RSSOSA National President, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Celebrates Damola Aiyeola at 60, Commends His Legacy of Service

The National President of the Remo Secondary School Old Students Association (RSSOSA), Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has celebrated the National Vice President of the Association’s UK Branch, Mr. Damola Aiyeola, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, describing him as a God-fearing family man, committed leader and an exemplary Old Student whose years of service have continued to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the development of Remo Secondary School and beyond.

In a special birthday message marking the significant milestone, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking described Aiyeola’s 60 years as a life of purpose, faith, family, leadership and service, noting that his contributions to RSSOSA demonstrate a deep understanding of the responsibility that comes with belonging to an association of Old Students.

The RSSOSA National President praised Aiyeola’s leadership as the National Vice President of the Association’s UK Branch, noting that his contribution goes beyond occupying an executive position to actively using his platform to advance the welfare of students and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the alma mater.

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking particularly highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the RSSOSA UK Branch under Aiyeola’s watch, describing them as tangible expressions of the responsibility that Old Students owe to the institution that shaped them.

Some of the notable interventions include the renovation of the UK-adopted classrooms at Remo Secondary School; the donation of learning materials to exceptional students across the Senior and Junior sections of the school; and the support and funding of holiday tutorials for SS3 students. The tutorial programme was further complemented by the donation of textbooks and sanitary pads to the students, addressing both their educational and personal welfare needs.

Commending these initiatives, the RSSOSA National President described Mr. Damola Aiyeola as a leader whose influence is evident in the positive impact being recorded by the UK Branch.

According to him, Aiyeola’s leadership reflects the importance of having people who understand that alumni leadership is ultimately about service, responsibility and giving back. He noted that the story of the RSSOSA UK Branch under Aiyeola’s watch is one of Old Students turning their affection for their alma mater into measurable interventions that improve the lives of present-day students.

As Mr. Damola Aiyeola marks his diamond jubilee, the RSSOSA National President prayed that God would continue to strengthen him, preserve his life and grant him the wisdom and grace required for greater responsibilities.

He prayed for divine health, protection, prosperity, renewed strength and continued fulfilment, asking God to bless and preserve his family and reward the celebrant for his commitment to service.

He further prayed that the years ahead would be even more fruitful and impactful, with greater opportunities to contribute to the advancement of RSSOSA, the UK Branch and Remo Secondary School.

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Hails Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu’s Impact on Education as He Marks Birthday

The Chairman/GCEO of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has paid glowing tribute to the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, describing him as one of the foremost architects of educational transformation whose leadership continues to redefine learning and human capital development in the Gateway State.

In a heartfelt birthday message, the renowned real estate entrepreneur commended Professor Arigbabu for his exceptional blend of scholarship, administrative excellence, and visionary public service, noting that his stewardship of the education sector has continued to inspire confidence in the future of education in Ogun State.

According to Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Professor Arigbabu has distinguished himself as an education reformer whose policies and programmes have consistently advanced academic excellence, strengthened institutional standards, promoted innovation, and positioned education as a strategic driver of sustainable development.

“Professor Abayomi Arigbabu exemplifies the ideals of visionary leadership. His dedication to improving educational outcomes and empowering the next generation through quality learning continues to leave an indelible mark on Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole. His legacy is one of impact, excellence, and selfless service,” he stated.

The Adron Group Chairman further acknowledged the Commissioner’s commitment to building an education system that equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and values required to thrive in an increasingly dynamic world, describing his contributions as invaluable to the state’s development agenda.

As Professor Arigbabu marks another year, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking prayed for renewed strength, divine wisdom, robust health, and greater accomplishments, expressing confidence that the celebrant’s passion for educational advancement would continue to shape lives and inspire generations.

He wished the Commissioner a memorable birthday celebration and many more years of impactful service to Ogun State, Nigeria, and humanity.

Celebrating Folly Coker at 61: Architect of Modern Tourism and Public Service Icon By Fisayo Ajibola

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.

Provide relief for families of Gombe boat accident victims, Reps urge FG

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government, through the relevant agencies, to provide relief materials to cushion the effects of the recent boat mishap that took the lives of five persons in the Nafada River, Gombe State, North-Eastern Nigeria.

The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by the member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency, Gombe State, Abdullahi El-Rasheed.

The five persons, including four young girls and a boy, reportedly lost their lives on Saturday, October 25, 2025, onboard a boat sailing across the Nafada River.

Incidents of boat mishaps have been a regular occurrence across Nigeria’s waterways, continually claiming lives and heightening tension over maritime safety, particularly in rural areas.

El-Rasheed said, “The House is disturbed that unless relevant government agencies intensify their regulatory oversight and enforce strict compliance with maritime safety standards and operational guidelines, these devastating incidents will continue to occur.”

Shortly after the adoption of the motion, the House observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims and condoled with the families of the departed.

It thereafter urged the National Emergency Management Agency and the North-East Development Commission to, as a matter of urgency, “provide relief materials and necessary support to the affected families and the grieving communities.”

FG pledges solar power for hospitals, varsities, says ECN boss

The Energy Commission of Nigeria has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling electricity challenges in public hospitals and universities through increased investment in renewable energy.

The Director-General of the ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday to mark his two years in office.

He said the Renewed Hope Solarisation Project under President Bola Tinubu’s administration has accelerated the deployment of two-megawatt solar hybrid systems in public institutions across the country.

According to Abdullahi, the first phase of the project has been successfully implemented at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano, General Hospital Bangi in Niger State, the Enugu Research Centre, and the University of Abuja.

The ECN boss added that several communities in Benue, Kebbi, Kaduna, Ekiti, and Osun States have also benefited, while more institutions have been listed for the second phase.

He noted that the Commission has led key initiatives promoting renewable energy and sustainable power development, signing several memoranda of understanding for solar mini-grid deployment, which are at various stages of implementation.

“The newly gazetted National Energy Policy and National Energy Master Plan were launched by the Federal Government to enhance coordination of projects and catalyse investment in the renewable energy sub-sector,” Abdullahi stated.

He further revealed that the ECN has established a pilot Green Hydrogen Plant to drive the domestication and localisation of green energy technologies, a move he said would strengthen Nigeria’s clean energy transition and institutional capacity for sustainable growth.

Ned Nwoko breaks silence, blames Regina’s outburst on drug abuse

Senator Ned Nwoko has broken his silence following a viral video showing his wife, actress Regina Daniels, in distress, describing her recent actions as “drug-influenced” and “unprovoked carnage.”

In a lengthy post and a short video shared on his Instagram handle #princenednwoko on Sunday, Nwoko claimed the actress was battling drug and alcohol abuse, which he said was at the root of the crisis rocking their marriage.

“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem.

“She must continue her rehabilitation programme, or I fear for her life and safety,” he wrote.

The senator alleged that Regina went on a violent rampage at their home in his absence, attacking staff and destroying property.

“She slapped and hit three staff in the past 48 hours and destroyed property, including cars and windows, for no just cause.

“Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs,” the senator alleged

Nwoko said he had offered his wife two rehabilitation options in Asokoro or Jordan, “where she will not have access to drugs.”

He further alleged that the scene at home was worsened by the interference of Regina’s associates, whom he described as “drug suppliers.”

“While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier.

“Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann,”he alleged.

His post came hours after PUNCH Online reported that a video of the actress, visibly agitated and shouting during a confrontation, had gone viral on Saturday, sparking widespread concern.

In the footage, Regina could be heard saying, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”

Her brother, Ojeogwu Samuel Danhillman, popularly known as Sammy West, also reacted angrily on Instagram, accusing Nwoko of assaulting his sister and vowing to defend her.

“Anywhere wey man dey beat woman, whether na my sister or not, I go fight with my blood,” he wrote.

The cause of the altercation remains unclear, as neither Regina nor her representatives have publicly responded to Nwoko’s allegations.

Regina Daniels, who married Nwoko in 2019, has often been in the public eye alongside the politician and businessman.

The couple’s marriage, marked by a 40-year age gap, has long drawn public attention and debate.

Tracking Tinubu’s five major economic pledges

As 2025 enters its final quarter, President Bola Tinubu’s administration faces mounting public expectations to deliver on major economic and social pledges that define its reform agenda.

From tackling inflation and boosting growth to driving infrastructure and food security, several commitments made over the past year have set clear benchmarks for performance.

Below are five of the most critical promises that Nigerians should be tracking closely in Q4 2025:

Reduce inflation to 15 per cent by the end of 2025

Tinubu first made this pledge on December 18, 2024, during the presentation of the ₦49.7 trillion 2025 Budget to the National Assembly.

He assured Nigerians that his administration would bring inflation down to around 15 per cent and stabilise the exchange rate.

The target, reaffirmed by the Finance Ministry in early 2025, aims to ease the cost-of-living crisis.

With inflation currently at 18 per cent, the administration has recorded modest progress, but the goal remains challenging. Tracking this promise requires close monitoring of monthly inflation figures from the National Bureau of Statistics and changes in the prices of essential goods such as food, transport, and fuel.

Achieve 7 per cent economic growth by 2027

On August 14, 2025, at a Federal Executive Meeting in Abuja, President Tinubu announced his administration’s goal of achieving at least 7 per cent annual economic growth by 2027. https://punchng.com/nigerias-economy-growing-consistently-due-to-tinubus-reforms-edun/ He said bold reforms, improved investment flows, and infrastructure expansion would drive the recovery.

The current GDP growth rate is 4.23 per cent. Tracking this will depend on quarterly GDP reports and foreign investment data over the next two years.

Boost local agricultural production for food security

The Federal Government declared a national emergency on food security on April 15, 2025, following renewed spikes in food prices.

According to the Federal Ministry of Information, there was a rollout of 2,000 tractors for mechanised farming, fertiliser distribution, and irrigation expansion in June. Tinubu said the move was aimed at reducing Nigeria’s heavy dependence on food imports and strengthening local production. The announcement followed an earlier declaration made in July 2023 when the administration first recognised food insecurity as a national crisis.

Accelerate major infrastructure projects nationwide

On June 6, 2025, President Bola Tinubu flagged off a series of major infrastructure projects across the country, including federal highways, bridges, and transport corridors. The initiative forms part of his administration’s broader plan to modernise Nigeria’s road network and enhance regional connectivity.

He reaffirmed this commitment on October 12, 2025, pledging equitable infrastructure development across all regions and promising that no part of the country would be left behind. According to The Guardian, the projects are aligned with the Federal Government’s drive to improve transportation links and stimulate economic growth.

Tracking this promise will involve monitoring the progress of key national projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road, and ongoing rail expansion programmes.

Implement Comprehensive Tax and Revenue Reforms

On June 26, 2025, President Bola Tinubu signed into law four major tax reform bills — the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2025, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act 2025.

The reforms, earlier passed by the National Assembly between March and May 2025, are expected to raise Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio, enhance fiscal transparency, and curb revenue leakages.

The laws will take effect from January 1, 2026. Tracking progress will involve monitoring quarterly federal revenue reports, budget performance data, and improvements in tax collection efficiency.

These five promises, made between December 2024 and October 2025, define the Federal Government’s reform agenda heading into Q4. They cover inflation, growth, food production, infrastructure, and fiscal reforms. They are areas that directly impact Nigerians’ livelihoods and the overall economy.

As 2025 winds down, the delivery of these promises will shape public confidence in the Tinubu administration’s ability to translate policy goals into tangible progress.

Adeleke hails Ooni at 51 as beacon of peace, progress

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has extended warm felicitations to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on the occasion of his 51st birthday.

This is as he described the revered monarch as “a beacon of peace, cultural rebirth, and national inspiration.”

In a Friday statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke lauded the enduring legacy of the Arole Oduduwa.

He also noted that the Ooni’s reign has become synonymous with “transformational traditional leadership, youth empowerment, and cultural diplomacy.”

“It gives me immense pleasure to celebrate our royal father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on the occasion of his 51st birthday.

“Kabiyesi’s life and reign continue to exemplify vision, courage, and compassion, attributes that define great leaders and enduring legacies,” Adeleke stated in his congratulatory message.

The governor praised the monarch’s contributions to the social and economic rejuvenation of Ile-Ife and his efforts in promoting unity among Nigeria’s diverse peoples and faiths.

“Kabiyesi has continued to project the glory of Yoruba culture and tradition on the world stage, advancing values of peace, unity, and progress.

“His consistent advocacy for youth inclusion and community development reflects a deep understanding of leadership as service to humanity,” the governor added.

Adeleke also highlighted the Ooni’s pivotal role as Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, commending his commitment to fostering collaboration among royal fathers and strengthening traditional institutions across the state and beyond.

“As Kabiyesi marks this new age in good health and divine favour, I pray to Almighty God and Eledumare to continue to grant him wisdom, long life, and renewed strength to guide his people and contribute to the prosperity of Osun State and Nigeria,” Adeleke concluded.

PUNCH Online reports that the monarch is the 51st traditional ruler of the ancient and historic town. He became the Ooni after his predecessor HRM Okunade Sijuwade in August 2015.

Lutheran Church of Norway apologises to gay community for past discrimination

The Lutheran Church of Norway on Thursday apologised to the country’s LGBTQ community, at a gay pub in Oslo, for the discrimination and harassment it subjected them to in the past.

“The Church of Norway inflicted shame, serious harm and pain on gay people,” said Olav Fykse Tveit, presiding bishop of the Church of Norway, in a speech at the London Pub, a prominent venue for the gay community.

“It should never have happened and to them I say today: I’m sorry,” he said, acknowledging that the “discrimination, unequal treatment and harassment” caused some to lose their faith.

In the 1950s, the church said gay people were a “global social danger” and qualified their acts as “perverse and despicable.”

Over time, the Church of Norway — which has 3.4 million members, representing over 60 percent of the Norwegian population — has adopted a more liberal approach.

It has allowed gay pastors since 2007 and religious unions for same-sex couples since 2017.

Thursday’s apology was “strong and important” but comes “too late for those of us who died of AIDS … with hearts filled with anguish because the church considered the epidemic to be God’s punishment,” said Stephen Adom, leader of Norway’s Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity.

“We are seeing a populist and conservative Christian wave sweeping across country after country. In the United States, in Hungary, but also in Norway, it is becoming increasingly accepted among religious and political leaders to denigrate the human diversity of identities and bodies,” he lamented.

The London Pub was one of two bars targeted in a shooting that left two dead and nine injured during Oslo’s Pride parade on June 25, 2022.

The perpetrator, Zaniar Matapour, a Norwegian of Iranian origin who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, was sentenced to the maximum penalty, 30 years in prison which can be extended indefinitely, for committing an “aggravated terrorist act.”

In 2023, Tveit himself participated in the Pride parade, a first for a Church of Norway presiding bishop.

According to a survey conducted by the Opinion Institute for the Church of Norway, 65 percent of respondents said it was “high time” for the institution to apologise to gay people.

Other Protestant churches in England and Canada have issued similar apologies in recent years.

AFP

Jonathan mourns late Kenyan leader Raila Odinga

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has mourned the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, describing him as a true African patriot and a symbol of democratic struggle on the continent.

Jonathan, in a statement titled “Adieu H.E. Raila Odinga” shared on his official X account on Thursday, paid glowing tribute to the late Kenyan statesman, whom he hailed for his courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to democracy in Africa.

PUNCH Online, in an agency report titled “Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga dies in India”, reported that Odinga, 80, died in India after collapsing during a morning walk, leading to widespread mourning across Kenya and the continent.

Reflecting on Odinga’s legacy, Jonathan described him as a leader who placed service above self and who embodied the hope of a united, progressive Africa.

“I am saddened by the news of the passing of H.E. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya and a distinguished African statesman whose life symbolised resilience, courage, and democratic struggle in Africa.

“Kenya has lost a patriot, and our continent has lost a great leader, one who understood that leadership is not about self, but about service; who believed and looked forward to Africa’s greatness and ascendancy”, the statement partly read.

The former Nigerian president further celebrated Odinga as a fellow advocate of democracy and a devoted pan-Africanist whose impact would continue to resonate across generations.

He prayed for history to remember Odinga kindly and for Africa to draw continued inspiration from his legacy.

“I honour him not just as a brother in the cause of democracy, but as a committed pan-Africanist whose light will continue to shine.

“May history remember him kindly, and may Africa continue to be blessed by his hope, wisdom and sacrifice”, Jonathan’s statement concluded.