NEWS
Adeleke Shuns Distraction, Commits to Transparency, Accountability
From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke yesterday declared that nothing will distract him as he remains committed to transparency and accountability in managing state finance.Adeleke added that travelling costs being pushed around represent the near full year training allocation for the over 100 agencies of the state government.
He said, the public is also invited to note that a full breakdown of the state travelling cost showed that the amount connected directly to the Governor is very negligible as he mostly footed his expenses through the family private jet as in the case of his current visit to the United States. Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed clarified that many agencies undertook their local and international training in the first half of the year because of anticipated kick off of pre-2026 political activities in the latter part of the year, adding that the opposition’s sponsored reports about international traveling and training expenditures are not only misleading but also mischievous.“The sponsored publication is a failed attempt by the opposition to misrepresent and mischaracterise much needed expenditure on local and international training programmes for public servants, service wide facility maintenance cost and several critical overhead expenses across over 100 government agencies. The fact that the state government actually posted those details on her website confirms that there is no foul play or misapplication of state funds, he clarified.Olawale disclosed further that the amount quoted for international travels and trainings for the first two quarters of 2025 is the expenditure of the entire officials of the state government including, commissioners, agency heads, management staff of state owned tertiary institutions, Permanent Secretaries, Directors of over 100 parastatals which covers their transportation, accommodation, feeding etc.“The Governor is only the head of the government; there are several other sectorial heads and career officers whose expenditures on travels and training make up the state government expenditure. So it is incorrect to say Governor Adeleke spent so much on traveling. Also, one has to probe the importance of these travels and training and the value it brings to the state now and in the near future” Mr Olawale said.He highlighted key international events attended by officials of the Osun State Government in the first half of year 2025 like Commonwealth Business Investment Conference where Governor Adeleke led his team to meet potential partners in the creative sector and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ESG Management Services UK Ltd., a UK investment facilitation firm to source and facilitate investment opportunities from UK-based companies in the sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, and other strategic areas.Other key sectorial trips include the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; Ministry of Science, Innovation and Digital Economy; Climate Change and Renewable Energy; Ministry of Water Resources; Office of Mining and Natural Resources, State owned institutions among others.The Spokesperson further adds that “as a Governor committed to public service reforms to meet global standards, top permanent officials of the state have undergone several international training and engagements to improve their skills and enhance their productivity”.More importantly, Olawale argued that the current high exchange rate of the Naira has largely impacted the amount quoted as these trainings and travelings are mainly funded by the Naira, thereby significantly increasing the total cost despite marked reduction in number of delegates and frequency of traveling when compared to past administration in the states“The value of Naira is why the figure seems outrageous. We have compared notes with the records of the past administration and I can confirm that this administration is well positioned in terms of prudence and management of state resources. To get $1000 today, you will need about #1.6 Million, unlike some years ago when you only need about #400,000. One has to be objective when it comes to discussions like this so as not to be misled by the mischievous propaganda of opposition parties” he added.On Cleaning & Fumigation Services, and refreshments, Mr. Rasheed said “the expenditure represents the amount spent by the state to maintain a clean environment across the state secretariat, agency offices, the government house, several state institutions, several health facilities, several state agencies and parastatals, public schools etc.While reassuring the public of the Governor’s passion for transparency, the Spokesperson said it was the state government that posted the widely quoted figures as a mark of accountability and transparency.NEWS
Nasarawa Lawmaker Supports Wadada Endorsement
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Member Representing Keffi West Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana has pledged his full support to Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada following his endorsement by Governor Abdullahi Sule.
The endorsement, which is seen as a strategic consolidation of party strength, is backed by the Governor, reinforcing confidence among party faithful ahead of forthcoming general election.
The honorable member led a large delegation of supporters and political associates, party faithful, including members of his campaign team, to Senator Wadada’s residence in Keffi.
During the visit, Hon. Nana reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising grassroots support across Keffi West and beyond in support of Hon.
Wadada. He emphasised that unity, loyalty, and strategic collaboration remain essential ingredients for electoral victory.According to him, the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming elections will depend largely on the ability of party leaders and supporters to work together with a shared vision. He stressed that the endorsement of Senator Wadada is not only a personal decision but also a reflection of the collective will of his supporters and constituents.
The lawmaker further noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must remain focused and disciplined, especially at a time when political activities are intensifying. He called on party members to prioritise the interest of the state above individual ambitions, adding that a united front will strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu expressed deep appreciation for the show of support and solidarity. He described his endorsement as timely and encouraging, noting that it reinforces confidence in the party’s direction.
The senator stated that such demonstrations of unity are critical in building momentum ahead of the elections. He added that the gathering sends a strong message of cohesion and readiness among All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Nasarawa State.
Senator Wadada also assured supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership and development-oriented governance if elected as governor. He emphasised that his ambition is rooted in the desire to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state and improve the lives of its citizens
NEWS
Centenary City Access Road Reaches 35 Per Cent Completion as Community Backing Drives Progress
By David Torough, Abuja
Construction of the 4.3-kilometre access road within Abuja’s Centenary City development has reached 35 per cent completion, marking a key milestone in the project’s early infrastructure rollout.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Centenary City Plc, Ike Odenigwe, highlighted visible progress on the ground, noting that work had advanced steadily since commencement.
He emphasised the company’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure that would support the broader vision of the development.
Odenigwe credited much of the smooth execution to the cooperation of five host communities, describing their support as instrumental in avoiding disruptions and maintaining project momentum.
He said the company had built strong relationships with these communities through consistent engagement and mutual understanding.As part of its social responsibility efforts, the firm has introduced scholarships and job opportunities targeted at local youths, ensuring that surrounding communities directly benefit from the development. According to Odenigwe, these initiatives are aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering long-term socio-economic growth.
He further explained that Centenary City was conceived as a modern, sustainable urban hub designed to boost Abuja’s global competitiveness by attracting investment and delivering world-class infrastructure.
The project has also received backing from key authorities, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and regulatory support from the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, both of which have strengthened implementation efforts. Traditional leadership, under Idris Musa, has also played a supportive role in facilitating community cooperation.
The access road forms part of a larger master plan that includes approximately 95 kilometres of primary road networks. Odenigwe noted that the development would incorporate smart city technologies to create a sustainable and efficient urban environment aligned with international standards.
From the construction side, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, represented by Jonnie Kouchan, described the partnership as a blend of vision and technical expertise. He confirmed that the four-lane carriageway, along with supporting infrastructure, remains on track for completion by April 2027, with strict adherence to global engineering and safety standards.
Kouchan added that the project would enhance connectivity, strengthen investor confidence, and stimulate economic activity across Abuja and neighbouring communities.
Despite the progress, community leaders have called for sustained engagement. The Emir of Juwa, Idris Musa, urged the developers to work closely with authorities to ensure fair compensation and proper resettlement for affected residents.
Local representatives also raised concerns about access to potable water following resettlement and called for the expansion of employment opportunities and continued scholarship support for youths.
Overall, stakeholders described the Centenary City project as a major step toward transforming Abuja into a modern, investment-friendly city capable of supporting long-term economic growth.
NEWS
Armed Herders Kill Five, Displaced Many in Renewed Attack on Benue Community
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Suspected armed herdsmen has launched a renewed attack on Tse Ameen community in Mbapa Council Ward of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, killing at least five persons.
A local sources disclosed that the incident occurred on early hours of Sunday when armed herders attacked the community at about 1:am.
One of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent on phone in Makurdi on Monday, disclosed that five bodies were recovered while many others remained missing.
“The corpses recovered after the attack included three males and two females,” the resident said.
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on phone in Makurdi, Monday.
Edet said, “Four dead bodies were recovered.”
The PPRO did not disclosed further information.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has sympathise with the people of Gwer West where the attack occured on Saturday night.
He appealed to all security heads to ensure those perpetrators are also apprehended.
He however called on all communities to join forces with government and security agents to comb forests of evil elements.

