Aliko Dangote has retired as Chairman of the Board of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, bringing an end to a 20-year leadership of the company.

His retirement takes effect from June 16, 2025, according to a statement signed by the company’s secretary, Temitope Hassan, on Wednesday.

Dangote, who has been at the helm of leadership since 2005, is credited with steering Dangote Sugar into a market leader in Nigeria’s sugar industry, overseeing major expansion projects and strengthening corporate governance.

“In line with the principles of good corporate governance and succession planning, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc hereby announces the retirement of our esteemed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON), effective June 16, 2025,” the statement read.

The statement noted that under his leadership, the company implemented key Backward Integration Projects in Adamawa, Taraba and Nasarawa States to improve local sugar production and reduce import dependence.

The Board has appointed Independent Non-Executive Director, Arnold Ekpe, as the new chairman.

“Following a rigorous selection and transition process, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Arnold Ekpe, Independent Non-Executive Director as the new Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc. effective 16th June 2025,” the statement added.

Ekpe is a seasoned banker and former group CEO of Ecobank, with extensive boardroom and leadership experience across sectors.

“We welcome Mr. Ekpe to his new role and look forward to the next chapter in our Company’s journey under his leadership. We also express our deep appreciation to Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his years of exemplary service and unwavering commitment to excellence,” the statement concluded.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has urged the people of the state to ignore detractors and destructive critics of his recent defection, saying his move to the All Progressives Congress was in the best interest of the state.

Addressing a mammoth crowd at the Victor Attah International Airport on his arrival from France on Wednesday, Eno asserted that he is the one in the driver’s seat and knows the right path to avoid traffic jams.

He said many of those criticising his decision are not even from Akwa Ibom State but enjoy interfering in matters that do not concern them.

Eno emphasised that Akwa Ibom would remain focused, peaceful, and united in its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

He stated that his defection to the APC was never intended to cause disunity but rather to strategically position the state for progress and greatness.

He said, “And for the people who think we don’t have a choice, tell them that I have exercised my right, and that it is within our right to freely associate. Let’s remain focused, because when you are pursuing an elephant, you don’t let a dog stop you on the road.

“So, to those who are talking—some of them are not even from Akwa Ibom—they put their mouths in what does not concern them. Please, don’t listen to them. This progressive movement is within my right!

“This is Akwa Ibom State’s matter. I am the one in the driver’s seat today. I am the one holding the steering wheel, and I know where there will be no traffic jam. I know where there will be no potholes. That’s why I have chosen to take Akwa Ibom on an expressway—free of traffic and potholes. I am the driver who can see clearly.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to leading the state on a path of unity, peace, and progress, under the guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit, which he said found him worthy to lead at this critical time.

Also speaking, the APC State Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, described the political criticisms trailing the governor’s defection as unreasonable. He maintained that Governor Eno is the right leader for the moment and will continue to pilot the affairs of the state with passion, regardless of opposition.

He called on the people to ignore baseless criticisms and unite in supporting the governor to bring more dividends of democracy from the federal level to the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, who led a team of supporters to welcome the governor, said the warm and colourful reception was a demonstration of solidarity and love for a father and governor who has performed creditably well.

The National Leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has urged the country’s leadership and citizens to revisit the foundational principles of federalism as contained in the 1963 Constitution, calling it the blueprint for national unity and enduring progress.

Fasoranti, in a statement on Wednesday commemorating June 12, called for the country to return to the 1963 Republican Constitution, which he said provides the needed framework for true federalism, a structure that empowers Nigeria’s diverse regions to operate with some degree of autonomy.

“To ensure an enduring framework for unity and progress in the country, federalism enables the constituent parts of the country to exercise some level of autonomy or self-determination as obtained in the First Republic,” he said.

He described the present system as over-centralised and inadequate for Nigeria’s complex needs, arguing that true federalism would encourage balanced development and reduce regional tensions.

Fasoranti continued by hailing the milestone of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999 but emphasised the need for structural reforms to deepen democratic practice in Nigeria.

The elder statesman acknowledged the sacrifices made by pro-democracy groups that fought for the restoration of civil governance.

He said,”Without doubt, the sustained and uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 is a product of the sacrifices and commitment of our heroes and heroines in the civil society groups, and other well-meaning compatriots, who, along with Afenifere, coalesced into the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, to constitute the vanguard of progressive forces that ensured the restoration of democracy and the birth of the Fourth Republic.”

Fasoranti expressed hope in the continued vibrancy of progressive movements, and he said he is confident that the progressive spirit will continue to sustain and nurture democratic ideals in Nigeria

Turning to the persistent insecurity plaguing the nation, Fasoranti noted that despite ongoing efforts, the country remains under siege from violent non-state actors.

He proposed the creation of State Police and Community Policing as realistic and urgently needed solutions to combat insecurity.

Fasoranti said,”We, in Afenifere, share the view of many other patriotic Nigerians that establishing State Police and checking internal collaborators appears to be the panacea for this scourge that tends to make living or travelling in certain parts of the country a nightmare

“I am therefore seizing this opportunity to call on the federal and state governments to establish the State Police and the Community Policing system.”

Fasoranti concluded by reminding Nigerians of the deeper meaning of June 12 and the need to rise above divisions in pursuit of a greater national purpose.

The Katsina State Police Command said it has uncovered a kidnapping syndicate involving a 14-year-old girl who conspired with three others to abduct her four-year-old sister and fake her own abduction to demand ransom.

Spokesperson for the command, Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the command’s activities for the month of May.

He said the incident was reported on February 20, 2025, by one Alhaji Badamasi Bala of Madaci Yan Nono Quarters, Katsina, who informed the police that his two daughters, aged 14 and 4, had been kidnapped.

The abductors demanded a ransom of ₦50 million for their release.

“Upon receipt of the letter, the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Bello Shehu, detailed the command’s anti-kidnapping to investigate. Promptly, detailed investigation commenced.

“About four months from the date of the kidnapping, the eldest daughter surfaced. When questioned, she confessed to having conspired with three others to kidnap her 4-year-old sister and faked her own kidnapping,” he said.

The other suspects, aged 25, 19, and 16, were subsequently arrested, and the four-year-old victim was rescued unharmed. 

He added, “They all confessed to the commission of the offence.

“During the investigation, one live round of 7.62mm ammunition was recovered from their possession. Investigation is ongoing.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Bello Shehu, psc, fdc, MNIM, commends the officers’ efforts and urges the public to continue supporting the crime-fighting efforts of the command by reporting suspicious activities for prompt and decisive action.”

Political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has used the occasion of Nigeria’s Democracy Day to call for a deeper reflection on leadership in the country, describing some politicians as “thugs and tropical gangsters.”

Utomi shared his thoughts in a series of posts on Wednesday and Thursday via his X handle, where he emphasised the need for Nigerians to liberate themselves from politicians whose actions he said continue to damage the country’s progress.

“The real reflection for June 12 has to be how the people can liberate themselves from thugs and tropical gangsters masquerading as politicians, as their character flaws damage the prospects of the people of their countries,” he wrote.

Utomi linked the spirit of June 12 to the leadership struggle championed by the late Chief MKO Abiola, whose annulled 1993 election victory is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“Engaging the leadership question in African politics is what drove Chief Abiola.

“So June 12 is perhaps the day to reflect on leadership,” Utomi stated.

The professor also referenced Kenyan public intellectual PLO Lumumba, noting that Lumumba frequently points out Nigeria’s failings when compared with countries like Qatar, often to the discomfort of Nigerian elites.

“From inside, we hear it every day from people like PLO Lumumba who often shows off Nigeria’s failings when he compares with Qatar, as Nigerian elite in his audience grin sheepishly as if they do not realise it is about them he is speaking. But what he says is the truth,” he added.

Utomi further revealed that he would observe three minutes of silence at noon on June 12 in honour of some key figures linked to the democratic struggle.

These include the late Chief MKO Abiola, whom he described as a hero, and others like Tunde Akinleye, a former chairman of Ikoyi Club, and elder statesman, Papa Ayo Adebanjo.

He also referenced the book ‘Tropical Gangsters’ by development expert Robert Klitgaard, suggesting the term aptly describes the nature of political leadership in parts of Africa.

June 12 is officially recognised as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in honour of the 1993 elections, which are considered the freest and fairest in the country’s history.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has bemoaned the continuous child labour practices in the country, lamenting that the situation steals the dream of young children.

She said this against the backdrop of the World Against Child Labour Day 2025, marked on June 12.

She called for strengthening of laws to discourage the practice, while rallying support for families, and investment in quality education for every child.

In a personal statement she wrote to commemorate the day, she said, “Today, we raise our voices for millions of children whose dreams are stolen by the harsh reality of child labour. It is unacceptable that children are still forced to work instead of going to school, pursuing their dreams and learning how to grow into productive members of the society.

“Let us speed up efforts to end child labour in all ramifications by strengthening our laws, supporting families, and investing in quality education for every child.

“I urge us to work towards building a country where every child is free to thrive, dream, and reach their God-given potential. God bless our precious children!

The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Let’s Speed Up Efforts! End Child Labour!”

A socio-political activist, Reno Omokri has said his support for the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu was not financially induced.

Omokri, who is known for his attacks on opposition figures, particularly the Labour Party presidential candidate in the last election, Peter Obi, addressed the matter while featuring on Channels TV program on Wednesday.

The former presidential spokesperson claimed that his support for the administration is based on patriotism birthed by his love for the country.

He vehemently denied the allegations that he is on the payroll of the APC government, following his consistent support for relatively all President Tinubu’s policies.

He said, “So who was paying me between 2025 and 2023 when I was traveling over on matters concerning Nigeria?

“Why would anyone give me money? I’m doing this not just for the love I have for Tinubu but the love I have for Nigeria.

“Right now, I’m in Lagos and I don’t live here. I came to Lagos because people have spread wrong information about the Lagos-Calaba coastal highway.

“I bought a ticket with my own money, then I came and gathered journalists. I also gathered members of the public, ordinary Nigerians. I bought a drone with my own money to verify that indeed the 30 kilometers highway is complete”.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has vowed to ensure that President Bola Tinubu’s enemies develop high blood pressure.

Wike said he had realised that Tinubu’s opponents are unhappy with his good works since assuming office in 2023.

The minister made this statement during the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), along with other roads in the Katampe district of capital city, by President Tinubu on Wednesday.

Wike recalled how he came to understand, while watching television, that some individuals harbour resentment towards Tinubu.

The minister vowed to continue rolling out commendable projects that would cause further dismay to the President’s critics.

He said: “Sometimes, I don’t know, spiritually I was touched. I was just touched to turn it (TV) on, and I was watching, and I didn’t realise that people could be in pain, but now I know that such people are in pain.

“I now must make sure I continue to give them high blood pressure. As they continue to be in pain, it’ll be sweetening us, and that’s now my job.

“I’ll be happy, moving around, and laughing every time, and they’ll be there shouting, fighting, and killing themselves. So, Mr President, thank you for being part of this revolution.”

The media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has labelled the trio of Segun Sowunmi, Daniel Bwala, and Reno Omokri as political adventurers and nomads who switch allegiances for personal gain.

Ibe further said that Sowunmi has never directly worked for Atiku, but merely served as a spokesperson within the now-defunct PDP Presidential Campaign Council.

He made this clarification while addressing misconceptions about Sowunmi’s political alignment and his criticism of Atiku.

According to him, Sowunmi’s involvement was strictly with the PDP campaign organisation, which ended after the 2023 elections.

“Sowunmi was never a direct aide to Atiku Abubakar. He was one of several spokespersons in the defunct campaign organization. That’s an important distinction.

“Bwala and Omokri are like political nomads, moving from one place to another, always seeking the next opportunity. It’s a cultural phenomenon. The media needs to be careful not to misrepresent these roles. It often serves the interests of political opponents,” he stated.

Speaking on the matter of political loyalty, Ibe explained that while defections are a democratic right, those who benefited from Atiku’s platform should not malign him to gain favour elsewhere.

“You’re free to associate with anyone, but don’t bite the hand that fed you,” he said

Joe Igbokwe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has said that he could see only “one or two real men” in the planned coalition to sack President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Igbokwe, a staunch supporter of the present administration, made the claim in a post on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.

According to him, aside from the two unidentified “real men”, other members of the coalition are irrelevant and unknown.

He wrote, “When I look at the composition of the so-called coalition I see one or two that are real men.

“Others members are unknown, they have nothing to bring to the table, no skill, no energy , no resources, no charisma, no history, no character etc”.

DAILY POST reports that former Vice-President of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, are among the opposition figures teaming up against the APC government.

Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and his Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi, are also members.

Igbokwe had rated El-Rufai higher than every appointee of President Tinubu’s government, stating that the former governor is smarter and more intelligent