NEWS
2027: Okpebholo Rallies South-South Monarchs For Tinubu
The drumbeats for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection in 2027 is increasing in tempo in Nigeria’s south-south region.
To this end, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo galvanized the support of monarchs in the region to support the reelection of President Tinubu in 2027.
The Governor spoke while receiving the South South Monarchs Forum at the Government House, Benin City and appealed to them to support the President in 2027.
He noted that the development of the nation cannot be achieved without the support of the traditional rulers.
He called on them to support the President in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria. He said the President is doing a lot to make the country safe for everyone.
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Governor Okpebholo added that the policies of the President are designed to revive the economy and make life more meaningful for the people.
“South South should speak with one voice because we have our son as the President, and we all must speak with one voice to return him come 2027 to complete his tenure.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done so much for this country, and there are bold steps and decisions he has taken to put the nation on the path of development and growth.
“The President is focused on ensuring he blocks leakages in the economy, ensuring the resources are used for the betterment of Nigerians. He has been able to increase allocation for states, and now states have money to concentrate on developmental projects.
“South-South must support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because he is our own, and he needs to continue what he has started. The President is putting in place economic policies that will benefit the people. The second term for the President is not negotiable,” he stated.
Governor Okpebholo said the President should be commended for his tax reforms, which has helped increase revenue that is being channeled towards developing the nation.
“The unity of the South-South and Nigeria is very important as the input of the traditional rulers is very important and necessary. We must hold traditional rulers in high esteem.
“Traditional rulers are at the grass roots. They know the problems at the grassroots, and they make things work for us. They are important in the scheme of things and, as such, should be respected.
“We are working to change the narrative as I will start to talk to Southern Governors to ensure they sustain the respect they have for traditional institution,” he said.
The Governor acknowledged that the country is facing several challenges and assured them that the President is doing a lot to handle the situation in the right direction.
He said: “I appeal to the traditional rulers to support the President in the fight against insecurity as we have strangers coming into various communities and our traditional rulers need to help us monitor the situation and ensure bad people are exposed.
“Information is key in the fight against insecurity. We need collaboration and unity between the traditional institution and government, and we should all speak with one voice to address numerous challenges hindering our development.”
Vice Chairman, South South Monarchs Forum, HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), who is the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Delta State, spoke on behalf of the Forum, commended the Governor for his respect for traditional rulers. He said he has continued to exhibit strength of character and has become the beacon of leadership that the State needs at this time.
The Forum congratulated the Governor on his election and tribunal victory, describing both as a good thing that happened to Edo people.
“The Forum salutes your courage in the fight against insecurity across the State. Your choice of action and strategy is receiving the widest support it deserves.
“We appreciate your generosity to traditional rulers and your boldness in restoring the full rights and privileges of the Oba of Benin and reversing the efforts to divide the kingdom. Thank you for your respect for the traditional institution and the rule of law.
“We pledge our support for your administration and are ready to stand by you as you have shown capacity to revive the State and put it on the path of development and growth,” he added.
NEWS
‘Ready to Kick, Ready to Work’ — Tinubu Addresses Health Rumours
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that he is healthy, sound and ready to resume work after returning to Nigeria from his four-week working vacation in Europe.
Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday shortly after arriving in Lagos from Paris, France, where he spent the final part of his vacation.
SEE MORE: Tinubu Departs Paris for Lagos, Set for Abiola Tribute
Speaking briefly after his arrival, the President said he enjoyed the break before assuring Nigerians of his readiness to return to official duties.
“I enjoyed myself,” Tinubu said.
On his readiness to resume work, he added: “Ready to kick, ready to work. There’s nothing wrong.”
The President also addressed rumours surrounding his wellbeing, attributing such speculation to the political environment.
“Well, rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the fact remains I’m here—healthy, sound, and ready to go,” he said.
Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 6:22 p.m. on Tuesday, marking the end of his European working vacation.
His return comes ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, with the President expected to participate in activities marking the occasion in Lagos.
The Presidency had earlier said Tinubu would remain in Lagos for several days for Independence Day engagements and strategic meetings before returning to Abuja.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 and spent time in London and Paris during the trip, while continuing official engagements.
NEWS
‘People Never Believed NDDC Could Do This’ — Ogbuku Highlights Kaa-Ataba Bridge
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has highlighted the completion of the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge in Rivers State as evidence of the Commission’s growing capacity to deliver major infrastructure projects across the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku spoke at the 2026 NDDC Partners for Sustainable Development Conference in Port Harcourt, where he attributed the Commission’s progress to the support and cooperation of its development partners and other stakeholders.
SEE MORE: Otti Commends NDDC, Charges Team Abia To Dominate NDSF
The Kaa-Ataba Bridge links Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State and is expected to improve connectivity between the communities when opened to vehicular traffic.
According to Ogbuku, the project is among developments that many previously considered beyond the capacity of the NDDC.
“These are things that, in the past, people never believed the NDDC could do. Today, we are doing them seamlessly because of the support we are getting,” he said.
The NDDC boss said the progress recorded by the Commission demonstrated the impact of collaboration between the agency and its development partners.
He thanked stakeholders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the Minister of Regional Development for their support and encouragement towards the delivery of projects across the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku said the achievements also underscored the importance of collective responsibility, in line with the theme of the 2026 conference, “Synergy for Transformation.”
NEWS
‘Some Lessons for Atiku’ — Onanuga Touts NNPC’s ₦7.2tn Profit, Warns Against Subsidy Return
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has highlighted the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC Ltd) latest financial and operational performance, saying the figures offer “some lessons for Atiku” amid the debate over fuel subsidy.
Onanuga disclosed this in a post on X on Tuesday while reviewing NNPC’s key financial performance for 2025 following the release of the company’s audited results.
According to him, NNPC’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 22 per cent to ₦18 trillion, while earnings per share increased by 32 per cent to ₦35.9.
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He said the company’s operating cash flow also grew by 16 per cent to ₦12.8 trillion, while return on equity improved by 200 basis points to 16 per cent.
Onanuga further noted that NNPC declared a ₦5.8 trillion dividend, representing a 35 per cent increase.
Highlighting the company’s operational performance, he said crude oil and condensate production averaged 1.77 million barrels per day, its highest level in five years.
Natural gas output, he added, averaged 7.2 billion standard cubic feet per day, representing a three-year high.
Oil and condensate production totalled 565.8 million barrels, up five per cent, while NNPC’s equity share increased by 11 per cent to 223.7 million barrels.
Gas production also reached 2,606.2 billion standard cubic feet, up nine per cent, while the company’s equity share rose by 11 per cent to 1,154.9 billion standard cubic feet.
Onanuga then linked the performance to the subsidy debate, arguing against a return to petrol subsidy.
“Atiku’s subsidy programme will certainly kill this company, which could be our own Aramco. Our country has no business taking 100 steps back. Forward ever!” he said.
NNPC Records ₦7.2tn Profit
NNPC Ltd had earlier announced a 33 per cent increase in profit after tax for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.
The company’s profit after tax rose from ₦5.4 trillion in 2024 to ₦7.2 trillion in 2025, while revenue stood at ₦34.5 trillion.
NNPC also reported a 22 per cent increase in EBITDA to ₦18 trillion, a 16 per cent rise in operating cash flow to ₦12.8 trillion and a 32 per cent increase in earnings per share to ₦35.9.
The company declared a ₦5.8 trillion dividend, representing a 35 per cent increase.
On production, NNPC said crude oil and condensate output averaged 1.77 million barrels per day, its highest level in five years, while natural gas production averaged 7.2 billion standard cubic feet per day.
The company said the results reflected stronger earnings capacity and operational momentum as it continues to pursue increased production and investment across the Nigerian oil and gas sector.





