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Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize the late Chief MKO Abiola as one of Nigeria’s past presidents.

Speaking to Senate correspondents before plenary on Tuesday, Kalu urged that Abiola’s portrait be placed alongside those of other former leaders in the Presidential Villa. His call follows revelations in the recently released memoir of former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.), who admitted that Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

“Yes, Abiola won the election. And I will say President Tinubu should declare him a president posthumously,” Kalu stated.

He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring a national honor on Abiola but stressed that further recognition was necessary.

“Since Abiola won, his picture should be placed among Nigeria’s past presidents. I commend former President Buhari for giving him a national honor, but I also appeal to President Tinubu to officially recognize him and place his image where it belongs. This would help bring succor to his family,” he added.

On Babangida’s memoir, Kalu described it as incomplete and urged the former military leader to release a second volume addressing unanswered questions about the annulment of the June 12 election.

“I look forward to the second edition of Babangida’s book because the first did not reveal all the realities. I was present during the events of June 12, and I know what happened. Babangida should call out the names of those responsible for preventing the election declaration,” he said.

Addressing historical narratives, Kalu dismissed claims that the 1966 coup was an ethnic conspiracy, stating that it was “not an Igbo coup, but a Nigerian coup, executed by the military.”

Beyond June 12, the senator also subtly launched a campaign for President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027. When asked about the next presidential election, he responded confidently: “Yes, Asiwaju will win in 2027.”

Kalu, who is known for wearing white traditional attire, appeared in a burgundy-colored outfit, which he said symbolized continuity. “This is continuity; it means Asiwaju, continue,” he declared.

He further urged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu’s reform agenda, asserting that history had shown even presidents with perceived underperformance had secured second terms.

“We are appealing to Nigerians to be patient with the reform process. We are not looking for another presidential candidate outside our party; we are fully aligned with democratic principles and supporting the sitting president,” Kalu stated.

“The good news is that we will win again in 2027. The president will return, and Nigerians will celebrate with us. That is inevitable,” he concluded.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has provided a N50 million grant to the First Lady of Kaduna State, Hajiya Hafsat Uba Sani, to support 1,000 women petty traders in the state.

The grant, issued under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), was presented in a symbolic cheque at the Umaru Yar’Adua Conference Centre on Monday. Senator Tinubu directed that each beneficiary receive N50,000 to help recapitalize their businesses.

In addition to the grant, the First Lady launched the distribution of 10,000 professional kits for midwives across the North-West states, including Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. The kits, consisting of 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 pairs of Crocs, were donated by an anonymous global donor and handed over to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency for distribution.

Senator Tinubu emphasized that the initiative complements the Federal Government’s ongoing retraining exercise for 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide. She assured that all six geopolitical zones would benefit from similar distributions, noting that the North-Central zone received its allocation in January, while the South-South would be next.

“The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) recognizes the essential role of midwives and the need to provide them with proper tools to enhance their work,” she stated.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, commended the First Lady for her support, describing the distribution of professional kits as a demonstration of her commitment to the welfare of Nigerian women, particularly in underserved communities.

He highlighted maternal mortality as a pressing challenge, especially in rural areas with limited healthcare access, and stressed the importance of equipping midwives with proper gear to ensure hygiene and infection control.

Governor Sani also reaffirmed Kaduna State’s commitment to improving healthcare services, disclosing that the government had recruited 100 ad-hoc midwives and was upgrading 290 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) with state-of-the-art equipment. An additional 255 PHCs are set for upgrades this year, with construction ongoing for 143 facilities.

The First Lady’s initiatives, he noted, would further strengthen healthcare delivery and improve maternal and child health outcomes in the region.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been inaugurated as the governor of Ondo State, marking the start of his first full four-year term following the passing of his predecessor, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, in 2023.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, the state capital, two months after Aiyedatiwa secured victory in the governorship election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Aiyedatiwa took the oath of office at 12:59 p.m., shortly after his deputy, Olayide Adelami. Following the ceremony, the governor toured the venue in an open van, acknowledging cheers from supporters.

In his inaugural address, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to governance and development, pledging to prioritize the welfare of residents, particularly vulnerable groups.

“We like to assure you that the overwhelming renewed mandate you have freely given to us has further placed on us a huge burden of leadership, and we promise never to rest on our oars,” he said.

“I and my deputy make a solemn pledge this day that we shall lead and govern with the fear of God and utmost dedication to the progress of the state. We will prioritize the welfare of our people, particularly the most vulnerable among us—the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.”

Aiyedatiwa also outlined economic development plans for the state, emphasizing efforts to attract investment.

“In the next four years, we will work with interested investors and our development partners in ensuring that our Port Ondo becomes a reality,” he said.

“We will also facilitate investors to explore our large deposit of bitumen for local use and export purposes, thereby generating huge revenue for the state.”

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande, and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.

Renowned Islamic scholar, Shaikh Ahmad Mahmoud Gumi, has stated that Nigeria remains in need of visionary leaders who prioritize the welfare of citizens over personal wealth accumulation.

Gumi made the remarks during an award presentation organized by the Sultan Bello Primary School Old Pupils Association (SUBOPA) in honor of two members, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd) and Brigadier General Abdulkadir Gumi (Rtd), who recently received government appointments.

Major General Jibrin was appointed Secretary of the Civil Defence, Fire Service, and Immigration Board (CDCFIB) by the Federal Government, while Brigadier General Gumi was named Chairman of the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund Board.

Speaking at the event, Gumi described Jibrin as a hardworking and disciplined officer, emphasizing the need for leaders with commitment and patriotism.

“Nigeria is still searching for great leaders to move this country forward. We need well-trained and well-mannered individuals who genuinely want to assist others, not just themselves. Leadership should be entrusted to those with good character and selflessness, not those who only think of themselves and their families,” he said.

He also expressed concerns over the impact of insecurity on states like Zamfara, citing its effects on education and community stability.

Gumi commended the Zamfara State Government for appointing Brigadier General Gumi to the Security Trust Fund Board, urging Nigerians to contribute to national development.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, General Jibrin dedicated the recognition to all members of SUBOPA, expressing gratitude for their support.

SUBOPA President Mohammad Babayo Hassan described the appointments as a reflection of the values and excellence instilled in their alma mater, emphasizing that the achievements of their members serve as an inspiration to others.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to settle outstanding bridging claims amounting to N100 billion.

The association warned that failure to clear the debt within the stipulated timeframe would result in the withdrawal of services, a move that could trigger a nationwide fuel shortage.

The ultimatum follows the NMDPRA’s failure to fulfill its commitment to pay the claims, despite assurances given 40 days ago in the presence of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Chairman of the IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, Yahaya Alhasan, voiced frustration over the continued delay in payments.

Reading from a communiqué, Alhasan emphasized that the unpaid claims—deducted from marketers’ payments for products as bridging allowances—had been outstanding since 2024.

“If NMDPRA doesn’t pay our money within seven days, we are going to withdraw our services across the nation,” he stated.

The looming strike raises concerns over a potential nationwide scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which could further strain fuel supply and distribution across the country.