The Obi-Kwankwaso alliance is failing now, not in some remote future. Now it is falling apart, in public, in real time, and the loudest protests are coming from the backers of the two men themselves.
Whatever new banner the merger flies under, it has already run into the wall every serious observer predicted it would. Obi’s “Obidient” movement has disowned it. Kwankwaso’s northern base has scorned it. The movement that was supposed to create the merged machine is now fighting over who gets to drive it, with factions already split over a director-general. The alliance is fighting over its nameplate before any campaign literature has been printed. That’s not coalition.” That is a committee that cannot agree on who has the gavel.
APC former party chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has not cared to be polite about it. His judgment that the 2027 NDC bid is dead on arrival is not only self-serving, it is testable. And the early signs are good for that position.
Think about what the rejections are actually saying. Obi’s base, urban, southern, and notoriously hostile to what they call “recycled politicians,” are being asked to coalesce with Kwankwaso, a figure their own movement spent 2023 describing in precisely those terms. Meanwhile, Kwankwaso’s supporters are being asked to subordinate a northern engine to a southern candidate. The two camps are not natural partners; they are natural rivals who have a brief shared enemy. And the common enemy they have, Tinubu, is exactly what keeps them in the same room and that is why the room keeps growing lean.
That is the real story of the alliance. It’s not being rejected because it’s too bold an idea. It is being rejected because the people that it pretends to command never wanted it in the first place. A coalition that can’t convince its own followers isn’t a coalition, it’s a negotiation between two disappointed men and the ghosts of their old bases.
The arithmetic is on Tinubu’s side. The opposition was divided in 2023, resulting in a plurality win. By 2026 the divided opposition, now openly feuding, is something worse: it has produced a coalition so tangled in its own internal rejections that it cannot hardly provide leadership within its ranks, a tangible ticket or a message. The incumbent’s best asset in 2027 isn’t the record itself. It is the spectacle of the alternative arguing with itself before the campaign has even started.
Let the strange bedfellows continue to meet. Their supporter’s continued refusal to play the merger game is a free advertisement for the incumbent’s case. Nigerians are not being asked to choose between Tinubu and a united opposition. They’re being shown day by day that the opposition cannot even unite with itself.
That is the debate that Tinubu walks into as the favorite. Not because his challengers are weak men, but because their alliance is a weak thing, spurned by its own base, jeered at by its foes, incapable of answering the only question that counts: if you cannot agree on who leads you, why should Nigeria agree to be led by you at all?
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has felicitated the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural) and Public Information, Hon. Charles Aniagwu, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as an articulate, knowledgeable, accessible and media-friendly public servant.
The felicitation was contained in a birthday congratulatory letter addressed to the Commissioner and signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Forum, Emmanuel Enebeli, and Shedrack Onitsha, respectively.
In the letter, DOPF said Aniagwu had distinguished himself in public service through his commitment to the development of Delta State and his understanding of the strategic role of communication in governance. The Forum commended his ability to effectively communicate government policies and programmes, provide clarification on issues of public interest and engage stakeholders in ways that promote better understanding of the activities of government.
The Forum also praised Aniagwu for maintaining a cordial and mutually respectful relationship with the media, particularly online publishers in the state. It noted that his accessibility and willingness to engage journalists had helped promote constructive dialogue between government and the media, while also acknowledging his recognition of online journalism as an increasingly important platform for public enlightenment and development.
DOPF specifically expressed appreciation for the Commissioner’s relationship with the Forum, noting that his engagement with its members had contributed to an atmosphere of dialogue, mutual respect and constructive partnership between the online media community and the Delta State Government.
The Forum wished Aniagwu good health, greater wisdom, renewed strength and many more years of fruitful service to Delta State and humanity. It also prayed that God would continue to bless him and his family and grant him greater opportunities to contribute to the progress and development of the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to Delta State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, has congratulated the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, on his birth anniversary.
Ahon, in a statement to mark Aniagwu’s birth anniversary, described him as a versatile professional whose experience in journalism and public communication has continued to benefit governance in the state.
He said the commissioner had distinguished himself in journalism, business and public service, adding that his career had been defined by professionalism, versatility and commitment to duty.
He said Aniagwu’s background as a journalist had equipped him with the ability to analyse issues, engage different audiences and communicate government policies in ways that make them accessible to the public.
According to him, Aniagwu’s public speaking ability and deep understanding of current affairs had also contributed to his effectiveness as a government spokesman and political communicator.
Ahon said the commissioner had remained an important voice in the articulation and explanation of policies and programmes of the Governor Oborevwori’s administration, particularly at a time when effective communication had become critical to public understanding of government activities.
He said: “Aniagwu has built a career that cuts across journalism, business and public service, and in each of these areas, he has demonstrated competence and an understanding of the demands of the profession.
“His strength as a communicator is not only in his command of language, but also in his ability to engage issues from different perspectives and communicate them in a manner that ordinary people can understand.”
Ahon prayed God to grant Aniagwu more years in good health and fulfilment, while urging him to continue bringing his experience and knowledge to bear on the development of the state.
Next2None Support Initiative, a non governmental organization and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) officially joined forces to unveil Africa’s first-ever international fashion for social impact mega-campaign, in a historic move to reshape the global fight against human trafficking
Tagged “Threads of Resilience: Fashion for Freedom,” the groundbreaking initiative strategically unites the worlds of global fashion, international cinema, and elite sports into a singular, powerhouse movement designed to prevent exploitation, empower youth, and restore survivor dignity.
The partnership follows the formal signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both organizations on August 27, 2026 by the DG of NAPTIP, Binta Lami Adamu Bello, Director of the Legal and Prosecution Department for NAPTIP, Mrs Ijeoma Amugo and Director-General of Next2None Support Initiative, Mr. Sam Obu Esq., (popularly known as Chucky), and Mr. Frank Nwala.
The collaborative masterplan was announced in a statement signed by the Director-General of Next2None Support Initiative, Mr. Sam Obu Esq., and Mr. Frank Nwala, on Sunday.
Spanning an ambitious eight-year operational timeline from 2026 to 2034, the initiative targets an initial annual reach of 6,000 young people across Nigeria, carefully scaling up to train approximately 1,000 participants across each of the nation’s six geopolitical zones.
The program will run year-round, culminating in a spectacular annual flagship Global Fashion for Freedom event hosted in the capital city of Abuja, with its highly anticipated global launch slated for Q2 2027.
Speaking on the critical need for this initiative, Obu noted that the architecture of human trafficking has drastically evolved, adding that today, predators exploit digital platforms, leveraging social media, deceptive employment advertisements, fraudulent migration schemes, and online relationships to trap the vulnerable.
“Human trafficking is no longer just a law enforcement challenge; it is a crisis of poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity.
“’Threads of Resilience’ addresses this by moving beyond mere rescue. We are creating a sustainable, Nigerian-led international movement that uses creativity, sports, and education to establish pathways to absolute freedom and economic dignity”, the statement noted.
The statement said that the comprehensive program is structurally built on three transformative pillars namely the Prevention (Stopping the Cycle) which is expected to utilizing the cultural touchpoints that young people engage with daily—including fashion campaigns, school programs, digital advocacy, and community outreach—to expose trafficking risks and promote online safety.
The statement said empowerment (Reducing Vulnerability) is another pillar of action to be adopted, providing physical and digital training across critical vocational fields (such as fashion design, textile production, leather making, and garment care) blended with modern digital and enterprise skills (including e-commerce, financial literacy, and branding) to slide youth directly into sustainable livelihoods.
It will also rebuild (Restoring Dignity) which is offering complete, confidential, and respectful reintegration ecosystems for trafficking survivors, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnees which will includes vocational rehabilitation, mentorship, and vital mental health and psychosocial support.
According to the statement, to build true international coloration, Threads of Resilience is actively opening frontiers to engage global icons and institutional frameworks.
The initiative will position fashion as a vehicle for human rights where emerging designers and survivors will showcase collections carrying messages of healing and freedom, with Next2None and NAPTIP seeking active engagements and collaborations with major global luxury fashion houses, including Gucci, Balenciaga, Versace, and Hugo Boss.
In partnership with Nollywood and international filmmakers, the project will roll out impactful anti-trafficking movies, documentaries, and awareness skits, alongside providing hands-on film production training for young people.
Recognizing the raw power of grassroots sports, the campaign is building on existing talent hunt frameworks to engage global sporting bodies, the statement reads, adding “Strategic partnerships are being pursued with FIFA for football initiatives, the International Handball Federation (IHF) for handball tournaments, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) to deploy elite athlete ambassadors and sports clinics to reach vulnerable youth”.
Backed by NAPTIP’s governmental leadership and technical expertise, including facilitating collaboration with relevant Nigerian government institutions, United Nations agencies, the project driven by Next2None’s award-winning implementation track record, has established a rigorous Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning framework to track metrics such as employment rates, survivor rehabilitation success, and funds mobilized.
As the implementation roadmap swings into high gear with diplomatic outreach and stakeholder mobilization, the Media Office of Next2None Support Initiative extends a global call to action.
“We invite corporate organizations, international development grants, foundations, philanthropists, brand ambassadors, volunteers and foreign missions to join hands with us. Together, we can use creativity to educate, skills to empower, and partnerships to rebuild lives”, the statement reads.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has felicitated with the Obi of Owa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, OON, as he marks 67 years on the throne.
The Governor, in a goodwill message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described the Owa monarch as an accomplished traditional institution custodian whose long reign has remained synonymous with peace, stability and the advancement of his kingdom.
Oborevwori commended the monarch for his sustained commitment to the unity and progress of Owa Kingdom, as well as his invaluable contributions to the development of Delta State.
He particularly acknowledged the monarch’s role in promoting peaceful coexistence among communities and working constructively with successive governments to advance the collective interests of the people.
The Governor recalled the Obi’s tenure as Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, noting that his wealth of experience, wisdom and counsel had contributed significantly to strengthening the relationship between traditional institutions and government.
He expressed appreciation for the monarch’s enduring service to his people and prayed that God would continue to preserve him in sound health, wisdom and strength for many more years.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I warmly celebrate with our revered father, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, OON, the Obi of Owa Kingdom, on the auspicious occasion of his 67th coronation anniversary.
“Your Majesty’s remarkable journey on the throne has been characterised by wisdom, peace, stability and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of your people.
“This milestone is a testament to your enduring service and exemplary leadership. I pray that God Almighty will continue to grant you good health, strength and many more years of purposeful reign,” the Governor said.
Oborevwori urged the people of Owa Kingdom to continue to honour and support the monarch, stressing the importance of preserving the kingdom’s rich cultural values while working collectively towards a prosperous future.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and other dignitaries on Saturday paid their final respects to the late Dr. Joseph Sisanmi Otumara, as he was laid to rest in Warri.
Otumara, a renowned medical doctor, politician and administrator, died after a life of public service that saw him occupy several key positions in Delta State.
The funeral service, held at Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangue, Warri, was conducted by the Itsekiri Pastors Association, led by Bishop Mike Oyemiren.
Others who attended were; former First Lady of Delta State, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan; State Chairman of the APC, Chief Solomon Arenyeka; former Senator James Manager and other political leaders, friends, associates and members of the Otumara family.
The Warri Choral Society rendered songs and praises during the service, while Bible readings were taken from Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 and 2 Peter 3:3-14.
Otumara, who was born on December 16, 1960, until his death served as Chairman of the Itsekiri Politicians Forum and held the traditional title of Obarisuwa of Warri Kingdom.
He was a three-time Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council and a former Commissioner for Health in Delta State. He also served as Chairman of the Warri/Uvwie and Special Area Development Agency from 2019 until his death.
The officiating minister, Bishop Mike Oyemiren, urged Nigerians to live purposeful lives and leave behind legacies worthy of remembrance.
Preaching on “The Marketplace and Its Legacy,” Oyemiren likened life to a marketplace where everyone must eventually return home.
“Nobody visits the market and does not return home,” he said, describing the late Otumara as a man who completed his earthly race and left a legacy of service, leadership and positive impact.
He urged the congregation to fear God and live with eternity in view, asking: “When we die today, what will men say about us?”
Another officiating minister, Bishop Mike Laju, urged the people to use their time wisely, stressing that everyone has a limited tenure on earth.
Paying tribute to the deceased, Delta State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Solomon Arenyeka, described Otumara as a man who left “indelible footprints on the sands of time.”
Arenyeka described him as kind, meek, humble, pathfinder and God-fearing, adding that his contributions to society and the lives he touched would continue to be remembered.
He prayed God to console the Otumara family and grant the deceased eternal rest.
The President of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), Com. Amechi Asugwuni, has said no individual or group is “more Ukwuani or Ndosumili” than another, urging stakeholders to reject actions capable of creating division among the people.
Asugwuni stated this during a press conference at Ndokwa House, Kwale, while reacting to reports alleging that the NNU leadership was pursuing an agenda to rename or impose an identity on the Ukwuani people.
He described the reports as misleading, insisting that the union has no agenda to impose any identity on the people.
The NNU president also expressed concern over allegations that he engaged thugs to harass members of the Ukwuani Descendants Union (UDU) who attended a Kwale town hall meeting.
According to him, he inherited the name Ndokwa Neku Union from previous administrations and would continue to operate under the name in line with the constitution of the organisation.
He explained that any proposed change to the names of the local government areas within the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency must follow due process and obtain the necessary legal recognition before it can take effect.
Asugwuni urged stakeholders across Ndokwa and Ukwuani to concentrate on issues that would promote unity, development and collective progress, rather than pursuing matters capable of generating unnecessary divisions.
He maintained that the identity of the people was already established and did not require anyone to impose or forcefully assert it.
The NNU president further called on the people to direct their energy towards community development and greater accountability among political and community leaders.
He urged stakeholders to work collectively to sustain peace, unity and development across Ndosumili and Ukwuani.
The Delta State Government has announced fresh measures to cushion the effects of economic hardship and boost the purchasing power of residents through infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, empowerment programmes and strategic investments.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing a press conference in Asaba.
He said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed the administration to intensify programmes capable of stimulating economic activity at the grassroots and ensuring that the benefits of ongoing economic reforms were felt directly by households.
Aniagwu, who was accompanied by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mr Felix Ofou, said the state’s improved financial position had enabled the government to undertake major capital projects while deliberately deploying resources to stimulate local economic activity rather than fuel inflation.
“The governor has directed that we intensify efforts at rolling out programmes that will indeed improve the purchasing power of our people,” Aniagwu said.
He explained that the planned massive renovation of schools across the state was part of the strategy, noting that the projects would create opportunities for contractors, artisans, suppliers and traders in local communities.
He said materials such as cement and roofing sheets would largely be sourced locally, ensuring that government expenditure circulated within the communities where the projects were being executed and created a multiplier effect through increased earnings and household spending.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government was working to institutionalise the proposed payment of a 13th-month salary through legislation.
He said the initiative was not intended as indiscriminate distribution of funds but as a deliberate intervention to increase the disposable income of civil servants and stimulate economic activity.
“Once this fund gets to the hands of the civil servants, that civil servant is also enabled to spend money in certain directions. That way, government would have been able to take the benefit of the reforms from the macro level to the micro level,” he said.
Aniagwu further revealed that the governor had directed government agencies responsible for empowerment to commence the process of identifying beneficiaries for various programmes.
The agencies include the Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, the Ministry of Youth Development and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
According to him, the programmes would provide business support, new skills and other forms of empowerment to enable beneficiaries to become economically productive.
He linked the administration’s continuing investment in road construction to its economic stimulation strategy, saying roads connecting communities and opening up economic corridors would reduce transportation difficulties, facilitate the movement of goods and services and create a more conducive environment for businesses.
Aniagwu said the government was also pursuing investment opportunities arising from the state’s economic and investment summit, including efforts to attract investment in the production of poultry feed and other agricultural inputs.
He said this would reduce the amount of capital leaving the state to procure such materials from other parts of the country while creating employment and business opportunities for farmers and investors.
The commissioner said the government’s improved revenue position and liquidity would not be used for indiscriminate spending but channelled into projects and programmes capable of stimulating sustainable economic growth.
He said the administration’s investments cut across education, healthcare, roads, housing and empowerment, with the ultimate objective of making residents more financially resilient.
He also cited the construction of additional residential quarters for medical personnel, particularly doctors, as part of efforts to improve public services and address brain drain in the health sector, saying decent accommodation would help retain critical personnel and improve healthcare delivery.
Aniagwu acknowledged the economic difficulties associated with the removal of fuel subsidy and other reforms at the federal level but said the Delta Government was determined to mitigate their impact on residents.
He noted that while some of the reforms might have been necessary, their implementation could produce unintended consequences and “grey areas” requiring intervention.
“We are convinced that efforts are also being made to address those grey areas, just as we are doing in Delta, so that the benefit of this removal can move beyond the macro level and come to the micro level,” he said.
He urged Deltans not to allow their present economic difficulties to determine their expectations of the future, stressing that the government’s programmes were designed to create a path towards greater economic stability.
As the 2027 elections approach, Aniagwu said the Oborevwori administration would remain focused on governance and projects capable of producing tangible benefits for the people rather than politically motivated cash distribution.
He called on residents to support the programmes, saying the objective was to ensure that as Delta State grows economically, its people would also experience corresponding improvements in their purchasing power and standard of living.
The newly inaugurated Board of Trustees of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide has placed reconciliation and the reunification of aggrieved alumni, branches and chapters at the centre of its agenda, declaring that the Association cannot afford to have “winners and losers” when members are divided.
Chairman of the newly constituted Board and Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr. Adedotun Michael Aremu Gbadebo III, CFR, made the declaration on Saturday during the formal inauguration of the seven-member Board at the Dame Edith Okowa Auditorium, Dr. Michael Omolayole Alumni Complex, University of Ibadan.
The Board has former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CFR, as Vice-Chairman.
Other members are former Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON; Dr. Achilihu Onye; Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello; Professor Charity Angya; and Professor Mohammed Kyari.
The Board was constituted following a motion unanimously adopted at the 205th Worldwide Executive Council meeting of UIAA Worldwide hosted by the Isoko Chapter in March 2026.
The motion called for the replacement of Board members whose tenures had expired and the filling of vacancies arising from the death of some former members.
Following a nomination process designed to reflect national spread, the proposed members were ratified at the WEC meeting hosted by the Anambra State Branch of UIAA in Awka in May 2026.
The Board was subsequently duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission before its formal inauguration.
In his inaugural address, Oba Gbadebo said one of the first major assignments of the new Board would be to heal divisions and restore confidence among members of the Association.
“We must build bridges where there are divisions, encourage dialogue where there are disagreements, and promote reconciliation wherever relationships have become strained,” the Alake said.
He acknowledged that disagreements and grievances had affected relationships among some members and chapters of the Association in Warri, Ughelli, Bayelsa, Lagos, Abuja, Ekiti and other locations.
But the monarch said the new Board would not approach the disagreements from the standpoint of victory or defeat.
“There should be no winners and no losers when Great UIites are divided,” he said.
“The real loser is the University of Ibadan Alumni Association itself.”
He said the Board would embark on consultations with aggrieved members, listen to different perspectives and encourage those with disagreements to return to the negotiating table.
According to him, the Board would facilitate constructive dialogue among individuals, chapters and relevant organs of the Association where necessary.
“Our approach will therefore be one of listening, consultation, reconciliation and healing,” Oba Gbadebo said.
“We shall seek to restore confidence, rebuild relationships and create an environment where every alumnus and alumna feels respected, valued and heard.”
The Alake said disagreements were natural in democratic and progressive institutions but warned that differences must never degenerate into hostility.
“We can disagree without becoming enemies. We can contest ideas without destroying relationships. We can support different candidates or positions without questioning the patriotism or integrity of those who hold opposing views,” he said.
He appealed to aggrieved members to remain open to reconciliation and urged those who may have contributed to disagreements within the Association to demonstrate the courage to embrace peace.
The BoT Chairman also called for a stronger and more harmonious relationship between the management of the University of Ibadan and its Alumni Association.
He described the University and its alumni as partners in progress with a shared responsibility to promote the continued development and global reputation of Nigeria’s premier university.
According to him, the Board would use its experience and influence to promote constructive engagement and mutual respect between both institutions.
Oba Gbadebo stressed that the Board would complement rather than compete with the elected leadership of UIAA Worldwide.
He said the Board would respect the authority of the Association’s constitutional organs while providing institutional memory, stability, counsel and guidance.
“Our immediate task will be reconciliation. Our broader mission will be unity,” he declared.
“Our enduring commitment will be to protect the dignity and legacy of the University of Ibadan.”
The new Chairman also paid tribute to former members of the Board of Trustees, including Dr. Michael Omolayole, Elder Felix Ohiwerei, Senator T. O. Orji, Senator George Akume, Mrs. Maureen Bakare, the late Senator Jonathan Zwingina and the late Chief Dr. P. C. Obakponovwe.
He said the new Board would build on the foundation laid by its predecessors while promoting continuity, good governance and unity within the Association.
In his remarks, Ganduje, who obtained his PhD in Public Administration from the University of Ibadan, described his relationship with the institution as longstanding and personal.
He recalled the University’s contributions to national development and its role in providing consultancy services during the early development of Abuja.
The former Kano State governor said his admiration for the professionalism of University of Ibadan scholars and consultants influenced his decision to pursue his doctoral studies at the institution.
The inauguration attracted members of the University community, executives of UIAA Worldwide, academics, distinguished alumni and family members of the new Board members.
For the Alake and his colleagues, however, the ceremony represented more than a change of leadership.
“Today marks a new beginning,” Oba Gbadebo said.
“Let us heal together. Let us rebuild together. And, above all, let us remain one family of Great UIites.”
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr. Adedotun Michael Aremu Gbadebo III, CFR, and former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CFR, have emerged as Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively of the newly constituted Board of Trustees of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide.
The two eminent Nigerians were inaugurated alongside former Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON; renowned cardiologist, Dr. Achilihu Onye; Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello; former Vice-Chancellor of Benue State University, Professor Charity Angya; and Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, Professor Mohammed Kyari.
Oba Dr. Adedotun Michael Aremu Gbadebo III, CFR, Okekenu IV, His Royal Majesty Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland
The inauguration, which followed a process initiated at the 205th Worldwide Executive Council (WEC) Meeting of UIAA Worldwide hosted by the Isoko Chapter in March 2026, took place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Dame Edith Okowa Auditorium, Dr. Michael Omolayole Alumni Complex, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The process began following a motion unanimously adopted at the Isoko-hosted WEC meeting to replace members of the Board of Trustees whose tenures had expired and to fill vacancies created by the death of some former members.
A nomination process designed to reflect the national spread and diversity of the University of Ibadan Alumni family subsequently produced the seven-member Board.
The nominations were ratified at another Worldwide Executive Council meeting hosted by the Anambra State Branch of UIAA in Awka in May 2026, after which the newly constituted Board was duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Speaking shortly after his inauguration as Chairman of the Board, Oba Gbadebo described the event as a moment of renewal and an opportunity to begin a new chapter in the history of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association Worldwide.
He said the Board would bring together experience from public service, academia, administration, professional practice and community leadership, stressing that the diversity of its members reflected the depth and strength of the University of Ibadan family.
The Alake said the Board would focus on preserving the unity, dignity, integrity and enduring legacy of the Alumni Association.
“We must build bridges where there are divisions, encourage dialogue where there are disagreements, and promote reconciliation wherever relationships have become strained,” he said.
According to him, one of the immediate priorities of the new Board would be to reconcile aggrieved members, branches and chapters of the Association across the country and beyond.
He specifically identified branches and chapters in Warri, Ughelli, Bayelsa, Lagos, Abuja and Ekiti, among other locations, where disagreements and grievances have affected relationships among some alumni.
The monarch said the Board would not approach such disagreements from the perspective of winners and losers.
“There should be no winners and no losers when Great UIites are divided. The real loser is the University of Ibadan Alumni Association itself,” he declared.
He said the Board would adopt dialogue, consultation, reconciliation and healing in addressing disagreements, adding that it would reach out to aggrieved members and facilitate constructive engagement among individuals, branches and relevant organs of the Association.
Oba Gbadebo also pledged that the Board would work to foster a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship between the management of the University of Ibadan and the Alumni Association.
He said the University and its alumni remained partners in progress and should work together to advance the growth, development and global reputation of the institution.
The new BoT Chairman further assured that the Board would not compete with the elected leadership of UIAA Worldwide but would provide stability, institutional memory, counsel and guidance while respecting the constitutional authority of the Association’s duly constituted organs.
“Our immediate task will be reconciliation. Our broader mission will be unity. Our enduring commitment will be to protect the dignity and legacy of the University of Ibadan,” Oba Gbadebo said.
In his remarks, Ganduje described his relationship with the University of Ibadan as deep and longstanding, recalling the institution’s historic contributions to Nigeria’s social and economic development.
The former Kano State governor, who obtained his doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Ibadan after enrolling in 1988 and completing the programme in 1993, recalled his early professional relationship with the institution.
He said the University of Ibadan played a significant consultancy role in the early development of the Federal Capital Territory, particularly in issues relating to settlement, resettlement and compensation following the creation of Abuja.
Ganduje said his interaction with the University’s consultants at the time left a lasting impression on him because of what he described as their professionalism, articulation and integrity.
He said his admiration for the institution influenced his decision to pursue his doctoral degree at the University of Ibadan.
The former APC National Chairman also spoke of his family’s relationship with the University, noting that his wife, Professor Hafsat Ganduje, is an alumnus of the institution and recalling his personal contributions to infrastructure development at the University.
Ganduje congratulated the Chairman and members of the new Board and pledged his commitment to supporting initiatives that would strengthen the University of Ibadan Alumni Association and advance the institution’s enduring legacy.
The ceremony attracted members of the University of Ibadan Governing Council, management, executives of UIAA Worldwide, alumni, academics, family members and friends of the newly inaugurated Board members.
Among those in attendance were the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Olatunji-Bello, who was joined by members of the university’s management team and other associates.
Prof Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello
Oba Gbadebo, while paying tribute to former members of the Board of Trustees, acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Michael Omolayole, Elder Felix Ohiwerei, Senator T. O. Orji, Senator George Akume, Mrs. Maureen Bakare, the late Senator Jonathan Zwingina, the late Chief Dr. P. C. Obakponovwe and other past members.
He said their contributions had provided a solid foundation upon which the new Board would build.
“Today marks a new beginning,” the Alake said. “The inauguration of this Board is an invitation to service.
“We accept this responsibility with humility, knowing that we are merely custodians of a legacy that belongs to generations of Great UItes, past, present and future.”
Prof Terrumun Hembaor Gajir
The formal inauguration of the newly constituted Board of Trustees (BoT) of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide was ceremonially performed by the Acting Worldwide President, Prof. Terrumun Hembaor Gajir. He was ably assisted by the Association’s 1st Worldwide Vice President, Dr. Irene Irenosen Akhideno; a representative of the UIAA Trust Fund; as well as two distinguished former Worldwide Presidents of the Association, Dr. N. C. Merenu and Prof. Kemi Emina, at the Dame Edith Okowa Auditorium, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
