Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has stirred controversy after accusing Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of orchestrating the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in parts of Oyo State.

Fayose made the startling allegation during a televised programme while reacting to the kidnapping incident that has sparked outrage across the country and renewed concerns over insecurity in schools.

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The former governor claimed that the abduction may have been politically motivated and aimed at embarrassing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to Fayose, governors have a major role to play in tackling security challenges within their states and should not be quick to shift responsibility to the Federal Government whenever incidents occur.

He questioned Governor Makinde’s handling of the crisis, alleging that the governor prioritized political activities, including party nomination exercises, instead of taking immediate action to address the abduction and support affected families.

“I strongly believe, though I may be wrong, that this incident could have been orchestrated. The governor was engaged in nomination activities while the abduction occurred,” Fayose stated.

The former governor further alleged that the incident may have been designed to portray the Federal Government in a negative light and create the impression that President Tinubu’s administration was failing to address insecurity.

His remarks come days after gunmen reportedly abducted pupils and teachers in some local government areas of Oyo State, prompting national concern and intervention from the Federal Government.

Following the incident, President Tinubu dispatched a high-powered delegation to the affected communities and assured residents that efforts were underway to secure the safe release of the victims.

Fayose’s allegations have since generated mixed reactions among political stakeholders, with some calling for evidence to support the claims, while others described the comments as speculative and politically charged.

Meanwhile, security experts and concerned citizens continue to call for stronger measures to protect schools and prevent further attacks on students and teachers across the country.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has disbursed a total of Two Hundred and Four Million, Two Hundred and Seventy-five Thousand, two hundred and nine naira and eighty kobo (N204,275,209.80) to the next of kin of all staff who died in active service.

According to a government house statement in Osogbo on Monday, the disbursement covers all those, whose documentations have been completed in the Pension Office.

It added that the disbursement was made up of One Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Six Hundred and Thirty-One Thousand, Eighty-Three Naira, Forty-Five Kobo (#125,631,083.45) for the State level beneficiaries and Seventy-Eight Million, Six Hundred Fort-Four Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Six Naira, Thirty-Five Kobo (#78,644,126.35) for Local Government level beneficiaries.

It was gathered that from 2023 to date, the administration had paid a total of Eight Hundred and Eighty-two Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventeen Naira, Fifty Kobo (₦882,752,717.50) to a total of One Hundred and Eighty-Four (184) beneficiaries across the entire gamut of the public service.

Under the personal accident insurance scheme, the administration had approved and released a total of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Six Million, Seven Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Three Naira, Fifteen Kobo (₦1,866,719,123.15) being the outstanding claims of the Five Hundred and Sixty-three (563) beneficiaries covering September 2013 to 1st of August 2023.

The sharing of cheques for the new beneficiaries was held today at Osogbo with the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina representing the state governor.

In the address of the governor presented by the Head of Service, Governor Adeleke reiterated that his commitment to workers and pensioners’welfare remain unshaken despite the financial challenges facing the state, adding that “what my predecessor failed to implement is what I am executing now.

“When we stated clearly in our 5 – point Action Plan, our desire to make the welfare of the workforce and the pensioners No. 1 priority, our detractors made jest of us, describing the pledge as an impossibility. Today, to the glory of God, we have made significant progress as a talk and do administration”, the governor noted.

He explained that the Group Life Assurance Policy, under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) 2008, Section 15, is designed to cater for death-in-service benefits for Osun State workforce, describing the refusal of the previous government to commit to its settlement as inhumane and uncharitable.

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The governor faulted the previous administration for foisting and condoning irregularities in the payment of Premium to the Insurance Company for the settlement of claims to the beneficiaries.

To correct the anomalies, Governor Adeleke said his administration approved the engagement of VALANIS Insurance Brokers Ltd., as the lead Broker while Capital Express Assurance Plc was engaged as the Lead Insurance Underwriter in August 2023.

“Since then, my Administration had paid a total of Eight Hundred and Eighty-two Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventeen Naira, Fifty Kobo (₦882,752,717.50) to a total of One Hundred and Eighty-Four (184) beneficiaries across the entire gamut of the public service.

“It is also heartwarming that the Insurance Company has added another package known as Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) to the Group Life Assurance Scheme for the State Workforce, which is a free package. Under this package, each officer of the workforce, no matter the Grade Level, is entitled to a sum of One Million (N1,000,000.00) Naira only, for the payment of Medical Expenses for all accidents resulting in bodily injuries.

“This new addition is no doubt a reflection of my commitment to the welfare of all staff in the Public Service. Three (3) of our insured workers had benefitted from this policy to the tune of millions naira.

“As an advocate of politics without bitterness and as one who is committed to the welfare of the entire workforce, dead or alive, I have approved and released a total of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Six Million, Seven Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Three Naira, Fifteen Kobo (₦1,866,719,123.15) being the outstanding claims of the Five Hundred and Sixty-three (563) beneficiaries covering September 2013 to 1st of August 2023.

“This was what our predecessors failed to do thereby making life difficult for the beneficiaries.

“Despite our present financial challenges, we have continued to fulfil our electioneering campaign promises on staff welfare and funding of the pension industry.

“This morning, cheques of Two Hundred and Four Million, Two Hundred and Seventy-five Thousand, two hundred and nine naira and eighty kobo (N204,275,209.80) will be distributed to the beneficiaries. This made up of One Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Six Hundred and Thirty-One Thousand, Eighty-Three Naira, Forty-Five Kobo (#125,631,083.45) for the State level beneficiaries and Seventy-Eight Million, Six Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Six Naira, Thirty-Five Kobo (#78,644,126.35) for Local Government level beneficiaries”, the governor told the elated beneficiaries.

Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Alhaji M.K. Bello, a retired Director of Administration, commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for approving the reorganisation and disbursement of the cheques, describing the Governor as God-sent.

According to him, “the holistic attention to workers’ Welfare by Governor Adeleke is unprecedented in the history of Osun governance”, adding “we are grateful”.

Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has reinforced its position as Africa’s most influential corporate brands after emerging as the continent’s Most Admired African Brand for the eighth consecutive year.

In the same vein, its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, was named among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Chief Marketing Officers.

The recognition was announced at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The survey, regarded as Africa’s most comprehensive consumer-led brand study, covered 30 countries representing more than 85 per cent of the continent’s population and economic output.

In the latest rankings, the DIL emerged as Africa’s Most Admired Brand in aided recall, ahead of South Africa’s MTN and Vodacom. In the spontaneous recall category, it ranked second among African brands, behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings.
The Group also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked the No. 1 African Brand Contributing to a Better Africa, ahead of MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers and Trade Kings, reflecting its significant contribution to industrialisation, job creation, economic development and sustainable growth across the continent.

The rankings show Dangote’s growing influence as one of Africa’s most recognisable corporate brands, built on investments spanning cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging and logistics.

Brand Africa noted that despite a modest rebound in African brand recognition, homegrown brands still account for only 15 per cent of Africa’s 100 most admired brands, highlighting the continued dominance of foreign brands across the continent.

Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, described the promotion and support of African brands as a critical economic imperative for the continent.

“Converting goodwill towards African contribution into admiration for African brands is the most urgent commercial opportunity for the continent. It is not enough for Africans to believe in Africa, they must buy Made-in-Africa,” he said.

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The survey also ranked Dangote among Africa’s leading brands in sustainability and social impact, placing second in the category of brands recognised for doing good for society, people and the environment.

Despite the dominance of global brands across Africa, Dangote has cemented its position as one of the continent’s leading corporate brands, alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines.

The three emerged as the highest ranked African brands in the 2026 Brand Africa rankings, standing out on a list dominated by global names such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple and Coca-Cola. The achievement is notable given that African brands accounted for just 15 per cent of the Top 100 rankings, compared with 38 per cent for European brands, 28 per cent for North American brands and 19 per cent for Asian brands.

Further strengthening the Group’s standing, its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, was selected for the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) list, which recognises the continent’s most impactful marketing, brand and reputation leaders.

The ACMO100 initiative, launched by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD and the African Media Agency, honours marketing executives whose work is shaping Africa’s business narrative, strengthening brand equity and driving economic growth across the continent and the diaspora.

Chiejina was among only 20 executives selected from West Africa and one of 17 Nigerians recognised for their contribution to brand building, corporate reputation management and strategic communications.

According to Brand Africa, the selection process was based on independent research, industry impact, leadership influence and contribution to the growth of brands that shape consumer perceptions and economic outcomes across Africa.

The latest recognition adds to a growing list of honours for Dangote Industries, which was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame last year for consistently ranking among Africa’s most admired brands over more than a decade. Its President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for championing industrialisation and building one of Africa’s most successful indigenous enterprises.