 2025, a sharp rise highlighting its aggressive growth and acquisition strategy.

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has claimed he is the most insulted politician in Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu.

He made the statement on Saturday during a meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Ochigba, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The gathering was part of an end-of-year thanksgiving service organized by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, in his hometown.

Several party leaders and supporters were in attendance.

Why I Face Abuse – Wike

Wike explained that he faces criticism because he insists on enforcing agreements that protect the interests of his followers.

“After Tinubu, the next most abused politician today is me. Why are they abusing me? Because they know that agreement is agreement,” he said.

Insisting on Agreement Fulfillment

The FCT Minister stressed the importance of implementing agreements once made.

“When we have agreed on something, let’s implement it. If we can’t implement it, don’t even come for it,” he added.

Unwavering Support for Tinubu

Wike assured his supporters that his commitment to backing President Tinubu remains unchanged.

“For us, long before now, we have agreed that we must make sure that we will continue to support Tinubu. That is the position you took and that is the position we are going to still take,” he stated.

He added that his political moves are guided by ensuring that his followers are not left behind and that their interests are considered in all agreements.

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