……Engr. Adedini Declares for 2027 Reps Race, Picks Nomination Forms

Engr. Marcus Adedini has officially declared his intention to contest the House of Representatives seat for Ife Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, following the purchase of his nomination and expression of interest forms.

His declaration marks his formal entry into the race and reflects what he described as a long-standing commitment to public service, grassroots development, and policy-driven leadership across Ife land.

A development advocate and grassroots mobiliser, Adedini brings years of community engagement and policy experience to his ambition. Through his initiative, he has spearheaded several community-based interventions spanning education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and social welfare.

In the education sector, his programmes have supported students with scholarships, learning materials, and infrastructure development. In healthcare, he has facilitated medical outreach initiatives aimed at improving access to services and raising community health awareness.

Adedini has also implemented youth empowerment schemes, equipping young people with vocational skills, startup support, and capacity-building opportunities to promote entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment. His efforts extend to women and vulnerable groups through targeted empowerment programmes designed to improve livelihoods.

Beyond grassroots initiatives, Adedini has gained legislative exposure, contributing to the drafting of bills and motions in key sectors, including education, healthcare, and social development. Supporters say his experience in budgeting and project facilitation positions him to attract federal projects to the constituency.

Calling for support, Adedini urged residents of Ife Federal Constituency to rally behind what he described as a shared vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

He pledged to run a people-focused and issue-based campaign, promising effective representation and impactful service if elected.

… Lagos Green Line, Kano, Kaduna rail schemes to boost connectivity

… Tinubu to chair power sector task force as reforms gather pace

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday approved a $2.99 billion package of rail infrastructure projects and the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Power Sector Reform, in a move signalling a renewed push by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deepen infrastructure development and unlock economic growth.

Briefing State House correspondents after the Council meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the rail projects span key urban corridors and are designed to enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and stimulate regional commerce.

He listed the projects as the Lagos Green Line Rail, the Kano State Metro Rail, and the Kaduna State Rail project, noting that they have already been captured in the extended 2025 budget.

“The Federal Executive Council approved three transformative rail projects – Lagos Green Line, Kano State Metro Rail, and Kaduna State Rail project. These projects are to be sponsored by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated,” Oyedele said.

He explained that the approvals align with the administration’s broader infrastructure strategy, which prioritises rail transport as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to road networks.

The Lagos Green Line is expected to complement existing mass transit systems in the commercial hub, while the Kano and Kaduna rail schemes are projected to boost passenger and freight movement across northern Nigeria, improving trade and economic activity.

In a related development, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the creation of a Presidential Task Force on Power Sector Reform, alongside key appointments aimed at strengthening governance in the electricity industry.

Idris said the Council approved the appointment of former Minister of Power, Lanre Babalola, as Special Adviser on Power to the President, to enhance coordination and policy oversight.

He disclosed that the President would chair the task force, with Babalola playing a central role in driving its activities.

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“The task force is part of renewed efforts by the administration to reposition the power sector as a critical driver of industrialisation and economic growth,” Idris said.

According to him, the decision followed the submission of a report by a presidential committee set up on March 4 to review the commercial and institutional framework for the proposed Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO).

He noted that the task force brings together key stakeholders, including the Ministers of Finance, Power, Industry, Trade and Investment, Information, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, alongside regulators and representatives of electricity generation and distribution companies.

Idris said the body would focus on implementing far-reaching reforms to address structural bottlenecks in the sector, stressing that stable electricity supply remains central to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

He added that the government is committed to a comprehensive overhaul of the power sector to unlock industrial productivity and improve living standards.

The minister further disclosed that the FEC meeting was preceded by the swearing-in of a National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and four Permanent Secretaries.

He said President Tinubu administered the oath of office on retired Rear Admiral K. M. Marafa as INEC National Commissioner following her confirmation by the National Assembly.

Idris added that the Council deliberated on a 32-point agenda, reflecting what he described as the administration’s broad reform focus across critical sectors of the economy.

…directs action against sponsors of violence, backs Plateau peace committee

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday night declared that attempts by his political opponents to exploit insecurity to force him out of office would fail, insisting that he would not only remain in office but also seek a second term.

Speaking at the State House, Abuja, while receiving stakeholders from Plateau State, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the President described himself as resolute in the face of political pressure.

“You are playing to the hand of agents, including my own enemies, who want to use insecurity to get rid of me. But I’m a very stubborn politician. I just refuse to go. And I will campaign for my second term,” Tinubu said.

The President warned that the Federal Government would move decisively against individuals found to be instigating or financing violence across the country, stressing that credible intelligence would be acted upon without delay.

“If you identify and you know the name of troublemakers, agents provocateur, who want to continue killing or instigate killing, let us know. We will use the instrument of office to deal with them,” he said.

Tinubu emphasised that security agencies stand ready to confront such threats once actionable information is provided, noting that the recurring cycle of violence must end.

In a move to strengthen peace efforts in Plateau State, the President also endorsed a newly constituted peace committee comprising former governors of the state, charging them to work collectively toward lasting solutions.

He directed the committee to review existing white papers on past conflicts and harmonise recommendations for implementation.

“Call one another. Ignore the Governor’s Committee if you have to, or incorporate them. Take that white paper, go through it among yourselves and agree to implement it.

“If the ones you have chosen before now are not working, you have to mix and amend membership. Forget those committees you mentioned to me, if it’s not working, it’s not working. Consider this group as the committee until we find a lasting solution,” the President said.