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No past government can match Tinubu’s record in FCT — Wike

 

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged past administrations to show records that they have done more projects than the administration of President Bola Tinubu, since the inception of the federal capital.

 

Wike made the statement on Tuesday during the commissioning of the newly provided Engineering Infrastructure in Wuye District, ending his over one month of projects flag-off and commissioning across the FCT.

 

Among the projects flagged off were 12 new roads across various districts, Lot 1 of the Light Up Abuja Solar Streetlight projects, provision of access roads to the Mabushi Bus terminal, the construction and expansion of water supply to satellite towns (Lot 1 and 2), and, recently the flag-off of the construction of 600-bed hostels for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari.

 

The minister said the record of the Tinubu-led administration showed a form of leadership committed to changing the lives of the people, daring anyone who had such records to “speak now or forever remain silent.”

 

“I want to challenge anybody who would say in the history of the FCT, in any administration, who has beaten the record of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

“If there is any administration since the inception of the Federal Capital Territory that has beaten this record of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, let him speak up now, or forever remain silent. What does it show? It shows leadership that is committed, it shows leadership that is willing to change the lives of the people,” he said.

The minister noted that the road project was awarded in 2009, adding that the President Tinubu administration had “shamed the opposition” and changed the narrative in the FCT, noting that the FCTA will soon begin the commissioning of renovated schools in the territory.

 

“This contract was awarded in 2009. For those of you who are good at Mathematics and Arithmetic, how many years is that? 16 years. It was awarded in 2009. Was Bola Ahmed Tinubu the President of Nigeria in 2009? Was this road completed?

 

“We have changed the narrative. We have shamed the opposition. Tinubu’s administration has changed the narrative in the FCT. Tell the opposition to come and see that the FCT is working. So, I’m happy,” he said.

 

Wike also assured contesting Area Council Chairmen of his support, reiterating that he would support anyone who supported President Tinubu, adding that there would be “a political tsunami” very soon.

 

“For all of you who are running election and are supporting Mr President, be assured, I will also support you. I have no regrets. I said here, if you are supporting Asiwaju, I’m going to support you.

 

“Anywhere you are, the moment I know you are with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you get my support one hundred per cent. So, if you know you have not changed your mind, don’t change your mind. Because very soon, there will be a political tsunami. It is Asiwaju all the way,” the minister stated.

ASUP begins two-week strike over certificate fraud at Delta Polytechnic

 

 

 

Following alleged certificate racketeering at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics suspended its services on Tuesday for two weeks.

 

A whistleblower, Raphael Ufua, accused the institution of certificate racketeering, causing serious damage to the school.

Ufua alleged that the principal officers issued certificates to students who never attended the school.

 

However, announcing the strike, ASUP Chairman Dr Michael Ohana said the lingering issue of alleged result racketeering has brought the institution into disrepute and disrupted academic activities.

 

He said, “A serious cause for concern is how the yet-to-be-verified result racketeering issue has permeated social media, bringing staff and the institution into public disrepute.

“Our members are the worst hit. When we relate with the world outside, we are no longer able to proudly say we are staff of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. Meanwhile, within the work environment, the necessary supplies and resources that make teaching and learning possible have become a far cry.

 

“Following the state government’s refusal to act decisively on issues between the Governing Council and Management, despite several meetings and ultimatums, it has become imperative that the Union embarks on a two-week warning strike.

 

“Recall that in February 2025, the Governing Council suspended the Registrar over unverified allegations of result racketeering without due diligence.

“Similarly, in July 2025, the Council suspended the Rector over unfounded accusations of financial impropriety, later repudiated by the governor as ultra vires.

 

“Despite relentless union efforts, these issues continue.

 

“Therefore, ASUP suspends its services to the state government for 14 days, hoping the government will consider reports from investigative committees rather than forming endless committees on this matter.

 

“The Nigerian Police must stop harassing staff, especially our members. Heads of Departments are being summoned to Abuja to answer for suspected forged student results.

 

“Government should call the Governing Council to order and duly communicate to them their mandates and functions. This is to make them operate in the manner that is expected of a Council that governs an academic institution, as obtainable with other tertiary institutions within and outside the state”

 

The ASUP called for the arrest and prosecution of the false whistleblower, Raphael Ufua, whose actions have brought disgrace and public disrepute upon the institution and staff of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-uku.

 

They stated that the alleged result racketeering, involving principal officers of the institution, had disgraced the image of the state institution, insisting that it was merely a case of result forgery perpetrated by individuals who are neither management staff nor principal officers of the institution.

NELFUND opens student loan portal for 2025/2026 academic session

 

 

 

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, providing access to financial support for students across tertiary institutions in the country.

 

The agency said the application window will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

 

This is contained a statement issued on Tuesday by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

 

NELFUND urged fresh students to apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.

It appealed to tertiary institutions to show understanding regarding registration and fee payment deadlines for applicants awaiting loan disbursement.

 

“Institutional Institutions are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee Flexibility payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement

 

“Institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session should Special Notice formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility

 

“NELFUND appeals to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints,” the statement said.

Teenager becomes Nigeria’s ‘vice president for a day’

 

 

 

A teenager, Joy Ogah, symbolically took over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the platform to advocate passionately for the rights and education of girls across Nigeria.

 

In a statement issued by the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday, the symbolic handover took place during a meeting on Monday between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.

 

From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah highlighted the challenges facing girls in the country, noting that over 10.5 million children remain out of school, more than 60 per cent of whom are girls.

 

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise interventions that protect and empower young girls.

Ogah also urged the government to provide free sanitary products in schools and ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition for all children. She stressed that every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence.

 

“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets,” she said.

 

Shettima also used the occasion to reaffirm President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and inclusive learning nationwide.

“We will continue the engagement with PLAN International and see where the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your solid advice on girl-child education.

 

“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” Shettima said.

 

Recent reports from PUNCH Online indicate growing national momentum toward gender inclusivity in education. On October 20, 2025, advocacy groups urged all tiers of government to invest more in girl-child education, mentorship, and sensitisation programmes, calling for stronger efforts to eliminate gender bias in schools.

 

In September, the Federal Government launched the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774) targeting over 10 million women across all 774 local government areas through livelihood grants, digital inclusion, and clean energy initiatives.

 

Similarly, the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly have reinforced support for gender parity and access to learning.

 

The government’s recent workshop on inclusive education, coupled with the Student Loans Act and increased education funding, reflects ongoing institutional commitment to equity — a goal echoed in Joy Ogah’s symbolic “Vice President for a Day” advocacy.

Reps to mediate in PENGASSAN, Dangote refinery dispute

 

 

 

The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to intervene in the recent face-off between members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Dangote Refinery, which had disrupted petroleum product distribution nationwide.

 

The resolution of the House followed the consideration and adoption of a motion of urgent public importance co-sponsored by Kano and Sokoto lawmakers, Alhassan Doguwa and Abdussamad Dasuki, respectively, at Tuesday’s plenary.

 

Titled: “Need to protect private investment from adversarial unionism,” the lawmakers drew the attention of their colleagues to the significance of the Dangote Refinery, describing it as the largest private petroleum refinery in Africa.

 

The face-off between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery led to an industrial action which commenced on September 29, 2025, disrupting the operations at the $20bn refinery.

It also led to a disruption in Nigeria’s crude oil production, with a reported daily loss of approximately 200,000 barrels over three days.

 

The disruption worsened the petroleum supply situation across the country, resulting in scarcity and long queues at filling stations in several states, resulting in severe hardship for millions of Nigerians.

 

Speaking on the motion, Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, Kano State, stressed the need to protect the Dangote Refinery given its strategic significance to the nation’s economy.

 

He said, “The House is aware that the Dangote Refinery is a strategic private investment of immense national importance, with the potential to guarantee energy security, reduce import dependency, generate employment, and conserve foreign exchange.

“We are aware that the Dangote Refinery operates within a Free Trade Zone, and therefore falls under the regulatory framework of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, particularly Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act which clearly states that ‘Employment in the free zone shall be governed by rules and regulations made by the Authority and not subject to the provisions of any enactments relating to employment matters.’

 

“The House is concerned that actions by labour unions that disregard the legal protections conferred on Free Zones under the NEPZA Act not only constitute a breach of law but also create a hostile investment environment that may deter future local and foreign investors;

 

“We are worried that if private investments of strategic national importance are continually subjected to unlawful disruptions by adversarial unionism, Nigeria risks not only the failure of key economic assets but also the erosion of investor confidence necessary for national growth and development.”

 

In his contribution, the member representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, Ahmad Jaha, urged the House to tread carefully, adding that the call for a probe as prayed by the motion was ill-timed.

 

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged its leadership to broker peace between the two parties in the interest of the nation.

 

It also urged the Federal Ministries of Labour and Employment, Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as Justice, to “Jointly develop and implement a national framework or set of policies to safeguard private investments of strategic national importance from adversarial and unlawful union actions.”

It further charged the Federal Ministry of Justice and NEPZA to ensure full enforcement and compliance with the provisions of Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act in all relevant Free Zone operations.

Sweden confirm Potter as new manager

 

 

 

Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the Sweden men’s national football team, the Swedish Football Association confirmed on Monday.

 

According to Fabrizio Romano’s X post on Monday, “Graham Potter, new head coach of Sweden until March 2026, as an initial short-term contract with World Cup mission. Deal agreed last week and signed in the last 24h as former West Ham manager returns immediately.”

 

He replaces Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was dismissed earlier this month following Sweden’s dismal start to World Cup qualifying, sitting bottom of Group B with just one point from four matches.

PUNCH Online had reported that West Ham United sacked Potter following a disappointing run of form stretching from the second half of last season into the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

 

Potter is no stranger to Swedish football. He began his managerial career in Sweden with Östersunds FK, transforming the small-town club from the fourth tier to the Allsvenskan and European competition in just over seven years.

 

His success there earned him a move to England, where he later managed Swansea City, Brighton, and Chelsea.

VIDEO: Police fire tear gas at #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protesters in Abuja

 

 

Security operatives on Monday fired tear gas canisters at protesters, including human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who had gathered in Abuja to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

 

The protest, tagged #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow, was planned to take off from the Transcorp Hilton area and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), but was disrupted as police officers moved in early, firing multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse participants and passersby.

 

The operatives, who had cordoned off the hotel and adjoining streets, began firing tear gas even before protesters arrived in large numbers.

Our correspondent had observed a visibly tightened atmosphere across the city on the way this morning.

 

Soldiers, police, and operatives of the Department of State Services were deployed to key locations, including the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and routes leading to Aso Rock.

Sowore mobilises supporters for #FreeNnamdiKanu protest

 

 

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has urged Nigerians to join a nationwide protest demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, despite a court order restricting demonstrations around key government areas in Abuja.

 

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning, Sowore called on citizens to take to the streets in peaceful protest.

 

“Good morning, wherever you may be this morning, do not stop moving. Carry a sign, sing a song, make a statement!” he wrote.

 

He had earlier shared a message on Sunday night welcoming participants to the protest tagged#FreeNnamdiKanuNow.

“We warmly welcome everyone who has travelled from far and wide to join the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest tomorrow. Your courage, sacrifice, and solidarity speak volumes. Together, we are writing history,” he wrote.

 

Sowore announced that protesters would converge in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, at 7 am, urging them to “come ready, come peaceful, come determined.”

 

He also shared a Facebook post that read, “We want to put one million people on the streets of Abuja tomorrow for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow — let’s make it happen.”

However, the planned march comes in defiance of an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which restrained Sowore and other organisers from protesting in or around sensitive government areas, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

 

Reacting to the reported order on Saturday, Sowore questioned its legitimacy and the perceived double standards of law enforcement.

 

“Suppose a court order truly exists restricting protests around Aso Rock Villa; it begs the question: why hasn’t the same police force obtained a similar order against those protesting freely for three consecutive days opposing Nnamdi Kanu’s release?” Sowore asked.

 

“The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable,” he added.

 

The activist disclosed that his legal team, comprising 115 lawyers, would challenge the alleged court order once it is formally served on Monday.

 

He maintained that the planned October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest would proceed as a peaceful and lawful march, declaring, “October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully.”

 

The demonstration also coincides with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests of October 2020, which culminated in the alleged Lekki Toll Gate massacre — a period now remembered for its call for police reform and justice for victims of brutality.

Osinbajo leads ECOWAS team to monitor Côte d’Ivoire poll

 

 

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has been appointed by the Economic Community of West African States to head its Election Observation Mission for the forthcoming presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire.

 

According to a statement from ECOWAS, the election is scheduled to be held on October 25, 2025, while the observation mission will be deployed from October 19 to 29, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

 

“As Head of Mission, Osinbajo will lead a delegation of eminent West Africans who will engage with key national stakeholders to encourage a peaceful and credible electoral process,” the statement said. “The team will also collaborate with international and domestic observer groups to assess the conduct of the polls.”

The regional body said the deployment of the mission underscores ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting peace, stability, and credible elections across West Africa.

 

The Côte d’Ivoire election comes at a critical time for the region, where several member states are preparing for key national polls amid efforts to consolidate democratic governance.

FG integrates leasing into public procurement framework

 

 

The Equipment Leasing Registration Authority and the Bureau of Public Procurement have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate leasing into Nigeria’s public procurement framework.

 

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Head of Media and Corporate Communication of ELRA, Adebola Brookslyn, in Abuja on Sunday.

 

Brookslyn said the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of ELRA, Donald Wokoma, after the signing ceremony, noted that the agreement was a move aimed at promoting transparency, efficiency, and fiscal prudence across government operations.

 

According to Wokoma, through the MoU, ELRA and BPP will jointly develop clear policy guidelines and standard documents for lease-based procurement.

He added that it would also build the capacity of procurement officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies and integrate ELRA’s registration system into the procurement workflow for improved accountability.

 

This, he also said, would pilot leasing projects in key sectors such as health, education, transport, agriculture, and ICT.

 

Wokoma expressed appreciation to the Director-General of BPP and his team for their foresight and cooperation, reaffirming ELRA’s commitment to ensuring that every lease transaction under the partnership delivers measurable value to national development.

 

He further explained that the collaboration would reduce fiscal pressure on government budgets, enhance service delivery, and improve asset management, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s drive toward economic diversification and sustainable growth.

In his remarks, the Director-General of BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, commended ELRA for initiating the collaboration and reaffirmed BPP’s commitment to developing a procurement system that reflects global best practices.

 

“This MoU is timely and strategic. Leasing provides a viable alternative financing mechanism that supports service delivery while safeguarding public resources.

 

“By working together with ELRA, we are ensuring that leasing transactions in the public sector are not only transparent but also deliver real value for money,” Adedokun said.

 

He further noted that the partnership would strengthen institutional capacity within MDAs and enhance accountability in public expenditure management, particularly in the area of compliance. Those who will go into the leasing sector must show clearly that they are registered with ELRA.

 

“BPP will ensure compliance without which a Certificate of No Objection will not be issued by the Bureau,” he added.

 

Under the Equipment Leasing Act, 2015, ELRA is empowered to regulate and register all leasing transactions in Nigeria, ensuring credibility, accountability, and investor confidence.

Similarly, the Public Procurement Act mandates BPP to guarantee value-for-money and competitiveness in government transactions.

 

The partnership harmonises these mandates, creating a unified process for all lease-related procurements to be duly registered, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward efficient and sustainable public procurement.

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