Royal News

Author: Nurat Adedokun

  • Ogun State Pays N500m to Fight Gully Erosion

    The National Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Ayuba Yalaks, has confirmed that Ogun State has paid N500 million in counterpart funding as part of efforts to address gully erosion across the state.

    Yalaks disclosed this on Wednesday during an assessment tour of erosion-prone areas in Abeokuta, noting that the payment was a key requirement for accessing financial support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for approved intervention sites.

    The inspection covered gully erosion sites in Makalewo and Olorunsogo (Ijebu Ode), Ojumele (Sagamu), and Ishakale (Ado-Odo/Ota LGA). Yalaks assured that the state was fully prepared to commence operations, with technical and financial support to come from the federal government and development partners.

    Receiving the delegation, Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, alongside the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, and the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, said the state’s financial commitment reflected Governor Dapo Abiodun’s determination to protect residents from erosion and flooding.

    On his part, the State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Ismail Adenuga, explained that the visit aimed to assess the scale of environmental damage and chart sustainable solutions for the affected communities.

    Meanwhile, some residents of the impacted areas, including Olubajo Banuso Oyeyinka, Kayode Bello, and Funmilayo Egbeleye, appealed to the government to provide lasting remedies by ensuring proper floodwater channels to safeguard lives and property.

  • Tinubu Set to Unveil Chinese-Built Lithium Plant

    Tinubu Set to Unveil Chinese-Built Lithium Plant

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to inaugurate a newly completed 6,000-metric-tonne lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule has announced.

    Speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting with the president in Abuja, Sule said the facility, constructed by a Chinese investor, is fully completed and awaiting official commissioning.

    “Mr. President has assured us that upon his return from his short vacation, he will come to Nasarawa to commission the project. This plant represents another milestone in our efforts to unlock the economic potential of our solid minerals sector,” the governor said.

    He recalled that in 2024, Nasarawa commissioned a 3,000MT lithium plant, which attracted further investments after confirming the state’s rich lithium deposits. “What we are seeing now is a direct result of investor confidence,” Sule added.

    Lithium, a vital component in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, has become one of the most sought-after minerals worldwide. The new facility is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global lithium market, create jobs, and drive industrial growth in Nasarawa State.

  • Governors Seek Tinubu’s Support for Oil, Road Projects

    Governors Seek Tinubu’s Support for Oil, Road Projects

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday led fellow North East governors to a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where they pressed for urgent federal intervention in infrastructure and economic development.

    The talks centered on the completion of 17 major road projects across the region and the revival of oil exploration at Kolmani and the Lake Chad frontier wells.

    The governors in attendance included Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Bala Muhammad (Bauchi), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba).

    Zulum, who chairs the North East Governors’ Forum, emphasized the importance of strategic road corridors such as the Kano–Maiduguri Road, Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Maiduguri Railway line, Bama–Mubi–Yola Road, Wukari–Jalingo–Yola Road, Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Damaturu Road, Damaturu–Geidam Road, Gombe–Potiskum–Damaturu–Biu Road, Maiduguri–Monguno–Baga Road, and Maiduguri–Ngala–Bama–Banki Road.

    He noted that completing the projects would stimulate trade, strengthen agriculture, and improve security across the six states.

    The delegation also sought renewed federal backing for oil exploration in Kolmani and Lake Chad, saying it would diversify the economy and generate jobs for residents.

    In his remarks, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to closing the infrastructure gap and supporting economic transformation in the North East.

  • Tinubu Will Win More Southeast Support Than Expected – Shittu

    Tinubu Will Win More Southeast Support Than Expected – Shittu

    Immediate past Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure an unexpected level of support from the Southeast in the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme on Wednesday, Shittu dismissed concerns over the so-called “Obi factor,” insisting that it would not significantly influence the outcome of the polls.

    “If you know the amount of votes that will be coming from even the South East for APC, you’ll be shocked,” the former minister said.

    He attributed the growing support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the region to the influence of key figures such as Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, whom he credited with helping shift political sentiment in Tinubu’s favour.

    “Even the people from the South East, with the efforts of people like Dave Umahi and so many others, a lot of people are getting convinced to come the Tinubu route,” Shittu added.

    On whether Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi would remain a dominant factor in the Southeast, Shittu was dismissive.
    “It doesn’t matter. What is important is for Tinubu to win. Even if to win by 10 votes, I can assure you that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going to win,” he stated.

  • Kwankwaso: El-Rufai Lacks Grassroots Support in Kaduna

    Kwankwaso: El-Rufai Lacks Grassroots Support in Kaduna

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as “an expired politician” who thrives on blackmail, lies, and desperate tactics.

    In a statement he personally issued, Kwankwaso accused El-Rufai of working to undermine President Bola Tinubu and other political leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections. He insisted that the former governor’s alleged manipulations had failed, pointing to the recent bye-election in Kaduna State as evidence of his lack of grassroots support.

    Kwankwaso further warned that El-Rufai could not derail Tinubu’s political future the way he allegedly frustrated former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, stressing that Nigerians were now politically aware and could identify those genuinely committed to peace and national progress. He maintained that President Tinubu remained unmatched in the 2027 presidential race.

  • 2026 Poll: Osun PDP Seeks Fairness From Police

    2026 Poll: Osun PDP Seeks Fairness From Police

    The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Nigeria Police Force to remain neutral as preparations for the 2026 governorship election intensify in the state.

    In a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo, PDP State Chairman, Sunday Bisi, praised the Inspector-General of Police and the State Commissioner of Police for their professionalism but expressed concern over what he described as a disturbing pattern of arrests and detentions of party members.

    According to the PDP, petitions from All Progressives Congress (APC) members were being treated with unusual urgency, while similar complaints from PDP members received little or no attention. The party further alleged that the police often acted as complainants on behalf of APC petitioners instead of serving as impartial investigators.

    The PDP cited at least four such incidents in the past two weeks, some allegedly initiated from police headquarters in Abuja, with attempts to transfer arrested PDP members to the Federal Capital Territory.

    While reaffirming its confidence in the leadership of the IGP and the Osun Commissioner of Police, the PDP called for urgent corrective action. “It is too early for Osun to be involved in controversy over rights issues and electoral activities. We believe the Police will correct the negative trend in the interest of fairness, equity, and peace,” the party said.

  • INEC Counters ADC Over Lagos CVR Allegations

    INEC Counters ADC Over Lagos CVR Allegations

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State has dismissed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of figure manipulation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

    The ADC had alleged possible manipulations in the online pre-registration exercise in Lagos and other states.

    But INEC’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity in Lagos, Mr. Taiwo Gbadegesin, described the allegation as baseless. He explained that the current registration figures reflect the state’s demographic realities, noting Lagos’ large, youthful and tech-savvy population.

    “In the last CVR (2021–2022), Lagos recorded the highest number of registrations nationwide. The state’s total registered voters rose from 6,570,291 before the exercise to 7,060,195 afterwards. The current figures, therefore, align with this established pattern,” he said.

    Gbadegesin added that the numbers also highlight INEC’s effective deployment of resources and sustained public awareness campaigns, stressing that the commission remains committed to transparency in discharging its mandate.

  • Dessers Targets Titles After Joining Panathinaikos

    Dessers Targets Titles After Joining Panathinaikos

    Cyriel Dessers has expressed his delight after completing a permanent switch to Greek champions Panathinaikos from Rangers.

    The Nigeria international signed a three-year deal with the Athens club on Monday, bringing an end to his two-year stint in Scotland.

    “Panathinaikos are a very good team. I saw their atmosphere and history. They create a lot of chances, and my game is getting into the box and scoring goals. But for me, winning titles is the most important thing,” Dessers told the club’s official website.

    The 30-year-old was prolific at Rangers, scoring 52 goals in 115 appearances and finishing as top scorer in the Scottish Premiership last season with 19 goals.

  • Uche Promises Impact After Loan Move to Crystal Palace

    Uche Promises Impact After Loan Move to Crystal Palace

    Nigeria forward Christantus Uche says he is eager to make his mark at Crystal Palace after joining from Spanish side Getafe.

    The 22-year-old completed a season-long loan on deadline day, with Palace holding an obligation to buy him next summer.

    “This moment is unbelievable. I’m very lucky to be here today and this club is a big opportunity for me,” Uche told the club’s official website.

    His rise has been remarkable, having featured in Spain’s fifth tier just three years ago. He moved to Getafe from third-division side Ceuta last year and scored four goals in 33 La Liga appearances.

  • Ten Hag Shocked as Leverkusen Sack Him After Two Matches

    Ten Hag Shocked as Leverkusen Sack Him After Two Matches

    Erik ten Hag says he was shocked by Bayer Leverkusen’s decision to dismiss him after just two Bundesliga matches in charge.

    The Dutch coach, who was appointed on July 1, was relieved of his duties on Monday following a disappointing start to the season.

    His brief tenure included a German Cup win over SG Sonnenhof Grossaspach, a 2-1 league defeat to Hoffenheim, and a 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen.

    “The decision by Bayer Leverkusen’s management this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise,” Ten Hag said in a statement. “To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented.”

    He also criticised the club’s handling of the transfer window, blaming the sale of key players for the team’s struggles and claiming he was not given enough time to implement his ideas.