…cites NELFUND, LG autonomy, rising allocations, state police, electricity reforms

A member of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has restated that the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains his “ultimate political project” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said his position was informed by what he described as “verifiable and far-reaching reforms” introduced by the  Tinubu-led administration across key sectors.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is my ultimate political project. I am committed to mobilising all available structures and support across all strata of our society to ensure his re-election in 2027,” the lawmaker said.

Oseni highlighted major policy milestones, including the signing of the Electricity Act, which decentralises the power sector and empowers states and private investors to generate and distribute electricity.

He also referenced the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that the scheme provides interest-free loans to students in tertiary institutions, and described it as a critical intervention in expanding access to higher education.

According to him, the administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market have significantly boosted government revenue and improved fiscal transparency.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain added that one of the most impactful outcomes of these reforms is the increase in allocations to states and local governments, which, he said, has enhanced their capacity to execute projects and meet obligations to workers.

Oseni further pointed to the push for local government financial autonomy, following recent judicial pronouncements and policy backing by the Federal Government, noting that it would strengthen grassroots governance and service delivery.

He also cited ongoing national conversations and policy steps towards the establishment of state police as part of broader security sector reforms aimed at addressing localised security challenges.

On infrastructure, Oseni said the administration had prioritised road construction and rehabilitation across the country, as well as railway development, with increased intervention through relevant agencies to improve connectivity and support economic growth.

He noted improvements in key economic indicators, including revenue generation and efforts to stabilise the macroeconomic environment, adding that reforms in the oil and gas sector are gradually boosting investor confidence and local capacity.

Oseni, however, acknowledged that there might be challenges, explaining that “While all may not be perfect at the moment, tangible results and key performance indicators clearly show that hope is rising and indeed being renewed. The foundation being laid today will yield greater benefits in the coming years,” he said.

He stressed that continuity in President Tinubu’s leadership was essential to consolidate ongoing reforms and deliver long-term national development.

“This is not the time for disunity or distractions. We must close ranks, deepen grassroots mobilisation, and work collectively to deliver victory for our party and President Tinubu,”  Oseni submitted.

…review covers all cadres, boosts welfare, retirement security

The Federal Government has approved a sweeping upward review of peculiar allowances and welfare packages for civil servants, alongside the introduction of 100 per cent duty tour allowance for training and a new exit benefit scheme for retirees.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja, describing the decision as a major step towards enhancing workers’ earnings, morale and post-service security.

She said the review applies to officers on the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, with a design that ensures benefits cut across all grade levels.

According to her, the restructured allowances will improve take-home pay for both senior and junior officers, reflecting the government’s commitment to a more inclusive welfare framework.
Walson-Jack further disclosed that key allowances captured in the Public Service Rules, including duty tour allowance, estacode and book allowance, had been comprehensively reviewed.

Highlighting one of the major reforms, she announced the approval of 100 per cent duty tour allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, irrespective of whether such training involves travel.

“Even when the training is within the same location, officers are entitled to full DTA,” she said.

In a related development, the Federal Government has introduced an exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme, effective January 1, 2026.

The scheme provides 100 per cent of a retiree’s full emoluments as an exit package, separate from pension entitlement.

The Head of Service said the initiative was designed to uphold dignity in retirement and ensure that public servants exit service with adequate financial support.

She also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, aimed at providing financial protection for workers in cases of job-related injury or death.

The reforms come amid growing pressure from labour unions for improved welfare, as rising living costs continue to strain workers’ incomes.The latest move follows an earlier salary adjustment by the Federal Government, which approved a 25 to 35 per cent increase for workers across several consolidated salary structures.

Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo South Senatorial District have endorsed a member of the House of Representatives, Aderemi Oseni, as their consensus candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.

The endorsement was announced on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Alice Hall, Ibadan, with party leaders, stakeholders, local government chairmen and state executive members from the nine local government areas in attendance.

The councils represented at the meeting are Ibadan North, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-East, Ibadan South-West, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North and Ido.

‎The stakeholders expressed satisfaction with Oseni’s aspiration, describing it as timely, credible and anchored on tested leadership and grassroots appeal.

‎Those present at the meeting included Chief Timothy Jolaoso (Ibarapa East); Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe (Ido); Chief Abdulrauf Bello (Ido); Alhaji Muili Oluokun (Ibadan North-West); Alhaji Mufutau Adisa (Ibadan South-East); Alhaji Bello Oladeji (Ibadan North); Prince Gbade Lana (Ibadan North-East); Engr. Olatunji (Ibadan South-West); Comrade Wale Gbadamosi (Ibarapa North); and Alhaja Moji Adetona (Ibarapa Central).

‎Other party officials in attendance were the senatorial chairman, Alhaji Mojeed Adebayo; the secretary, Fatai Adesina; Welfare Officer, Sunday Babalola; Deputy Women Leader, Alhaja Fatimah Hassan; Auditor, Alhaja Tinu Adigun; Youth Leader, Lekan Adebayo; Ex-Officio member, Kola Amoo; Treasurer, Lateef Ajiboye; and Senatorial Youth Leader, Olalekan Olowe.

A chieftain of the party in Ibadan North Local Government, Hon.  Shina Alabi, moved the motion for the lawmaker’s  endorsement, which was seconded and unanimously adopted by the stakeholders.

Alabi said Oseni’s decision to abide by President Bola Tinubu’s directive to step down his governorship ambition for the senatorial race underscored his loyalty and commitment to party unity.

‎He said, “Hon. Oseni has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare of the people. His leadership style is inclusive, responsive and development-driven. We are convinced that his emergence as the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District will strengthen the party’s chances and guarantee effective representation.”

‎He also urged party members to remain united and rally behind credible aspirants with proven capacity and electoral value.

‎In his remarks, Hon. Aderemi Oseni said his decision to pursue the senatorial seat followed the presidential directives, noting that he accepted the decision in the interest of party cohesion, progress and stability. He recalled that he had earlier prepared for the Oyo South senatorial race in the 2023 general elections, having already purchased the nomination and expression of interest forms as part of an arrangement reached, before stepping down following appeals by party leaders.

The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said the party must close ranks to reclaim political dominance in the senatorial district.

‎According to him, “There is a huge task ahead, especially with several House of Representatives seats in the district currently held by the opposition. We must work together, mobilise effectively and secure victory for our  party and leader, President Bola Tinubu”.

‎Oseni thanked party leaders and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him and assured them of his commitment to advancing the interests of Oyo South Senatorial District.

The meeting also had representatives from all nine local government areas, with about 10 leaders from each council in attendance.