The Ondo State government has made the decision to ban graduation parties for nursery and junior secondary school students, a move designed to alleviate the financial strain such elaborate ceremonies impose on parents and guardians.

This announcement was made by Bisi Lawani, the press officer at the state’s education ministry, in a statement released on Wednesday.

The directive was instigated by Igbekele Ajibefun, the commissioner for education, during a recent stakeholder meeting that brought together proprietors and proprietresses from all 18 local government areas of the state.

Ajibefun articulated the rationale behind the policy, emphasizing the need to alleviate unnecessary expenses for families and to shift the focus back to academic achievements at the conclusion of primary and secondary school cycles.

In addition to the ban on graduation parties, the state government is also taking measures to combat the issue of illegal and unregistered schools, with plans to re-accredit all private educational institutions to ensure quality assurance.

Ajibefun stressed the urgency of addressing the myriad challenges currently plaguing the education sector, remarking, “It is obvious that things have gone bad in the education sector; there are urgent issues we need to address so that we can bring back the lost glory.”

This recent ban in Ondo State follows similar actions taken in Benue and Imo states.

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On August 17, Imo’s commissioner for education, Bernard Ikegwuoha, communicated to parents, guardians, and school proprietors through a memo dated August 15.

His instructions stipulated that only students in primary 6 and those in senior secondary school are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies, in accordance with Nigeria’s established 6-3-3-4 education system.

Shortly thereafter, on August 21, Helen Nambativ, the permanent secretary at Benue’s education ministry, echoed this sentiment by announcing a ban on the graduation parties that are typically organized by kindergarten, nursery, and basic schools within the state.

This series of regulatory measures underscores a growing trend among Nigerian states to reform and prioritize educational integrity and financial prudence in the schooling process.

Former PDP senator representing Kogi West, Dino Relate has been summoned by a magistrate court in Abuja, over alleged failure to remits personal income tax for two years with another shortage of declaration in other years.

The criminal summons, dated August 21, 2025, requires Melaye to appear before the court in Wuse Zone II on September 5.

In the summons note, dated August 21, 2025, wants the former PDP members to appear before the court in Wuse Zone II on September 5, 2025.

As stated in reports, the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) accused Melaye of gross underpayment of his tax liabilities despite publicly declaring much higher earnings.

The agency said Melaye paid only ₦85,000.08 in 2019, ₦100,000.08 in 2020, ₦120,000 in 2021, and ₦1,000,000 in 2022, while declaring an income of more than ₦6.5 million in 2022 alone.

On May 23, 2025, the FCT-IRS issued an administrative assessment covering 2023 and 2024. After Melaye failed to respond within 30 days, the agency raised a Best of Judgment Assessment on June 23.

His tax liabilities were pegged at ₦234,896,000 for 2023 and ₦274,712,000 for 2024.

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Officials said several attempts to serve him personally failed, leading to the pasting of notices at his Maitama residence on July 9.

The agency accused him of breaching Section 41 of the Personal Income Tax Act, warning that unless he raises a valid objection or clears the liabilities, the assessment would become final and enforceable.

The FCT-IRS also disclosed that under-declarations were identified in Melaye’s filings for 2020, 2021, and 2022, adding that fresh notices will follow the conclusion of its review.

Melaye, who once chaired the Senate committees on FCT and aviation, was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 2023 Kogi governorship election, where he lost to Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, inaugurated 30 units of one-bedroom flats for officers and soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, with a pledge to continue supporting the welfare of security personnel in the state.

The Governor, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, said the housing project was not just about new buildings but a reaffirmation of government’s commitment to the welfare of its soldiers and the security architecture that guarantees peace and development.

Oborevwori commended the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, for his contributions in attracting the barracks to Delta, and lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its renewed commitment to tackling security challenges nationwide.

He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army, particularly the 63 Brigade and the 181 Amphibious Battalion, for their sacrifices in combating oil theft, criminality and other threats to peace in the state and the region.

“The 30 units of one-bedroom flats we are commissioning today symbolize our determination to improve the living conditions of the men and women who daily put their lives on the line for our safety.

“Decent accommodation for our soldiers is not only about welfare; it is about boosting morale and enabling them to discharge their duties with even greater dedication,” the governor said.

Oborevwori noted that the project was in line with the Meaningful Development and Enhanced Peace and Security pillars of his administration’s MORE Agenda, stressing that development and security must go hand in hand.

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Delta State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele, explained that the project for which contract was awarded in March 2023, comprised 30 one-bedroom flats for officers and soldiers of the 181 Battalion.

He lauded Governor Oborevwori for completing the project, describing it as a bold step in supporting the Army and strengthening security in the state.

The Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt. Col. Bukar Dabo, also thanked the state government for the intervention, noting that the housing units would go a long way in enhancing the welfare of officers and sustaining peace in the area.

Welcoming guests earlier, Chairman of Ika South Local Government Council, Engr Jerry Ehiwarior, praised the governor for approving the project, adding that the presence of the Army in the area had significantly improved the security of lives and property.

The representative of the Dein of Agbor, Chief Boniface Ebite, said the people of Agbor were proud of Governor Oborevwori’s achievements, stressing that the town’s strategic location made the project particularly significant and assured the Governor of the support of Agbor people in the years ahead.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by top military officers, top government functionaries, political leaders and dignitaries, including the Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade, Brig. Gen. M. A. Shonibare.

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During his state visit to Brazil, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his surprise at having the opportunity to lead Nigeria as its president.

Addressing the Nigerian diaspora community, he emphasized the importance of unity in promoting a positive image of Nigeria globally.

“I didn’t believe the opportunity of becoming president would come to me, but it did,” Tinubu said. “Now that I am in charge, I am committed to fulfilling that dream.”

The president addressed Nigerians living abroad, encouraging them to serve as proud representatives of the country. He highlighted the cultural connections that unite citizens and reiterated the government’s commitment to ongoing reforms aimed at economic recovery.

During his remarks, he acknowledged that these reforms might pose challenges initially, comparing them to “bitter medication” necessary for improving the nation’s overall health and establishing a pathway toward prosperity. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential to manufacture, develop, design, and build a robust and prosperous nation for all its citizens.

Drawing a comparison with Brazil, the president noted that both countries were once at similar levels of development; however, Nigeria has since fallen behind.

He affirmed that his administration is dedicated to bridging this gap through courage, foresight, and unwavering commitment.

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“Our priority is development. Nigeria has the resources, the brains, the energy, the youth, and the population. There is nothing we set our minds to that we cannot achieve,” he said.

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Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has made a noteworthy announcement regarding a substantial increase in the minimum wage for civil servants within the state.

This new wage, now set at N104,000, reflects the governor’s commitment to improving the financial well-being of state workers.

During an engaging meeting with members of the labor force, held at the Government House in Owerri, the governor detailed the rationale behind this decision.

He highlighted that the increase in wages has been made possible due to a notable rise in the state’s internally generated revenue, coupled with an enhancement in federal allocations. This financial uplift not only provides relief to workers but also seeks to invigorate the local economy.

In addition to the minimum wage hike, Governor Uzodimma also announced an increase in the monthly salaries for medical doctors working within the state civil service, which will now be set at N582,000.

This adjustment underscores the importance of healthcare professionals and aims to attract and retain talent in the state’s medical field.

The governor addressed the pressing issue of pension arrears by allocating a significant sum of sixteen billion naira to clear outstanding gratuities for pensioners.

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Governor Uzodimma expressed that these changes to the salary structure are strategically designed to not only enhance the morale and productivity of civil servants but also to drive economic growth across Imo State.

The government of Osun State has filed a suit at the Supreme Court of Nigeria against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) over the alleged unlawful withholding of statutory allocations meant for its 30 local government councils since March 2025, according to Nigerian Tribune.

In the originating summons filed on Monday on behalf of the Osun State by a team of lawyers led by Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, the state is asking the apex court to compel the Federal Government to release all withheld funds and to stop what it described as “an unconstitutional and arbitrary seizure” of local government allocations.

The plaintiff, Attorney-General of Osun State, argued that the AGF failed to comply with subsisting judgments of both the Federal High Court, Osogbo Division, delivered on November 30, 2022, and the Court of Appeal ruling of June 13, 2025, which recognized the local government chairmen and councilors elected on February 22, 2025.

The originating summons is supported by a 35-paragraph affidavit deposed to by the state commissioner for finance, Mr Ogungbile Adeola Olusola.

According to the summons, the AGF, in a March 26, 2025 letter, had advised that the funds be withheld pending resolution of what he described as a local government crisis in Osun.

However, Osun State insists that the Court of Appeal ruling settled the matter, affirming the legitimacy of the February 2025 elections, and nullifying the October 15, 2022 local government polls conducted under the previous administration.

The state is seeking multiple declarations, including that the AGF has no constitutional power to withhold local government allocations nor to act in contravention of valid court judgments.

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It also wants the Supreme Court to order the immediate release of all allocations withheld since March, to be paid directly into the accounts of the duly elected councils.

Among its prayers, Osun is asking for a perpetual injunction restraining the AGF from withholding, suspending, or seizing local government funds in the future, so long as democratically elected councils are in place in the state.

“The seizure, suspension, withholding and/or refusal to pay the allocations and revenues due to the constituent local government councils of the Plaintiff State… is unconstitutional, unlawful, wrongful and ultra vires the powers of the Defendant,” part of the suit reads.

The summons emphasizes that by virtue of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the existence of democratically elected local government councils is guaranteed, and that the AGF is duty-bound under Section 287 to enforce decisions of the courts, not undermine them.

The plaintiff raised the following five issues for determination: Whether having regard to the clear and unambiguous provisions of Section 287 (2) & (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which mandates all authorities and persons, including the Defendant herein, to enforce the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court of Nigeria, is the Defendant not under a constitutional obligation to enforce/give effect to the judgment of the Federal High Court, Osogbo Judicial Division, delivered on the 30th day of November, 2022 in Suit no FHC/OS/CS/103/2022 and more particularly the ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on 13th June, 2025 in Appeal no CA/AK/15/2025 which declared the said Federal High Court’s judgment as the authority regulating the state of affairs of Local Government Councils in the Plaintiff State; such that the contravening act(s) of the Defendant as disclosed in its affidavit of urgency of 13th August, 2025, ought to be declared a nullity.

Whether the said ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on 13th June, 2025 in Appeal no CA/AK/15/2025 does not constitute a clear bar to the advice and opinion of the Defendant as expressed by him in his letter dated 26th March, 2025, such that the Defendant ought not to have again expressed such advice and/or opinion in view of the clear pronouncement of the Court of Appeal which favours the Local Government Chairmen and Councilors elected in the Plaintiff State on 22nd February, 2025, as against those purportedly elected on 15th October, 2022?

“Whether the Federation acting through the Defendant in his capacity as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, can in any form whatsoever assume the constitutional role of this Honourable Court, as it appears to have done and/or attempted to do in an affidavit of urgency which it caused to be filed before the Federal High Court on the 13th of August 2025.

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“Whether upon being served with the ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on 13th June, 2025 in Appeal no CA/AK/15/2025, which ruling constitutes the latest in time delivered by the said Court of Appeal in respect of the perceived Local Government crisis in the Plaintiff State, the Defendant can still continue to hold on to any perceived Local Government crisis in Osun State as the reason for its failure to pay the statutory allocation due to Local Governments in Osun State.

“Whether upon being served with the ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on 13th June, 2025 in Appeal no CA/AK/15/2025, and which to the knowledge of the Defendant, none of the parties had appealed against, the Defendant is not under a constitutional obligation to withdraw his advice/opinion contained in his letter dated 26th March, 2025 and direct that all the withheld funds of the Local Government Councils in Osun State be released forthwith to the democratically elected Chairmen and Councillors elected pursuant to the election conducted on 22nd February, 2025 and sworn in on 23rd February, 2025.

“Upon a proper construction of Section 7(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which guarantees the existence and subsistence of democratically elected Local Government Councils in all the States of the Federation including the Plaintiff State, whether the act of the Defendant in withholding, suspending and/or seizing the statutory allocations due to the constituent Local Government Councils of the Plaintiff State since March 2025 till date without any lawful justification whatsoever, does not pose a threat to the existence, governance and/or subsistence of the democratically elected Local Government Councils in place in the Plaintiff State.

Simultaneously, the state has filed another suit at the Federal High Court, Osogbo, challenging the decision of the court to transfer an earlier case on the funds from Osogbo to Abuja for hearing. The suit, originally adjourned till November 2025 sought to stop moves by the Federal Government to pay the allocations to court-sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) council officials.

On August 25, 2025, Osun State Attorney-General, through counsel Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), filed a motion before the Federal High Court, Osogbo, seeking a stay of proceedings in that Suit No: FHC/OS/CS/94/2025 pending determination of the fresh Supreme Court case. The state warned that proceeding with the case at the lower court while the apex court is seized of the matter could result in conflicting judgments.

In an affidavit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Olufemi Akande Ogundun, described the Federal Government’s actions on the funds as “an affront to the rule of law.”

He argued that only the Supreme Court can conclusively determine the constitutional issues raised, citing precedents such as A.G. Kano State v. A.G. Federation (2007) and RMAFC v. A.G. Rivers State (2023).

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The Osun government is also opposing a directive of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, contained in a letter dated August 21, 2025, transferring the case from Osogbo to Abuja to be heard by a vacation judge.

In its motion on notice, the state asked the court to set aside the “purported fiat,” arguing that it violates both the court’s rules and the Chief Judge’s own vacation notice of May 28, 2025, which designated Lagos as the nearest vacation court for cases from Osogbo.

The state further accused the AGF of “self-induced urgency,” noting that despite being served with originating processes, he failed to respond for over 80 days before filing an affidavit of urgency on August 13, 2025. According to Osun, the Chief Judge’s transfer order “casts the lot of the court with the AGF” and risks creating a perception of bias.

With the matter now before the Supreme Court, the state government has urged the judiciary to halt all lower court proceedings until the apex court resolves the substantive issues.

No date has yet been fixed for hearing of the suits.

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