Category: Nigeria

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Revered statesman Christopher Kolade dies at 93

Renowned Nigerian statesman Dr Christopher Kolade has died aged 93, his family announced in a statement.



“We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service; and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings,” the statement read in part.

The statement said the late broadcaster died peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

Born on December 28, 1932 in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr Kolade had a distinguished career as a diplomat, academic, advocate for integrity and corporate governance, among other things.

He was the son of an Anglican missionary and completed his secondary-school education at Government College, Ibadan after which he studied at Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

He holds honorary doctorate degrees of McPherson University (2016), University of Sierra Leone (1976) among others.

Kolade embarked on a diverse career path, becoming a veteran broadcaster and rising to the position of the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).

He later served as the Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc and held the esteemed position of Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

After his posting in London, Dr. Kolade continued to share his expertise by teaching Corporate Governance and Human Resource Management at the Lagos Business School (LBS), as well as Leadership and Conflict Management at the School of Media and Communication (SMC) — both institutions under the Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos.

He also played key roles in the university’s governance, serving as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.

Dr. Kolade’s distinguished service extends across both national and international organisations. He has led prominent institutions including the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, the International Institute for Communications, and the World Association for Christian Communication.

Notably, he was awarded the prestigious Order of St. Augustine medal by the Archbishop of Canterbury and was appointed Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Board by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.

As an advocate of business integrity, Dr Kolade also chaired organizations such as Integrity Organization Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE. (Channels)

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Police arrest 20 Osun Amotekun men over killing

At least 20 operatives of the Osun State Amotekun Corps were on Wednesday arrested by a special squad of the Nigeria Police Force in connection with last week’s killings in Akinlalu, a community in Ife North Local Government Area of the state.

The police team, said to have been deployed from Abuja, reportedly stormed the corps’ operational bases in Oke-Fia, Osogbo, and Ife Central Division, Ile-Ife, where they arrested operatives and sealed the facilities.

Sources told The PUNCH that the officers arrived unannounced and whisked away all Amotekun personnel found on the premises.

While the bases in Oke-Fia and Ife Central were later sealed, the corps’ headquarters at Powerline, Osogbo, remained open when our correspondent visited around 7:40 p.m.

Confirming the arrests, the spokesperson for Osun Amotekun, Yusuf Idowu, said the police action was connected to the Akinlalu incident.

“Some policemen came, but they didn’t seal our headquarters. They burst our operation base in Oke-Fia and the Ife Central Command. They also arrested about 20 of our operatives. We don’t know where they took our personnel,” Idowu said.

The Osun Police Command spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest but said only five Amotekun men were taken into custody, not 20 as claimed by the corps.

He added that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had taken over investigation into the killings and the reported assassination attempt on the Amotekun Commander, Brig. Gen. Isaac Omoyele (retd.).

“The IGP has ordered the elite investigative body of the Force, the IRT-FID, to take over the case,” Ojelabi said.

“Investigation revealed that the attackers were members of Amotekun Corps. Five suspects have been arrested, while others remain at large.”

Ojelabi also disclosed that Omoyele was invited to explain his role in the attack but failed to honour the invitation.

“Efforts to reach him on phone proved abortive as his line has been switched off. He later went on social media on October 6, 2025, claiming he was attacked by unknown armed men wearing masks, which preliminary investigation shows to be a figment of his imagination aimed at derailing justice,” the police statement read in part.

The command urged the public to disregard the alleged assassination claim and remain law-abiding, assuring that peace had been restored in the state.

The arrest of the operatives came in the wake of the September 29 invasion of Akinlalu, where Amotekun personnel allegedly opened fire on residents, killing three people and injuring several others.

The victims were identified by police as Ibrahim Oyebamiji (26), Sefiu Oyebamiji, and Abiola Olutayo, while those injured included Adeagbo Kadijat (22), Oke-Ila Oyebamiji (60), and Fayomi Toheeb (19).

Police said the corps operatives took away the corpses of the deceased after the incident.

Amotekun, however, claimed that its men were ambushed by hoodlums while on a mission to recover two rifles earlier seized from its operatives, insisting that the deaths occurred during a crossfire.

The incident triggered outrage across the state, with residents and families of the victims demanding justice and a thorough review of Amotekun’s operations.

On Sunday, the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Gbenga Oyewusi, led a delegation of lawmakers to Akinlalu, where he sympathised with the families of the victims.

Speaking at the palace of the Alakinla of Akinlalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, Oyewusi assured residents that the state government and security agencies were investigating the killings and would ensure justice.

“Ife North is a peaceful region. We want to assure our people that the government and the police have begun investigations, and justice will be served,” Oyewusi said.

He appealed to the community’s youths to remain calm and allow due process to take its course, adding that the government would support the affected families. (Punch)

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Benin monarch warns against using market women for politics

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has warned against dragging market women in the kingdom into partisan politics, stressing that such interference undermines Benin’s traditional market structure and could lead to unrest.

This came amid controversy over the recent installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as the Iyaloja of Edo State by the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu.

A statement issued on Thursday by the Osuma of Benin, Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere; the Secretary, Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor; and four other palace chiefs, said the monarch will meet with all Iyekes (market heads) across Benin markets to provide further clarification on the issue.

Although details of the meeting were not immediately disclosed, palace sources said it was convened in response to the tension generated by Ibhaguezejele’s purported installation.

During Tinubu-Ojo’s visit to the palace last Thursday, Oba Ewuare II had explained that the Iyaloja concept was alien to Benin culture, noting that each market in the kingdom is traditionally headed by an Iyeki—a woman chosen by traders and spiritually connected to the palace.

“In Benin, there is nothing like an ‘Iyeki-General,’ which this Iyaloja title seems to suggest,” the BTC statement clarified.

“Each Iyeki emerges from among the market women, is presented to the Palace for confirmation, and once approved, is installed by her peers. Every Iyeki is independent, culturally and spiritually tied to the Palace, and performs specific rituals for the well-being of the market.”

The palace strongly cautioned against the politicisation of market leadership or the use of trade associations as political tools.

“These twin factors are antithetical and inimical to the essence of our market tradition in Benin culture,” the statement read.

“We advise that the function of Iyeki should not be politicised. Any deviation from this age-old cultural system may lead to a breach of peace. The BTC therefore urges the state government to take cognisance of this warning to avoid a breakdown of law and order.”

The palace also warned politicians and market leaders to stop invoking the name of the Oba to legitimise their political activities.

“We hear comments such as ‘the Oba’s word is final’ in this Iyaloja saga. But were these words respected in the past when some leaders used market women as political pawns?” the BTC queried.

“The former market leader, Blacky Ogiemien, was once advised by the Palace to desist from such practices but continued despite warnings.”

Meanwhile, reacting to the ongoing controversy, Ogiemien said market women in Edo State are apolitical and would continue to support any government in power while remaining loyal to the Oba.

Speaking by phone on Wednesday, she said, “We work with any government in power. It was Lucky Igbinedion who handed us to Senator Oserhiemen Osunbor; when Osunbor left, we worked with Oshiomhole, and he later told us to work with Governor Obaseki. There’s a process for leadership selection, and no one can just appoint themselves coordinator.”

On the Oba’s planned meeting and the directive against politicisation, she added, “We are all one. Anytime the Oba wants us, we will be there. If the Oba says we should not be involved in politics again, there’s no problem about that.” (Punch)

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Innovation minister Nnaji resigns amid allegations

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation. (Punch)

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Kwara scraps payment of PTA levy

Kwara Government has scrapped the Parents Teachers Association levy in public primary schools, approving annual school grants instead.

Chairman State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, announced this at the opening of the bid for the 2024 (3rd and 4th quarters) UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.

PUNCH Online reports that the PTA levy is a fee collected from parents in Nigerian schools to supplement school funding, with the collected funds used for projects, facilities, or activities not covered by the government’s allocation.

While the fee is often minimal compared with charges at private schools, it can impose financial burdens on average families.

In place of the PTA levy, Adaramaja said the state government will provide running costs for the 1,717 public schools.

‎‎”The Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has approved the stoppage of the payment of PTA in all public primary schools in the state, from primary 1 to 6, no more payment of PTA in Kwara State,” he said.

‎The SUBEB boss also announced the approval of the procurement of English and Maths textbooks by the governor for free to the pupils in primary schools in the state.

Speaking on the bid opening, the Chairman said the intervention would cover projects, including the construction of a block of two classrooms with an office and the construction of toilets.

”The intervention also covers the remodelling and renovation of classrooms, drilling of solar-powered boreholes with tank stands, and rehabilitation of digital literacy across the state.

”It also covers the procurement of foundation literacy teaching and learning materials for primary one, fabrication and distribution of 2-seater pupils/students’ furniture and safe schools initiative in some selected local governments, among others,” he said.

Adaramaja said that the governor had equally approved the payment of 2025 counterpart funds for the UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.

‎He urged contractors, who would get the jobs, to execute them in line with the specifications, warning that shoddy jobs would not be condoned.

‎‎ Adaramaja lauded the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba and other key stakeholders for contributing to the success of the programme.

‎Responding on behalf of the bidders, Alhaji Maroof Ahmed, who is the Secretary to the Indigenous Contractors Association, thanked the government for allowing them to showcase their talents.

He pledged that their members would deliver quality services and would not let the government and the people of the state down. (Punch)

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Driver killed as 40ft container falls on car in Oyo

A yet-to-be-identified driver was killed on Sunday afternoon after a 40-foot container-laden truck fell onto a commercial Nissan Micra car at the Soka area along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The tragic incident, which occurred around 2 p.m., involved a trailer loaded with bales of clothing and a Micra taxi with registration number BDJ 981 ZY. The impact crushed the car, trapping the driver inside.

When our correspondent arrived at the scene around 4 p.m., officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police, and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority were on the ground making efforts to remove the wreckage and retrieve the body of the deceased driver.

Our correspondent, who monitored the incident, observed that the car was pinned under the tail section of the truck, with one of the rescuers using a machete to cut through parts of the vehicle to reach the victim’s remains.

An eyewitness, identified as Yusuf, blamed the accident on concrete barricades left on the road by contractors after completing repairs in the area.

He said, “The accident happened around 2 p.m. when it was still raining. The trailer was coming from Lagos inward Ibadan. When it got to this point, the driver tried to dodge those big concrete barriers placed on the road during construction. In the process, he hit the Micra. I think he tried to regain balance, but that was when the truck fell, trapping the driver.

They finished this road a long time ago; those barriers shouldn’t still be there.”

A FRSC officer at the scene, who spoke on condition of anonymity, corroborated the eyewitness account.

“This is how we met the accident. From what we can see, the trailer swerved to avoid the barrier, hit the Micra, dragged it off the road, and eventually fell on it,” the officer said.

Speaking with PUNCH Metro on the incident, the General Manager of OYTMA, Adeoye Adekola, confirmed the driver’s death.

“I just left the scene. We have removed the corpse and deposited it at the Adeoyo Hospital, Ring Road. The container, fully loaded with clothes, is still there, but we have detached the truck from the container and moved it to Sanyo Police Station,” Adekola said.

He identified impatience, speeding, and the lack of reflectors on the road barriers as major causes of the crash.

“There are two major factors, impatience and speeding by the drivers, and the construction barriers without reflectors. Before the truck driver noticed the barrier, it was already too late. He tried to swerve, but there was a Micra parked to pick up a passenger. In an attempt to avoid it, the truck overturned, crushing the Micra. The driver was the only occupant, and he died on the spot.

“The traffic situation has now been cleared, and vehicles are moving smoothly,” Adekola added.

The incident caused heavy traffic congestion along the busy route for several hours before normalcy was restored.

The latest crash has again raised concerns about the frequency of accidents at the Soka junction of the Ibadan Expressway.

In June, five people were killed and several others injured when seven vehicles, including two Nissan Micra taxis, two trucks, a tanker, and two Toyota Camry cars, were involved in a multiple collision at the same spot.

Barely a week later, another accident occurred, claiming the life of a driver whose car rammed into a stationary trailer left behind from the earlier crash. (Punch)

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Ex-IG, Solomon Arase, buried in Benin

The remains of former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, has been interred in Benin City, capital of Edo State.

Arase was buried at a private ceremony witnessed by family members and close associates after a funeral mass was held at the St. Paul Catholic Church.

In his homily during the requiem mass, Reverend Father Andrew Obiyan, urged the congregation to work towards making heaven after death.

Obiyan said people would want to go everywhere on earth but refused to go to the House of God.

He expressed disappointment at the attitude of some humans towards donating for the work of God.

According to him, “Our own life is in heaven. We must never be distracted. We now see old age creeping into our lives daily powerfully. It crept in to remind us of immortality. We study so hard to receive so many titles. At death, those titles mean nothing to God. The only title that means so much is a grace of battle. 

“We have the assurance that Arase will reap the fruit of baptism in the presence of the eternal King.

“Sometimes we go everywhere but we don’t want to go to the House of God except when we want to please people. We do not want not to come to the House of God.

“Late Arase feared and loved God. Policing is a profession with risk. We see soaring crime rate yet many police officers are exemplary.

“We give glory to God for Arase’s getting to the peak of his career. The Lord does not take from you what he cannot give.”

Also speaking, Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, said the late Arase was of great service to the nation. 

“Moments like this are for us to know that one day we will lie down like this. We should be humble to serve our state and country to the best of our ability. All about him are great and good testament. From his professionalism and service to the country, his relationship with the rest of society marked his humility and spreading love everywhere he goes.”

Dignitaries at the event were Governor Monday Okpebholo represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, represented by Chief Oseni Elamah and Chief Uso Osaretin, the Usoh of Benin Kingdom; FRSC Zone 5 Commander, Stella Orakwe; Secretary to the Police Service Commission, Onyeabuchi Nnamani; Senator Neda Imasuen, amongst others. (ThisDay)

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First Lady launches N2.55bn menstrual health initiative in Imo

Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday in Owerri, launched a menstrual health intervention, themed “Flow with Confidence,” under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is aimed at achieving a one-year supply of sanitary pads to 370,000 schoolgirls in rural communities nationwide.

The RHI procured the customised disposable sanitary pads, worth N2.5 billion, from a local company, Uniglory Nigeria Ltd., to promote domestic production.

Speaking at the launch in Owerri, the First Lady emphasised that the intervention aimed at ensuring that no girl should miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products.”

Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by the Wife of Imo Governor, Mrs Chioma Uzodinma, said it was unacceptable that girls missed classes due to menstrual issues.

“The programme is critical because girls in rural areas miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads, leading to them falling behind or dropping out.

“Each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will receive 10,000 packs of the pads for distribution to deserving girls in rural communities, with the goal of supporting their education.

“The initiative believes that no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu, who stressed the link between menstrual health and academic success, said the programme’s success required community ownership.

The First Lady specifically appealed to Local Government Area chairmen to take ownership of the intervention to ensure supplies reached the right beneficiaries.

She stressed that the pads were not to be sold under any circumstances and urged traditional and religious leaders to monitor the distribution exercise in their communities.

The programme launched simultaneously in eight states: Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kebbi, and Lagos, with other states set to follow upon receiving their supplies.

Mrs Tinubu charged the beneficiaries to stay in school, study hard, support one another, and never allow shame or stigma to take away their confidence.

Earlier in a lecture, a Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, Dr Emily Akuabia-Nzeribe, said the programme would empower women, enhance environmental sustainability and support vulnerable communities.

Akuabia-Nzeribe, who spoke on menstruation confidence, advised secondary school girls present at the event to maintain healthy hygiene and not be ashamed.

She explained that menstruation came with physical, social, economic, and psychological burdens.

“The physical boarding could come with some health risks and infections, as well as infertility, if not properly managed.

“For the social burden, it comes with stigmas, discrimination and bullying,” she said.

The consultant noted that RHI was more focused on treating the economic burden that came with menstruation.

“The economic burden of period poverty occurs among many young girls, who cannot go to school because they do not have the appropriate menstrual product to use.

“Some of them stay at home because their parents cannot afford the right menstrual products they need.

“This is the problem the renewed hope initiative is trying to solve and we must be grateful for that,” she added.

NAN reports that the programme was themed: “Empowering School Girls through Menstrual Health.” (Vanguard)

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Soludo gives conditions for release of detained native doctors

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has outlined the conditions under which he could consider the release of native doctors currently standing trial in the state.

The detained individuals — Chigozie Nwangu (popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki) from Oba, Eke Hit from Okija, and Onyeze Jesus from Nkpor — were arrested in February on allegations of promoting get-rich-quick practices, preparing charms for suspected criminals, and misleading youths into believing in wealth without hard work.

Responding, Soludo emphasized that the matter was now in court and beyond his unilateral control.

“You are asking for the release of Akwa Okuko, but I want to say that there is a process. There is a process for me to follow, and there is a process for the court to follow too. Where we are now is the process of the court,” Soludo said.

He acknowledged the concerns of the youths but cautioned that the actions of the detained individuals had negatively influenced young people.

“What we should be praying for is a speedy trial. If he is found guilty and convicted, after that, your leaders can meet with me, and we can discuss the possibility of a pardon. But until the judicial process is concluded, my hands are tied,” he added.

The governor further urged the youths to support efforts to rid Oba and other communities of social vices such as drug abuse, kidnapping, and the pursuit of “fast money,” stressing that the state government is committed to restoring values of hard work and integrity. (Vanguard)

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Tinubu: Stop negative talk, National Theatre revival shows Nigeria will succeed

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wednesday, urged Nigerians to stop speaking negatively about the country, declaring that Nigeria is a nation of proud, confident, and dedicated people destined for success.

Speaking at the reopening of the renovated National Theatre, now the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, which coincided with the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Tinubu said the landmark’s revival was proof that the country could overcome setbacks and achieve greatness.

“Let’s believe in Nigeria, let’s put this country first. If you have a bad dream, forget it—Nigeria will succeed,” the President told the gathering, adding: “This is the giant of Africa; it won’t fall, it won’t disintegrate in my hands.”

Tinubu said the theatre’s rebirth must create jobs and expand opportunities in the creative economy. He directed CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, and the Bankers’ Committee to set up an endowment fund, pledging his own contribution.

“The worst is over; we have turned the corner. With proper management, prosperity will come,” he assured.

 Speaking at the event, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the transformation of the National Arts Theatre into the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s youths, Nigeria’s stories and rightful place on the global  cultural stage.

The CBN Governor explained that the ₦68 billion funding from the Bankers’ Committee was not corporate social responsibility but a deliberate stake in the creative economy.

“This is more than a building; it is an investment in our youths, in our stories, and in Nigeria’s rightful place on the global stage,” he said.

He recalled the Theatre’s FESTAC ’77 legacy, years of neglect, and its revival into a modern hub with world-class performance halls, cinemas, galleries, and upgraded facilities.

He commended President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State, and cultural partners, urging that the Centre remain a beacon of creativity and national pride.

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has applauded the Bankers’ Committee for championing the transformation of the National Arts Theatre, describing it as a landmark rebirth of Nigeria’s cultural pride.

Soyinka said he accepted the honour with mixed feelings, warning against the indiscriminate naming of monuments after leaders. He recalled challenging a past ruler for dedicating a public space to “a brutal dictator.”

The playwright lamented the neglect of Africa’s theatre pioneers but praised those who turned the once-derelict complex into a world-class hub. With humour, he recalled how poor design once “nearly electrocuted actors” during performances.

Soyinka thanked President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State, and the Bankers’ Committee, urging that the revived theatre remain a stage for African creativity, unity, and global cultural expression.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has hailed the restoration of the National Arts Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Center for Culture and Creative Arts, as a landmark in Nigeria’s cultural revival.

Sanwo-Olu said the theatre, once host to FESTAC ’77 but later abandoned, has been restored through federal, state, and private collaboration. He described it as a foundation for future creative possibilities and a global hub for culture.

The renaming honours Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, while Sanwo-Olu praised Tinubu’s support, calling the edifice a beacon of unity, pride, and Nigeria’s artistic rebirth. (Vanguard)