Oyo 2027: Civil servants wait for seven to 10 years before receiving entitlements – ADC guber candidate

Oyo 2027: Civil servants wait for seven to 10 years before receiving entitlements – ADC guber candidateGubernatorial candidate of the Action Democratic Congress, ADC, in Oyo State, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, has said that retired civil servants in the state usually wait for seven to 10 years before receiving their entitlements.

Adegoke lamented that the majority of retired civil servants in the state usually wait for seven to 10 years before they receive their gratuities.

He added that the majority of them wait for months before their enrolment for payment of pensions.

Adegoke described the situation as worrisome and unfortunate.

The ADC gubernatorial candidate made these revelations while addressing the people of Oyo East, Oyo West, Atiba and Afijio local government areas of the state on Monday.

The event was attended by hundreds of chieftains and members of the party from the four local government areas.

Adegoke, while addressing the gathering, faulted what he described as an archaic method of pension and gratuity payments in the state.

He said that this is the reason the majority of retired civil servants are not getting their entitlements on time.

He added that a situation where those who retired from the civil service have to wait for years before receiving their entitlements should be abolished.

Adegoke, while speaking on his plans to rescue the situation, explained that retired civil servants will be enrolled in the pension scheme the month following their retirement.

He said, “It is sad that retired civil servants often wait for seven to 10 years before they receive their gratuities and several months before they are enrolled for pension. We will change all that.

“Before retirement, the process of gratuities would have started so that they can immediately benefit upon retirement. Also, a few months to retirement, the process for placement on pension payment will be worked out and upon retirement the retirees would immediately enjoy their pension.”

Osun Peace Commission begins hearing, receives ten memoranda

Osun Peace Commission begins hearing, receives ten memorandaThe Osun State Standing Commission of Inquiry on Disturbance of Public Peace has commenced its inaugural hearing, with 10 memoranda submitted to the commission.

The inaugural sitting was held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Osun State Government Secretariat, Abere.

The hearing attracted petitioners, respondents, lawyers and other interested parties who appeared before the commission to present their positions on the various disputes.

The memoranda submitted to the commission covered several issues, including chieftaincy matters, land disputes and other conflicts considered capable of disturbing public peace in the state.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Commission, retired Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe, assured all parties that the proceedings would be conducted fairly and impartially.

Adeigbe said the commission was committed to ensuring due process throughout the proceedings and urged petitioners and respondents to have confidence in the process.

“The commission would not have the final say on the matters brought before it but would investigate them thoroughly before making its recommendations.

“The responsibility of the commission is to thoroughly investigate the issues presented and subsequently transmit its report and recommendations to the Osun State Executive Council for consideration and appropriate action,” he explained.

The chairman also assured every petitioner and respondent that they would be given a fair hearing during the proceedings.

Adeigbe stressed the need for the commission to operate without interference, noting that its proceedings would be guided by the terms of reference under which it was established.

He said the inaugural sitting marked the formal commencement of the commission’s assignment to investigate disputes and other matters relating to disturbance of public peace across Osun State.

Earlier, the Commission Secretary, Philips Afolayan, had invited members of the public, particularly lawyers and their clients who submitted memoranda, rejoinders and replies, to attend the inaugural sitting.

Lagos prosecutes over 100 suspects over alleged public disorder

Lagos prosecutes over 100 suspects over alleged public disorder The Lagos State Government has arraigned more than 100 suspects before the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court in Bolade, Oshodi, over alleged offences relating to breach of public peace and conduct capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

The suspects were also charged with the alleged unlawful conversion of government property for personal use.

A statement by the Lagos State Government said the prosecution was led by Mrs Oluwabusola Omotunde on behalf of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State.

Omotunde told the court that the defendants were arrested along the Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah corridor between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026.

“The charges preferred against the defendants include breach of peace and unlawful conversion of government property to personal use,” the statement said.

During the arraignment, some of the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, while others entered not guilty pleas.

The Chief Magistrate of the Mobile Court, Hon. F.J. Adefioye, who presided over the proceedings, stressed the need to deter offences while ensuring that due process was followed.

Adefioye sentenced the defendants who pleaded guilty to Counts I and II to one and two months of community service or imprisonment, respectively.

The sentences are to run consecutively.

Meanwhile, the defendants who pleaded not guilty were remanded and granted bail with two sureties each.

Speaking on the proceedings, the Coordinator of the Mobile Court, Mr Olufemi Adekunle, reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to maintaining law and order while protecting legitimate businesses and residents across the state.

He added that similar Mobile Court sittings would continue in different parts of Lagos to ensure the prompt prosecution of offenders and keep public spaces safe for residents.

Shehu Buba’s aide resigns amid banditry allegations against Senator

Shehu Buba’s aide resigns amid banditry allegations against SenatorSenior Legislative Aide to Senator Shehu Buba Umar, Hon. Abba Aliyu Tilde, has resigned from his position, citing a breakdown in mutual respect, communication and trust in his working relationship with the Bauchi South senator.

Tilde announced his resignation in a letter dated September 6, 2026, saying it was effective immediately.

The resignation comes amid renewed allegations linking Senator Shehu Buba to banditry and terrorism, allegations the senator has strongly and repeatedly denied, describing them as fabricated, politically motivated and part of a campaign to damage his reputation.

The latest allegations followed the circulation of videos and claims on social media alleging that suspected bandit kingpins had visited the senator’s residence. Buba has dismissed the materials as manipulated and said he has taken legal steps against individuals behind what he described as a smear campaign.

In his resignation letter, however, Tilde did not accuse the senator of involvement in the allegations or link his resignation directly to the controversy.

Instead, he cited what he described as repeated instances of being ignored and a lack of recognition for his role.

He particularly referred to a recent visit by Senator Buba to his ward, where a meeting was held with residents without prior notification to him.

“Given my position and my connection to the people of the ward, I found this deeply disrespectful and hurtful. I believe that, at the very least, I deserved to be informed and carried along,” Tilde wrote.

He said the incident, together with other experiences, had made it impossible for him to continue working effectively under the circumstances.

“I cannot continue in a position where I feel that there is little regard for my contributions or for the relationship between us,” he stated.

Tilde said he believed any working relationship, particularly one involving political and public service, should be founded on “mutual respect, communication, trust, and recognition of one another’s roles.”

“Unfortunately, I no longer feel that these principles exist in our working relationship,” he added.

The former aide described his resignation as “the most honourable decision” available to him, saying he was leaving with a clear conscience after giving his best in the discharge of his responsibilities.

Tilde expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the senator’s Senior Legislative Aide and wished him success in his future endeavours.

FRSC seeks traditional rulers’ support to curb road crashes in Osun

FRSC seeks traditional rulers’ support to curb road crashes in OsunThe Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Osun Sector Command, has called for stronger collaboration with traditional rulers and community leaders to tackle road traffic crashes and improve safety across the state.

The Sector Commander, Mr Sunday Adebayo, made the call on Monday when he visited the Olufi of Gbonganland, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, in Gbongan.

Adebayo, who was accompanied by the Gbongan Unit Commander, Dr Jude Odinfono, said traditional institutions could play a crucial role in shaping public behaviour and encouraging compliance with road safety regulations.

He disclosed that 220 road traffic crashes involving 300 vehicles were recorded across Osun in the previous year, resulting in 60 deaths and leaving several other people injured.

According to him, dangerous driving, excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted driving, route violations and overloading were among the major factors responsible for the crashes.

“We are appealing to traditional chiefs and members of the Olufi-in-Council to use their influence to discourage dangerous driving practices and promote a culture of safety among road users.

“We are equally advising passengers to speak up when drivers conveying them drive recklessly, speed excessively or are suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Passengers should insist that such drivers discontinue the journey and promptly report the matter to the nearest FRSC patrol team or the police for appropriate intervention,” Adebayo said.

The sector commander also reiterated the FRSC’s warning that “speeding thrills but kills faster,” urging motorists to place safety above speed and convenience.

He stressed that reducing road crashes required the collective efforts of government agencies, traditional institutions, communities, motorists and other road users.

Adebayo said community-based interventions and shared responsibility remained essential to preventing avoidable crashes and protecting lives on the roads.

Responding, Oba Oyeniyi acknowledged the importance of the FRSC’s mandate and pledged the support of the traditional institution towards improving road safety and protecting lives in Gbonganland and neighbouring communities.

The monarch, who was represented by the Balogun of Gbonganland, Chief Quasim Onikepe, said the visit would also help deepen cooperation between the FRSC and the traditional institution.

It would be recalled that the sector command also inaugurated a mini library for officers at the Gbongan Unit Command.

The library was established through the initiative of the Gbongan Unit Commander, Dr Jude Odinfono.

Counterfeit crisis: NAFDAC blames Chinese dealers amid backlash

Counterfeit crisis: NAFDAC blames Chinese dealers amid backlashThe National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has linked Chinese counterfeiters now living in Nigeria to the proliferation of fake goods, worsening the production, distribution and sale of adulterated, harmful and unwholesome products.

NAFDAC Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, responding to The PUNCH in Lagos on Monday, said recent investigations found Chinese counterfeiters, previously operating externally, have set up plants and logistics channels inside the country.

He said, “Before, to fake a product, you needed to go to China to bring it. Now, you don’t need to go. They are here (in Nigeria) with us. They are the ones who will identify the product that will be moving, send it to their country (China), and then come here and distribute it to our people (Nigerians) without having to travel.

Iluyomade, describing it as a “new trend making it (fake goods situation) look this serious,” noted that NAFDAC discovered the “Chinese people (counterfeiters) own the logistics companies which they used to bring these (fake goods) things.” NAFDAC said it has been shutting down the logistics compa

The agency’s revelations come amid growing backlash. Manufacturers, medical experts and economists have jointly raised the alarm over the surge in counterfeit and substandard products across Nigeria, warning that the trend is wiping out legitimate businesses, killing consumers and stunting the economy.

The economic impact of fake goods is underscored by the value destroyed in NAFDAC’s destruction exercises.

According to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency destroyed regulated products worth over N1.5tn in a single coordinated operation across Lagos and the South-East between February and March 2025, as part of a wider crackdown that has seen it destroy or seize more than N1.54tn worth of fake and substandard goods nationwide since 2023.

Online discourse surrounding the rise of fake items reached a fever pitch over the weekend. Nigerians, including influencers like Scott Iguma and Aproko Doctor, raised the alarm over the rise of these counterfeited materials. Social media posts have gone viral about fake toothpastes, creams, contaminated bottled water and adulterated yoghurt drinks.

NAFDAC affirmed that it received complaints through its official channels about counterfeit toothpaste, especially Oral B and Colgate.

Enforcement chief Iluyomade said, “We have an intelligence report on (fake toothpastes) and have been working on it: we’ve made a lot of arrests and seizures, both in Kano and Sokoto states, Delta State and Onitsha (in Anambra State).”

He announced that NAFDAC is prosecuting two people in court for importing fake toothpaste brands.

NAFDAC DG Adeyeye maintained that the agency has decimated counterfeited, falsified, substandard and unregistered products, calling to mind its recent enforcement campaign in the Upper Iweka drug market in Onitsha.

Concluding, Director of Enforcement, Iluyomade, said the agency has progressed in prosecuting offenders, noting that between “June 2025 and June 2026, NAFDAC hit a record of 64 convictions. The highest in its history.”

He hailed the accomplishment, stating, “We go through the process. In December, a judge handed five years of imprisonment to one lab that counterfeited drinks, convicting them on all eight grounds.”

SUNU lists new shares as enlarged capital hits N25.95bn

SUNU Assurances Nigeria logoSUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc has increased its issued share capital to 7.89bn shares following the listing of 2.08bn new ordinary shares on the Nigerian Exchange, giving investors a larger equity base to trade.

The additional 2,075,285,714 shares, valued at N9.34bn, were listed on August 31, 2026, following the insurer’s Rights Issue priced at N4.50 per share. The offer was made to existing shareholders on the basis of five new shares for every 14 held.

With the new shares admitted to trading, SUNU’s issued shares rose from 5.81bn to 7.89bn . At the stock’s closing price of N3.29 on 4 September, the enlarged share capital had a market value of about N25.95bn.

SUNU shares gained 1.86 per cent on 4 September, closing at N3.29 from N3.23. However, the stock remained under pressure compared with its N5.50 opening price for 2026, representing a year-to-date decline of 40.18 per cent.

The enlarged share base comes after SUNU completed a N9.33 billion Rights Issue designed to strengthen its capital position and meet the higher minimum capital requirement introduced under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act 2025.

For shareholders, the key question now is whether the additional equity can translate into stronger earnings, improved returns and a recovery in the company’s share price.

SUNU’s management has outlined a technology-driven expansion strategy following the recapitalisation, with artificial intelligence, digital transformation, product innovation and operational efficiency expected to play larger roles in the company’s growth plans.

The insurer also plans to expand its presence in the retail and SME segments while strengthening its corporate, broker and partnership channels.

The strategy comes as SUNU seeks to convert its stronger capital position into higher business volumes and improved profitability.

NNPC disowns fuel truck conveying cannabis

NNPCThe Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has disowned a fuel truck with its old logo intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency with 2,145kg of cannabis concealed in a compartment in Ondo State.

The company said preliminary checks showed that the truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was neither owned by NNPC Ltd. nor part of its official fleet or that of any of its authorised dealers.

NNPC disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh. The company said it had taken note of media reports concerning the intercepted vehicle, which bore markings associated with NNPC.

It, however, stated that the logo displayed on the vehicle was not consistent with its current official branding, while the truck did not appear in its asset database.

“NNPC Ltd has taken note of media reports concerning the intercepted vehicle, which bears markings associated with the company. We wish to clarify that preliminary checks indicate that the vehicle, with registration number MKA 960 XC, is neither owned by NNPC Ltd nor part of the official fleet of the company or any of its authorised dealers,” the statement said.

According to the company, it is engaging with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners to obtain further information and establish the circumstances surrounding the use of its old branding on the vehicle.

NNPC said it took any unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where such use might be associated with unlawful activity. The national oil company said it would cooperate fully with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies in investigating the incident.

It added that the investigation would establish the ownership and operation of the vehicle and how NNPC markings came to be displayed on it.

“The company is also reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring protocols and will take appropriate steps, including legal action where warranted, against any unauthorised use of its corporate identity,” NNPC said.

The company urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify the ownership or affiliation of vehicles purporting to belong to NNPC through appropriate official channels.

NNPC also commended the NDLEA for its vigilance and sustained efforts in combating illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria, saying it remained supportive of the ongoing investigation.

Dangote Refinery Launches Historic IPO, Targets 10Million Subscribers

N2.2 trillion IPO: Dangote Refinery Targets 10 million Subscribers -  Nairametrics

 

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has formally began the process of launching its Initial Public Offering (IPO) with the signing ceremony for the offer of 4.1 billion ordinary shares, which is expected to open the doors of ownership in Africa’s largest single-train refinery to unprecedented 10 million subscribers.

 

Industry stakeholders have described the offer as potentially the largest retail investment drive ever undertaken on the continent, positioning it as a watershed moment for both Nigeria’s capital market and Africa’s industrial landscape.

 

Beyond raising capital, the IPO is expected to broaden participation in one of the continent’s most strategic energy assets, deepen market liquidity, and create a new generation of shareholders in a business widely regarded as a catalyst for Africa’s energy security and economic transformation.

 

At the grand signing ceremony held in Lagos on Monday, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, who formally unveiled the public offering alongside transaction advisers and key stakeholders involved in the pan-African share sale said the IPO seeks to raise approximately N2.2 trillion, making it one of the most ambitious capital-raising exercises ever undertaken by a private enterprise in Africa.

 

Addressing the audience at the event which comprises Bank Chief Executives, Captains of Industry as well as Financial Services advisors, Dangote disclosed that the minimum subscription has been set at 10 ordinary shares, representing an entry investment of N5,250 noting that the offer was strategically designed to enable broad-based participation by retail and institutional investors while deepening public ownership of one of Africa’s most transformative industrial assets.

 

According to him the Share offer is not just about raising money but also carry along all Nigerians with drivers, cleaners, housemaids and the likes having the opportunity to be part owner of the refinery

 

Said he: This IPO is not only about raising capital; it is about democratizing wealth creation, broadening participation in Africa’s industrial future and giving millions of investors the opportunity to own a stake in a world-class enterprise, it’s a legacy we are laying down, nobody will live forever”

 

In his remark, Group Managing Director of Vetiva Advisory Services Limited, the Lead Issuing House and coordinator of the transaction, Chuka Eseka, explained that the launch follows the recent approval granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), paving the way for the offering of 4.1 billion ordinary shares at N525 per share.

 

The landmark public offer places a valuation of close to $50 billion on Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals and is expected to provide the capital required to finance the expansion of the refinery’s production capacity from 700,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day. Situated on a sprawling 6,180-acre complex in the Lekki Free Zone, the refinery is reputed as the largest single-train refinery in the world.

 

Analysts say the eventual listing of the refinery on the Nigerian Exchange later this year could significantly reshape the country’s capital market landscape, potentially increasing the exchange’s total market capitalization by more than one-third.

 

Investor appetite for the refinery has been evident in recent months. In July, the company raised $2.5 billion through a private placement targeted at institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, with demand exceeding the offer size by 270 per cent. Market observers believe substantial unmet demand from that exercise could flow into the public offering.

 

Interests in the share sale had been building long before the SEC granted formal approval. The refinery’s investment appeal continues to attract attention even beyond Nigeria’s borders.

 

The public offer, scheduled to open on September 14, is expected to benefit from improving investor sentiment towards Nigeria following the country’s reinstatement to Frontier Market status by FTSE Russell. The development is anticipated to enhance foreign portfolio inflows and strengthen international investor participation in the capital market.

 

Market experts believe the success of the Dangote Refinery IPO could establish a new benchmark for large-scale public offerings in Africa, while encouraging other major Nigerian enterprises to access long-term capital through public listings. into a limited liability company.

 

Managing Director of Dangote Petroleum Refinery explained since the commencement of production in January 2024, Dangote Refinery has rapidly emerged as a key player in the global energy market expressing excitement that the facility last June, surpassed the United States to become the largest external supplier of jet fuel to Europe, a position it maintained in July, further underscoring its growing influence in international petroleum trade.

Datti knew Peter Obi was a packaged fraud – Sowore alleges

Datti knew Peter Obi was a packaged fraud – Sowore alleges The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that former Labour Party, LP, presidential running mate Datti Baba-Ahmed knew Peter Obi was “a packaged fraud” when he served as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.

Sowore made the allegation in a post on his X handle while reacting to Datti’s claim that Obi, Atiku Abubakar and other politicians cannot improve Nigeria.

“He knew Peter Obi, whom he deputized, was a packaged fraud. That needs no repeating, he just revealed what he knew up close,” Sowore wrote.

Sowore also recalled the 2023 Peace Accord signing, saying he sat beside Datti and watched him show support for President Bola Tinubu.

“I sat next to Datti in 2023 at the Peace Accord signing and watched him fawning over Tinubu,” he stated.

According to Sowore, he posted about the incident at the time, alleging that Obi and Datti were working for Tinubu.

He said their supporters rejected his claim then but now “know better”, before urging Nigerians to vote wisely ahead of the 2027 election.