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Obasanjo’s Contribution to Democracy in Nigeria, Africa Praised by Tambuwal

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Obasanjo’s Contribution to Democracy in Nigeria, Africa Praised by Tambuwal

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, according to former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was crucial to the growth of democracy in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

According to Tambuwal, Obasanjo’s unwavering dedication to democratic principles and national development continues to serve as a model for future generations.

He said this while thanking Obasanjo for visiting and presiding over his 60th birthday colloquium.

According to Tambuwal, Obasanjo continues to serve as a model for future generations’ dedication to democratic principles and nation-building as an elder statesman.

“I must express my profound gratitude to the former President, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, for not only gracing my 60th birthday colloquium with his presence, but also for graciously serving as the Chairman of the occasion,” Tambuwal wrote in a post on X.

It is impossible to overstate President Obasanjo’s contribution to the growth and fortification of democracy in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

As an elder statesman, his unwavering dedication to democratic principles and national development continues to serve as a model for future generations.

“I truly thank him for his generosity and pleasant remarks as well. AWT

EPL Matchday 22: Full Fixtures, Kick-Off Schedule, and Sutton’s Predictions

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EPL Matchday 22: Full Fixtures, Kick-Off Schedule, and Sutton’s Predictions

This weekend marks the return of the 2025–2026 English Premier League, with a jam-packed Matchday 22 schedule that promises action on both ends of the table.

Chris Sutton, a former striker for Chelsea, has given BBC Sport his predictions for the next round of Premier League games.

The main event on Saturday is Manchester United’s early kickoff matchup with Manchester City, which could have a significant impact on the title race and Champions League spots.

Liverpool will host Burnley in the evening match, while Chelsea will play Brentford at Stamford Bridge. Leaders Arsenal will also be hosted under the lights by Nottingham Forest.

Another hectic schedule awaits us on Sunday, when Wolves will play Newcastle United and Aston Villa will play Everton. Brighton will play Bournemouth on Monday night to wrap up the round.

Sutton’s predictions for Matchday 22
1-3 Man United City Man
Brighton 2–1 Chelsea
Fulham 1–1 Leeds United
Burnley 2-0 to Liverpool
Crystal Palace 1–0 Sunderland
1-0 Tottenham vs. West Ham
Forest of Nottingham 0-1 Astonish
Newcastle 1–1 Wolves
2-1 Aston Villa vs. Everton
Bournemouth 2-2 Brighton

Matchday 22 Schedule and Time of Kickoff: Saturday, January 17

Man United vs. Man City, 1:30 pm
Sunderland vs. Crystal Palace at 4 p.m.
Chelsea vs. Brentford, 4 p.m.
Liverpool vs. Burnley at 4 p.m.
Tottenham vs. West Ham at 4 p.m.
Leeds United vs. Fulham at 4 p.m.
Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal at 6:30 p.m.

January 18th, Sunday

Wolves vs. Newcastle at 3 pm
Aston Villa vs. Everton at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday

Brighton vs. Bournemouth, 9 p.m.

‘We Spend Millions to Mask Failures’ — Peter Obi Slams FG on $9 Million Lobbying Contract

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‘We Spend Millions to Mask Failures’ — Peter Obi Slams FG on $9 Million Lobbying Contract

According to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential contender, the $9 million that the Federal Government allegedly spent on foreign lobbyists might have been prudently utilized to enhance healthcare skills and buy necessary hospital equipment.

According to reports, Peter Obi called the Federal Government’s approval of a $9 million contract for lobbying services in the US a national disgrace in a post via 𝕏 on Friday.

According to Peter Obi, Nigerian politicians’ continued preference for waste, corruption, misinformation, lies, and negative aspects of progress over constructive initiatives is both tragic and alarming.

The former governor of Anambra State claims that instead of funding life-saving systems, the FG spends millions trying to hide the nation’s shortcomings.

“Recently, it was reported that $9 million of taxpayer funds were spent on lobbyists in Washington, which I believe is just a small fraction of the global waste occurring in the same manner,” he said. This is consistent with Nigeria’s shameful state.

This is just a tiny illustration of how needless expenditure has contributed to the current state of failure in our country. We can examine the Human Development Index (HDI), a crucial indicator of development, to better highlight the effects of such waste. From 1990 to 2025, Nigeria has been stuck in the low HDI category for 35 years.

Comparable countries in the same low category, including China (where Nigeria’s per capita income was three times higher in 1990) and Indonesia, on the other hand, have progressed from low to medium and now high.

“These countries’ accomplishments were the outcome of decisions and the combined effects of both good and bad leadership, not fate, miracles, or natural endowments.” This emphasizes how crucial priority is.

Let’s examine the components of the HDI—life expectancy (health), education, and per capita income (poverty)—to further clarify the ramifications of the $9 million expenditure. Nigeria is falling short on all three counts. For example, let’s look at the $9 million, or almost N14 billion, that was spent incorrectly in the health sector. Nigeria is currently among the top two nations in the world for maternal mortality and has the lowest life expectancy in the world, making childbirth one of the riskiest experiences for Nigerian women. We spend millions trying to hide our mistakes rather than funding life-saving technologies.

“The $9 million spent on foreign lobbyists might have been prudently utilized to buy necessary medical equipment for Nigerian hospitals, enhancing our capacity to provide healthcare and boosting our country’s reputation.

“This $9 million will immediately improve survival rates, treatment, and life expectancy by covering the whole 2024 capital budget for at least one large teaching hospital in each zone. The money is there, but good leadership, discipline, and priority are missing.

January 2027 Confirmed for Oyo Local Government Elections

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January 2027 Confirmed for Oyo Local Government Elections

The next local government elections will be held throughout the state, according to proposals made by the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission.

According to reports, the commission scheduled the polls for Saturday, January 16, 2027. The votes would be held in all of Oyo State’s 33 local government areas.

On election day, voting is scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m.

At the conclusion of the commission’s first meeting with its management team, which took place at the OYSIEC headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan, a decision was made.

Dr. Babatunde Afees Adeniyi, the commission chairman, presided over the meeting, which was centered on organizing and exchanging ideas for a successful council election.

Political campaigns will formally conclude by midnight on Friday, January 15, 2027, according to OYSIEC.

Additionally, it said that a supplemental or rerun election would take place on Saturday, January 23, 2027, if necessary.

The commission also stated that, in accordance with the state’s present local government statute, the current chairman and council members of the 33 local government councils will serve out their terms on May 23, 2027.

According to OYSIEC, the statement was made in accordance with the authority afforded to it by pertinent portions of the Electoral Act and the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission Law, which permit the commission to announce elections far in advance.

In order to guarantee the smooth running of the local government elections set for January 2027, the commission urged political parties, candidates, security services, and other interested parties to collaborate with it.

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Alleged N1.35 Billion Fraud: Lamido’s Trial Set to Proceed, Supreme Court Rules

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Alleged N1.35 Billion Fraud: Lamido’s Trial Set to Proceed, Supreme Court Rules

The trial of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, his two sons, and other defendants in connection with an alleged ₦1.35 billion fraud will continue before the Federal High Court in Abuja, according to a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

In two unanimous rulings rendered on Friday in the appeals submitted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on behalf of the Federal Government, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court issued the direction.

On the grounds that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, the appeals contested the July 25, 2023, rulings of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which had supported Lamido and the other defendants’ no-case submissions and dismissed the 37-count indictment.

In the lead rulings, Justice Abubakar Umar upheld the earlier decision of Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and overturned the Appeal Court’s decision.

According to Justice Umar, the trial court was correct to force the defendants to present their defense and to reject the no-case arguments.

The EFCC claims that between 2007 and 2015, Lamido misused his position as governor by allegedly laundering money obtained as kickbacks from businesses that the Jigawa State Government had given contracts to.

In the 37-count accusation, the anti-graft agency accused the former governor and his co-defendants of several crimes that bordered on money laundering.

Lamido’s two sons, Aminu and Mustapha Lamido, Aminu Wada Abubakar, and two businesses, Bamaina Holdings Limited and Speeds International Limited, are also charged alongside Lamido.

Impeachment Update: Rivers Assembly Sends Directive to Chief Judge

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Impeachment Update: Rivers Assembly Sends Directive to Chief Judge

The impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, will proceed as scheduled, the Rivers State House of Assembly announced on Friday.

At the resumed plenary on Friday, the parliamentarians unanimously decided to look into the claims of egregious misbehavior against Fubara and his deputy.

They concurred that the accusations made against them need to move on to the following stage of inquiry.

According to reports, Speaker Martins Amaewhule presided over the meeting.

In accordance with the resolution, the legislators demanded that the state’s chief judge form a commission to look into the claims of egregious misconduct made against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

Amaewhule said, “This voting clearly shows the decision of the House,” and he urged the state’s chief judge to form an investigative panel.

At a press conference earlier on Friday, four lawmakers who had previously withdrawn from the impeachment process accused the governor of violating the 1999 Constitution and claimed that the parliament had no choice but to exercise its legislative authority by removing him from office.

They also said that Fubara lacked the trust necessary to deal with the state’s crisis and accused him of extortion.

They claim that by their actions thus far, the Governor and his Deputy have indicated that they are not interested in a peace process but rather wish to scare the Assembly into abandoning the impeachment procedure while they carry out their acts of impunity.

As a result, they ruled that the impeachment procedure had to proceed as scheduled.

Supreme Court Rules Against Lamido’s Son in $40,000 Undeclared Funds Case

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Supreme Court Rules Against Lamido’s Son in $40,000 Undeclared Funds Case

The appeal filed by Aminu Sule Lamido, the son of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, contesting his conviction for failing to disclose $40,000 at the airport, was rejected by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

In a five-member panel’s unanimous ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court decided all three of the arguments put out for decision against the appellant and declared the appeal to be without merit.

The Supreme Court rejected the appeal and sustained the previous ruling of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division, which had maintained Aminu Lamido’s conviction by the Federal High Court, Kano, in the lead judgment written by Justice Adamu Jauro and read by Justice Abubakar Umar.

The prosecution had adequately proven the accusations made against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the supreme court concurred with the lower courts.

The EFCC charged Aminu Lamido with violating applicable financial regulations by failing to report foreign currency and making fraudulent disclosures at the airport.

The Federal High Court, Kano, found him guilty and mandated that 25% of the unreported foreign currency be forfeited to the Federal Government in its ruling on July 12, 2015.

Aminu Lamido went to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal had previously supported the trial court’s ruling. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court decided that there was no reason to overturn the two lower courts’ concurrent rulings.

Rivers Politics: Orji Says Fubara’s Impeachment Attempt Will Not Succeed

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Rivers Politics: Orji Says Fubara’s Impeachment Attempt Will Not Succeed

Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State’s assistant, Darlington Orji, has stated that his principal will not be impeached.

Orji clarified that the State House of Assembly’s accusations against Fubara are false, hence the impeachment will not succeed.

Orji stated that only the Assembly can provide an explanation for Fubara’s wrongdoing and the purported cash embezzlement during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show.

“I can tell you for free that this process will not scale through because there is no truth in it,” he declared. Additionally, as you mentioned, only they are able to determine when there has been egregious wrongdoing or misappropriation.

“Yes, since you will concur with me that numerous courts across the nation have disregarded numerous impeachment procedures due to procedural irregularities.

Therefore, even though I’m not a member of the House, I can tell you about us because I’m on the ground and we reached out to a lot of people. We have always collaborated in the past, and many of them are my pals.

They are unhappy with what they are doing in this process. And I have no doubt that this process will be finished by the end of the day and during the upper week.

Dangote Rewards Cement Distributors with N15 Billion in Gifts

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Dangote Rewards Cement Distributors with N15 Billion in Gifts

The top distributors and clients of Dangote Cement Plc have been rewarded with ₦15 billion by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote for their unwavering devotion, tenacity, and exceptional performance.

At the company’s 2026 Distributors’ Awards Night in Lagos, the announcement was made.

A total of ₦15 billion worth of gifts, including cash awards, cement containers, luxury SUVs, and CNG-powered trucks, were given to the beneficiaries.

Speaking at the award event, Dangote complimented the distributors’ commitment to making sure Dangote products reach communities across the country and referred to them as the organization’s lifeblood.

“What transforms our vision and objectives into real outcomes is your relentless labor in the field, your enticing dedication to our products, and your direct interaction with our clients. Our growth path for 2026 has already started, as evidenced by today’s celebration with the theme “Partner for Growth,” he said.

During the event, Dangote reaffirmed its Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to make the Dangote Group a $100 billion business by 2030. He clarified that the strategy is centered on industrial growth, international investments, and increasing Africa’s self-sufficiency in industries like infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy.

The Dangote Cement Group is aiming to increase its cement manufacturing capacity to almost 90 million tons by 2030, according to the African industrial giant. He emphasized that the company’s goals extend well beyond constructing plants. Building Africa’s ability to feed itself, fuel its economy, develop its people, and promote sustainable industrialization is the main goal, he clarified.

“Under this vision, we have announced the expansion of our petroleum refinery from 650,000 bpd to 1.4 million bpd, the fertilizer plant to 12 million metric tonnes per year, and an increase in production at the polypropylene plant,” he stated. By 2030, our cement company hopes to have a production capacity of about 90 million tonnes. By 2030, we will have produced 90 million tons, which is 50% more than Saudi Arabia’s total output.

“I firmly believe that Africans who refuse to accept limitations, who dream big, work hard, and never stop believing in what is possible, will build Africa’s future.” Vision 2030 is a key component of our Africa First mission.

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