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US Lawmaker Criticizes Bola Ahmed Tinubu Over Security Aid Compliance, Calls for Funding Reassessment

April 30, 2026 by admin

A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has faulted the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing what he described as its failure to comply with conditions tied to U.S. security assistance to Nigeria. Moore, who represents West Virginia’s 2nd District, made this known in a post on X on Wednesday, urging the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to consider the development when administering upcoming funding cycles. “In my view, the Tinubu administration has failed to live up to the conditions the appropriations committee placed on security assistance. “I urge @SecRubio to take this into account in administering both FY26 and FY27 funding,” he wrote. The reference to FY26 and FY27 relates to the United States fiscal years, which run from October 1 to September 30, covering the next budget cycles during which congress determines allocations for foreign assistance. The funding under discussion includes US security support to Nigeria, such as military training, equipment supply, intelligence cooperation and counter-terrorism assistance aimed at tackling threats including insurgency, banditry and organised crime. Such assistance is subject to approval by the US Congress and is often tied to conditions, including compliance with human rights standards, accountability in the use of funds and measurable progress in addressing security challenges. The reference to FY26 and FY27 relates to the United States fiscal years, which run from October 1 to September 30, covering the next budget cycles during which congress determines allocations for foreign assistance. The funding under discussion includes US security support to Nigeria, such as military training, equipment supply, intelligence cooperation and counter-terrorism assistance aimed at tackling threats including insurgency, banditry and organised crime. Such assistance is subject to approval by the US Congress and is often tied to conditions, including compliance with human rights standards, accountability in the use of funds and measurable progress in addressing security challenges. “My brothers and sisters in Christ are murdered for practising their faith and belief in our Lord Jesus Christ,” Moore said at the time, warning that prolonged inaction could worsen the situation. He further argued that despite years of support from the United States, including provision of training and equipment, the crisis had persisted without sufficient response from Nigerian authorities. “If we do not address this and some terrorists take hold in Nigeria, we would have to address it one way or the other. I would like to do it cooperatively with Nigerians,” he said. The Federal Government has, however, rejected claims that the country’s security challenges amount to targeted religious persecution, maintaining that violence affects both Christians and Muslims and is driven by broader security issues. Earlier this year, the Defence Headquarters stated that military cooperation with the United States does not undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and comes at no cost to the country. The military confirmed the arrival of about 100 US personnel and associated equipment in February, noting that the deployment followed bilateral engagements between Nigerian and US officials. A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said the collaboration was part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat evolving security threats. Despite these assurances, Moore maintained that how Nigeria meets the conditions attached to US assistance will influence future funding decisions, signalling possible increased scrutiny of support programmes in the coming fiscal years.

U.S. Mission Warns Nigerian Travellers Over Visa Overstays

April 27, 2026 by admin

The United States Mission in Nigeria has renewed its appeal for adherence to travel regulations, cautioning that visa overstays by Nigerian travellers could negatively impact future applicants. In a statement shared obtained from its X handle on Monday, the mission stressed that compliance with U.S. immigration rules is essential to maintaining fair and open access for legitimate travellers. It noted that when individuals overstay their visas or violate entry conditions, it can negatively affect the perception of compliance among applicants from the same country, potentially influencing future visa decisions. “Visa overstays by Nigerian travellers can affect opportunities for their fellow citizens,” the advisory stated. “Strengthening compliance helps protect access for students, business travellers, and families who travel responsibly. The mission emphasised that many Nigerians travel to the United States for education, business, tourism, and family visits, and encouraged applicants to continue to respect visa conditions throughout their stay. It also warned that visa fraud and misuse of travel documentation remain serious concerns, urging the public to play a role in safeguarding the integrity of the system. Individuals with credible information about visa fraud were encouraged to report it directly to official consular fraud prevention channels via AbujaFPU@state.gov or LagosFPU@state.gov. The mission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting safe, legal, and orderly travel between Nigeria and the United States, while ensuring that those who comply with immigration laws are not disadvantaged by the actions of others.

Oyo Approves N5.8b For Circular Road Property Owners

April 22, 2026 by admin

IBADAN — THE Oyo State Executive Council meeting, chaired by the State Governor, has approved compensation for over 900 property owners whose lands were affected by the ongoing construction of the Ibadan Circular Road In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, a total of N5,813,000,000 (Five Billion, Eight hundred and Thirteen Million Naira) will be paid to these categories of people. The Council noted that the compensation will not only put a stop to the agitation and misinformation surrounding this laudable project, but will also pave the way for accelerated planning and development, foster investors’ confidence, and bring to reality the vision of a transformed urban development of Ibadan and Oyo State as conceived by Governor Seyi Makinde. The Council recalled that over N800,000,000 (Eight Hundred Million Naira) had earlier been paid in the first phase as compensation for displaced persons in the past 18 months According to the Information Commissioner, Oyo State is one of the few states in the Federation that has continued to support the masses since the removal of the fuel subsidy The introduction of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), set up by the State Government since 2023, has positively impacted the lives of the masses through interventions such as food relief/palliatives, health insurance, MSME support, and transportation The Council also approved the sum of N710,382,000 (Seven Hundred and Ten Million, Three Hundred and Eighty- Two Thousand Naira) to cover transportation subsidy for the period between March and August 2026. Prince Dotun Oyelade recalled that last year alone, over 4 million commuters, including pensioners, students, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, benefited from between 50 and 100 percent transportation subsidies in the State. The State Executive Council noted the strategic importance of the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Okaka Junction–Otu–Igbeti–Kishi road and the construction of bridges over the Otu and Ofiki rivers at a cost of N26,482,664,000 (Twenty-Six Billion, Four Hundred and Eighty-Two Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-Four thousand naira) Council also approved the expansion of this project by N3,981,431,000 (Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighty-One Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-One Thousand Naira) According to the Information Commissioner, Council further approved the completion of the Oyo State Christian Wing multipurpose hall, which was initiated over 25 years ago during the administration of Governor Lam Adesina He said that the completion will cost N126,912,000 (One Hundred and Twenty-Six Million, Nine Hundred and Twelve Thousand Naira) Prince Oyelade added further that In continuation of the Administration’s belief in entrenching the State’s culture and expanding it’s global potentials, Council approved the hosting of the Year 2026 Oyo state International Tourism Summit, stressing that the Council believed that the approval will consolidate the huge successes recorded in previous editions.

FG Files 13-Count Charge Against Coup Plotters

April 21, 2026 by admin

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six individuals, including two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, over an alleged plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism. The defendants—retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani—are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, April 22, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. Also listed in the charge, but said to be at large, is a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva. The charge, filed on Monday by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), accuses the defendants of offences ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing. The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired in 2025 “to levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code. The Federal Government further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to alert authorities. According to the charge, the defendants, “knowing that a treasonable act was intended to be committed, did not give information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President… or a peace officer.” They were also accused of failing to take preventive steps, as the charge stated that they “did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence.” Beyond treason, the defendants are facing terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Prosecutors alleged that they “conspired with one another to commit an act of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were specifically accused of attending meetings linked to the alleged plot, “in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The charge also accused the defendants of providing support for terrorism, alleging that they “knowingly and indirectly rendered support” to facilitate acts of terror. In addition, the prosecution alleged deliberate suppression of intelligence, stating that the defendants “had information which would be of material assistance in preventing the commission of the act of terrorism, but failed to disclose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable.” On the financial aspect, several defendants were accused of handling funds linked to terrorism financing, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Bukar Kashim Goni allegedly “indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000, which forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: terrorism financing,” while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained N2m from a similar source. Zekeri Umoru, according to the charge, “without going through a financial institution accepted a cash payment of the sum of N10,000,000,” and also retained an additional N8.8m suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing. Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of taking possession of “the sum of N1,000,000, being part of proceeds of terrorism financing.” The case is expected to test the Federal Government’s resolve to prosecute alleged threats to national security as proceedings commence before the Federal High Court in Abuja. In October 2025, the Federal Government announced the cancellation of a ceremonial parade earlier scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1. Days after the announcement, reports emerged linking the cancellation to an alleged coup plot. However, the Defence Headquarters dismissed the claims, insisting that the decision had no connection with any coup attempt. Later that month, on October 31, authorities confirmed that 16 military officers had been arrested in the first week of October over the alleged plot, while two others were declared at large. In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that there was indeed a plan to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said investigations carried out in line with military procedures uncovered the involvement of some personnel in the alleged coup plot. Uba added that those implicated would be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels. In March, family members of the detained officers appealed to President Tinubu to ensure that the suspects were tried in an open court. At a press conference in Abuja, wives and relatives of the detained officers also demanded access to the accused, whom they described as alleged coup masterminds. The agitation continued in April, as families of the detained officers staged a protest at the entrance of the National Assembly, calling for a speedy trial and improved access to their relatives in custody.

Plateau Attack: Apostle Selman Donates ₦200m in Cash and Food Aid to Victims

April 15, 2026 by admin

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has urged residents to embrace a shared responsibility in maintaining peace and fostering unity across the state. The governor made the call on Wednesday while receiving the founder and senior pastor of Eternity Network International, also known as Koinonia Global, Apostle Joshua Selman, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Jos, following recent attacks in parts of the state. During the visit, Selman donated relief materials and cash worth over N200 million to support victims of the recent attacks. Mutfwang, who expressed appreciation for the visit, said the presence of the cleric and his team was “a strong show of solidarity with the government and people of Plateau in a time of grief.” He thanked God for the life and impact of Apostle Selman, describing him as “a prophet with honour in his hometown,” whose influence has positively touched many lives. The governor also acknowledged other members of the delegation, including a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, John Kennedy and Mr Bestman Wadia, commending their contributions and connection to Plateau State. While lamenting the recent attacks, Mutfwang said the government had extended support not only to affected Christian communities but also to some Muslim families impacted by the violence, stressing the need for unity and humanity beyond religious lines. “We deliberately reached out to affected Muslim families as a demonstration of our love for humanity. Plateau belongs to all of us,” he said. He also appreciated the outpouring of support and condolences from across the country and beyond, including from President Bola Tinubu, noting that such solidarity has strengthened the resolve of the people. The governor, however, assured that efforts were ongoing to prevent a recurrence of such attacks, while urging citizens to remain hopeful. “If it had not been the Lord, what the devil intended would have been worse. While we mourn, we must also be grateful for what God has prevented,” he said. Mutfwang further called on Plateau indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, to contribute to the development and preservation of the state. “No matter what we become outside, if home is not strong, we remain vulnerable. The preservation of Plateau is a collective responsibility,” he added, describing Plateau as “a divine project that must be protected by all.” Earlier, Apostle Selman, who was accompanied by the said, the visit was to identify with the state and commiserate with families affected by the recent violence. He described Plateau as “a land of great potential, rich culture and resilient people,” but lamented the spate of violence that has plagued the state over the years. “We came not just as ministers of the gospel, but as sons of the soil, to stand with the people in this difficult time and to encourage hope,” he said. The cleric urged the state government not to be discouraged despite the challenges, assuring that their efforts would eventually yield positive results. “Someday, we will look back and appreciate the courage and resilience of the leadership for not giving up,” he said. As part of his intervention, Selman announced the donation of relief materials, including a truckload of about 3,000 bags of rice and other essential items valued at over N100 million. He said the items would be distributed across affected communities in collaboration with the state government and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN. In addition, he disclosed a financial support package of about N100 million to assist victims and affected families. “These palliatives may not bring back the dead, but they can bring comfort to grieving families and demonstrate love and responsibility,” he said. Selman emphasised the need for collective effort in addressing the crisis, noting that while no single group can solve the problem alone, everyone has a role to play. “It would be unfair to do nothing. We must all contribute in our own way to bring relief and restore hope,” he added.

Inflation Climbs to 15.38% Amid Surging Food and Transport Costs

April 15, 2026 by admin

Nigeria’s inflation rate climbed to 15.38 per cent in March 2026, reversing the recent downward trend, as rising costs of food, transportation, and accommodation drove prices up, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This was the first time the headline inflation rate had increased since March 2025. The latest Consumer Price Index report released on Wednesday showed that headline inflation increased from 15.06 per cent in February 2026, indicating renewed pressure on household spending. According to the report, “in March 2026, the Headline inflation rate rose to 15.38 per cent, up from 15.06 per cent in February 2026,” reflecting a 0.32 percentage point increase on a year-on-year basis. The NBS noted that the Consumer Price Index rose to 135.4 points in March, up 5.4 points from 130.0 in February. On a month-on-month basis, inflation accelerated sharply, highlighting the pace of price increases within a short period. The report stated that “the Headline inflation rate in March 2026 was 4.18 per cent, which was 2.17 per cent higher than the rate recorded in February 2026 (2.01 per cent).” This suggests that, while annual inflation remains below the 27.35 per cent recorded in March 2025, underlying price pressures are building again. A breakdown of the drivers showed that food and non-alcoholic beverages remained the biggest contributor to inflation, accounting for 5.55 percentage points of the headline figure. Restaurants and accommodation services followed with 3.26 percentage points, while transport contributed 1.80 percentage points. The data also revealed a divergence between urban and rural inflation trends. Urban inflation stood at 14.64 per cent year-on-year, while rural inflation was significantly higher at 17.22 per cent, showing stronger price pressures in rural areas. On a monthly basis, rural inflation surged to 6.73 per cent, up from 0.71 per cent in February, indicating a sharp spike in prices in rural communities. Food inflation remained elevated, continuing to exert pressure on households. The NBS said, “the Food inflation rate in March 2026 was 14.31 per cent on a year-on-year basis,” compared to 25.22 per cent in the same period of 2025. This represents an increase from the 12.12 per cent recorded in February 2026, reinforcing the upward movement in food prices during the period. On a month-on-month basis, food inflation stood at 4.17 per cent, reflecting persistent increases in staple food items such as yams, cassava, tomatoes, and potatoes. Core inflation, which excludes volatile agricultural produce and energy, rose to 16.21 per cent year-on-year, down from 27.12 per cent in March 2025. On a monthly basis, core inflation climbed to 4.03 per cent, indicating broader price increases beyond food. The NBS further noted that the average inflation rate for the 12 months ending March 2026 stood at 20.05 per cent, higher than 18.58 per cent recorded in March 2025, suggesting sustained medium-term inflationary pressure. At the state level, inflation remained uneven. Bayelsa recorded the highest year-on-year inflation rate at 27.37 per cent, followed by Sokoto at 26.03 per cent and Bauchi at 23.67 per cent. In contrast, Osun recorded the slowest rise at 5.25 per cent, while Kano and Kaduna posted 9.85 per cent and 10.38 per cent respectively. On a month-on-month basis, Zamfara recorded the highest increase at 10.77 per cent, followed by Bauchi at 9.37 per cent and Sokoto at 9.05 per cent, while Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers recorded the slowest increases. The report noted that variations across states reflect differences in consumption patterns, warning that direct comparisons may be misleading due to varying weights assigned to goods and services. The World Bank earlier warned that the ongoing surge in global oil prices could directly add around 3.1 percentage points to Nigeria’s headline inflation, as rising fuel costs ripple through the economy. “Overall, an increase in oil prices to about $80 per barrel… would directly add around 3.1 ppts to headline inflation under a full pass-through assumption,” the World Bank noted in its most recent Nigeria Development Update, adding that indirect effects from higher fuel costs on transport, logistics, and food prices could push inflation even higher.

Surge in Terror Attacks Aims to Distract Tinubu, says Akpabio

April 14, 2026 by admin

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the intensified spate of terrorist attacks across the country is a “gang up” to distract President Bola Tinubu’s reforms. Akpabio made the assertion during his goodwill message at the official commissioning of the Nigeria Revenue Service Headquarters, Abuja. He said, “Believe me, Mr President, two weeks after you win the elections, the bomb blasts will stop. People are sponsoring it to distract you from your work. “You’re doing so well despite the gang up on your administration.” His comments come barely 24 hours after Tinubu held closed-door talks with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and a French general at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Sources close to the President who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity described Monday’s engagement as part of intensified collaboration on Nigeria’s security situation. The meeting, which began at about 2:00 pm on Monday, was Tinubu’s first official engagement since his return from Bayelsa on Friday. It came three weeks after the President announced that France had agreed to supply military equipment and training to Nigerian forces battling insurgency in the North-East. Akpabio’s comments come against the backdrop of rapidly deteriorating security conditions across Nigeria, including a controversial air strike on Saturday that killed over 100 civilians, and a fresh United States advisory authorising the voluntary departure of non-emergency embassy staff from Abuja. On Saturday, a Nigerian Air Force strike targeting Boko Haram insurgents hit the Jilli market in Yobe State, near the Borno border, killing over 40 civilians, including children. Amnesty International cited survivors and hospital authorities confirming the death toll, with local sources putting the figure as high as 200. The military defended the operation as a precision strike on a terrorist logistics hub, but Amnesty International condemned what it described as “reckless use of deadly force” and called for an independent investigation. The Presidency also defended the operation. Speaking with Bloomberg earlier on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said, “The market was a legitimate military target because it has been turned into a logistics and trading hub by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.” Military air raids have killed at least 500 civilians since 2017, according to multiple reports, with failures in intelligence gathering and coordination between ground forces and air assets cited as contributing factors. Days earlier, on April 8, the United States Department of State authorised the voluntary departure of non-emergency government employees and family members from the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation. The move elevated 23 Nigerian states to a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning, the highest risk category, including newly added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states. The US highlighted threats from Islamist insurgents in the Northeast, criminal gangs in the Northwest, and ongoing violence in parts of southern and southeastern Nigeria, including oil-producing regions. The embassy said visa appointments in Abuja had been suspended, though the Lagos consulate continues to provide routine and emergency services. The Federal Government said the travel alert was guided by US internal protocols and did not reflect the overall security situation across Nigeria. “While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” Minister Mohammed Idris stated. Nigeria is battling multiple security threats across its six geopolitical zones, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgency in the Northeast, banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest and North-Central regions, and separatist violence in the Southeast.

Atiku’s Suspension Linked to “Indian Hemp Smoking,” Says Ex-SGF

April 13, 2026 by admin

Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has urged the public to ignore the alleged suspension of Atiku Abubakar, himself, and others, dismissing the group behind it as “Indian hemp smokers.” Babachir is the Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, North East region. A factional chairman of ADC in the state, Raji Zumo, announced during a press conference on Monday the suspension of Atiku, Lawal and the party’s transition committee chairman, Sadiq Ibrahim. Speaking exclusively to PUNCH, Babachir said, “If some people take heavy Indian hemp, they can claim to be President of Nigeria, so don’t consider them as normal people. Indian hemp is at duty.” He said Raji has no reasonable position in the ADC that empowered him to speak on behalf of the party. “Raji’s actions demonstrated the power of Indian hemp against our young men. What is his position in the party in Adamawa State, if not influence of drugs?” he said. Also speaking, the Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, Mr. Shehu Yohanna, said the statement credited to Raji was not only baseless but also insisted that he had left the party long ago. “Raji was my deputy, before he disappeared to an unknown place, only for him to resurface on social media on Monday, suspending our father, Atiku Abubakar,” he said. An Adamawa State High Court on Thursday suspended the ADC congresses in the state. Justice Ahmed Isa of Yola High Court No. 6, who presided over the case, ordered the suspension of the congresses slated for Thursday until the determination of the case. The court adjourned the case to April 15, 2026, for continuation of hearing. The embattled ADC chairman of the Adamawa State chapter, Shehu Yohanna, approached the court and asked it to halt the congresses due to his exclusion from the planning process. Yohanna filed the suit against Mr. Sadiq Dasin, the state chairman of the transition committee of the ADC, Adamawa State chapter. When PUNCH contacted Lawal, he denied knowledge of the court ruling. “I am in Abuja, so I don’t know about the case. Go and ask those that were in court today. I don’t know anything concerning the court case,” he said. The Adamawa State chapter of the ADC has been engulfed in crisis since last year over the leadership of the party, creating three different factions.

2027: INEC Adds 3.4 Million New Voters to Register

April 9, 2026 by admin

The Independent National Electoral Commission has recorded over 3.4 million new voters in the ongoing second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise nationwide. According to the commission’s week 13 update released on Wednesday in Abuja, a total of 3,441,121 registrations have been completed as of April 3, covering both online pre-registrations and physical walk-ins. INEC disclosed that 2,068,384 citizens completed their registration online, while 1,372,737 others registered physically at designated centres across the country. State-by-state data showed that Jigawa recorded the highest number of registrants with 201,047, representing 5.84 per cent of the total. Lagos followed with 181,095, while Kano ranked third with 177,681 registrations. Youth participation remained dominant, with citizens aged between 18 and 34 accounting for 2,354,768 registrants, representing 68.43 per cent of the total figure. Gender distribution indicated a higher turnout among women, with females accounting for 1,922,143 registrations (55.86 per cent), compared to 1,518,978 males (44.14 per cent). On occupational breakdown, students formed the largest group of new voters at 1,235,931, representing 35.92 per cent. This was followed by those in business at 701,912 (20.40 per cent) and individuals in farming and fishing at 615,967 (18.28 per cent). INEC also reported that 48,330 Persons with Disabilities registered during the period. The commission noted that the figure remains provisional, explaining that it is “a preliminary figure pending data clean-up during the period for citizens’ claims and objections, followed by the deployment of the Automated Biometric Identification System.” It further stated that voter registration remains suspended in the Federal Capital Territory in line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022, following the Area Council Election held on February 21. INEC urged eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to visit its official portals to complete their registration before the deadline.

Oyo PDP Guber Aspirant, Debo Akande Unveils Ibadan Hall Of Fame Project, Targets Preservation Of City’s Legacy

April 7, 2026 by admin

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Dr. Debo Akande, has unveiled plans to establish an Ibadan Historical Library and Hall of Fame as part of efforts to preserve the city’s rich cultural heritage. Akande, who currently serves as the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde, disclosed this during a foundation-laying and groundbreaking ceremony held at Bode Amoo Hall, Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo, under the auspices of the 2026 Historical Tour Committee. Speaking at the event, Debo Akande described the initiative as a long-term vision aimed at creating a lasting legacy for Ibadan and ensuring that its history is preserved for future generations. “This is something that has been very paramount in my mind for a long time. It is not just about today; it is about creating a legacy that will stand the test of time,” he said. He expressed concern over what he termed a growing disconnect between younger generations and the history of Ibadan, noting that many youths lack awareness of the city’s significant contributions to Yoruba culture and national development. “If you ask a young person today about key figures in Ibadan’s history, many may not be able to provide answers. Yet, Ibadan has produced individuals who have made remarkable contributions across different sectors, both locally and internationally,” he added. Akande explained that the proposed Hall of Fame would function as both a museum and a knowledge hub, documenting and showcasing the achievements of past rulers, warriors, professionals, and other distinguished indigenes. “Where is this history documented? Where can people go to see what our heroes have done and when they did it? This project is about answering those questions and preserving our identity as a people,” he said. In his remarks, the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief (Barr.) Sulaiman Ajewole, said the project was conceived to immortalise the legacies of Ibadan’s heroes and heroines. Ajewole explained that the Hall of Fame idea originated from a historical subcommittee within the council, and would serve as a platform to honour past rulers, warriors, philanthropists, politicians, and community leaders. “This is how we preserve our history. By documenting and celebrating those who have contributed to the growth of Ibadan, we are ensuring that their names are not forgotten,” he said. He commended Akande for championing the initiative, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Ibadanland, and expressed optimism that the project would be completed within a short time. According to him, the Ibadan Historical Library and Hall of Fame will stand as a major cultural landmark in the city upon completion.