馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori backs President Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid, citing family ties and economic reforms
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori stated it would be "evil" for Deltans to vote against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, emphasizing the President's personal and family connections to the state. Speaking on Arise Television, Oborevwori highlighted that President Tinubu is the only leading presidential contender with a direct affiliation to Delta State through First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who has ancestral ties to the region. The Governor described Tinubu's candidacy as a "family affair," noting that the First Lady's influence, particularly among the Itsekiri ethnic group, has strengthened support for the President in the state. He also defended the Tinubu administration's economic policies, asserting that recent reforms have improved revenue allocation to states, including Delta. Oborevwori mentioned that the First Lady was conferred with a traditional title in the Warri Kingdom in February 2026, an event that reinforced cultural ties. These comments are expected to spark debate on the role of ethnic and family affiliations in electoral politics ahead of the 2027 general election.
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Must ReadPresident Bola Tinubu has signed the Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026, establishing a new supervisory architecture to harmonize virtual asset regulation in Nigeria. The order, effective immediately, aims to close regulatory gaps exploited by fraudulent operators and position the country to benefit from digital economy innovation. It addresses a fragmented regulatory environment where virtual assets blur traditional boundaries, leading to risks like money laundering, terrorism financing, and fraud. The order creates a Virtual Asset Council, chaired by the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, with the Nigeria Revenue Service and the Securities and Exchange Commission SEC as vice-chairs. This council, which also includes the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and the Office of the National Security Adviser, will provide policy direction and work with the Attorney-General of the Federation to develop a harmonized legal framework. A Virtual Asset Office, with its secretariat at the CBN, will handle day-to-day coordination. The order clarifies that it does not create a new regulator but coordinates existing agencies' work. Activities involving securities will be registered by the SEC, while payment, settlement, custody, and related services for non-security virtual assets will be registered by the CBN. The CBN is also proceeding with a regulatory sandbox for virtual assets, and the Nigeria Revenue Service will release a specific tax policy for the sector.
Four individuals abducted from Government Secondary School, Olowa Agbajo, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, have been successfully rescued and are receiving care. The victims, including the school principal, a NECO official, and two female candidates, were taken on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, by armed bandits during an ongoing National Examinations Council examination. Commissioner of Police, Bello Kankarofi, announced the rescue on Friday, July 17, 2026, stating that security operatives, following orders from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, deployed tactical teams and intelligence assets, leading to the victims' rescue on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Preliminary findings indicate that the school had been shut down by the Kogi State Government due to its isolated location and security concerns, but was allegedly used as an unauthorized 'special examination centre' for ten candidates. Investigations are underway into allegations that individuals facilitated the use of the abandoned facility and that the classroom used for the examination had a history of examination malpractice. The Commissioner emphasized that anyone found to have violated the law will be prosecuted and urged examination bodies and school authorities to cooperate with the investigation. He also thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Governor Ododo, and various security agencies for their support and efforts, assuring the public that operations to identify and arrest those responsible are ongoing.
Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria is intensifying efforts to promote freer movement across Africa to boost trade, investment, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, stated that trade cannot thrive where entrepreneurs and investors face movement restrictions, emphasizing that easier movement of people, goods, and investments is crucial for unlocking opportunities under the AfCFTA. Nigeria is committed to removing barriers hindering trade and business mobility across African markets and is engaging through the AfCFTA Secretariat, African Union, and bilateral channels for simplified visa procedures, including visa-on-arrival arrangements and mutual recognition of business travel documentation. The Minister commended Togo for committing to remove visa requirements for African travelers and praised Rwanda's progressive visa policy for strengthening business travel, tourism, and regional investment. Nigeria is also addressing trade barriers through the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and improved customs cooperation, with digital trade facilitation, transport connectivity, and better logistics expected to reduce business costs. Freer movement is anticipated to create opportunities for trade, investment, jobs, and economic growth across Africa, benefiting Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs, women-led businesses, and non-oil exporters. Nigeria has inaugurated the Nigeria-Uganda Air Car