Headlines

Allegations of bribery, imposition trail LG elections in Ogun State.

Owolola Adebola

Nine chairmanship aspirants for Abeokuta South Local Government, Ogun state, have said that a chairmanship candidate, Hon. Omolaja Majekodunmi should be questioned for alleged huge amount of money he reportedly paid to the party leaders in order to get the chairmanship ticket.

Speaking on behalf of the nine aspirants was Hon. Enilolobo who disclosed this on Monday during a press conference held at Local Government Secretariat, Ake, Abeokuta South, Ogun state.

The statement reads ” We, the undersigned, wish to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR for his unflinching support towards the progress of Abeokuta South local government for appointing the man of the soil and a cerebral administrator to pilot the affairs of the Premier local government in Nigeria, Abeokuta South, Hon. Ayodeji Michael Shomide.

“We are unperturbed by the claim of some disgruntled elements within the fold of the party to resort to character assassination by declaring the Transition Committee Chairman of Abeokuta South local government, Hon. Ayodeji Shomide as a person whose source of income is questionable.

“While they failed to question the flamboyant, lavish life style of a staff of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission who paid the party leaders huge sum of money to fraudulently and unlawfully attempt to buy the party chairmanship ticket, a level 13 officer whose salary is 142,330.90k per month should be questioned of his source of multi million naira wasteful bribe offer to the party leaders in other to buy the party chairmanship ticket.

” It is so obvious that his income doesn’t commensurate with the multi million naira bribe offered the party leaders, therefore, his income and lifestyle is highly questionable.

“To set the record straight, Hon. Ayodeji Michael Shomide, popularly known as AY SHO, was born into the family of Ezekiel and Elizabeth Shomide of Abeokuta South local govt, Ogun State, Nigeria.

“He attended Springfield Nursery and Primary School and had his secondary school education at Baptist Boys High School (BBHS), Abeokuta, where he got his Secondary school leaving certificate.

” He continued his higher education at Plateau State Polytechnic, where he studied Diploma in Accounting and later furthered his studies at West London College, London, United Kingdom, where he studied Business Management.

“He is extremely motivated to constantly developing in skills and grow professionally.

” He is passionately confident in ability to engage challenges and come up with interesting ideas for unforgettable project development in housing, real estate and infrastructural development.

“Hon. Ayo Shomide, was appointed by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ogun State as the transition committee chairman of Abeokuta South local govt, where he is presently running the affairs of the local government as the number one citizen of the only Premier local govt in Nigeria.

“He established Builders Concept and Home Making Ltd. Hon Ayo Shomide is a seasoned Entrepreneur, a Builder and Property director by practice.

“Hon Ayo Shomide has demonstrated himself as good team leader, by bringing people together from beginning to the end of different projects.

“He chooses to specialize in the construction and property industry as a result his confidence in collaborative efforts towards achieving same goal, in which he is demonstrating as the Chairman of Abeokuta South local government.

“He has since grown his company into a multi-million Naira organization.

“Hon. Ayo Shomide has much interest in service, representation and giving back to the society at large. He is happily married and blessed with children.

“However, it has become pertinent as stakeholders in the local government to lend our voice to the political imbroglio rocking the party, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abeokuta South as some moneybag politicians have hijacked the peaceful co-existence of party members in the local government.

“Following series of attack and political assassination on the personality of Hon. Ayodeji Shomide by these moneybags, we have deemed it fit to declare our support for the Transition Committee Chairman to continue his good work as the Chairman of Abeokuta South local government, regardless of any dirty political tactics engineered by a member of the Ogun State Cabinet from Abeokuta South Local Government, whose main target is the 2023 National Assembly election.

“We can never had it this good in Abeokuta South with the performance of Hon. Shomide in the council area.

“Despite, the paucity of fund couple with the global Covid-19 pandemic which disrupted economy of the state, Hon. Shomide had in the last couple of years tremendously improved on the wellbeing of the citizens of the local government.

“With Hon. Shomide at the helms, every household in Abeokuta South can feel the impact of the state government through our dynamic and visionary Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

“Hon. Shomide has facilitated among other developmental projects to include;
1- New Health care center @ Oke Egunya, Ago-Oba.
2- Almost completed Shopping Complex @ Kemta side of Itoku market.

3- The New Itoku Market stalls(under construction)
4- Business support scheme for Adire textile producers within the LG, with an off taker arrangement.

5- Establishment of Traffic Mayor under the enabling law of Trace.

6- Proposed Skill aquisition center @ Blairs Memorial Panseke.

7- Proposed construction of a new computer village in Panseke.

8. Construction of Ijaiye Gbangba dilapidated bridge, among other numerous human development projects.

“We, however, call on His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun to discountenance the rabble rousers trying to pull down the people’s choice just to score cheap political goal and to misdirect our people for his own selfish political greed.

“It is imperative to inform the public that, the party is yet to adopt any consensus candidate, despite the multi million naira bribe offered the party leaders, as those imposing a particular candidate against the advice of the Governor are doing so to cause confusion among party members and simply to justify their shameful act of bribe taking.

“While we caution sponsors of the FAKE adoption of other candidate in the local government, we want to appeal to His Excellency to allow Hon. Shomide who has be adopted and endorsed by 9 out 14 lawful aspirants to continue his good work to maintain the already peaceful political atmosphere in the local government.

“We are committed with the decision of the party Apex leaders and the Governor as the leader of the party in the state.

“We don’t want another betrayer that will scuttle the continuation of Governor Abiodun beyond first term, by anyone for their selfish agenda of 2023.

“Shomide is loyal, committed party man, well accepted and very dedicated grassroots politician that will protect the interest of His Excellency in the local government.

“He remains the candidate to beat at the coming local government election. He is the only Candidate that can challenge the oppositions in the local government with his track record and achievements in office in the last year and a half years.”the statement concluded

Customs

Apapa Customs intercepts 25.5kg Cocaine on board Brazilian Ship

— hands over detained ship, seized drug to NDLEA

Funso OLOJO

The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has uncovered Cocaine weighing 25.5kg onboard a Brazilian ship, MV San Anthonio

The illicit drugs, packaged in 24 parcels/slabs ,were hidden in five bags found aboard the ship during customs intelligence -led checks that has resulted in the detention of the ship

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba,Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port Command ,lauded the discovery while describing it as a fallout of the robust synergy between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) .

According to the Area Controller, Customs intelligence discovered that upon her departure from Brazil, which is the ship’s country of origin, she had called at ports in Honduras, Guatemala and other places suspected to be hubs for illicit drug trade.

Oshoba reiterated the NCS resolve in ensuring only legitimate trade thrives in the port of Apapa in Lagos, following a zero compromise directive by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

While handing over the seized drugs to the NDLEA for further action, he also announced the detention of the vessel that came into Nigeria with the cocaine.

“What has happened today, is the outcome of profiling and intelligence -led operations by the NCS and NDLEA.

“Our resolve to prevent unlawful trade is refreshed daily following the directives of the CGC.

” This seizure and detention of the ship should send strong message of warning that should resonate in the camp of perpetrators of unlawful trade within our port system.

* Customs is strengthening its synergy with all sister government agencies and no criminal or group of lawless persons can beat us here.

” As we approach the Yuletide season, we will not sacrifice national security and economy on the altar of trade facilitation.

“All consignments exiting this port into our markets or warehouses must be duly examined with the contents ascertained to be what was declared” the CAC said.

At a brief handover ceremony,in the port,the NDLEA was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander, Apapa Strategic Command, who formally took over the seizure from customs

Customs

My appointment as WCO chair reflects confidence of global community in NCS reforms — Adeniyi

Funso OLOJO

The Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, said his recent election signals a broader recognition of the growing reform-driven credibility of African Customs administrations, with Nigeria’s recent modernization efforts serving as a strong example of the continent’s readiness to influence global customs policies.

Speaking exclusively on WCO Global interview session, Adeniyi said the confidence expressed in him by member nations reflects not only personal honour, but also the significant progress made by Nigeria in aligning its systems, procedures, and priorities with international best practices.

Answering questions on the WCO flagship interactive forum tagged “The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, Adeniyi who is also, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said: “It’s a kind of endorsement by the global customs community that we are on track.

” We have been undertaking reforms and modernization programmes in the last two years, and this validates the direction we are taking.” he said.

He noted that Africa’s customs landscape is rapidly changing, with several administrations leveraging WCO guidance to strengthen trade facilitation, improve revenue outcomes, and enhance border security.

Nigeria’s experience, he said, demonstrates how structured reforms, supported by international frameworks, can reposition a national customs service.

Speaking further on the Nigeria experience, Adeniyi pointed to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme as one of the most transformative initiatives Nigeria has implemented with support from the WCO.

According to him, the scheme has reduced clearance times at ports, improved revenue performance and fostered trusted partnerships with compliant traders—outcomes that reflect the effectiveness of global standards when domesticated with commitment.

He described the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and recent work on advance rulings as additional markers of how global customs programmes can change narratives, especially in developing economies.

Adeniyi also underscored the importance of the WCO as a stabilising force for customs administrations around the world, saying its ability to unify diverse countries around shared priorities—economic prosperity, national security, and environmental sustainability—makes it a unique institution.

He affirmed that his appointment as WCO is a honour for him and a recognition for the Nigeria Customs Service.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Customs administration has been undertaking some reforms and mordernisation programmes in the last two years.

“So it will also mean that this appointment is a kind of validation of the reforms that we are doing.

“It a kind of endorsement by the global Customs community that we are on track and we are aligning our priorities with that of World Customs Organisation”, he said.

On the appointment, he said, “I feel so excited. Of course, I know that it’s a very big responsibility on my part and on the part of Nigeria for us to shoulder this and provide quality leadership for the world Customs community

As the first Nigerian to hold the position in nearly two decades, Adeniyi said he is aware of the responsibility his chairmanship places on his country and the African region.

He pledged to use the platform to elevate the continent’s contributions while fostering an inclusive governance approach within the global customs system.

He encouraged member administrations to continue embracing diversity, describing it as the core strength that will enable the WCO to advance global trade and security objectives.

“Our uniqueness is our strength,” he said. “We must let this diversity continue to create opportunity and progress for us.” he noted.

Headlines

TransQuest magazine marks 20 years of excellence with awards, seminar in Lagos

Gloria Odion

The Quest Media Group, publishers of TransQuest monthly magazine and online platform Transquestng.com, is set to mark its 20th anniversary with One-Day Transport Seminar and Quest Awardees event on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

Billed as part of the organisation’s event to mark its 20 years of operations, the occasion will bring together major institutions and leading figures across Nigeria’s transport and maritime ecosystem for strategic dialogue, sector evaluation, and the recognition of outstanding contributors.

With the theme “Leveraging Nigeria’s Maritime Potentials to Drive Economic Growth,” the seminar will be chaired by a renowned Transport Scholar, Professor Bamidele Badejo, while Professor Iyiola Oni of the University of Lagos will serve as the main Guest Speaker, as well as Mr. Lucky Amiwero, a renowned Maritime Consultant.

According to the convener and Publisher of TransQuest magazine, Mr. Felix Kumuyi, the anniversary event reflects two decades of undiluted, consistent, watchdog-driven reportage of the maritime and transport sector.

He noted that the seminar is deliberately structured to deliver real value to national policy conversations while strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.

The event is expected to host a powerful lineup of special guests and award recipients, including the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima MON; the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa.

Also attending are top security and enforcement leaders such as ACG Mohammed Babandede, Coordinator of Zone A, Nigeria Customs Service; Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command of NDLEA; Prince Olayiwola Shittu (JP), CEO of Skelas Group; Mrs. Ezenwa, CEO of Le’look Nigeria Ltd and former Director at the Federal Ministry of Transport; Dr. Eugene Nweke.

Others include Alhaji Adetona Mobashir, Chairman and CEO of Only God is Wise Nigeria Ltd; Otunba Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Customs Consultative Council; as well as Customs Area Controllers including Compt. Frank Onyeka of Tin can Command, Compt. Godwin Otunla of Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, Compt. Emmanuel Oshoba of Apapa Command, Compt. Joe Anani of PTML Command, Compt. Wale Adenuga of Seme Command, among others.

The event will feature a thought-provoking symposium, interactive discussions, and presentations of awards to organisations and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact in the nation’s transport and maritime sectors.

Kumuyi added that beyond honouring industry trailblazers, the ceremony aims to deepen collaboration, promote best practices, and stimulate reforms needed to unlock Nigeria’s maritime economic potential.