News

Akwa Ibom women endorse Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno Ahead of 2027

Published

2 months ago

March 7, 2026

Ahead of the 2027 election, President Tinubu got another boost to his reelection on Saturday as thousands of Akwa Ibom women endorsed him for a second term.

This came as Akwa Ibom women joined others all over the world to celebrate the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Uyo.

Over 5,000 women and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, were present at the event.

At the event, the women also endorsed the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for another term in their respective offices.

Speaking, the First Lady described the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, ‘Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,’ as a strong call for collective action toward improving the welfare and opportunities available to women.

She stressed that protecting the rights of women and girls through access to education, economic empowerment, healthcare, social protection and equity is vital for national development.

“This year’s theme, ‘Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,’ is a call to action. Protecting the rights of women and girls by ensuring access to education, economic empowerment, health, social protection and equity is an investment in our collective future,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu urged women to become positive agents of change within their families, communities and workplaces.

“I encourage every woman here to be a positive tool for change in your homes, businesses, communities and your state at large. When women lead with purpose, the entire nation feels the impact,” she added.

The First Lady also highlighted the reforms initiated by the current administration, noting that they are aimed at laying a strong foundation for sustainable development.

“The reforms already started by this administration are designed to create a lasting legacy of transformation and prosperity for all Nigerians. We must protect the progress we have made and keep building on it,” she said.

“A house is not built in a day, but when the foundation is solid, the structure will stand the test of time. Let us remain united and focused to protect the gains we have made under this administration.”

Speaking at the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended women for the critical role they play in stabilising families and society.

Akwa Ibom governor, Governor Umo Eno, also acknowledged the contributions of women, noting that the success of any society depends largely on their commitment and resilience.

The highlight of the celebration was the formal endorsement of President Tinubu, Governor Eno and Senate President Akpabio for another term in office.

The declaration was read by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, alongside other prominent women leaders in the state.

Earlier in the day, the First Lady commissioned an ultra-modern Senior Citizens Centre in Uyo named in her honour.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mrs Tinubu emphasised the importance of caring for the elderly.

“A society that honours its elderly is one that understands responsibility, gratitude and continuity,” she said.

She also urged families and communities to continue to support ageing relatives, stressing that government initiatives must be complemented by societal care and compassion.

“Government can provide structures, but society must provide warmth and care,” she said, encouraging other states to replicate the initiative.

The centre, which was conceptualised by the late wife of the governor, Pastor Patience Eno, is designed to provide elderly citizens with access to healthcare, recreation and social support in a safe and dignified environment.

News

Adeboye backs Remi Tinubu’s RCCG pastor title

Published

1 week ago

May 2, 2026

The Exclusives

Despite mounting pressure from various quarters, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has stated that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, will continue to hold her position as an ordained pastor in the church.

Adeboye made the clarification during the church’s monthly Holy Ghost Service, explaining that Mrs Tinubu was ordained as an Assistant Pastor more than a decade ago—well before her husband, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emerged as a presidential contender.

He noted that her ordination followed the church’s established procedures and emphasised that she had not violated any of its doctrines or regulations.

The cleric also dismissed calls from some quarters demanding that she be stripped of the title, stressing that the church would not yield to external pressure on internal matters.

Adeboye further rejected claims that the church is aligned with any political interest, reiterating that it remains a place of worship open to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.

He made the clarification during the May edition of the church’s Holy Ghost Service, themed ‘Excellent Counsel,’ where he responded to public perceptions linking the RCCG with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adeboye said such assumptions overlook the diverse political representation within the church.

“Some people are saying RCCG is an APC church. I just smile. In RCCG, you will find a governor from the Peoples Democratic Party sitting down with a governor from the Labour Party, APC, and APGA.

“By the special help of God, we are representative of the whole nation, and that is what we will continue to be,” he said.

He stressed that the pulpit is not used for political expression, regardless of the status of worshippers present.

According to him, church activities are focused on prayer and worship rather than political engagement or announcements.

“If you saw one governor among us today dancing and you were expecting he would be called forward to say something, we don’t do that. But if you come to worship with us, you are welcome. Our duty is to pray for everybody,” he added.

The cleric also commented on Nigeria’s political future, particularly the 2027 general election, stating that ultimate outcomes are already known in the divine order.

“The one that will rule has been decided by God before we were born. He knows the end from the beginning,” he said, urging citizens to remain prayerful while fulfilling their responsibilities.

Adeboye further addressed his participation in past civic protests, explaining that his involvement was based on directives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

“That was because the then chairman of CAN asked all Christians to go out for a peaceful protest. If he talks tomorrow and asks me to march, I will,” he said.

He emphasised that his public actions are guided by the umbrella Christian body on national issues affecting believers.

News

Xenophobia tensions: FG summons South African envoy

Published

1 week ago

May 2, 2026

The Exclusives

The Nigerian government has summoned the South African High Commission in Nigeria over ongoing protests in South Africa targeting foreign nationals, which have reportedly led to the killing of at least two Nigerians and attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses.

According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria), Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Acting High Commissioner has been invited to a meeting scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026.

Ebienfa stated that the most senior official at the South African mission in Abuja is expected to attend the meeting.

He explained that the engagement is intended to formally communicate the Nigerian government’s deep concern over the recent incidents, which could strain the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

The statement reads: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended an invitation to the Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa for a meeting scheduled to take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

“Discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.

“The Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa. Nevertheless, it implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.”

News

Varsity clears N3bn staff salary arrears

Published

1 week ago

May 2, 2026

The Exclusives

The Osun State Government has cleared outstanding salary arrears owed to workers of the state-owned University of Ilesa (UNILESA).

Management of the institution confirmed that Governor Ademola Adeleke released N3 billion to offset the backlog of unpaid salaries owed to staff of the university. The governor also approved the regularisation of about 300 casual workers, granting them permanent employment.

Speaking with journalists during a briefing to commemorate the institution’s third anniversary, themed “Three Years of Purposeful Leadership, Growth and Institutional Transformation,” the Vice Chancellor, Taiwo Asaolu, commended Adeleke for the administration’s support since the university was established.

Asaolu also disclosed that no fewer than 3,661 students of the university benefited from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in 2026.

According to him, the institution currently has a student population of about 15,000, with 3,661 students benefiting from the federal government’s NELFUND initiative. He added that Governor Adeleke also approved a tuition-free policy for students in the Faculties of Education and Agriculture.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the current management inherited dilapidated and obsolete facilities, demoralised staff, a dwindling student population of fewer than 1,000, overgrown surroundings and poor infrastructure.

However, he said the institution has since recorded significant progress and now runs 97 academic programmes, all of which have been approved by the National Universities Commission.

“We inherited over 300 staff on temporary appointments from the defunct Osun State College of Education, Ilesa. Many of them had been in such unfortunate and inhumane conditions, receiving salaries of less than N25,000 per month. Those on permanent appointment were also owed several allowances. When we assumed duty, agitations from these staff constituted a major setback to the smooth take-off of the University.

“The Governor rose to the occasion and provided lasting solutions: all temporary staff were granted permanent appointments, and all outstanding allowances owed to permanent staff, amounting to over Three Billion Naira (₦3billion) only, were fully paid. Retired staff of the defunct College and next-of-kin of deceased staff also benefited from this payment.”

He equally confirmed that “Within the last three years, the University has enjoyed tremendous support from TETFund, Owa Obokun, Oba Clement Haastrup, the Ijesa Community, among others. You will see the various projects funded or donated by them during your guided tour of the campus.”

Speaking about the accommodation for students, he said TETFund released over N750million for the school, while about N2 billion has been made available for the construction of hostels.