Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged Nigerians to unite for a country where every citizen is treated equally, irrespective of tribe or religion. He made the call while lauding South East residents for the recognition and respect they have continued to accord him amid diverse ethnic and political affiliations. Makinde spoke in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, during his 58th birthday celebration and book launch organised by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Chief Ali Odefa, on Saturday. According to the governor, true federalism and unity in diversity are the only vehicles through which every Nigerian can enjoy equal treatment. “It will be a great birthday gift for me if we make up our minds and participate to make our voices heard by calling for true federalism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria; so we must not be bystanders,” he said. He reiterated that the recognition given to him underscored the veracity of the handshake across the Niger in Nigeria, stressing that his visit was in line with God’s plan. Makinde commended his host, Odefa, whom he described as a bosom friend and adviser in political matters. The governor further noted that the imprints of Igbo people can be seen in every sector and urged the region to strive toward making Nigeria a nation with practical federalism, irrespective of party affiliation. Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, who was represented by Deputy Governor Mrs Patricia Obila, described the book, titled ‘The Seyi Makinde Story,’ as a compendium of knowledge and urged attendees to avail themselves of its valuable message by purchasing the book. He commended Makinde for what he described as the good work noticed in all parts of Oyo State, especially in areas such as infrastructure, education, health, and other sectors. “If Nigeria can have 80% of people like you, this country will be a better place. Thus, I am congratulating you and also thanking God for your life,” he said. Speaking at the event, Odefa described Makinde as a courageous and detribalised leader. He revealed that he had already immortalised the governor by naming one of his sons after him.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the directive withdrawing police orderlies from members of the National Assembly, citing safety concerns. Akpabio made the plea on Friday during the presentation of the 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly, warning that some lawmakers feared they might be unable to return home safely following the withdrawal. His words: “As we direct the security agencies to withdraw policemen from critical areas, some of the National Assembly said I should let you know they may not be able to go home today. “On that note, we plead with Mr President for a review of the decision.” Recall that President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties across the country. According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu issued the directive after a security meeting with service chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) following heightened security issues in the country. Under the order, VIPs requiring security are to seek protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as the Federal Government seeks to boost police presence in communities, particularly in remote areas grappling with insecurity. Tinubu later reaffirmed the directive on December 10, moments before presiding over the Federal Executive Council, expressing frustration over delays in implementation. He instructed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to work with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Civil Defence Corps to immediately replace withdrawn escorts to avoid exposing individuals to danger. “I honestly believe in what I said…It should be effected. If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” Tinubu said. “The minister of interior should liaise IG and the Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties. “So that you don’t leave people exposed,” he insisted. Following the decision, THENEWSCREDIT had earlier reported that the directive triggered tension in the Senate as lawmakers raised concerns over what they described as selective enforcement. “It should be done across the board—from the office of the President, to the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, Ministers, and others. I have been in public service since 1999 and have never kept more than one police orderly. Yet, mine was withdrawn without prior notice,” Ningi said. He highlighted instances where ministers, business tycoons, and children of political office holders continue to move around with multiple security personnel. “I have seen singers and other private individuals with orderlies and complimentary protection. I cannot imagine that a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would have his only orderly withdrawn while others retain theirs,” he added.

President Bola Tinubu has described his journey to the presidency as a challenging path marked by numerous obstacles, attributing his success to perseverance and divine guidance. Speaking at the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja on Friday, Tinubu reflected on the difficulties faced by both his campaign and the nation in the period leading up to the 2023 general election. He noted that Nigerians endured severe economic and social strains, including food shortages, the currency redesign initiative and widespread fuel scarcity, which resulted in long queues at petrol stations. “I faced obstacles on my path to the presidency,” Tinubu said, recalling that many citizens struggled to afford even a single meal each day. Despite these setbacks, he credited God for his rise to leadership. “God brought us here. I am a symbol of that God because, without Him, I wouldn’t be here,” he stated. Emphasising the importance of faith and gratitude, Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to remain patient and thankful amid difficulties. He also called for unity, tolerance and resilience to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, warning, “We must continue to be resolute that this democracy we have taken into our hands must not fail.” Highlighting inclusive leadership, Tinubu urged both leaders and citizens to show compassion and create space for others. He cautioned against the forceful imposition of one’s will in governance and reaffirmed his belief that ultimate leadership is determined by God: “God creates the opportunity for individuals, and if God says you will be there, you will be there.”

President Bola Tinubu has warned state governors that he may be forced to issue an Executive Order to enforce direct allocations to local governments if they fail to comply with a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming financial autonomy for Nigeria’s third tier of government. Tinubu gave the warning on Friday during the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. In a veiled but stern remark about governors withholding statutory allocations meant for local councils, Tinubu warned that non-compliance may force him to directly allocate local council funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee. Addressing the NEC members, including governors, National Working Committee members, and other party leaders, Tinubu said, “The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying, ‘give them their money directly.’ If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it.” The President continued, “I’m just being very respectful and understanding with my governors. Otherwise, if you don’t start to implement it, fact after fact, you will see.” Tinubu’s remarks followed the July 11, 2024, landmark judgment by the Supreme Court, which ruled in favour of the Federal Government’s suit seeking to enforce financial independence for local governments. In a unanimous decision, a seven-member panel of the apex court declared that it is unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils. The court ordered the direct payment of allocations from the Federation Account to local governments, a practice provided for in Section 162(5-8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) but widely flouted by most state governments through joint accounts. In his speech, Tinubu reiterated the need for governors to comply, warning that further violations could warrant a federal intervention. “The ultimate goal is our Supreme Court. We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” he insisted.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said its nationwide protest over rising insecurity across the country has started yielding results, following the response from the Federal Government. Speaking in an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Thursday, the Chairman of the NLC, Kano State Chapter, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, said the protest achieved its purpose by drawing the attention of authorities to the worsening security situation. “The protest was conducted successfully. The message was delivered throughout the country, and we believe it has been fruitful,” Inuwa said. He explained that the seriousness of the protest was reflected in the quick response from the Presidency. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu invited labour leaders for discussions in the early hours of Wednesday. “Because this was a call to action, the authorities have responded. In the early hours of Wednesday, President Tinubu invited the labour leaders, and a very fruitful discussion was held,” he stated. “An action plan to tackle the menace of insecurity is already on the pipeline,” Inuwa added. The NLC had on Wednesday staged a nationwide protest to express concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country. The congress said the protest was aimed at compelling government at all levels to take urgent and decisive action to protect lives and property.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has disposed of counterfeit, prohibited and expired pharmaceutical products valued at more than N55 billion in Oyo State. The destruction exercise was conducted on Thursday at the Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan, within Akinyele Local Government Area. Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said the action was aimed at permanently removing unsafe medicines, medical devices and other regulated products from circulation. Her remarks were delivered by the Deputy Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Mrs Florence Ubah. She explained that the exercise was necessary to ensure that seized expired, substandard and falsified products do not re-enter the supply chain and pose risks to public health. According to NAFDAC, the items destroyed included fake and expired drugs, unsafe cosmetics, contaminated or unwholesome food items, counterfeit products and other regulated goods confiscated from manufacturers, importers and distributors. Adeyeye also disclosed that more than 70 companies, non-governmental organisations and trade unions voluntarily submitted damaged and expired products for disposal. “The total estimated market value of the items destroyed today stands at N55,436,844,470,” she stated. She commended security agencies such as the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the NDLEA and other partners for their collaboration in tackling the circulation of fake and unsafe products. The NAFDAC boss further urged religious and community leaders, healthcare professionals, media practitioners and members of the public to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of purchasing drugs and food items from unauthorised sources.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to present the 2026 proposed Federal Budget to a joint session of the National Assembly on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 2:00 pm, barring any last-minute changes. This is according to a letter dated December 17 and circulated to all National Assembly staff by the Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, Adm. Essien Eyo Essien, which stated that only accredited personnel will be allowed into the National Assembly Complex for the budget presentation. According to the memo, all accredited staff must report to their duty posts no later than 11:00 am, as security protocols will restrict access for anyone arriving after that time. Non-accredited persons have also been advised to stay away from the complex. The directive further noted that, aside from the Clerk of the National Assembly, Deputy Clerk, Chief Secretary, Chief Human Resources Officer, and their deputies, all staff are required to park their vehicles at the Annex or the new car park near the National Assembly gate. Essien urged strict adherence to the instructions to ensure smooth proceedings during the president’s budget presentation. President Tinubu’s appearance before the lawmakers follows the Senate’s passage of the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), which cleared the way for the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill estimated at N54.4 trillion. The approval came after the Senate considered and debated a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, during plenary on Tuesday. The MTEF and FSP had earlier received approval from the Federal Executive Council at its meeting on December 3, 2025. Under the framework, the projected exchange rate was set at N1,512 to the dollar for 2026, N1,432.15 for 2027, and N1,383.18 for 2028, in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange rate stability policy. Despite a cautious oil price outlook, the Senate retained crude oil production estimates of 1.84 million barrels per day for 2026, 1.88 million barrels per day for 2027, and 1.92 million barrels per day for 2028, citing confidence in ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector. Lawmakers also upheld real GDP growth projections of 4.68 percent for 2026, 5.96 percent for 2027, and 7.9 percent for 2028, attributing the outlook to expected gains from tax reforms and broader economic restructuring. For fiscal operations in 2026, the Senate approved Federal Government retained revenue of N34.33 trillion, new borrowings of N17.88 trillion, and debt servicing of N15.52 trillion, resulting in a fiscal deficit of N20.13 trillion. The framework also makes provisions of N1.376 trillion for pensions, gratuities, and retirees’ benefits; N20.131 trillion for capital expenditure excluding transfers; N3.152 trillion for statutory transfers; and N388.54 billion for the Sinking Fund. Total recurrent non-debt expenditure was pegged at N15.265 trillion, while special intervention funds for recurrent and capital spending were set at N200 billion and N14 billion, respectively. Meanwhile, THENEWSCREDIT reports that the House of Representatives is yet to approve the budget framework as of Wednesday.

The Oyo State House of Assembly on Wednesday approved N892 billion as the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill. ‎The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the lawmakers, after hours of deliberation and consideration, approved at the sitting presided over by the Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin. Addressing journalists shortly after the passage, Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Appropriation and State Economic Planning, Mr Olasunkanmi Babalola, described the exercise as a historic moment for the state legislature. Babalola, the Deputy Leader of the House, representing Egbeda constituency, said the budget was subjected to a detailed review across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Did you know there’s a festival in India where people willingly get coconuts cracked on their heads?0:00 / 0:00 He said that the assembly effected key adjustments aimed at strengthening spending on infrastructure, including the transfer of N2 billion from overhead costs to capital expenditure. “The total size of the 2026 budget is about N892 billion. We carefully examined the allocations and moved funds from overheads to capital expenditure. “Overhead was reduced from N 389 billion to N 387 billion, and the N2 billion difference was added to capital expenditure for infrastructure development,” he said. He said that capital expenditure now stands close to N505 billion, representing a significant portion of the total budget and reflecting the house’s resolve to prioritise development over recurrent spending. “This clearly shows that the state is investing more in capital projects rather than consuming resources on overheads. “The implication for citizens is simple. The people of Oyo State will continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy under this administration,” Babalola added. The lawmaker assured residents that the house would intensify oversight functions to ensure strict compliance and value for money across all MDAs. He explained that the assembly’s decision to pass the budget before the end of the year was deliberate. “It has become our culture to pass the budget before the year runs out. “The motivation is to allow the state to begin implementation from the first day of the new year without delays,” he said. Makinde, had on November 24, proposed a N891.99 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year, compared with the N684 billion approved by the House of Assembly for 2025. The presentation ceremony was held on the floor of the State House of Assembly, Secretariat, Agodi, in Ibadan, the state capital.

A renowned firmmaker, Lere Paimo, popularly known as “Eda Onile Ola,” on Wednesday, called on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye and other well-to-do individuals in Nigeria to save him from being allegedly cheated over his long, originally produced “Ogbori Elemosho”. He made this call during a press conference held in Ibadan, the state capital. The classic Yoruba film “Ogbori Elemosho,” starring legendary actor Paimo, gained fame and was a significant epic released around the early 1980s. However, some sources suggest it was a key work in the 1960s that built his reputation, establishing a historical drama genre in Nollywood. The renowned filmmaker insisted that he was the original producer of Ogbori Elemosho, a work he described as pivotal to his career and legacy. He said, “The film earned me national recognition, including the award of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, and contributed to my chieftaincy title of Are Arobajo of Ogbomoso, conferred by the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade II. “The current Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, had earlier approached me with a proposal to remake Ogbori Elemosho and requested information on the cost implications. “He estimated the project at about N100 million, after which the monarch suggested that the production could go beyond that budget and requested changes to the script, promising to revert.” The filmmaker alleged that in October 2025, someone, alongside others, visited his residence and claimed they had received approval from the Soun of Ogbomoso to remake the film. “They told me they did not need my permission to remake the movie and that they only wanted to give me a ‘gift’ for the work,” he stated. He further alleged that the group subsequently paid N7.5 million into his bank account, a development his children reportedly described as manipulation and robbery. “Following their advice, I immediately returned the money to the group,” he said. He explained that his legal counsel later issued a cease-and-desist letter to the studio, warning against proceeding with the remake without his express approval. Despite this, he stressed that the parties insisted they had the monarch’s backing and allegedly threatened that legal action would not yield justice for him. Describing the situation as an attempt to destroy his legacy, the veteran Nollywood actor said the original production of Ogbori Elemosho came at great personal cost, leaving him heavily indebted and leading to the seizure of his car at the time. He added, “This work was meant to be a benefit to my children and me, but powerful individuals are attempting to take it away from me. “I want to appeal to Governor Makinde, Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the RCCG, the Commissioner of Police in this state, and sons and daughters of Ogbomoso at home and abroad to intervene in the matter.” He also called on well-meaning Nigerians to help protect him from what he described as injustice at his old age, adding that he suspects those involved might be connected to recent rumours of his death circulating on social media. When our correspondent contacted the Public Relations Officer to the Soun, Peter Olaleye, he said, “The issue, you know, is an in-house matter; Baba (Eda Onile Ola) is one of the Chiefs in Ogbomoso. Baba was contacted when the story was to be released. He was contacted, and he was officially written to. The crew even visited his house. “The issue is that of Ogbomoso, and every bona fide son and daughter of Ogbomoso is entitled to the story. “So, the story belongs to Ogbomoso, and the story they are even making now is not his own story. It is a new story entirely. The bone of contention is that it’s an in-house matter.”

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, is set to install Seyi, the son of President Bola Tinubu, as the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on Saturday. The monarch on the same occasion will also install Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari representing Zamfara West as the “Obaloyin of Yorubaland”. The chiefataincy installation of the duo was contained in a flier that was obtained by PUNCH Online on social media platforms on Wednesday. In the flier, the monarch and his wife, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, invited the general public to the said installation and implored them to save the date of the event scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 21, 2025. “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” is a prestigious Yoruba title meaning “the one dear to the hearts of all Yoruba people” or “beloved child,” signifying deep affection and importance to the race. Confirming the chieftaincy installation to our correspondent in a telephone conversation on Wednesday, the Alaafin’s media aide, Bode Durojaiye, said it is true and that the event will hold as planned. He affirmed that the press statement for the said event would be made available to journalists any time soon. “Yes, it is true. The Alaafin of Oyo wants to install Seyi Tinubu as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland and Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari as the Obaloyin of Yorubaland. “The press statement on the said event would be made available today or anytime soon,” he said. This was coming a few months after Alaafin’s counterpart, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, bestowed the title of “Okanlomo of Oodua” on an Ibadan-born philanthropist and the Bada Olubadan designate, Dotun Sanusi. This title sparked supremacy controversy between the two respected monarchs of Yorubaland, but was quelled by the region’s stakeholders. Recently, the Ooni also conferred the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua. Arriving at the Ooni’s palace around 1 pm amid fanfare and heightened security, Mrs Tinubu was received by the monarch and his chiefs. The installation ceremony, held at the Palace Square, coincided with celebrations marking Oba Ogunwusi’s 10th coronation anniversary. The event drew a gathering of traditional rulers and dignitaries from across Yorubaland, including the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Sultan of Sokoto; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, alongside cultural leaders and other notable personalities. The title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua carries historical significance, having been previously held by the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the revered statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua carries historical significance, having been previously held by the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the revered statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It is a recognition of leadership, influence, and contributions to society, particularly within the Yoruba cultural spheres.