2025 - Page 28 of 260 - SocietyGazette.com

Pinnick hails FIFA appointment as recognition of Nigeria’s football influence

The Deputy Chair of the FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, Amaju Pinnick, has described his appointment as a recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in global sports governance.

In an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, Pinnick, a former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, expressed humility and pride at the opportunity to serve in one of FIFA’s most strategic committees.

“The importance of this is a recognition of Nigeria, as well as global sports. First, I’m saying that I’m humbled by the opportunity for me. The Committee for Competitions is the most important committee, because FIFA is all about competitions, organising competitions, which also includes the World Cup, the U-20 and the U-17, even up to the Club World Cup,” he said.

Explaining the committee’s mandate, Pinnick noted that it plays a central role in managing and supervising FIFA’s global tournaments and the participation of national teams.

“It’s a committee that has a responsibility. It has to be seen with national teams, with national team players, to be allowed to play in any of those competitions,” he stated.

Pinnick also highlighted the calibre of individuals serving alongside him, noting that the committee reflects the international breadth of football administration.

“A lot of people in the committee, even Danny Jordaan from South Africa, is a member of the committee. Danny Jordaan was chairman of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. So, we are very, very happy,” he said.

He emphasised that FIFA appointments are based on merit, professionalism, and integrity rather than regional considerations.

“FIFA does not just select people. They don’t select based on nationality or regionalism, but also on standards, organisation, and administration,” Pinnick explained.

Expressing his sense of national pride, he added: “I’m humbled, and I’m glad to be here because once again, I’m in the Green White Flag in FIFA’s books.”

The former NFF boss further noted that other Nigerians are also serving in key FIFA committees, reflecting the country’s growing representation within global football structures.

“It’s not just about me. The incumbent president of the Nigeria Football Federation is also a member of the Interclub Committee. There’s a very seasoned journalist and former chairperson of the Women’s League, who is a member of the Communications Committee.

“Then, because I am a member of the Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee, I was just declared to be a feminist. I returned to Congress. I was very proud to be a member of the Feminist Committee. So, we are happy that Nigeria is a global leader.”

On Nigeria’s domestic football development, Pinnick assured that he and relevant authorities were working closely to strengthen sports administration and performance.

“We are working. We are working with the National Sports Commission. We are working with the Federation. The National Sports Commission is like having sleepless nights on it. They are in alignment with me. You know, it’s not that we can do any magic, but whenever it’s possible, we definitely do,” he said.

PUNCH Online reports that Pinnick’s appointment, confirmed during the 74th FIFA Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand, underscores Nigeria’s growing prominence in international football administration.

The committee is responsible for overseeing FIFA’s national team competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, U-20 and U-17 tournaments, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Pinnick’s elevation marks another milestone in his long-running involvement with global football governance.

CBN promotes adoption of alternative payment systems in C’River

The Central Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding financial inclusion and driving economic growth by promoting the adoption of alternative payment systems.

The apex bank expressed this commitment at a sensitisation exercise known as the ‘CBN Fair,’ held at the Dome Event Centre in Calabar on Thursday.

The event’s theme was “Promoting Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development.”

The fair brought together manufacturers, traders, microfinance banks, commercial banks, merchant banks, students, artisans, members of the National Youth Service Corps, and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, an Assistant Director in the Corporate Communications Department, Uche Tobias, highlighted policies undertaken by the Olayemi Cardoso-led management since assuming office.

He noted that the Central Bank is championing technologies that empower individuals, boost productivity, and connect communities to the nation’s economic opportunities.

He said, “Under the leadership of Olayemi Cardoso, the management of the Bank remains firmly committed to fostering productivity, enhancing financial inclusion, and maintaining monetary and price stability. These efforts are already yielding positive results, as evidenced by the steady reduction in inflation and current stability in the foreign exchange market.

“Since assuming office, the Governor has spearheaded several key policies to strengthen the financial system. These include: exchange rate unification; the launch of the non-resident Bank Verification Number (BVN) to connect Nigerians abroad with home banking facilities; the BMatch System for forex trading; and the unveiling of the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028 (PSV 2028) to accelerate digital transformation, broaden financial inclusion, and minimise downtime for faster and safer transactions,” he said.

He also noted the introduction of a 75 per cent Cash Reserve Ratio on non-Treasury Single Account public sector deposits, stressing that this policy aims to enhance liquidity management and mitigate potential inflationary pressures.

He explained that the sensitisation exercise was primarily to educate the public on how the bank’s policies enhance their lives and livelihoods and contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. He urged them to rely only on information disseminated through the verifiable official channels of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“This engagement is primarily to sensitise members of the public on how the Bank’s policies enhance their lives and livelihoods and contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. We urge you to rely only on information disseminated through the verifiable official channels of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” he explained.

In his welcome address, the Calabar Branch Controller, Jibunoh Tolefe-Nwanneamaka, represented by the Head of Research, Jude Nwafor, stated that the fair was designed to promote financial inclusion by showcasing alternative payment channels and highlighting key reforms geared towards building a resilient and inclusive financial system.

According to him, the fair facilitates constructive dialogue between the Bank and the public, adding that it is a space where questions, concerns, and feedback are not only welcomed but valued, with the aim of building trust, enhancing consumer protection, and ensuring that every Nigerian feels empowered to participate in the financial ecosystem.

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, represented by his Special Assistant on Agriculture, John Shiyam, commended the CBN for the initiative.

He noted that the Otu-led administration has prioritised agriculture as a strategy for rapid economic development to promote food security and the well-being of farmers in the state.

He concluded that the CBN Fair is beneficial for creating awareness of alternative payment systems.

“Cross River State is a very vast state with different topographical features, and most areas are remote. As I speak with you, not every local government in the state has a commercial bank.

“So it has been a very big challenge for farmers and even business people in such areas to access banking services. This initiative and this exercise are going to be very beneficial to people in such areas, to be aware of the alternative payment systems that they can leverage for their financial transactions,” he added.

The CBN, in a publication on its website, stated that it has long prioritised financial inclusion, ensuring that more Nigerians have access to banking and financial services. The CBN’s NFIS, first launched in 2012, created a framework for widening access, especially for underserved populations.

The apex bank explained that a challenge to financial inclusion in Nigeria persistently arises from low financial literacy, weak infrastructure, digital divide, and limited reach of formal banking services in rural and remote areas.

PUNCH Online reports that more recently, the CBN unveiled Payments System Vision 2028 (PSV 2028) to succeed PSV 2025, signalling its commitment to expanding, modernising, and securing Nigeria’s digital payments infrastructure.

Oil spill pollutes Bayelsa communities

An oil spill from an 8-inch crude delivery pipeline at Oil Mining Lease 29 has polluted Nembe communities around the Santa Barbara River in Bayelsa.

The OML 29 asset is operated by Nembe Exploration and Production Company Limited, formerly Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the leak at Tora area in Nembe occurred on October 1, discharging a yet to be ascertained volume of Crude stress into the Santa Barbara River and surrounding areas.

According to a letter to the operator of OML 29 by the legal counsel to the Opu Nembe Kingdom, signed by Mr Iniruo Wills, Managing Partner of Ntephe Smith and Wills, the spill has adversely impacted the people who depend on the Santa Barbara River.

The letter sighted by a NAN Correspondent was in response to an invitation to a Joint Investigation Visit to the spill site to ascertain the cause and volume of the spill.

The oil firm had confirmed the oil spill in a letter Ref: NEPCo/HSE-JIV/2025/04 dated October 5, which proposed a JIV for October 6.

The Nembe communities, in response to the letter, kicked against the October 6 date and opted for October 9.

“We remind you, as you are quite aware of already, that the Community requires and deserves decent notice to assemble a competent JIV team, some of whom usually come from Lagos, Port Harcourt and/or Yenagoa, in order to ensure due diligence and avoid or countervail the perennial practice of manipulating the JIV process and suppressing critical information.

“Please note that our clients demand a thorough and competent investigation of this spill, and adequate management (including swift post-spill assessment and remediation).

“Beyond this spill, for the records, we demand on behalf of our clients again for a top-level engagement (Company, Community Technical Team, and Regulators) for a lasting overall framework to put a stop to this unbearable and continual burden,” the letter read in part.

PUNCH Online had reported numerous oil spills in Bayelsa communities, such as in the Obololi community and the Ogboinbiri area, leading to environmental contamination, loss of livelihoods from fish farms and farmlands, and health concerns, including water scarcity and potential outbreaks.

These recurring incidents, often attributed to equipment failure on pipelines operated by companies like Oando and Shell, have resulted in resident frustration over inadequate cleanup, lack of relief, and the spread of pollution into streams, creeks, and farmlands.

NAN

Reps order probe into $18bn spent on ailing refineries

The House of Representatives on Thursday mandated its relevant committees to investigate the non-functionality of state-owned petroleum refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, despite the reported expenditure of about $18bn on their rehabilitation over the past two decades.

The resolution followed the consideration and adoption of a motion on notice moved by Lagos lawmaker, Oluwaseun Whinghan, during a plenary session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

The Federal Government owns four petroleum refineries — two in Port Harcourt and one each in Warri and Kaduna.

Managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the refineries have suffered perennial decline due to poor administration and vandalism — a situation that has left the country dependent on imported refined products.

Recently, billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote argued that the chances of the refineries returning to optimal operation were slim, even as the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, stated that selling off the national assets would not be ruled out.

Moving the motion, Whinghan, who represents the Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State, said the House was worried about the persistent non-functionality of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.

This, he noted, is despite over two decades of rehabilitation efforts and an estimated $18bn spent on turnaround maintenance, with no tangible results to show.

He said, “The House is worried over the recent public statements by Nigeria’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, expressing doubts about the viability of these refineries and describing the multi-billion-dollar investments as futile, sparking widespread public concern and outrage over potential mismanagement.

“We recall that in 2007, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Dangote and other private investors acquired the refineries, but the succeeding administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua reversed the transaction, opting instead for rehabilitation using public funds — a decision that has yielded no significant operational improvement.

“The House is concerned that on Thursday, July 10, 2025, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, in an interview published by The PUNCH, sought to distance the current administration from the monumental mismanagement of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.

“He confirmed their continued non-functionality despite significant investments estimated at $18bn and proposed the potential sale of these assets, thereby raising critical questions about fiscal responsibility, strategic asset management, and the long-term implications for Nigeria’s energy security and economic stability.”

According to the Lagos lawmaker, Nigerians are worried that despite consistent annual budgetary allocations over the years, “there is no verifiable evidence of substantial rehabilitation outcomes, representing a gross misuse of public funds and a betrayal of public trust.”

He added, “We are aware that Nigeria’s economic stability and energy security are inextricably linked to a functional and accountable downstream petroleum sector, particularly following the removal of the petrol subsidy by the current administration, which underscores the urgent need for operational refineries to mitigate economic hardship.

“We are convinced that a comprehensive, transparent, and time-bound investigation is essential to ascertain the current operational and structural status of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries; examine the utilisation of all allocated funds and the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts; identify any infractions, mismanagement, or corrupt practices in the management of these assets; and propose actionable reforms to safeguard future public investments and ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.”

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged its Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream, and Midstream), Gas Resources, and Public Assets “to investigate funds appropriated and disbursed for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries between 2010 and 2024.”

The committees are to “ascertain the status of the refineries, examine how public funds were utilised, identify agencies responsible for infractions or mismanagement, and report within four weeks for further legislative action.”

Rhodes-Vivour petitions police, alleges threat from NURTW chairman

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has petitioned the Lagos State Police Command over alleged intimidation and threats to life by the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in the state, Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego.

The petition, dated October 8, 2025, and signed by human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, was addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command. It accused Adekunle and other members of the union of issuing violent threats against political opponents ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the petition, a viral video recorded on September 25, 2025, allegedly showed Adekunle warning Lagos residents against supporting any political candidate opposed to President Bola Tinubu in the next election.

Sego is heard issuing menacing statements, in a mix of Yoruba and English, interpreted as threats against opposition and dissenters. The lawyers described these statements as “chilling” and capable of inciting violence or panic.

PUNCH Online reports that before the petition, Sego had publicly denied that he made any inciting remarks, stating that he also complied with a summons from the Department of State Services.

Sego also insisted that his comments were misconstrued and not intended to threaten anyone politically.

Effiong, writing on behalf of Rhodes-Vivour and the Lagos leadership of the ADC on Wednesday, described Adekunle’s remarks as “chilling” and capable of inciting violence, noting that the conduct amounted to “criminal intimidation and a threat to life.”

Rhodes-Vivour, who was the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in the 2023 election, is expected to contest again in 2027 under the ADC.

Reacting to the development in a post on his X page on Wednesday, Rhodes-Vivour said the petition was filed to put on record that his party had chosen lawful means to resist intimidation.

“Earlier today, the ADC submitted our petition to the police against Mustapha Adekunle of the NURTW. We did this for public record, so that in future it will not be said that we did not pursue civilised recourse to their aggression and intimidation,” he wrote.

He accused the All Progressives Congress-led administration in Lagos of using state-backed gangs to suppress opposition voices.

“For over twenty-four years, the President and his Lagos APC allies have controlled this state. After more than two decades in power, they have no credible record of achievement to run on.

“Violence is the last refuge of incompetence. We are the many and they are the few. In due course, Nigerians will demonstrate that we are not cowards,” he added.

Cameroon election: World’s oldest leader, Biya, poised to win eighth term

Cameroon’s Paul Biya, already the world’s oldest head of state, is the favourite to win Sunday’s presidential election, handing him an eighth term in power in the central African country.

A fractured opposition of 11 candidates is standing against the 92-year-old in the vote, whose credibility and fairness rights groups have called into question.

Most of the 7.8 million Cameroonians called to the ballot box can remember no leader other than Biya, who has held onto power with an iron fist since 1982.

Questions over the state of his health have only grown louder since he entered his 10th decade. Should Biya win, he would be nearly 100 by the end of his eighth term.

Though the opposition hopes to entice voters with promises of a new face and an end to the cost-of-living frustrations of the long Biya epoch, its most credible candidate, Maurice Kamto, had his candidacy barred by the courts.

Theophile, an artist in the economic capital Douala, branded the vote a “scam”.

The 24-year-old had hoped to vote for Kamto, who came second to Biya in the 2018 election.

“As long as the system remains in place, there is nothing that can be done. There has to be a change,” he told AFP.

Others value the veteran’s decades of experience in a country where half the population is under the age of 20.

“I say Paul Biya still has something to offer,” said Giovanni, a 20-year-old student in Douala.

“Even though some of his promises haven’t been kept, I’m counting on him. He’s a wise man with a wealth of experience and a long track record.”

– ‘Determination intact’ –

The longtime president was noticeably absent from the campaign trail.

He had taken a trip this month to Switzerland, his favoured destination for overseas jaunts, fuelling fresh speculation over the state of his health.

But he made a rare outing on Tuesday, holding a rally at a stadium in the town of Maroua in the Far North region, a key electoral battleground with 1.2 million registered voters.

It was his first public appearance since May.

“My determination to serve you remains intact,” he told the crowd in a 25-minute speech, which touched on youth, women and infrastructure.

Though his entourage expected nearly 25,000 people at the event, AFP reporters present estimated only a few hundred showed up.

Biya became Cameroon’s second president since independence in the 1960s in the 1984 election, when he ran unopposed and won 100 per cent of the vote.

He had already taken over two years earlier when his predecessor Ahmadou Ahidjo resigned suddenly.

He was re-elected in similar style in 1988 but after the introduction of multi-party politics only narrowly overcame challenger John Fru Ndi in 1992 by a four-per cent margin.

Biya turned to a mix of repression, regional alliances and overtures to his former rivals to curtail threats to his rule, Arrey Ntui, the International Crisis Group’s senior analyst for Cameroon, said.

His strategy bore fruit: he was re-elected with 93 per cent of the vote in 1997, 71 per cent in 2004, 78 per cent in 2011 and 71 per cent in 2018.

– ‘Protect the vote’ –

Human rights groups have spent years condemning Biya’s stranglehold on Cameroon’s institutions and election process.

“The electoral charade is unlikely to signal any potential change in the immediate future but rather the consolidation of the status quo,” said David Kiwuwa, who heads the School of International Studies at Nottingham University’s campus in China.

With four-in-10 Cameroonians living under the poverty line in 2024, according to the World Bank, economic fears have long loomed large in voters’ minds.

The high cost of living, as well as the lack of drinking water, quality schooling and healthcare, have long frustrated Cameroonians.

“I keep hoping for a better Cameroon where young people can find work,” Boris, a computer engineer in the coastal city of Buea, told AFP.

“I imagine a day when Cameroon looks like Paris, with accessible and affordable education, where we can drive safely on our roads.”

Yet those recurring complaints, widely shared on social media, have not led people to take to the streets in protest.

Several citizens’ associations have set up networks of observers at polling stations to “protect the vote” by counting ballots independently.

The government has slammed these as attempts to “manipulate public opinion” and “produce skewed results”.

The vote will be held in the shadow of a deadly conflict between separatist forces in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions and the government.

During the last vote in 2018, turnout was particularly low in anglophone Cameroon, where the fighting is fiercest.

AFP

Key reactions to Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

World leaders on Thursday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas, which could help end the two-year war in Gaza.

Palestinian Territories

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said he hoped that the deal “would be a prelude to reaching a permanent political solution”, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

United Nations

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for all hostages to be released “in a dignified manner” and for a permanent ceasefire to be secured.

“The fighting must stop once and for all,” he said, urging the immediate, unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

World Health Organisation

The Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus called the announcement a “big step towards lasting peace”.

The WHO “stands ready to scale up its work to meet the dire health needs of patients across Gaza, and to support rehabilitation of the destroyed health system”, he added.

“The best medicine is peace,” he said.

Egypt

The foreign ministry called the deal after indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh “a pivotal moment in the war in Gaza”.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia said it hoped the deal would “lead to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering… achieve a full Israeli withdrawal, restore security and stability, and initiate practical steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution”.

Turkey

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan singled out his US counterpart Donald Trump for praise, thanking him for demonstrating “the necessary political will to encourage the Israeli government toward the ceasefire”.

European Union

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and the head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, both praised the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey and called it an opportunity for lasting peace.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the deal “a significant breakthrough”.

Among European leaders, Trump ally Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy called it “extraordinary news”, while French President Emmanuel Macron said he hoped it would pave the way for a “political solution”.

Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the developments were “encouraging” and he was “confident” of a solution this week.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, one of Europe’s most vocal critics of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, said the civilian population should now be supported and “the atrocities experienced… never repeated”.

Ireland, which has also strongly criticised Israel’s military response, said the deal, “if grasped by all, can finally end the unconscionable human suffering”.

“It can stop the dreadful bombing, silence the guns, end the famine and genocide, and allow a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” deputy prime minister Simon Harris said.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the “tireless” diplomatic efforts of mediating countries and called the deal a “crucial first step”.

“This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza,” he added.

China

Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing hoped for a “permanent and comprehensive” ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible, adding: “China advocates adhering to the principle that ‘Palestinians should govern Palestine’.”

Atiku backs Sowore’s campaign for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called for the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued detention as a “stain on Nigeria’s belief in the rule of law.”

Atiku made this known in a post shared on his X handle on Thursday, expressing full support for the campaign launched by human rights activist and the 2023 African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, demanding Kanu’s release.

He wrote, “The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law. Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice.

“I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by @YeleSowore for his immediate release or due prosecution. We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal.”

Sowore, on Wednesday, had urged South-East governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to join the planned demonstration for Kanu’s release.

He disclosed that he had contacted several prominent Igbo leaders, including Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to join the movement.

The activist also revealed that he reached out to Atiku through his team, noting that the former vice president’s support would give significant weight to the campaign.

“I have tried reaching out personally to Dr. @alexottiofr, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo @CCSoludo, and Mr @PeterObi (through his team) today. Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages. They promised to tell Mr. @PeterObi about our plans, although he is currently travelling.

“I also reached out to Alhaji @Atiku through his team, while Senator @SenatorAbaribe said he would return my call. I spoke with Obinna Agwuocha of the House of Representatives. He was receptive and encouraging.

“The Abia State House of Assembly members informed me that they plan to travel to London next week and then return directly to Abuja for further action. They mentioned they intend to visit the Attorney General of the Federation first to lodge a complaint; they didn’t anticipate a “placard” protest. I told them, That’s fine; what matters most is that we agree on a unified date for action.

“This is not the time for hesitation. If we genuinely believe that @MaziNnamdiKanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act, now, not later,” he wrote.

Kanu had remained in the custody of the Department of State Services since his re-arrest in 2021 following his controversial extradition from Kenya.

Despite multiple court rulings ordering his release, including an October 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that discharged and acquitted him of all charges on the grounds that his extradition violated international laws, the Federal Government has yet to comply.

The IPOB leader faces charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement before the Federal High Court in Abuja, all of which he has consistently denied.

ASUU faults FG’s last-minute appeal as ‘too late’

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has faulted the Federal Government’s last-minute appeal for the union to suspend its proposed warning strike, saying the intervention came “a little too late.”

ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, stated this on Thursday while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, accusing the government of failing to act promptly on the union’s long-standing demands.

“The problem we have with this government and this Ministry of Education is that they are slow in responding to our demands,” Piwuna said.

He recalled that the union had given the government three weeks to address its grievances after a previous meeting in Sokoto, but received no communication during that period.

Piwuna stated, “We went for a meeting in Sokoto, and at that time we were about to embark on a strike action.

“They gave us three weeks, we accepted the three weeks, but we never heard a word from them until the three weeks elapsed — not a word from them, courtesy to even say, ‘Oh gentlemen, we think we are running short, three weeks is around the corner, we are unable to meet with you on so-and-so date.’ Nothing, until we threatened action.”

Piwuna said the government only reached out two working days before the proposed strike, appealing for it to be suspended.

“Yesterday, they appealed to us not to embark on action. Our 2009 agreement — which is still being renegotiated after eight years — remains undone. We have not concluded on it, and two working days before a strike action, you come to appeal to us. I think the appeal has come a little too late,” the ASUU President added.

Meanwhile, Piwuna insisted that the union would proceed with its planned industrial action at the expiration of its ultimatum on Sunday unless the government takes urgent steps to address its demands.

He said, “Their ultimatum expires on Sunday, and after that, there will be a warning strike unless something substantial comes out from the government. So, in the next 48 hours, we expect to receive something substantial from the government.

“Then, we can go back to our members and ask, ‘Do you think this is sufficient for us to hold on?’ and we will do what our members ask us to do.”

ASUU had directed its branches to prepare for a two-week warning strike expected to begin on October 13.

The latest standoff between ASUU and the Federal Government comes despite ongoing negotiations aimed at averting another round of industrial action in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

On Wednesday, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed in Abuja that the government had entered the final phase of talks with ASUU and other unions to resolve lingering disputes over welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.

Adron Chairman Congratulates Governor Dapo Abiodun on Maiden Flight from Gateway International Airport

The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, KOF, has congratulated the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, and the entire people of Ogun State, on the historic occasion of the maiden commercial flight from the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Ilishan.

In a congratulatory message, he described the milestone as a landmark achievement that reaffirms the Governor’s exceptional leadership, strategic foresight, and commitment to the infrastructural and economic transformation of Ogun State.

According to him, the successful take-off of the maiden flight marks the dawn of a new era in the state’s industrial and commercial growth, firmly positioning Ogun as the true Gateway to Prosperity and Development in Nigeria.

He noted that the feat encapsulates the essence of purposeful governance. “By turning long-held aspirations into tangible reality, His Excellency has demonstrated that leadership is not merely about vision, but about the courage and capacity to bring that vision to life,” he stated.

Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing also suggested that the state government consider establishing its own airline, “Gateway Air,” to further strengthen Ogun State’s identity, boost tourism and trade, and maximize the enormous economic potential of the new airport.

He commended Governor Abiodun for his transformative leadership and expressed optimism that under his watch, Ogun State would continue to thrive as Nigeria’s leading investment destination and a model of modern development.

“As you continue to steer the ship of state toward even greater achievements, I pray for divine wisdom, strength, and continued success in delivering the dividends of good governance to the great people of Ogun State,” he added.

He concluded by describing the project as a historic legacy that will stand the test of time.