Month: July 2025

IN DEFENCE OF EDO STATE GOVERNOR

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  …Okpebholo said nothing that Obi hasn’t done before By Sebastine Ebhuomhan Sunday, 20th July, 2025. Abuja. Last week, precisely on Friday, 18th July, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) organised a political rally to receive the only serving federal lawmaker of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State who dumped the party in support of the calm and focussed administration of the state governor. Speaking at the rally, Governor Monday Okpebholo spared no jabs that are often part of such high-tempo political events. Notably, he issued a very important security advisory to the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) and ex-governor of Anambra State, Dr. Peter Obi, concerning Obi’s regular visits to Edo State for socio-political activities, which most recent one left a tragic trail. As all Nigerians know by now, Edo State people credibly voted, love and support Okpebholo, the immediate past elected lawmaker of Edo Central District at the Senate of the Federal Republic and his administration because he is a man of peace and progress. As a law-abiding citizen with simple and humble background, the governor does not talk much, does not threaten anybody, but loves hard, always honest to a fault, believes mostly in action, and never gets tired of galvanising people, policies and programmes for the governance and development of Edo State since he assumed power. In eight months, he has raised the bar of governance so high that it now looks like he has completed eight years already. Senator Okpebholo’s positive economic, social, infrastructural, workforce and political strides in a short time, especially his forthright, determined and noiseless result-oriented response to the parlous security (cultism and kidnapping) challenges the PDP-elected ex-governor Godwin Obaseki created for him before sneaking into exile abroad as well as his growing popularity from his determination to make Edo State the Heartbeat of national political consciousness convinced the PDP’s only elected federal lawmaker in Edo State representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency of the House of Representatives, Right Honourable Marcus Onobun, to decamp and boost the APC’s chances in next month’s bye-election of the senatorial district likely to condemn the PDP to another painful defeat. In a letter, Onobun described his resignation as a “principled stand” taken in agreement with his constituents “to pursue a more effective pathway toward development, unity, and good governance” practised by the state administration Okpebholo leads. Obi, the leader of the socio-political pressure group, Obidients, visited Edo State on 7th July, 2025 in continuation of his ethnic, religious and socio-political activities. He neither informed, acknowledged nor paid any courtesy to the governor of the state before, during, and after the visit. He donated the sum of N15 million to the St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for the completion of school projects. The donation spiked tragic violence after his departure. “The man that says he has no ‘shishi’, I am sending a direct message to him. There is a new Sheriff in town. He cannot come to Edo without telling me because his security will never be guaranteed. Whatever happens to him when he is in Edo State, he will take it. I am serious about it. “He came the other day and donated N15 million. The person who says he has no ‘shishi’ but has N15 million to donate to people. Where did he get N15 million to donate to people? By the time he left, there was crisis. Three people died in Benin. So, for that reason, tell Obi, he should not come to Edo without telling me,” Governor Okpebholo stated in clear Pidgin mixed with good English addressing the grain of crowd at the rally. To the promoters of All Democratic Alliance (ADA), who have adopted the All Democratic Congress (ADC) as the vehicle for aspirants desperately seeking to truncate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government and hijack power in 2027, Okpebholo accused some of the leaders who have held high public offices in the past of failing to build roads to their villages, many of them deep-rooted in corruption, mismanagement of the national economy, shady sale of national assets, and others of ushering Boko Haram, bandits, kidnappers and insecurity into the country. He challenged their moral justification to coalesce against Tinubu. Obi is a promoter of the coalition. “Some of them stole railway funds. Some were Senate Presidents for years and could not build roads to their villages. Some sold off Nigeria’s assets and even ushered in Boko Haram and kidnappers. “These same people now want to form new parties. Today SDP; tomorrow ADC; next ADA. We do not need insecurity merchants,” Okpebholo remarked. He highlighted Onobun’s entry into the APC as a final nail in PDP’s casket in Edo State. He declared with the support of Acting Deputy State APC Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh, that the party was firmly in control of the political direction of Edo State without virile opposition. He reiterated that President Tinubu would definitely get 2.5 million votes in the 2027 presidential election in Edo State, an off-hand promise confidently rooted in the governor and government’s huge popularity and acceptance. Instead of appreciation, Okpebholo’s advisory to Obi has become the subject of attacks from supporters of the unsettled Anambra politician, remnants of the self-exiled Obaseki faction, and secret political party wings masquerading as civil society organisations (CSOs). From Obi’s fellow coalition leaders to his Obidient followers to the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) to his fanatic Catholic priests: the reactions have been sheer sensational, misunderstood and controversial; needless furore and hullabaloo. Different interpretations have been wrongly ascribed to the advisory. Some critics said Okpebholo warned Obi while others said Okpebholo threatened him. These are very wild, wrong and uncharitable interpretations of a simple advisory for an important personality meant to protect him whenever he visits. While he understandably spoke with a heavy heart from the death of residents, an analysis of the advisory shows that it is in order. Obi might have visited Edo State for a philanthropic cause as he

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NIS DG, SHAIBU CONGRATULATES RUTHLESS SUPER FALCONS

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… Tasks them to remain focus … Salute NFF for standing by the team   The Director General of the National Institute for Sports, H. E. Comrade Philip Shaibu has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria for delivering a five-star performance on Friday night in Casablanca, crushing Zambia 5-0 to seal their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo state who said he was so excited watching the Nigeria ladies in devastating show of strength and experience, a warning shot to the rest of the continent, and a harsh lesson for a Zambian side that had looked promising, until they ran into Nigeria. While, commending the team , the technical crew and the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, the NIS boss tasked the team to remain focus ahead of their semi- final. The former Bendel Insurance of Benin player said from the first whistle, Nigeria meant business. Towering centre-back Osinachi Ohale opened the floodgates just 100 seconds in, nodding home a perfectly delivered free-kick from Esther Okoronkwo. Shaibu called on Nigerians to put the team , technical crew and the leadership of the NFF in prayers before, during and after their final match in Morocco.

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BREAKING: ASUE IGHODALO’S CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR, DUMPS PDP.

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  Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen , the director general of ASUE IGHODALO’S CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION in the last Edo state governorship election, has resigned from the PDP. The former PDP leader’s resignation letter was acknowledged by his Ward Chairman, Andrew Esemuede, Thursday 17 July, 2025. “This is a painstaking decision for me, as the PDP has played a vital role in my political journey and personal development; for this, I remain deeply grateful and will always cherish the platform the Party provided me”. Iduoriyekemwen’s resignation is one of several resignations that has been witnessed recently, as members of the Party continue to resign from the PDP. The Edo South leader hails from Ward 5, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

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RECKLESS AIRPORT LAND ACQUISITION, FCI INTERNATIONAL BOSS IDU , WANTS FG CONDUCTS ASSESSMENT.

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CHUKS OKOH The Chairman FCI  International, Mr Fortune Idu has called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to conduct a comprehensive land-use assessment that will identify land-use cases that can free up airport land. In his welcome speech at the of Aviation Business Summit and Expo (ABSE) 2025, Mr Idu, said the assessment will inform the conclusion of the airport master plan and halt the reckless acquisition of airport land by government agencies . According to Idu, as the government make concerted effort to get the airport on the right track for sustainable growth, it was disheartening to see the deterioration of the airports land infrastructure and the unplanned partition and allocation of Federal airport space. “It is unfortunate to note that the federal airports have more tanker farms and fuel contractors than the aircraft and airlines operating in the country, and one wonders why” He decried the concentration of fuel depot at every space at the airport, saying it does not necessarily generate additional revenue for the airport, but it does introduce additional risk and space   constraints. “It is also sad that many government agencies are acquiring prime airport locations and spreading structures all over the airport space, creating clusters and congestion that gives the impression that the airport is full. This is one of the biggest threats to airport development, future expansion, business, and  value to the nation.” According to Idu, the airport’s gestating period is 25 years, and those who see empty airport lands should not consider it available land adding that the future of the airport and the prosperity of the state depend on that so-called available land. He remarked that airports are special economic  zones,  stressing that the development, financial structure and Process cannot be spontaneous but needs  planing, preconceived and programmed. “It is my pleasure to announce that ABSE has had a greater impact on influencing government decisions now than it has in the past eight years” Idu said the theme of this year’s summit “investment Opportunities in Airport Public-Private Partnerships Airports’ are an essential national infrastructure that can significantly boost economic development by providing fast mobility links for people and Cargo, especially in a vast country like Nigeria. He noted that sustaining the development and operation of these airports goes beyond the initial intention to build them. “With the establishment of over 30 airports in Nigeria today, the viability of airports ensures sustainable and secure air service operations to destinations, promoting connectivity which requires adequate funding for the airports. He said the airport business summit aims to gather information and contributions on investment opportunities and help initiate campaigns for airport financing through various options, including airport development grants, government infrastructure funding, private equity contributions, and private sector partnerships. Idu noted that Nigeria’s aviation sector is gradually leading to increases in fleet size and airport connectivity adding that the summit will provide an opportunity for thorough discussions on how to make airports economically sustainable, as well as foster a collective drive to build confidence and improve the usability of air transport.

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FG POLICIES FAVOUR PPP IN AVIATION SECTOR _ PERM. SEC.

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  CHUkS OKOH In a bid to improve infrastructure, operational efficiency and delivering world-class services, the Federal Government says it is deliberate on policy choices to facilitate Public-Private Partnerships in the aviation and aerospace sector. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Ibrahim Kana made the disclosed at the Airport Business Summit and Expo 2025 (ABSE) yesterday in Lagos. According to Kana, aviation remains a critical enabler of economic growth, a catalyst for trade, tourism, and investment, but also as a symbol of national connectivity and international competitiveness. He said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering Public-Private Partnerships as a key mechanism for sustainable development. “The Ministry, in line with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) framework, has championed a number of landmark PPP initiatives designed to reposition the industry. “These include the concession of terminal operations at major international airports—such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano. “As well as Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models for cargo terminals, maintenance hangars, and airport hotel infrastructure”. The Permanent Secretary also spoke on completed and ongoing public-private partnerships in the sector. “We have recorded measurable progress. The successful concession of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II (MMA2) remains a reference point for PPP success in West Africa. “Additionally, the recent approval by the Federal Executive Council of new airport concession agreements underscores our resolve to crowd-in private capital, managerial expertise, and technological innovation. “Furthermore, our engagement with international partners such as, International Civil Aviation Organisation, African Development Bank among others have created new avenues for funding critical infrastructure without overburdening public finances”. According to him, public-private partnerships thrive where the environment is stable, transparent, and predictable. Hence, the Ministry has worked closely with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and the ICRC to streamline procedures, de-risk investments, and ensure contractual clarity. “Our Airport Development Master Plan is aligned with national economic priorities and regional development goals. “This has been complemented by legislative reforms, enhanced regulatory oversight through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). “Also, the upgrade of aviation security and safety infrastructure, all of which build investor confidence”. Kana also said that government was currently exploring PPP models for air navigation services, aerotropolis development, and aerospace technology parks. “We envision a future where Nigeria becomes a hub for regional air travel, maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) services, and space science applications. “In this regard, I invite all potential investors, local and international, to Nigeria not just as a market, but as a long-term partner in progress. ‘We are open for business and open to partnership,” he said. Kana further reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that safer skies, resilient infrastructure and productive partnerships. He added that private sector was a strategic ally.

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NOWINTA BLAST FEMI ADESINA FOR DEFENDING EX_ PRESIDENT BUHARI’S FOREIGN MEDICAL JAMBOREE

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  _Says Adesina is a part and parsue of a story of wicked deception A prominent Nigerian social critic, pro-democracy and human rights advocate, Comrade Igbotako Nowinta, has descended heavily on Femi Adesina, former aide to the late General Muhammadu Buhari, for defending his frequent medical trips to United Kingdom. According to Nowinta,  Femi Adesina Cannot Defend A Predator Who Failed To Build First Class Hospitals In Nigeria”, which he gave to journalists in Abuja, on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025. Comrade Nowinta, an international conflict resolution expert cum Executive Director, Nigeria Good Governance Research Centre (NGGRC), said Femi Adesina has demonstrated that he is a “part and parsue of the story of wicked deception which the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration stood for; a self centred, deceitful and treacherous character, who served a despot to the tilt for eight years” Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025, Adesina defended Buhari’s frequent medical trips to the United Kingdom while in office, insisting they were a matter of survival, not luxury. Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, says the late Nigerian leader might not have survived his health battles if he had depended solely on the Nigerian healthcare system. “We at the Nigerian Good Governance Research Centre (NGGC), are strongly dissatisfied with Femi Adesina’s insultive and seething stance about the frequent medical jamboree which the late ex – President under took to the United Kingdom while alive” “A man whose attitudes represent a cocktail of lethal toxins, who used his eight years romance with Muhammad Buhari to help himself with a chunk of our commonwealth should never be taken seriously. General Muhammadu Buhari had the greatest opportunity to build first class medical facilities in Nigeria, but he failed to do so, after he even promised to do so, during his 2015 electioneering campaigns for the presidency of Nigeria” “Why would an hungry beneficiary of a monster of cruelty not defend his paid master; a part and parsue of the story of wicked deception which the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration stood for ; a self centred, deceitful and treacherous character, who served a despot to the tilt for eight years? “When Buhari started his medical trips to the United Kingdom, he would have equally used his presidential powers to influence the building of first class medical facilities across our country, but instead he prioritized his survival and personal safety far above about 200 million Nigerian people, while the hospitals in Nigeria became mere consulting clinics” “For Femi Adesina to have stayed gleefully with an ex- president who laid a blanket of horror and terror against Nigerian people; a symbol of ruination for the oppressed whose legacy is imprisonement of future generations of Nigerians, speaks volumes about his person. Nigerian masses will never forget that once upon a time a Muhammadu Buhari inflicted unimaginable torture”. “We will never forget that Muhammadu Buhari represents a sickening example of unthinkable terror on our psyche; instead of him to drastically improved on our health facilities he led a sick regime where impunity and kleptomania thrived uncontrollably; a government mired by poor financial decision making; a commander – in – chief who looked the other way, while thousands of Nigerians were killed in cold blood. This was the man Femi Adesina dared to defend?” “Now that millions of Nigerians are trying to assuage tensions and move on with their battered lives, even under another despotic civilian regime under President Bola Tinubu, a Femi Adesina is rubbing salt on the injuries perfectly initiated by Muhammadu Buhari. Come 2027, we urge patriotic Nigerians to open their eyes; never to fall easy prey to another predator like Muhammadu Buhari, who consciously failed to build first class health care system in Nigeria”.

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PROF. ASEMAH’S ENVIABLE SCORE CARD AT GLORIOUS VISION UNIVERSITY

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By Igbotako Nowinta “Here is an intoxicating story of an extremely responsible ivory tower administrator, who has been taking painstaking initiatives, to rapidly elevate the Glorious Vision University, since he took over the reins of leadership. What we are seeing today is a baffling catalogues of stewardship; a genuinely transformative score card engineered by a master strategist, and an amazing scholar. Indeed, Prof. Ezekiel S. Asemah is writing his name in gold letters, and he is standing loftily amidst the rocks of educational achievers in the academic firmament of Nigeria” The Vice – Chancellor, Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, Edo State, Prof. Ezekiel S. Asemah, has displayed enormous discipline, enthusiasm and unbending will power, to take the ivory tower, to where it is today, he reminds me of a former slave, who made extraordinary steps to discard the garment of servitude and slavery in the United States: Booker T. Washington. I will never forget his masterpiece titled:”Up From Slavery”. Booker T. Washington was a highly influential figure in African American education during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His relevance stems from his extraordinary efforts in advocating for practical skills in agriculture, trades, and domestic work, for the benefits of African Americans to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency. He founded the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, to promote this type of education. Washington’s influence extended beyond Tuskegee, inspiring the establishment of numerous black colleges and universities across the South. These institutions provided access to higher education for African Americans who were denied entry into predominantly white institutions. Washington’s philosophy emphasized the importance of economic independence and gradual progress toward social acceptance. He encouraged African Americans to build an economic foundation through vocational training, entrepreneurship, and hard work. Prof. Ezekiel S. Asemah’s current score card is intimidating, just like the legendary Booker T. Washington, this piece was inspired to correctly situate his enviable achievements so far, at the Glorious Vision University, (GVU) Ogwa, Edo State. Prof. Ezekiel Asemah was appointed as the 4th substantive Vice-Chancellor of GVU, effective August 2024, in recognition of his exceptional leadership qualities, academic excellence, and vision for the university. His clearcut sense of responsiveness to the daily administrative governance of the citadel of learning has led to harvest of accolades. Here is an intoxicating story of an extremely responsible ivory tower administrator, who has been taking painstaking initiatives, to rapidly elevate the Glorious Vision University, since he took over the reins of leadership. What we are seeing today he is a baffling catalogues of stewardship; a genuinely transformative score card engineered by a master strategist, and an amazing scholar. Indeed, Prof. Ezekiel S. Asemah is writing his name in gold letters, and is standing loftily amidst the rocks of educational achievers in the academic firmament of Nigeria. As a marathon organizer, a realist laying a solid foundation, under his passionate leadership, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has repeatedly approved various courses at the Glorious Vision University, including the College of Law; Nursing Science; Medical Laboratory Science ; Microbiology; Public Administration, and many others The Mass Communication Department of the university for instance, has graduated and still graduating Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters, and PhD candidates. Currently, the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies is progressively preparing its pioneering PhD candidates in Peace and Conflict Studies, the implications of these facts is that the students population has increased tremendously. With rigid adherence to the principles of service oriented leadership, he is ensuring that the administrative machinery works efficiently. That is why the university is having the following undergraduate programmes at the Ogwa campus; Accounting; Biochemistry; Business Administration; Computer Science; Cybersecurity; Economics; Data Science; international Studies and Diplomacy etc. What of the professional postgraduate programmes at the Lagos campus: MBA Project Management; MBA Information Management Systems; MBA Innovative Entrepreneurship; MBA Digital Marketing, and MBA Human Resource Management, etc? The Vice Chancellor is succeeding in building a fantastic academic world at the Glorious Vision University, the following are available post graduate programmes up to PhD level: Accounting; Business Administration; Computer Science; Economics; English Language; History and Diplomatic Studies; Mass Communication; Microbiology; Peace and Conflict Studies etc. Prof. Asemah has a strong academic foundation, with a notable publication, “Selected Mass Media Themes,” which has garnered significant citations. His research areas include Business & Management and Communications and Media Studies, with an impressive H-Index and citation count. A man with deep wells of strength inside him, with startling insights into how an ivory tower should be governed, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Asemah has pledged to provide necessary resources for running a standard Law College at GVU, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence and research innovation. Described as an “award-winning and highly cerebral Vice-Chancellor,” Prof. Asemah’s leadership and academic contributions have earned him adequate recognition. In turning an academic environment into unprecedented arena of development, setting a very useful fundamental foundation at the Glorious Vision University, he has demonstrated that proper planning and unconquerable commitments leads to stunning development. This academic power house has made vision and mission, a perpetual creed on his administrative dashboard, like the legendary Booker T. Washington, that is why his enviable score card in office, within a short time is very hard to ignore. Nowinta Igbotako, a serial author, media consultant, international conflict resolution expert, is with the University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria.

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OSHIOMHOLE’S TOXIC ADVICE TO OKPEBHOLO

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  It was meant to be a joyous occasion. Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has just been affirmed as the governor of the state by the Supreme Court. Okpebholo’s election was challenged by Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 22, 2024, governorship election. The soft-spoken former senator had won all the litigations from the petition tribunal, through the Appeal Court and up to the Supreme Court. Such a feat calls for celebration. The governor’s party’s stalwarts from the All Progressives Congress (APC) gathered somewhere in Abuja to savour the victory; the last of any litigation that could come his way on the account of the election. The mood was peaceful. Leaders, one after the other, took time to appraise the situation. All of them gave glory to God for seeing their candidate and party through the tedious court proceedings. They were united that it was time for Governor Okpebholo to hit the ground running and bring good governance to the people of Edo State. Then it was time for Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to talk. Penultimate Saturday in Benin City at the APC South-South stakeholders meeting, Oshiomhole was reduced to a mere seconder of the motion to adopt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the four APC governors from the zone for a second term. Senate President Godswill Akpabio presided over that engagement. Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State, former National Chairman of the APC and former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was reduced to a mere spectator at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, the venue of the APC meeting. Why did that happen? I hate to speculate. Methinks that the leadership of the meeting knew that Oshiomhole might pollute the atmosphere if allowed to talk. He had at the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) meeting held in the same Benin City days earlier made some unguarded statements! One may, therefore, conclude that shutting him out was to avoid another verbal disaster. You don’t have to believe this claim, especially if you are not familiar with the politics of the Senate Presidency playing out in the South-South. Now back to the Abuja celebration of Okpebholo’s victory at the Apex Court. Immediately Oshiomhole held the microphone, all attention shifted to him. And he answered his name that day. Ogun, the Yoruba god of iron, is praised as Okùnrin kúkúrú abìjà kankan (The short man with a tenacious fighting spirit). Oshiomhole shares that praise name with Ogun. This is what the septuagenarian politician cum labour leader said: “You now have the time to look into that hotel about which they say Edo money, in tens of billions of naira, was spent, and now they claim it’s just a minority shareholding. You have time to revisit all those roads that were built at the worst costs compared to the ones I built and that are still there. Governor Obaseki must come out of hiding to answer these questions.” From those statements, it is clear that the only thing that is paramount in the mind of Oshiomhole is the probe of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, the immediate past governor of the state. Obaseki, as we know, is Oshiomhole’s successor as governor. But a long-articulated vehicle has since passed between the once-two-jolly-good-fellows! How Obaseki, who at a time was Oshiomhole’s best man at his wedding, turned to be an archenemy of the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District is what should interest political scientists and anyone desirous of studying ‘how friends become enemies’ as a research proposition. My immediate reaction to Oshiomhole’s call for the Obaseki probe is to quickly look at how convenient it is for Oshiomhole to speak from the two sides of his mouth without qualms! What sort of human being can have two or more opinions about an individual within a short space of time? Again, how come that of all the lofty ideas anyone could give to Governor Okpebholo, the only one that easily came to Oshiomhole is the idea of a probe and its attendant distractions? Why do our leaders don’t consider the consequences of their utterances first? Dr. John L. Gustavson is a Neuropsychologist in Grand Junction, Colorado, USA. He is reputed to have “special training and skill in evaluating and treating nervous system disorders, and determining how illnesses, injuries, and diseases of the brain and nervous system influence the way a patient feels, thinks, and behaves.” When asked to define why people talk first before thinking, Gustavson named such a condition as “Verbal Disinhibition” or simply “Disinhibition.” Here is his definition of the neuropsychological term, Verbal Disinhibition: “Verbal disinhibition” or simply “disinhibition.” is saying or acting impulsively without considering the potentially damaging or embarrassing consequences of the words or deeds. Disinhibition may result from a brain injury, intoxication, mental illness, or MERE STUPIDITY (emphasis mine).” How fitting is this definition? While the 2024 Edo governorship electioneering lasted, all the statements that could have caused the APC the election were made by Oshiomhole. He, for instance, almost ruined the APC campaign then with his allusion to a couple married for many years without a child between them! Yet, he is an elder statesman, going by his age, experience and political outings. The elders of my place reason that when there is an elder in the marketplace, a child strapped to her mother’s back is not likely to have his neck twisted (Àgbà ki wà l’ójà kí orí omo tuntun wó). But shouldn’t we rethink the axiom, given that we have elders in the mould of Oshiomhole around us? Or which is more dignifying to ask the governor: to give the best to the people and to ask him to go witch-hunting for an imaginary frenemy? Why do Oshiomhole’s friends always turn to his enemies? For instance, when in 2016, Oshiomhole was selling the same Obaseki to the Edo people, he called him the compressor of the air-conditioning of his government’s economic car. That was at a time Oshiomhole appointed Obaseki

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RUNSEWE TO HOST VALEDICTORY IN HONOUR OF FTAN PRESIDENT, ONUNG

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  CHUKS OKOH. Nigeria’s foremost cultural tourism administrator and former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has inaugurated a committee to organise a valedictory party in honour of Mr. Nkereweum Onung, the outgoing President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN). Mr. Onung is set to bow out of office on July 31, 2025, after completing two impactful terms as FTAN President. His tenure is widely celebrated for fostering strong collaborations between industry stakeholders, government institutions, and private sector players. During his leadership, Nigeria re-established its presence on the global tourism stage, particularly through participation at the World Travel Market in London. His term also witnessed significant institutional shifts, including the brief creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Tourism later reemerged with Culture, reflecting the federal government’s renewed recognition of culture as the bedrock of Nigeria’s tourism sector. Onung currently serves as the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Culture and Tourism. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and a BOT member of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN). Describing Onung as a resilient leader and visionary, Otunba Runsewe praised his exceptional ability to manage diverse interests within the tourism ecosystem. “Nkereweum Onung deserves our appreciation and honour,” Runsewe said. “If you understand how complex it is to manage Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector and its many operators, you’ll agree that Onung’s leadership in keeping FTAN united through challenging times is remarkable. That’s why I have decided to personally organise a night of praise and honour for this humble and outstanding gentleman.” The valedictory celebration will hold during the FTAN Elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Abuja between July 28 and 31, 2025. To lead the planning of the event, Otunba Runsewe has appointed Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, immediate past President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), as Chairperson. Also named as a member of the committee is Mr. Frank Meke, a renowned cultural tourism journalist and CEO of *Creative Naija*, a leading cultural tourism-focused radio show. In her acceptance, Mrs. Akporiaye, who also heads the FTAN 2025 AGM Planning Committee, pledged to deliver a befitting event in honour of Mr. Onung. She also expressed gratitude to Otunba Runsewe for his unwavering commitment to the growth, unity, and recognition of the private sector in the Nigerian tourism industry.

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AVIATION PERM SEC . DR KANA TO DECLARE OPEN AVIATION BUSINESS SUMMIT 2025.

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  CHUKS OKOH, The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development , Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, on behalf of the minister, Mr Festus Keyamo, will be leading State Commissioners of Transport, Heads of aviation agencies and other dignitaries to declare open the Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE) 2025. The summit will be held from July 15-17 at the NIGAV Expo Event Centre at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos ABSE, which is the only fully dedicated airport business convergence, is designed to address air transport concerns from an airport perspective, provide an opportunity for in-depth discussions on how to make Nigeria’s airports economically sustainable and guarantee ROI for private funding in what has been a predominantly government-dominated sector. A statement by the ABSE Chairman, Fortune Idu, said the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigerian Transport Commissioners’ Forum, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority are collaborating with the Airport Business Summit group to ensure the success of ABSE 2025. The theme for this year’s summit is “Investment Opportunities in Airport Public-Private Partnerships.” The summit aims to highlight ways to harness investment and development opportunities for airport development, viability, and intermodal corridors in the air transport sector. The three-day programme, Idu said is packed-full one, starting with a training workshop on airport development by exceptional instructors, to the Special Airport State Session and the airport manager forum, which collectively create an unparalleled summit on air transport sector development essential for transforming Nigeria’s economy. The programmes lined up for the event include, DAY 1: Session 1: Masterclass Workshop: Airport Revenue Planning The workshop serves as a prelude to the two-day summit and will provide comprehensive insights into the common revenue generation issues faced by airports. It is designed to review the airport’s existing revenue streams, resolve conflicts, and identify new opportunities for investors to collaborate with the airport in achieving its business sustainability objectives. It is open to all airport managers, airlines, aviation stakeholders, advisory committees, airport investors, and the business community. The panel session will focus on the critical concerns of the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and how airports can balance safety, security, and operational activities. The speakers will address challenges related to airport security arising from the encroaching nearby community and the impacts of vandalism and theft. The session will provide insights into how airport security and other agencies collaborate to tackle these issues while ensuring compliance with all regulatory audit requirements.

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