Nigeria Times

By James Ian

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate for Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, on Thursday, October 2, 2026, received a warm reception from the Benue community in Lagos for a series of events organized in his honour by a group of distinguished Benue professionals and stakeholders under the auspices of the Lagos Support Network for MKA.

The gathering provided a unique opportunity for Benue indigenes resident in Lagos to engage directly with the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice on his vision for the future of Benue State and his plans for addressing the challenges confronting the state.

Welcoming Chief Aondoakaa, the Convener of the Lagos Support Network for MKA, Hon. Paul Ahom Akinde, said members of the Benue community in Lagos were inspired by the PDP candidate’s wealth of experience, proven leadership credentials and commitment to public service. He expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s capacity to provide purposeful leadership and drive the development of Benue State.

In his response, Chief Aondoakaa thanked the organizers and participants for the honour accorded him and for their huge support. He assured the gathering that he remained committed to the aspirations of the Benue people and would not disappoint them if entrusted with the mandate to serve as governor.

The PDP candidate highlighted key pillars of his development agenda, including the restoration of security, revitalization of agriculture, expansion of rural infrastructure, youth empowerment and economic growth. He also called on Benue indigenes in the diaspora to partner with him in the bid to ascend the leadership of the state, rebuild and reposition it for sustainable progress.

The interactive session witnessed robust contributions from prominent members of the Benue community in Lagos, including the President-General of Mzough U Tiv, Lagos Chapter, Engr. Theophilus Ukaa, PhD; Barr. Audu, SAN; President of Tiv Youths in Lagos, Hon. Joseph Nande; representative of the Idoma community, Barr. Paul Okwori; representative of the Igede community, Mr. Ogbodo J.; and Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Taver Ikuan.

The speakers commended Chief Aondoakaa’s distinguished record of public service and leadership while seeking further insights into his preparedness to address the security, economic and developmental challenges facing Benue State.

Several participants recalled his interventions and support for the advancement of numerous Tiv professionals, including senior customs officers and legal practitioners, during his tenure as Attorney General of the Federation. They expressed confidence that his vast experience, national exposure and network would be invaluable assets in the governance and development of Benue State.

Following the dinner, Chief Aondoakaa paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Patron of Mzough U Tiv, Lagos State Chapter, Chief Engr. Sylvanus Gasarah, at his residence in Ikeja.

The PDP governorship candidate is expected to continue his engagements in Lagos with meetings involving members of the wider Tiv, Idoma and Igede communities, as well as other stakeholders from Benue State resident in the commercial capital.

Chief Aondoakaa is accompanied on the trip by his wife, Mrs. Patience Aondoakaa; Hon. Christopher Afaor; Dr. Terver Akase; Barr. Terna Yaji; Dr. Toryila Akor; and Mr. Ngusha Aondoakaa.

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.

Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.

“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

By Leo Zwanke, Lafia

CleanTop Services Ltd, an integrated farm owned by former Nasarawa State governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, has flagged off a six-month vocational skills acquisition programme for 200 trainees in Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The flag-off ceremony, held at Sa’abhi International Hotel and Resort, Karu, Nasarawa State on Thursday is being implemented under the IDEAS-TVET Cohort 3 programme of the World Bank and Federal Government of Nigeria.

The programme is being delivered in collaboration with CleanTop Services Ltd, which serves as the Training Service Provider (TSP) for the initiative.

The six-month training is designed to equip the beneficiaries with practical skills in fisheries and aquaculture, while successful participants are expected to obtain a National Skill Qualification (NSQ) recognised and awarded by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Speaking on the programme, the Training Programme Manager (TPM), Mr Vincent Yoko, said the initiative was aimed at providing beneficiaries with relevant vocational skills that could improve their capacity for self-employment and participation in the aquaculture value chain.

Yoko explained that the training would combine vocational skills acquisition with practical knowledge required to operate and manage fisheries and aquaculture enterprises.

He said the programme was part of efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education and training by giving participants skills that could be applied beyond the classroom.

According to him, the involvement of the World Bank, Federal Government and IDEAS-TVET would provide the beneficiaries with an opportunity to acquire skills and a recognised qualification alongside practical experience.

He urged the 200 trainees to take the training seriously, describing their participation as an opportunity to acquire skills that could serve as a foundation for sustainable livelihoods.

One of the beneficiaries, Joe Amadu Sireh, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the programme, saying the training would expose beneficiaries to practical knowledge in fisheries and aquaculture.

Sireh said the opportunity was particularly important because of the increasing need for young people and other Nigerians to acquire vocational skills that could translate into productive economic activities.

Another beneficiary, Oziohu Felix, also welcomed the programme, saying the six-month training would provide participants with an opportunity to develop practical competence in a specialised area.

Felix said the participants were looking forward to gaining hands-on experience and making effective use of the skills acquired during the training.

The beneficiaries said the recognition of the training through the National Skill Qualification would further give participants a formal qualification that could support their future career and enterprise development.

The organisers said the six-month training would expose participants to various aspects of Fisheries and Aquaculture, with emphasis on practical vocational competence.

The programme is being implemented under the IDEAS-TVET framework, with CleanTop Services Ltd serving as the Training Service Provider for the cohort.
At the end of the training, participants who meet the requirements are expected to receive the National Skill Qualification, providing them with a formally recognised vocational qualification in the field.

***say insurance sector witnessing positive revolution

A parliamentary group and civil society organisation on Thursday applauded the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, for what it described as the transparent implementation of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2025, saying the insurance sector is witnessing a positive revolution under the new law.

Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja, the Parliamentary Support Network said NIIRA 2025, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had moved from legislation to implementation through recapitalisation, stronger policyholder protection and renewed enforcement of compulsory insurance.

In a statement signed by Amb. Muhammad Abdulrazaq and Comr. Adams Umoren, the group said: “We also recognise the role being played by the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission, Mr Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, in the implementation of the reforms.

“The Parliamentary Support Network therefore considers his industry experience relevant to the task before NAICOM at a time when the sector is undergoing significant regulatory and structural change,” it added.

The group said Mr Omosehin brings more than three decades of experience spanning underwriting, risk management, corporate restructuring and insurance administration, including service as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Old Mutual Nigeria Life Assurance Company Limited and as Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association before his appointment in 2024.

It commended President Tinubu and the National Assembly for enacting the Act, which repealed and consolidated earlier insurance laws and introduced stronger provisions on capital, risk-based supervision, corporate governance, consumer protection and regulatory enforcement.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for their roles in the passage and enactment of NIIRA 2025,” the network said.

“NIIRA provides a unified legal framework while giving the regulator greater capacity to respond to emerging risks. It also provides for stronger protection of policyholders, including the establishment of the Insurance Policyholders Protection Fund,” the statement continued.

On early gains, the network cited NAICOM’s August 2026 announcement that a twelve-month recapitalisation exercise had been completed, describing it as a major step toward a stronger and more resilient industry.

It also noted the commencement of the Insurance Policyholders Protection Fund and the October 2025 inauguration of a joint committee with the Federal Road Safety Corps to enforce compulsory third-party motor insurance.

The group said the Commission had further engaged government institutions and private-sector stakeholders on products for the maritime, petroleum and agricultural sectors, developments it said showed that the reform was taking practical effect.

“Since the commencement of NIIRA, there have been visible steps towards putting its provisions into effect,” the network said.

“NAICOM announced in August 2026 that the twelve-month exercise had been successfully completed, describing it as a major step towards building a stronger, more resilient and adequately capitalised insurance industry.

“These developments indicate that NIIRA is moving from legislation to implementation,” it added.

The network acknowledged that new capital requirements place heavy demands on operators and that disagreements over fees, compliance and interpretation are inevitable, but insisted that no company should be above regulation and no regulator above scrutiny.

It said disputes should be settled through evidence, due process and institutional accountability rather than media campaigns.

It expressed concern over the cases of NICON Insurance Plc and Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation, both under liquidation after failing to meet minimum capital requirements, and over their petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alleging irregularities in the recapitalisation process.

NAICOM has rejected the claims and said supplying information requested by the EFCC does not amount to indictment.

“No company should be above regulation. At the same time, no regulator should be above scrutiny. The appropriate response to disagreement is evidence, due process and institutional accountability,” the group said.

“We believe the allegations should be subjected to proper investigation and due process rather than trial by media.

“However, petitions to law-enforcement agencies must not become a mechanism for frustrating the implementation of a law duly enacted by the National Assembly and assented to by the President,” it stated.

In its recommendations, the network urged all operators to comply with NIIRA 2025, called on NAICOM to continue applying the law transparently and without discrimination, and asked the EFCC to examine any properly lodged allegations independently.

It said policyholder protection must remain central and that the industry cannot return to the practices the Act was enacted to end.

The group urged stakeholders to support the lawful implementation of the reform under the leadership of the Commissioner.

“NAICOM should continue to apply the law transparently, consistently and without discrimination. Regulatory decisions should be supported by clear documentation and communicated appropriately to affected stakeholders,” the network said.

“We urge all stakeholders, including the leadership of NAICOM under Commissioner for Insurance Mr Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, to remain focused on the implementation of the law, protection of policyholders and strengthening of the Nigerian insurance industry.

“With institutional discipline and respect for the law, the Nigerian insurance industry can emerge stronger, more resilient and better positioned to serve the Nigerian economy,” it concluded.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nasarawa State Branch, has congratulated the government and people of the state on its 30th anniversary, acknowledging successive administrations’ contributions to healthcare development, particularly the ongoing expansion of specialist services and revitalisation of health facilities under Governor Abdullahi Sule.

The Chairman of the association, Dr Meshi C. Emmanuel, in his Independence Day address on Friday marking Nigeria’s 66th anniversary and Nasarawa’s 30 years of creation, said the milestones provided an opportunity to celebrate achievements, reflect on challenges and renew commitment to a healthier and more prosperous society.

On healthcare development in Nasarawa, he acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations, while noting that the administration of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule had continued efforts to upgrade healthcare facilities, strengthen primary healthcare services, recruit health personnel and expand specialist services.

He specifically cited the development of Specialist Hospital, Akwanga, including a trauma centre and modern diagnostic facilities, as well as the transition of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, into the Federal University Teaching Hospital.

According to him, the development of the Federal University Teaching Hospital provides an opportunity to expand tertiary and specialist healthcare services in the state, but he stressed the need for continuity and further investment.

Meshi said the anniversaries provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the journey of the country and state, while renewing their commitment to building a healthier, more peaceful and prosperous society.

“Independence is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of our collective responsibility to build a nation where freedom translates into dignity, opportunity, security and a better quality of life for every citizen,” he said.

He stressed that healthcare must remain at the centre of national development, noting that a child with access to quality healthcare has a better opportunity to learn and develop, while a healthy workforce contributes more effectively to the economy.

The NMA chairman commended Nigerian doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, community health workers and other healthcare professionals for their continued service despite difficult working conditions, saying their sacrifices deserved more than recognition.

“Recognition alone is not enough. The healthcare workforce must be supported with the right environment, equipment, remuneration, training and policies necessary to provide safe and effective care,” Dr. Meshi said.

He called for stronger primary healthcare facilities, better referral systems, adequately equipped secondary and tertiary hospitals, improved emergency medical services and greater access to specialist care across the state.

Dr. Meshi also urged greater attention to maternal and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, mental health, preventive medicine and health education, stressing that healthcare should not depend on a person’s location or income.

“Healthcare should not be a privilege determined by geography or income. A citizen living in a rural community deserves the same dignity of care as someone living in an urban centre,” he said.

On the movement of health professionals abroad, the NMA chairman said the solution was not to restrict doctors and other health workers from seeking opportunities elsewhere, but to create conditions that would make Nigeria and Nasarawa attractive places to work and build sustainable careers.

“The solution lies not in restricting professionals, but in making Nigeria and Nasarawa a place where talented health workers can thrive,” he said, identifying infrastructure, professional development, research, technology and decent working conditions as key areas requiring attention.

Dr. Meshi urged citizens to take greater responsibility for their health through regular medical checks, immunisation, proper nutrition, physical activity, responsible use of medicines and early presentation at health facilities, while calling on the medical profession to uphold ethics, competence, compassion and accountability.

He said the NMA remained committed to constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders, urging authorities to view healthcare investment as an investment in human capital and the future of Nigeria and Nasarawa State.

“Let this 66th and 30th anniversary of Nigeria and Nasarawa State therefore be more than a celebration of our past. Let it be a renewed commitment to the Nigeria and Nasarawa we want to leave for the next generation,” Dr. Meshi said.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nasarawa State Branch, has congratulated the government and people of the state on its 30th anniversary, acknowledging successive administrations’ contributions to healthcare development, particularly the ongoing expansion of specialist services and revitalisation of health facilities under Governor Abdullahi Sule.

The Chairman of the association, Dr Meshi C. Emmanuel, in his Independence Day address on Friday marking Nigeria’s 66th anniversary and Nasarawa’s 30 years of creation, said the milestones provided an opportunity to celebrate achievements, reflect on challenges and renew commitment to a healthier and more prosperous society.

On healthcare development in Nasarawa, he acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations, while noting that the administration of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule had continued efforts to upgrade healthcare facilities, strengthen primary healthcare services, recruit health personnel and expand specialist services.

He specifically cited the development of Specialist Hospital, Akwanga, including a trauma centre and modern diagnostic facilities, as well as the transition of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, into the Federal University Teaching Hospital.

According to him, the development of the Federal University Teaching Hospital provides an opportunity to expand tertiary and specialist healthcare services in the state, but he stressed the need for continuity and further investment.

Meshi said the anniversaries provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the journey of the country and state, while renewing their commitment to building a healthier, more peaceful and prosperous society.

“Independence is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of our collective responsibility to build a nation where freedom translates into dignity, opportunity, security and a better quality of life for every citizen,” he said.

He stressed that healthcare must remain at the centre of national development, noting that a child with access to quality healthcare has a better opportunity to learn and develop, while a healthy workforce contributes more effectively to the economy.

The NMA chairman commended Nigerian doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, community health workers and other healthcare professionals for their continued service despite difficult working conditions, saying their sacrifices deserved more than recognition.

“Recognition alone is not enough. The healthcare workforce must be supported with the right environment, equipment, remuneration, training and policies necessary to provide safe and effective care,” Dr. Meshi said.

He called for stronger primary healthcare facilities, better referral systems, adequately equipped secondary and tertiary hospitals, improved emergency medical services and greater access to specialist care across the state.

Dr. Meshi also urged greater attention to maternal and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, mental health, preventive medicine and health education, stressing that healthcare should not depend on a person’s location or income.

“Healthcare should not be a privilege determined by geography or income. A citizen living in a rural community deserves the same dignity of care as someone living in an urban centre,” he said.

On the movement of health professionals abroad, the NMA chairman said the solution was not to restrict doctors and other health workers from seeking opportunities elsewhere, but to create conditions that would make Nigeria and Nasarawa attractive places to work and build sustainable careers.

“The solution lies not in restricting professionals, but in making Nigeria and Nasarawa a place where talented health workers can thrive,” he said, identifying infrastructure, professional development, research, technology and decent working conditions as key areas requiring attention.

Dr. Meshi urged citizens to take greater responsibility for their health through regular medical checks, immunisation, proper nutrition, physical activity, responsible use of medicines and early presentation at health facilities, while calling on the medical profession to uphold ethics, competence, compassion and accountability.

He said the NMA remained committed to constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders, urging authorities to view healthcare investment as an investment in human capital and the future of Nigeria and Nasarawa State.

“Let this 66th and 30th anniversary of Nigeria and Nasarawa State therefore be more than a celebration of our past. Let it be a renewed commitment to the Nigeria and Nasarawa we want to leave for the next generation,” Dr. Meshi said.

Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), the Benue State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has flayed reports making the rounds that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may drop his name from the list of those contesting the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Aondoakaa who was reacting to a report titled: “INEC may drop Aondoakaa from Benue guber race as former AGF begs court for more time to file defence”, described the report as “sensational and deliberately misleading.”

While he noted that the publication “is founded on speculation, falsehood and wishful thinking”, the governorship candidate said it became pertinent to expose “the inaccuracies and mischief contained in the report.”

In a statement by James Ian, Media Assistant to Aondoakaa, and issued to journalists in Makurdi on Saturday, he observed that the claim that he “begged” the court for more time to file a defence was not only “reckless” but also a “distortion of court proceedings.”

He said, “The matter was not ripe for substantive hearing as all parties had not been duly served. Consequently, the suggestion that the PDP candidate sought indulgence because he was unable to defend himself is nothing more than a fabrication designed to create a false impression of panic where none exists.

“Second, the report’s sensational conclusion that INEC may withdraw or drop the candidature of Chief Aondoakaa is entirely speculative and unsupported by any judicial pronouncement. No court has made such an order, and no competent authority has taken any action remotely suggesting such a possibility. The headline was crafted solely to mislead the public and manufacture apprehension”, he said.

The former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, argued that “it is equally important to state that the individuals behind the suit are neither members of the PDP, nor governorship candidates in Benue State.

“They lack any legitimate political stake in the nomination process of the PDP and are merely acting as willing tools in a broader political agenda orchestrated by those unsettled by the overwhelming acceptance and growing popularity of Chief Aondoakaa across Benue State”, the governorship candidate alleged.

Describing as “laughable” the attempt to portray the suit as a threat to the PDP candidate, Ian stated that Aondoakaa has never been convicted by any court of law for fraud, dishonesty or any offence that would disqualify him from seeking public office.

According to the statement throughout his career the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, served at the highest levels of government and remains one of Nigeria’s most accomplished legal practitioners and public servants.

“The sponsors of this campaign of falsehood are evidently terrified by the momentum of the Aondoakaa/Ogbenjuwa ticket and have resorted to manufacturing legal and media distractions in a desperate bid to achieve through propaganda what they know they cannot achieve at the ballot box.

“We advise those behind these sponsored publications to allow the court to perform its constitutional duty without external manipulation, media trial or political blackmail. Courtrooms are governed by law and evidence, not by sensational headlines, sponsored narratives or the fantasies of political jobbers”, he explained.

Furthermore, “It is instructive that the incumbent Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, faced several legal challenges before and after the 2023 elections, including matters relating to his disqualification for nomination as a candidate of APC for 2023 election.

“Those cases proceeded through the judicial process, and the courts delivered their verdicts. It would therefore be both irresponsible and misleading for anyone to suggest that the institution of a suit against Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, translates into a loss of his candidacy or the invalidation of his nomination”, Ian stressed. End

….Named “Most Distinguished and Outstanding Nigerian Political Active Youth since 1999”

……As Loatsad Promomedia bags Best Outdoor Advertising Agency of the Year

ABUJA, Sept. 30, 2026 – Businessman and philanthropist Oluwaseyi “Seyi” Tinubu has received two prestigious and coveted awards at the Good Governance and Humanity Service Awards 2026, held today at the Nigerian National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.

He was honoured as the “Most Distinguished and Outstanding Nigerian Political Active Youth since 1999,” while his company, Loatsad Promomedia, was named “The Best Outdoor Advertising Agency of the Year.”

The event was organised by Governance Today Nigeria (GTN) in strategic partnership with the Africa Independent Good Governance Monitoring Network (AIGGMN) as part of the Nigeria @66 Independence Day Eve celebration. It brought together leaders, professionals, public servants, business figures, ‘who is who’ in Abuja and community builders including the creme- de- la creme of the society. The grand red carpet reception opened at 2:00 p.m., with the main event at 3:00 p.m.

A citation and publication material prepared by Good Governance Africa Magazine accompanied the awards. It describes Tinubu, 40, as an evolving example of how youthful ambition can be turned into enterprise, public service and national development. The citation acknowledges that he is the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a fact it says inevitably shapes public perceptions of his access and opportunities. It argues that the more useful question is how he has tried to convert those advantages into institutions and programmes that serve others.

The citation traces his entrepreneurial journey to Loatsad Promomedia, the out-of-home advertising company he helped establish in 2013. The company operates static and digital advertising platforms in strategic locations and has built its identity on innovation and the use of technology in outdoor communication. It pursued digital display systems at a time when much of the Nigerian outdoor advertising industry was still dominated by conventional formats. A profile published by Concordia reports that Tinubu oversaw more than 1,000 advertising transactions during a key period of the company’s growth, said to be worth billions of naira. The citation stresses that these are company-related claims and in reference to publicly audited figures.

A major milestone came in 2019 with Loatsad’s acquisition of E Motion Advertising, which was founded by entrepreneur Sim Shagaya. Contemporary reports confirmed the deal, though its financial terms were not made public. The citation describes it as evidence of a strategy built on consolidation and scale.

Tinubu studied Business Administration at the University of Maryland and later obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Buckingham. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2013 and also pursued further study in Corporate and Commercial Law.

Beyond business, the citation highlights the Noella Foundation, which he established in 2018 with his wife, Layal Tinubu. The Foundation focuses on education, employability, healthcare and hunger eradication, particularly among vulnerable women, children, young adults and elderly people. Layal Tinubu is described as a leading figure in the Foundation, whose work the citation says should be understood as a collective effort involving both co-founders, staff, partners and volunteers.

The Foundation’s 2024 impact report records activities in food distribution, education, vocational training, healthcare, maternal support, sickle cell awareness, access to clean water and assistance for small businesses. It states that its food outreach programmes reached more than 10,500 individuals and families across eight communities: Abuja Municipal Area Council, Kosofe, Ajegunle, Bariga, Oworoshoki, Ikorodu, Ijede and Ajeromi Ifelodun. The citation notes that these are Foundation-reported figures that measure reach and evidence of long-term transformation.

One of its notable programmes is the Life After School Summit, created to help final-year students move from education into employment. The first edition, in 2024, brought together more than 500 final-year students from institutions across Lagos State, and 240 of them later took part in a five-week virtual boot camp on recruitment, workplace culture, emotional intelligence and business communication. In 2025, the summit again convened more than 500 students, after which 250 progressed to a four-week employability accelerator and 50 to a creative workshop, with laptops and educational grants distributed to selected students.

On July 17, 2026, the Foundation hosted 500 final-year students from tertiary institutions across Lagos State, alongside business leaders, public officials, industry experts and career professionals. Participants received practical instruction in recruitment, personal branding, interview preparation and the demands of remote and hybrid work. Afterwards, 300 of them progressed to a four-week programme held over four Saturdays in August. The Foundation announced that selected participants would receive educational grants for professional skills, and the programme introduced training connected to artificial intelligence and emerging workplace requirements.

In 2023, the Foundation announced a commitment to support opportunities for 10,000 young Nigerians through skills, resources and partnerships. It and its partners have since supported training in software engineering, data analytics, cloud computing and product design. Initiatives announced to mark Tinubu’s 40th birthday in 2025 included digital training for 40 young Nigerians, 200 laptops for public schools, 40 small business empowerment kiosks, proposed health insurance support for 1,000 beneficiaries and assistance for people living with sickle cell conditions.

The citation does not offer unqualified praise. It says that as the President’s son, Tinubu’s business activities, public appearances and political associations will attract scrutiny, and that such scrutiny is legitimate in a democracy. It adds that business success connected to politically exposed families will naturally raise questions about opportunity, competition and fairness, and that the right response is openness and evidence, not dismissing every question as hostility. It also urges the Foundation to measure outcomes, such as how many participants complete its programmes, secure jobs, start businesses or advance in their careers, saying this would strengthen public confidence.

Tinubu’s earlier honours include Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2017 Leadership Excellence Awards, Business Person of the Year at the 2019 Entrepreneur Africa Awards, and a place on Avance Media’s 2019 list of 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians. The citation describes these as recognition by the conferring bodies, not a substitute for continued measurement of business performance and social impact. In December 2025, the Alaafin of Oyo installed him as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

Looking ahead, the citation says the real measure of his growing profile will be whether his access helps widen participation for other young Nigerians. It urges him to promote civic education, peaceful participation and consultation with young people before policies are designed for them, and to support those who lack wealth, family influence or powerful networks. It also notes that young Nigerians are not a single political bloc, and that authentic youth advocacy must respect their differences in belief, region, religion, gender and social class.

Seyi Tinubu is a driven, focused and very organised personality who has become a household name, role model and mentor of the Nigerian youths including the elderly and has transverse the nooks and crannies of the country touching lives with his foundation and impacting humanity. A very dawn to earth activist who is in the business of assisting the less privileged and the vulnerable including the disabled at anytime he is called upon. A vivacious, workaholic youthful figure who is busy building bridges, networking and reaching out to new found political friends and associates through the City Boy Movement that has become a household name in the country with an overwhelming youth demography and support base from across the country, is indeed a pride worthy of emulation and celebrations. Never before has the country witnessed an inspiring young personality who has sacrificed effortlessly his time, energy and life for a cause so dear to his heart and the entire country. We joined Nigerians to celebrate this young entrepreneur, humanitarian per excellence and political icon in the making since democracy came to be in 1999, we salute his mannerisms, doggedness and forthrightness in selling and marketing the policies, plans and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to not only the youths of Nigeria but beyond the shores of Africa. We are indeed proud to have him as a foremost youth at this time in our national history.

“Nigeria does not need young people to remain permanent beneficiaries,” the citation states. “Nigeria needs them to become builders, employers, innovators, public servants, community leaders and responsible citizens.”

The ceremony, held under the themes “From Service to Legacy, From Leadership to Impact, From Good Governance to Humanity,” honoured individuals recognised for their contributions to national development, good governance, community advancement and service to humanity, as Nigeria approaches its 66th Independence Anniversary.

From Leo Zwanke

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education’s IDEAS-TVET Initiative, in collaboration with CleanTop Services Ltd, is set to train 200 Nigerians in fisheries, aquaculture and other related agricultural enterprises.

The training, supported by the World Bank under the IDEAS Project of the Federal Ministry of Education, will take place in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

The flag-off ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the CSS Global Integrated Farms Conference Hall, Km 10, Gora Abuja-Keffi Road.

Speaking on the programme, one of the organisers, Mr. Vincent Yoko, said the initiative was designed to move beneficiaries beyond theoretical knowledge by exposing them to practical skills that could enable them to establish and manage businesses in the fisheries and agricultural value chains.

Yoko said the organisers were particularly interested in equipping the participants with skills that could translate into employment, self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods, stressing the importance of practical training in addressing unemployment and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

He explained that the training would not be limited to fish production, but would cover several interconnected areas of the aquaculture and agricultural value chain.

According to him, participants would be trained in aquaculture and fish biology, pond systems and water quality, fish nutrition and feed management, hygiene and biosecurity, farm management and business skills, hatchery and hatching techniques, as well as catfish and tilapia breeding.

He added that the programme would also expose the trainees to feed sizes and formulation, marketing and value addition, floating and sinking feed production, commercial poultry production, broiler and layer management and practical farm operations.

Yoko said the practical component was particularly important because the beneficiaries would have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at CSS Global Integrated Farms, rather than relying solely on classroom instruction.

He said the programme would also enable participants to understand different stages of the agricultural value chain, including production, feed formulation, farm management, marketing and value addition.

The training is being implemented in partnership with CSS Global Integrated Farms Ltd and CleanTop Services Ltd, which are listed as the Training Service Providers.

The organisers said the initiative would provide beneficiaries with practical and business-oriented skills capable of supporting their participation in Nigeria’s fisheries, aquaculture and agricultural sectors.

The Federal Ministry of Education’s IDEAS-TVET Initiative, with support from the World Bank, is being implemented to strengthen technical and vocational skills development and improve access to practical skills for employment and enterprise development.