Shettima Departs Nigeria For Ethiopia On Official Visit

At the request of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, Vice President Kashim Shettima has flown from Abuja, Nigeria, to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for an official State visit.

Shettima will take part in the official launch of Ethiopia’s flagship Green Legacy Programme, a statement from his spokesman Stanley Nkwocha during the visit.

The planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period is a goal of the program, which is intended to combat deforestation, increase biodiversity, and reduce climate change’s negative effects.

The Vice President will also take a strategic tour of important industrialized regions and integrated agricultural facilities in some of Ethiopia to further strengthen bilateral ties in agriculture and industrial development.

The statement read, “These include the Adama Industrial Zone, Mojo Poultry Farm, Shera Dibandiba Mojo Family Integrated Farm, Lume Avocado Nursery Site, and Bishoftu Pea Youth Farm.”

Read more about Tinubu’s four tax bills becoming law as a new tax system begins in 2026.

The Ethiopian prime minister will host Shettima and his entourage for a dinner at the National Palace, the statement states, strengthening the country’s long-standing diplomatic and cooperative relationship.

Ethiopia and Nigeria have a rich history of bilateral cooperation, with notable examples of regional peacekeeping, and economic cooperation.

Tinubu Orders Personnel, Skills Gap Audit For Federal Civil Service

On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu announced that he had authorized a personnel audit and skills gap analysis for the entire Federal Civil Service to increase the federal workforce’s capacity.

At the Federal Capital Territory’s Abuja, Tinubu made the disclosure at the International Civil Service Conference.

The President claimed that the right people were needed to fill the appropriate roles in Nigeria in order to ensure the high-performance culture it deserved.

Therefore, he urged the relevant stakeholders to make sure the exercise was finished as soon as possible so that the targeted reforms could be implemented and the full benefits of improving the civil service could be realized.

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By putting the right people in the right roles, “we can only guarantee the high-performance culture our country deserves.”

To increase capacity, I have authorized a thorough personnel audit and skill gap analysis for the Federal Civil Service.

“I urge all accountable stakeholders to prioritize the successful completion of this crucial exercise, to begin implementing targeted reforms, and to realize the full benefits of a more agile, competent, and responsive civil service,” he said.

He claims that the civil service is essential to the delivery of the renewed hope agenda and that the role of civil servants is crucial.

He claimed that the new minimum wage, the associated salary adjustments resulting from the new minimum wage, and the Pension Bond Scheme’s approval, among other things, were policies that reflected the commitment of his administration to the workforce.

In order to meet the demands of both the present and future, Tinubu argued that innovation was necessary to make the Nigerian civil service more globally competitive.

He claimed that every reform his administration pursues is fueled solely by accurate, reliable data, which he called the “new oil.”

“Data is the new oil, and the value of it rises as more it is refined and responsibly shared,” explains the statement. Therefore, I instruct all ministries, extra-ministerial departments, and agencies to rigorously capture information, comply with the Nigerian Data Protection Act of 2023, make it available for public use, and adhere to the highest standards for privacy and data protection, the President continued.

He added that Nigeria was unwaveringly committed to partnerships that went beyond national borders to advance technology and promote civil service as a beacon of hope and progress for all countries.

Rejuvenate, Innovate, and Accelerate, the first conference with the theme, “is timely, apt, and compelling. It embodies our shared desire to reimagine and reposition the civil service.

Innovation is still essential to maintaining the civil service’s dynamic, digital, ethical, and global competitiveness in today’s fast-paced, constantly evolving world of technology. He continued, “An innovative civil service ensures that we meet today’s needs and overcome the challenges of tomorrow.”

Makinde Renames The Polytechnic Ibadan After Olunloyo

In order to honor the late scholar, former Oyo governor Victor Olunloyo has been buried under the new name Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Olunloyo served as governor of Oyo State between October 1 and December 31, 1983, while Olunloyo, who passed away on April 6, 2025, was the polytechnic’s founding principal.

At the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan, the governor made the announcement at the state interdenominational funeral service held in honor of the late former governor on Thursday.

The governor said, “I discussed digitalizing and preserving his library yesterday in honor of Baba Olunloyo.”

“Today, we’re going to honor Baba in order to make him immortal.” He was the Polytechnic’s first Principal in Ibadan, which will now go by the name Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Read more about IBB University being shut down by the Niger government after a security breach.

An “Enduring Footprint”

Olunloyo was a scholar, a statesman, a technocrat, a lover of culture, and a man of great convictions, according to Makinde, who described his life as eventful and his accomplishments and personality as cannot be summarized in one word.

He asserted that Baba left a lasting impression on both Nigeria and Oyo State.

We could sum up his character in one sentence. He was a scholar, a politician, a technocrat, a lover of culture, and, most importantly, a man of great convictions.

“Baba Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, who was delivering the exhortation, said that Baba became governor of Oyo State in 1983. Although his brief presidency was a testament to the trust he received from the electorate, his victory over a well-known incumbent is still powerful.

A retired Methodist Archbishop of Ilesa and Ibadan, Ayo Ladigbolu, earlier in his sermon, referred to the late Olunloyo as a role model with intellectual inspiration and unwavering integrity who led the most exemplary leadership in his lifetime.

The deputy governor of Oyo State, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, wife of a former military governor of the old Oyo State, Mutiat Ladoja, former deputy governor and deputy national chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, and former deputy governor Hazeem Gbolarumi were present at the event.

Other dignitaries included those representing the Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Abass Agboworin, Segun Ogunwuyi, Oyo State Exco Members, Saka Balogun, Chairman of All Local Government Chairmen (ALGON), Adeniyi Ajewole, President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Adeniyi Ajewole, religious leaders, and

Senate Confirms Tinubu’s Nominees For Regional Development Commissions (FULL LIST)

Numerous nominees for the presidency’s regional development commissions have been confirmed by the Senate.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Chibudom Nwuche, who will lead the newly established South-South Development Commission (SSDC), is one of the confirmed nominees. Additionally, Akwa Ibom State’s Usoro Offiong Akpabio was appointed as the SSDC’s Managing Director.

Larry Odey (Cross River), Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa), Nkereuwem Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Chika Chinedu (Rivers), Femi Oise (Edo), and Charles Enukhowhate (Delta) are the other board members who have been confirmed to serve on the SSDC board. Additional appointees include Joseph Mmamal (South-East), Yusuf Amao (North-Central), and Tabitha Sallah (North-East).

Additional appointments include Ambassador Sony Abang (E. D., Finance – Cross River), Bukonola Braimoh (South), Marcus Eji (Executive Director, Projects -Rivers), Aganaba Steven (E. D., Social and Human Capital Development – Bayelsa), Timi Ayibatonye (E. D., Corporate Services – Delta), and Joseph Ugheoke (E. D., Commercial and Environmental Development – Edo).

Senate Appointed Over Chairing of Rivers Electoral Commission

Senate chamber in Nigeria Nigerian Senate on Facebook.

Additionally, Cosmas Atighir and Olubunmi Adetunmbi were elected as North-Central Development Commission chairman.

Additionally, Kabir Katata and Thompson Oludare have been confirmed as the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC)’s Executive Directors.

However, one of the commissions did not confirm Tijani Kaura’s nomination for North-West representative.

Kaura reportedly failed to turn up for screening or submit the necessary paperwork, according to the Senate Committee. The Committee stated that if he met the screening criteria, he would be taken into account.

Senator Benson Konbowei, the chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-South Development Commission, presented the report following the confirmations.

South-South Development Commission (SSDC):

  • Chairman Chibudom Nwuche
  • Usoro Offiong Akpabio, managing director
  • Member (Cross River), Larry Odey
  • Member (Bayelsa) Charles Zuofa
  • Nkereuwem Ebong, a member of Akwa Ibom
  • Member (Rivers) Chika Chinedu
  • Member (Edo) Femi Oise
  • Member (Delta) Charles Enukhowhate
  • Member (North-East) Tabitha Sallah
  • Member (North-Central), Yusuf Amao
  • Member (South-East), Joseph Mmamal
  • Member (South-West) of Bukonola Braimoh

Executive Directors (SSDC)

  • Projects (Rivers) Executive Director, Marcus Eji
  • Aganaba Steven, Executive Director, (Bayelsa), Social and Human Capital Development
  • Executive Director, Corporate Services (Delta), Timi Ayibatonye
  • Executive Director, Commercial and Environmental Development (Edo), Joseph Ugheoke
  • Executive Director, Finance (Cross River), Ambassador Sony Abang

Other Development Commissions

  • Chairman of the South-West Development Commission, Olubunmi Adetunmbi
  • North-Central Development Commission Chairman Cosmas Atighir

Property Demolition: Lagos Govt Denies Involvement, Faults Obi’s Claims

The Lagos State Government on Thursday denied any involvement in the demolition of a property in the Ikeja area of the state, which the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, claimed belonged to his brother.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.

It said that neither the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) nor any other arm of the Lagos State Government carried out the said demolition.

“We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts.

” The Lagos State Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all residents. We will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness or violations of extant laws. Any individual or group found involved in such acts will be brought to justice, “it said.

READ ALSO: My Brother’s Property In Lagos Was Demolished Without Court Order – Peter Obi

It, however, urged the public to disregard Obi’s claims as it would not be swayed by what it described as” baseless allegations or attempts to discredit “its efforts.

” We urge the public to disregard Mr. Peter Obi’s claims and rest assured that the Lagos State Government will continue to work tirelessly to maintain law and order in our great state, “the Lagos Government said.

” We will not be swayed by baseless allegations or attempts to discredit our efforts. “

READ ALSO: Lagos Demolishes 138 Shanties At Ajao Estate Canal

Investigation Launched

The state government, however, said it had ordered an investigation into the matter.

It added”, Furthermore, we have directed the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, FNIA, to request a full investigation by the Lagos State Building Control Agency into this matter. This investigation will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the demolition and ensure that any necessary actions are taken.

“The Lagos State Government welcomes everyone to live and work in the state, and we assure all residents of our continued commitment to their safety and well-being”.

Obi had in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday condemned the demolition of the property, describing it as an “illegal” action carried out without a court order or official permit.

The former Anambra State governor stated, “This morning, my youngest brother called me frantically, informing me that a group of people had invaded his company property in Ikeja, Lagos, and were demolishing the building.

What hope does the typical Nigerian have if someone can commit this level of lawlessness with the aid of a registered company and legitimate means?

Any society that disregards the rule of law is not destined to be an investment haven.

VIDEO: Residents Scoop Content As Diesel-Laden Tanker Falls In Rivers

Along the East-West Road in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, a diesel tanker collided near the Nkpolu Junction. &nbsp,

The truck lost control and slammed into the gutter after a tire burst, according to preliminary findings.

Despite security agencies’ best efforts, members of the public were seen scooping diesel.

Read more about the injuries and vehicle deaths from the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway explosion.

While the product is being loaded into another tanker, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) officials have cordoned off the road.

A smaller truck parked by the side of the road has sustained significant damage, despite no injuries reported.

Watch the video at . ; ; ;