By our correspondent

His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Olori Alade, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for initiating and implementing the Lagere flyover and dualisation projects, describing Lagere as “the nerve centre of Ifeland.

The royal father who received Governor Adeleke in his palace today also hailed the governor for developing the whole of Osun state contrary to the allegation of Edenisation being pushed in some quarters.

The royal majesty said from Ede, Imole’s development agenda spread to all parts of Osun state, declaring: “Mr Governor, you are positively touching the whole of Osun state.

“For us, we commend your infrastructure projects at Lagere. That point is the melting point of all local governments across Ifeland. From all corners of Ife, we have one thing or the other to do at Lagere.

“The road and the flyover are needed at Ile Ife. We appreciate your clear committment to get the projects completed. We urge you to compel the contractor to speed up the construction process“, the royal father declared.

“We have all seen that it is not Ede alone that is enjoying development. Alll towns and villages in our dear state are feeling your impacts. Under your leadership, Osun is looking good.

“God gives and takes power. God annointed you and you have served well. I pray for huge success at the poll. Continue to be godly with your clean hearts. It will end in praise”, the Ooni prayed.

Governor Adeleke who was accompanied by his cabinet members and special advisers updated the royal father on his visitation to Ile Ife, narrating that he is following up the Lagere flyover and dualisation projects to ensure early completion.

He assured the royal father of his total committment to even development of the state, explaining that he is pursuing a just and inclusive infrastructure and developmental agenda for all parts of Osun state.

Meanwhile, members of Igbekele Oluwa cooperative society in their thousands trooped out to host the governor in an endorsement rally held at Enuwa.

The president of the society, Chief Abubakar Bulliaminu Olanrewaju declared that the endorsement of the governor by his 30,000 members is a determination to ensure continuity of good governance across Osun state.

“Osun governance today is first class. We have all seen the roads, our bridges at Ife and others. We are not owing salaries. We are taking care of the people. We have seen all the good work of the governor.

“ We knew and experienced the period of previous governments. We feel the difference. We are investing in this re-election of Governor Adeleke because we don’t want the good job to stop.

“If possible, we want Ademola for a third term. We ask the governor to be re-assured. We will vote and stand by our votes. Our members are more than 30,000”, the president who later conducted an endorsement vote stated at the rally.

In his response, the governor who commended the Commissioner for Empowerment and Cooperatives, Bayo Ogungbangbe, restated his commitment to deploying the cooperative movement as a vehicle for inclusive financing and expansion of the grassroots economy, adding that “our administration created a unique focus for all the sectors of our society.

“We uplift teachers, healthworkers, women, youth, tech communities and the cooperative movement. Our government is about the people, of the people and for the people.

“As your governor, the cooperative movement is of interest to me because grassroots financing is the lifeline of the society. The more vibrant the cooperative movement, the more buoyant the local economy. Any government that supports cooperative movement is boosting local businesses and fighting poverty among the people.

“That is why our government is committing several billions of naira to the cooperative movement. You are all living witnesses to our achievements within your sector. We are committed to increasing financing for the cooperative movement. We value you as a committed partner with our government in our drive to take Osun to greater heights.

“I therefore thank you for this endorsement. I task you to go out and mobilise for our re-election. Embark on House to house mobilisation among cooperative members. Our second term will witness enhanced support for the cooperative movement”, the governor told the cheering crowd.

By Our Correspondent

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council.

According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, two cabinet members, Mr. Wale Edun and Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa are to leave the cabinet while their replacements have been named.

Edun, until the latest development, was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. He has been directed to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele who is now to take over as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.

Also Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD .) has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.

The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry.

The memo stated that “all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before close of business on Thursday 23rd April, 2026.”

Explaining the President’s decision, Akume said: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).

The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.

The President, Akume noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”

By George Mgbeleke

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the federal government following reports that only about 7 percent of the Nigerian Army’s budget for security equipment was released in 2025. The party described as outrageous the report that, out of N336.76 billion approved for security equipment in the year, only a paltry N16.71 billion was released, while nothing was released for key logistics such as transport and aircraft fuel, as well as military barracks.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party also lamented that, at a time when the nation faces unprecedented security challenges, the Federal Government chose to concentrate resources on the maintenance of the presidential fleet while military aircraft languish due to a lack of funds. The party described this as an unpardonable misplacement of priority.

The ADC further argued that the underfunding of military equipment and operations significantly explains why the security situation in the country continues to deteriorate, with insurgents and terrorists becoming more emboldened by the day. The party pointed to the recent abduction of over 400 women and children in Ngoshe, Borno State, where Boko Haram has issued a N5 billion ransom demand and a 72-hour ultimatum, as evidence that the APC government has lost control of the fight against terror. It also noted that, in the month of April 2026 alone, more than N12 billion has been demanded in ransom by various insurgent groups.

The full statement reads:

The African Democratic Congress is appalled by recent reports that only about 7 percent of the Nigerian Army’s budget for security equipment has been released in the 2025 fiscal year. Out of the N336.76 billion approved, only a paltry N16.71 billion has reportedly been disbursed, while nothing has been released for critical logistics such as transport, aircraft fuel, and military barracks. At a time when Nigeria is battling widespread insecurity, this is not just disturbing, it is indefensible. It is yet another example of a government that talks tough on security but fails to back it up with action.

Even more alarming is that this disclosure comes as Nigerians confront yet another national tragedy. Reports indicate that over 400 women and children abducted in Ngoshe, Borno State are now the subject of a ₦5 billion ransom demand by Boko Haram, with a 72-hour ultimatum and a chilling threat that the victims may be dispersed and never seen again if the government fails to act. This is the painful reality of our country today: a country where terrorists feel bold enough to issue deadlines to the state; a country where hundreds of citizens can be held hostage while the government underfunds the very military meant to protect them.

The connection between these two realities is direct. When only a fraction of security funds is released, when nothing is provided for logistics like mobility and fuel, and when equipment procurement is delayed, the result is predictable: a weakened security system. And when the state looks weak, those who threaten it grow stronger, with devastating consequences for ordinary Nigerians.

Even more troubling is the contrast in priorities. While the military struggles with chronic underfunding, the federal government has reportedly ensured full funding for the luxurious presidential air fleet enjoyed by President Tinubu and his immediate family, even as military aircraft remain grounded due to a lack of resources. This paints a troubling picture of a government that is more concerned with comfort at the top than safety on the ground.

A government that releases only 7 percent of security equipment funds, and nothing for critical logistics, cannot claim to be serious about winning the war against terror. You cannot starve our brave men and women in uniform of the tools they need and expect them to defeat a determined and well-armed enemy. This is not just a budgeting failure, it is a failure of leadership.

The consequences are clear. Communities remain exposed. Farmers cannot return to their farms. Businesses continue to operate under fear. And now, hundreds of women and children face an uncertain fate in the hands of terrorists.

The ADC believes that security funding must be treated as a first-line responsibility. Budgetary allocations must translate into real, timely releases for equipment, logistics, training, and intelligence. Anything less weakens both the morale of our armed forces and the safety of our people.

Nigeria does not lack resources. What we lack is the discipline to put those resources where they matter most. The ADC stands with the families of those abducted and calls on the federal government to act with urgency, clarity, and resolve to secure their safe return, while addressing the deeper failures that have made such tragedies possible.

The ADC remains committed to building a Nigeria where security is not just promised, but properly funded, carefully managed, and truly delivered.