Legal practitioners and Civil Society Organisations have called for greater collaboration and systemic reforms to strengthen Public Interest Litigation in Nigeria.
The call was made during a special session hosted by Spaces for Change (S4C) at the PILNet Africa Regional Convening on Public Interest Litigation.
The Executive Director, S4C, Mrs Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, highlighted S4C’s research-driven approach.
She noted that several pro bono legal interventions stemmed from extensive fieldwork and community-driven investigations.
The event was organised by PILNet, with S4C focusing on integrating human rights into social and economic governance through its rights-based research and advocacy.
Ibezim-Ohaeri cited her doctoral research on SARS operations in Anambra, explaining how many victims later secured compensation through the EndSARS judicial panels.
She added that S4C frequently partners with other research-focused organisations to uncover and document human rights violations across the country.
In a panel discussion, Prof. Adebisi Arewa of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, described access to justice as the most essential human right.
He lamented the inadequate access to justice for ordinary Nigerians, stressing that its absence undermines national development and erodes human dignity.
“About 99.99 per cent of Nigerians lack access to justice,” Arewa declared, emphasising that strategic litigation both exposes systemic flaws and offers lifelines for marginalised citizens.
Former Nigerian Bar Association Chairman, Alex Morka, stressed the importance of institutionalising pro bono legal services nationwide.
He urged the NBA to consider making pro bono representation mandatory, while commending judges who assign senior lawyers to represent indigent defendants in capital cases.
On behalf of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr Lucas Koyejo, raised concerns about alleged human rights violations in Lagos.
Koyejo revealed that the NHRC’s Lagos office, which serves over 20 million residents, is staffed by only 12 lawyers, including himself.
“We receive countless complaints daily, some from individual citizens and others through partners like S4C. But our capacity remains overstretched,” he said.
The event also featured testimonies from victims of forced evictions, police brutality, and other abuses, many of whom had benefited from S4C’s legal interventions.
Their stories underscored the tangible impact of public interest litigation and the urgent need for sustained reforms in Nigeria’s justice system.
Achudume stated, “You find Nigerians excelling abroad in fields like medicine, tech, and education – showcasing their capabilities. But back home, we grapple with leadership gaps and infrastructural deficits holding us back.”
He commended the Federal Government’s Student Loan Scheme as a positive stride towards boosting educational access.
“The Federal Government’s student loan initiative is a right step that will go a long way in supporting education,” he said, adding that such programmes should not be politicised or hijacked by politicians.
“Often, when governments send money or empowerment support meant for market women and other beneficiaries, it doesn’t get to them because of politicization,” Achudume cautioned.
He also criticised the prevalent practice of vote-buying during elections, involving handouts like indomie and petty gifts.
“Nigerians deserve better than peanuts from politicians during elections – we need leaders who genuinely understand the common man’s hardships,” Apostle Achudume emphasised.
According to him, Nigeria requires environments nurturing business growth, innovation, and intellectual pursuits.
“For Nigeria to realize her giant potential, we need leadership attuned to citizens’ needs and ecosystems that empower talent,” he noted.
He called for transformative leadership focusing on grassroots realities.
“Leadership feeling the pulse of ordinary Nigerians is crucial if we’re to match Nigeria’s global footprint with domestic progress,” Achudume said.
Adron Homes Hails Nigeria at 65, Reaffirms Commitment to Nation-Building
Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Africa’s leading Pan–African real estate company, joins millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora in celebrating the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the company’s Group Managing Director, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, lauded the resilience, unity, and indomitable spirit of Nigerians, which have continued to sustain the country through six and a half decades of challenges and triumphs.
“As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, we salute the courage of our founding fathers and the collective will of Nigerians who have kept the dream of a united, prosperous, and progressive nation alive. Today is not just a reminder of our past struggles, but also a call to greater responsibility in shaping the future we all desire,” Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing said.
He further encouraged the government at all levels to continue prioritizing policies that foster sustainable economic growth, affordable housing, and infrastructure development, noting that real estate is a major driver of national development.
“At Adron Homes, we believe housing is not just a basic need but a catalyst for economic empowerment and national stability. We remain committed to complementing government efforts in bridging Nigeria’s housing deficit by making affordable, accessible, and quality homes available for all,” he added.
Over the years, Adron Homes has consistently contributed to nation-building through its massive investments in housing estates across Nigeria, job creation, empowerment programs, and community development initiatives. The company reaffirmed its readiness to do even more as the country journeys toward greater prosperity.
Adron Homes extended warm wishes to all Nigerians, urging them to remain united, hopeful, and steadfast in the pursuit of the Nigeria of our dreams.
Why NUPENG and PENGASSAN Must Stop Terrorising Nigerians By Kunle Ayo
Recent actions by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in the oil and gas sector reveal a desperate attempt by certain actors to exploit Nigerians’ sensibilities, perpetuating lawlessness, economic sabotage, and threats to national security for the benefit of a few at the expense of the broader population.
It is an affront to Nigerians’ intelligence that NUPENG and PENGASSAN, historically complicit in the deliberate and egregious degeneration of the oil and gas sector, have long acted as enablers of self-interest. These unions have been directly implicated in decades of inflicting untold hardship on ordinary Nigerians through their neglect, complicity, and collaboration with enemies of the state. Their sudden posturing as defenders of workers’ rights—when their actions have contributed to the suffering of millions—is both hypocritical and insulting.
The recent decision by NUPENG and PENGASSAN to embark on strike action aligns with their persistent assault on the foundation of Nigeria’s economy, which President Tinubu’s administration is working tirelessly to revive. This calculated move seeks to drag the nation back to the dark days of fuel scarcity, economic instability, and national embarrassment, orchestrated by a handful of Nigerians and their foreign collaborators, with NUPENG and PENGASSAN as willing participants.
To call their actions detrimental to Nigeria’s social and economic progress is an understatement. The negative impact on social services is immense, as their strikes have led to the shutdown of thermal power plants, threatening to plunge the nation into physical and economic darkness. This cripples economic and social activities, placing millions of households and small businesses at a severe disadvantage.
NUPENG and PENGASSAN have made no secret of their self-serving intentions, prioritizing a culture of impunity, primitive wealth accumulation, monopoly, and destructive behavior over patriotism.
Their actions consistently place personal gain above the needs of the nation and its citizens, undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence, independence, and economic growth.
Under the guise of unionism and workers’ rights, NUPENG and PENGASSAN have chosen to inflict undue hardship on Nigerians, rejecting platforms for constructive dialogue. Their concerns are not genuine but rather mischievous, selfish, and treasonable, opting for self-help tactics that bring untold suffering to citizens and residents instead of pursuing collaborative solutions.
The federal government’s efforts to facilitate peaceful resolutions to these disputes have been rebuffed by NUPENG and PENGASSAN, who instead escalate their campaign to promote economic instability. Blinded by self-interest, they have failed to grasp the broader implications of their actions and refused to work toward solutions that benefit Nigerians.
Nigerians are neither fools nor gullible enough to fall for their deceptive tactics. The unions’ attempt to sell a false narrative about mass layoffs at Dangote Refinery is a fraud, mirroring their own duplicity. Their efforts to mislead Nigerians for selfish ends have failed. These misguided actors, driven by corrupt motives, remain insensitive to the decades of suffering caused by oil subsidy profiteers.
For years, NUPENG and PENGASSAN remained silent during fuel scarcity crises, ignoring the plight of Nigerians who were reduced to economic servitude in one of the world’s richest oil-producing nations. Yet, they now claim to champion workers’ rights at a time when fuel prices are stabilizing, the forex market is steady, the naira is strengthening against the dollar, and inflation is declining. They suddenly find fault when fuel is widely available, governors can pay salaries and pensions, and viable competition thrives in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, attracting foreign investment due to economic stability.
How can any sincere labour union, concerned with the welfare of its members and the nation’s economic viability, remain silent when massive fraud is perpetrated by a few citizens in collaboration with foreign actors? Billions of dollars in Nigerian funds have been laundered under fictitious pretexts by union officials, and the fraudulent fuel subsidy scheme, orchestrated through a corrupt Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has caused immense harm.
Yet, NUPENG and PENGASSAN now claim to fight for workers’ rights with a fabricated narrative.
NUPENG and PENGASSAN should be well aware of labor laws and their applications. They cannot claim ignorance that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) does not compel staff of private universities to unionize, nor does the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) force workers at private transport companies like GUO or God is Good Motors to join its union.
Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) does not mandate teachers in private schools to become members. Union membership is an individual’s private and exclusive right, not a mandatory or national obligation. How many times have NUPENG and PENGASSAN gone on strike to address the failures of Nigeria’s refineries despite billions spent, or to end the fuel subsidy scam?
NUPENG and PENGASSAN have no right to interfere in the internal administration of Dangote Refinery or any other private corporate entity. Their consistent role as saboteurs, aimed at derailing national progress, reveals them as stooges of sedition and terrorism. In a foolish attempt to serve their paymasters, they have declared war on the common man, making a mockery of themselves.
How does halting crude oil and gas supplies serve justice if workers are laid off?
Can self-help and blackmail assist affected staff or benefit ordinary Nigerians? Dialogue and legal avenues, not reckless actions, are the appropriate means to resolve disputes. Ironically, the processes NUPENG and PENGASSAN oppose are the very ones that have brought relief, alleviated suffering, and restored hope. These processes have stabilized fuel costs, promoted deregulation, reduced foreign interference in the oil and gas sector, and delivered numerous benefits.
We must echo the voice of Hon. Dr. Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the Federal House of Representatives, who rightly declared this affront against Dangote Refinery as an attack on national security, the economy, and the common man. NUPENG and PENGASSAN must cease acting as tools of saboteurs to derail Nigeria’s progress. They must stop making a caricature of themselves, as times have changed, and a new era of accountability has begun.
The Dangote Refinery has come to stay, driving Nigeria’s economic independence and progress through its transformative impact on the oil and gas sector. Nigerians stand united in resolute support of this vital enterprise, rejecting the sabotage of self-serving actors posing as trade unionists. With the people’s backing, Dangote Refinery will prevail against these economic adversaries, securing a future of stability and prosperity.
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed concern that Nigeria cannot experience real transformation without accountable leadership as the country marks its 65th Independence anniversary.
She disclosed this In her congratulatory message issued in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Federal Government had declared Wednesday, October 1, a public holiday to commemorate the country’s independence from Britain in 1960.
However, in a late announcement on Monday, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation disclosed that the traditional Independence Day parade would no longer be held.
In her statement, Akpoti-Uduaghan described Nigeria as a nation at a crossroads, grappling with insecurity, economic hardship, and inequality, but still showing resilience through innovation and creativity.
“The Nigeria our heroes envisioned is not one divided by ethnicity, religion, or politics, but one united by shared values of justice, equity, and prosperity.
“Building such a Nigeria requires a collective will—a government accountable to its people, a citizenry committed to nation-building, and a leadership rooted in service and integrity,” she said.
Continuing, the lawmaker stressed that Independence Day should serve as a sober reminder of the vision of those who fought for freedom.
She also urged Nigerians to transform the country’s vast potential into tangible progress for future generations.
“Independence Day is more than a date etched in history. It is a reminder of the sacrifices of our founding fathers and mothers… Today, we must honour their memory not with words alone, but by carrying forward their vision of a nation that truly works for all.
“Sixty-five years on, the task before us is clear: to ensure no Nigerian is left behind and to pass on a country worthy of pride. By honouring our past, embracing the present, and marching with hope, we shall bring to life the Nigeria our heroes envisioned,” she stated.
The National Assembly had earlier unsealed the office of Akpoti-Uduaghan.
PUNCH Online understands that her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate was unsealed by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly, assisted by security personnel.
The office had been under lock and key since March 6, 2025, when the senator was suspended from the Red Chamber.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared Abuja one of the safest cities in Nigeria, crediting both security measures by the administration and the commitment of residents to peace and harmony.
Speaking in his Independence Day anniversary message on Wednesday, Wike commended residents for intentionally living in peace and harmony, “in spite of a few distractions.”
He stressed that Abuja’s relative calm was not accidental, but the result of deliberate efforts by government and the cooperation of citizens.
“Residents have also remained intentional about living together in peace and harmony in spite of a few distractions.
Consequently, the FCT has become one of the most peaceful places to reside in the entire country.
“This is not only due to the security measures we have put in place, but also because of zero tolerance of residents for insecurity, and their readiness to promote peace in every part of the Territory.”
While commending the capital’s record, Wike urged residents not to be complacent. He assured that his administration, working with law enforcement agencies, was committed to ensuring security and law and order at all times.
“I, therefore, appeal to all residents to go about their lawful businesses, to be watchful over their neighbourhoods and to report all suspicious movements to the law enforcement agents.”
The Minister also reminded residents that the FCT would once again set the pace for Nigeria’s election season, when it holds its Area Council elections in February 2026.
He appealed for calm, orderly campaigns and urged residents to choose leaders who had the interest of their people at heart.
“Come February 2026, the FCT will kick off the electioneering process in the country as residents head to the polls to elect new chairmen and councillors for the six area councils.
“I implore residents to go about campaigning for candidates of their choice in a peaceful and orderly manner. I also encourage everyone to come out en masse when the time comes, to vote for leaders who evidently have their interest at heart; leaders who have vision and capacity to attract development and prosperity to the people,” he said.
Wike’s comments on security in the FCT follows recent news of the death of 29-year-old Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a reporter and News anchor with Arise Television News, who died in Monday, after jumping from the third floor of her apartment building to escape armed robbers.
The Minister has pledged support for Police investigation, describing her death as tragic and unacceptable.
TJ ABBAS: MY ENCOUNTER WITH HONESTY IN PUBLIC LIFE By Philip Agbese
Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON, is a rare pillar of integrity in Nigeria’s governance, a leader whose resolute honesty and patriotism forge a compelling vision for national progress. As Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, he embodies the essence of the blind men and the elephant parable—each perspective distinct, yet all converging on the undeniable truth of his dedication to Nigeria’s unity and prosperity.
My encounters with him reveal a man who leads with quiet conviction; his actions reflect a commitment that prioritises the nation’s future over personal acclaim. Abbas meticulously crafts Nigeria’s economic trajectory, ensuring the budget aligns with the country’s aspirations, meets fiscal demands, addresses critical needs like infrastructure and healthcare, and builds a foundation for a thriving tomorrow.
His Legislative Agenda drives economic diversification, education reform, and transparent governance, amplified by innovations that invite public scrutiny. Through peace-building initiatives and robust oversight, Abbas delivers tangible progress—roads, schools, and opportunities—transforming communities and proving that principled leadership can inspire a nation toward a shared, prosperous future.
Rt. Hon. Abbas represents many shared truths, first as a leader patriotically committed to our progress as a nation and will never compromise it for any reason. This commitment is demonstrated by guided actions, deeply rooted in his love for this country and a desire to see it prosper. He has shown steadfast dedication to the nation’s progress, working tirelessly to ensure that the country’s interests are protected and advanced.
A man of exemplary honesty and transparency, Speaker Abbas values truth, preferring to let his actions speak for themselves rather than seeking attention. This approach has earned him the respect of his colleagues and the public. Often noted for being straightforward to the core, Rt. Hon. Abbas is known for his uncompromising approach to governance. He is a man of his word, and his commitment to honesty and integrity is evident in all his dealings.An indisputably visionary leader and a model pacesetter, Rt. Hon. Abbas, both as Speaker and as a citizen, displays characteristics rooted in honesty and a singular commitment to the peace and advancement of the country.
As Speaker, his clear vision for Nigeria’s development, focusing on legislative excellence, has been instrumental in sponsoring numerous bills that aim to improve the lives of Nigerians, including those related to education, healthcare, and economic development, while his determination to promote constituency development has redefined the importance of constituency projects, ensuring government presence is felt in various communities across the country and positively changing narratives, resonating his steadfast commitment to peace, national development, and the promotion of unity and understanding among Nigerians.
The House of Representatives, under the effective watch of Rt. Hon. Abbas, bears glowing testimonies of his capacity, as it has outlined a model Legislative Agenda focused on driving progress, prosperity, and inclusivity across Nigeria. The agenda’s key mandates, both unprecedented and innovative, prioritise economic empowerment and diversification, incentivising investments in non-oil sectors like agriculture, technology, and renewable energy to reduce dependence on oil exports and create jobs; infrastructure development to improve connectivity and economic opportunities; and education and human capital development to drive innovation and economic growth.
Other priorities include Healthcare for All, to improve access to quality healthcare services, and transparent Governance and Accountability, to ensure effective use of public resources, alongside security and safety measures to protect persons and properties. Indeed, these ambitious goals have met significant progress, though not without surmountable challenges, confronted with resilience, pragmatism, and patriotism.
For instance, Rt. Hon. Abbas has prioritised accountability and effective oversight, strengthening the audit framework to prevent mismanagement and corruption and ensuring the Assembly’s independence in checking the executive arm of government. With innovative initiatives like the Legislative Agenda Promise Tracker, the Assembly’s progress can be actively monitored, promoting transparency and accountability in governance, setting a robust stage for achieving the laudable goals of the House of Representatives.
Rt. Hon. Tajudeen’s drive to strengthen the legislative process and ensure effective law-making, coupled with strong advocacy for constituents’ voices, has positively impacted national development, contributing to the country’s growth through informed decision-making. As a citizen, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen demonstrates ingrained qualities like patriotism and honesty, shaping the lives of those around him and impacting society positively.
His deep affection and loyalty to the nation, its people, and institutions are reflected through prioritising the nation’s well-being and prosperity, alongside a strong sense of transparency, responsibility, and accountability. A man of honest disposition, Rt. Hon. Abbas exhibits a strong moral code and truthfulness in words and actions, building trust and credibility, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose, and promoting national unity and cohesion, propelling the nation toward more effective and responsible governance where equality, justice, national progress, and general well-being are non-negotiable.
Today, political leaders are more accountable, citizens’ quality of life is improving with better access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, and an environment of equality, justice, and human rights prevails. Nigerians can now work toward a common goal of national development and prosperity, encouraging active participation in the democratic process, all because the visions of a Parliamentary Speaker and the citizens align. Through Speaker Abbas’s leadership and promotion of meditative roles, there is practical evidence of peace and advancement.
Legislative interventions have established programs for dialogue and mediation, with communities organised to promote unity and understanding among diverse groups, and educational programs teaching peace-building, tolerance, and conflict resolution skills. These efforts have led to national advancements, with funds, energy, and time, once spent on insecurity, now invested in infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and public transportation to improve connectivity and economic opportunities, as well as entrepreneurship, job creation, and skills training programs to boost economic growth and reduce poverty, alongside access to quality healthcare, education, and social welfare programs improving citizens’ well-being.
Indeed, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is a shining example of honesty and patriotism in public life. As Speaker, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the progress and development of our nation. His leadership style is characterised by transparency, inclusivity, and a strong sense of responsibility. Rt. Hon. Abbas’s legacy as a leader is built on his honesty, integrity, and dedication to public service. His contributions to the nation’s development will be remembered by generations to come. As a role model, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas inspires others to emulate his values and principles, ensuring a brighter future for all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, or creed.
Agbese LLB[UK], LLM[UK], MBA [UK] is the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Reps.
The US government began shutting down on Wednesday after lawmakers and President Donald Trump failed to break a budget impasse during acrimonious talks that hinged on Democratic demands for health care funding.
Republicans and Democrats immediately blamed each other for the deadlock that will impact hundreds of thousands of government workers and the millions of Americans who use the services they provide.
The shutdown, which will stop work at multiple federal departments and agencies, comes as deep partisan divisions in Washington have raised fears over what will be the length and consequences of the halt.
Trump threatened to punish Democrats and their voters by targeting progressive priorities and forcing mass public sector job cuts during the first stoppage since the one during his previous term.
“So we’d be laying off a lot of people that are going to be very affected. And they’re Democrats, they’re going to be Democrats,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
He said a “lot of good can come down from shutdowns,” and suggested he would use the pause to “get rid of a lot of things we didn’t want, and they’d be Democrat things.”
Government operations began grinding to a halt at 12:01 am (0401 GMT) on Wednesday, after a frenetic but ultimately failed bid in the Senate to rubber-stamp a short-term funding resolution already approved by the House of Representatives.
Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer posted a video on social media that showed a clock ticking down to midnight over an image of the US Capitol building.
“The Republican shutdown has just begun because Republicans wouldn’t protect America’s health care,” he said. “We are going to keep fighting for the American people.”
The shutdown will not affect vital functions like the Postal Service, the military and welfare programs like Social Security and food stamps.
But up to 750,000 workers could be sent home each day and would not be paid until the shutdown was over, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
This is the first shutdown since the longest one in US history — lasting 35 days — almost seven years ago during Trump’s previous term.
Hopes of a compromise had been hanging by a thread since Monday, when a last-gasp meeting at the White House yielded no progress.
The gridlocked Congress regularly runs into deadlines to agree on spending plans, and the negotiations are invariably fraught. But Congress usually avoids them ending in shutdowns.
Democrats, in the minority in both chambers of Congress, have been seeking to flex their rare leverage over the federal government eight months into Trump’s second presidency, that has seen entire government agencies dismantled.
– How long? –
Trump’s threat of new job cuts added to anxieties in the federal workforce, sparked by large-scale firings orchestrated by tycoon Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote on X after the shutdown began to ask, “How long will Chuck Schumer let this pain go on — for his own selfish reasons?”
“Results: Moms and kids now lose WIC nutrition. Veterans lose health care and suicide prevention programs. FEMA has shortfalls during hurricane season. Soldiers and TSA agents go UNPAID,” Johnson wrote.
Former Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris wrote on X that the Republicans were in charge of the White House and both houses of Congress.
“This is their shutdown,” ex-vice president Harris wrote.
The 100-member Senate requires government funding bills to receive 60 votes — seven more than the Republicans control.
Republicans had proposed to extend current funding until late November, pending negotiations on a longer-term spending plan.
But Democrats wanted to see hundreds of billions of dollars in health care spending restored, particularly in the Obamacare health insurance program for low-income households, which the Trump administration is likely to eliminate.
Almost all Senate Democrats voted against a House-passed, seven-week stopgap funding measure hours ahead of the midnight deadline.
It remains unclear how long the shutdown will last.
The federal government has shuttered 21 times since 1976, when Congress enacted the modern-day budget process.
The longest began on December 22, 2018, when Democrats and Trump found themselves at an impasse over $5.7 billion that the president was demanding for a border wall during his first term.
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to unite in building a stronger nation, assuring that his administration’s reforms are laying a solid foundation for a prosperous future.
PUNCH Online reports that Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, commemorating the country’s freedom from British colonial rule in 1960.
Traditionally, the occasion is celebrated with nationwide parades, cultural events, and presidential addresses.
However, this year’s commemoration was toned down following the Federal Government’s cancellation of the usual ceremonial parade in Abuja, citing cost-saving and security considerations.
Addressing the nation during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, the President urged citizens to support his government’s efforts to reset the economy and promote productivity, noting that with God’s help, a new, stronger Nigeria will emerge.
“Fellow Nigerians, I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains. The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern to our government.
“However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option,” he said.
He further stressed that progress would not be measured by figures alone but by improvements in daily life.
“The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities,” he declared.
Calling for renewed patriotism, Tinubu urged Nigerians to prioritise homegrown solutions.
“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes.
“Finally, let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here”, the president remarked.
PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, has made economic reforms the cornerstone of his administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Since taking office, his administration has implemented far-reaching but controversial policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates.
While the policies were aimed at stabilising the economy and freeing up resources for development, they triggered a sharp rise in the cost of living, with inflation hitting households hard.
However, the President has repeatedly defended the reforms as “painful but necessary,” assuring that the economy is gradually stabilising.
The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, revealed that he had withdrawn from active politics to focus on his role as monarch.
Oba Ladoja stated this when Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside a former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and other prominent politicians, paid him homage at his private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, following his coronation.
He stated, “I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.
“Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.”
Recounting his political journey with Atiku, he explained, “We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.
“All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people—Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice.”
The PUNCH reports that Ladoja was officially presented with the staff and instrument of office last Friday by Governor Seyi Makinde, who cut short his annual leave to personally attend the historic event.
The event marked the grand finale of activities celebrating former Oyo State governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja’s ascension to the revered throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The coronation concluded a week-long celebration that featured a cultural day, a coronation lecture, a praise and worship service, and the monarch’s 81st birthday, which was celebrated in grand style at Liberty Stadium
The new Olubadan ascended the throne following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.
