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Abiodun reiterates administration’s commitment to revive, complete Olokola deep seaport

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Abiodun reiterates administration's commitment to revive, complete Olokola deep seaport

Abiodun reiterates administration’s commitment to revive, complete Olokola deep seaport

By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe

Abiodun reiterates administration's commitment to revive, complete Olokola deep seaport

 

 

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has reiterated his administration’s commitment to reviving the Olokola deep seaport project.

This, he noted is in line with the transport master plan of the incumbent state government.

 

Abiodun reiterates administration's commitment to revive, complete Olokola deep seaport

 

 

Abiodun, who made this known while speaking at the 2022 Ojude Oba Festival, held in Ijebu Ode on Monday, gave the assurance that the project located in the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area would be completed and inaugurated by his administration.

“Let me formally announce the revival of the Olokola Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside area of our state, this is in line with our transport master plan. And the promise I made to our people and our father, the Awujale, is that the port will be built in his lifetime and we will commission that deep sea port,” he said.

 

Abiodun reiterates administration's commitment to revive, complete Olokola deep seaport

 

 

 

 

Abiodun while noting that the theme of the festival, ‘The return of Ojude Oba’ is very apt considering that the festival was not celebrated in the last two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, said that the celebration of the 2022 festival was an opportunity to gather, pay homage to the monarch and plan ahead for the new year.

He noted further that it was imperative for every son and daughter of Ijebuland to take the opportunity of the festival to plan for the continued development of Ijebu-Ode, Ijebuland and the state, said that his administration would continue to put in place measures that would help to develop the tourism sector

Abiodun reiterates administration's commitment to revive, complete Olokola deep seaport

 

 

 

 

The governor restated that his administration would not develop any part of the state at the expense of the other, disclosing that his administration had been able to deliver over one thousand five hundred affordable housing units across the state, reconstructed over a thousand classrooms, renovated over a hundred primary healthcare centers out of the two hundred and thirty-six targeted.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the year 2022 Ojude Oba Festival and Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while noting that the festival has grown to become one of the most important cultural events not only in the state, but in the country, said that the festival has continued to be the unifying symbol which cuts across faith and tribes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sanwo-Olu commended his Ogun State counterpart for the great work done on the Ijebu-Ode-Epe expressway.

He also called for the unity of the Yoruba race as well as the support for the presidential bid of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Let me make this rallying call on all sons and daughters of the Yoruba race to pronounce that in the unifying spirit of the Ojude Oba festival, it is my hope and belief that the entire Yoruba race will rise up and unite as one to ensure that the candidacy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a proud Lagosian and Yoruba man is supported,” he said.

In his welcome address, the chairman, Planning Committee of the festival, Wahab Osinusi, thanked God for the return of the festival after a two year break.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He urged the people of Ijebuland to be mindful of the security challenges confronting the nation, remain calm, peaceful and law abiding throughout the duration of the festival.

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Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

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Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

 

– The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has removed Nigeria from its list of debtor countries.

 

– Country now better placed to strengthen fiscal credibility, says presidential aide, O’tega Ogra

 

 

In a report titled: ‘Total IMF Credit Outstanding – Movement from May 01, 2025 to May 06, 2025,” obtained on the multilateral institution’s website yesterday, Nigeria was not listed among its debtors which has a total of 91 developing and least developed countries owing the Fund a total of $117,797,656,224 as at 6th of May 2025.

 

Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

 

Total IMF credit outstanding refers to the total amount of unpaid and outstanding principal due to the Fund from its member countries. This includes both outstanding loans under current arrangements and those that have expired.

 

 

When contacted on the development yesterday, a top IMF official in Washington DC, who pleaded to remain anonymous, told THISDAY they were trying to confirm the reports, pointing out that Nigeria borrowed a rapid finance loan during the pandemic.

 

 

However, StatiSense, a data company which also confirmed on its X handle yesterday that Nigeria was no longer listed on the list of countries indebted to IMF, revealed that as at July 28, 2023, Nigeria was owing the Fund $1.61 billion, this was reduced to $1.37 billion as at January 5, 2024; $933.03 million as at July 10, 2024; $472.06 million as at January 8, 2025, before it was finally settled this month.

 

 

It was learnt that the value was converted from Special Drawing Rights (SDR), an international reserve asset created by the IMF to supplement the official reserves of its member countries, to US dollars.

 

 

In a post on his X handle, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement, Strategy, and New Media, O’tega Ogra, said the development was a signal of discipline, reform, and strategic reset by the Tinubu-Shettima administration in restructuring “our finances to enable us to be better placed for a prosperous future.”

 

 

He added: “As Nigeria closes the chapter on these legacy debt obligations, we are better placed to strengthen our fiscal credibility and show the world, and ourselves, that Nigeria is serious about managing our economy with responsibility and vision.

 

 

“Does this mean no more business with the IMF or other foreign lenders? No! Nigeria still remains a member of the IMF and can approach it at any time if the situation demands. This is definitely not a door slammed shut.

 

 

“Why? Because global partnerships like the IMF remain valuable allies, especially in a world defined by volatility and uncertainty. The difference now is that any future engagement will be proactive, not reactive, and will also be based on partnership, not dependence. Debt clearance today, reform momentum tomorrow.

 

 

“President Bola Tinubu will continue to prioritise long-term reforms with sound financial management for the benefit of our country and generations yet unborn. Nigeria is rising with clarity, capacity, and credibility, and this is why you should take a #BetOnNigeria.”

 

 

The IMF recently commended Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, describing them as bold measures that have helped stabilise the economy and laid the groundwork for future growth.

 

 

The IMF, in its recent 2025 Article IV Consultation Mission to Nigeria, last month, by a team led by Axel Schimmelpfennig, stated: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilise the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. These reforms have put Nigeria in a better position to navigate the external environment.

 

 

“The macroeconomic outlook is marked by significant uncertainty. Elevated global risk sentiment and lower oil prices impact the Nigerian economy.

 

 

“Macroeconomic policies need to further strengthen buffers and resilience, reduce inflation, and support private sector-led growth.”

 

 

Schimmelpfennig in the statement had noted that the cessation of deficit financing by the CBN, the removal of costly fuel subsidies, and improvements in the foreign exchange market were major policy shifts that signaled a commitment to reform.

 

 

He stated: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilise the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. The financing of the fiscal deficit by the central bank has ceased, costly fuel subsidies were removed, and the functioning of the foreign exchange market has improved.”

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N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

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N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That a controversial water project in (Filin tanda) Bade local Government of Gashua Yobe State, initially intended to provide clean drinking water, has become a focal point of public outrage and accusations of corruption. The project, purportedly aimed at replacing a former children’s play area (referred to as “sling swing”) with a functional water supply system, is now facing severe criticism regarding its execution and financial management.

 

N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

The project is linked to Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, the former President of the 9th Senate and current Yobe North Senator. Senator Lawan’s long tenure in the parliament, spanning approximately 30 years, has drawn scrutiny, with some residents claiming that his career is marked by a lack of substantial developmental achievements.

 

 

“This used to be the place we played sling swing (Lilo) as kids… This guy, who spent about 30 years in office, making me as old as his incumbency, who has zero projects that go beyond a hundred million Naira, was once even the president of the Senate! What a monumental failure his entire career must be!” lamented a source.

 

N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

Adding fuel to the controversy, Senator Lawan’s alleged ambition to contest in the 2027 gubernatorial elections has been met with skepticism. Critics express concern about the potential for further mismanagement and wasted resources, citing a pattern of “classical stupidity” among the electorate.

 

 

The accusations of fraud and negligence are particularly focused on the handling of the project’s funds. Sources, including Usman Umar Nagona and Habu Nawi Katuzu, have raised serious allegations: “5.7 Billion water fraud, jama’a ku tayani dubawa a ina 500M ta mutu anan? And that former Senate president, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, must come out boldly. Meanwhile, the work has not even reached 40% completion… The quality is substandard, timelines are completely ignored, and there’s a clear lack of accountability.”

 

N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

The total budget for the water project is reported to be 5.7 billion Naira, with concerns that 500 million Naira is unaccounted for, despite the project’s completion rate being less than 40%. The reports of substandard quality, missed deadlines, and a lack of transparency have intensified calls for an investigation into the project’s management.

 

According to Usman Umar Nagona and Habu Nawi Katuzu, “the Yobe State Executive Governor, His Excellency, Hon. Mai Mala Buni Chiroman Gujba CON refused to attend the commissioning of the project because he knew it was a fraud”.

 

N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

The controversy surrounding the water project has raised questions about Senator Lawan’s legacy and his suitability for higher office, and the Gashua people want to protest against the project if actions are not taken.

 

As Yobe State approaches the 2027 elections, the allegations of fraud and negligence in this project are likely to play a significant role in the political discourse.

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Senator Gbenga Daniel Advocates for Unity Amid Remo State Creation Discussions

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A wave of unity and purpose has swept across Remoland as traditional rulers, political leaders, and prominent stakeholders stand firmly behind the call for the creation of Remo State, a separate and sovereign entity within the Nigerian federation.

 

This bold declaration follows decades of marginalization and the failed attempt to co-create Ijebu-Remo State. Today, Remo leaders assert that their future lies in charting a distinct course—one anchored in their shared identity, cultural heritage, and economic potential. The proposed capital of the envisioned Remo State is Sagamu.

 

At the recent press conference held at the palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland, speakers emphasized that Remo is no longer aligning with the Ijebu in the state creation struggle. While expressing goodwill towards their Ijebu counterparts, the Remo delegation stated clearly that any arrangement that attempts to subsume Remo under another identity will be firmly rejected.

 

The Remo State proposal includes the local government areas of Sagamu, Ikenne, and Remo North, along with other Remo-speaking communities. With a strong industrial base, strategic proximity to Lagos, and the ongoing development of key infrastructure such as the Ogun Agro-Cargo Airport, Remo leaders believe their region is economically and administratively capable of sustaining a state.

 

Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), representing Ogun East Senatorial District, praised the initiative and pledged to foster peaceful dialogue between the Remo and Ijebu people. He acknowledged the strong leadership of the Remo Committee on State Creation and called for continued engagement across all levels.

 

Elder statesmen, including Chief S.K. Onafowokan and Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, lent their voices to the cause, calling for strategic diplomacy while reiterating Remo’s stance on autonomy.

 

Aare Dr. Kola Oyefeso, Chairman of the Remo State Creation Committee, reiterated that the campaign is peaceful, democratic, and people-driven. He assured that Remo would not accept any merger that erodes its identity and would prefer to remain within Ogun State rather than be annexed into an unfamiliar structure.

 

  • As the movement gains momentum, calls are being made to all Remo indigenes, at home and in the diaspora, to support the cause through advocacy, representation, and resource mobilization.

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