Just-In: Appeal Court Overturns Deregistration Order Against ADC, Four Other Parties
The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Tuesday, nullified the judgment of the Federal High Court ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the African Democratic Congress and four other political parties.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel of justices led by Justice Abba Mohammed, the appellate court held that the June 15 judgment of the Federal High Court was a nullity, having been delivered without jurisdiction.
The appellate court held that the trial court wrongly assumed jurisdiction and made the order on an incompetent suit filed by a non-juristic entity.
It held that there was no valid suit that could have warranted the consequential order directing INEC to deregister the affected political parties.
The appellate court further held that the trial court failed to properly evaluate the evidence before it, noting that proof showing the parties had won various elective seats in previous elections was ignored.
It also held that the lower court acted in defiance of an order directing it to stay proceedings pending the determination of an interlocutory appeal.
The appellate court consequently held that the Federal High Court ought to have dismissed the substantive suit for want of jurisdiction and merit.
It allowed the separate appeals filed by the political parties, restored their registration, and awarded costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators, which instituted the suit.
The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party.
The appellate court declared that all the affected political parties remain duly registered.
The appellate court had, on June 16, stayed the execution of the trial court’s judgment pending the determination of the appeals.
In its decision, the panel faulted the conduct of Justice Peter Lifu for proceeding with the case, despite an earlier order made on May 22 directing him to stay proceedings pending the outcome of the appeal.
The appellate court noted that although Justice Lifu’s attention had been drawn to the stay order, he proceeded to deliver judgment.
It described the action as “a form of judicial impertinence,” adding that the Supreme Court had previously held that a judge who acts in such a manner “is unfit for the bench, as the conduct amounts to judicial rascality.”
Celebrating Folly Coker at 61: Architect of Modern Tourism and Public Service Icon
By Fisayo Ajibola
Today, July 27, marks another significant milestone in the life of one of Nigeria’s foremost tourism administrators and accomplished public servants, Folorunsho Folarin “Folly” Coker, as he celebrates his 61st birthday.
For decades, Coker has remained a respected figure in Nigeria’s public service landscape, earning accolades for his contributions to tourism development, cultural promotion and public administration. His distinguished career has seen him occupy several strategic positions, where his vision, innovation and commitment to excellence left lasting impressions.
Born on July 27, 1965, Folly Coker’s journey has been defined by purposeful leadership and an unwavering passion for showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural and tourism potential. As the former Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), later the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), he championed initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a competitive tourism destination while encouraging domestic tourism and promoting the nation’s diverse cultural heritage.
Before assuming the national tourism role, Coker served with distinction as the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, where he played a pivotal role in transforming Lagos into Nigeria’s leading hub for entertainment, culture and creative tourism. His tenure witnessed the strengthening of cultural festivals, the promotion of arts and heritage, and the expansion of Lagos’ reputation as a destination for both local and international visitors.
His impressive public service résumé also includes serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, a position in which he demonstrated exceptional administrative competence and strategic policy coordination.
Beyond the offices he has held, Folly Coker is widely admired for his refined personality, intellectual depth and ability to build bridges across government, the private sector and the creative industry. Colleagues describe him as a visionary administrator whose calm disposition, attention to detail and collaborative leadership style have earned him widespread respect.
As news of his birthday spread, congratulatory messages poured in from government officials, tourism stakeholders, business leaders, cultural practitioners, friends and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond. Many celebrated not only his accomplishments but also his enduring commitment to national development through tourism, culture and public service.
Family members, associates and admirers joined in expressing gratitude for a life dedicated to service, innovation and nation-building, praying for continued good health, wisdom and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
As Folly Coker turns 61, the celebration is more than a personal milestone—it is a recognition of an enduring legacy built on leadership, integrity and an unwavering belief in the power of tourism and culture to drive economic growth and national unity.
Happy Birthday to Folorunsho Folarin “Folly” Coker —a distinguished public servant, tourism advocate and visionary whose contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s tourism landscape and inspire future generations.
Anthony Joshua survives knockdowns to win Perenga with KO in Round 2
Anthony Joshua flirted with disaster, then won in thrilling fashion.
Joshua was knocked down twice in the first round and looked on the verge of defeat. But after sticking out his tongue and smiling, Joshua knocked out Kirstian Prenga with a massive right hand. The fight ended at 2:34 of the second round
Here’s a polished rewrite:
The emphatic victory removes the final obstacle to the long-anticipated heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, with the blockbuster bout now expected to be finalised for later this year.
The fight marked Joshua’s first appearance since surviving a car crash in Nigeria on December 29 that reportedly claimed the lives of two of his close friends. Earlier on Friday, Tyson Fury also emerged victorious in his tune-up contest after 46-year-old Mariusz Wach retired on his stool at the end of the seventh round.
With the win, the 36-year-old British heavyweight improved his professional record to 30-4, while 35-year-old Albanian Kristian Prenga dropped to 20-2.
www.societygazetteng.com will continue to provide updates, highlights, reactions and in-depth analysis of the Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga fight and the road to the proposed Joshua-Fury showdown.
RSS Makes History as Graduating Class of 2026 Marks Valedictory Service in First-of-Its-Kind University-Style Ceremony
Remo Secondary School (RSS) has made history with the graduation of its 2026 class in what is being described as a groundbreaking academic ceremony, as the prestigious public secondary school celebrated its graduating students in a university-themed graduation style.
The historic valedictory service, which brought together students, parents, teachers, school administrators, old students and distinguished guests, was marked by pomp, pageantry and an atmosphere of academic excellence, as graduating students appeared in full academic graduation gowns, caps and other traditional graduation regalia.
In a striking departure from conventional valedictory ceremonies typically held in public secondary schools, the school’s principals and teachers, as well as the National Executives of the Remo Secondary School Old Students’ Association (RSSOSA), also donned academic gowns, creating the atmosphere and grandeur of a university convocation.
The remarkable initiative transformed the valedictory service into a memorable graduation experience for the students and marked a significant milestone in the history of Remo Secondary School, Ogun State and, potentially, the Nigerian public school system.
The ceremony was not only a celebration of the completion of secondary education, but also a deliberate effort to instil in the graduating students a sense of pride, achievement and responsibility as they prepare to transition into higher education and the next phase of their lives.
Another major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to deserving students in recognition of outstanding morals, good character and exemplary conduct. The awards, which cut across various categories, celebrated students who distinguished themselves not only through academic pursuits, but also through positive character traits, discipline, responsibility and good morals.
In a further demonstration of its commitment to the future of the graduating students and the advancement of education, Hope Bridge Social Impact Foundation awarded full higher education scholarships to about 25 deserving students. The scholarship awards will support the beneficiaries in pursuing their tertiary education, providing them with an opportunity to further their academic aspirations and achieve their full potential.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Remo Secondary School Old Students’ Association (RSSOSA), Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF, congratulated the graduating class and commended the school management, teachers and parents for their roles in nurturing and guiding the students throughout their academic journey.
He further expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government, ably led by the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, CON, for his administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector in the state.
He specifically acknowledged the Governor’s Yellow Revolution initiative, describing it as one of the notable interventions that has positively impacted the education sector and contributed to creating a more conducive environment for learning across public schools in Ogun State.
According to him, the Governor’s keen attention to education and the deliberate interventions of his administration have had a positive ripple effect that has extended to institutions such as Remo Secondary School, contributing to the school’s continued growth and development and helping to position it as a great institution.
Aare Adetola Emmanuelking also extended his appreciation to the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, for his leadership and evident contributions to the advancement of education in the state.
The event further highlighted the strong bond between the school and its old students, with the presence and participation of the old students, demonstrating the association’s continued commitment to the development and advancement of the institution.
The innovative university-style graduation ceremony is expected to remain one of the most memorable moments in the history of the school, and could set a new standard for how graduating students are celebrated in public secondary schools across Ogun State and beyond.
For the graduating class of 2026, the occasion was a day of pride, gratitude and celebration, a day when they were not only bid farewell from secondary school, but were honoured and celebrated as graduates stepping confidently into the future.
BUA Cement Posts ₦16.57bn FX Gain, Accelerates Expansion with ₦60.67bn Capital Investment
BUA Cement recorded a net foreign exchange gain of N16.57 billion during the first half of 2026 compared with only N782.8 million in the same period last year and a N9.70 billion foreign exchange loss for the full 2025 financial year.
This marked reversal reflects the relatively more stable exchange rate environment that has followed the sharp currency adjustments experienced over the previous two years.
The improvement helped reduce overall net finance costs to just N3.41 billion, compared with N31.37 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, despite the company continuing to carry substantial borrowings.
Finance income also increased sharply to N18.73 billion, supported by higher interest earned on cash balances.
BUA Cement continued to generate significant operating cash flows despite paying substantial dividends and investing heavily in capacity expansion.
Net cash generated from operating activities stood at N278.45 billion, demonstrating the business’ strong cash conversion capability. Capital expenditure reached over N60.67 billion, largely invested in property, plant and equipment as the company continues expanding production capacity.
Property, plant and equipment increased to N1.22 trillion from N1.18 trillion at the end of 2025, reflecting continued investment in production assets and projects under construction. Construction work-in-progress alone rose to about N183.86 billion, highlighting ongoing expansion activities.
The earning note stated that BUA Cement is progressing with plans to expand installed production capacity from 17 million metric tonnes per annum to 20 million metric tonnes, including the construction of a greenfield cement plant in Ososo, Edo State.
Commenting on the results, Yusuf Binji, managing director and chief executive officer, said the company remained focused on capturing new growth opportunities while maintaining cost discipline.
“We have delivered a strong quarter despite the constraints encountered,” Binji said.
He noted that the company’s growth initiatives and cost optimisation programmes were gaining traction and expressed confidence that ongoing process improvements would deliver higher productivity and better cost management in the coming quarters.
“I am very encouraged by our outlook and performance over the next quarters,” he added.
ADVAN ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AT 2026 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
…as O’tega Ogra elected President of ADVAN
The Advertisers Association of Nigeria, ADVAN, has elected a new Executive Council to lead the association for the 2026–2028 term. The officers were elected at the association’s Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The newly elected Executive Council comprises:
O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Digital/New Media — President
Gloria Nwabuike , Managing Director AACE Foods Ltd— First Vice President
Maurice Igugu, Chief Marketing Officer, The Alternative Bank — Second Vice President
Seni Ogunkola, Vice President Brands and Marketers T2 Mobile — Treasurer
Adeola Amosun, Group Head, Media Tolaram — Publicity Director
Cassandra Uzo- Ogbugh, Head- External communications, media and partnership, Reckitt Nigeria — Executive Council Member
James Odejimi, Head of marketing PZ(HPZ SBU) — Executive Council Member
Martha Ojei Kayode, Head of marketing PZ Cussons – Executive Council Member
Omobolanle Osotule, Head, brand marketing and communication Airtel Networks – Executive Council Member
Oge Maduakwu, Head of Marketing and Communication Samsung Electronics West Africa – Executive Council Member
The new Council succeeds in the Executive Council led by the immediate past President, Osamede Uwubanmwen.
In his acceptance remarks, the newly elected President, O’tega Ogra, thanked members of the association for the confidence placed in the new leadership and pledged to run an inclusive, purposeful, and results-driven administration.
He said the new Council would focus on strengthening the value ADVAN delivers to its members, developing the capacity of marketing professionals, deepening collaboration across the advertising and marketing ecosystem, and improving engagement with regulators and other critical stakeholders.
“This is not simply a mandate to occupy office. It is a responsibility to strengthen ADVAN as the leading voice of advertisers and marketing professionals in Nigeria,” Ogra said.
“Our industry is changing rapidly. Technology, artificial intelligence, data, regulation, and shifting consumer behaviour are redefining the work we do. ADVAN must help its members understand these changes, prepare for them, and lead through them.”
The President said the new administration would give priority to structured capacity development, executive education, and professional learning for members at different stages of their careers.
He also announced plans to advance the establishment of an ADVAN Institute of Marketing and Brand Leadership under its proposed ADVAN Business School, which would serve as a platform for research, training, professional development and the documentation of Nigerian marketing knowledge and case studies.
The new council will also seek to deepen collaboration among advertisers, agencies, media owners, technology platforms, research organisations, academic institutions, and other participants within the marketing and communications value chain.
On ADVAN’s relationship with regulatory institutions, including ARCON, O’tega said the association would pursue constructive and principled engagement.
“ADVAN will continue to defend the lawful and legitimate interests of its members. At the same time, we believe that dialogue, consultation, and mutual respect provide the strongest foundations for a stable and progressive industry that contributes immensely to the Nigeria economy,” he said.
“We will work to rebuild trust, reopen channels of institutional engagement, and pursue practical resolutions to outstanding areas of disagreement without compromising the principles for which ADVAN and its members stand.”
The new President commended the outgoing Executive Council for its service and acknowledged the contributions of past presidents, the Board of Trustees, members, the ADVAN CEO, Secretariat and industry stakeholders to the growth of the association.
The new Executive Council will formally commence its two-year tenure and is expected to unveil its strategic priorities and implementation programme following its inaugural meeting.
ADVAN is the umbrella association representing advertisers and marketing professionals from leading organisations, small and Medium scale businesses operating in Nigeria. The association promotes professional excellence, responsible marketing, industry development, and the collective interests of advertisers.
Adron Group Chairman Pays Glowing Tribute to Ogun First Lady at 60
The Chairman/GCEO of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, KOF, has joined eminent Nigerians in celebrating the First Lady of Ogun State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, on the occasion of her 60th birthday, describing her as “an icon of courage, compassion and charisma whose life continues to inspire hope, uplift humanity and exemplify purposeful public service.”
In a goodwill message jointly signed by Aare Emmanuelking and his wife, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking, the Adron Homes boss paid glowing tribute to the First Lady’s enduring legacy, noting that her six decades have been defined by commitment to humanity, exemplary leadership, and a remarkable ability to positively impact lives through humility, kindness, and compassion.
He described Her Excellency’s Diamond Jubilee as a fitting celebration of a woman whose life reflects the timeless qualities of the precious gemstone it represents, resilient, refined, enduring, and radiant through every season.
Aare Adetola Emmanuelking also acknowledged the First Lady’s steadfast support for the developmental aspirations of Ogun State, particularly her commitment to initiatives that have positively impacted women, children, and other vulnerable members of society. He described her contributions to public service and human development as enduring and worthy of national recognition.
He prayed that Almighty God would continue to bless Her Excellency with excellent health, renewed strength, abiding peace, and many more years of purposeful living, while granting her greater opportunities to continue touching lives and advancing the cause of humanity.
He wished the First Lady a joyous 60th birthday and a new decade filled with greater accomplishments, divine favour, and enduring fulfilment.
Wema Bank Announces the 7th Edition of Hackaholics
…Introduces 3 tracks, 7 Verticals, millions of naira in grant prizes
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous national bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has announced the 7th edition of its flagship innovation initiative, Hackaholics. The announcement was made at the official press conference which took place on July 1, 2026, at the Wema Bank Head Office in Lagos, Nigeria.
Launched in 2019, Hackaholics is Wema Bank’s youth and tech-focused initiative designed to serve as a platform for young Africans with creative, game changing, tech-driven ideas and products, to bring their ideas to life. Since its launch, Hackaholics has discovered thousands of groundbreaking solutions, supported over 10,000 startups, engaged 50,000 participants, developed over 100 solutions from scratch and disbursed $500,000,000 in grant prizes to dozens of winners whose remarkable solutions have earned a top spot in the past 6 editions. With the launch of Hackaholics 7.0, Wema Bank is set to execute the biggest Hackaholics edition yet.
Themed “Powering Possibilities”, Hackaholics 7.0 will kick off with an open call for applications, calling on all young Africans with creative tech-driven solutions across any of the 7 verticals: Financial Inclusion, Healthcare, Digital Transformation, Education, Sustainability, Social Impact and Future of Work. Each application is to be made via the portal at hackaholics.wemabank.com, under one of three tracks: The Startup Pitch Competition, Hackathon and the newly introduced Social Impact track. Following the application window, Hackaholics 7.0 will then proceed on a national tour which will touch 10 pitch centres across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Each pitch centre will serve as a hub for innovators within the region to pitch their creative solutions and get the opportunity to secure the top spot in their pitch centre, and ultimately, proceed to the grand finale where the winners of Hackaholics 7.0 will be announced.
Speaking on the Bank’s inspiration behind Hackaholics’ exceptional seven-year journey, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, reiterated the Bank’s commitment to powering innovation, empowering youth and promoting economic growth in Africa. According to him, “At Wema Bank, we believe that institutions have a responsibility that extends beyond providing commercial services. We have a responsibility to create meaningful opportunities, provide the right resources, enable innovation to thrive, and support the ecosystems that will shape today’s youth as well as tomorrow’s economy. This sense of responsibility is what has driven the evolution of Hackaholics from inception till date. With Hackaholics, we have, and we are investing in the next generation of innovators, inspiring innovation that will impact lives, strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and giving youth a platform to make meaningful use of their creativity; and the numbers continue to speak volumes”.
Declaring the application window open, Tajudeen Bakare, Wema Bank’s Divisional Executive, Business Support, added, “As we launch Hackaholics 7.0 today, we are opening up a new phase of opportunities for more Nigerian youth to challenge themselves, explore their creativity and become startup founders. I encourage every young Nigerian with a passion for innovation to leverage the opportunity that we have carefully curated through Hackaholics and get ahead of the curve in today’s dynamic work landscape. Together, we can continue to build an ecosystem where innovation flourishes, opportunities expand, and young people are empowered to create solutions that shape the future”.
Hackaholics 7.0 is free, and open to any Nigerian youth who has innovative ideas and solutions to pitch. Interested startups and innovators can apply at hackaholics.wemabank.com. All updates on the Hackaholics 7.0 journey will be made available on the Bank’s website @wemabank.com as well as its social media platforms @wemabank and @alat_ng.
Oyo School Abduction: Journalists Group Calls for State, Community Policing
…Urges Government to Prioritise Rescue Efforts, Security Above Politics
More than two weeks after the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State, a journalists’ advocacy group has called on governments at all levels to deploy every available security resource to secure the immediate release of the victims.
The group, Journalists for Good Governance (JGG), also renewed calls for the establishment of state and community policing structures as part of broader efforts to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the Acting President of JGG, Bunmi Obarotimi, expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of the students and school staff, noting that one of the teachers had reportedly been beheaded while others, including the school principal, remain in the hands of their abductors.
JGG, a coalition of journalists committed to promoting accountability, good governance and effective public policy, said the safety and rescue of the victims must take precedence over political considerations.
“The attack on innocent schoolchildren and educators is a tragedy that should unite all leaders, regardless of political affiliation,” Obarotimi said. “The protection of lives and property must always come before politics.”
According to him, there is growing concern that political actors from both the ruling and opposition camps are exploiting the unfortunate incident for partisan purposes instead of focusing on practical solutions to the country’s security challenges.
“Our findings show that many political leaders are more interested in scoring political points than working together to address the insecurity crisis threatening communities across the country,” he stated.
“In many advanced democracies, moments of national tragedy bring leaders together in pursuit of lasting solutions. We urge those in positions of authority to put aside political differences, unite behind the rescue effort, and ensure the safe return of these children and other Nigerians currently held captive.”
The group also pointed to recent attacks in remote communities as evidence that criminal gangs and bandits continue to exploit security gaps in rural areas where resistance is often minimal.
JGG referenced the recent attack on Ayegunle community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where one person was killed and at least 33 residents were abducted, describing the incident as further proof that Nigeria’s security architecture requires urgent reform.
Obarotimi stressed the need for legislation that would establish and empower state police forces as well as community-based security organisations.
“Policing is fundamentally local in every successful security system around the world,” he said. “It is on this basis that we call on the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to prioritise the creation of state police and the strengthening of community security structures. Such reforms will significantly reduce the burden on federal security agencies and help address the growing security deficit that is gradually turning parts of the country into conflict zones.”
The group further urged political leaders to learn from past mistakes, recalling the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, which occurred amid intense political activities ahead of the 2015 general elections.
“Many of the Chibok girls are still unaccounted for today. The nation cannot afford to repeat the errors of the past by allowing politics to overshadow urgent security decisions,” the statement noted.
JGG concluded by calling on leaders across party lines to work together in confronting insecurity and restoring public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
“Nigerians deserve to live, work and travel without fear of kidnapping, terrorism or violent attacks. The continued exposure of innocent citizens to insecurity due to political distractions and official inaction is unacceptable and must end,” the group stated.
Adron Group Chairman Hails Dapo Abiodun’s Leadership at 66
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, has extended his warm congratulations to the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, on the occasion of his 66th birthday.
In a goodwill message issued to commemorate the occasion, Aare EmmanuelKing described Governor Dapo Abiodun as a visionary leader, accomplished administrator, and distinguished statesman whose purposeful and people-oriented leadership continues to foster remarkable transformation, progressive governance, and sustainable development across Ogun State.
He noted that Governor Abiodun’s steadfast commitment to infrastructural development, economic advancement, youth empowerment, and the overall welfare of the citizenry has significantly positioned Ogun State as a foremost destination for investment, innovation, and socio-economic progress in Nigeria.
“On behalf of my family, the management, and staff of Adron Group, I sincerely felicitate with Your Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, on the occasion of your 66th birthday. Your exemplary leadership, humility, and unwavering dedication to public service remain highly commendable and inspiring. Ogun State has continued to experience substantial growth and development under your administration, while your contributions to governance and human capital development are truly noteworthy,” Aare EmmanuelKing stated.
He further offered prayers for God’s continued grace, wisdom, strength, and good health for the Governor as he continues to render selfless service to Ogun State and the nation at large.
Aare EmmanuelKing also wished Governor Abiodun many more years of impactful leadership, peace, and fulfillment in service to humanity.
