metro
Tinubu can replicate Awolowo’s welfarist legacy nationwide — Bisi Akande
Tinubu can replicate Awolowo’s welfarist legacy nationwide — Bisi Akande
Former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has the potential to replicate the welfarist governance model pioneered by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the Western Region during the 20th century.
Akande, who is the Asiwaju of Ila Orangun, made the assertion while speaking at the Joel Babatola Maiden Lecture held in Ado-Ekiti. The event, themed “Governance, Structural Reforms and the Economic Landscape of Nigeria in the 21st Century,” was organised by the Ekiti Council of Elders.
According to the former governor, Tinubu’s economic blueprint aims to ensure self-sufficiency in food production, rapid infrastructural development, particularly in transportation and electricity, human capital advancement in science and technology, and the promotion of national unity against what he called “indigenous retrogressive saboteurs.”
“In the 20th century, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, together with his associates like Joel Babatola, crafted a welfarist economy for the Western Region of Nigeria which boosted the patriotic energy of the then Yoruba youths,” Akande said.
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“It can be done again for the entire people of Nigeria through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. In the PBAT Agenda, the way to navigate into the new economic landscape of the 21st century has been clearly laid out.”
Akande expressed optimism that with proper implementation, the Tinubu administration could reposition Nigeria on the global economic stage, creating opportunities for citizens to become key players in emerging markets.
Also speaking, Mr Olufemi Adewumi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Joel Babatola Annual Lecture Series, said the Council of Elders established the board to celebrate Yoruba heroes and preserve the region’s legacy of visionary leadership.
Adewumi noted that Yorubaland is currently undergoing an epochal transition from a preliterate to a literate era, much like during Awolowo’s time, which was marked by democratic engagement, educational progress, and cultural transformation.
“Of all the heroes that propelled our modernity, it appears only Chief Obafemi Awolowo has enjoyed ceaseless commendation by a grateful nation,” Adewumi said.
In his remarks, Professor Joseph Oluwasanmi, President of the Ekiti Council of Elders, said Nigeria is facing similar social and cultural transitions today. He urged leaders to draw inspiration from the visionary governance of Awolowo’s era and honour those who contributed selflessly to national development.
Tinubu can replicate Awolowo’s welfarist legacy nationwide — Bisi Akande
metro
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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