There is a certain electricity in the air when a candidacy feels less like an imposition and more like a collective choice. The emergence of Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as the APC governorship candidate carries that charge. It has not been greeted with the usual grumbling compliance, but has been met, in many quarters, with something closer to relief, even expectation.

The reaction to his emergence is not accidental. It is something rooted in memory. In places where yawning gaps in infrastructure make government a rumour or folklore, people remember who intervened tangibly. While representing Lagos West, Yayi built a reputation for not treating constituencies like abstract map points.

In Obawole, in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area where I live, he installed a 500KVA transformer in my CDA. He followed that up by tarring seven streets, complete with drainage. Five years on, those roads have held their shape with a dignity that shames many newer projects. In a country where roads do not last longer than lettuce, that kind of durability becomes a political argument.

Those seven roads are inner street affairs that are the responsibility of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area. The Chairman at the time, the now deceased and formidably useless Toba Oke, had his house in the vicinity in which the roads were built. He could not build them. Even the one on which his house stands remained under construction till his two terms ended. It was completed by his successor.

Multiply what Yayi did in my hood across communities that have felt his interventions and you begin to understand the groundswell. For many, this is not about the party platform, but about a man whose record suggests that he understands needs, especially of the very desperate variety. It is not certain that he will win the election, but he looks the out-and-out favourite.

For his candidacy to mean anything beyond comfort for those already touched, I think, it must become something harder, sharper and more consequential. The truth is that just beyond the pockets of progress lie whole belts of abandonment.

We have seen promise curdle into incompetence and self-described reformers turn arsonists, fanning the very neglect they swore to end. Those areas have had enough of that cycle.

You want to know? Akute, Lambe, Oke Aro, Agbado, Matogun, Osere, Maidan, Legun, Adiyan, Ijoko, Mowe, Ofada, Ibafo et al. These are not obscure hamlets, but dense, energetic and economically-alive corridors sitting on the Lagos boundary that have been condemned to exist as afterthoughts for 27 years of civil rule.

In these communities, there are no roads worth the name, no functional schools that can carry the weight of their swelling populations and no hospital worth the description. The nearest fire station to Lambe, for example, is 24 kilometres away.  A few years ago, a tanker fire licked many buildings, including a Celestial Church parish on Matogun Road. Fire trucks could not have arrived timeously because the fire station is far away and because the surface of the moon is smoother than the road leading to the scene of the accident.

In these areas, neglect is not an abstract policy failure. It is a daily assault gleefully carried out by successive administrations, with the worst being that of Ibikunle Amosun. Businesses have been quietly strangled by inaccessibility. Those that survive do so on one leg, unable to expand, unable to employ and unable to breathe. Property values have collapsed, turning what should be family assets into liabilities. Health outcomes are worsening because distance and bad roads are often the difference between life and death. Beneath all of this is a more corrosive message that residents of those places do not matter.

Yayi’s emergence, for all the goodwill it has generated, must confront this history head-on, if he is elected. It cannot be another cycle of selective intervention, of islands of competence in a sea of disregard. The Lagos-Ogun boundary belt is asking for inclusion, not miracles. It has an agenda that suggests itself. It is clear and urgent.

First, roads. Not those ceremonial stretches built for social media. Those areas need a comprehensive grid that connects the communities internally and to economic hubs. They need roads that can carry commerce, not just okada and Keke NAPEP. Second, public services such as functional primary and secondary schools, properly equipped hospitals and fire stations positioned with intent.

Third, economic revival through support for small and medium enterprises and incentives that recognise the strategic location of these areas as spillover zones from Lagos. Fourth, planning. These communities have grown in spite of the state. They must now be integrated into a coherent urban vision that prevents chaos from becoming permanent. I should know. I lived in one for nine years and if you lived in one, you have lived in all.

Finally, dignity. Those areas need governance that signals, in policy and in presence, that the residents do not remain children of a lesser god. That is what they currently are.

The enthusiasm greeting Yayi today is a form of credit earned through past interventions. But credit, in politics, is perishable. It must be redeemed with a broader and bolder commitment, if and when he earns the mandate. He has shown he can fix streets. If he gets elected, he will be required to fix a pattern of exclusion that has endured for nearly three decades.

If he does, this moment of delight will harden into trust. If he does not, it will slip quietly into that long ledger of missed chances. There is reason for caution. Our history is crowded with false dawns. We have seen promise curdle into incompetence and self-described reformers turn arsonists, fanning the very neglect they swore to end. Those areas have had enough of that cycle.

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The approval followed the presentation and the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Appropriations in the Committee of Supplies during Tuesday’s plenary.

The report was presented by the chairman of the committee, Olamilekan Adeola (APC-Ogun).

Adeola recalled that President Bola Tinubu had, on December 19, 2025, laid before the joint sitting of the National Assembly the 2026 Appropriations Bill.

“The 2026 Budget, themed Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity, reflects the executive’s determination to lock in macroeconomic stability.

“The committee hereby recommends that the Senate do consider and approve a Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N68 trillion,” he said.

Of the amount, he said that N4.7 trillion was for statutory transfers, N15.8 trillion for debt servicing and N15 trillion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, while N32 trillion was for contribution to the development fund for capital expenditure, with the accompanying schedules and details.

Adeola further said that bureaucratic bottleneck that led to the challenges of late releases of funds in 2025 should be addressed holistically.

“Deliberate efforts must be made in 2026 by the senate, in collaboration with the executive, to implement the 2026 appropriation holistically.

“The Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) Act, 2025 should be extended to 30th June, 2026,” he said.

The senator added that the capital component reflected the Tinubu administration’s strong emphasis on infrastructure development, while the substantial allocation for debt servicing highlighted the continuing pressure of Nigeria’s debt obligations on public finances.

“Recurrent expenditure remains significant, covering personnel and administrative costs, while statutory transfers will fund key institutions, including the judiciary and other constitutionally-backed bodies.

“The budget approval comes alongside the senate’s consideration of sweeping adjustments requested by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at addressing outstanding capital commitments and funding strategic national projects.

“A major component of the adjustment is the inclusion of ₦5.71 trillion in legacy capital obligations carried over from the 2025 fiscal cycle, alongside ₦2 trillion earmarked for priority projects across key sectors,” he said.

In his remarks, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended Adeola and members of the appropriation committee for their tireless work on the bill which had now been passed for the third time.

“Your dedication and sacrifice over several months have not gone unnoticed, and you have truly served the nation well.

“Our prayer in the senate is that God will grant the current President, Bola Tinubu, the necessary resources to meet the obligations of this budget for the benefit of our country.

“Congratulations to all distinguished senators and also to members of the House of Representatives who have worked collaboratively to ensure the passage of this bill.

“This joint effort has eliminated the need for a conference committee. Congratulations as well to all Nigerians.

“With the loans approved and the anticipated increase in revenue from tax reforms, we are confident that this budget will be realistic, beneficial and capable of renewing hope across the nation.

“It is our expectation that this will contribute to a successful and impactful first term for the administration,” Akpabio stated.

Source: NAN

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The command’s spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

He said the minor was discovered on the airport tarmac while attempting to gain unlawful access beneath an aircraft.

Adeola described the act as a serious breach of aviation security protocols in a highly sensitive operational environment.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the juvenile gained entry into a restricted area of the airport without authorisation.

He said the act was contrary to Sections 2 and 3 of the by-laws of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

He said the boy’s actions were consistent with a stowaway attempt, a dangerous act that could endanger both the individual and flight operations.

“Upon interception, the minor was taken into protective custody in line with due process and established child protection procedures,” Adeola said.

He said the boy’s parents were promptly notified and all necessary protocols were observed, including conducting the interview in their presence.

The image maker said the command ensured the minor received appropriate care, support and welfare considerations throughout the process.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mrs. Olufunke Ogunbode, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting aviation infrastructure.

“Ogunbode described the airport as a critical national asset that requires strict compliance with security rules.

“The CP urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant over their children, particularly regarding movements around restricted and high-risk environments such as airports,” he said.

Adeola stated that the case would be handled in accordance with applicable juvenile justice procedures, adding that the minor would be charged before the appropriate juvenile court.

He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to maintain safety, security and order within the aviation sector, while upholding the rights and welfare of all individuals, especially minors.

Source: NAN

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The stakeholders, in their reactions, described the narratives, which appeared in a national newspaper, as a desperate attempt to hoodwink other contenders into dropping their ambitions.

They further asserted that any such game plan is “dead on arrival,” noting that the amended Electoral Act is very clear on how consensus candidates can emerge.

The controversial report had suggested that party leaders settled on the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat; the Senator representing Ogun West, Olamilekan Adeola (known as Yayi); and the Senator representing Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli, as the consensus choices for their respective states.

Reacting to the report, Dr. Akin Ogunsanwo dismissed the story as the antics of politicians who are afraid of a transparent party process.

He clarified that, contrary to the report’s claims, the president was not even physically present at the meeting where these agenda were discussed.

Ogunsanwo expressed disappointment that a courtesy visit to felicitate with the president after Ramadan was being used to spin what he termed “toxic reports” designed to dissuade other aspirants.

In his reaction, Mr. Adio Opeloyeru from Abeokuta noted that discerning minds could easily detect the fault lines in the story.

He argued that President Tinubu would not involve himself in such a scheme without the input of state party leaders and the aspirants themselves.

Opeloyeru specifically criticised the interference of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, whom he accused of aggressively pushing for the acceptance of Senator Adeola in Ogun State.

He said, “While I will not talk of their permutations for other states, I am very specific that their thinking for Ogun State is not feasible. I see this as a continuation of the agenda of the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele for Ogun State. He was in the state recently where he practically begged people to accept his friend, Yayi as indigene of the state and allow him as consensus candidate for the party.”

He said, “We all know the reactions that trailed his interference in Ogun State politics even from our highly revered deputy governor, Alhaja Noimot, and other stakeholders from the state.”

He also dismissed claims regarding Governor Dapo Abiodun’s succession plans as a “charade,” noting that the governor had not discussed such matters with anyone and that the permutations regarding Ogun Central were logically inconsistent.

“The story was a spin to give the impression that Governor Abiodun has been coerced to accept Yayi as consensus candidate and drop any plan he has on his own. It is laughable.”

Also, Ogun West Renaissance Movement, OWRM, issued a statement through its coordinator, Amos Adegbite, rejecting what they termed the “orchestrated plans” to impose an “imported politician” on the Yewa people.

Despite the fact that one of their own was named in the report, the group insisted that they would only endorse a candidate through a democratic process at the appropriate time.

They maintained that the people’s eyes are “very clear” and they would not be coerced by external efforts to foist a candidate on the state, ultimately reaffirming their commitment to a fair and open primary.

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Ajani-Lawal’s appointment was sequel to the retirement of the bank’s founding Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Kafilat Araoye, from office, thereby marking the conclusion of her distinguished tenure characterized by an impressive performance scorecard.

Appointed as the pioneer MD/CEO of Lotus Bank, Araoye played a key role in laying the foundation for LOTUS Bank’s successful market entry and operational growth.

Under her leadership, the bank achieved key milestones that set the tone for its current leading position in Nigeria’s ethical banking space.

Specifically, some of the key accomplishments during her tenure are the launching of LOTUS Bank as a fully licensed non-interest bank in 2021; upgrading of the initial regional banking license to a national banking license in 2023; rolling out customer-focused, technology-driven financial services; building of a trusted brand known for transparency, integrity and CSR; promoting financial literacy and expanding access to ethical finance across Nigeria amongst others feats.

These initiatives translated into positive impact on Lotus Bank’s financial and other performance indices, including a surge in its balance sheet from N30bn in 2021 to N360bn in 2024, customer accounts from about 13,000 in 2021 to over 960,000 by June 2025, and expansion of its branch network to over 55 branches nationwide.

In her remarks, Chairperson of the Board of LOTUS Bank, Mrs. Hajara Adeola, commended the outgoing MD’s contributions to the remarkable milestones achieved in the bank during her tenure.

She enthused: “Mrs. Araoye’s leadership was marked by integrity, foresight, and impact. She shaped LOTUS Bank into a fast-growing, value-driven institution. As we welcome Dr. Isiaka Ajani-Lawal as MD/CEO, we are confident of his ability to uphold the Bank’s values while advancing its strategic vision.”

The newly appointed Managing Director brings more than 25 years of banking and financial services experience to his new role.

Prior to this appointment, he served as Executive Director, Operations and Technology at LOTUS Bank, where he was instrumental in streamlining operations, implementing innovation-driven systems, and strengthening regulatory frameworks.

Ajani-Lawal, who holds a Doctor of Business Administration, DBA, from the University of Liverpool and several other academic and professional qualifications, is a result-oriented expert, with deep expertise across diverse areas, including strategy formulation and execution, risk management, customer relationship management, credit administration, sales and marketing, and business development.

Speaking on his new appointment, the Managing Director said: “I am honoured to lead LOTUS Bank at this important moment in our journey. I remain committed to delivering on our mission to redefine banking through ethical, inclusive, and digitally focused services. I look forward to working with our dedicated team to build on the solid foundation laid by Mrs. Araoye and take LOTUS Bank to greater heights.”

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No death was recorded during the incident, however.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, has a call sign ASR, Registration Number 5N-ASR, a C-172 aircraft, operated by SkyPower Express.

The aircraft was from Kaduna, en route to Port Harcourt, when it made an emergency landing at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Airport Command, Lagos, ASP Mohammed Adeola, said the incident occurred at about 6:58 p.m. on Tuesday.

Adeola said that the aircraft experienced a crash landing at the threshold of Runway 17, sustaining varying degrees of damage.

He said there were four crew members on board at the time of the incident.

“Upon receipt of the distress information, the airport police patrol units, in collaboration with airport emergency response teams, were swiftly deployed to the scene.

“All occupants were successfully rescued.

“Two of the crew members were in stable condition, while the remaining two, who were initially unconscious, were immediately evacuated to the hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention,” he stated.

Adeola further said that airport operations had remained uninterrupted, as the situation was promptly brought under control.

He added that the affected area remained under close monitoring to ensure continued safety and security, while relevant aviation authorities had commenced the necessary technical assessments, in line with standard operating procedures.

“The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Olufunke Ogunbode, commends the professionalism and rapid coordination of all responding agencies.

“Ogunbode reassures the public of the command’s unshaken commitment to aviation safety, public security, and effective emergency response across all airports,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, NSIB has also issued a statement, signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance of NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, also confirming the incident.

“The crew declared an emergency, necessitating a diversion to Owerri, where the aircraft subsequently crash landed in the approach area of Runway 17.

“There were four people on board at the time of the accident, with no fatalities reported so far,” she stated.

The director stated that there was equally no post-crash fire, adding that the runway remained active for flight operations, with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident.

“Efforts are currently underway to coordinate the recovery and evacuation of the distressed aircraft from the crash site to allow for a detailed wreckage examination.

“The Director-General of bureau, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., expressed his deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and is glad that no fatalities were reported.

“The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already coordinating with authorities to secure the site,” the statement added.

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The duo, whose addresses were not provided, are standing trial for impersonation, to which they pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp Femi Omilana told the court that the defendants committed the offences on October 16, at about 9.00 a.m., at Ogungbade area of Ibadan.

He alleged that Festus, with the intent to defraud, falsely posed on Facebook as a white lady, Garcia Ruth, living in the United States of America.

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Omilana also alleged that Oladapo falsely posed as one Jillian Nicole, living in the United States of America, with the intent to defraud people.

He said that the offences contravened Section 484 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Adebola Adeola, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

She held that one of the sureties must be a blood relation to the defendants.

She adjourned the case until December 22, for hearing.

Source: NAN

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The new spokesperson will replace SP Adeoye Adeola, who had been transferred to the Police Command in Ondo State.

A statement by the outgoing spokesperson in Osogbo on Wednesday, stated that the new police public relations officer obtained B.Sc in Mathmatics from Nigeria Police Academy.

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“He was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force in 2018 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, and a member of the regular course 1, POLAC.

“DSP Abiodun was a Unit Commander, four PMF Ibadan, before he was posted to Osun Command,” the statement read in parts.

Source: NAN

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He said the N54.99 trillion budget, which he signed into law, was based on projected revenues.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation Sen. Solomon Adeola witnessed the budget signing ceremony.

“Today, we take another bold step in our nation’s journey of economic recovery, stability, and growth with the signing of the 2025 Budget of Restoration. We reaffirm our commitment to securing our future, rebuilding prosperity, and ensuring that every Nigerian shares in the dividends of governance.

“The past year tested our resolve. But through economic discipline and strategic reforms, we achieved what many deemed impossible. After the initial turbulent take-off, our people can see signs of progress and the promise of a better future. Our economy is turning the corner,” the president said.

President Tinubu noted that the uncertainty over the economy was gradually clearing as the reforms took shape, delivering a national GDP growth of 3.86% in the last quarter of 2024, the fastest in three years.

“Revenue increased to N21.6 trillion from N12.37 trillion, reflecting our drive for fiscal efficiency and the deficit reduced significantly—from 6.2% in 2023 to 4.17% in 2025.

“Forex reforms restored investor confidence, stabilising our markets. The minimum wage was raised to ₦70,000, strengthening the purchasing power of workers, and infrastructure development advanced rapidly, with transformative projects such as the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway,” the president added.

President Tinubu thanked the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their collaboration in giving the appropriation bill speedy attention and passage.

“We have no dust on our faces or tears in our eyes. We walked together as brothers and sisters. Though the initial outlook was turbulent, we can now see signs of progress,” he stated.

The president urged the legislators to extend the same support for implementing the budget.

The president highlighted some priority areas in the budget, including National Security, Infrastructure and energy, Human Capital Development, healthcare, education, and skills development.

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President Tinubu said the increased allocation for agriculture and food security will boost local food production and ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry.

Similarly, the enhanced budget for social welfare will support youths, women, and vulnerable citizens.

“This budget is bold, ambitious, and necessary. However, let me be clear: We cannot spend what we do not have.

“While we have significantly reduced the deficit, we must ensure that we back every naira spent with actual revenue. We will not burden future generations with reckless borrowing. Instead, we will expand government revenues through efficiency reforms and enhanced earnings; accelerate public-private partnerships and foreign investments to finance key projects,” he said.

President Tinubu said every government agency would be held accountable for prudent spending and value-for-money initiatives.

“To ensure smooth budget implementation, we will work with the National Assembly to redefine corrigenda within the Appropriations Act.

“The redefinition will establish clear triggers for amendments, balancing executive needs with legislative oversight. A budget is not just numbers—it is a promise, and we must honour it with discipline,” the president added.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, assured the president of the full support of the National Assembly in implementing the budget.

Akpabio noted that the president inherited a “foaming economy” that needed urgent economic measures to recover.

The Senate President affirmed that President Tinubu’s experience from Lagos and versatility in managing men and resources enabled the economy’s ongoing reforms and turnaround.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the passing of the budget had been a collaborative effort based on consultation, negotiation and analysis.

“The National Assembly has all along been partners in progress with you, Mr President,” he added.

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This followed the adoption of the report of the Committee on Appropriations on the bill.

The report was presented by Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun).

Highlights of the passed 2025 appropriation bill indicates an aggregate expenditure of N54.9 trillion, statutory transfers of N3.6 trillion, with recurrent expenditure put at N13.6 trillion.

While the sum of N23.9 trillion was earmarked for capital expenditure, debt servicing was put at N14.3 trillion, fiscal deficit N13.8 trillion, while 1.52 per cent was approved as deficit and GDP.

Olamilekan, while presenting the report, said that the Senate debated the general principles of the bill on December 19, 2024.

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That, he said, had resulted in the second reading of the bill after which it was referred to his committee for further legislative action.

The senator said that the initial proposal of the executive was N49.7 trillion.

He, however, said while processing the bill, the joint committee on appropriations met the president’s economic team to discuss the revenue projection and expenditure of the appropriation bill.

“After series of meetings, the Committee on Finance, in conjunction with our committee, sourced for additional revenue from some revenue-generating agencies,” he said.

Adeola said that the additional fund was made possible because of the increase in revenue by some of the revenue-generating agencies.

He further stated that some agencies of government provided funds to take care of critical needs.

The lawmaker said that the upward review of the budget from N49.7 trillion to N54.9 trillion was to cater for the difference between the details and the bill, procurement of vaccines and additional funding to some government agencies.

“The joint committee worked harmoniously with the leadership of the National Assembly and the executive arm of government in the processing of the bill.

“This ensured maximum collaboration of the two arms in the utilisation of additional revenue projection.

”This is to improve the funding of some critical projects which could not be adequately funded in the budget proposal earlier submitted by Mr President due to funding constraints,” he said.

Adeola said that the 2025 appropriation bill was presented late as against the 2024 appropriation bill.

He urged the executive to present the budget to national assembly not later than three months before the beginning of the next financial year.

“This will help return the country to the January-December budget circle,” he said.

Source: NAN

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