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If not Buhari, Nigeria would have collapsed – Odigie-Oyegun
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, has stated that had President Muhammadu Buhari not put in place various diversification efforts upon his assuming office in 2015, Nigeria would have collapsed.
He said the present administration was building a new economic model which will be sustainable, production-based and will diversify from oil to agriculture, solid minerals and other viable sectors.
Odigie-Oyegun said this at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja when he received political leaders from Delta Central Senatorial district, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
The decampees were led by Johnson Boro, former Commissioner in the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
Other decampees are: Immediate-past PDP Chairman, Ughelli South LGA, Francis Aguonigho; Sleek Oshare; Isaiah Kekeje; Mathew Kwode; Robert Ojo; Sunny Ogbududu; David Edonor; Comrade Saturday Nukueye and Charles Otaiye.
The APC National Chairman stated that with the globally decrease in the demand for oil, Nigeria’s economic mainstay, the need to diversify the Nigerian economy has become increasingly imperative.
He added that the efforts of the Buhari administration will be evident in a few years as the country will be counted as one of the industrial power houses in Africa.
Odigie-Oyegun said: “Economically, things are difficult, there is no question about it. But in spite of that people of your quality sat down and still want to join the boat, because you have seen the future and you know the future belong to a changed country. A country that produces, not only consumes.
“In the last sixteen years of previous administrations, we just consumed. Thank God this nation brought President Buhari at the point it was about to collapse and all we are doing today is putting the pieces back together again. It is a difficult experience and as a result of that our people are going through some hardship. But there is no question at all, that you can see the silver lining that is on the way.
“By the end of this year, we will be net exporters of rice, today we have started to export formally yam. Today we are about certain that all the grains in this country can be produce locally. These are all part of the building blocks towards the Nigeria that we foresee in another year or two. So, tremendous is progress is being made to reverse the road at which we were travelling, to build a new economy, an economy based on what we can produce. An economy based on agriculture, based on our solid minerals.
“It is clear today that oil is gone. Britain has declared that in 40 years vehicles that consume fossil fuel will be phased out. The United States of America and other countries of Europe have made similar declarations. So it is fortunate that President Buhari is today in office taking us painfully through the process of change such that this nation will be counted in another few years as one of the industrial power houses of the African continent.”.
While welcoming the new entrants to the APC, Odigie-Oyegun said one of the resolutions of the Party’s National Leadership was to bring the South-South back into the mainstream of Nigerian politics. The APC National Chairman described the zone as one of the “strongest pillar for unity” in the country.
“I cannot resist but speak like somebody from the South-South on this very special occasion even though I belong to the nation as APC National Chairman.
“The point about us is that we are not tribal. The South-South is perhaps the strongest pillar for unity in this nation. The reality about the South-South is because we believe in the unity and oneness of this nation so strongly, we are ready to work with anybody who stands for one nation and one Nigeria.
“Today, two years now we have a new regime of change. Unfortunately to a large extent, we missed the boat. We have only one state in the entire South-South, Edo State. It is our resolve here at national headquarters to bring the South-South back into the mainstream of Nigerian politics. Because at the greatest point of danger for this country, it was the South-Southerners that stood firm at risk to themselves, at risk to their lives that this nation must remain one,” the APC national Chairman said.
He said with the new entrants from Delta Central, another solid block had been added to the APC’s aspiration to bring Delta State and indeed the South-South into the Progressives fold.
“I know how crucial central is in Delta state and with your entry into the Party, we have firmed up the central and can project from there to take Delta State and eventually take the entire South-South. Today we are adding one more solid block towards the unity, development and great of this country.
“I am aware there are scores of you, but because the ceremony is taking place at the National Secretariat, we had to limit the number of persons who could come, I know that at the appropriate time we will have a great big unity rally in Delta state where all those who have joined us in the recent past will be formally received and where we will also formally launch the movement for the recovery of Delta state,” the APC National Chairman said.
Speaking earlier, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Prince Hilliard Eta said the defection of the PDP leaders from Delta Central to the APC was testimony of the paradigm shift being witnessed in the South-South.
Eta: “As you are aware, the other Party hitherto was in domination of our zone but because of the good work of this government, because of the leadership of this Party, there has been a paradigm shift. Our people are moving from the other party to the progressive family to actualise the development of the South-South, the Niger Delta and indeed Nigeria. It is in that line that we have distinguished sons of Delta State who have come to add value to our Party in Delta state, in the South-South region and in Nigeria.”
Chief Johnson Boro who led the decampees thanked the APC leadership, particularly the National Chairman for the reception. “We are extremely delighted with the reception you have accorded us today. We now believe that we are coming to a home where we will be accepted.“ He said.
Other APC National Working Committee (NWC) members at the meeting included: National Secretary, Hon. Mai Mala Buni; Deputy National Chairman (North), Sen. Lawal Shuaibu; Deputy National Chairman (South), Engr, Segun Oni and Deputy National Secretary, Hon. Tombari Giadom.
The family of the late veteran actor and scholar, Chief (Prof.) Adekola “Kola” Oyewo, has expressed deep appreciation to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among other Nigerians, for their messages of condolence and support following the death of their patriarch.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Dr. Adewale Oyewo on behalf of the family, the bereaved household said the overwhelming show of sympathy, prayers, visits and acts of kindness from across Nigeria and beyond had served as a strong pillar of comfort in their period of grief.
The family described the late Oyewo as a respected community leader, accomplished academic, devoted family man, and traditional title holder whose life was defined by service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to societal development.
According to the statement, the tributes received in his honour reflect the far-reaching impact he made on students, colleagues, cultural practitioners and the wider society.
The family particularly appreciated Governor Ademola Adeleke for his condolence message and prayers, noting that his support had been deeply comforting.
It also expressed gratitude to the Ooni of Ife, whose words of encouragement were described as uplifting and consoling during the mourning period.
The statement further acknowledged the Oloba of Oba-Ile, Oba (Prof.) Adekunle Ashamu Oyeyemi (Tewogbade I), the Oloba-in-Council, and other traditional institutions for their fatherly support and solidarity.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was also commended for his message of sympathy, which the family said brought reassurance in their moment of loss.
The family extended appreciation to professional bodies including the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) and the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), as well as academic communities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, Ekiti State University, and Elizade University, where the deceased served.
They also thanked friends, associates and well-wishers who stood by them with prayers and support.
“As we continue preparations to honour the life and legacy of our beloved patriarch, we humbly seek continued prayers and support,” the statement added, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has appointed Anietie Iniedu as the new Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, succeeding Anthony Placid, who was appointed to the position barely three months ago.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Friday by Placid, who described his successor as a seasoned police officer with extensive experience in public communication, operational policing, intelligence management, institutional accountability and administration.
An indigene of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Iniedu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pure Chemistry from the University of Uyo and has attended several professional courses in investigative interviewing, crime scene management, intelligence analysis, strategic communication and human rights-based policing.
Before his latest appointment, Iniedu headed the Complaint Response Unit at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he coordinated the management of public complaints and drove initiatives aimed at deepening transparency, accountability and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
He also served as Public Relations Officer of the Police College of Information Technology, Kobape, Ogun State, in addition to holding several operational and administrative positions across the country.
His previous postings include Operations Officer at the Maisandari Division in Yobe State, Area Crime Officer at the Umuahia Area Command in Abia State, Staff Officer at the IGP Secretariat, Force Headquarters, Second-in-Command of the 50 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Kubwa, and Officer-in-Charge of the Force Headquarters Situation Room, where he coordinated the dissemination of crime and security information nationwide.
The statement quoted the Inspector-General as expressing confidence in Iniedu’s capacity to lead the Force Public Relations Department, noting that his wealth of experience and professional background would further strengthen the police’s strategic communication architecture and enhance engagement with members of the public.
Insist state policing must align with federalism, citizens’ rights as governors deepen talks on constitutional review, energy transition, agriculture, social protection
The 36 state governors under the umbrella of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum have renewed their support for the establishment of state police and sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s power sector, signalling fresh momentum for key constitutional and economic restructuring efforts.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Forum’s second meeting held on Wednesday, where the governors deliberated on security, energy, nutrition, agriculture and development partnerships affecting the country.
According to the communiqué, the governors engaged in extensive consultations with Attorneys-General across the states to review proposed constitutional amendments relating to state policing and other governance reforms.
They stressed that any framework for state police must be “constitutionally sound, consistent with federalism, and protective of citizens’ rights,” adding that ongoing legal consultations would help shape a unified and stronger position for the states ahead of national engagement.
The Forum noted that the collaborative review process with legal advisers was already producing inputs expected to strengthen the collective stance of states on security restructuring in the country.
On social development, the governors received a presentation from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on progress under the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative, aimed at tackling malnutrition at the grassroots.
They reaffirmed their commitment to improving nutrition outcomes across Nigeria, particularly in reducing child malnutrition, and expressed support for the ongoing consideration of the National Nutrition Bill.
The governors also called for sustained engagement with stakeholders to strengthen the legal and institutional framework guiding nutrition governance nationwide.
In another briefing, the Forum was updated by the World Bank Country Office on the proposed Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Nigeria (FY2026–2032), alongside the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) Programme.
The AGROW initiative is designed to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains, attract private sector investment, improve food security, and support early childhood development interventions across participating states.
The governors expressed support for continued collaboration with the Federal Government, the World Bank and development partners, while endorsing state-specific interventions aimed at ensuring effective implementation and measurable impact.
They further urged stronger inter-sectoral coordination in health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, and social protection systems to improve outcomes for citizens.
On energy reform, the Forum considered the National Solar Super-Grid (NSSG) Initiative, a plan to expand electricity access through decentralised solar generation integrated into a national transmission backbone.
The governors noted the initiative’s potential to improve energy security, deepen industrialisation, strengthen state electricity markets and accelerate economic growth across the federation.
Reaffirming their commitment to power sector reforms, the governors pledged sustained collaboration with stakeholders to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity, describing energy reform as central to job creation, productivity and national development.
The meeting ended with a renewed resolve by the governors to deepen cooperation on reforms seen as critical to economic stability, security restructuring and improved welfare for Nigerians.
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