Elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has passed away. The renowned nationalist died peacefully on Friday morning at his residence in Lekki, Lagos, at the age of 96.

His family confirmed the development in a statement, expressing gratitude for a life dedicated to the service of God, the nation, and humanity.

“With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation, and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo,” the statement read.

“The foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, very distinct politician, apostle of true federalism, former organising secretary of the Action Group, and national leader of Afenifere is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until he breathed his last.”

The family noted that consultations are ongoing with Pa Adebanjo’s associates, political allies, and various interest groups to plan a befitting funeral. Details of the burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at his Lagos residence (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1) and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Pa Adebanjo was a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history, known for his unwavering advocacy for true federalism, democracy, and justice. His passing marks the end of an era in Yoruba and Nigerian politics.

The South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) has elected a new executive team to steer the affairs of the association.

At a meeting held on Thursday at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, members elected former South West Bureau Chief of The Nation newspaper, Pastor Bisi Oladele, as Chairman. Also elected was a former Deputy Editor of Nigerian Tribune, Dapo Falade, who emerged as Vice Chairman.

Taiwo Oluwadamilare was appointed Secretary, while Joseph Okuwofu, a former correspondent of The Nation, was named Assistant Secretary. Others elected include Mrs. Oluwatoyin Malik as Treasurer, Temi Aboderin as Financial Secretary, and Remi Oladoye, who retained his position as Public Relations Officer (PRO).

The electoral process was coordinated by veteran journalist, Tunde Busari, a former Assistant Editor of Nigerian Tribune and ex-chairman of the Tribune Chapel of NUJ.

Busari urged the newly elected executive to justify the confidence reposed in them and work diligently to promote the association’s mission.

The outgoing Chairman of SWEGOP, Olayinka Agboola, assured the new leadership of his unwavering support, emphasising his commitment to offering guidance and collaboration whenever needed.

In his acceptance speech, Oladele expressed gratitude to members for their trust and pledged to uphold the integrity and growth of SWEGOP.

“We understand the challenges ahead, but with the support of our members and the outgoing executive, we are confident in achieving our goals. Thank you for entrusting us with this responsibility,” he stated.

He commended Agboola for his remarkable leadership over the past nine years, particularly in expanding SWEGOP’s membership and strengthening the guild.

Oladele further announced that the guild’s membership structure would be restructured, with fresh registration and new rules of engagement for members.

He called for unity, cooperation, and collective effort to advance the association’s objectives.

The National Assembly on Thursday passed the ₦54.99 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2025 fiscal year, separately approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

A breakdown of the budget reveals ₦3.645 trillion allocated for statutory transfers, ₦14.317 trillion for debt servicing, ₦13.64 trillion for recurrent expenditure, and ₦23.963 trillion earmarked for capital expenditure under the development fund.

The fiscal deficit is projected at ₦13.08 trillion, with a Deficit-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio of 1.52%.

This development follows last week’s upward revision of the budget by President Bola Tinubu, who increased it from the initial ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion before seeking legislative approval.

Presenting the bill for consideration, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Abubakar Bichi, disclosed that the committee engaged with the Presidential Economic Planning team to deliberate on revenue projections and expenditure details.

Bichi also noted that the 2025 Appropriation Bill was submitted later than that of the previous year. He urged the executive to ensure timely budget presentation to the National Assembly, at least three months before the next financial year, to sustain the January-to-December budget cycle.

With this approval, Nigeria moves closer to implementing its 2025 fiscal plan, which aims to address key economic challenges and development priorities.