National News
Ooni to Adeleke: Fast-Track Ife Projects as Election Season Nears
Ooni to Adeleke: Fast-Track Ife Projects as Election Season Nears
By Lawal Sodiq, Osun
The Ooni, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Wednesday urged Ademola Adeleke to hasten the completion of key infrastructure projects in Ile-Ife, stressing their importance to economic growth and mobility in the ancient city.
The monarch made the call while receiving the governor at the Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, where he also praised Adeleke’s leadership approach and offered prayers ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.
A statement issued by the palace’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the governor arrived with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, top officials, and political associates and was received by the Ooni alongside traditional rulers and dignitaries.
Speaking during the visit, Adeleke described the Ooni as a widely respected and charismatic royal figure, noting that his trip to Ile-Ife was part of ongoing efforts to evaluate projects and ensure effective service delivery to residents.
“I am pleased to visit Kabiyesi. This visit also allows us to inspect ongoing works, including major road constructions and the Lagere Flyover. Where necessary, contractors will be directed to speed up delivery timelines,” the governor said.
In his remarks, the Ooni commended Adeleke for what he described as a people-orientated style of governance, noting that development projects under his administration are visible across various parts of the state.
He, however, called for urgency in completing strategic projects in Ile-Ife, particularly the Lagere Flyover, which he described as critical to easing traffic congestion and stimulating economic activities across the Ife Federal Constituency.
“Lagere is a central hub for both economic and social activities. Its timely completion will greatly enhance movement and commerce. We appeal for faster progress on the project for the benefit of our people,” the monarch said.
Looking ahead to the governorship poll, Ooni also prayed for peaceful elections and urged political stakeholders to prioritise unity and stability in the state.
“As we approach another electoral cycle, I pray for peace and orderly conduct. May the state continue to progress, and may leaders remain committed to the welfare of the people,” he added.
The visit underscores growing collaboration between traditional institutions and the government in driving development and maintaining stability in the state, which is essential for ensuring a peaceful electoral process and addressing the needs of the community.
National News
Dr Dikwa Hails Dr Mai Adamu’s Appointment to National Salaries Commission
Dr Dikwa Hails Dr Mai Adamu’s Appointment to National Salaries Commission
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
The Founder and President of Al-Ansar Foundation, Dr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, has congratulated Dr. Mai Adamu Yau following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a member of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), describing the development as a fitting recognition of years of exemplary public service.
In a congratulatory message Dr. Dikwa said the appointment reflected the Federal Government’s confidence in Dr. Yau’s integrity, competence and commitment to national development.
He expressed confidence that the new appointee would bring his vast professional experience to bear in advancing the commission’s mandate of promoting fairness, equity and sustainable wage administration across the country.
“Your appointment is a well-deserved recognition of your unwavering integrity, exceptional competence and decades of dedicated service to our nation. It is a testament to the confidence reposed in your professional ability and outstanding record in public service,” Dr. Dikwa said.
The Al-Ansar Foundation president recalled that he first worked with Dr. Yau more than 27 years ago at the Office of the Accountant-General of Borno State, where the latter served under his leadership.
According to him, Dr. Yau distinguished himself through diligence, humility, professionalism, trustworthiness and an unwavering commitment to excellence—qualities that laid the foundation for his rise to become the Accountant-General of Borno State before his latest national appointment.
“I witnessed first-hand your dedication to duty, honesty and professionalism. Those qualities have continued to define your career and have now culminated in this important national responsibility,” he added.
Dr. Dikwa said Dr. Yau’s career progression should serve as an inspiration to young professionals, stressing that integrity, perseverance, sincerity and the fear of God remain enduring values that attract greater responsibilities and recognition.
Although he is currently outside Nigeria on official engagements, Dr. Dikwa said he could not allow the occasion to pass without personally congratulating his “distinguished brother and former colleague” on the milestone.
He prayed for divine wisdom, sound health and strength for Dr. Yau as he takes up his new role, expressing hope that his tenure would be marked by justice, fairness and impactful service to the country.
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and divine guidance as you assume this important national assignment. May your service be characterised by justice, fairness and lasting impact for the benefit of Nigeria and humanity,” he prayed.
The Al-Ansar Foundation also joined family members, friends, associates and well-wishers in celebrating the appointment, wishing Dr. Yau a successful tenure at the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
National News
Prof. PLO Lumumba Expected as Guest Speaker at Presentation of Book on Transformational Leadership
Prof. PLO Lumumba Expected as Guest Speaker at Presentation of Book on Transformational Leadership
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
Renowned Kenyan lawyer, academic and governance advocate, Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba, is expected to serve as the guest speaker at the public presentation of Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era, a new book that examines the leadership of former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s foremost public intellectuals, Prof. Lumumba has earned international recognition through his lectures and public engagements on leadership, ethics, governance and nation-building, making him a prominent figure for the academic discourse planned around the book’s launch.
Ahead of the official presentation, the book’s author, Dr. M.S. Abubakar, presented a copy of the publication to Prof. Lumumba in Nairobi, Kenya, formally inviting him to participate in the event scheduled for September 16, 2026, in Abuja.
Published by Sprezzatura Publishing Ltd, Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era offers a scholarly examination of the reforms and leadership strategies implemented during Buratai’s tenure as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff between 2015 and 2021, a period marked by insurgency, banditry and other evolving security threats.
Rather than serving as a biography, the book analyses how transformational leadership principles were applied within the Nigerian Army through reforms in military doctrine, institutional development, operational readiness, troop welfare and civil-military relations during one of the country’s most challenging security periods.
Drawing on military records, policy documents, interviews and detailed research, Dr. Abubakar explores how the Nigerian Army adapted its operational doctrine to confront the Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency while responding to emerging security challenges in the North-West and Middle Belt.
The publication also evaluates reforms in training, logistics, equipment acquisition and command structures, alongside leadership decisions aimed at strengthening troop morale, discipline and public confidence in the armed forces.
According to the author, the book presents the Buratai era as a case study in transformational and crisis leadership, highlighting strategic decisions, institutional reforms and practical lessons that could benefit military professionals, policymakers, scholars and students of leadership, governance and security studies.
National News
Nasarawa Governor’s Spokesman, Ali Abare, Wins National Excellence Award
Nasarawa Governor’s Spokesman, Ali Abare, Wins National Excellence Award
By Auwal Ahmad
The Senior Special Assistant on Media to Abdullahi Sule, Mallam Ali Abare, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence for his contributions to public communication and his role in amplifying government activities in Nasarawa State.
The recognition was conferred by the Your Vote Is Your Voice Africa Initiative during a presentation ceremony held on Friday at the Press Centre, Government House, Lafia.
Presenting the award, the Chairman of the organisation, Babatunde Adebayo, said Abare emerged from a nationwide selection process that assessed competence, consistency and professional integrity among media practitioners.
According to Adebayo, the award is not only a personal recognition for Abare but also a reflection of the critical role of responsible journalism and effective communication in strengthening democratic governance.
“At a time when misinformation and divisive narratives are becoming more pronounced ahead of the 2027 general elections, professionals who remain committed to truth and national unity deserve to be celebrated,” he said.
The organisation, which focuses on voter education, civic engagement and youth participation in democracy, said it formally launched its Nigerian operations in January 2026 with a mission to promote credible and inclusive electoral processes across Africa.
Its officials also disclosed plans to deploy election observers to Nasarawa State in the 2027 general election cycle, as part of broader efforts to support transparency and counter negative perceptions about Nigeria’s democratic system.
They raised concerns over rising ethnic and religious tensions in parts of the country, urging media practitioners to use their platforms to foster unity and peaceful coexistence.
Members of the delegation commended Abare’s communication style, describing it as consistent, factual and impactful in helping citizens better understand government policies and programmes.
A seasoned journalist and development communication expert, Abare has built a reputation for covering governance, politics and social development issues over the years. His colleagues within the Lafia press circle described the honour as well deserved, noting his professionalism and balanced approach to public information.
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